Boxer s13

[samcar]

I'm a long time member of Nico, I've been on here since 2007ish under the name samcar240. For some reason I can't log into that name any longer so now it's just samcar.
So I am in the process of making a fab shop as a side project until I can get off the ground and do it full time. I'm an a&p mechanic on helicopters so this is a hobby for now until I can make the jump to a full shop.
This car came from my brother in law who didn't have time for it and the engine was a spare I had laying around after doing a jdm engine conversion on a wrx. The whole purpose of this build is to do something that has never been done to my knowledge with no internet or aftermarket support whatsoever. I'm building this car with the mind set of quality and how the oem would have made it. So that means no flashy engine bay or interior, no crazy looking aftermarket parts or body modifications. Basically I want the car to look like Subaru and Nissan made their version of a brz back in the 90s.
Everything on this car I made or fabbed up in the shop. The end goal is to have an s13 as good as one that just rolled off the assembly line, complete with OBD2, ac, power steering, and factory gauges. The Instagram for the build is @garagesamcar I would really appreciate it if everyone would follow along for the build.

I'll start with this.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Interesting concept. Are you staying turbo?

[samcar]

Yes sir it will stay turbo. The engine is oem for now other than the wiring for the jdm avcs heads. I have the stroker parts at home. Next year I'm going to pull it again and rebuild the engine to 2.12L and fit the brz 6 speed. Right now I'm using a 5 speed from a 2013 wrx modified for rwd.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Nice! Keep us updated on the progress and when you get it running!

[samcar]

Right on! Will post a few more pictures and keep updating. It is very close to running and driving.

[samcar]

Here you can see where the frame rails had to be notched to get the engine to sit down low enough to get the cg as low as possible. The frame rails will be reinforced and boxed in to prevent any flex. In addition to boxing in the frame rails, on the inner side of the fender it will also be reinforced and a removable access panel cut into the side to allow for spark pug and coil replacement without lifting the engine.



In the picture below you can see where I was mocking up the transmission mount. I ended up make a whole new crossmember and extensively modified the front subframe to get the engine as low and back as possible.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Its been a LONG time since I've worked on a WRX. Probably 12+ years. Its all coming back to me now ha.
Good call on the spark plug access ports.