Claret: Improvements!

Mike621 · #1 02-15-2010, 07:48 PM

I had originally thought that this thread would be destined for a separate sub-forum, but there are so many things going on with my car at present, that I feel it's better suited in General for the time being.

Abridged story: With the shop closing, and with school and other things looming in my future, I parted ways with my Ebony 92 and some other things, and decided to concentrate on my Claret, to which I have made significant investments.

Backstory: I am the third owner of this car (since August 2005) and had purchased it from a forum member in Vermont, who had it for roughly two years after purchasing it from the original owner on Long Island, NY.

That in mind, there were some concerns regarding the car's city life and some time spent up north. My exterior, interior, and other reconditioning/restoration projects have significantly improved the car, overall.

To:

Fast forward:

Several things going on at once led to me putting this car into daily use for a brief few months, and after that time, the motor and transmission were both showing signs that they were both not going to be around much longer. Oversight during my rebuild (ultimately resulting in engine failure) and an unknown mileage front differential, and a bad sense of timing, were all in play here.

Finally I was able to crack into this project again full-force over the past few weeks Thanks Tom for the push and help :P
The engine and trans for a rebuilt long block and a 5 speed conversion. With the closing of the shop rapidly approaching, I figured I'd take one last swing at the "might-as-well-get-it-done-while it's apart" items.

-Rebuilt Long Block
-5-Speed Transmission (4.11)
-Install 4.11 Rear
-Reinstall Air Conditioning
-New Fuel Lines above tank
-New Rear Brake Lines (Hard lines were rusted and fell apart when I unclipped them)
-Powdercoated 5-speed Crossmember
-Whiteline Urethane Differential Bushings
-Refinish Subframe and Brace and all brackets
-Install Bullet Cat-Back Exhaust and new gaskets and hardware on Catalytic Converter
-Stainless Brake Lines all around
-New Rear Rotors and Pads
-STi Group N Motor & Trans Mounts
-New Throttle and Clutch Cable from Subaru
-Resurfaced Flywheel
-Reinstall Prodrive PFF-7s with my Proxes4 's back on them.

I have to pick up a few more minor things (new tank straps, iris check valve, and a pcv hose) and I should be able to tackle the rest of the project on Wednesday night and Saturday.

I will post some photos in a moment.

Wikedjuggalo · #2 02-15-2010, 07:54 PM

Glad to see you were able to get the project done. Looks good, I can't wait to have my very own 5spd hehe.

Mike621 · #3 02-15-2010, 07:57 PM

Old

engine coming out:

Drivetrain: Out

Short Block:

New engine almost back together:

Box of new stuff:

Subframe and tank ready to go back in.

Mike621 · #4 02-15-2010, 07:58 PM

Currently the car is on the lift, and waiting for the arrival of a few small parts so that it all can go back into the car.

sowise · #5 02-15-2010, 08:08 PM

Looks Great Mike. Are those the whiteline rear diff inserts or full bushing on your rear cross member? Will you be doing the adjustable lateral links as well? Engine is looking pretty clean too.

Mike621 · #6 02-15-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sowise

Looks Great Mike. Are those the whiteline rear diff inserts or full bushing on your rear cross member? Will you be doing the adjustable lateral links as well? Engine is looking pretty clean too.

Thanks Seth. Those are the same WL inserts you had used in your car. I am holding off on links for now, but they could be in the future, perhaps when its time for coilovers...

SVXRide · #7 02-15-2010, 09:03 PM

Mike,
Looks good! Is the 5 spd one of the "brand new" ones? If it is, remember that they're 3.90s not 4.11s

-Bill

sowise · #8 02-16-2010, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike621

Thanks Seth. Those are the same WL inserts you had used in your car. I am holding off on links for now, but they could be in the future, perhaps when its time for coilovers...

Cool I look forward to hearing what your thoughts are on how it handles. I believe you have experience with and an idea of feel for
1.) Straight Stock
2.) Earthworms full bushings
3.) Whiteline inserts

So getting your thoughts on them will help to determine how worthwhile they would be as a cheaper easier alternative.

Still with all the powder coated parts and cleaned up subframes new exhaust (cant wait to hear what you think on the bullet set up either) brake hardware, it will be good to get your over all impression when it is done. Then you can work towards the Bontrager Works Sway bar and the links!

SilverSpear · #9 02-16-2010, 09:31 AM

Good lookin' Mike!
Do not forget my request though...

Mike621 · #10 02-18-2010, 08:04 AM

I was able to make some significant progress on the car last night, thanks to It's Just Eric for helping me recreate the fuel tank straps/holders, as there are none left new in the USA.

The gas tank, subframe, and rear differential are all now installed

lhopp77 · #11 02-18-2010, 08:36 AM

Did you have to modify the little clip that holds the top of the braided brake line in place or was it the same size as stock. If your braided brake lines were the same size as stock--what brand did you buy? I had to modify my clips.

Lee

Mike621 · #12 02-18-2010, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lhopp77

Did you have to modify the little clip that holds the top of the braided brake line in place or was it the same size as stock. If your braided brake lines were the same size as stock--what brand did you buy? I had to modify my clips.

Lee

Lee,

I did not have to modify the clips. The fitment and quality of the lines were very good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_3877wt_866 <---------where I purchased them from.

I hope that helps!

subeman90 · #13 02-18-2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikedjuggalo

Looks good, I can't wait to have my very own 5spd hehe.

I know that feeling.....

JaySVX · #14 02-18-2010, 09:54 AM

Definitely nice looking there Mike. And when did Eric hit puberty? I noticed he has facial hair there.

lhopp77 · #15 02-18-2010, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike621

Lee,

I did not have to modify the clips. The fitment and quality of the lines were very good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_3877wt_866 <---------where I purchased them from.

I hope that helps!

Thanks, that's good news. I need to buy a couple more sets.

Also, interested in performance results of the WL diff inserts as I need another set.

Lee