Damo's Astina 323 Hatchy!

[SLY 323]

NEW PICS HERE!
http://www.astinagt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=275012&postcount=210



Hey there,

I thought I would start a project log because I can see myself spending a lot of time with this car and I have many many ideas for it!

So recently, I purchased this 1995 Mazda 323 Astina Hatchback for just $1500, as a small car to run around on while my other project, (EL Ford Fairmont Ghia) was off the road. In the few days I've had it so far, I've seriously grown to love this little corner hugging car and it's POWA, which was very surprising to me from a little 1.8. :P

So far, I'm trying to get everything good on the car, I can't expect much for 1500 bucks, and I knew to keep it on the road there were going to be some dollars spent.

So far, I've gone through having the nut on the end of the axle, come extremely loose, and close to letting the axle coming out.
I've found water in the door (turns out it's ok for it to be there, just need to clean the drainage holes a little.)
The car is missing some pieces and the paint is in a terrible state, so I gave the paint some treatment with some Meguire's Scratch X. The paint then come up okay.
I've changed the headlight bulbs to Phillips 4300K Crystal globes.
I have also written up a list of items for the car too that I need, which I will post and hopefully some member can help me with that.

Here are some pics of how it stands now.

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/th_31072010283.jpg (http://s832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/?action=view&current=31072010283.jpg)
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/th_31072010278.jpg (http://s832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/
damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/?action=view&current=31072010278.jpg)
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/th_31072010280.jpg (http://s832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/?action=view&current=31072010280.jpg)
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/th_31072010279.jpg (http://s832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/?action=view&current=31072010279.jpg)
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/th_31072010281.jpg (http://s832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/?action=view&current=31072010281.jpg)
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/th_31072010282.jpg (http://s832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/?action=view&current=31072010282.jpg)


Current plans;
-Lowering
-18s
-New Extractors
-New Exhaust
-Cams
-Re-Spray
-Sound System
-Few Interior and Smaller Mods

[sik astina]

Car looks sweet as! Cant wait to lower it ;) What bits do u need mate?

[SLY 323]

Parts list;
-Courtesy Light Covers
-Drivers side speaker cover
-4 x 5x7 to 6 inch speaker spacers
-Boot Courtesy Light Cover (Old one was melted!)
-Battery Harness
-Parcel Shelf
-Strut Braces (Front or Rear)
-Candy
-Rear Bumper
-Front Drivers Side Guard
-Clear or Black Tail Lights (Aftermarkets)
-Fog Lights
-White Gauge Dials
Also anything that may be of interest to me to make my car look better or go better in some form :)

Those are some of the parts I need.
If anyone could help me with these parts pleeeease PM me.

[mkid]

sly man we got to for a cruise or something since we both in illawarra
id go frankies for speakers
check dapto pick apart for some of the other stuff
or give me a buzz and i know a few other places that are cheap

[SLY 323]

Dapto pick-a-part only have the BG, there are no BA's there :(

[sik astina]

Dapto pick-a-part have 3 astinas when i called a few weeks back. Its in the area that you cant get too but they get the part for you.

[mkid]

yeah they normally have the newer cars in the closed off bit
they will make you pay a bit more for it depending off who you ask to get the piece
theres one bloke who i think is bald pretty much gives the stuff away
then theres a guy who make you pay heaps
the one on industrial road oakflats is pretty cheap for smaller stuff
but really expensive for big things
that said i got a new BG bonnet for 75 bucks the owner went off at the bloke telling him they dont go for less than 210 so you never know really

[project.r.racing]

white dials and black tail light from ebay.

i'll have i rear strut brace for sales shortly.

i love stock cars. it's a clean canvas, ready to paint a expensive modified masterpiece.

[SLY 323]

I can't wait to get some things done to it, I wanna change some things in the interior.

I'll give Pick-A-Part a call tomorrow. I looked at carmate.com and saw the black taillights, $300 :O Is that about the right price?

I want to do everything right the first time, do everything how I want it and not to do it half-assed. I learnt that with my first car, I was continually painting the interior cause I never did it right :S

Does anyone know of a How-To to paint the rear beaver panel or know how much a car paint shop would charge?

Also, I have decided on a numberplate. But does anyone have any cool ideas for plates they are willing to share?

[RustyKaos]

Look in the for sale thread as there was some clear tail lights for sale.

[amberastina]

Was this car advertised in the local paper like i live on Central Coast and in our local paper there was one advertised for $1500 i wanted to call and find out what was wrong with it but never got round to it... if it is good price depends though whats wrong but good luck! :0

[SLY 323]

I've had look in the for sale forums, up to page 13, there was a lot of clear taillights for sale, all sold :(

I'd say that was the car, but my car was advertised for $2300 and I got it for $1500.

Needs new engine mounts, exhaust, and struts, which will all be done over the next 2 weeks :)

[project.r.racing]

coilovers?

[mikey_something]

I've had look in the for sale forums, up to page 13, there was a lot of clear taillights for sale, all sold :(

I'd say that was the car, but my car was advertised for $2300 and I got it for $1500.

Needs new engine mounts, exhaust, and struts, which will all be done over the next 2 weeks :)

get in contact with bourbon on the forums, should be able to do you a little better on the taillights.

painting rear panel, i was looking around at this a few weeks ago and asked a few of the guys on here about their secrets on how to get it done right.
the most common answer was
"take it to a paint shop and get them to do it"

i'm sure its possible to do it yourself with patience and care.

[RustyKaos]

Here's the link for you:
http://www.astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16774

If no luck there, Bourbon would be my next person to call.

[SLY 323]

The lights there are for a BJ, not a BA unfortunatly.

I'll have a chat to Bourbon then.

[mkid]

or have a look at this
http://www.club323f.com/?page_id=959
main reason most people get a actually painter to do it is because its hard to get
looking good
its not there saying someone cant do it

[RustyKaos]

The lights there are for a BJ, not a BA unfortunatly.

I'll have a chat to Bourbon then.

Sorry my bad I thought yours was a BJ. :o
Try Bourbon or if all else fails maybe ebay.

[SLY 323]

Found today that when I full lock my steering wheel, i get a clicking noise, and sometime the power steer belt slips.

Possibly CV's gone? :(

[SLY 323]

And it's now lowered :)

Thanks sik astina. Legend.

Pics up in like a few hours.

[project.r.racing]

Found today that when I full lock my steering wheel, i get a clicking noise, and sometime the power steer belt slips.

Possibly CV's gone? :(outer cv joint yes.

loose/worn/stretched belt, it's an $11 belt. or you can move the p/s pump a little closer to the radiator to try and tighten the belt.

[pr1mo]

i have a set of the chrome rear lights not on a car at the moment. think i need to keep them though.

[sik astina]

No worries mate, looks really good :)

[SLY 323]

No worries mate, looks really good :)

Haha the springs REALLY set it. It's almost tucking at the back. Can't make it in my driveway, probably going to grap some gravel today to re-do the driveway to make it a bit better. For now I'm parked on the grass out the front :)
When I get the 18s, It'll pick the car up a bit and I'll be better off.

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/07082010305.jpg

[sik astina]

i have a set of the chrome rear lights not on a car at the moment. think i need to keep them though.


Cant stop laughing at this and the little note under you name lol

[sik astina]

Haha the springs REALLY set it. It's almost tucking at the back. Can't make it in my driveway, probably going to grap some gravel today to re-do the driveway to make it a bit better. For now I'm parked on the grass out the front :)
When I get the 18s, It'll pick the car up a bit and I'll be better off.


lol, it looks good on stockies ;) Once you get the 18's on you should be fine going into your driveway etc :)

[SLY 323]

Now have a painted rear beaver panel, thanks to sik astina, and no rear wing. So this weekend, I'll be getting the sand paper and paint out to re-paint the boot :)

[SLY 323]

Also decided to shave the rear window wiper. Make everything flow :)

[SLY 323]

So the car doesn't idle well anymore at all, so looks like this weekend I'll also be pulling the throttle body off, and something in the suspension isn't doing as it should :( so that seems to be a plan for the weekend, but good side is going to pick up the 18s this weekend from phly.

[SLY 323]

Thinking I might just get a full mechanical and safety check with a written report. Not sure how much I would be charged but. Anyone recommend a good place in Wollongong to do so? I was thinking maybe UltraTune. Anyone know how much I'd be looking at?

[mkid]

sly that pic of it in the dark was it done at hill sixty or bass point?
a mechanical check shouldnt be to expensive maybe get a full service done at the same time
i get all my car stuff done at chris hodges automotive behind woolys in warilla
he builds a lot of mustangs and other american muscle cars
does very good work and is a top bloke
reasonable rates as well but i dont mind paying a little extra to make sure its done right

i have heard that places like ultra tune have make a certain amount of money off every person that comes in depending on what work is being done so they might tell you something wrongs and change it when it actually isnt just to get a bit more money off you
not to sure how true this is but a independant mechanic is normally more relibable than a chain of stores and cheaper

[Demanius]

beautiful car, put a kl-ze into it :) lol jokes

[SLY 323]

beautiful car, put a kl-ze into it :) lol jokes

I already CHOP V6 Commodores, so I'm happy with that ;)

[-dc-]

I already CHOP V6 Commodores, so I'm happy with that ;)

Hero... :rolleyes:

[SLY 323]

Hero... :rolleyes:

Don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all please.


I'm a P-Plater and the ability to take down what most P-Platers drive is enough for me. Wasn't braging how fast my car is. :rolleyes:

[SLY 323]

Got the 18's today. But unfortunatly I do not have any nuts to put the wheels on, so looks like I'll have to wait another few days till I can get my hands on some. Unless anyone knows of a place over the weekend.

[SLY 323]

Got the wheels on and looking sweeeeet! :)

Photo's up soon!

[SLY 323]

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/P8210424.jpg

[RustyKaos]

Very nice. :D I rikey!

[marcs_sp20]

they look like Phly's rims, nice!! :D

[phly]

lol glad to see them on a car low enough to make them look good. i could never lower my car enough to make them look nice cuz of my parking space

[project.r.racing]

how much is it lowered? looks good!

[Demanius]

I already CHOP V6 Commodores, so I'm happy with that ;)


Nice buddy, hectic rims :P

[SLY 323]

Ah it's been dropped 2 inches. They scrub only a little if I go hard on a left turn but thats only been once so far so if I just take it easy, everythings okay, :)

[70NYD]

v nice i like the car :)
that is my fav colour, and if i could do the car over i would get one in that colour :D

[SLY 323]

v nice i like the car :)
that is my fav colour, and if i could do the car over i would get one in that colour :D

Thanks :)


I just don't know what else I can do with the outside of the car without going over the top?
I'll probably do a headlight mod, get clear taillights and the factory fog lights. Then a sunroof and maybe a re-spray to freshen the paint, but I think it looks good as it stands now :)
As for performance, I'll probably look into a cam and some suspension bits.

[SLY 323]

Driving down the highway today at 100, I heard a bang, I looked back and realized that the rear housing that the center taillight sits in had snapped in half from the wind!

Now I need a new one :(

Anyone know where I could find one, seeming as Pick-A-Part claim to have none :(

[SLY 323]

New exhaust and new extractors this friday, going to be very nice. My old ones are a bit worn :) (holes everywhere!)

[SLY 323]

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/41061_430777708493_738798493_5224387_3492890_n.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/41061_430777723493_738798493_5224390_6022511_n.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/41061_430777733493_738798493_5224392_1275725_n.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/41061_430777728493_738798493_5224391_252688_n.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/59548_430775983493_738798493_5224305_5445267_n.jpg

Some updated pics for everybody :)

[project.r.racing]

your car is looking good. reminds me of my engine bay 5 years ago. alarm, extractors, dodgy air filter with no support bracket.

[mkid]

looking good there damo
me and you will have to head up bassy to take some pics of your BA with my BA
where you get the extractors from?

[Clean_Cookie]

ive got "hurricane" extractors on mine, wonder if they are similar - are they the brand or the actual name for them? got mine with the car already installed... mine were all corroded and yucky until i painted them yesterday. looks like they've saved you the trouble! looking excellent. thats the low look im going to try for when/if i get more money to waste on coilovers! always thought SL springs would be lower than that!

[Demanius]

Looking good, hope everyone is well on here :)

[SLY 323]

So, I have noticed over the last few days, there are a few things that the car is becoming in desperate need of.

Engine Mounts (Engine vibrates way too much!)
Distributor & Rotor Button (Did service, but still has a little flat spot in the revs)
Wheel Bearings (Making a horrible deep drone noise)
Valves Re-Sealed & Head Gasket (To stop the smoke and going through so much water)
K&N Filter (Only have a cheapo filter on & seems like its being restrictive)
CAI (Remove that stupid resonator)
Intake Piping (The piping is cracked & making the car idle off sometimes)
Check Thermo Fans (Car gets rather hot and they don't turn on)
Horn (Doesn't work period)
Indicator Switch (Don't turn off after turning)
Rear Brake Pads (Are EXTREMELY low)

All this is a rather large list :(
But all needs to be done.
All besides Intake piping and Valves will be done this weekend though!

Which makes me very happy.

[SLY 323]

Anyone know where I should/could go to get a new (preferably stainless steel) piping that will include the idle pipe. The oil piping can be put into the oil catch can i bought :)


Also MKID, I was reading your new BA's thread. Saw that you go to SC Agencies. I will have PM'd you about that ;)

[mkid]

replyed to ya sly
give us a shout if you need any help fitting this stuff

[SLY 323]

Does anyone know where I can buy a intake pipe? preferably stainless.

Also, where I can get supplies to do some fibreglass work to make a custom enclosure?

Or anyone know how much the stuff costs. I'm pretty keen to give it a go myself to make a small 10 or 12 in enclosure.

[alex_d]

Autopro a does a small fibreglass kit in Motospray brand, includes 500ml resin from memory and hardener, there is a fair amount of chopped strand approx 1sqm and thick, separated could get 2sqm out of it, $50-60 for the kit I think.

Australasian Fibreglass deals direct with the public, sorry can't remember their address and I have also seen some stuff in Bunnings.

[SLY 323]

Looks like this car is no more. :(

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/PA040518.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/PA040516.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/PA040515.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/PA040517.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/95%20Mazda%20323%20Astina/PA040510.jpg

Story goes, traveling to work. Car in front brakes hard as do I. And a 4WD just continues on into the back of my car. The lady was fair shaken. I was a little hurt from whip lash, other than that my car was the only car that was damaged, I ended up in the back of the car in front, and didn't do any visible damage. The 4WD had a bull bar, so that explains the extent of the damage. The car is a write-off, no doubt.

Time to look for another one :(

Everything done over the last 3 months is a waste...

[NaughtyGT]

oh FARK! :eek: Ya gotta be joking. Is it insured? & did you get the particulars of the lady 4WD owner? I'm so sorry for you dude! :(

[Rupewrecht]

Bloody hell, glad you're ok!

[70NYD]

:( sorry to hear and see this man
hopefully you are ok, whiplash can leave lasting damage :(

[SLY 323]

I'm insured. She's insured. I got all of her details.

Hopefully get another of these beautiful cars :)

I loose out on some of the mods done to this one, but will hopefully salvage some of it all.

[sik astina]

Ouch, hope ur ok

[Mad Mat]

mate i'm so sorry to here about that... its a real shame.. was a good lookin car...

hopefully u'll find another ba just as sexy as this one was a:)

[SLY 323]

Ouch, hope ur ok

Yeah, I'm good. Bit sore.

Might loose out on those struts I got from you unfortunatly.

I'm looking hopefully at a series 3 stina.

[sik astina]

See if u can take and put the springs in the new one?

[NaughtyGT]

Further to what Tony has pointed out, just make sure you record health particulars such as the "whip lash" so insurance/hospital/GP records etc can file just in case there is some complications up ahead that are foreseen now!

[SLY 323]

They will want the car before they give me a cheque for insurance. Which means I wont be able to pull the struts off before getting the new car.

I might need to find someone with the stock struts to borrow :(

[SLY 323]

Further to what Tony has pointed out, just make sure you record health particulars such as the "whip lash" so insurance/hospital/GP records etc can file just in case there is some complications up ahead that are foreseen now!

I completely agree. I already plan on going to my local gp tonight. Having some neck problems and headache.

[Cosmo Dude]

Good to hear that you're OK. Hope you also got the deteils of the car in front and have told your insurance company about it, if there is damage to their car it wouldn't look good if you hadn't told your insurer about that part.

[marcs_sp20]

Damn! Good to hear you are ok, and definitely get checked out!!

[SLY 323]

Please, anyone with stock struts? or even springs?

I wanna try to keep all I can.

[Rupewrecht]

Can you buy the wreck back from the insurer? Much easier then.

[mkid]

holy c@!# sly
thats such a shame
its good to hear your ok tho
id buy the wreck back and strip it completely down keep what you want sell the rest. and give the shell and whatevers left to a scrappy
i feel sorry for ya mate
its good you got her details
where did this happen btw?

[mikey_something]

Wow mate that looks like a huge hit! Glad to hear you're ok and hope you ge your stuff sorted. Bullbars are bull**** :/

[SLY 323]

They say I have to follow the car back to auctions.

It's got the whole exhaust and the low springs.

It wouldn't go for much but would be a pain getting back here again from sydney auctions. pointless that they wont let me buy it back.

[Rupewrecht]

Time to chance insurance companies then, that's crap :(

[SLY 323]

That's NRMA for ya.


What's anyone think of this?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9346869&__Qpb=true&keywords=&Cr=8&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&SearchAction=N&__N=1216%201247%201282%20442%20898%204294965340%20 4294964064&silo=1011&PriceTo=442&seot=1&__Nne=15&__No=0&trecs=64&__sid=1290C69BB2F9

needs a new rear bumper but other than that.

also think that the number of k's is supposed to be 188,000, not 1,880,000

[SLY 323]

Or?
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=9343237&ref=RecentItem&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__N=1216%201247%201282%20442%20898%204294965340%20 4294964064&__Nne=15

I gotta start looking for something new. So any suggestions around the price shown in the 2 cars stated would be nice if anyone know anything or anyone?

I'd prefer something not series 1, but beggers can't be choosers.

[Rupewrecht]

What's anyone think of this?

Hmm, BG SP seats that wont match the rears, dodgy speaker mounting, and the rear guard is dented as well as the bumper. And due for a timing belt soon. Better off spending $4k on something in better condition IMO

[SLY 323]

I can only buy what I get from the insurance, which my estimate would be 3-3.5 as its market value insured.

Timing belt isn't hard to change. The car I've got needed a new rear bumper. The dodgy speakers, well I'd be putting something else in anyways.

Well what about this then?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8669059&__Qpb=true&keywords=&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&SearchAction=N&__N=1216%201247%201282%20442%20898%204294965340%20 4294964064&silo=1011&PriceTo=442&seot=1&__Nne=15&__No=15&trecs=64&__sid=1290C69BB2F9

I'd be without a car for sometime, but would be possible to get only the extra 500 pretty quickly.

[mkid]

i think if you made a big stink about it they wont send it to the auctions
also whos with nrma you or the women???
as my mate had someone run into his torrana. they were with nrma and the day after they looked at it they gave it to him for 100 bucks. and the accident was a lot less damaging than yours
ring them and question them why

[mkid]

also there was a silver astina at unanderra the other day
same colour as siks dailys drive. standard hubs, no spoiler, no tint for 3.5k

[SLY 323]

V6's are 5 stud hey?

[Rupewrecht]

Yeah.

[SLY 323]

How hard is it to find extractors for the KF-ZE? I'm thinking about the V6, but seems like mods are a tad limited.

Might stick to the 1.8 :S

[Rupewrecht]

Easy to find extractors for the V6 - new on ebay they're under $250!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mazda-MX6-Ford-Probe-V6-Exhaust-Manifolds-w-Downpipe-/260672024338?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb1436f12

The V6 responds well to intake/exhaust/fuel mods, and don't forget you're starting from a quicker base to begin with.

[project.r.racing]

i would've brought the car back from the insurer. those mods are worth more than the $700 you would've had to fork out to get it back.

[Clean_Cookie]

he said he couldnt ryan AFAIK - unless he bids for it @ auction.

[project.r.racing]

well that's uber gay.

[SLY 323]

Easy to find extractors for the V6 - new on ebay they're under $250!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Mazda-MX6-Ford-Probe-V6-Exhaust-Manifolds-w-Downpipe-/260672024338?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb1436f12

The V6 responds well to intake/exhaust/fuel mods, and don't forget you're starting from a quicker base to begin with.

They're for the 2.5L but?

Same thing or what?

[Rupewrecht]

They're for the 2.5L but?

Same thing or what?

Yeah, same thing in terms of external physicalities. Apparently they need a small adjustment to the u-bend at the bottom of the rear manifold, but that's pretty minor

[Ghoru]

TRD laser! :D

[SLY 323]

So I have my eye on two V6 models.

Both stock as a rock. One is a series 1 ($3900), with the crappy interior but well looked after outside (not sure about the engine), and the other is a series 3 ($3500), well looked after engine (Lady owner, owned for 9 years, new clutch) and interior (grey!!!!!) but exterior need the clear on the roof and bonnet re-sprayed.


Which would you choose if you were in my position.

Both have the same amount of k's, and the series 3 has 3 months more rego.

Prices are also well and truely neg says the owners.

[SLY 323]

TRD laser! :D

How much did that thing sell for in the end? LOL!!!

[mkid]

have you got the links sly?
i would take the second one
better off with a good engine than a good paint job
if the engine blows then the car is worthless
paints flaking then it only loses a bit of value
please make sure you want a V6 tho as prices for everything go up
running costs, repairs, insurence, rego
if any engine work needs to be done its bas@#$% of a job

have a read of my old thread before i got mine
http://www.astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16830
some good info on that

[SLY 323]

Well insurance wouldn't be overload more, the rego wouldn't be as it's in the same weight class as the 1.8, only greenslip would be a tad more I guess.

Are the V6's that unreliable that I shouldn't get one? :S

I'm confused now haha.

[project.r.racing]

the 2nd one. getting a car with a good engine is better than panel work.

respray body = $1000
rebuild engine = $3000

[Clean_Cookie]

the 2nd one. getting a car with a good engine is better than panel work.

respray body = $1000
rebuild engine = $3000
i agree. ive sort of done both!

[mkid]

the V6 are as reliable as the I4
its just more expensive to run, and more expensive to fix if something goes wrong

[mikey_something]

the I4 platform is easier to mod than V6 if im correct?
not that it cant be done... just harder?

[Rupewrecht]

the I4 platform is easier to mod than V6 if im correct?
not that it cant be done... just harder?

Not really. I4, drop in a BPT. V6, drop in a KL-ZE. Suspension is all the same.

[Cosmo Dude]

Things look difficult on the V6 due to space but having done timing belt and water pump on each I'd say they are 'bout the same.
You need to be a bit more methodicle with the V6. I.E. take off the strut brace, remove the battery, remove the battery tray so you can change the fuel filter easily. Also allow more time to do some things like replacing the rear valve cover gasket 'cos it takes an hour to remove the inlet manifold.

[mkid]

the BP in the BA can use stuff from the MX5 laser and a few cars
the KL can use things from the MX6 and the 626
but i think there is more stuff avaliable for the BP since it was in so many cars
also the B series engine has been around for a while now so more things have been made for it

[SLY 323]

I've noted that there are more overseas aftermarket bits for the V6.

Still making the decision.

[SLY 323]

Okay, so update is that I get to keep the car after writing NRMA a letter.

Unfortunatly, I may not get any more than say $2000 for the car as that is the average price of the car. I have been told by someone from NRMA that I can kick up a stink by sending in print outs of identical cars from carsales.com and their prices and send them to the claims department to let them know, that I will not be able to purchase another car with the amount of money they supply.

So things are looking up, but we'll have to see what they decide to pay me on Monday when the assessor comes around to see the car.

[project.r.racing]

if you get to keep the car, the payout will be less overiously.

market value is $4500 for BAs. dunno where the $2000 came from. unless they were confusing it with a BG.

[SLY 323]

Most definatly it will be less due to me keeping the car. Thats what I find out by how much on monday. Rougly guessing, around $200-$400 if it's any more than that I can fight it and say well no, you can't.

[NaughtyGT]

the I4's are easier to work on due to engine bay room. V6's take up mosty of the bay & can be very difficult to maintain. Especially changing manifolds. But they are in no way unreliable. They are a great engine! I have owned 3 & still drive 1. Due to all aluminium build, DON'T overheat them EVER! The Dizzy's can be expensive & fail due to the heat transfer as it sits at side of the head. They are very punchy/responsive, either the ZE or the DE. They are very reliable & economical. A good one will do 600kms+ on highway. 550kms with combined driving. Still 500 odd if your up it all the time. I used to push the ZE to redline daily. Wouldn't now due to coppers everywhere.

V6 Longevity is better too of course. Should get 350-400kms out of a well serviced one. The one I drive & get up it enough has clocked over to 312k & uses almost nil oil. Runs daily & using 10w40 too. I think 15w50 would be better on an older engine like one in my MX6 but these Jap engines are pretty tolerant of anything you do. Can be tappity but this is due to the quad cams (mega moving parts) & quick start rpm. They rev quite noticeably upon start. Just some info I thought would be useful.

P.S. you don't need to change oil every 5k on a healthy NA engine. Turbo yes due to the oil feeding through the turbo seals (wouldn't want old spent oil going through this) You can add an intermediate filter though. On an older one you may change more regularly to keep contaminants out.

[SLY 323]

Okay, so pretty decided on the V6. I'll sell off the current exhaust setup to get some dollars for a new one. Anyone know if a 5-to-4 Stud conversion on these cars safe? Considering I have great 4 stud rims and I want to keep them, but they obviously don't fit on the V6 5 stud hubs.

I been looking on Youtube, at vids of V6's. O'boy do they sound good :)

[Rupewrecht]

You could do a straight 5->4 swap, but they you're losing out on much better brakes. And it wouldn't be legal, due to going down in size.

You could get use the V6 knuckles, 4 stud hubs, and get some blank V6 rotors redrilled to 4 stud - then it'd be ok and you're not downgrading

[mkid]

sly id take all the flashy stuff off the car like the seat covers and pedals, pod filter
bring it back to standard as much as you can before the man comes round to check it
you dont want him to give a smaller payout because its modified
the more stock the better

[NaughtyGT]

Good advice! If it looks stock it'll be noted that it is in good resale figures. Modded suggests perhaps you've driven it hard?

[project.r.racing]

he is not selling it. he is geeting it assessed for it's current value. mods = $$$.

[SLY 323]

So does one think I should put the 18s back on?

I have left all of the pedals gear knob and what not on. I have none of the stock bits :p

Unfortunately, the salvage price (what they can sell it for) comes out of what I get for it.

I find out on Monday what they will give me for it. So the more I make the car look better and make the market value more, the more the salvage price would be.

So I'm stuck in a tie. Probably going to leave it as is and see what happens. I know I need roughly 3gs. I can save up what the difference is between that and what a good V6 323 would cost. Which is looking around the 3.5k mark.

[SLY 323]

Too late now. The assessor has come & gone. Dad spoke to him. Yet to find out what the cars worth.

Have to wait up to a maximum of 10 days.

Let yous all know when that time comes around!

[Demanius]

Glad to hear your ok, far out bull bar nightmare :(

[NaughtyGT]

Here's hoping buddy :cool:

[SLY 323]

Driving to work today in my partner's car.

EVERYONE decided to drive extremely slow today due to the heavy amount of traffic, fair enough, but 40 in an 80 zone...
Everyone just can't keep a good flow, it's stop go stop go stop go.

Also, no one will let you in anymore! It's like "Hey, get to the back of the line buddy." When the time comes that your turn off has come and your still not where your supposed to be, it's too late and you have to take the next turn off and be late for work.

At time's I can be an aggressive driver, I'll usually push my way in and I'll turn off. Leaves the people who try to cut you off and make you late behind you. I'm not saying I cut people off, I try to be as polite as possible when driving, thanking most for who let me in with a nice gesture of sorts. The ones who can't be polite on the roads or can't keep traffic moving are the one's who cause accidents! They're just thinking of themselves. Yeah sometimes I won't let someone in, but if I've seen them weaving in and out of traffic like a twat, I think I'm doing everyone a favor by not doing so.

So I'm late for work today, well so I thought until realizing the clock in the car is 5 minutes fast thank god. :o

Ah, well there's my rant for the day. I'm just so angry because I missed the maccas turn off :)
Feel free to swing away and let me know if you think any different. Haha. :p

[Demanius]

Okay, so pretty decided on the V6. I'll sell off the current exhaust setup to get some dollars for a new one. Anyone know if a 5-to-4 Stud conversion on these cars safe? Considering I have great 4 stud rims and I want to keep them, but they obviously don't fit on the V6 5 stud hubs.

I been looking on Youtube, at vids of V6's. O'boy do they sound good :)

yep, mine is loud, and it sounds off its face with exhaust :)

[NaughtyGT]

Driving to work today in my partner's car.

EVERYONE decided to drive extremely slow today due to the heavy amount of traffic, fair enough, but 40 in an 80 zone...
Everyone just can't keep a good flow, it's stop go stop go stop go.

Also, no one will let you in anymore! It's like "Hey, get to the back of the line buddy." When the time comes that your turn off has come and your still not where your supposed to be, it's too late and you have to take the next turn off and be late for work.

At time's I can be an aggressive driver, I'll usually push my way in and I'll turn off. Leaves the people who try to cut you off and make you late behind you. I'm not saying I cut people off, I try to be as polite as possible when driving, thanking most for who let me in with a nice gesture of sorts. The ones who can't be polite on the roads or can't keep traffic moving are the one's who cause accidents! They're just thinking of themselves. Yeah sometimes I won't let someone in, but if I've seen them weaving in and out of traffic like a twat, I think I'm doing everyone a favor by not doing so.

So I'm late for work today, well so I thought until realizing the clock in the car is 5 minutes fast thank god. :o

Ah, well there's my rant for the day. I'm just so angry because I missed the maccas turn off :)
Feel free to swing away and let me know if you think any different. Haha. :p

You should come live here on the Victorian Peninsula. That is normal, when the road works aren't out haha :p

[Cosmo Dude]

You should come live here on the Victorian Peninsula. That is normal, when the road works aren't out haha :p

Most roadworks have miraculously been finished or been put on hold... Anyone smell a state election?

[Clean_Cookie]

haha. i hate drivers pushing in, weaving etc... today was a classic case for you clearly... but there was a celica being an idiot so i just made him miss a really LONG light, for his trouble... haha that was hilarious... sorry to those behind him but accidently on purpose stalling works wonders. esp when the cop is waiting at the intersection for people to run it like they always to. i see the lights about to go orange and zoom off... haha - im usually not that evil but he almost ran into me 3 times in 5 minutes previously...

[SLY 323]

Okay,

So I put a deposit on a car this weekend. It is definatly what I need.

It is a 1996 model, so it's a series 2. I'm still stuck with the green interior (oh well) 186,000ks. 100,000 thousand less than the previous car. All stock(ish). Paint in very good nick compared to the other car. Mechanically A1, unlike the other car, and is very smooth and quiet (but not for long says my dad!)

I went for a 3 hour drive today to check it out and hey presto it was just what I was looking for!

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220566.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220565.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220561.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220567.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220569.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220570.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220574.jpg

Damage to the door;
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/96%20Mazda%20Astina/PA220559.jpg
How hard does anyone this this would be to fix. It's also on another door. Person say's it's from a recent break in to the car which the sound system was stolen.


So, when I get the car, I have a lot of transferring of certain parts to do!

-Suspension
-Exhaust
-Wheels
-Sound System

Then there's a few things I need to fix.
-Missing 2 speaker covers! (The other Mazda had just 1 missing. LOL)
-Clean the pod filter on the car (Really dirty)
-General service.
-A good detail.
-Fix the intake pipe, it's got tape on it for some odd reason.

I'll also have a few cool little bits to add also!
So stay tuned ;)
LOL

[SLY 323]

Just speaking to my partner. In the last photo. We both look uber fat. But we are not, okay! :)

[project.r.racing]

the intake pipe is not original. it's a hacked up version of original and something else. eww.

the afm wiring looks dodgy and the IAC does not have any pipe attached to it from the intake pipe.

you'll need to get a new oem intake pipe. and i'd just buy a new air filter.

how much they want for it? $1500?

[SLY 323]

I can take the intake pipe of my old car. :) I think it's 2 intake pipes hack into 1 to put the pod filter lower. LOL
AFM wiring is good. IAC pipe actually comes out underneath, we can't see by the pics.

Also, it's K&N filter. Just with a recharge kit and it should be good. If not I'll grab a newy.

2k. originally 2.5k. Bargain I think! Paint is great! Lowish kays. (Considering the last one I bought for 1500 had 280,000 ks) And the engine purs like a kitten and runs so smooth!

[project.r.racing]

sold! and even better if you have part from the old one to fix this one up.

[mikey_something]

Do I spot tweeters on those doors? The paint is definitely in good nick! Aside from that door damage.
It looks like they jammed a screwdriver under it and tried to wedge it off in a series of spots. So youve got a heap of mini dints. I don't think they would be easy popped out, maybe need that section heated back out.

Btw this is a 4cyl not a 6 right? Thought you'd decided on a 6.
Looks a very good find!

[mikey_something]

Btw, you knockin intake pipes held together with tape? :p

[SLY 323]

Do I spot tweeters on those doors? The paint is definitely in good nick! Aside from that door damage.
It looks like they jammed a screwdriver under it and tried to wedge it off in a series of spots. So youve got a heap of mini dints. I don't think they would be easy popped out, maybe need that section heated back out.

Btw this is a 4cyl not a 6 right? Thought you'd decided on a 6.
Looks a very good find!

AH yes, I decided to go with the 4 in the end!

Yes there are tweeters. Good eyes! Front and back. Just the main speakers are missing from the front from the break in.

[Ghoru]

that door handle should just pop out fill up the dents with a little filler and grab a can of touch up paint

[mkid]

looking good damo
when can i come round with my toolbox???? lol
where did you get it? 3 hours drive jesus

[SLY 323]

Picked the car up yesterday! This weekend is going to be craaaazy! :) I'll keep you all posted on what happens.

[SLY 323]

Car is looking IDENTICAL to the one that was wrecked, before it was wrecked ;)

It looks very nice.

At the moment the car is well. Having a few electronics problems, and smelling fuel very strong under the passenger door, but car doesn't seem to be going through fuel or anything.

That's about all the news for the moment.

Pics up soon!

[SLY 323]

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCN0275.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCN0274.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCN0273.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCN0276.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCN0282.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCN0283.jpg

Here are some pics! Sorry it's been a while since I updated this with some photos.

[Buzz_LightYear]

bit of a polish and wax job and it will look sweet as

[Rupewrecht]

Looking good! :)

[ethand]

hmm lookin good! makes me kinda jealous, actually, coz when I went to buy my current car I couldnt find any circa-'96 astinas for under $4k, so I went for a Eunos instead...
Sux to live in WA :/ haha

[mikey_something]

Looks real nice mate, running stock shocks with the kings?

[SLY 323]

Looks real nice mate, running stock shocks with the kings?

Ah I believe they are. They were bought from sik astina (Mick) which were previuosly on his show car. So I'm not 100% sure, they're pretty solid.

[NaughtyGT]

bit of a polish and wax job and it will look sweet as

polish & wax? Looks farkin smick to me unless the coc' hasn't worn off yet haha :p

Sly, rapped you've found another to take the place of the orig' It's trumps as for as I'm concerned man :cool:

Looks farkin' HUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SLY 323]

polish & wax? Looks farkin smick to me unless the coc' hasn't worn off yet haha :p

Sly, rapped you've found another to take the place of the orig' It's trumps as for as I'm concerned man :cool:

Looks farkin' HUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha, thanks mate! You've made my day.


Thanks for all the nice comments :)

Will be getting around to some new plans for it soon. Going to try keep it simple.

[mkid]

it does look awesome man
do you still have the wrecked one?

[SLY 323]

Yep, still got the old car. Ripping it apart very soon.

I got the alarm working. So that's a cool feature!

Also, the dealership sent down the log books. Ow boy this car was a good buy. Recently had all the belts done, always serviced, and recently had a new clutch a few thou k's ago.

Also fixed a speaker issue, where the crossover was wired wrong, so the sound system is good.

I really need to find a pair of 5x7 - 6 inch speaker converters? Anyone shed some light on this?

[project.r.racing]

plywood...

[mkid]

sweet i will send you a pm on a few small things im after if thats ok?

on the speakers tho
6" speakers will fit in the front but you will lose bass
some people have done a 5 x7 to 6 x 9 convert by chopping out some of the door card and a few other things
theres a guide on club323f on it
however due to some of the site being down still i cant get it

[SLY 323]

Send me a PM and I'll see what I can do!

[SLY 323]

Okay, so I'm changing direction a bit here.

I'm now going to look for a nice set of coilovers (ones that are camber and height adjustable) a sway bar and some strut braces. :)

I want the car lower, and I want some camber! Might aswell make it handle good while im at it!

Also looking into getting a sunroof. I think they look good, and will be good in summer.

Car's paint also needs a bit of touch up so that's in order too!

[SLY 323]

Cars currently having some issues. Idle is out of whack. Sits between 1-2k and seems to always fluctuate and never sits still. Thats unless I ride the clutch to force the rpm down then it idle's perfectly!
Not sure if it has something to do with the change of belts yesterday? Might have them to tight and the idle is making up for the tension.

Also, on start up, with the new belts there is a minor squeak then it dissappears, also a sign of to tight a belts?

Anyone help here? Got the cruise tomorrow and don't want to have a screwy upy car :D

[SLY 323]

So, just loosened and re-tightened to the point where it just doesn't squeal on start up or when the steering wheel is on full lock. So that seems all good. Now all I got to do is figure out why the car is idling so odd.

I disconnect the throttle body position sensor and the problem dissappears, then I reconnect it and it comes back. But this was the same problem when it started last night when I disconnected the afm it went away, so I swapped out the afm and the problem went away for about 5 minutes

[70NYD]

clean your IAC?

[mikey_something]

Did you respray in black or was it just dark at the cruise?
Looks mint either way

[SLY 323]

Did you respray in black or was it just dark at the cruise?
Looks mint either way

Cheers! Yeah the car does look black, but it is noble green.



At the moment looking at buying some turbo bits. Going to start off with the small bits then buy the expensive bits a bit later when funds permit.

Looking at a FMIC, boost controller (manual or electronic, whats the difference?) boost gauge, all piping, air filter, injectors, fuel pump and turbine.

How big of an intercooler should I get, obviously one that will fit inside the stock bumper with little modification?? Also, could I run an FMIC along with a water cooled intercooler?

Also have a chance to snatch up a t28 turbo from an s15, this shouldnt be too big of a turbo right?

[Mad Mat]

i have a t25 thats just been reco'd if ur interested...

Cheers! Yeah the car does look black, but it is noble green.



At the moment looking at buying some turbo bits. Going to start off with the small bits then buy the expensive bits a bit later when funds permit.

Looking at a FMIC, boost controller (manual or electronic, whats the difference?) boost gauge, all piping, air filter, injectors, fuel pump and turbine.

How big of an intercooler should I get, obviously one that will fit inside the stock bumper with little modification?? Also, could I run an FMIC along with a water cooled intercooler?

Also have a chance to snatch up a t28 turbo from an s15, this shouldnt be too big of a turbo right?

[SLY 323]

i have a t25 thats just been reco'd if ur interested...

What did the T25 come off? And the main question, how much? :p

[Mad Mat]

What did the T25 come off? And the main question, how much? :p

it came from the states and it came off a 2002 msp. was goin to keep it but for the right price i'll sell it ;)

pm me

[project.r.racing]

Cheers! Yeah the car does look black, but it is noble green.



At the moment looking at buying some turbo bits. Going to start off with the small bits then buy the expensive bits a bit later when funds permit.

Looking at a FMIC, boost controller (manual or electronic, whats the difference?) boost gauge, all piping, air filter, injectors, fuel pump and turbine.

How big of an intercooler should I get, obviously one that will fit inside the stock bumper with little modification?? Also, could I run an FMIC along with a water cooled intercooler?

Also have a chance to snatch up a t28 turbo from an s15, this shouldnt be too big of a turbo right?i see no mention of pistons in that shopping list?

[SLY 323]

i see no mention of pistons in that shopping list?

Well, to be honest, I'm not sure where to get them! Everything on that shopping list is the beginning. I'll need more like ECU, decompression plate to lower the compression, or lower comp pistons. Pistons, Cams, Manifolds, Exhaust. All the things that will be expensive last... :D

Although an opportunity for cams has arisen, so maybe they will be first as I have no clue where to get those either...

[SLY 323]

Someone stole my plates.
"SLY-323" :( LOL.

Went on the RTA website today to put them on order...

They are now gone. :(

Anyways.

[mkid]

damn they would hav looked sick damo
now what are you gonna get???

[project.r.racing]

Well, to be honest, I'm not sure where to get them! Everything on that shopping list is the beginning. I'll need more like ECU, decompression plate to lower the compression, or lower comp pistons. Pistons, Cams, Manifolds, Exhaust. All the things that will be expensive last... :D

Although an opportunity for cams has arisen, so maybe they will be first as I have no clue where to get those either...if you ain't getting pistons, then it ain't worth spending money on boost guage and adjuster. As you'll be running low boost and no need to see/do pressure changes.

[NaughtyGT]

Someone stole my plates.
"SLY-323" :( LOL.

Went on the RTA website today to put them on order...

They are now gone. :(

Anyways.

"those who hesitate" :o I feel your pain. I eyed off BAD300 (Merc Forum username) plates for a month or so & was waiting till' near registration to get them. When I finally bit the bullet to order them online......yep, they were gone! You can sure spend time looking up combo's too can't you :eek:

[SLY 323]

if you ain't getting pistons, then it ain't worth spending money on boost guage and adjuster. As you'll be running low boost and no need to see/do pressure changes.

Thats fair enough.

Where would I find a good set of pistons and how much?! :)

[SLY 323]

[I]You can sure spend time looking up combo's too can't you :eek:

Hahah, yes!

Been on here for 3 hours so far on the RTA website looking for a good combo.
So far haven't come up with much that fits in the category to be only the $90 p/year as apposed to being $470 p/year

[mikey_something]

i hate the yearly fee for MI-92-KE
i hope they abolish it.
however the fee is so worth it.

gettin people messagin me saying they saw me
gettin randoms leaving messages on my car.
cause i leave my car outside work and they leave me phone numbers on my windshield.
(no joke...)


hope you find a good one.
are you limited to SLY something or something with sly in it?
theres other ideas you can go for :)

[project.r.racing]

Thats fair enough.

Where would I find a good set of pistons and how much?! :)mx5 plus
mx5 mania
mx5 centre
ebay
etc

[SLY 323]

mx5 plus
mx5 mania
mx5 centre
ebay
etc

Ah forgot. Our cars share the same engine as the mx-5. :)

Sweet as, thanks for the info!

[SLY 323]

Ah forgot. Our cars share the same engine as the mx-5. :)

Sweet as, thanks for the info!

I found these!
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PISTON-SET-MAZDA-FAMILIA-GTX-GTR-LASER-TX3-BP-TURBO-1-8-/160467729555?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item255c9f3c93
or
http://cars.ebay.com.au/New-Wiseco-1-mm-pistons-Ford-TX3-bp-1-8-mx5-turbo_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ150529919846

But the bottom Wiseco piston set says that there is a 1mm overbore, meaning I would have to have to block bored to fit these?

[NaughtyGT]

Hahah, yes!

Been on here for 3 hours so far on the RTA website looking for a good combo.
So far haven't come up with much that fits in the category to be only the $90 p/year as apposed to being $470 p/year

A YEAR :eek::eek::eek: We pay the $495 & have them for life! :eek: What the :confused::confused:

[Ghoru]

someones getting had...

[SLY 323]

Just double checked with the RTA. It's an annual fee of $440.

I think I'll move to VIC. LOL.

[RustyKaos]

Try QLD:
$415 for combo 3 letters and 3 numbers
$2295 for any combination upto 6 characters

[SLY 323]

Try QLD:
$415 for combo 3 letters and 3 numbers
$2295 for any combination upto 6 characters

:eek: !

Well, not going to QLD in a hurry.



Back on the subject of the pistons. I would be able to get away with a set of BPT pistons surely? They're much much cheaper than the Wiseco ones.

[NaughtyGT]

Just double checked with the RTA. It's an annual fee of $440.

I think I'll move to VIC. LOL.

sorry to labour the point......no you wouldn't want to come here. Speed cameras EVERYWHERE. 10 x the other states :( Stay in New South Welshland ;)

Back on the subject of the pistons. I would be able to get away with a set of BPT pistons surely? They're much much cheaper than the Wiseco ones.

Would depend if pistons were a better alloy but @ least they will give you the BPT CR.

[project.r.racing]

there are heap of forged low compression pistons on ebay that are the same 83mm bore as standard.

[70NYD]

I'd personal get the 1mm over sized and bore the engine out, unless you know the exact condition of your bore.. This way you will get that little more displacement and little new power 2 ;)
Those qld personalized plate prices were for lifetime, so a one off payment of etc
On topic FCUK you pay that much in nsw to have personalised plates PER YEAR?? wow now it makes sense why the stock ones are yellow :p

[mikey_something]

im only payin $99 a year.
i reckon its worth it.

[marcs_sp20]

im only payin $99 a year.
i reckon its worth it.

I think you're getting jipped, I paid $425 for mine 3 years ago, and I keep them FOR LIFE, and I dont have to pay any annual fees...

[Mad Mat]

i think you're getting jipped, i paid $425 for mine 3 years ago, and i keep them for life, and i dont have to pay any annual fees...

+1 ;)

[SLY 323]

there are heap of forged low compression pistons on ebay that are the same 83mm bore as standard.

I can find plenty of them, but for a set they are $500US.

I'm not sure how much I should spend. If I got the more expensive ones, over the BPT ones, does that mean that I would be able to run a higher boost? = more power?

[NaughtyGT]

I can find plenty of them, but for a set they are $500US.

I'm not sure how much I should spend. If I got the more expensive ones, over the BPT ones, does that mean that I would be able to run a higher boost? = more power?

Forged means just that. The shot-peened alloy can handle more internal stresses/power & where FI is concerned, more heat (ie: boost). Does the $500US include ring set? If so, very good price :cool: especially due to our $ @ present!

[mkid]

just to clarify on the plates
it use to be a one of payment of around $400
however they changed the rules a few years ago making it a yearly payment
however if you sell the car the new owner doesent need to pay the payments
just a money grab by the rta to be honest

[70NYD]

so if the car changes hands, the new owner doesnt pay for the personalised plates.. who does then?

woah 500 is a awesome price. when i was looking at parts cheapest i found was 850 for wisecos overbored and eagle h-beam rods with rings included, but there was only few for sale and it was gone like 2 days after the sale started
doing this isnt cheap man, but if your smart about it you can minimise the losses that might plague you later. anything that can go wrong that involves a need to remove the head to fix is worth replacing first

[mikey_something]

so if the car changes hands, the new owner doesnt pay for the personalised plates.. who does then?

woah 500 is a awesome price. when i was looking at parts cheapest i found was 850 for wisecos overbored and eagle h-beam rods with rings included, but there was only few for sale and it was gone like 2 days after the sale started
doing this isnt cheap man, but if your smart about it you can minimise the losses that might plague you later. anything that can go wrong that involves a need to remove the head to fix is worth replacing first


I Dont know a lot of people that would part with their personalized plates when selling unless it suits the car not the driver.
I know if I remove my plates and sell my car, I can keep them for one year for no charge and then they must be returned to RTA. but if I put them on a car I get charged again as usual.
I assumed if I sold the plates to someone else, they would take over the payments??
If that's not the case, a couple of rego transfer fees between family and I have lifetime free plates?? :S

[mkid]

thats the thing no one does the payments just stop
the idea behind it is that the new owner may not want the plates
so they dont have to pay for it

[70NYD]

so why not attach plates to a POS and change ownership 2 times??

[sik astina]

Thats not right Kane, If i sold you my car/plates BDAZLD you would have to pay the yearly fee. If you didn't like the plates you just hand them back in to get the yellow and black standard ones which cost about $30 or premium black and white $90, both with random letters/numbers.

Full custom ones was always a yearly fee, White and black plates with personal letters was a once of payment many many years ago. My UNL35H i paid about $160 once off but these days you have to pay yearly.

[SLY 323]

Thats not right Kane, If i sold you my car/plates BDAZLD you would have to pay the yearly fee. If you didn't like the plates you just hand them back in to get the yellow and black standard ones which cost about $30 or premium black and white $90, both with random letters/numbers.

Full custom ones was always a yearly fee, White and black plates with personal letters was a once of payment many many years ago. My UNL35H i paid about $160 once off but these days you have to pay yearly.

Thanks for clearing that up Mick :) I was getting confused then :confused:


Alright, I should grab them pistons before the turbo and before they disappear. Anything else needed? Seeming as I'm replacing the pistons I'll probably go and replace some of the other consumables. New water pump and put cams in along with all new bits to make it run smooth. If I was to just have the pistons in without a turbo for say a month or two, how would that go? or just save up all the money needed and do it all at once :confused:

Thanks for all the help guys!

[70NYD]

Rods as well

[Buzz_LightYear]

i like qld because you buy the personalised plates you own them. doesn't matter if they are on a car or not. you just have to pay to attach or remove them from a vehicle

[70NYD]

If you buy lower compression pistons then it wiuldnt run smoothly without a turbo. If your getting turbo cams aren't reeealy important.
Water pump and all the belts are a good idea. And if the crank is coming out it wouldn't be bad to get new bearings as well as all new seals

[project.r.racing]

i'd be purchasing a 2nd hand BP engine from a BG Astina SP, as those blocks had the oil and water feeds, and rebuilding it. Then swapping it in. That way you can drive yor car around until you are ready to drop it in.

As for the pistons, that all dependson what you require from the engine.
low comp + high psi = huge lag + big power, or high comp + low boost = minimal lag + medium power.

[mkid]

Thats not right Kane, If i sold you my car/plates BDAZLD you would have to pay the yearly fee. If you didn't like the plates you just hand them back in to get the yellow and black standard ones which cost about $30 or premium black and white $90, both with random letters/numbers.

Full custom ones was always a yearly fee, White and black plates with personal letters was a once of payment many many years ago. My UNL35H i paid about $160 once off but these days you have to pay yearly.

thanks mick fair enough then

[SLY 323]

Just an update;

Cars currently unregistered. No work = No money = No rego.

Ha. SO! First priority is to get the car registered, then back on track with the turbo!

Oh, also, will be organising a cruise in the coming months. Maybe a larger one than before. Will post a thread to discuss it!

[A.E]

On the plate issue I bought mine with YLO-323 on it and I have to pay a $80 annual fee.

[project.r.racing]

I have found your plates!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2002-Mazda-323-Protege-SP20-Blue-5sp-M-Sedan-/270702117028?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3f071a80a4

[Demanius]

OMG, nice find Project, go get those plates sly lol :P

[Rupewrecht]

Ha, and they're on a SE20 too

[SLY 323]

I have found your plates!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2002-Mazda-323-Protege-SP20-Blue-5sp-M-Sedan-/270702117028?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3f071a80a4

Hahah, NO WAY! What a jip! I want them :(

[mattylagana]

sly man we got to for a cruise or something since we both in illawarra
id go frankies for speakers
check dapto pick apart for some of the other stuff
or give me a buzz and i know a few other places that are cheap

did you guys ever dooo this, soo keen to start a meet from time to time with heaps of people in the Illawarra, if somone cold start a thread asking who is in the Illawarra that would be awesome cause I have no idea how to lol, ps incase your wondering who the **** is this guy, names matt slys mate, and yes in the Illawarra!!

[mkid]

hi matt
its just me and damo from the illawarra but there is a few of the others in the shire and campbell town area that we cruise with, along with a bunch of guys from au starlet club

me and one of the other guys are organising a up coming cruise but we havent put it on the website yet.
everyone is busy with work, cars etc. and as far as i know damos car is still off the road getting things done to it and hes driving the 3 around

i will be going on a little cruise with a few mates from other clubs and uni soon. up to robinson pie shop for some photography that they like doing.
you are quite welcome to come if you like and can try to get damo to come out as well

cheers kane

[mattylagana]

yeah man would be keen as, if you could pm me a date when you know and i get onto damo, few days in advance would be awesome, I'm still trying to get the hang of this site could you ad me as a friend would make it easier for me to get in contact with you, and before we part ways i4 or v6?

haha had to ask :)

[mkid]

it should be around 2 weeks time
mine and damos are both BP 4 cyclinders

[mattylagana]

it should be around 2 weeks time
mine and damos are both BP 4 cyclinders


I'm all alone with a v6 :)

[SLY 323]

........

[SLY 323]

........

[mattylagana]

Charching camera

[SLY 323]

Hello again!


Well I figured I should finally update this after the few lost months of work overtaking my life!

AH so. What have I recently done. Well;
- Fitted new water pump, timing belt, tensioners, alt belt, power steer belt and rocker cover gasket.
-Painted slam plate + rocker cover gasket
-Fusion Powerplant splits front + rear
-Painted beaver panel
-Rear end respray
-Mazdaspeed front lip
-New tyres
-Black Mesh grill
-H.I.D kit
& I'm sure there's more I just cant think of it! :)

Well here's some pics! :)

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCF0116.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCF0112.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCF0115.jpg
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCF0114.jpg

So there we go!

Ah, so basically, on the items either I have or on the way are;

-New window tint
-Passenger door respray
-Mazdaspeed side skirts
-Alarm (Old alarm only now immobilisers)
-Coilovers
-Whiteline strut brace
-Whiteline rear sway bar
-JDM wind deflectors

Idea of the turbo has left my head as I started saving for a new car instead. :)

[SLY 323]

Here's some pics of when I did the timing belt. Hell of a job.

Out with the old

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/DSCF0117.jpg

In with the new

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/P6160169.jpg

Dirty Dirty.
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/damianstevenson91/P6160171.jpg

[SLY 323]

Currently having the wing and garnish reaprayed. Along with all the mudflaps.

Next up is the front bumper and roof. Then a full cut and polish.

Then some engine work! :)

[bradlz82]

where is the pics of this new car u got i wanna see it bro

[laserlynx]

I am on the fordlaser forum as well and i see you listed cams to be done, speak to a bloke called wozzah off fordlaser.com for your cams he done mine and very cheap, any mods that you need done custom send me a pm as i have built my car around custom stuff and know a few good people around to do the work and a lot of people who fukked me over, example of some custom stuff is a inlet manifold, new flywheel to suit a RX7 clutch and have done a lot more.

[mattylagana]

different thread.. damos restoration or somthing ay

[mikey_something]

first pic in post #210 is so boss. love that stance. are they just King SuperLow and stock shocks?
realllllly want a MS lip.
looking good buddy.
how many is too many btw... :p

[mattylagana]

first pic in post #210 is so boss. love that stance. are they just King SuperLow and stock shocks?
realllllly want a MS lip.
looking good buddy.
how many is too many btw... :p

it does sit so ****ing nice ay, is the colour stock?

[SLY 323]

first pic in post #210 is so boss. love that stance. are they just King SuperLow and stock shocks?
realllllly want a MS lip.
looking good buddy.
how many is too many btw... :p

Cheers dude! Uh, King Super Lows.

MS copy lip can be bought from carmate.com, though I hear they're not recommended.

it does sit so ****ing nice ay, is the colour stock?

Stock colour mate :)

[mattylagana]

oi hot shot sparky> my parkers arnt working at all now :@ dam you!!! lol to be fixed tomoz i may have to make a list after bring my car into your work NOT IMPRESSED lol :)

[mattylagana]

ps: what do you use to uplaid pics :?

[SLY 323]

ps: what do you use to uplaid pics :?

Photobucket! :)
Create a free account and enjoy.

[Rupewrecht]

Thread cleaned at OP's request. Have an issue? PM a member of the IMC.

/Admin.

[SLY 323]

My gearbox is currently out. Figured it was time to change it after putting up with the tough shifting. Figured I'd go to the g series box while im at it. Noticed the significant differences between the gearboxes. Also out for a new clutch, lighten or just machine the flywheel and replace other little bits also. Possibly noticed a leaking rear main seal and dizzy seal too. I'll take some pics soon.