Zach's S13 Build Thread!! LOTS OF PICS! VH45 SWAP!

[speedeast]

I'll be taking 95-S to 85-S to Winston-Salem, then 77-S to 26-S/E to 95-S or if you wanted to meet up, I could take 40-E to 74-S/E to 95-S.

[pinnell.justin]

Disappointed that the thread didnt keep goin
you inspired me to make an account though, just to reply and keep up with this.
Can't wait to see her done!

[speedeast]

Well thanks man! I get her back on Friday! She's been stored in VA for the last 9 months while I deal with the trials and tribulations here.

[Rufiotwin]

Pmed you.

[speedeast]

I got it and I'll give you a call sometime Anthony.

UPDATE:

The car is now in Florida! Actually, I can see it right now. Giggiddy!

This is the first drive in the car and it was a long one. Prior to this trip, I had only accumulated about 15 miles. There were some issues. Main battery fuse was blown and locating a replacement was a b**** and I still haven't. I was able to modify one that they sell at the local parts store to fit. The brake lights are staying on constantly which I didn't realize until about North Carolina where I got stranded with a dead battery for a short bit before getting a jump. The battery didn't even have enough juice to push start... Also, while in North Carolina, I changed out the transmission fluid for some Redline MT-90. That's some good stuff! I still haven't fixed the brakelight problem, but I've just been unplugging the brake pedal switch when I stop.

Total Length: 971 miles
Avg MPG: 22-24

Also, when I got to the car in Virginia, I discovered that someone had backed into the driver's rear quarter and the aluminum reinforced bondo used on the roof had cracked. So... don't use the aluminum reinforced bondo. The weather had also taken a little toll on other things, especially through the hole in the hood, but that's life.

Stay tuned.

[speedeast]

I drove it to work today! Now the fun begins.

[speedeast]

Is there a way to delete your own replies? Chris?

I need to find a hood for the car. I want to get the engine out of the elements as well as stop advertising. Anybody know of any aftermarket designs that might clear my plenum?

With my roof cracking and popping off, I've decided to correct the problem with a sunroof. Does anybody know anything about aftermarket sunroofs? Do they make them with Lexan in them?

Time to get this ball rolling again.

[float_6969]

Did you figure out the brakelight issue? If not, it's that little rubber stopper in the pedal. They fall out. Pretty common. You can get them from Nissan for a few bucks. you can also tape the hole up short term until you get the part.

I can delete your replies, which ones do you want deleted?

Any chance of a good running vid with decent audio?

[speedeast]

Chances are good for a running vid. Let me set something up. I don't need anything deleted, just wondering if I could do it myself.

[speedeast]

Here is a short video I took when I first started the car up in VA after 10 months dormancy.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rzDw531irQ[/youtube]

[PyR0NiAk]

Sounds good.... I hope to see it in person one day, man.

[speedeast]

Thanks Chris.

I'm conjuring up a little WTB/ToDo list: (red means it's done)

Coolant overflow tank
Crankcase ventilation catch can
Rubber seal shift boot
Redo knock sensors and wiring
Body work on lefthand quarter
Sunroof
Real paint job
Remove woodruff key
Resolve Hood/cowl issue
Resolve brake switch issue
Grind out remaining sound damper
Paint interior
Install roll cage
Racing approved seats and harnesses

Tbc...

[speedeast]

I fixed the brake light issue. I actually used a panhead bolt with a locking nut in that hole. It pushed the button, but not enough to trigger the switch. I resolved that by simply threading the switch one thread further in.

[speedeast]

Here's an engine shot from prior to the trip. You can see the damage the weather has done over the last 10 months. That's all right though, just gives me more work to do.

[SX APPEAL]

You can see the damage the weather has done over the last 10 months.

No we can't

[Rufiotwin]

AHSDHuyhaoudhflasdhflkjasdf I can't wait to see this beast this weekend!! We can do a good video too hopefully.

[speedeast]

I'll be working on it for a good chunk of today just to make sure it's tip top.

[ghettoslide]

Dude, happy you have her back. Did you try spacing the hood at the rear hinges. I'm having the sane issue. My mounts are nit working like I wanted. I'm going to have to fine up with a plan b. Are the mounts you selling an adapter for the ka mount si you can use the Vh mount in top of it?

[speedeast]

Yeah, it's a bracket designed to sit on the KA mount.

Installed most of the power steering equipment today. I'll get the rest tomorrow! I installed a new idler pulley, as the old one had rust pitting. I'll update with pictures tomorrow.

[float_6969]

Awesome, pics again!

[speedeast]

I'm too tired, tomorrow.

[float_6969]

I'm far to impatient and selfish to be concerned with your well being

[speedeast]

lmao. well said.

I started hooking up my power steering. I'm still working on this, so there will be more pictures later. I need to get my hands on a reservoir.



I also replaced the alternator belt tensioner/idler pulley. The rust had pitted it and it was causing some unusual wear on the belt. I wire-wheeled the other pulley to get rid of surface rust. I'll probably end up replacing that one too.



Last night, we refilled and resealed the fill plug on my vlsd. It was leaking a little when hot.

[ghettoslide]

Yeag, I don't have the ka mount anymore. Imma try the old school hockey Puck I guess.

[speedeast]

I use urethane mounts... awesome. I get very little vibration, and the engine hardly shift a millimeter under load.

[float_6969]

What are you planning for power steering? Are you going to try and use the engine driven pump? Have you thought about a hydro-electric pump? I'm going that route. I had to go to a race pulley to clear my intercooler (it's a water-air and sits between the motor and the radiator) and lost my A/C and P/S drives. I didn't want to give up P/S so I'm working on using a pump from a 2nd Gen MR2.

[speedeast]

I'm able to use the VH power steering pump. I have that hooked back up. I went to the junkyard a couple days ago and sourced a power steering fluid reservoir that I needed. I just need to hook that up and run some lines and I should be in business.

[IJSaul]

Zach,

I actually live in the same apartment complex as you, and the 240 caught my eye while driving by yesterday! Had no idea this engine swap option even existed, and the intake plenum had me guessing hard enough to do some research and come across this thread. Bad a** build! I had a '91 240SX back in the day, before selling her in favor of a 3rd Gen RX-7. I'm the guy with the silver Stealth TT AWD that hardly ever moves, and the Escalade/Regal Boat.

Drop me a line, I'd love to take a look at it in more detail and chat. -Ian

[speedeast]

That's kind of cool that you live in the same complex. I PMed you my number, ring/text anytime.

[Chaluska]

Hey, what did you do about your gauges, i know the fuel and temp should work with no problem... but what about the speedometer and tach?

ive got my VH build planned down pretty good, but there is very little info on the gauge...