99 GSX Rebirth/Clean-Up/Build

[bettfootball]

Made some progress this weekend on the leaks.

The water pipe that I paid someone to weld, and then paid another person to powdercoat, had a pinhole leak in. Go figure, because every time I pay someone to do something, they end up doing a half ass job.

Thank god I switched to a 1G setup that doesn't require you to pull the T-stat housing to pull the pipe, because this was quite simple to pull the pipe and weld this hole up. I will probably swap to the badass stainless water pipe in the future once we are up and running, so no worries on the ugliness haha.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

After that was fixed I then had to pull the t-stat housing as it was leaking a tiny bit from the bottom. I installed a new gasket and RTV'd a bit of both sides of the gasket.

The coolant leaks were fixed after these two items were addressed.

Now that the engine was clean, and coolant leaks addressed. I let the car idle and get up to temp while I looked all around with the UV light to try and pinpoint the oil leak.

I found the culprit.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

This crack in the valve cover behind the exhaust cam had a tiny leak that made its way all the way down to the OFH and in the timing cover.

The VC fittings hit the hood, so I always wanted to get a new one that had a better design for the catch can, so I think this one is going to be hung on the wall and a frontline fab VC purchased with the low-pro ORB fittings. For now, I may JB weld the crack to get by.

I did also pull the car out of the garage into the driveway so I could do a deep clean of the garage.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

New parts on the way.

Finally pulled the trigger and purchased an Eprom ECU and LinkV3 so we can get this thing tuned correctly. I was previously on the black box with ecuflash/Ceddy Mods. Super excited about this.

I was torn on going to flex fuel as I would need to figure out a new fuel pump situation as I'm currently on a Walbro 350lph, as well as monster injectors etc, so the plan is 450hp on pump gas.

I ordered new FIC High-Z 1200cc's which are still plug and play which should be plenty for my goals. I also needed to grab a new AEM xseries wideband sensor to replace my old AEM.

I was previously using an OMNI power 4-bar MAP sensor which is absolute garbage, so I'm swapping to an AEM sensor for that, very excited to be ditching the OMNI power.

Lastly, I snagged a new FIC matte black fuel rail since I was still on the stock rail.

Peace!

 

[DreamChaser7]

I was torn on going to flex fuel as I would need to figure out a new fuel pump situation as I'm currently on a Walbro 350lph, as well as monster injectors etc, so the plan is 450hp on pump gas.

Please explain more as I’m still trying to absorb as much as possible. The 350 no good for flex fuel? I just ordered the RTM FPSU with dual hangers and was planning two 255 or 350s and was planning to build a flex fuel set up. This no good?

 

[bettfootball]

Please explain more as I’m still trying to absorb as much as possible. The 350 no good for flex fuel? I just ordered the RTM FPSU with dual hangers and was planning two 255 or 350s and was planning to build a flex fuel set up. This no good?

A single 350lph is just too little fuel for E85, which is what I currently have installed. But should be good for my setup.

 

[DreamChaser7]

So either of those doubles I should be good?

 

[92AWDHX40]

Mmm looks good i like the set up and build 450 you should be able to do that with pump, on corn more feasible im assuming still well rounded dsm.

 

[bettfootball]

While I'm waiting for some other crap to come in, I figured I would tackle some door / lock / window items I wanted to address.

Problems:

The window regulators were clearly on their way out, so I have two OE units to go in.

The window "hook" white plastic pieces that hook into the part into the door frame itself are broken, so I have some on the way.

The door locks barely lock with the buttons on the inside. You have to press 7 times to get it to lock all the way, both sides. The unlock button doesn't work at all. The relay's don't click while hitting the unlock either, so really stumped on that. Anyone have any ideas?

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

The glass on both side is super beat up with deep scratches, so I have two new OE glass pieces to go in.

The door panel plastic pieces are starting to deteriorate, specifically the window switch screw holes, and the lower door pull screw. I'm going to JB Weld or use a plastic epoxy to attempt to fix these pieces.

This design of the ENTIRE force of my slamming this huge door is put on this TINY little plastic pieces and single screw. This is just mind-blowing to me that someone came up with this design.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

I'm going to see if I can make a custom metal loop that connects to the door that will act as the "pull". TBD.

Peace!

 

[fourgsixty3]

I just realized something. You had to trim the hood because of the valve cover and the valve cover is fubared. Not to pour salt on the wound but I'd be throwing stuff besides expletives.

 

[bettfootball]

I just realized something. You had to trim the hood because of the valve cover and the valve cover is fubared. Not to pour salt on the wound but I'd be throwing stuff besides expletives.

I want to get a new hood. This one (that was just painted) the guy did a terrible job on shaving the washer nozzles, and did an overall terrible job on it. Not sure what I want to get though!

 

[Jerzm3]

If I can make one suggestion. Since your fuel pressure regulator looks fairly low on the firewall, it seems it is hard to read the gauge. I would remove that gauge, add a 90* brass fitting and attach an AEM fluid pressure sensor and wire it into the ECU. This way you are able to log fuel pressure in the future. I have done it on numerous cars with DSMLink and works beautifully!

 

[CrackedDSM]

Hey Brady, if you need a spare VC just to move the car around and drive it without leaking, I have an extremely ugly but not cracked VC I can throw you. Just send me an offer including shipping on it. Otherwise you'll have to pay $150 + shipping for someone elses ugly dirty VC because "I know what I got". Lol. Threads for the spark plug cover are a joke, but no cracks though.


Either way, sucks to hear your struggles. I am extremely blessed with a world class welder that lives near me, but otherwise much of my experience is the same as yours. People don't GAF anymore, they only care about taking your money and doing the least amount possible. Sad.


I'm lazy, shoot me, but what turbo are you planning on running for the 450hp? I'm gonna just see what my little Green and 255HP does.


Also, food for thought on fuel pump/E85: local friend put down 440whp on his MR2 with just a walbro 255HP. Could've made more, but was running out of injector.

 

[Justin DuBois]

I want to get a new hood. This one (that was just painted) the guy did a terrible job on shaving the washer nozzles, and did an overall terrible job on it. Not sure what I want to get though!

After 20 years having a CF hood, with a clear coat that eventually faded and yellowed, I went for a CF hood for the weight/strength, and then I had it painted to match - so it looks like an OEM metal hood (at first glance)

 

[bettfootball]

I finally got all the lock switches / actuators etc rebuilt / re-greased etc and the lock / unlock is so fast and loud. Very happy I took the time to do all of this. They used to be super slow, now they sound like a tank.

I got some new parts in as well!

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

New FIC high-z 1,200's and FIC fuel rail, as well as Link V3 finally. I was using the stock rail which just looked sort of crappy so wanted to spice that up a bit. The FIC rail is a little bit further to the driver side of the car so the Zaklee timing cover had to be notched in order to get a 90° fitting in there.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Then I finally got some sweeeeeeeet parts from extreme PSI..

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

This is the new V2 version which has removable interior baffling which is pretty sweet.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

I couldn't let go of my red VC theme so I had to get these fancy parts anodized and am in love with how it all turned out!

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

I'm getting my new AEM MAP sensor and AEM x series wideband installed this week so I can get this thing on the road finally.

Peace

 

[gsxitement]

Ugghhhhh that valve cover is so gorgeous

 

[Justin DuBois]

Good color

 

[Doubleot]

Clean! Giving me ideas also

 

[92Turbski]

Daaaaaaaaaamn, son! You just next leveled your build!!! So clean, nice pairing.

 

[bettfootball]

So I've been doing a lot of small things while waiting for random parts.

I completely disassembled the window regulator/tracks etc on both sides of the car, cleaned and added new sil-glyde to everything. I also had purchased new glass for both sides so got all the hardware switched over to the new glass and reinstalled everything.

Took a bit of time to do all the adjusting etc, but I'm very happy with how smooth and quiet both windows raise/lower now. They also close perfectly against the rubber seal.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

I also got all the gauges re-wired, and have all the wiring done for DSMlink.

A side project I was working on was getting a drivers side switch bezel that wasn't broken. I unfortunately used too long of screws for the switches like many others have done and hated seeing the little bumps.

I managed to find this one which was basically perfect other than just surface wear over the years. Which I'm super happy with. It matches the passenger one, and is not broken at all.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

I made a lot of posts about this piece on some classified pages and for whatever stroke of luck, someone posted they managed to find (9) NOS sets... So of course I bought one.

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

It is crazy how the brand new ones look matte. Just from people touching the interiors all the pieces get shiny from the wear and tear.

I'm not even going to use this, and may sell it in the future. It doesn't match anything inside. Unreal how this stupid little part that was $70 brand new from the dealership when these came out is so cool to look at, and really a shame that they stopped making parts for these so quickly after production.

Peace!

 

[Justin DuBois]

So I've been doing a lot of small things while waiting for random parts.

I completely disassembled the window regulator/tracks etc on both sides of the car, cleaned and added new sil-glyde to everything. I also had purchased new glass for both sides so got all the hardware switched over to the new glass and reinstalled everything.

Took a bit of time to do all the adjusting etc, but I'm very happy with how smooth and quiet both windows raise/lower now. They also close perfectly against the rubber seal.

View attachment 709869Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

I also got all the gauges re-wired, and have all the wiring done for DSMlink.

A side project I was working on was getting a drivers side switch bezel that wasn't broken. I unfortunately used too long of screws for the switches like many others have done and hated seeing the little bumps.

I managed to find this one which was basically perfect other than just surface wear over the years. Which I'm super happy with. It matches the passenger one, and is not broken at all.

View attachment 709870Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

View attachment 709871Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

I made a lot of posts about this piece on some classified pages and for whatever stroke of luck, someone posted they managed to find (9) NOS sets... So of course I bought one.

View attachment 709872Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

View attachment 709873Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

It is crazy how the brand new ones look matte. Just from people touching the interiors all the pieces get shiny from the wear and tear.

I'm not even going to use this, and may sell it in the future. It doesn't match anything inside. Unreal how this stupid little part that was $70 brand new from the dealership when these came out is so cool to look at, and really a shame that they stopped making parts for these so quickly after production.

Peace!

I need exactly those door trim - they look ready to paint. Where did you order from?

 

[bettfootball]

I need exactly those door trim - they look ready to paint. Where did you order from?

Ready to paint? A guy I know found some warehouse somewhere that had these leftover. They came in black grey and beige.

 

[Justin DuBois]

Ready to paint? A guy I know found some warehouse somewhere that had these leftover. They came in black grey and beige.

Oh? Finish color already? even better. Can you PM me a contact?

 

[Justin DuBois]

Oh? Finish color already? even better. Can you PM me a contact?

Thanks for the contact! Found him on Facebook. Only has driver side, only has black. He’s asking more than a China 16g for them

Thats too bad.

 

[bettfootball]

Thanks for the contact! Found him on Facebook. Only has driver side, only has black. He’s asking more than a China 16g for them

Thats too bad.

Yep, I could have told you that! haha. I'm not even using it on mine. Just going to keep it in the box. No point in using a brand new one when everything else has wear and tear on the inside.

 

[1999RSfwd]

We need someone to 3D scan a set that is in good condition, so someone can think about making new ones. Or at least to try and find a way to make old ones stronger and last longer.

 

[bettfootball]

We are up and running on Link V3!

Untitled by bradydings, on Flickr

A few things to resolve:

-I don't have a catch can setup yet so I had temp plugs in the valve cover while I got it up and running. Crank case was over pressured and pushed oil through the valve cover gasket, CAS, cam seals etc . Made a mess, but now I have some cleaning to do.
-Alternator and starter were used and pretty old. Should probably be replaced soon.
-Brakes need to be bled some more.
-Clutch needs to be bled some more.

But glad it is up and running!

Peace.

 

[DogWhistle]

Congratulations! Looks sweet!