Road Race Build (Sold but not forgotten) Solomon's 2GNT Build ('98 RS)

[BLACK'98DSM]

Does it surge when sitting still? The ECU does idle the car up while it's coasting, but when it's stopped it should bring it back down to about 800rpm.

Yes it surges when sitting still.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I tried unplugging the IAC and running the car. It doesn't surge anymore. So I was thinking I could just drive without the IAC? I haven't tried yet, I've only idled without it...

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I'm trying to decide on my next few mods... CF shift knob to top off the Megan Racing short shifter? High flow cat? CF deck lid? CF hood? Maybe rebuild with some high compression pistons? So many options and so much time, but not so much money

I am respraying the calipers and the valve cover, and using clear coat this time since I didn't last time and it's peeling. Also getting a new valve cover gasket, as I noticed a small leakdown AGAIN... I guess I should follow the process this time.

Also thinking of getting the AC lines vacuumed so that I can do a full delete. I think that should really clean up the engine bay and free up some weight/power.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Brembo brake kit, Fel-pro VC gaskets and grommets. Going to fix a leak and increase the stopping power.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Calipers are done and drying for clear. Valve cover is drying so I can polish the letters, then clear it too.

Things would be much much easier if I had a sandblaster, but for now I'm stuck with my wire wheels and sandpaper .

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

It's all finished up. Looks good, sounds good, I like it. I finished the day off with a wash and a cruise. Hmmmmmm... what's for dinner?

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Here's the engine bay pictures.

And the GoPro is mounted.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Well I got the idle issues figured out...

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/one-of-my-forehead-slapping-moments.527251/

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I picked up some more paint for the hood. Although it's winter, we've been having perfect painting weather here lately. The temp has been fluctuating between 30 and 70 degrees. If I can find another one of those 70 degree days that are dry I'll try to wrap up the sanding and painting.

Other than that I don't have any real plans for the car until summer, for now I'm just trying to locate some local autocross events.

Oh, I don't think I mentioned it on this thread, but the trans is coming out in March. I took off work for a whole week. I've got plans for a Southbend stage 1 kit, change trans fluid, input shaft bearing, check 1/2 synchro, and bleed the system to wrap it all up. I might paint the trans a new silver too, that just depends on how it looks after I clean it.

 

[silvreclips]

Just a heads up, you will need a press to get the trans apart. The input and counter shaft are pressed into the bearing races. To change out 1st or 2nd gear synchro you will need 20 tons to get it apart. It's very exciting when the gears finally let go of the shaft.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Just a heads up, you will need a press to get the trans apart. The input and counter shaft are pressed into the bearing races. To change out 1st or 2nd gear synchro you will need 20 tons to get it apart. It's very exciting when the gears finally let go of the shaft.

Thanks for the info. Things like this are the reason I took a whole 7 days off work.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

It was nearly 70 degrees today, so I got the hood painted. Typed simply, but not done simply.

So.... I'm guessing that either my car has a factory defective paint job OR moisture has somehow made its way under the factory primer on 30% of the hood. I started sanding the bubbled up spots, and as soon as I did it just chipped right off to bare metal. And this "bare metal" was actually a rust coated metal. I was like wtf . I had to sand a decent amount of the hood down to bare metal and keep sanding to get all the rust off. I got in a couple hours of sanding, at least. I also had to spray primer and wet sand that once it cured. So hopefully I'm done sanding this car forever! Here's some pics of that freaking rust. I'm still a little confused on how this happened, but I'm not stressing, it's over now. Sorry if the pics are are a little blurry, but 4k mode doesn't really work when there's sanding dust all over the place .

Now, that it was all prepped an ready to go... The child inside me said "take a photoshoot" .

And now that I have loaded you up with information and pictures, here is the final result. It's not as great as I had hoped for, but it works well enough for a track car.

Thank you to everyone that has been following along this far! Leave any comments or questions that you may have for me here. I'm proud to own this car and always happy to show it off, even at times when it's not worth showing off .

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I think the build is slowing down until summer. I gotta save up for a GSX. Plus it sucks to work on a car in the cold.

If anything happens I'll update, otherwise, I'll get back to you guys in May.

 

[Evolving_sti]

Good luck. Hopefully you find a good one

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Although I've been taking a hiatus from the forums, I definitely haven't taken a break from the good ole DSM.

So, that cheapo Ebay headlight wasn't sealed good. It kept letting water in. That had to go.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Also I detailed it. For about 3 hours.

And here's something I've been meaning to do since last year . I picked up this new lever at the yard since mine was broken. Took me forever to get it on, and only took 5 minutes.

 

[Bland-Biscuit]

Also I detailed it. For about 3 hours.

View attachment 592512

And here's something I've been meaning to do since last year . I picked up this new lever at the yard since mine was broken. Took me forever to get it on, and only took 5 minutes.

View attachment 592513

I have to replace that same lever. Lol. Car looks great! Where did you end up buying your headlights if you don't mind me asking?

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I have to replace that same lever. Lol. Car looks great! Where did you end up buying your headlights if you don't mind me asking?

I'll post a pic of the box. It's the only brand I've had any luck with, and I've tried 3.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

@Salty-Seagull The ones I got are Eagle brand. After buying 2 sets of Ebay ones, one didn't fit and the others didn't seal, I recommend you stay away from those. The Eagle seem to fit really well and have had no leaking issues yet. They also have a slightly darker blinker housing, which looks pretty cool.

https://www.carid.com/1998-mitsubis...-factory-replacement-headlights-17196851.html

 

[silvreclips]

Why didn't you just go back to oem lights? Plenty of people parting out cars these days

 

[Evolving_sti]

I bought some doormans from ebay. They look like trash. Never used em

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Why didn't you just go back to oem lights? Plenty of people parting out cars these days

It's hard to find a stock set in good condition. And even if I found them the shipping would drive the cost higher than a new set.

I tried wet sanding and polishing my old set but they slowly faded again. The ones I have now look great and fit well. So I'm satisfied.

 

[Bland-Biscuit]

@BLACK'98DSM thank you! Did you try Uzooka by chance? I know they sell on eBay. I want to get a good set of lights eventually. I will look into the Eagles as well. https://www.uzooka.com/products/mb236-b001p?_pos=3&_sid=7e6bd28ad&_ss=r

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Did you try Uzooka by chance?

No, but I personally wouldn't trust them.

 

[Bland-Biscuit]

No, but I personally wouldn't trust them.

Ok, thanks!