Altered Mental Status (1G AWD 5spd)

[Dericsh]

Huge improvement on that rail! Good work.

 

[DreamChaser7]

Finally getting around to painting/reconditioning the fuel rail. It's turned out awesome, man. I'm letting it dry/cure now, and when it's done I'll post up the obligatory pictures. Really happy with it though.


Also: no vague comments or etc, just gonna announce it I'm buying another DSM. I just can't help myself. Lol. When it's fully ironed out and in my possession I'll post up pictures/details and its own separate build thread. It's an auto, so woo.


But yeah. Gotta pay for the Edge's A/C to get fixed, get through vacation for my daughters 4th birthday in the first week of Sept, but then after that should have free income for the new addition, and getting this thing running. In the meantime, plenty of stuff to do. Gonna pressure wash the engine bay, paint various brackets/eye sores, basically make the engine bay match the pretty AF new intercooler pipes. Also: I hate how easily these cars seem to leak. Looks like I'll probably have to remove the spoiler on the hatch and make sure all the bolt holes are sealed. And find the leak around the windshield area that's leaking in through the sunvisor of all places. Anyone know how difficult it is to remove the headliner?

It’s not that bad. Remove all the trim pieces around it, be gentle with the plastic plugs with a panel removal tool like at the rear, and watch out for the gooey spots on the sides, I got a panel removal tool in behind to wiggle it loose from the “tar” I think.

 

[CrackedDSM]

It’s not that bad. Remove all the trim pieces around it, be gentle with the plastic plugs with a panel removal tool like at the rear, and watch out for the gooey spots on the sides, I got a panel removal tool in behind to wiggle it loose from the “tar” I think.

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Life-saver stuff. So it looks like I'm gonna have to unbolt the automatic seatbelt tracks, is that true or can I leave them in? Also, it looks like there's several spots it could leak from...greeeeaaat. Lol.


Also: dishonorable POS sold the car out from under me last night, probably to someone who is gonna part it out and crush it. It was my old blue 2G Talon. Sad day. If a Part Out gets her, I hope the little eagle gets its revenge on anyone who buys parts off of it. I also hope it repeatedly bites and fights whoever works on it/is pulling the parts.

But, I'll choose to think positively, and hope someone got it who is gonna love it and fix it up. Hopefully. Still more than a little pissed off though.

 

[DreamChaser7]

Life-saver stuff. So it looks like I'm gonna have to unbolt the automatic seatbelt tracks, is that true or can I leave them in? Also, it looks like there's several spots it could leak from...greeeeaaat. Lol.


Also: dishonorable POS sold the car out from under me last night, probably to someone who is gonna part it out and crush it. It was my old blue 2G Talon. Sad day. If a Part Out gets her, I hope the little eagle gets its revenge on anyone who buys parts off of it. I also hope it repeatedly bites and fights whoever works on it/is pulling the parts.

But, I'll choose to think positively, and hope someone got it who is gonna love it and fix it up. Hopefully. Still more than a little pissed off though.

I think you can leave it, memory not 100% on that though as I pulled mine first anyways.
Might be easier with them removed.

 

[Christo]

Regarding the head liner; I did not have to remove the auto track when I did mine, twice Originally did it myself and the glue recommended by the fabric shop separated after a year or so. Second time I brought it to an upholstery shop.

Fuel rail came out great.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Thanks a million fellas! Makes me feel way better about doing it. Had to replace the window unit in the living room, so that ate up all my stamina, and now it's 100* outside again. Lol. So, I'll pull the headliner and do more work on my upcoming short week.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I finally ordered the right seal kit for my injectors. Nothing crazy or super duper exciting, just popped 'em on and enjoyed the view.

Looks so much better. The old spacers in between the injector and the rail were corroded/dry-rotted into oblivion and they actually started to be sucked into the rail. The bottom seals that actually go into the head were okay, but one of them was pinched pretty hard and would've been a gnarly boost/fuel leak. So now they're all supple, soft, and new! Also: loving the fuel rails new lease on life.

Not sure what I'll get done this weekend on the DSM, but I'm gonna do SOMETHING. I can't install the intake manifold yet, because I need a new A/C compressor, then I have to grind the cyclone to fit. Can't start the car either, because I need ECMLink/ECU. Lol. But I'll do something. Might even install some ricey-ass underglows on the Edge to troll the wannabe rednecks in my area in their slow AF pickup trucks. We'll see what I do though.

 

[92Turbski]

I finally ordered the right seal kit for my injectors. Nothing crazy or super duper exciting, just popped 'em on and enjoyed the view.



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Looks so much better. The old spacers in between the injector and the rail were corroded/dry-rotted into oblivion and they actually started to be sucked into the rail. The bottom seals that actually go into the head were okay, but one of them was pinched pretty hard and would've been a gnarly boost/fuel leak. So now they're all supple, soft, and new! Also: loving the fuel rails new lease on life.

Not sure what I'll get done this weekend on the DSM, but I'm gonna do SOMETHING. I can't install the intake manifold yet, because I need a new A/C compressor, then I have to grind the cyclone to fit. Can't start the car either, because I need ECMLink/ECU. Lol. But I'll do something. Might even install some ricey-ass underglows on the Edge to troll the wannabe rednecks in my area in their slow AF pickup trucks. We'll see what I do though.

Lol. Fill er up on some corn and let er rip!

 

[CrackedDSM]

Did a little poking around today, mainly just coming up with a game plan. I am exceedingly tempted to put stock 450’s and a stock ecu in this thing just to start it, but gotta be patient.

I did a couple niggling things. Attached the k&n filter and MAF adapter, and turned the intake pipe slightly so the coupler isn’t all bent and bowed. Reinstalled the good radiator bracket, and I turned the BOV so it’ll be a straight shot from BOV to recirc tube on the intake.

I am in love with these intercooler pipes. They fit so perfect.

I was gonna drill and tap the holes for the maf adapter, but they’ve been reamed out so they’re oblong. Honestly it’s janky but fine. It won’t last long anyway, as I’m gonna only be on MAF long enough to build a SD map and iron the kinks out that pop up. But man it looks good. Gonna pressure wash the bay, and touch up some spots so the rest will match the cleanliness of the engine and pipes. Until then, I can see the diamond in the rough.

Lol. Fill er up on some corn and let er rip!

That’s the plan! Hope they actually put the pump up near me!

 

[CrackedDSM]

Don’t suppose anyone has a mint set of head light covers that they’d sell me? These work, but I’d love a mint or even a if ya squint it’s mint set that wasn’t broken.

But, once I’m past this month I can start showering this thing with money. It’s super close, but priorities first. Lol.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I really should have installed my front coilovers by now, or fixed the leak inside the car....but my lord is Starfield addicting. Favorite past-time is being a sneaky pirate. Responding to ships' distress call, then taking their ships out from under them. No bounty this way, no lost karma from crew members.


It's the main reason, but not the only one. I'm finally past my daughter's birthday and the vacation so I can start saving up more DSM money again. Add to that, Desantis just authorized Florida EMS personnel to get a $1k check as a thanks. Not gonna ask for/expect anyone to thank me or ask for a discount...but I ain't about to turn a free check down either! Woot!


But yeah. After I get tired of stealing other people's ships, committing wanton murder, and being a general chaotic neutral terror, I'll finish installing the coilovers and buy more DSM parts.

 

[92Turbski]

I really should have installed my front coilovers by now, or fixed the leak inside the car....but my lord is Starfield addicting. Favorite past-time is being a sneaky pirate. Responding to ships' distress call, then taking their ships out from under them. No bounty this way, no lost karma from crew members.


It's the main reason, but not the only one. I'm finally past my daughter's birthday and the vacation so I can start saving up more DSM money again. Add to that, Desantis just authorized Florida EMS personnel to get a $1k check as a thanks. Not gonna ask for/expect anyone to thank me or ask for a discount...but I ain't about to turn a free check down either! Woot!


But yeah. After I get tired of stealing other people's ships, committing wanton murder, and being a general chaotic neutral terror, I'll finish installing the coilovers and buy more DSM parts.

What else do you need to do before you roll that thing over and light it off?

 

[CrackedDSM]

What else do you need to do before you roll that thing over and light it off?

Off the top of my head

Install rear motor mount
Install catback portion of exhaust(tempted admittedly just to run open downpipe for first start)
Install front Coilovers
Replace o2 sensor in o2 housing
Buy and Install a/c compressor
Grind cyclone to fit compressor
Install cyclone and final tightening of everything intake wise
Drain/fill oil with Break in oil
Bleed clutch
Fix 5 wires at ECU for ECMLink
Buy/install link
Load startup map for injectors/setup
Recirculate BOV to intake w/ hose
Final check of all lines and bolts
Final check of all gauge and wideband wires

Buy/Install battery
Fill with fuel
Start

So it’s not very much, just waiting on money for a few key items. I don’t want to install that PITA cyclone until the A/C compressor is fully in because I am NOT pulling it back out. Lol. So not a huge list per se, just need the items and the wherewithal.

Really really wish I had better friends local to me that would help with some wrenching. With two or more pairs of hands we could knock it out in a weekend.

 

[curt-s]

I really wish I could say I saw gains from the cyclone but I'm definitely curious how you will get on with it. I did the swap engine-in and I agree, it's a pita. Easy to get off somehow though.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Think I found a line on a good compressor and A/C parts, so that'll be nice. That way I don't have to buy a new compressor(I will if I have to though). Still haven't touched the Talon. I would've done it this weekend, but I'm on standby tomorrow so that cuts my days off in half, sadly. But, at least I'll get to watch some college football live and in person while getting paid. Woo. Also, overtime because it's my day off. Double woo!


Unrelated, but nowhere else to put it, I've decided on a build list for my gaming PC. Gonna post the screen shot of the PCpartspicker list, and any tech savvy/solid PC builder guys can critique my build and are welcome to give me tips. I've decided against intel for the CPU because if I have to hold my nose and give Nvidia my money, I'm not giving team blue my money too.

So yeah. Probably gonna go straight for the most expensive stuff first on the list as that's the hardest to obtain. From there, the rest I can bulk order once the expensive stuff is crossed off.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Pulled the trigger on an ECMLink package from @dacowgod. This is the THIRD TIME I've bought ECMLink, Lol, so maybe this time I'll get to use it. I'm determined. I put the PC build on hold because my wife is correct, that I need to prioritize what I want. And I want to drive this damn DSM again. Damn it.


But from here I'm just missing a battery, an A/C compressor(and an a/c o-ring kit), and some elbow grease. Really gonna try to start this bad boy ASAP, soon as I have the ECU here.



Random thought: I don't understand how people get other people to help them work on their cars. All the local guys to me suck, man. No one wants to come over and help out, or even just hang out. And all my coworkers, none of them are car guys. I'm tempted honestly at this point to put out "come help me work on my DSM for free beer and food" feelers in parts of the country, and wherever I get the most responses just move there. Lol. I can get a job in EMS anywhere because I'm nationally certified. So...super tempted.

 

[DreamChaser7]

Pulled the trigger on an ECMLink package from @dacowgod. This is the THIRD TIME I've bought ECMLink, Lol, so maybe this time I'll get to use it. I'm determined. I put the PC build on hold because my wife is correct, that I need to prioritize what I want. And I want to drive this damn DSM again. Damn it.


But from here I'm just missing a battery, an A/C compressor(and an a/c o-ring kit), and some elbow grease. Really gonna try to start this bad boy ASAP, soon as I have the ECU here.



Random thought: I don't understand how people get other people to help them work on their cars. All the local guys to me suck, man. No one wants to come over and help out, or even just hang out. And all my coworkers, none of them are car guys. I'm tempted honestly at this point to put out "come help me work on my DSM for free beer and food" feelers in parts of the country, and wherever I get the most responses just move there. Lol. I can get a job in EMS anywhere because I'm nationally certified. So...super tempted.

I feel you bro. We are kinda recluses by nature anyways as we've just had enough experiences to not trust most humans and most suck. But it would be great to meet some people who didn't fall into that category and we could hang out and work on stuff. At this point I'm reserved to the notion I'll probably have to do it on my own and all the learning that will entail. Why can't we just build a community where all the Tuner members live in close proximity?

 

[CrackedDSM]

For the third time, Lol, this has come in the mail. From Ricky @ Rix Racing himself. This time I swear I'm gonna use it. Lol.

Looks so good. As long as I'm not sick, this weekend I'm really gonna try to start it. I'll just wait on the damn A/C Compressor. Lol. I want to hear this thing run already.

 

[Dericsh]

Nice. Did you get the deal with the remote tune included?

 

[CrackedDSM]

Nice. Did you get the deal with the remote tune included?

I did but I don’t think I’ll get one. I like tuning myself. It was a super fair deal honestly so even with no tune I’m happy.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I've been doing a shit ton, but I'm not ready to post it all yet until it's a little further along than it is currently. However, I'm gonna post some links for myself in the future so I have them saved.

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/the-1990-engine-control-wiring-harness.412841/

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/the-1990-engine-compartment-wiring-harness.473792/

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/90-dead-tach-with-91-ecu.487334/#post-153487238

But, should be a nice big update with pictures and maybe a video or two when I'm done. Been bustin' my hump!


edit: Shoutout to @steve for being an absolute chad and wiring guru. If this thing works right and there's no electrical issues, it's 100% because of his write-ups. Lol.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Also: if you find yourself needing new studs for your intake manifold but don’t need new bolts, grab yourself this.

Amazon product ASIN B000CO76HY
It’s Dorman 03105 exhaust stud and nut kit. The length and nut size are OEM and perfect fit. Add a couple crush washers and you’re good to go.


They’re like $9 at the parts store too if you go pick it up in person. Fit perfect and are great quality. Including a screen shot for posterity sake in case the link dies 10 years from now.

 

[CrackedDSM]

I don't know why this car wants to fight me so much. Sigh.

So, I had like 3-3.5 hours to waste today, and wanted to at least start it today. It isn't in a driving shape, but I could at least hear it purr. Bleh. Shouldn't have bothered.

First was non-stop fighting to just access the o2 sensor. It is a 25+ year old 2G one that's stuck in the o2 housing, and I've got a brand new OEM NTK 1G one ready to go in. I go to put the socket on...and this idiotic, moronic charge pipe for the IC is in the way of everything. It's almost touching the downpipe, and it's basically touching the o2 sensor so the socket won't go on. So...I go to just pop the coupler off and pull the pipe. Easy right?

Wrong. You have to take the entire turbo off, to remove the charge pipe. I verified this with the fabricator himself, and he confirmed it. This had me fuming, man. I'm still angry about it tbh. I'm gonna just buy a cut-off wheel, and cut the pipe up and fab my own LICP with more couplers. What a dumb design.

But after spending 1.5 hours fighting with it, realizing that it can't be removed even after removing both fans, and the upper radiator hose, and the driver's side headlight, I finally got it loose enough to push the pipe down and get a socket on the o2 sensor. Removed it, replaced the new one, good to go.

By now I realize, there's no gas in it(picture sling blade here, it's okay), so I run to get some fuel. Get behind literally everyone who wants to go 30mph. Sigh. Whatever. I get back just as the sun begins to set, and the ominous sign of a few floating vampire death-trap rapists(mosquitos). I finish double-checking wiring, fill the tank with fuel, and hook up battery cables to a battery. Sit in the car, go to turn the key...it stops hard at ACC.

I, again, sigh hard.

I spray lubricant in it, I jiggle it, I use multiple keys, this thing will not go past ACC. Seriously AMS Talon, WTF buddy? Okay, you know what, no. I didn't come this far to be stopped by a key. I'm channeling my inner thief.

So now I pull the ignition switch, and it comes out in pieces. Lol, oops. I reassembled it, and turned it over with a flat-blade, and the lights come on. I hear the familiar beeping and lights on the cluster. Hell yeah baby. First I wanna prime the engine, get it all nice and lubed up and ready to go. So I finally turn it all the way, and three things happen.

1) The lights dim.
2) a nice stream of fuel shoots out about 3-5 feet from the engine bay to well in front of the car. The Talon peed on the Edge, I guess to establish dominance? (fuel feed fitting on the rail needs an o-ring, is where the leak is from)
3) nothing. I think there's a click, but there's zero effort from the starter to turn the engine that I can tell. Just turn the key, nothing.


Well, that sucks. Lol. It's dark AF by this point, I'm getting gang-banged by clouds of mosquitos, and I don't have a good bar light anywhere, even if I did I can't turn the engine over without a starter.

The good news is, that before I gave up for the night, I connected to ECMLink and checked some settings. It was set on SD, and for the wrong injectors, so I fixed it by telling it it was on a 2G MAF, FIC 1050's, and set proper fuel pressure. This is good news, because this means my wiring fix worked. It immediately connected to ECMLink first try with no struggling or chasing driver issues. So the swap from AEM EMS to ECMLink V3 is complete! Yay!



So now I need to do more digging. Gonna have to fix the leak at the fuel rail, and figure out why it's not turning over. I used a 3/8's drive ratchet and 22mm, and the engine will turn a little with some fairly significant effort but then my 30 year old harbor freight cheap AF ratchet shat itself and stripped all its teeth. Lol. I couldn't get a full rotation out of it. But..it did turn. So hopefully that means the engine isn't locked up. May pull the spark plugs and use a breaker bar this weekend to make sure I can fully rotate it.

WHERE I NEED HELP/INPUT!!

Is there a way to test the starter with it still in the car? Can I use a screw driver and "bridge" anything to see if it sparks or turns the engine over? It's just as likely that the wiring is absolute crap/screwed up, as it is that the starter is locked up from sitting for 10+ years. I'd really rather check it before I spend the money to buy a new starter.

 

[saturn345]

Yes you can jumper the starter with screw driver. To make sure it at least cranks or dose something.
You’re so close to getting it going. Take your time now and double check stuff.
I completely understand the frustration of it all.

 

[CrackedDSM]

Nothing to see here. No dramatic threatening to sell it post here.