Stop being a baby, its not THAT hard, its a bit of a PITA but it makes EVERY job underneath SOOOOO much easier.

Yeah, but pulling the dash can be done after the engine is installed if I'm still experiencing coolant loss. No reason to do it unless I absolutely need to.

NolimitZ32 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 29, 2018 6:39 am

Stop being a baby, its not THAT hard, its a bit of a PITA but it makes EVERY job underneath SOOOOO much easier.

I have to agree with you now after looking over the procedure for the dash, easier than the disaster that trying to work under there with the dash in place is- especially now that I can't see anything up close anymore.

Count the bolt holes, y'all.

Also, I updated the OP on the first page to show a parts list and running total. I'll try to keep it updated if I need to buy anything else.

Ace2cool wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 09, 2018 6:39 pm

Also, I updated the OP on the first page to show a parts list and running total. I'll try to keep it updated if I need to buy anything else.

AWESOME! I bet that grin lasted a few days. And have you been able to stop holding them and fiddling with them yet?
I definitely remember that first day holding my new twins, they are SOOOOOOOO sexy...right?

Heck yes dude. They're so pretty.

So I've got a dilemma. The EGR bung rusted out, and when I removed the EGR tube, there are no threads left. Can't really weld cast, so what does that really leave? I've been thinking JB steel weld and just plug the hole and sand it down.

I worry that JB weld will not hold up in this situation. Here are some options.

1-Drill and tap for an NPT plug.

2-Have a machine shop / weld shop braze the hole closed.

Hope this helps.

You're not getting upgraded manis?

grayman_TT wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 1:38 am

I worry that JB weld will not hold up in this situation. Here are some options.

1-Drill and tap for an NPT plug.

2-Have a machine shop / weld shop braze the hole closed.

Hope this helps.

I agree, JB weld won't have much holding power versus pressure, since it's basically body filler with some additives.
Personally I'd drill/tap just so the hole isn't permanently closed JUST in case.

NolimitZ32 wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 6:00 am

You're not getting upgraded manis?

I've seen fitment issues with the heat shields on the AMS units, and the other options are all more than double the price. Just don't know if it's worth it.

I run AMS manis with no heat shields, never had any issues. What issues would you expect from running them with no head shields? If you're worried you could always wrap or coat the manifolds.

NolimitZ32 wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 2:23 pm

What issues would you expect from running them with no head shields?

You know, I hadn't really thought about it, honestly. I just realized how much little wrapping up and electronic things I need to buy, like a boost controller, turbo timer, ect, and it's adding up. I was hoping I was about to be done with the larger price tag items, but I just uncovered a plethora of money I still need to spend. Guess the old adage is true. Not getting out of a Z32 build for less than 10 grand.

Ace2cool wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 3:24 pm

NolimitZ32 wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 11, 2018 2:23 pm

What issues would you expect from running them with no head shields?

You know, I hadn't really thought about it, honestly. I just realized how much little wrapping up and electronic things I need to buy, like a boost controller, turbo timer, ect, and it's adding up. I was hoping I was about to be done with the larger price tag items, but I just uncovered a plethora of money I still need to spend. Guess the old adage is true. Not getting out of a Z32 build for less than 10 grand.

Yep, damn near impossible to avoid $10K...I would have had more done on my Z if I had more money, but when we hit $10K most of the hard/expensive stuff was done and I figured I'd do the rest as needed/can afford. I'm pretty sure I got about $12K in her for all of my work but which also included other repairs/upgrades.
With the mani's, I run mine (not sure the brand) with only a ceramic paint coating that surely is mostly gone by now, Doug also mentioned wrapping them but I don't like the rust potential and he agreed and we left them as-is. No issues mechanically, but yeah- you can feel the heat a bit more on hot days. Also, the oil feed kit, upgrade smics/ducts and other surprise adds definitely increase the price, and the boost control and ECU mods also are VERY expensive for what it is...damn Z32 is NOT a budget build in any way for sure.

Yeah, just stop counting now, prepare for her to be down for a couple more years, and do it right the first time.

I bit the bullet and pulled out the card today. Manifolds, EBC, and turbo timer bought. Only thing I haven't done on this build is the dual intake and intercoolers, but that's stuff that can be swapped out after initial startup. I need to get it started and on the road before summer so Brooke can see why I've spent the time and money on it. She's only ridden in it once, and that was with a rod knock and an auto trans. Should be dead solid to at least get the break in done.

Ace2cool wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:45 am

I bit the bullet and pulled out the card today. Manifolds, EBC, and turbo timer bought. Only thing I haven't done on this build is the dual intake and intercoolers, but that's stuff that can be swapped out after initial startup. I need to get it started and on the road before summer so Brooke can see why I've spent the time and money on it. She's only ridden in it once, and that was with a rod knock and an auto trans. Should be dead solid to at least get the break in done.

Good move, definitely start collecting the goods. Have you considered welding then porting your OEM mani's? Doug did that for me and they flow very close to MSP's and cost me $250 instead of $700+. Keep an eye out for the sales- I got a GREAT deal on the upgrade smics and dual w/selin from Z1 on their black friday sale years ago, half price nearly saved right there. Same with turbo oil kit and TB and a few other items the next year.
BUT, going over all of this I also realized my complete cost (parts plus labor) was more like $15-16K, as I did not include the trans/shifter and 120K service parts, ECU solution, injector upgrade, boost controller and cat-back exhaust parts/labor costs which all got added in later...

DCaff300ZX wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 12, 2018 12:27 pm

Ace2cool wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:45 am

I bit the bullet and pulled out the card today. Manifolds, EBC, and turbo timer bought. Only thing I haven't done on this build is the dual intake and intercoolers, but that's stuff that can be swapped out after initial startup. I need to get it started and on the road before summer so Brooke can see why I've spent the time and money on it. She's only ridden in it once, and that was with a rod knock and an auto trans. Should be dead solid to at least get the break in done.

Good move, definitely start collecting the goods. Have you considered welding then porting your OEM mani's? Doug did that for me and they flow very close to MSP's and cost me $250 instead of $700+.

Went ahead and just bought the AMS units. No fitment issues or anything, but didn't really even attempt to do the heat shields.

So anyways, Brooke went ahead and said to buy the intercooler piping and the B.A. SMIC's from Z1. That being said, I'm right at the standard build price now. First page has been updated with new running total. As of now, $9,946.81, and that isn't including any shipping costs or consumables. Yeesh. If this damn thing doesn't start, you guys may have to send the coroner out.

Also, does anyone wanna come thread my wiring harness through the firewall for me? I'm really not looking forward to that. Maybe even less than I was looking forward to rebuilding the steering rack.

Anyways, what's a build thread without progress pics?

First time seeing sunlight for over a year, pulling out to wash the grease out of the engine bay:








So now we wait till I get my last order of parts from Z1. BTW, why did no one tell me 3" exhaust piping was so damn YUGE?



I can almost fit my whole hand in there, and I have some big hands.

Nice!

As for the wiring harness, you do know there is a small plate of sorts with some foam on it on the inside, held on by 1 nut, that if removed makes installing the wiring harness a breeze. I think that may require removal of the evaporator assembly though.

NolimitZ32 wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 26, 2018 1:22 pm

Nice!

As for the wiring harness, you do know there is a small plate of sorts with some foam on it on the inside, held on by 1 nut, that if removed makes installing the wiring harness a breeze. I think that may require removal of the evaporator assembly though.

I actually did not know that. I'll Look into that and see if I can't get it finagled out. Good lookin out bro

Updated the parts list again. New total: 10,521.72

Yikes. We went ahead and bought all the gauges and such. And I forgot to order a fan. Mine's cracked and I don't like shrapnel.

Very nice and clean build, keep up the good work!

Ace2cool wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 26, 2018 4:18 pm

Updated the parts list again. New total: 10,521.72

Yikes. We went ahead and bought all the gauges and such. And I forgot to order a fan. Mine's cracked and I don't like shrapnel.

Nice! Looking good, can't wait to see the next post when the goodies arrive

This is nice!!! Anyone in the Boston area?? I need Z friends.

Big update! I'll let the photos talk.

Got a new head unit. Well, actually a very old one, but I've had one before, and I loved it and wanted another one. Kenwood KVT-516. Also got the bluetooth adapter, because this was from 2008 when BT wasn't standard, lol. Pulled the old radio out, and remembered why I didn't swap the old radio into this car before I sold it.



Someone apparently thought this was an acceptable way to install a radio. Jeebus. I pulled it all out, soldered the wires back together, and made an actual adapter harness, like a normal human being:



Also, got the Z1 B.A. intercoolers and 2.5" piping installed. It's unreal how much bigger they are. Holy crap:


Ended up pulling the dash to make wiring harness install and routing wires for gauges much easier. Actually not nearly as big of a job as I thought it was gonna be. Heater core looked in good condition visibly with no leaks around it. Gonna take my chances and just let it roll.


Almost completed engine. Bracket for the alternator is literally the only thing on this entire rebuild missing. I cannot for the life of me figure out where the hell it went. Got the new one in the mail today, but I've gotta work tonight so not a whole not of time to work on it. Now just waiting on a certain Canadian to pull some parts so I can pay the man, haha.


Aaaaaaand:


Engine installed. Getting close. I'm getting pretty excited, y'all.

Wow, SO close!
So, no PTU relocate? Perfect time now, everything exposed...park that baby up front away from the heat!

I have the GSP massive SMICs, talk about tight fit lol. Looking good Aaron

DCaff300ZX wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 08, 2018 7:54 am

Wow, SO close!
So, no PTU relocate? Perfect time now, everything exposed...park that baby up front away from the heat!

Lol, didn't even think about it. Not hard to unbolt though, haha.

Nice progress, getting close.

How was the 2.5" piping kit to install?

Fitting the intercoolers was far harder than the piping itself. Worst part about the piping was having to notch the pinch welds where they pass through underneath. They say you can just hammer it over, but it was easier to grind. Didn't seem like it would be enough clearance to just hammer it over either.

Also got a set of Zenclosures. Super awesome quality product. Progress will be slow next couple of weeks. Got mandatory overtime thanks to people in the guard having AT the next two weeks. Gotta cover shifts. That, and I'm gonna be roadtripping to AZ. Got a new project waiting for me over at Datsun Ranch. Super stoked about it too.