Buckets Money Wasting Project

[Buckets]

G'day guys

Since I'm new here I thought I'd open a thread about my project RX7. I've owned it for just over a year now having bought it off Tradecarview in Japan one day when I got bored at work. The plan was to build up a track day toy but I'm currently leaning towards using it as a tarmac rally car. The car has been in and out (mostly in) of LF for a while now and it's about to be stripped out resprayed and have it's 2nd motor since I've owned it rebuilt.

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=DSC00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC00003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=13052010640.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/13052010640.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=13052010644.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/13052010644.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=13052010643.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/13052010643.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=13052010642.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/13052010642.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=13052010638.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/13052010638.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=09092009049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/09092009049.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/?action=view&current=03092009040.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/03092009040.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I currently have a C West kit @ LFP waiting to go on but I'm really liking the Mazdaspeed Spec R kit so I dont know if the C West kit will stay. Let me know what you think. Oh and it's getting sprayed Candy White (Golf Gti colour) so I'm thinking of getting matt black RPF1's as well. I know it's stupid to worry about the style of your race hack but...

[180SXTCY]

Love the cage!

[31-EVO]

Very cool, definately my favourite shape.
Wish I could buy cars from Japan when I was 'bored'

[Sfidz]

+1 for loving the cage.

i'm guessing this isn't a road rego'd vehicle?

[Gr3mlin]

Tell tale sign that some people have just too much money. hahaha




bought it off Tradecarview in Japan one day when I got bored at work.

[jaybee]

b-reg id say. ill be watching this thread!

[_oz]

that cage is nuts who fabricated that? so much detail

[RS_Gav]

Seen this in at LF. As stated a million times or so.. Brad's cages are just awesome. Works of art.
Nice car mate.

[c.rusli]

that is one nice cage.. dammn..
its going to be another monster rx7 ;)

[Buckets]

Any suggestions on the body work should the C West kit go on or not? I really can't decide.

[ED40]

fucking awesome! Id liek it with a new set of tough jap rims and no body kit!

[MISS 13B]

Mmm that cage is sexeh!

[mitchy]

god LF do some arousing cages.

nice track hack too! i think the mazdaspeed kit would look better.

[VT SS]

leave it as it looks now its a track car ;)

[Crashdaddy]

Rpf1's look great. What size and offset? Plus the Mazdaspeed front for sure! I'm in Perth with a series 6 as well and want both the rpf1's and mazdaspeed front bar...let me know if you find the front bar at a good price and where you get it from.

I'm about to start my track build. Did LF do your motor work as well?

[Buckets]

Rpf1's look great. What size and offset? Plus the Mazdaspeed front for sure! I'm in Perth with a series 6 as well and want both the rpf1's and mazdaspeed front bar...let me know if you find the front bar at a good price and where you get it from.

I'm about to start my track build. Did LF do your motor work as well?

LF have done the brakes, gearbox + clutch and the cage + other minor jobs so far.

The current motor was from Rotomotion but it's going to ripped out in the next few days/weeks and LF will have their way with it (and my wallet no doubt) while the car gets painted. LF will also get the suspension sorted as I'm not happy with the HKS hypermax set up I have at the moment.

Rolling stock wise the RPF1's are 17" I forget the offset but the Yoko's are 235 (F) 255 (R)

I'm trying to find the Mazdaspeed gear at the moment in the USA of all places. Because we can't find the CF bonnet or anything in good nic let alone new for a reasonable we might just make our own. If you shoot over to FDRX7.com I've got thread started drumming up interest for a limited production run of R-Spec parts by the company that makes alot of the V8 Supercar aero gear. If your keen get on board and I'll let you know how we go.

[Brockas]

If you're using it for Tarmac stuff, I'd keep it kit-less. After a respray it will look shmick anyway!

That cage is just pornography. Love the work LF do.

As for rims, some tough Advan RS rims with an aggressive offset would set it off perfectly IMO.

eg:
http://www.wws.co.jp/gallery/img/122.jpg

[flamo_damo]

Car looks good mate, agree with Brockas keep it kit-less and just get some nice rims.

[Buckets]

Update:

The C-West kit went on while I was in Karratha. I found out they had sent me the C-West Drift front bar not the NII but it looks okay. (Shitty Nokia pics)

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/07102010690.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/07102010692.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/07102010691.jpg

Got a Mazdaspeed R-Spec Hood on the way.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/rspechood.jpg

I'm still in two minds as two if the kit looks right or not. I'll wait until the wing goes on and it gets painted I guess.

[31-EVO]

Sorry, but that kit does nothing for me on that car.

[AGIT8D]

Kitless wound down hard over 18s running lots of neg camber with sticky ass semi's would've been a huge boner!

[Yakky Bear]

+1 to agit8d's comment although i still look forward to see this thing finished!

[jaybee]

definitely +2

[Atomic_FD]

Series 8 front bumper ftw :P

[180SXTCY]

Kitless wound down hard over 18s running lots of neg camber with sticky ass semi's would've been a huge boner!


THIS.

[Atomic_FD]

Where do i get those sideshirts?

http://www.wws.co.jp/gallery/img/122.jpg[/QUOTE]

[Baggus]

oh god im moist...

more pics!!

[TJ]

Kitless, you need a wing to make downforce... they actually do work on FD's, slammed .. win

[kurbn]

holy shit fuck thats hot.. my cheeks puffed up and my pants became tight just now.. do it!

[Buckets]

Where do i get those sideshirts?

http://www.wws.co.jp/gallery/img/122.jpg[/QUOTE]

From memory they are Feed side skirts. Check RHDJAPAN for them or Shine Auto for a knock off version.

http://www.rhdjapan.com/feed-afflux-carbon-fiber-side-step-fd3s-29099

[bhappy]

not a fan of the kit either. may look better once painted and dumped.

[Klutch]

Yeah, they're the FEED sideskirts.
the FEED fenders go well with the sideskirts ;)

[Ali_G]

looking good man. where's that workshop? it looks strangely familiar

[Buckets]

LF Performance, New pics due soon car is due out of paint in the next day or so.....

[Fujiwara13]

PICTURES! Where are they?

[Buckets]

PICTURES! Where are they?

Went around today to get some pics of my new paint job but for some reason it was back at LFP still looking like this. They say it will be done next week so heres hoping it's done and get the new wing fitted before I fly back next

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/13122010012.jpg

The new turbos and the CF Mazda SP airbox have arrived I'm still undecided as to if I'm going to use these twins or go single. But the BNR Stage 3 have quite a good rep.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/BNR5.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/BNR3.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/BNR1.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/sp1008kj3.jpg

Building cars sucks. I should have bought a Evo X RS...

[RGVFAST]

Building cars sucks. I should have bought a Evo X RS...

But then you would'nt own a good looking car.

[urabus]

If you go to a single turbo you wont be able to run in things like targa west and or targa tas. Stock FTL! You have spent a lot of money to keep your options down to things like the speed event series and duttons on the east coast!

Brendon

[Buckets]

Finally; almost. Paint is 90% done I'm getting the inside + cage done again just to tidy it up so come Monday it should be sitting back at LFP ready for motor build.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25022011053.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25022011052.jpg
^sorry for poor quality pics I use my phone.

BTW going single turbo now, fuck the Targa regs !

[mys1]

Can still Circuit race :)

Also the twins hold in heat and cook the water seals meaning pull down more often :( Single FTW!

Cage is beautiful! White definatley a good colour!

[Daveo]

Great looking Fd you have there :) Cage looks solid like a mountain goat.

[kurbn]

Car looks incredible!

[jaybee]

going to be so good when it's all done!

[Pav]

Damn you cashed up miners!

[patty]

Damn you cashed up miners!

I know aye haha

[180SXTCY]

keen to hear this thing swinging off limiter!

so so so much win.

[Buckets]

After sending the car away for painting in November it has finally rolled back across the road to it's corner of the workshop at LF Performance. It's still not 100% but it's as close as I need it in reality it's a track toy not a show pony.

The C-West kit looks better on the car than it does in the photos but I think once it sees some action and gets tatty I'll go kitless.

LFP are currently finishing off custom carbon fibre wing and I have new front bar lights and a Phillips HID kit ready to bolt on. I've ordered a set of C-West canards and a undertray for the front end. Once this a windscreen and all the rest of the old parts go back on it will look like a car again.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25032011069.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25032011070.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25032011071.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25032011073.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25032011074.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25032011075.jpg

Yes it needs more low (coilovers are wound up so it's easy to get on / off hoists) and I have currently have offset fail but 18' Matt Black Advan RS-D's should fix that sometime in the future.

Just waiting on the new 13B-REW to arrive. Got sent a link to this video last night. Can't imbed it but it's Hitler loosing his shit parody about his 13B.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XhXB8XDYYc

[AGIT8D]

Bombed cage!

Any idea what the cage weighs?

[jaybee]

soooooo fucking good.

[Buckets]

Bombed cage!

Any idea what the cage weighs?

No idea mate but the should car come in around the 1050-1200kg mark in race trim depending on fuel load ect but I'll ask Brad next time I go around to check up on it.

[j3rk]

...So much want for that cage...

[magic1]

so much want for a ride in this!

its better than your honda

[jesse-92]

love the work very nice mate what engine mods she got

[Buckets]

so much want for a ride in this!

its better than your honda

I like the Honda, I hate this car !


love the work very nice mate what engine mods she got

The no engine because 13B's blow up all the fucking time mod. :)

Got a brand new 13B ordered although if this one blows either the FD goes or it's getting an LS2.

[jesse-92]

oh ok then if you dont like the 13b chuck an ls2 in it it would go hard as fuck

[Buckets]

I love the 13B I've just killed 2 of them and a gearbox and a diff and my bank balance since buying this in 2009. The V8 is a great swap the LS2 is almost the same weight as a 13B-REW with everything hanging off it and has a lot more power and torque but it kills the FD's unique "character" for want of a better term. I would only do it if I lost faith in the rotang completely.

[jaybee]

it does take so much character out of the car, more so then any more popular engine swaps like rb and 2j conversions in s1x cars etc.

while the weight of the ls is similar/the same as the 13b, the weight will still be further forward and not as low down, so the balance won't be as desirable as it is with the rotor, which is one of the best things about the car - how well balanced it is!

go a 3 rotor, cannot beat the sound! (backpedal to my above comment, though).

[RS_Gav]

Very nice mate. Looks the tits now all in the same colour. May have drool stains next time I see it but...

[jesse-92]

yeah thats true i love rotarys ay so easy to work on and they sound awsum

[kurbn]

what are you unhappy with the paint? it looks really good in the pictures however I cant see any fish eyes/orange peel or paint splatters from afar

[180SXTCY]

that cage is off lips!

[cplagz]

Nice! I like the NASCAR door intrustion setup :D

Let me know if you are keen on the MXL still, I have someone else who might be interested also.

[Buckets]

what are you unhappy with the paint?

The outside is good, I'm going to get a detailer in once things settle down at LFP and detail the fuck out of it. The interior left a bit to be desired originally but it's fine for what I need now, no doubt you'll see what I mean when I eventually get it out of the workshop.


Let me know if you are keen on the MXL still, I have someone else who might be interested also.

Forgot all about this... umm yep PM sent.

[jaybee]

will items such as the seats/dash etc cover areas in the interior your not happy with? the main area you see would be behind the seats/boot, how is the paint there?

with the outside paint, i'd wait until the car is basically complete before giving it a good detail, it will always accumulate small scratches n dirty marks etc during the build process, so get rid of it all in one hit at the end.

[Buckets]

^ Long story short I was at my solicitors preparing to lodge a claim against the panel shop after the state of job previously and the extensive delays. Mike @ LFP got wind of how shitty I was and brokered a peace deal which got it done and in it's current state. Now the paint is fine but the seam sealer is still on the car. I've had it tidied up and most of it will be hidden so it won't be much of an issue. I just get pedantic over little things like this. I dislike spending money and not getting exactly what I'm after.

[Mofo]

keen to know which panel shop it was.

[cplagz]

keen to know which panel shop it was.

With my powers of deduction. I'd say the one across the road from LF ?

[jaybee]

you solved the puzzle using math!

[Buckets]

With my powers of deduction. I'd say the one across the road from LF ?

Yep. Don't get me wrong they have done a reasonable job in the end for a reasonable price but it was an a "adventure" dealing with them. My advice if people get work done with LFP and need some panel & paint as a result get LFP to book them and manage the job. It will cost you a touch more but it will be well worth it.

[AGIT8D]

If you do the engine swap, make sure you don't actually order an "LS2" :) You want an L98 (6.0L) or an LS3 (6.2L). The LS2 (6.0L) has inferior heads (as seen in early VE HSV's) and the L98 (as seen in VE SS etc) has the better head port design and will make MOAR powerz :)

[ForgedV6]

If you do the engine swap, make sure you don't actually order an "LS2" :) You want an L98 (6.0L) or an LS3 (6.2L). The LS2 (6.0L) has inferior heads (as seen in early VE HSV's) and the L98 (as seen in VE SS etc) has the better head port design and will make MOAR powerz :)

Yep, L76 also :)

Surely you could compensate for the balance issue with the LS motor being positioned further forward.

[Simon]

Cars hard as fuck, who cares if it's a rotor or an 8 either way it's tuff as

Keep it up!

[Scaf]

Soooo much awesome! Love FD's.

[Buckets]

Useless update time:

Nothing much has been going on with the FD for a while because I'm poor and everything is expensive. But...

They've been putting the thing back together in their spare time. The cars been rewired from scratch and a few other little jobs have been done while I fuck arsed around deciding / waiting for the motor to arrive.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/05072011119.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/05072011123.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/05072011121.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/05072011122.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/05072011124.jpg

And it won't look this this for much longer !

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/05072011125.jpg

I've settled on the power train combination.

It's going to have a LFP "stock" 13B with a HKS T04Z, 60mm external gate, V mount blah,blah,blah motor which should see it comfortably deliver the 300+hp I'm after from it. I'm not going to run E85 at this stage. And all things going well she should be turning fuel in to a shitload of noise and fun by late September.

(Don't hold me to the September deadline, somethings bound to fuck up) :)

There is still a shitload of work on the suspension & braking plus other tidy up jobs to do after it's running but they can wait for some other time.

[JBAE]

any ideas on weight once finished?

[Buckets]

any ideas on weight once finished?

It will weigh in about the same as a stock Series 7 RS (1230kg) So with me (fat arse) and full fluids on board I'd assume just shy of 1400kg.

[mys1]

It's going to have a LFP "stock" 13B with a HKS T04Z, 60mm external gate, V mount blah,blah,blah motor which should see it comfortably deliver the 300+hp I'm after from it.


Dude if 300 is all your after, why not run RS twins? Then you can fit things like Targa classes.

TO4Z is over kill for that HP, id be putting a tiny housing on it if thats the power your chasing, working well out of its eficincey range!

[Buckets]

Dude if 300 is all your after, why not run RS twins? Then you can fit things like Targa classes.

TO4Z is over kill for that HP, id be putting a tiny housing on it if thats the power your chasing, working well out of its eficincey range!

I'm running the same engine / turbine set up as the LFP FD. I can tell you the LFP car doesn't make as much HP as people think. The 300+hp is what I'll start with and then when I'm comfortable I'll bump it up to the same tune ect as the LFP FD (360 HP). The twins (and I've run BNR + stock twins) are pieces of shit and cause more problems then they are worth.

It's always been my intention to have a second tarmac reg legal motor later on down the track and I have already got that planned and costed with Ric Shaw Racing over in Sydney but that motor will only be for tarmac rallies (the C-west kit will also have to come off so I have the OEM gear ready to go back on as well) Until I'm confident enough in the car and my ability not to drive it in to a tree things like No Limits / LFP Speed Series track days will suit me fine so I have no reason to worry about the CAMS tarmac regs.

[mys1]

All good man, as long as you are aware,

Im well aware of the wins and there issues, however for what you said you may have well as kept them.

Honestly I think even at waste gate pressure on a TO4Z with (im assuming 1.** exhaust housing) you'll blow past 300.

Anything up to 400 is pretty driveable in these suckers anyway, mine at 300 was good fun, Jarrods at 390 was just a bit more fun :)

[rat]

Coming along dude, going to be ALOT of fun, especially with a T04Z lag monster!!

[mys1]

They aren't that laggy on a rotor champ :)

[rat]

LOL just shows I know nothing about rotors!

Let me rephrase Buckets,

Coming along dude, going to be ALOT of fun, especially with a T04Z response monster!!

[TJ]

T04z on a rotor is like a stock FG!

[Tones]

Yep. Gt42 on a rotor is still daily drivable

[Buckets]

LOL just shows I know nothing about rotors!

Let me rephrase Buckets,

Coming along dude, going to be ALOT of fun, especially with a T04Z response monster!!

Cheers Rat... I'll have to take you for a run in it as a thank you for the lift I got on the ALM south west trip and give you a little intro to rotangs. :)

[Tones]

Haha I love taking people for drives in a rotor for the first time. All time most said thing "it just keeps pulling." :)
Just need to finish engine build in mine the 25psi here we come haha

[Kaido]

I'm running the same engine / turbine set up as the LFP FD. I can tell you the LFP car doesn't make as much HP as people think. The 300+hp is what I'll start with and then when I'm comfortable I'll bump it up to the same tune ect as the LFP FD (360 HP). The twins (and I've run BNR + stock twins) are pieces of shit and cause more problems then they are worth.

It's always been my intention to have a second tarmac reg legal motor later on down the track and I have already got that planned and costed with Ric Shaw Racing over in Sydney but that motor will only be for tarmac rallies (the C-west kit will also have to come off so I have the OEM gear ready to go back on as well) Until I'm confident enough in the car and my ability not to drive it in to a tree things like No Limits / LFP Speed Series track days will suit me fine so I have no reason to worry about the CAMS tarmac regs.

interesting mates track spec fd had GT35R making like 350hp @ 16psi without any problems.

I am surpirse how heavy the thing will weight in the end!

ps you need a bigger wing!

[Kickit]

nice work! should go really hard!

[rat]

Cheers Rat... I'll have to take you for a run in it as a thank you for the lift I got on the ALM south west trip and give you a little intro to rotangs. :)

YES! Ha that was nothing man, no sweat. Plus I'm pretty sure Sarah was driving? Not a "real" lift ;)

[AGIT8D]

I am surpirse how heavy the thing will weight in the end!


Why? Sure it's got weight out but also more weight in for race spec.. Jungle gym, big tyres etc.

[Kaido]

Why? Sure it's got weight out but also more weight in for race spec.. Jungle gym, big tyres etc.

most race spec car will weight less than std. yes you install a roll cage which is anywhere from 20-50kg, but you take out alot of weight too.

re amemiya rx7 weight in at 1250kg with 350-400hp; so i don't see why he shouldn't be able to get the weight down below 1400kg

[Buckets]

most race spec car will weight less than std. yes you install a roll cage which is anywhere from 20-50kg, but you take out alot of weight too.

re amemiya rx7 weight in at 1250kg with 350-400hp; so i don't see why he shouldn't be able to get the weight down below 1400kg

My car will weigh it at 1250 ish with out me (100+ kg) and a full tank of fuel. the Re Amemiya cars weight is quoted minus a driver and fluids just like a new cars weight is given. This means your Falcoondore for example isn't really a 1800 kg boat but near on a 2000kg boat when you factor in driver and fuel. So thats why my FD will weigh in at 1400kg when it's brapping away down the road.

Realistically not that much came out of the FD as it doesn't have a lot to start with so the weight loss from stripping it is minimal.

[Kaido]

My car will weigh it at 1250 ish with out me (100+ kg) and a full tank of fuel. the Re Amemiya cars weight is quoted minus a driver and fluids just like a new cars weight is given. This means your Falcoondore for example isn't really a 1800 kg boat but near on a 2000kg boat when you factor in driver and fuel. So thats why my FD will weigh in at 1400kg when it's brapping away down the road.

Realistically not that much came out of the FD as it doesn't have a lot to start with so the weight loss from stripping it is minimal.

nice to know, makes me not feel so bad about the track gtr weighting in at 1510kg with me and fluids.

Should be very quick nonetheless!

[AGIT8D]

Falcoondore a 2000kg boat

"Two tonne of fun!"

[c.rusli]

nice to know, makes me not feel so bad about the track gtr weighting in at 1510kg with me and fluids.

Should be very quick nonetheless!

all about power weight ratio ;)

[Buckets]

Pointless update time...

I has hoping to have this

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25082011154.jpg

inside this

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25082011152.jpg

but my September goal is looking more like December now (which is kind of handy as the longer the build takes the less it hurts my wallet)

The rewiring is basically done, the AIMS dash is in all that is left is to plug the Microleb in, finish the fuel system and install the Defi's when I get the spare $ to order them. Getting a car rewired from scratch has cost me a shit load no doubt but should make the car more reliable and with the circuit breakers installed instead of fuses it should make troubleshooting a bit easier as well.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25082011153.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25082011155.jpg

Got the HID kit installed

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25082011157.jpg

And got the canards on the front which makes the front bar look less shit IMO

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25082011156.jpg

The fuel situation got interesting the other week as it was decided that the car will run on E85 so I'm looking at upgrading the injectors to ID2000's. A new 40L fuel cell will be made up as the current tank is a bit rusted.

And for Brett, here's a pic of the ABS delete set up I have. Hope it helps.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/25082011158.jpg

Next update should be more interesting.

[magic1]

Next update will include taking me for a lap!

[Buckets]

Next update will include taking me for a lap!

I'll have to buy a 2nd seat first. (Unless holding on to the monkey bars and hoping for the best is cool with you) :)

[magic1]

byo seat! i got a seat

[Risk10k]

I'll have to buy a 2nd seat first. (Unless holding on to the monkey bars and hoping for the best is cool with you) :)

I'm interested in this option! Dash looks GREAT!

[R31 POWER]

Actually looks good with the kit painted!

[magic1]

what cams you running?

[Buckets]

what cams you running?

Not OEM Mazda ones :p

[TheChad]

That sucks about the motor. Sure it will be fine. Can't wait to see how this all ends up.

[JBAE]

seriously want to see pics of you sitting in this fuckker! with and with out helmet! your taller and of a solider build than me and it makes me emo as fuck i cant fit in them! keen to see your seat and wheel set up and clearances with you driving, just to restore hope in the off chance that oneday i have spare cash again! :D

[Buckets]

I'll get a happy snap next time. (It's even worse now coz I've got way fatter since you last seen me) The RX8 has a lot more room...

You work in oil & gas, you'd have plenty of spare cash mate :p

[beefcake]

That's real shitty for you mate, but i don't know how much one of these crate motors are worth, so why wouldn't you just purchase separate housings and sideplates and new rotors, also all new side/corner/oil seals and a good set of aftermarket apex seals combined its bound to come under a price of a standard crate motor which is only good for standard duties ?
Or have prices changed heaps , as when i did it it wasnt what i would call crazy prices to buy it all separate and unused

[Brockas]

You used work in oil & gas, you'd have plenty of spare cash mate :p

Fixed.

[Buckets]

BLAAA you'll fit with no dramas, you just need an aftermarket low seat and a small wheel.

Pic's as requested. (Ignore the mess)
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/28092011248.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/28092011249.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/28092011251.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/28092011254.jpg

Might not look it but there is heaps of room from the steering wheel to my knees.
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/28092011250.jpg

Fucking pingpingpingping took these while I was getting out...

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/28092011255.jpg

Sure it's a bit small (the roof of the car is the same height as my belly button) but it's not bad once your in.

In other news we worked out the motor had been sitting full of fluids for nearly 3 years which explains why it's clogged up with so much shit. Mazda is doing it's best as usual to try and get out of any liability for the fluid damage or coughing up for the parts that need replacing or the labor to clean and check all the fluid damaged parts that we can save.

[JBAE]

ahhh excellent! im suprised at how much room you made with the changes!

[magic1]

u have big eye brows

[Gleeso]

u have big eye brows

LOL

Cage looks quality.

[Buckets]

u have big eye brows

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nyWyYbLEjKY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I will accept bacon as a peace offering :p

[c.rusli]

Get Lf to fabricate u a low seat rail? they were offering us before, of course with LF price Tag lol....

[Buckets]

The seat is pretty much floor mounted, because I'm fat and needed the larger seat LF had to redesign & re-fabricate the transmission tunnel to accommodate the seat. The blue car with a normal width seat has a low rail and no mods to the tunnel and if I suck it in I can squeeze in to the regular seat set up and still have a similar amount of head & leg room.

[duste]

PICS OF CENTRE CONSOLE REQUIRED

[Sfidz]

u have big eye brows

Not as big as Joe's.

[tinto]

Which AIM dash did you go for? Looks great in there.
I'm having a mxl Strada installed (also on a carbon panel) at c-red at the moment.

[Buckets]

Which AIM dash did you go for? Looks great in there.
I'm having a mxl Strada installed (also on a carbon panel) at c-red at the moment.

I just got a Strada with the GPS lap timer and a few other ad on's. The Pod for the Defi's and the Defi's are pointless but I like them so I'll have them as well


PICS OF CENTRE CONSOLE REQUIRED

That centre console (out of car pic on previous page) and most of the dash is only a temporary measure until I get proper CF stuff made up when I get the new door cars and get all the elec gear properly laid up ect so it's not showcar quality. It will do for a while though. Function > Form.

[c.rusli]

Money Wasting project for sure ! lol!
but nevertheless this would be an awesome car once its done!

i love your determination! tough it has been taking it quiet awhile its getting there hahaha ;)

[Fujiwara13]

Which AIM dash did you go for? Looks great in there.
I'm having a mxl Strada installed (also on a carbon panel) at c-red at the moment.

So that's your s15 huh? Looks pretty fucking spiffing (READ: awesome) dude. Had a bit of a perv this morning heh.

[tinto]

So that's your s15 huh? Looks pretty fucking spiffing (READ: awesome) dude. Had a bit of a perv this morning heh.
Yep thats mine - back in there yesterday morning for the dash install wrap up :) thanks for the kind words.

..back to Buckets' cash binge.

[Buckets]

..back to Buckets' cash binge.

So much and yet so little has happened since my last update and most of it's my own fault.

I went around to the workshop today to get the black car ready to send over to it's new owner in Sydney (who plans on turning it in to a dirt rally / rally cross car...) and pick up the T51R which has found a home on a 3.2L R34 GT-R (if he grows a pair and installs it) I could see the white car on the hoist in the background.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/20122011399.jpg

Things haven't been going to well with the FD lately. The crate motor had issues and I'd gone off on a tangent and bought stuff that I'd been told not to by Kim, Mike and the workshops engine builder (T51R kit ect). I'd also been chopping and changing my mind about what to do with the car which nearly 2 years in to a build is a stupid thing to do. Changes cost money and the initial budget for the car has well and truly been blown out of the water as has the timeline for completion several times now. With the RX8 now in the shop and other more important things to spend my money we came up with a plan to get the car done. Basically I'm going to let the grown ups do what they want to the car as they know what they know how to build a quick car and I'm a muppet who blows stuff up for a living and should really know better than to 2nd guess professionals :p

1st thing was the fuel system.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/20122011397.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/20122011398.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/20122011396.jpg

Nothing fancy here LFP made a 40L fuel cell with E85 proof foam with the usual dual Bosch 044's with lifter pump and surge tank thingo.

Engine wise it's going to be the same as the old blue cars (which isn't a blue car anymore), nothing special or groundbreaking. It's a proven package and won't need much development or fucking around to make it work. This means I'll be pushing a tad more than my original (pre T51R 600hp+ 10 second car dream) goal of 300hp so the current 5 speed (with less than 200km's on it) will have to go as will the PPG boxes as a dogbox is overkill and I'm not a good enough driver to warrant one. I'm planning on using a Tremec 6 speed instead similar to what the blue car currently runs. The "special" crate motor was salvageable however the other motors already finished so I may put that in and keep the other as a spare.

That's it for now. 2012 will see it finished!

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/20122011400.jpg

[greenFD]

brutal build, any updates as of late?

[Buckets]

There's been a significant amount of progress since that update however I decided in consultation with the workshop not to make any further updates to this thread until the vehicle reaches initial completion and is ready for testing ect later on this year as we'd rather not have everything on show during this stage of the build.

What I can say is the it won't look like it does now when the next update is made. (And the next update isn't really that far off...)

[JBAE]

OOOH secret squirrelssss! sounds like you should have built a purpo 34R brah

[Buckets]

sounds like you should have built a purpo 34R brah

Your right... I should have bought a purpo R34, resprayed it with crackpipe priced paint, bought all the gear to build it then sell all the gear because I decided I want to get rid of it and buy a 100k exotic but then think about keeping it...

What kind of J3rk would do that :p ?

[JBAE]

LOL was actually refering to another Purpo 34R not that Z-tune guard lacking shitter of Reganalds! :P

[Buckets]

I have a ex work mate who's building his "daily" 34R with a RB30/26 + my old HKS T51R SPL (& stock 6 speed) so I'm happy to leave the datto's to him, J3rk and the rest of the datto fan boys here on Nissanlag.

[Fryman]

just read this thread, awesome build!!

chikken cookers unite! the factory 5 speed would of been just fine if you are kind to it.

Had a feeling that everything was going secret squirrel with the LF name dropping etc and clearly you are paying to play!

[j3rk]

Your right... I should have bought a purpo R34, resprayed it with crackpipe priced paint, bought all the gear to build it then sell all the gear because I decided I want to get rid of it and buy a 100k exotic but then think about keeping it...

What kind of J3rk would do that :p ?
Fucking lol.
Do you really want to compare mind changes/ parts bought sold though? 300hp, 700hp, stock turbos, BNR, T51R, T04Z. Regardless play on!

[180SXTCY]

was gonna say Johnny you've had more turbos the ATP lol

Mupps is a soft cock but, he wont use the 51r

[huggy_b]

I think this thread deserves an update, almost a year of nothing.......


I'm really hoping this car has ignited some fuel in anger!!

[Buckets]

I think this thread deserves an update, almost a year of nothing.......


I'm really hoping this car has ignited some fuel in anger!!
There won't be any updates to this thread until later this year.

[beefcake]

Booooooooo. :(

[Buckets]

Booooooooo. :(

It's in bits again so nothing worth posting. You on the other hand may have something with 50% more rotor goodness than mine that is showcase worthy I believe.

[beefcake]

Meh in another two weeks maybe , early days awaiting parts from RHD , damn I hate those websites

[Damo 69]

thats a damn fine unicorn

look forward to seeing it out on the track at some stage

[Buckets]

Also stuck waiting for parts. All the good gear is made to order only now :(

[magic1]

what is going on in here?

[Sharpy1991]

Lots of nothing apparently, got me all excited seeing updates in this thread for nothing. Heartbroken!

[mARC]

Sure you've got to burning to take this for spin by now, you've definitely got more patience then me.

[DESAM8+PANIK]

Ok ... ok I am goign to let the cat out fo the bag, have been snooping around the LF shop and I saw Buckets car, he has turned it into a Mad Mike replica complete with PP quad rotor

Ok I am lying ....... I just wanted to start some rumours that would be cool :)

[JBAE]

LF Cone of silence in full swing!!!

1st Rule of LF rotor club - you no talky about your rotor!!! you get spank!
2nd Rule of LF rotor club - you no talky about your rotor!!! you get spank!

[Buckets]

The Okabe Jidosha Super Takikyu car has been the inspiration for base look of the car with some additional Re Amemiya & custom aero bits to finish it off. Nothing outlandish just a plain, clean and simple car.

http://www.okabejidosha-ms.com/photo/2012/05/img/02.jpg

http://www.okabejidosha-ms.com/photo/2012/01/img/17.jpg

http://www.okabejidosha-ms.com/photo/2012/02/img/23.jpg

The delay in getting the Kevlar underbody parts (paid for last year and still not here) is the main drama that's pissing me off to no end. LF have been very accommodating and patient with me during this build, most of the delays have been my fault as I've chopped and changed my mind about everything several times. Right now we're both happy with the progress it's made recently. The car's gone on the back burner for me and the workshop currently and I'm honestly not overly concerned about it as it allows LF to turn over some very important projects and it allows me to build up the parts & cash stash to finish it off.

I also need to whip my own arse in to shape as there's no nice way to put it I'm too fat to get in and out of it right now comfortably (Was ~90kg's when I bought it now I'm 120kg+). I've just started working towards getting back to a reasonable size where I can easily get in and out of it through the cage, it never used to be a drama but honestly quite a struggle at the moment so until I'm comfortable getting in, out and in the car there's no huge rush to wheel it out and show it to all and sundry.

[180SXTCY]

fat pingpingpingping. xoxo ps looking forward to seeing this unicorn running

[SimonR32]

What's the plan for this car? Time attack or door to door or...

[cplagz]

What's the plan for this car? Time attack or door to door or...

Garage queen

[Buckets]

Time Attack. My pockets aren't deep enough to run door to door.

[SimonR32]

Time Attack. My pockets aren't deep enough to run door to door.

Join the club!

Got some aims for times? I assume it's going to be very quick. I think Gareth's 60.0 long track is the benchmark for r-comps

[Buckets]

Being quicker than Brett Sherriff's FD and not crashing it are the goals :p , the car I want to race is Jason Dorringtons FD but he moved over east so I'd need to go to Phillip Island or WTAC to have a run with him. I was speaking to Tyson about it last night and in all honesty I doubt I'd be able to beat the time you set recently it's just not got the power your 32 has.

Brett's FD which is also an LF built car but an older spec ran a 1:01 on R-comps so we'll see.
http://www.lfperformance.com.au/?page_id=219

[Sensible]

Being quicker than Brett Sherriff's FD and not crashing it are the goals :p , the car I want to race is Jason Dorringtons FD but he moved over east so I'd need to go to Phillip Island or WTAC to have a run with him. I was speaking to Tyson about it last night and in all honesty I doubt I'd be able to beat the time you set recently it's just not got the power your 32 has.

Brett's FD which is also an LF built car but an older spec ran a 1:01 on R-comps so we'll see.
http://www.lfperformance.com.au/?page_id=219

Supersprint nationals are at Phillip Island this year in november, If the bigfella doesnt brake it at Watc he is up for running at the island

[SimonR32]

Mine isn't running as much power as you would think, it's probably 50-60hp down on what I ran at racewars and I only rev it to 7500 at the track not 8500.

In saying that you would be miles below me in car weight and handling wise yours will be a lot better. I think you will be surprised how fast you can go :)

[Buckets]

Supersprint nationals are at Phillip Island this year in november, If the bigfella doesnt brake it at Watc he is up for running at the island

I owe the bigfella some beers at WTAC this year so I'll see what he's up to. He's always good for a laugh.

[magic1]

any updates?

[Buckets]

any updates?

I'll update the thread after you propose to Suzzy. Until then no updates.

[Brockas]

I look forward to an update next week.

[huggy_b]

Proposal before purpo wagon?


Outrageous!

[magic1]

I'll update the thread after you propose to Suzzy. Until then no updates.


I look forward to an update next week.


Proposal before purpo wagon?


Outrageous!

this is you lot, i also spy Jewrat in there.

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQUFoRQS2aN55fHnDrr61aU2QnIq5F2P zIyyqFrOW_WgLLqq_74

[Buckets]

Post reserved because Magic1 is a sly cunning motherfucker (who's just conveniently got engaged to his significant otter Suzanna) and as such I'm obliged to make a Unicorn status update.

pingpingpingping.

[j3rk]

LOL, i was just looking for this thread :D Go get some fresh photos as well buckets.

[Damo 69]

Well played mr salter!

[magic1]

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/576632_10151395618556216_1406421458_n.jpg

game on buckets.

[huggy_b]

Flawless victory.

[Fukushima]

[IMG]http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/576632_10151395618556216_1406421458_n.jpg

game on buckets.


Strong post!

[TJ]

If it was all a cunning ruse to get an update I would be as impressed as I am at the proposal itself.

[mys1]

I wonder I Suzana knows she got a ring so that Tristan could learn more about buckets unicorn...

[Buckets]

Tristan asked for an update and while this wasn't what I had planned on posting it's what I'm going to.

A long, long time ago I was fucking the dog on the internet at work and saw this car for sale in a yard in Okaka.
http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/7435_130675122290_27125_n.jpg

I bought the car, unseen, undriven and untested. I did the paperwork to import it and hoped like fuck that everything worked as it ought to of. It finally arrived in Perth via Brisbane and I flew down to find it at Rotormotion where I had it delivered. Right from the start I should have cut my losses but I'm not that kinda bloke so shit kept escallating again and again.

Tonight I've put a stop to it all and sold it. I've had offers over the years and I've always knocked them back, this one was too good to knock back and also came at a point where I'm finally ready to quit the car. It's basically done, those that have seen it recently can attest to that but now it's going to head over east and I'm going to move on.

It's been the best of times and the worst of times but like everything it's not so much the final result but the journey to get there that makes the story. I've hated it but loved it and I'll be glad to see it hit the track at WTAC this year with someone who'll be able to extract it's true potential behind the wheel.

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...

[XF Falcon]

http://static4.fjcdn.com/comments/+_4afcdd52e417ea6ed8bc8667265d52ae.jpg
http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/37348114.jpg

[joshg123]

Whooaaa

[TJ]

Shit man :(

[duffman]

WHAT?!?!?

No more unicorn. Damn.

[gav]

What the fuck

[Daisy]

does this mean i win the $100? or does presser still have to finish his car?

seriously tho, shame to pull up stumps on something of this scale but given your constant fb ideas for projects, close one door to open another.

[Buckets]

No more project cars. I'm done for now and I'm going to use the $ from selling it as part of a deposit to buy a nice daily.

If Pressers car is done by the time we see this at WTAC this year then I'll give you the $100.

[magic1]

No pictures. I'm disappoint.

[huggy_b]

Shocked doesn't quite cover it. You've put your heart and soul into that car, I'm a little disappointed for you that you never got to smash the right hoof into it in anger. But you have your reasons - cant wait to see what you replace it with!

As for "no" projects - I will believe that when I see it. Last month alone you've pitched 5 concepts.....:p

[Sebdullah]

WOW that's an intense move, kinda sad not to see you finish it & have first thrash

[Joe]

Buy a Porsche!

You can daily it very easily.

[skidkid]

I'm guessing rs6

[huggy_b]

Buy a Porsche!

You can daily it very easily.

LOL @ Buckets driving a wog cafe owner bus.

If anyone needs to heed their own advice? Do it Joe!

[urabus]

Woah. What was left to do to it? Did make it a condition of the sale that you at least get to fly to qld and do a lap at a test day?

Brendon

[Daisy]

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/576632_10151395618556216_1406421458_n.jpg

game on buckets.

Game. set.match to buckets. Time2calloffwedding.

[Alt_F4]

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/37162448.jpg

Look forward to next 'project'

[Buckets]

Buy a Porsche!

You can daily it very easily.

Check your wall. 997.1 Turbo is one of the cars on the shopping list. :D


Woah. What was left to do to it? Did make it a condition of the sale that you at least get to fly to qld and do a lap at a test day?

Brendon

The new owner is a friend of mine and he's more than happy for me to take it out for a couple of laps one of these days. I've also got 1st right of refusal should he sell it in the future so who knows maybe I'll miss it in a couple of years and want it back. He's got truckloads more cash and it a true rotor nut so it's going to a good home, I wouldn't have sold it to a muppet.

[RS_Gav]

Yer wow. I have actually lost count of the times you have threatened to walk away from this so Im not surprised. Every Buckets has his breaking point I guess.

Well done Tristan. I hope you are happy with yourself. Look what you made him do! :p

[180SXTCY]

You and that fat fingered spear thrower make me sick ):

[j3rk]

Now that you've sold it... can you fill us in on the full plans/specs and photos?

[Buckets]

Now that you've sold it... can you fill us in on the full plans/specs and photos?

New owner intends on campaigning the car so no I can't.

[huggy_b]

Now that you've sold it... can you fill us in on the full plans/specs and photos?

"Custom" everything

[urabus]

"Custom" everything

^^ this. No chinese 'junk'!!

Brendon

[TJ]

Bespoke

[4A10SHN]

Oh well its official, huggy_b is now the coolest guy on AL

[Brockas]

RX7 replacement is just a little worthy. Hope to see a build thread soon:

http://i41.tinypic.com/30rwv3n.jpg

[Damo 69]

i really do hope so

[180SXTCY]

as do I! buckets u pos did u fork out or what ?

[c.rusli]

Antilag where exotic cars matters...

DO Like!!

[SimonR32]

Do not believe until we see skids videos with smile from cabin!

[NoOg_sTaR]

Do not believe until we see skids videos with smile from cabin!
INB4UNICORNV2. Burnt out clutch packs... May as well make it into a GT racer.

http://antilag.com/forums/showthread.php?58555-BIG-BRAKE-KIT!-Very-Very-Very-hard-to-get-BREMBO-FIA-GT-RACING-MONOBLOCS.

[Joe]

Should have bought a GT3 RS.

[Riggs]

Buckets and I had Nando's today for lunch. Much discussion over the selling of the rotor and I kept pressing on what he was going to buy next, and he kept brushing me off with a smile.

We finish, he gets a call from the car dealer and then says to me "Lunch is over, off to buy a Ferrari" with a big fucking grin.

Standard.

[JBAE]

from hidden unicorn to prancing goat! slight downgrade but worthy! grats on the MR2 bro! glad you didn't homo yoself with a Porsche :)

[fourseven]

Drive it to Wylie you pussy!

[R3N]

Buckets and I had Nando's today for lunch. Much discussion over the selling of the rotor and I kept pressing on what he was going to buy next, and he kept brushing me off with a smile.

We finish, he gets a call from the car dealer and then says to me "Lunch is over, off to buy a Ferrari" with a big fucking grin.

Standard.

Nandos AND a ferrari??? Too much kesh

[SSICK]

works FIFO drives a Ferrari.....

CUB.

[Buckets]

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gvYfRiJQIX8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yep.

So in summary; Tristan wanted to play games so I decided to play.

- A: I've not sold the unicorn.
- B: I've not bought that 430 because I'm poor (see above for reason).
- C: There will be an update when I'm good and fucking ready to make one.
- D: Thanks to those who played along and didn't blow my cover.

[180SXTCY]

homo.

[Philbo]

pingpingpingping :P

[Alt_F4]

Well played hahahaha

[siladee]

wow. this guy. impressive troll

[tinto]

So how many of you went on carsales to price check a 430?

I know I did. Trolled softly.

[duffman]

All hail the king of the trolls.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYQGZiqyvdQGGFzn4Bz3_89HFRB1A-u2v3cQhGcHITmR_xVY42qA

[Buckets]

So how many of you went on carsales to price check a 430?

I know I did. Trolled softly.

They aren't as much as you'd think in all reality they are an older car now. That being said the 430 in question is actually bloody brilliant and has some awesome options and at an awesome price which would I suspect get even more awesome with some negotiation. If anyone isn't trolling one of their mates (and avoiding making a serious build thread update) and actually is in the market for one go down and see Jarrod at Barbagallo. It will make someone very, very happy and lots of other people very jealous.

FWIW Unicorn is planned to roll out around the same time part of the lead up RW14 kicks off.

Until then...

[Fukushima]

Shit pingpingpingping

You made Tristan get married for nothing

[TJ]

Should of held out for the fucking bacon!

[joshg123]

lol fuck, i walked out of the toilet today and yelled out to Clint and Gav "Buckets bought a Rarri, what a pingpingpingping".

It would appear half my statement was incorrect

you are still a pingpingpingping

xoxo

[TJ]

yoink!

[S133LTR]

Any news on that rx7 you were building?

[Lonewolf]

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/epic-threads/183831d1370183167t-make-up-lie-about-poster-above-you-well-played-sir-well-played-indeed-jpg

[magic1]

I just dont see how this is a funny troll.
I just don't get it.

So in summary. You didn't keep your end of the deal by posting a genuine update and I get to keep alllllll of my delicious bacon........... What did I miss?

[cplagz]

RX7 sale was feasible, Ferrari purchase was not.... like I said to Gav ... that wad of cash on the contract paper isn't enough of a deposit ;)

[Damo 69]

i am glad you didnt sell it, as i just read all 9 pages the other day it would have been a total waste of company time if you had sold it.

[Buckets]

I just dont see how this is a funny troll.
I just don't get it.

It was funny because of the look on your face last night when I told you it was all bullshit. Really, you know me better than almost anyone on here, know there is no way in hell I'd sell the FD or could afford something like the 430 and you still fell for it.

/CSB

Nothing to see here now people for a little while longer.

[cplagz]

It was funny because of the look on your face last night when I told you it was all bullshit. Really, you know me better than almost anyone on here, know there is no way in hell I'd sell the FD or could afford something like the 430 and you still fell for it.

/CSB

Nothing to see here now people for a little while longer.

I'm going to smuggle china parts in the E30 to LF and then put them on, take pictures and update thread for you

[JME]

I'll pitch in for LS conversion kit marc.

[esky]

LF win the trolling award, getting someone to spend 430 money on a Rx7 is pretty fine work.

[Buckets]

I realized it ticked over 4yr's since I bought it last month and ticks over 4yr's in the build as of next month.

Currently
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01547_zps2e863757.jpg

I won't make my goal of it being my Xmas present to myself this year due to lack of funds which sucks but seeing it today all but done (mechanically) certainly bought a smile to my face.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDZj1T9QvBahBUTp0i9SbDE9bR2k5rQ tL-IfnGbqHJihKQzNga

It's been a while since I've bothered to knock up a serious update. To be honest I wasn't planning on doing another one at all as I've gotten a bit over the whole fucking thing of late. However this is where I'm at after close to 4yr's in the build and way too much fucking money sunk in to something I doubt I'll ever have the skill (or balls) to actually pedal to it's full potential.

The short answer to the "is it done yet" question is yes the car is running; no it's not finished. The photo's below are the most current one's I've got but they are a month and a bit old now. There's not a hell of a lot more done that you'd see in pic's anyways...

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01544_zpsfd73ea7a.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01545_zpsf01b0317.jpg

Because of the fuel cell we had a few issues fitting the diffuser but for now it's on there and although I'm not 100% sold on the look of the Kevlar it's tough and ought to do the job. Unfortunately the clowns who made the Kevlar stuff for me fucked up, didn't use the information we gave them and the front splitter doesn't match the CWest bar properly so while it's been hacked up and stuck on for now a new one is going to need to be designed and made to suit the front bar and the WTAC Clubsprint Reg's.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01552_zps52c65b8d.jpg

This shot was taken before all the ducting was made and sorted out but it's now got a much much larger radiator and two big oil coolers. I wound up keeping the intercooler the car originally had as it was the right size and cleaned up alright. The CF brake duct's (hard to see in this pic) need to be tidied up when the car goes to paint but it all ought to work well.
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01555_zps507c0731.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01554_zps8d2fdb12.jpg

A bit more RE-Amemiya CF goodness. These two bits of kit are nothing short of amazing, and are some of my favorite bits I've bought. The workmanship and quality is outstanding. Charbon doesn't even come close.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01553_zpsc63fae1e.jpg

This has finally gone in to the car it all works quite well. Having circuit breakers instead of fuses makes troubleshooting much easier especially given the car's had a complete ground up re-wire.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa329/johhno87/DSC01546_zps6e995405.jpg

The pedal box has turned in to a bit of a disaster. to cut a long story short once the master cylinders were installed there was simply not enough leg room for me to fit under the wheel. I can't drive it with the current layout; if I was a foot shorter it would be fine. Given the seat is already as low and as far back as it could go and there's no adjustment in FD steering columns it looks like this pedal box is going to have to come out and a overhung assembly with the cylinders mounted forward of the pedals is going to need to be installed. It looks like I've got someone who I can offload this one to so it doesn't sting quite as much.

The next question is where to from here... With anything there's a few items that still need addressing the big ones are getting it painted and cleaning up the tune as it's got a clone of the tune used on LF's old blue FD. The tune will be put off until the proper air intake and the rest of the heat shielding are sorted. To get the air intake sorted the pop up headlights along with their chunky motors have to go to free up some space at the front of the bay which sucks as I love them. The plan is to run RE-Amemiya Sleek Headlights and potentially with the CAI vent option like this car below.

http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tsukuba-Circuit-Desktop-05.jpg

Once the pedal box, lights, intake and heat shielding are sorted it's going for paint & trim then B-reg and finally some proper fun in the fucking thing.

The Stage II Mod's List currently stands at. (Not urgent but will need doing at sometime)
- A tougher gearbox. The current box is not going to like it's new engine and there are bet's on already as to how long it will last if I get rough with it. I'd love a sequential dogbox however they are not permitted in WTAC Clubsprint reg's so I'm considering a T56 Magnum.
- A further brake upgrade given the car now runs 18's and has adjustable bias front and rear.
- Replacing the current Cusco suspension with a custom MCA or Ohlins set up as the Cusco shit is way too hard and doesn't work that well with the other handling mods.
- Playing with the wheel size / offset to try and get 285's (up from 265's) all round under the stock guards while clearing big brakes. (Must run stock guards in Clubsprint)

Although I'm pretty much no more that a tank of fuel away from being able to fire it up and take it for a lap (albeit wedged in the car with fuck all room to move) this year has been quite bad financially for me and as such the project is on hold until things pick up and my play money kitty has money in it again. At this stage I'm honestly thinking little if anything will be done to it until mid next year at the earliest and I'd be happy with it being properly run in and rego'd late 2014.

Until then...

[Fukushima]

http://jackiebledsoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/no-more-excuses.jpg

[Damo 69]

that carbon looks amazing

[Miggy]

Hang in there, once you take it for a drive you'll realize it's all been worth it.

[Simon]

About time you threw a real update in here Jon,
Never mind about deadlines with such a build, regardless of when it's finished it's still a excellent build.

I've spoken to Kim a few times there and even he's impressed by the attention to detail you've put in so far.

[Stef]

Coming along nicely mate. Perseverance and patience is the key. Will be all worth it when you can fire it up and take it for a burn!

[DESAM8+PANIK]

May actually be finished before my rotor ...........

[Tocchi]

you need somebody shorter to drive it?
oh hi.


but in seriousness, it's good to see you sticking to it, despite the trials and tribulations you are encountering.
ive just ticked past 5 years ownership of the capri, and fuck, at times i wanted to burn that thing. but keeping it / getting it to the track .... i can hardly rememeber what all those headaches and grievances of the past were.

all i can suggest is, do it right the first time (i dont mean crazy mods first time), i mean dont shortcut the processes to get it ready, i know LF wont allow that though so all good.

but getting a fuel tank in it, for a quick drive, could be what your mind and heart needs. #noHomo

[SimonR32]

Forget stage II, get it running and have some fun :)

[Sfidz]

Kevlar looks DEEEELUXXXEEEEEEEE

[American Dave]

sell and buy a drag car ?

[TJ]

Forget stage II, get it running and have some fun :)

This, its going to be so fast its not going to matter - seat time seat time seat time

[200MPH]

This, its going to be so fast its not going to matter - seat time seat time seat time

Yes, yes, yes.

Get it on the track and then start sorting out the little issues bit by bit. Which are mostly solvable with time more than bulk money. I'm still going through that process near on 5 years after first hitting a track!

Much rotor love for this! Much want to see it in action.

[Darkside]

Epic build. Feel your pain on the ebbs and flows of interest in project builds. I was well over mine before it got paint. But that shot of progress has renewed my enthusiasm. Maybe try to fast track getting it driveable (without cutting corners) and that might give you the shot in the arm you need.....although also relate to financial constraints halting progress.

Re pedal box. Did the dead same thing. Went the floor box, and even with compact cylinders left no room for me. Also had to go hung. Tilton 600 are very well priced from summit. Also had no issue flicking my floor mounted box.

Cant leave it where it is. You owe it to yourself to get it done and do some skids. :)

[Buckets]

I'm down around $80k due to the collapse of my previous employer. The cars just not a priority for spending until I'm earning again and there's spare money to spend. House > car.

I'm over it but I'm not going to offload it as I've invested too much in to walk away but it's going to have to stay in hibernation for a little while longer.

[Stef]

Out of Curiosity mate, what's left to do to get it to that point where you are content?

[SimonR32]

Out of Curiosity mate, what's left to do to get it to that point where you are content?

It's a modified Jap car, you're never done... You're never content!

[huggy_b]

I think when Gentleman Jim Richards flips the keys back to Jon and says "yeah that's about right on the set-up" it'll be pretty close.

[Buckets]

The car has it's limits. Once Stage II is done thats pretty much it as far as I'm concerned. It reaches a point where you can throw more and more at it and not gain anything; once the mods I've listed above are done I think I'll call it a day then and just maintain it.

You've got to draw the line somewhere.

[Fryman]

awesome update, chicken molesters from overseas rejoice at an awesome build.

Question for you though, why wont the gearbox like it? I dont hear that many people complaining about the standard box, they are strong as shit...

After that, what other boxes are you allowed to run in your desired class?

[Buckets]

Question for you though, why wont the gearbox like it? I dont hear that many people complaining about the standard box, they are strong as shit...

After that, what other boxes are you allowed to run in your desired class?

3rd gear is a known weak point, I can't remember the exact reason, Ian at LF did explain it to me in great detail a while back but I can't remember all the details. While they are tough boxes there's tough and then there's race tough and given I blew a brand new OS Giken gear set up with the old much less powerful motor I'd rather play it safe. The current box is run's the same ratios as the OEM Mazda box but quite a few of the parts internally aren't OEM, this box was built back in 2009 when I was planning on running Tarmac Rallies in the car as such it's tough and I personally believe it will do reasonably well even though it's not engineered for the power and as such it will most likely fail when it's beaten up on regularly.

Gearbox wise my options are quite wide however I've narrowed it down to a few options. The current rules state.


8. TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL
Clutches and flywheel are free.

Gearbox and differential may be replaced by another of free design.

Internal components of transmission and differential are free.

The bell housing is free.

Gearbox and differential oil coolers are permitted.

Automatic transmissions if provided optionally by the manufacturer for that model are permitted.

Clubsprint:

Original mounting points for Transmission and Differential must be used.

Sequential change systems are not permitted unless originally fitted.

So I can run a H-pattern dog box like the PPG 5 speed Jonesy & Kerry Wade ran in the blue FD when they drove it (or a H-pattern Hollinger). LF also do a conversion kit for the T56 Magnum 6 speed box (+ have some trick internals for the box) which makes it pretty much bullet proof and much more affordable and a lower maintenance option as well as keeping it a synchro box.

IF I went down the dog box path again I'd be sorely tempted to go for a 6 speed sequential Hollinger as LF have one sitting in the workshop currently and have made the bellhousing and so forth to suit a 13B already BUT this would mean I'd have to step up in to Open Class at WTAC which I'd rather not as I simply can't afford to go racing against people with annual racing budgets worth more than my car. There is a possibility I won't quite mass muster for Clubsprint as I'm right on the edge of the rules and if that means I'd have to run Open Class then the Hollinger is a no brainer albeit a very expensive one. It would also mean I'd be able to get a bit more creative with the aero which is something I'd love to properly work through with someone like Andrew Brilliant (link below - He's the guy behind NEMO's aero package and a few other leading WTAC car's) but again it's more money I simply don't have right now.

http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/02/builds_gt_gt_introducing_project_nemo/

[skinkis]

once the mods I've listed above are done I think I'll call it a day then and just maintain it.

You've got to draw the line somewhere.

lol.

You keep telling yourself that!

;)

[200MPH]

Each to their own, but I give a big forks up to WTAC rules. Yes, clearly my car is excluded, but my old rotor wasn't, so it's not a disk like based on exclusion. Seems like merely a very expensive way to go super sprinting to me! SES or MC sprint series are better value by far and away.
Build want you want is my theory. You'll still be spoilt for choice with all the events you can enter.
But if you want to do WTAC, then go for it. My opinion is just that!

[Buckets]

Once you go and see just how awesome WTAC is you'll cop their shit rules (I dislike the fact that competitors are made to run Yokohama tyre's & a few other things), and the trip over and fork out the dollars to play. It's hands down one of the biggest and best car events I've ever been to and if the option to go play with the big boys is on the table I think you'd be mad not to. (Plus there's a few OZRX7.com guys who enter there that I'd like to benchmark myself against)

The SES / Rally Sprint ect ect are great events and I look forward to chasing a few of you around but in reality you're up against the same guys, in the same cars on the same tracks constantly ( and I'm scared Denver will beat me which will make me sad :p )