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chrisw
26-06-2009, 07:25 PM
Well, with the new bike rocketing me to and fro' for work I've taken this chance to get the car off the road for a month or three and do some much needed work. All ideas from the forum will be taken into consideration while I work on the white stain of a car.

Current situation:
-157 000km - good condition, needs some rubber though, cooling system needs attention, could use a good tune and flush really.
-Rooted suspension
-knackered interior
-chinese powered base model pioneers
-stockies on G-grids
-average body with no tint :(

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/4084/dscf2701mediumhh3.jpg
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1569/dscf2685mediummx6.jpg
http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/1596/dscf2718largefv7.jpg

chrisw
26-06-2009, 07:52 PM
Current to-do list... money permitting.

Interior:
- Strip. reupholster in charcoal and blue.
- thinking of strengthening and deadening door panels and upholstering 6x9 speaker supports into the panels themselves, instead of the doors.
- Making a new rear parcel shelf in a stronger material, upholstering with deadened 6 x 9 supports
- New carpets
- New headliner, upholstering pillars as well, with triple gauge holder concealed in the upholstery.
- POSSIBLE small sub within a ported upholstered central armrest that sits in place of the centre of the rear bench seat... always wanted to try this but never did it.
- four 6 x 9 speakers, possible sub, but not really required, not a fan of big subs, just want good sound quality. Powered by an average headunit with USB or iPod support and a decent amp for sound quality reasons.

Engine and suspension:
- New shocks and springs (thinking superlows and KYB's)
- New strut top mounts (DAMN YOU MAZDA and your high prices)
- many many many bushes replaced
- New wheel bearings or at least inspected and repacked
- new discs and pads with braided lines
- steering items inspected and replaced as needed
- new balljoints
- possible new swaybar on rear (bit firmer methinks)
- front strut brace

Engine:
- Semi stripped and inspected with new gaskets
- Inspect cambelt and replace if needed.
- Clean up the ports and inspect the head (nothing extreme since i cant flowtest anything, just basics that dont really do that much as ive noticed on my bike projects :D )
- POSSIBLY a new head considering i smoke a little and tap a little, BUT this isnt really that required, compared to my old laser this car rarely does it. more than not ill just check the oil supply and give everything a good checkover since it seems to be an oil delivery problem, especially with 20-50w, 10-40 rarely taps but still gives a slight puff when ive revved a bit on startup.
- I need a new clutch but ive never done one on a car... so i think ill leave it.
- all ancillary items like master cylinders inspected and flushed
- new belts.
- full service and tune.

Wheels:
- something oldschool in a 14-16" with some grippy but long lasting rubber (the g-grids are fantastic at the moment, so anything similar)

Body:
- modified front bumper similar to WTF-323 resprayed in white. maybe a little lip molded on.
- rust attacked
- new headlights c/o carmate, maybe with HID's but theyre not road legal, so maybe just nice globes (not road legal on the BG ;) )
- LED parker strip up front, or modified parkers.
- New RHS taillight, all polished up to perfect spec.
- rear wing removed, inspect body for rust, replace rubber weather stripping.
- Windows cleaned up while door panels are off, new tint!
- general tidy up since i lack the excess cash to pay for a PJ, and the skill to do a full one myself.
- New premium plates (aka the white and black thin rego plates) just remade in my same rego, with the front offset.

Any ideas are reccomended, I realise this is a MASSIVE task ive comitted myself to, thankfully most of the work is mostly hard work and self effort. The big jobs like the suspension and similar stuff is all based on cashflow :(

well look forwards to some piccys coming through guys :) the project starts on my next day off!

70NYD
26-06-2009, 10:31 PM
:o omg thats low kms :D awesome car man

derb
27-06-2009, 02:33 PM
drop a BPT in and leave the stockies on and surprise everyone! works for me.

DavoAust
27-06-2009, 03:57 PM
are you going to do the rings whilst you've got the head off?

also why 6x9 all round and not 6-6.5"?

chrisw
27-06-2009, 07:22 PM
are you going to do the rings whilst you've got the head off?

also why 6x9 all round and not 6-6.5"?

Rings... possible, though I have never done a set myself, ill definitely put it in the think tank, though if i was going to do the rings, I would also be replacing the pistons, pins etc. I might as well if the head is off.

On the stereo subject, what would you really suggest? I have 6 inch speakers upfront and they are ok, however maybe its because I've been buying mediocre 6 inchers that the sound hasn't been too fantastic. I've always been pleased with the 6x9's that most friends of mine have.

I mean, the 6 inch speakers I have are fine, but there isn't as much bass as I'd enjoy, not to the extent of a subwoofer, but just a more bassy balance.

chrisw
27-06-2009, 08:37 PM
So far decided on going a charcoal or dark blue colour for the door and headliner. Will see when I get to the store what is available in what colours.

Carpet will be care of Knox auto carpets http://www.knoxautocarpets.com.au/moulded_carpets.htm

more than likely a semi-standard plush pile in dark blue or most likely black considering how i treat my carpets usually.

for $165 delivered im happy.

http://www.knoxautocarpets.com.au/colour%20thumbnails/Dark-Blue-Plush.jpg http://www.knoxautocarpets.com.au/colour%20thumbnails/Black-Plush.jpg http://www.knoxautocarpets.com.au/colour%20thumbnails/Charcoal-Plush.jpg

Rupewrecht
28-06-2009, 04:34 PM
Knox Carpets are good - i got one from there for a mates VL a few years ago.

chrisw
01-07-2009, 12:34 PM
Knox Carpets are good - i got one from there for a mates VL a few years ago.

Awesome, how did he find the quality and the level of fit and finish?

Should be good, black carpets on a deep blue interior.

Rupewrecht
01-07-2009, 12:45 PM
Awesome, how did he find the quality and the level of fit and finish?

Never had any complaints that i know of :)
It was a little difficult/awkward to cut the holes for though as it was so thick - and the same issues getting the trim in place too. No big deal, just something to consider though

bourbon
01-07-2009, 01:01 PM
id stick with 6inches in the front for speakers...you dont need 6x9s...if you do it properly with good quality splits in the front youll be fine...if ya wanna go overboard replace all the wiring for the stereo...as it will make a difference...

chrisw
01-07-2009, 02:51 PM
id stick with 6inches in the front for speakers...you dont need 6x9s...if you do it properly with good quality splits in the front youll be fine...if ya wanna go overboard replace all the wiring for the stereo...as it will make a difference...

Already on the agenda... bought some stuff today

-ive got a stockpile of 14 gauge wire
-2 6 x 9 MDF holders to go with...
-fiberglass matting and resin

Ive decided on some nice 6 inch splits upfront (thanks for the confirmation as well) and 6x9's in the rear.

mini custom fibreglass enclosures for the doors and rear parcel (ill explain when i get into the build, not that hard to do, but doing it for a good reason)

EDIT: OH! and as im rebuilding these door cards, ive got something special planned, that im still trying to work out how to pull off with ease. But if it works it will be a nice subtle touch that i havent seen done yet on any cars. I'll keep it as a suprise ;)

4 channel amp

decent headunit, at LEAST with aux-in, though i prefer USB.

DavoAust
01-07-2009, 04:27 PM
For front component splits i would highly recommend Polk DB6501's (6.5"). great sound for the money ($360~ RRP i think). plenty of mid/bass (you'll definately want an amp though). i had 6.5" MTX thunder axe, were pretty good for $250 (think they only have 6" now").

the rear 6x9" are mostly fill, good fronts will provide superior sound and staging for the driver/passenger nice to have but don't spend the budget on them.

to follow up on the rings, unless theres an issue with the pistons i'd just be doing the rings, bearings (maybe pins depending on wear) and using the old pistons/rods

derb
02-07-2009, 07:48 AM
you will have drama's with 90% of speakers in the BGs front doors. almost all speakers are too deep for the front door. so you'll have to deal with windows that dont go all the way down or put spacers behind them and cut perfect holes in your door cards. which still may not work as they might foul the window winders [if you dont have power windows of course]. i ended up putting in cheap pioneers as they fit and i was frustrated to hell with the splits i had.

chrisw
03-07-2009, 11:14 PM
you will have drama's with 90% of speakers in the BGs front doors. almost all speakers are too deep for the front door. so you'll have to deal with windows that dont go all the way down or put spacers behind them and cut perfect holes in your door cards. which still may not work as they might foul the window winders [if you dont have power windows of course]. i ended up putting in cheap pioneers as they fit and i was frustrated to hell with the splits i had.


I've probably not made it clear in the past, but im actually making fiberglass supports ON the door/door car, secured to one or both depending on weight.

so clearance will not be an issue, just the structural integrity of the doorcard itself.

derb
04-07-2009, 10:36 AM
oh, good stuff then. yeh might want to add some firbeglass to the back of the door card for added rigidity, but it should hold OK anyway.

chrisw
04-07-2009, 05:41 PM
oh, good stuff then. yeh might want to add some firbeglass to the back of the door card for added rigidity, but it should hold OK anyway.

Yeah whatever works in all honesty, just to keep the door card together with the weight of the speakers.

chrisw
05-07-2009, 12:05 PM
New purchases today:
- 5m of fibreglass mat
- tub of resin and catalyst
- big amounts of plywood
- some dowel
- some wooden strips

pics to come today of the current car state.

Golden Oldie
05-07-2009, 12:25 PM
Yeah whatever works in all honesty, just to keep the door card together with the weight of the speakers.

I will be interested in seeing your final result with the speakers. I had a hell of a time finding speakers that would fit. If it wasn't interferring with the window winder, they were too deep :mad: I ended up with some 3 way Kenwoods. They poke the door card out a little but, could still clip it back on again. Hardly noticeable.

The sound great, too!

chrisw
05-07-2009, 05:20 PM
I will be interested in seeing your final result with the speakers. I had a hell of a time finding speakers that would fit. If it wasn't interferring with the window winder, they were too deep :mad: I ended up with some 3 way Kenwoods. They poke the door card out a little but, could still clip it back on again. Hardly noticeable.

The sound great, too!

Im a gun with photoshop, but I dont have it anymore, and I'd rather not download it illegally :( oh CS4 i want thee! I used to be heavily into the digimods forum, probably spending 10-12 hours a day photoediting cars, finally getting to the point where I was able to airbrush (uhh tool in PS) a concept car, or total custom bodykits off a base car picture and make it look 75% realistic.

If i still had PS I would show you what im doing with the doorcards. Honestly I know exactly what you mean, once i got the cards out and had a look, all my drawings went RIGHT out the window. F**king window wiper... i wish i had an SP.

Basically I cant go all out custom for these doors anymore, though I will be modifying off the base card, custom raising the whole lower pocket area into one big raised area.

Once thats all fiberglassed, im going to try to work it out since that part is removable, that I have it removed from the entire door while I upholster my complete door and the speaker area separately, then secure it back on (annoying and fiddly, but the only way without tailoring the door fabric.

The speakers will be mounted into this raised section, because its raised, the window winders will be modified to be roughly 1 inch higher than stock, and 2 inches shorter, yes a cut and bog-mod basically. I'll have to run with it on the ball, to make sure its not fiddly or impossible to use.

the speaker will be slightly offset from the original position due to that winder :mad: however the rear of it will still be deep into the door, though the 1 inch in raising that it will have will hopefully clear the window.

Well, i guess you really have to see it to understand.. thus .. here comes an epically crappy paint.NET pointer... oh photoshop, where art thou.

Thanks to the member who I took the door picture off. credits for your awesome upholstry job btw! (sorry I actually forgot where I got it from on the forum, was a while ago).

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/3127/astinadoortrimun2.jpg

Golden Oldie
06-07-2009, 09:19 AM
Well, i guess you really have to see it to understand.. thus .. here comes an epically crappy paint.NET pointer... oh photoshop, where art thou.

Hey Chris, try this little freebie. It isn't bad at all. PhotoFiltre
http://photofiltre.en.softonic.com/

chrisw
06-07-2009, 02:06 PM
**Mon July 6th - Work begins on the doors**

So far I have been flying by the seat of my pants with no full plans set down, because of this it has once again been reviewed to mix up usefullness, with ease of building, while still keeping the looks.

With the doors, ive reduced the actual fiberglass and construction work to 30mm high off the door itself, to add to this, I will be using a 25mm 6" speaker mount. totalling 55mm, not including the thickness of the plywood or the door itself. currently, the speakers are 55-60mm deep, and should clear everything, and at most have some of the magnet inside the door.

The supplied you will need;

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/9098/dscf2802medium.jpghttp://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3947/dscf2803medium.jpg

Progress pics;
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/3351/dscf2800medium.jpghttp://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8388/dscf2779medium.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2233/dscf2798medium.jpghttp://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4199/dscf2799medium.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/3316/dscf2781medium.jpg

piccys of the car itself
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/5892/dscf2796medium.jpg
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/927/dscf2783medium.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3075/dscf2785medium.jpg

Golden Oldie
07-07-2009, 09:44 AM
Sorry for hijacking your project but I need a favour?

I have posted elsewhere regarding the central locking and my lack there of.
http://www.astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14690

Could you take a look at the central locking whilst you have the card off and explain to me how it's connected to the power box? It appears mine was taken out at some stage and I have nothing to compare it to. I have tried research on the net but can't find anything. All I have learned is, we don't have an actuator (SP?) but some kind of booster box. Did I explain that right?

I would really appreciate this. My wreckers aren't very helpful and don't know where esle to go?

BTW: Although early days, your ideas are looking great and look forward to watching your progress.

70NYD
07-07-2009, 10:22 AM
hi chris that looks like a great start. just one quick question regarding your windows, is your winder gonna clear your spacer?

chrisw
11-07-2009, 04:11 PM
yeah 70NYD... it will be a custom winder job unfortunately... and oldie, I have the same issue, due to being in a crash and the drivers lock being replaced, it seems someone disconnected the central locking, despite there being wires going into all doors. Ill get on it tomorrow :)

chrisw
22-07-2009, 11:00 PM
Pictures of the updates to come.

Work carried out today:

Stripped most of the interior, rear seat, all panels, headboard. the dash and centreconsole / front seats / carpet is still there since i broke my wrench on the front seat bolts..

the headliner board was cracked up and pretty perished, so the fiberglass came out, the headliner board now has 1 to 1.5 layers of fiberglass matting in most areas and is packing some resin. when I'm happy that it is structurally sound enough I will upholster it in nice new dark blue fabric.

I get paid this thursday or friday, so a trip will be taken to also buy fabric for the doors... the missus is having a say in it though since she drives the car alot... she wanted PINK FAKE MINK FUR.... i died a little inside but ive convinced her otherwise by saying it was a fire risk :P

chrisw
22-07-2009, 11:01 PM
OH and oldie... sorry but I can actually locate any central locking solenoids/motors in my car.

NaughtyGT
23-07-2009, 06:20 AM
Another Panda! :cool: Glad you sorted the front speakers out mate! the fronts are really the most important to get right. This is where you get all your vocal range & crispness ;) The splits give you that surround sound feel

chrisw
23-07-2009, 08:35 AM
LOL thanks naughty, yeah the front splits will be average quality, probably kenwood or pioneer, the models that run around $350, compared to the $40 6 inch 3 way pioneers I have now.
plus a nice 4 channel amp ;)

I still havent decided if im just going to have 6x9's in the rear as filler, or a mini sub.

chrisw
23-07-2009, 09:25 PM
ok new purchases;

- Interior fabrics and headliner board $210
- ACL Duralite 1mm overbore pistons... with rings and pins... $39 :confused: !!!!!
good ole farkin ebay!!!!

http://i16.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/55/f2/c760_1.JPG

chrisw
24-07-2009, 02:01 PM
more purchases!

http://carmate.com/Images/BodyKitImages/b11101.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/4/1/2/0/1/2/webimg/71795754_o.jpg

mussing
24-07-2009, 02:39 PM
With the trims off, are you gonna take the opportunity to sound deaden the outer shell? Would highly recommend it, gives your doors a really nice thud when you close them. A diffuser pad would also dramatically improve the quality of the sound you'll get out of the speakers too. It's fairly easy to do, the most annoying part is getting all that disgusting black gunk off!

chrisw
24-07-2009, 02:58 PM
With the trims off, are you gonna take the opportunity to sound deaden the outer shell? Would highly recommend it, gives your doors a really nice thud when you close them. A diffuser pad would also dramatically improve the quality of the sound you'll get out of the speakers too. It's fairly easy to do, the most annoying part is getting all that disgusting black gunk off!

despite the doors going to be fairly heavy with fibreglass everywhere, I will be sound deadening. :D

and im not sure what you mean by diffuser pad?

OH and for anyone who is looking at fitting aftermarket mirrors here are you options:
since there is no straight up fitting adapter for them your two closest ones are
- 98 integra
- 92-00 WRX.

I went the WRX adapter because it actually looked alot nicer on the car... note WILL require some modding to mount them, its not a straight bolt up job. but not difficult either

mussing
24-07-2009, 03:06 PM
By diffuser pads I mean this (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AX3656&keywords=sound+deadener&form=KEYWORD) sort of thing, basically they absorb the sound waves coming behind the speaker instead of reflecting them and causing distortion like the car door would.

chrisw
24-07-2009, 03:29 PM
ah... I'll have to have a look at them! I should have room to whack them in.

btw :)... Black classic loop carpet from KnoxCarpets is on the way awww yeah...

chrisw
25-07-2009, 01:50 PM
Progress today: The panda is getting its coat back!

Bought;
- etch primer
- gloss black duplicolour
- clear
- duplicolour gunmetal
- haynes workshop manual

Done;
- not much
- resprayed the side black trim... as a test, and i like it, so it will be done all round now.
- stripped the interior some more.
It's not perfect, but i like it, still hasent had a clear coat, and will have to wait a week to polish it up.
pics!
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3513/dscf2809medium.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1600/dscf2811medium.jpg
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5843/dscf2812medium.jpg
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2023/dscf2822medium.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/4281/dscf2825medium.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1808/dscf2828medium.jpg
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7320/dscf2830medium.jpg
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6174/dscf2833medium.jpg

chrisw
25-07-2009, 03:01 PM
T-minus 2 months till registration is due... I better get this thing roadworthy by then so it can stay on the road!!!

Edit: Engine wont be done for registration, so current job will be fine. However, unless I've miscalculated, the capacity will be going from 1839cc to 1886cc roughly. Thats a pretty decent jump! hopefully the block has it in it to take it, should do.

derb
25-07-2009, 06:49 PM
jesus it's looking exactly like mine now :eek:

chrisw
25-07-2009, 09:06 PM
jesus it's looking exactly like mine now :eek:

well you do have the coolest model of astina ;)
can I have your engine :confused:

derb
25-07-2009, 09:08 PM
can I have your engine :confused:

save your pennies or get a loan and get one. :p best mod ever.

chrisw
25-07-2009, 09:31 PM
save your pennies or get a loan and get one. :p best mod ever.

Nah its alright :P
I'll see how this "big-bore" n/a sohc job goes like.
although its not really big bore, im just saying that because the over size number 2 rings are only .5mm by haynes reference, im going the full 1mm and from calculations SHOULD gain about 40-46cc from it.

bringing it to a bore x stroke of 84 x 85

we will see what I can manage in my own garage, though the block and head will obviously get sent off to a shop for cleaning, boring honing etc. ill just get a shop to do the head, its quicker than I will manage on my own, and will be decked either 20 or 40 thou (for perfect mating, and for a tiny bit more comp.)
home special port and polish job, best I can do without a flowbench, I need a new cam anyway, so might as well go SLIGHTLY more agressive, not much though.

plus I think actually having a GOOD amount of compression in each cylinder is going to help the performance alot.

chrisw
26-07-2009, 11:37 AM
progress report: upholstery

The fabric I chose is actually applying really well to the plastic trim using only kwikgrip. looks really schmick! not bad for a 60 dollar job.

karamello
27-07-2009, 12:16 AM
can i ask why you are spending money on your engine?
i really cant see why you would put money into one that isnt going to be anywhere near as good as a dohc/turbo

Ghoru
27-07-2009, 07:28 AM
gotta work with what you have 'Mello

i just thought of something...i dont even know if mine is a SOHC or DOHC...i should find out...

NaughtyGT
27-07-2009, 07:34 AM
gotta work with what you have 'Mello

i just thought of something...i dont even know if mine is a SOHC or DOHC...i should find out...

Ghoru, that IS sad :eek: you are kidding right?

Ghoru
27-07-2009, 07:37 AM
well i thought it was a dohc but i never really took any notice till the other day as i only just started worrying about it being my project, anyway the other day i didnt see 2 cams, but i dont know my way around an engine bay aswell as some so...

NaughtyGT
27-07-2009, 07:38 AM
Nah its alright :P
I'll see how this "big-bore" n/a sohc job goes like.
although its not really big bore, im just saying that because the over size number 2 rings are only .5mm by haynes reference, im going the full 1mm and from calculations SHOULD gain about 40-46cc from it.

bringing it to a bore x stroke of 84 x 85

we will see what I can manage in my own garage, though the block and head will obviously get sent off to a shop for cleaning, boring honing etc. ill just get a shop to do the head, its quicker than I will manage on my own, and will be decked either 20 or 40 thou (for perfect mating, and for a tiny bit more comp.)
home special port and polish job, best I can do without a flowbench, I need a new cam anyway, so might as well go SLIGHTLY more agressive, not much though.

plus I think actually having a GOOD amount of compression in each cylinder is going to help the performance alot.

chris, whilst I understand you want to do the engine you have, pls listen to sound advice from experienced members. You will regret doing the SOHC engine as opposed to the DOHC (esp, Turboed donk) Power is power is NEVER compromise! This forum & all others like it is for those who seek sound advice over less desirable mods. You will be thankful if you @ the very least, seek SOUND advice, not unreliable, wrong advice.

If however you choose to do mod the SOHC, get the right info @ least! ;)

chrisw
27-07-2009, 04:49 PM
chris, whilst I understand you want to do nthe engine you have, pls listen to sound advice from experienced members. You will regret doing the SOHC engine as opposed to the DOHC (esp, Turboed donk) Power is power is NEVER compromise! This firum & all others like it is for those who seek sound advice over less desirable mods. Yo will be thankful if you @ the very least, seek SOUND advice, not unreliable, wrong advice.

If however you choose to do mod the SOHC, get the right info @ least! ;)

While its true It would be a better power gain to go simply to the DOHC or BPT im happy to have my own adventure through the SOHC build. and yes, im aware that even rebuilt, with mods, the DOHC would still be more exciting. If I could find a DOHC package for a cheap price I would consider it, however I still have the underdog syndrome.
EDIT: oh and for reference... i bid on the ACL pistons for the DOHC BP as well when I bought the SOHC pistons, it ends in 2 hours so if I win it, hey... 29 bucks for a set of pistons for a DOHC block as well, so if i did pick up a dohc block, id have the same amount of parts for either engine at current.

NaughtyGT
27-07-2009, 05:22 PM
While its true It would be a better power gain to go simply to the DOHC or BPT im happy to have my own adventure through the SOHC build. and yes, im aware that even rebuilt, with mods, the DOHC would still be more exciting. If I could find a DOHC package for a cheap price I would consider it, however I still have the underdog syndrome.
EDIT: oh and for reference... i bid on the ACL pistons for the DOHC BP as well when I bought the SOHC pistons, it ends in 2 hours so if I win it, hey... 29 bucks for a set of pistons for a DOHC block as well, so if i did pick up a dohc block, id have the same amount of parts for either engine at current.

er chris.....3rd time I've copied this for folk out there! No block, pistons or anything compares to a BPT, ECU, Harness & pipes for this price. Just can't do it! Check link below:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=190323278550

P.S. don't get me wrong mate, whatever you choose to do, that's cool. There's nothing wrong with choice or something different. Thumbs up for the project you do ;)

chrisw
27-07-2009, 05:46 PM
er chris.....3rd time I've copied this for folk out there! No block, pistons or anything compares to a BPT, ECU, Harness & pipes for this price. Just can't do it! Check link below:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=190323278550

P.S. don't get me wrong mate, whatever you choose to do, that's cool. There's nothing wrong with choice or something different. Thumbs up for the project you do ;)

Yep, and although that IS a fantastic buy for the price, im not interested as much, I'm an N/A fanboy at heart, love oldschool engines and underdog's

Although that engine is best bang for buck, I can't deny my heart for a little N/A :P though thanks for the advice since I know your trying to get me to realise how much more fun a BPT is

derb
27-07-2009, 07:18 PM
please don't get that underdog syndrome too bad mate, it will cost you heaps, i know from experience. that said, the 84x85 predicted bore/stroke gives you a nearly square ratio, which makes for excellent power output. perhaps do the same thing but slap a DOHC head on? maybe some quad throttle bodies later down the track....

chrisw
27-07-2009, 07:43 PM
please don't get that underdog syndrome too bad mate, it will cost you heaps, i know from experience. that said, the 84x85 predicted bore/stroke gives you a nearly square ratio, which makes for excellent power output. perhaps do the same thing but slap a DOHC head on? maybe some quad throttle bodies later down the track....

id consider a DOHC... and about the underdog thing, I still suffer from the effects of the SOHC hater's back when I had my 82 RT-133 corona with the 21R celica motor and 5 speed tranny... that thing was a total truck but it was hectic :P

chrisw
27-07-2009, 08:18 PM
just curious are those adjustable timing cam gears you see around for the BP engine suitable for the N/A BP DOHC in the astina?

Rupewrecht
27-07-2009, 08:29 PM
just curious are those adjustable timing cam gears you see around for the BP engine suitable for the N/A BP DOHC in the astina?

Yeah, any adjustable cam gears for B6 or BP will fit a BG BP

Golden Oldie
29-07-2009, 10:04 AM
OH and oldie... sorry but I can actually locate any central locking solenoids/motors in my car.

Thanks mate. Looks like ALL BGs didn't come with CL standard, after all. Any idea what those wires are for?

I must buy a haynes one of these days. I assume the wiring diagram is in it?

Great project BTW. I look forward to seeing your upholstery job.

chrisw
29-07-2009, 10:27 AM
Thanks mate. Looks like ALL BGs didn't come with CL standard, after all. Any idea what those wires are for?

I must buy a haynes one of these days. I assume the wiring diagram is in it?

Great project BTW. I look forward to seeing your upholstery job.

Im thinking they could be the wires for the headlight warning / roof light switches. since i know all doors make my car beep when i leave the lights on, and they all make the ceiling light come on too.

yeah the haynes manual is GREAT for mechanical stuff, however for minor body stuff you really need the 323F manual (I downloaded it from somewhere) which is bloody awesome for doing things like removing the headlight covers to change bulbs, or to find random things in the car.

chrisw
29-07-2009, 10:32 AM
just checking the RTA light vehicle modification info sheets. I know your not supposed to fit an engine from an older model than yours is, but will there be any issue with fitting another engine from my series BG that may be 2 months behind my build date?

chrisw
10-08-2009, 04:15 PM
Ah finally I got some days off, had a relax and organised all my parts today. tomorrow is the work day. up at 5:30am to get fist deep into some of this work that HAS to be done.

-I've just sanded all back around the windows as there was quite a bit of surface rust underneath the black paint. its also been rust converted. Tomorrow it will be zinc primed / etch primed and given a new coat of gloss black

-the front bumper is getting hacked, the middle grill is being gutted out (consider the bodykits that allow a big FMIC to pop through, that style) with all of the subframe painted fresh gloss black.

-new gloss black on the lower trim on the front bumped and side plastic bump strips.

-Numberplate will be offset to the left (checked RTA rules, this is fine)

-Finish off some more of the interior

Product test review: K&H Paint stripper. Really thick sex-jelly style substance, lovely poison warning labels. using mostly for my motorbike project. Managed to strip 5 year old baked on engine paint and near 30 year old paint off to the bare metal in SECONDS. this stuff is amazing.

derb
10-08-2009, 04:39 PM
sounds like you're getting into some proper work now mate. i've never been game enough to attempt any kind of body work. lol @ the hectic side number plate, but i realise its functional for you. and cheers for the headsup on that stripper, sounds like pure awesome in a tube.

chrisw
10-08-2009, 04:51 PM
sounds like you're getting into some proper work now mate. i've never been game enough to attempt any kind of body work. lol @ the hectic side number plate, but i realise its functional for you. and cheers for the headsup on that stripper, sounds like pure awesome in a tube.

OOOOOOMGGGG YULLEH!!! HEEEEEEECTIK!

well, half of it is hectosity :P but mainly to try and get a TINY bit more airflow going in that direction, plus id rather remove than repair the busted front bar.

yeah proper work is awesome, motivation is not :(

mussing
11-08-2009, 12:50 PM
Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and get some gumption into ya.

chrisw
11-08-2009, 01:00 PM
actually had that book on order from dymocks :P

pity... rainy day today so it has been too humid for me to paint. However I have given it a cut and wax since it hasent been protected in a while.
Purchased today: KYB struts, nothalene / nolathene... i forget the name now :( swaybar O bushes.

oh and got my tax done :) after I pay off my credit card and put some into savings I will have 2000 to play around with for parts.

chrisw
11-08-2009, 02:48 PM
Parts are on order!

Nolathane lower control arm bushes
Nolathane swaybar D bushes
Genuine Mazda strut mounts and spring rubbers ($225 each side :( )
Re-issued premium plate (the thin white and black) plates to replace my rusted yellow ones

Wheels:
I've had some trouble here, went to 5 stores to enquire about anything retro/oldschool/classic JDM... to wit I got the reply "You gotta be kiddin me" at nearly all the stores.

Tyrepower had only one answer but a helpful and nice customer service approach. Only things they could offer me was some nice Cragar 2 piece rims at $1600 for 17's ... not a bad price considering it will take a month to get them in 4x100 with the correct offset. Still considering this or to continue hunting.

What I really want.. Drag rims DR-20, 16inch
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4029/dragdr20onda.jpghttp://www.jdmcarboy.com/images/drag_dr20_low_offset_rims_1.bmp
What my options are at the moment.
http://www.custom-wheels-n-rims.com/images/cragar-wheel.jpghttp://www.spoiledcars.com/Pictures/CRAGAR%20-%20313%20Chrome%20Smoothie.jpg
http://www.antiquetyres.com.au/files/imagecache/new-wheels/files/Cragar-Delux2.jpghttp://www.jegs.com/images/photos/200/260/260-08415.jpg

I dont actually mind the smoothies or some of the cragars, but the style really wouldnt suit the 'stina I dont think

chrisw
11-08-2009, 03:05 PM
ROH Chicane look decent...
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/featurepics/2564.jpg

marcs_sp20
11-08-2009, 04:08 PM
the Roh's would suit the lines of the BG better, but thats just my opinion...

chrisw
31-08-2009, 04:18 PM
Ok, been out of the game for a bit, so got some more organisation done for the Astina project.

Organising with a seller thats wrecking a BG:

Seats
some interior trim
possibly a taillight

Need to get:
suspension mount and bushes... and to do them

Bidding:
17x7 Speedy lite-5's

Finally bought:
Carpets.

chrisw
01-09-2009, 02:32 PM
Yay, I won the eBay auction for some 17x7 45 offset Speedy Wheels Lite-5s
$380 bucks... not bad. pity theyre not retro, but they will do the job.
also bought my OEM suspension mounts and rubber grommets.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3705/53003186.jpg

RustyKaos
01-09-2009, 04:19 PM
Haha I was also tempted to buy those. Was watching but decided to go a different route. Good luck with them.

chrisw
01-09-2009, 05:23 PM
hehe, they should be fine... gonna be close to the suspension at the rear though. guards is no problem since im not dropped really low. Will be backed up with some nice slotted rotors (pity I can't get the DBA Gold slotted and drilled rotors for the front :( )

chrisw
02-09-2009, 03:30 PM
Yay, parts arrived. apparently the rubber sheet that goes between the spring and the top of the strut is now discontinued. doesn't matter, I don't need to pay 25 dollars for a piece of rubber ring :O

Old and busted.
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/3205/dscf2905medium.jpg

NEW HOTNESS
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3129/dscf2904medium.jpg


Old and busted... WITH NEW HOTNESS
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1660/dscf2909medium.jpg

chrisw
18-09-2009, 03:26 PM
Finally once again I have a bit of time off, work will begin Saturday afternoon.

Checklist:
- Remove front suspension and dissasemble.
- Assemble the 4 month old pedders springs on the new KYB shockers, with the new suspension mounts.
- put em back in! with the new balljoints, bushes and possibly tie rod ends.
- While im there, maybe quick inspection on the front wheel bearings.
- Put the new front brake pads in with the new discs.
- Inspect all wiring on the cooling system, and give the engine bay a good clean up.
- Put the short shifter in.
- replace the door panels and roof panels
- Give the car a proper clean out


Service:
- New plugs, compression test and an endoscope inspection of the combustion chamber. (hey why not, I've got it here for a few days lol)
- new oil and filters
- New coolant since its coming into summertime.
- New radiator cap since my one is buggered and leaks a bit. also 0.7 bar might be a tad bit weak... might hunt for a 0.9
- New valve cover gasket, inspect the valve tappets and put in back on after polishing up again. inspect the timing belt at the same time.

Astinadroxycuts
19-09-2009, 03:10 PM
How did you get the Mazdaspeed Tag?

chrisw
19-09-2009, 03:39 PM
How did you get the Mazdaspeed Tag?
any dodgy hectic'bro carshop will stock most badges, albeit imitations.

carmate has a large range, however I got mine from a little tuner shop out at narellan.

Astinadroxycuts
20-09-2009, 04:59 PM
Yea but i want mine connected like yours not piece by piece

Anyways carmate is just down the road from me ill will check them out

Chris where abouts in Sydney are ya man?

chrisw
20-09-2009, 05:47 PM
I'm in Campbelltown, though I regularly travel to chester hill / Bankstown. So if you ever want to have a cruise or meet up, its all good. Im usually at KK liverpool of a thursday night (though im with the bikers)

scott b
20-09-2009, 05:57 PM
ive got one of those mazdaspeed badges almost, if not, identical to that one. and i dont have the need to put it on anymore, from memory i paid about $20 for it.

chrisw
20-09-2009, 06:03 PM
AWWW YEAH. the BG got some of its 'nom nom nom' back.

Recipe for front suspension renewal.

Combine these products;
1. KYB GR-2(excel Gas) struts
2. Pedders Sports ryder springs
3. NEW OEM mazda strut mounts
4. Nolathane bushes
5. OEM mazda bits (various front stuff)
6. Generic ball joints (stuff paying 80 bucks for pedders ones!)

Mix well with the following.
1. 6 pack of OeTTINGER beer (mmm 3 litres, you will see why this is nececarry later)
2. coffee or water (if a hot day)
3. a few BASIC tools.
4. a spare hand or another car jack.

It all went together really well. 5 hours in total (3 hours for the left, 2 hours for the right) quicker on the right as this is the first time i've done any of this.

Its all a fairly simple job. I also inpected everything. the left balljoint wasen't too bad, but while the suspension was off. why not? I also was annoyed that one of my balljoints was ready to go, the other ball joint did not have the bolt pressed into the steel, we tried pressing the bolt into its position with nil result save a BENT vice.

the solution? we pressed the bolt out of one of the used balljoints, and pressed that in place. still a BIG effort but actually succeeded.

Everything else went without a hitch, though while working on the brakes, i tested to see if the rotor was grabbing and JAMMED my finger between the caliper and the disc (now you see why a 6 pack of beer is good).

Test result, 80km round trip, 30% highway, 70% bumpy side roads; VERY good, the shocks are much firmer than the originals. the OEM right shock was very delapidated, though the left was ok. no more creaks and noises (apart from the new bushes and mounts). The steering feels very tight, very stable and bites into the corner much smoother and quicker. overall "tight" is the word. no more wandering at highspeed and it feels fantastic. all I need is an alignment and new tyres on the 17's to be rolling in style.

pics.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1316/dscf2936medium.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2923/dscf2935medium.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4962/dscf2941medium.jpg
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/826/dscf2946medium.jpg
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/5618/dscf2944medium.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6373/dscf2938medium.jpg

Golden Oldie
01-10-2009, 05:41 PM
How's the progress goin' Chris?
I'm following and still want to see your interior stuff :)

chrisw
04-10-2009, 03:18 PM
Hehe, interior stuff is getting there slowly. I've been totally munted by work lately and wish I was on holidays. The new carpet is about 70% installed, did about 1 hours work on it and had to sleep :(

Black standard loop pile carpet. the door trims are coming along ok, except for finding that ALL my door cards were just falling apart. so im having alot of issues with this part.

Also picked up a fuel pressure regulator.