1992 VR4 #71/1000

[iceguru1114]

"FUBAR"

Last update 1-26-24: Refurbished and re-installed parking brake lever sub-assembly
Next step: MORE Brake System Construction

'Hello, world'

Introduction
Finding a Purpose for FUBAR
Intermission - Cross Country Move
Intermission 2 - Another Cross Country Move

Powertrain

Engine Rebuild
Powertrain Remova-l
Engine Block Repair
Shortblock Assembly
Longblock Assembly

Air Handling System

Breather System (part 1)
Manifold Cleanup
16G Turbo Rebuild

Bodywork

Radiator Support Replacement
Engine Bay Prep
Begin the Rust Repair
Gutting the Interior
Sound Deadening Removal
Moonroof Delete (part 1)
Moonroof Delete (part 2)
Left Side Kicker Panel Replacement
Left Side Kicker Panel Box-off
Right Side Kicker Panel Replacement
Right Side Kicker Panel Box-off
Left Rear 1/4 Panel Rust Repair
Right Rear 1/4 Panel Rust Repair
Rear Fuel Tank Support Replacement
Front Fuel Tank Support Replacement
Rust Patch Repairs
Body Seam Sealing
Underbody Restoration (part 1)
Underbody Restoration (part 2)
Underbody Restoration (part 3)
Left Rear Frame Rail Repair
Right Rear Frame Rail Repair
Right Front Frame Rail Repair
Left Front Frame Rail Repair
Paint (part 1)
Paint (part 2)
Paint (part 3)
Paint (part 1 - body panels)

Ergonomics

Stripping the Steering Column
Brake System Engineering
Brake System Construction

Aesthetics

Powder Coating Adventures (part 1)

 

[iceguru1114]

Introduction

I've always loved sleeper cars, and I rode in a GVR4 that blew my socks off in my formative automotive years; they've been in the back of my mind ever since. After some education, the acquisition of a good job, and putting some money in the bank, I found one on Craigslist. It was cheap, it needed lots of work, I'm a glutton for punishment, and I was in need of a project at the time so I decided to just go for it.

After a drive to middle-of-nowhere, Indiana, a good old time getting the car pulled out of several inches of snow, and pulling the car onto a trailer with a come along, I was on the way. I've should have known by the amount of work to get the car onto the trailer that I had quite a road ahead of me.

Towing home my new project

 

[iceguru1114]

Getting situated in the garage:

 

[iceguru1114]

This engine is hosed:

 

[iceguru1114]

The token badge on the dash:

 

[92gsxbafaro]

Good luck man im exited to see what this turns in to

 

[iceguru1114]

Some minor front end damage:

 

[iceguru1114]

Good luck man im exited to see what this turns in to

Thanks man, I'm having alot of fun. It's mainly been engine work so far.

 

[iceguru1114]

The spare engine that came with the car:

 

[92gsxbafaro]

what are your plans for it?

 

[iceguru1114]

Engine Rebuild

In hindsight, there were so many things that I should have done before tearing into the engine, but I'm an engine guy, so that's where I began. The engine that came in the car was clearly gone so I didn't even bother. Instead I started with the 6-bolt spare that came with the car.

On the build stand:

 

[iceguru1114]

what are your plans for it?

I'm looking to make it into a fun daily driver. I want it to be clean, reliable, and reasonably fast. I'll be keeping the creature comforts, making some mild upgrades to the engine for strength, bigger turbo and supporting mods, and some suspension upgrades for entertainment in the bends.

 

[iceguru1114]

To paraphrase Carol Smith, 'when you buy a car all you have is a collection of parts'. As it turns out, he was right. If anyone has ever found a moth's nest in a 'pickled' engine, let me know.

 

[iceguru1114]

No valvespring tool? No problem. Built this in about an hour or two, allowed me to get the head to the machine shop the following morning without delays.

 

[iceguru1114]

All torn down:

 

[iceguru1114]

Previous engine builder used a crappy BS delete and ruined the oil pump:

 

[iceguru1114]

Found a broken valvespring on cylinder 4. Don't do crack, kids.

 

[iceguru1114]

The beginning of turning things around.. Block was decked and cylinders honed. Cylinder head was milled, bead blasted, and sonic cleaned.

 

[iceguru1114]

Carried the block about 1/4 mile by hand to do this... Block before bead blasting:

 

[iceguru1114]

Block after bead blasting:

 

[iceguru1114]

Current status:

-Waiting on valvesprings
-Looking for some replacement OEM 1g pistons and con rods... if anyone has some, please let me know!!
-Need a replacement oil pump assembly, looking for a used one... again, if anyone has one please let me know!!

 

[iceguru1114]

iceguru1114 updated 1992 VR4 #71/1000


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[iceguru1114]

Found some 1g pistons and rods and ordered up a new OEM oil pump. Parts should be here in about a week, I will hopefully be done with longblock assembly about a week after that. Here's the block all prepped and ready:

 

[iceguru1114]

iceguru1114 updated 1992 VR4 #71/1000


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[iceguru1114]

Powertrain Removal

Pulling the old mule out: