633 replies to this topic

[76lxhatch]

Thanks ass308

ls2lxhatch I wasn't aware of the rubber gaskets, but not too worried as I've never had problems with rocker covers, probably because the alloy covers don't flex the same when bolted down. Will keep it in mind for next time though and see if I can suss out a supplier in NZ. Sump gasket is another matter though, definitely have a one-piece there

[mrlctorana]

Looking great, very nice hatch you have there.

[76lxhatch]

Thanks mrlctorana

Main part of the exhaust is now done, just a couple of tweaks and some tidying up. Fiddly tailpipes to be built once the drop tank goes back in (currently away getting fittings welded on).



Mission for this weekend is to put enough things back together so I can fire it up!

Edited by 76lxhatch, 21 July 2017 - 11:04 PM.

[76lxhatch]

OK well engine is back in, again. Fixed the problem with the oil pickup, checked the bearings and added some more assembly lube for good measure.

Also bought a modified brake master cylinder, it has been stainless sleeved with a 1 1/8" bore for the front circuit, still 1" for the rears. I'm hoping it will give a bit more pedal feel and a higher pedal with the twin piston front calipers.

[76lxhatch]

It lives!

Now to start putting everything back together

[76lxhatch]

Thanks LXChev

i would love to here what the motor sounds like .if u get a chance.

how much too put back together ?

I'll see what I can do about the sound, the exhaust only goes to the mufflers so far so it echoes a bit under the car. Much better than it was though I reckon.

To-do list:
- set ignition timing and check valve lash
- finish front left brake line fitting and bleed all brakes
- finish hiding wiring in heater blower housing and refit, tidy up passenger side engine bay wiring
- tidy up wiring mess I have created under the dash
- waiting for drop tank fittings to be welded on, refit once back and set up filler neck
- build exhaust tail pipes around tank once in
- refit bonnet hinges and bonnet, shifter, clutch pedal, front sway bar, misc stuff that I have pulled apart
- a thorough clean!
- WOF and rego

Doesn't seem too bad looking at it now I was originally going to paint the bonnet hinges and underside of bonnet along with some other touch-ups, and repair the flares and front spoiler but I can see I'm not going to have time. Moving the UCA mounting bolts lower will probably also have to wait but at least I have marked and drilled pilot holes.

[76lxhatch]

Engine startup, the sound is not great on the video but not too bad:

(sorry, video died with image host)

No choke and timing still not set properly, but it starts pretty well from cold

Edited by 76lxhatch, 21 July 2017 - 11:04 PM.

[76lxhatch]

Slowly but still making progress...

- Brake lines are complete, everything is hooked up and brakes bled - I'm quite pleased with how well they came up.
- Blower housing sorted and ready to fit
- Most of the wiring tidied up, just a couple of bits to finish
- Clutch pedal and shifter reinstalled
- Bonnet and hinges cleaned and fitted thanks to some help today
- Cleaned dirty fingerprints off new engine bay paint
- Drop tank is almost complete, hopefully dummy fitting and final stuff tomorrow

[76lxhatch]

Looks like I will make the deadline

Has been a few long days but I've got to the point where the tank is complete, exhaust is done and everything is back together. Took it for a quick blat down the road today and the engine feels kind of strange but just needs a bit of fiddling. Speedo isn't working because I forgot to attach the cable when I put the dash back together (doh) but everything else seems to be fine. Book in for a WOF tomorrow, fingers crossed.

I reckon the tank looks pretty good, it makes the car. Hard to get a good photo but:

Edited by 76lxhatch, 21 July 2017 - 11:05 PM.

[76lxhatch]

Thanks guys, she's all sorted now and just in the nick of time for the Nationals this weekend.

Fixed a problem with the ignition, the Accel dizzy information is wrong regarding the magnetic pickup polarity (I removed the module and connected it straight to the MSD). It was firing at the wrong point and causing backfiring into the exhaust occasionally - I'm surprised that it fired at all, you could hear the spark arcing inside the cap as it jumped to the nearest post! Runs heaps better now as you can imagine. The tank turned out really well, and got the WOF today too. Exhaust is a bit loud but sounds awesome

[76lxhatch]

Thanks Phantom10, I just jump into this stuff boots and all, what's the worst that can happen...?

Will get some better photos over the next day or so for viewing pleasure

[76lxhatch]

OK just took it for a good squirt around the block, all seems to be well. Petrol station fuel pumps suck, too much pressure and it all comes back out the filler!

Lokka is interesting, you would never know its there when under power, just like a normal diff. It does make some noise on very tight turns under deceleration (e.g. turning into my tight driveway with foot off). I think it will be just fine for street use.

Some pics from 5 minutes ago:

Edited by 76lxhatch, 21 July 2017 - 11:05 PM.

[MRLXSS]

Looks fantastic mate! It sits very nice and looks PHAT!

Keep up the good work, and lots of pics!

[MRLXSS]

O, also. With the petrol tank pressure... Are all your breather lines connected? That will help you when filling up. My old tank didn't have breather lines and it just use to spit petrol out the filler if i did more that 1/4 squeeze on the trigger. Now i have a better tank in, it has all the breather lines and i can squeeze the trigger 100% of the way

[ls2lxhatch]

Most drop tanks do not have the breather at the back of the tank connected to the filler. I think this contributes to problems filling the tank, so I have added it to my drop tank.

[76lxhatch]

Thanks guys, yes the breathers are all connected as I bought the tank sealed with no breathers or filler and just copied the factory one. However the original tank used to pressurise too, although I could never figure out why as all the breather lines were always clear when I checked them.

Yep it is the 4WD systems Lokka, I discovered tonight that it can be a little temperamental when on/off light throttle, it seems to work best when either fully under power or deceleration. If I listen for it I can hear almost every click although I expect it may quieten down a little as it wears in, but there is definitely no problem with differential action under either drive or overdrive (only that little spot in between).

[76lxhatch]

OK time for some pics (sorry to those on dial up)

Edited by 76lxhatch, 21 July 2017 - 11:05 PM.