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'89 Colt GT - 300+ HP & 30+ mpg commuter

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slow4dr

15+ Year Contributor
67
9
Aug 14, 2003
Yucaipa, California
I sold my GVR4 5+ years ago so I haven't been around much.

I was recently looking for a new daily driver and came across this car on craigslist. The car had some questionable modifications at the time of purchase but nothing that wasn't/isn't easily correctable.

I chose "Street" build because it is my daily driver but it will get autocrossed on occasion. I work at a company that autocrosses muscle cars and many of the events we run at have a "Domestic only" clause so the Colt is still within the rules. ROFL

I have 3 tanks through the car now, first tank was 30.5 mpg, 2nd tank was nearly 32 mpg and the last tank was back down to 30 due to some traffic issues. I firmly believe with the proper tires it will get 35+. Sitting at 3K rpm at 65 mph(speedo indicating 72) is just insanity. If the tires don't help as much as I'd like then maybe I'll do the AWD 5th gear swap.

Here is a basic list of what it has:

4G63 swap
8.5:1 pistons
F5M33 tranny (with LSD) The gearing is still terrible with the short tires (195/50/15) Shift lever wasn't properly modified so I took care of that and shortened the throws by 20% in the process.
Clutchmasters clutch
16G (not sure if it is a small or big) It makes boost waaaay too fast so I am thinking it has the 05h wheel
660 injectors
300 lph pump
SAFCII
2G intake pipe
EVO MAS with K&N cone filter (had a 2G maf and a POS HKS mushroom filter when I bought it)
2.5" intercooler piping (I just rerouted the cold side piping)
Bar & Plate FMIC
Greddy BOV (rerouted)
Blitz boost controller
Greddy boost gauge
272 cams
Ported head
MSD wires
7ES plugs (need to gap them I'm sure)
2.5" downpipe - 3" catback
What looks to be an ebay tubular exhaust manifold
'90 oil filter housing with external cooler
OZ racing 15x6 wheels
mismatched 195/50/15 tires (shopping for wheels/tires now) I am going to flare the fenders and try to stuff a 235 in there
GR2 struts
Not sure what springs are on it. They are tagged with a part# I just need to write it down and do some searching.

You should note the absence of a fuel pressure regulator. The car is pig rich right now so I am actually hopeful between this and the tires I can get up to 35 mpg once it is properly tuned.

I spent the last few days reworking the cold side intercooler pipes. I was able to reuse some of the existing pipes so this didn't cost anything but my time. Actually, I did cut up the stock 2G throttle body adapter and welded on a 2.5" inlet from one of the unused pipes. I didn't take any pics of how it was before but I eliminated 4 bends and made enough room in the engine compartment to actually mount the air filter where it belongs. Previous owner also had the BOV on the hot side pipe which was corrected.

It needs engine mounts something fierce. I have a friend that works at Energy Suspension so that will be addressed shortly.

I am also on the hunt for a Colt grille and rear taillight insert. I found a grill on ebay last night and it happens to be red but it is chipped and IMO too expensive ($40).

The battery is ghetto mounted in the hatch. That will be addressed shortly. Honestly, that was the main reason why I rearranged the intercooler pipes because I was hoping I could fit the existing battery in that space.....NOT SO MUCH. I need to find a tiny battery like an Odyssey, Braille or equivalent to fit it under the hood.

There is an issue with the driver's side window motor and also seat belt tract. These issues were a little lower on the priority list.

Pile of aluminum pipes being eliminated one by one
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Used some 1" wide aluminum bar to make a MAF bracket
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The hot side pipe still bugs the hell out of me. What a terrible way to route that pipe. The thing had been dragging the ground and was in terrible shape. One of the clamps literally broke from being ground down so far. I replaced the clamps and the pipe with a steel piece. I'll eventually reroute the piping around the driver's side of the radiator but that will have to be done at the same time as a compressor housing upgrade that has an outlet pointing the proper direction.
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Sleeper for sure! I've seen one of these with a 6 bolt with a Hx35, sick nun the less
 
Just bought a black Colt grille off ebay for $35 shipped :D That red one has been on there for months, maybe msg and make an offer? The rear filler panel is hard to find too, been looking for a Colt one for a while.
 
Nice build for sure, how much do you think it will weight? At what hp level does traction become a problem with say drag radials or slicks?
 
I run the PC680, can be laid on it's side too if need be.

:thumb: That was the one I was leaning towards since I need one real skinny.

Best color for a nice build :thumb:

Look here for your turbo identification 16G Turbo part number

Thanks for the heads up. It has been crazy cold here the last few days so I haven't had a chance to check. I know, I know, I am in SoCal so cold is relative but I do have snow on the ground right now.

Just bought a black Colt grille off ebay for $35 shipped :D That red one has been on there for months, maybe msg and make an offer? The rear filler panel is hard to find too, been looking for a Colt one for a while.

Good to know that it has been up there a while. I think I will drop him a message, thanks. I was thinking the panel might be a PITA. The grill was my first concern because these sanctioning bodies won't know what they're looking at so having that Mitsu emblem up there won't help my cause.

Nice build for sure, how much do you think it will weight? At what hp level does traction become a problem with say drag radials or slicks?

From what others have said they come in around 2650-2700 lbs. Not as light as most would think but still not bad. It has worn out 340 treadwear 195's on it now so it spins pretty much no matter what I do boost wise. I have been shopping tires for a while now but finding anything wider than a 225 that is less than 24" tall is non existent. 200 treadwear is likely as low as I'll go to conform to the rules and have decent longevity.

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Very nice build! Nice mode list too. I'm in the process of building one myself.
 
Curiosity got the better of me so I borrowed the Longacre scales from work. My garage floor is not perfectly level so it was reading a little heavy on the driver's side.

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Without me in it
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With me in it
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Bout average, any plans for taking some weight out?

Not really but some inconsequential items will effect it......

The stock hood is so damn flimsy that I have been thinking about getting something I can use aerocatches on. I haven't even researched what hoods are available yet.

I am sure the battery I need to get will save a little weight.

I plan on eliminating the automatic seatbelts and tracks but again just because they SUCK but I bet they weigh a bunch.

Add ons:
The front crash bar is missing so I am going to be adding weight back in there.

I am also going to a taller wheel and tire package which will certainly weigh more.

It will end up with bigger brakes too.
 
Very impressive!
Im curious though... Whats helping you nail the 30+ mpg other than the driving at 65 mph? Did you just lean the car out with the safc?
 
Very impressive!
Im curious though... Whats helping you nail the 30+ mpg other than the driving at 65 mph? Did you just lean the car out with the safc?

I leaned out the AFC at 3K rpm until it started stumbling and then added 5% back. Which ended up at +5 on the AFC. I am monitoring 02 voltage on the AFC. I am still waiting for the wideband so I have no clue what the A/F is.

I looked around online and found this car has a .35 drag coeffecient. :banghead: I will try and improve on that as much as I can with minimal funds.
 
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Wait! by bad gearing you meant too short of gear ratios? I thought you meant they were too long, wow you would have loved the stock km210 thenROFL. I'm in the middle of installing my F5M33 now and it should have a bit longer gears but I may have to switch to larger tires like yourself. Having to shift 5th in the qtr. is just wrong:toobad:
 
Wait! by bad gearing you meant too short of gear ratios? I thought you meant they were too long, wow you would have loved the stock km210 thenROFL. I'm in the middle of installing my F5M33 now and it should have a bit longer gears but I may have to switch to larger tires like yourself. Having to shift 5th in the qtr. is just wrong:toobad:

You should be fine unless you're shifting at 6K rpm.

The gearing in the F5M is just :banghead: I keep looking for 6th gear. As easy as it is to swap the AWD (.666) 5th I think the gap between 4th and 5th is going to be too wide.

I've never seen the KM gearing break down. If you know it, post it up.

Here is the F5M
4.153 R&P
3.083 1st
1.833
1.217
.888
.741

With 195/50/15 tires I am sitting at 3K rpm at 65 mph (72 indicated)
 
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Like the build. Love to see different things.

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Also noticed the jack you are using. I have been looking at some but only seen bad things about them, but sounded like idiots using them. Have you had any problems with it.
 
Nice to see a colt on here. I had a baby blue one that had the n/t in it. Was a pretty torque little thing and I got 22-25 mpg in it but I always gave her hell. Your weight is pretty close to what I was at as well. I was at 2700 even with me and 3/4 tank of gas.
 
Like the build. Love to see different things.

Also noticed the jack you are using. I have been looking at some but only seen bad things about them, but sounded like idiots using them. Have you had any problems with it.

I have only used it a couple times so far and my only complaint is the overall height is limited. I wouldn't dare use it on my wife's car though. That car has almost as much weight on the front axle as the Colt weighs total.

Nice to see a colt on here. I had a baby blue one that had the n/t in it. Was a pretty torque little thing and I got 22-25 mpg in it but I always gave her hell. Your weight is pretty close to what I was at as well. I was at 2700 even with me and 3/4 tank of gas.

That reminds me, there had to be more than 10 gallons of fuel in the car at the time of weighing it. I don't like running any less than half tank on track days so I could have theoretically got it below 2700 with me it.
 
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I want to see light car with a RWD setup using a 4g63 turbo. I have seen it done in mighty max trucks. I saw it done in a hatch back honda but I have not seen it done in something that looks a little better. Like a two door coupe. I like the idea of fixing up a Starion just to have a RWD set up.
 
From 4g61t.org

Here are the specs from a KM210 (Mirage, Plymouth/Dodge Colt, Cyborg, Lancer) .... [b:1we4qyp2]4G61[/b:1we4qyp2]
[b:1we4qyp2]KM210 - Mirage Turbo[/b:1we4qyp2]
[b:1we4qyp2]Final:[/b:1we4qyp2] 4.32:1
[b:1we4qyp2]1st:[/b:1we4qyp2] 3.08
[b:1we4qyp2]2nd:[/b:1we4qyp2] 1.83
[b:1we4qyp2]3rd:[/b:1we4qyp2] 1.24
[b:1we4qyp2]4th:[/b:1we4qyp2] .90
[b:1we4qyp2]5th:[/b:1we4qyp2] .73

.... and F5M33 (Eclipse turbo) transmission.

[b:1we4qyp2]F5M33 - Eclipse Turbo FWD[/b:1we4qyp2]
[b:1we4qyp2]Final:[/b:1we4qyp2] 3.941:1
[b:1we4qyp2]1st:[/b:1we4qyp2] 3.038
[b:1we4qyp2]2nd:[/b:1we4qyp2] 1.833
[b:1we4qyp2]3rd:[/b:1we4qyp2] 1.217
[b:1we4qyp2]4th:[/b:1we4qyp2] .888
[b:1we4qyp2]5th:[/b:1we4qyp2] .741
 
Damn, I was actually kinda hopeful to find a taller final drive in the KM. That F5M final drive number doesn't match the VFAQ of 4.153. If there is a FWD tranny with a 3.94 final drive out there that could be my saving grace. That would drop the rpm by 200 at 65 mph. Which may not seem like much but add in the tire size change and the possibility of the AWD 5th now we're getting somewhere. That combination would be 2400 rpm at 65mph or 70mph @ 2600 rpm.

Using the Fbody gearing calculator the 4.153 seems to be pretty much spot on so I think that one is correct for my tranny.
 
Got a chance to kill a couple cones this weekend. The American Street Car Series | guys were in town and our shop Camaro and a customer's '32 Ford were already racing. We had a 3rd entry that had some tranny issues so I went ahead and used his registration for my car. I was too busy Saturday to actually make a few runs but Sunday wasn't as hectic so I made 3 runs on the Speed/Stop squared and 3 runs on the autocross. I wasn't expecting to set the world on fire (which I didn't) but I got my feet wet and know where to proceed from here. Had a ton of fun too.

Speed/Stop squared is basically a short drag race, followed by a slalom and a stop box. The fastest car of the weekend ran a 20.9, our shop Camaro (pictured below) was 2nd with a 21.122. Most cars were running 22-23's. So I am off pace by a few seconds but considering the level of competition I have no worries. I finished 70th out of 84 cars on the speed/stop.

Video is uploading now

Our shop cars are heavily guarded by management so I have only ever autocrossed once before and that was in the '32 Ford I mentioned above. That car was a handful being 48/52 % weight distribution, 2800lbs with me in it and 450HP. The Colt was even more out of control than the '32. It was a wild stallion that just didn't want to be corralled. The tires are basically bald so I wasn't expecting much but this was just crazy. The first lap I was playing it safe maybe driving 8/10ths and spun at 50 mph trail braking into a left hander. *note to self* need less rear brake bias. Long story short, At least I wasn't in last place. I ended up in 60th place out of 65 cars.

Here is my car sitting behind our shop car
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Getting ready to run the autocross.
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No videos of my car on the autocross but here is a sequence shot
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randoms
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