98 GST rescue

[tlikethedrink]

Wheels ordered!
Starting to get real excited about this build up. More I think of it, the more I’m considering a side dump.
I really want to get it Dyno tuned. After the alignment

 

[tlikethedrink]

Got my wheels in.
Waiting on the decals, lugs and valve stems in to them them mounted and the car aligned.

I know I know... fake wheels yada yada. I’m not interested in spending the value of the car on wheels.

 

[Scotty_R8]

digging those wheels

 

[tlikethedrink]

digging those wheels

thanks! I went with the most solid size. The TE37 design is pretty period correct and timeless. I was between these and RPF1s. I’ve had 3 sets of RPF1s before. I had a set of real TE37s before too. Couldn’t justify the cost for this build.

can’t wait to get them installed. I’ll be listing the Evo 8 wheels locally for about $250-300

 

[tlikethedrink]

Wow. Took it for a drive this afternoon. I’m going to have to raise it up a bit and try rolling the fenders a bit. It’s rubbing with the 235s on Evo wheels! I had better get the other wheels mounted and dial in the suspension ASAP

 

[tlikethedrink]

Added the decals to finish the look of the wheels. Also picked up a valve stem and forged lugs to complete the package as a whole.
Unfortunately I’m waiting on a tire. I took it out for a test spin and gouged the tire on a bump. It rubbed a fender tab. Sliced it so bad I’m surprised it didnt blow. So now I’m waiting on it so I can have it mounted and dialed all in.

 

[tlikethedrink]

Also, got some engine bay stuff in. Clear timing cover and gold heat tape to doll up a few things.
Still no boost leak test. Been working a lot lately. Hopefully soon!

 

[tlikethedrink]

Found my AEM Wideband o2 sensor is bad. So now I need to wait for that to be resolved by either AEM or by me replacing it to continue with a base map/tune. ill do a boost leak test in the meantime.

While I had it on the jack, I decided to check the wheel bearings and ball joints. Found the uppers to be bad. Ordered the full set.
Still waiting in the tire to show up so I can have the wheels swapped over. I’ll now be waiting on the rest of the suspension bit to get it aligned.

this is getting pricey quick . I hope it’s worth it in the end!

 

[tlikethedrink]

Wideband on order from AEM. Warranty saved me!
Mounted my wheels today too! And finally gave her a wash for the first time..

 

[tlikethedrink]

Washed it. Got rid of overspray most every where. Also, installed an eBay clear timing cover.

unfortunately, I must have gotten something too wet while pressure washing the engine bay. I’ll let it dry till tomorrow afternoon and try at it again. But damn. This car is everything I would have hoped it to be so far (aesthetically). the gold foil project will brighten up and contrast the engine bay nicely. It’s going to be fun.
The coilovers will be needing a dial in for sure. I’ll do that when I replace the ball joints.

 

[tlikethedrink]

About to start building my side dump this week.
The gold foil came in. I’ll start accents in the engine bay. Hopefully it’s not too overwhelming. I’ll try to keep it modest

 

[tlikethedrink]

weather is really cramping my style. the car is parked in the garage for now. I picked up oil to change (#3 since rebuild, I'm close to 50 miles.) My replacement o2 from AEM for the Wideband will be in Friday. my factory upstream o2 has never been present since I've had the car, I ordered a replacement today at my local auto zone. should be in tomorrow or the day after. between all of this and and boost leak test. It should be running much better. ill check the spark plugs while I'm in there. once the garage is over 30 degrees ill tackle all of this.

also, I received tracking information that the ball joints, control arms and sway bar links should be here Monday. ill install those when they come in and dial in the ride height.


now that things are nearing "done" ; I'm going to start a wish list / to do list in no particular order :

wish
- Catch Can set up
X- Coolant overflow tank (Relocated out of sight)
X- Battery tie down (something fancy or DIY) (ordered 11/2)
- Strut Bar
- lip kit
- big or evo brakes
X- manifold heat shield of some kind
- bluetooth engine diagnostic tool
X- wiper blades (ordered 11/2)

to do
X- BASE TUNE (for now) > DYNO TUNE (500 miles)
X- fix slider on passenger seat
X- detail interior
- hand wax exterior for paint protection
X- tighten belts ps/alt
X- cut headlight for duct
- build side dump
X- paint underside of hood
X- apply more gold foil
X- install factory rear view
X- polish axle back
X- wrap center taillight
X- wrap bumper for exhaust exit

 

[tlikethedrink]

I installed my wideband and primary o2 sensor. Did an oil change while I was under there.
AFR averages to 13:1. This is good news to me. I can run this tune till I hit 500 miles for a proper tune!

suspension bits won’t be here till Tuesday still. I’ll have it cars and coffee ready next week!

 

[tlikethedrink]

Got some work done. Too nice of a day out to waste on the couch.

-cleaned the interior and fixed the passenger seat slider.
-fixed an issue with the brake lights
-added heat foil to the hood and charge pipes
- cut the headlight, wrapped the Carbonetics duct with “forged cf”
-wrapped the center tail light with the “forged cf”

 

[tlikethedrink]

Today I:
-wrapped the bumper like an “exhaust gaurd”
-Replaced the rear view mirror with the OE i picked up from the junk yard
-replaced interior bulbs with LEDs I had laying around
-reinstalled the radio after removing it to make better brackets
- squeezed the radiator overflow bottle into the factory charge pipe hole. It was already cut a bit. This will do till i relocate the battery to the trunk and have an overflow and a catch cans in its place.

Also, I ordered wipers and a battery tray from Amazon.

AND my control arms will come in. Plan on installing them on WED as well as replacing an axle seal. I’ll adjust the ride height and get it aligned Thursday.

 

[tlikethedrink]

Wash and overspray clean up today.

 

[tlikethedrink]

Got the axle seals, control arms installed last night.

Drove it in for an alignment today. Rode much better with the suspension up a little bit. So I raised the front 1 inch and raised the rear .25. She’s more “level” now. I really liked the slammed look but I’ll roll the fenders before I try that again

Tomorrow I’ll install the battery tray/tie down. And give her a little spray wax for Saturday mornings first Cars+Coffee. Less than a year ago she was still an incomplete shell and engine was on a stand!

 

[tlikethedrink]

Didn’t get a chance to install the battery tray om Friday or today.
But I did make it to Cars and coffee. I didn’t get a chance to take pics. Our group included a Viper, ISF, Blown Coyote Mustang, Chevelle 383. An MR2 turbo was missing (last minute complications).
the car was pretty well received. Lots of people said the same thing, “ you don’t see clean 2gs anymore!”.

I’ve only driven it once and am already ready to do more to it!
I for sure want a lip kit. And seeing all the monsters out there makes me want more power. I’m thinking I want to get it tuned once. Especially since I’m starting fresh at all maintenance is done and I have all the supporting mods. I can’t decide if I want e85 or not. It seems like the logical progression nowadays.
I can max out the 16g or go 20g or fp and never have to upgrade again it’s a lot of $ either way. But the car now seems more to be worth it

 

[tlikethedrink]

Only pic from C/C

 

[tlikethedrink]

Headliner was torn and sagging. Idk if the plastic trims were tan or just that faded. I touched those up in black and wrapped the visors and headliner in a almost t shirt like material. Whole thing was under $30 and I makes a huge difference!

 

[tlikethedrink]

Also, picked up a manual boost controller. Tested it with the vacuum pump for 15-17 psi. 17 on a surge. Car is running great! Side dump coming soon!!

 

[tlikethedrink]

Went to another Cars and Coffee. This time I had my bud with the ISF give me a run. He was pulling on me, but not as bad as I thought he would!

my next goal is weight savings. I’m going to remove the backseat, do a proper delete with carpet. Side dump will help eliminate about 60lbs. If I can get it around 2600lbs I’ll be tickled pink. already has no ac, no cruise, no abs, no rear wiper, no antenna, smaller battery/tray, aftermarket steering wheel ... lots of other things. But I’m guessing maybe 2800lbs? Ditching the rear seat + passenger airbag and exhaust should be really close to 100lbs.

 

[tlikethedrink]

No cars and coffee this week. Might take it out for a drive today

 

[tlikethedrink]

Took her for a drive. I’m not sure this clutch is liking 20psi .

also I need to roll my fenders, bad.

 

[97_4g63t]

Nice build man. Coming along nicely. Makes me miss building mine except for the spending too much money part. just realized you are from nm aswell. At least there is someone descently close to me.