Facime's Mk2 build

[kylefoto]

Holy shit.
That's the worst electrical work I think I've ever seen.
Who is stupid enough to think wrapping and covering in electrical tape is even close to being a good way to do your HARNESSSSSSS!

 

[Poodles]

that stuff that was sealing the throttlebody looks a lot like mastic used for flooring...

They're doing remodeling at work and the stuff SUCKS

 

[gtsfirefighter]

Look great Pete! Can't wait to see more.

 

[ForcedTorque]

__________________________________________________


I think my differential is on its way out as well. Under anything other than a soft launch I get a pretty hard wheel hop. I found a couple in the yards today. I need to do some research as to which ones will be LSD and go back for one here when the weather gets a little nicer. My 5spd swap is also on hold for now, as Im still trying to locate all the parts I need.

Pete, if I remember correctly, the LSD's in the MKII have the "LSD sticker on them just like the MKIII.

I like your plans for this car.

 

[Tanya]

P-types = LSD
L-types = no

 

[gtsfirefighter]

P-types = LSD
L-types = no

...and there you have it.:icon_bigg

Pete, if you haven't already, you need to put Tanya on speed dial.

 

[Tire Shredder]

congrats Pete, overall the car looks to be in pretty good shape, despite the fact that the previous owner was a complete moron.

I wouldn't stress about the diff too much unless it's making loud noises.

your wheel hop is most likely contributed to the combination of worn rear shocks and tired, old bushings.

 

[Poodles]

which energy suspension makes most of em for the MKII

 

[swaq]

Congrats on your new car!

 

[Facime]

Well the rear end is doing something a little more than wheel hop. I havent really had a chance to look into it yet, but Im now thinking I may have a bad axle/joint. I will get up under there here soon enough. Im just taking it easy right now anyway.


Today I tore into the scary and totally inadaquate wiring at the battery. There were a couple wires that were spliced through a connector plug that had inappropriate gauge wires that were held together with wire nuts and electrical tape. Using the right gauge wire and butt connectors I cut everything back and redid it all. The wires looked like this before I started.

SOOooo...while I was looking around in that area I discovered this:

Yes thats the fuel return line off the J-tube just shoved on there with no clamp. That sitting down there only 18 or so inches from the shitty wiring made me a tad uncomfortable thinking about what might have happened. It has a nice clamp on it now.



I did a compression test today as well and found that #5 and 6 are lower than the front 4 but within spec. The front 4 are actually above spec (175-180 on a 165 spec) so I will probably try to rig up some water injection or...seafoam? I replaced the spark plugs and found they werent all matching brand. There was a mismatched Bosch in the mix and they all looked like crap. a couple were nearly double the proper gap. I threw in a set of NGK coppers, and cleaned and re-routed the plug wires.

After that I just tinkered and piddled around with stuff, replaced a couple dead bulbs, cleaned and protected the vinyl interior parts, and adjusted the headlight covers a little. "Scarlett" is running pretty good right now, and feels solid and safe. Tomorrow Im going to redo the whole stereo system. Based on this guys wiring I have an idea of what Im going to find.

 

[Poodles]

good god that wiring is scary...

Looks like you're doing what I would be doing and going though the entire car with a fine toothed comb trying to find all of the "mods" the previous owner did...

Also, I think it's Dodge that has a carbon deposit cleaner that you pull the sparkplug out and put some in there overnight and then turn the motor over (with the plugs out) to clean the top of the piston. A good fuel like Shell or Chrevron will help clean it out as well...

 

[Tanya]

For reference, 180psi is the norm for 1985-86 high compression (9.2:1) 5Ms. Don't ask why both Chilton's & Haynes manuals say 165, that's the pressure for the low compression (8.8:1) motors.

Looks like the engine was running lean. Double check for vacuum leaks

 

[pimptrizkit]

Nice car Pete!


if you need any help or asstance, i think i can help in some way with the 1J swap, or even you locating 5spd swap parts,pm me if you wish.

 

[ViR2]

nice car, but that harness is so messed up... :/

 

[Facime]

For reference, 180psi is the norm for 1985-86 high compression (9.2:1) 5Ms. Don't ask why both Chilton's & Haynes manuals say 165, that's the pressure for the low compression (8.8:1) motors.

Looks like the engine was running lean. Double check for vacuum leaks

Crap, thats not good news. If the engine is indeed the high compression one. But that isnt exactly certain either. The motor is a JDM swap and who knows what was put in. Only thing I know is that the motor was a 5spd version. If it is the high compression that means my front 4 are ok and the last 2 are going. If its not then that means I have carbon buildup and possibly even still the last 2 failing. I have limped by on far worse and In the 400 miles Ive put on it so far, it hasnt burned any oil.

Yes its been running lean and it still is (you can smell it.) Im not sure why, as it idles dead solid perfect now with the new ISC and doesnt sound like its got any vacuum leaks. Im going to put in a new O2 sensor as a matter of routine maintenance and see what that does. I may also pay for a professional injector cleaning.

Once again this motor has to make it through the summer mostly, then I can make plans for something else.


(btw, ty Tanya I appreciate your help! even though you dont like my SDR :sarcasm: )


Jim, I have a guy that is going to sell me the trans, bellhousing, pedal set, hydraulics and lines for $100, but its in Seattle and I have to go pull the parts. All Im going to need is a flywheel, clutch set and front shaft. I have been too wrapped up in other stuff just yet to even look for those parts but if you got a line let me know.

 

[pimptrizkit]

yeah no problem, i have sent out one of my front' shaft's to have modified, but i will probaly have a one peice made.

 

[ForcedTorque]

What is a SDR?

 

[Tanya]

SDR = Super Deep Red, the color name for the red mk2s in '85 and '86.

Weez, what are the actual numbers? It is more important that the numbers be fairly even than dead on. If you're running 165-180psi, you should be good. Big dips in psi, more than 15 psi drops indicicate issues.

You can always try cleaning the cylinders with water, using a vacuum line to sip bits of water in at a time to steam clean the tops of the pistons, valves and combustion chamber. Then do another compression check and see if the numbers are more even.

Have you confirmed that it is an actual 5M? You say it's a JDM engine, maybe it's a 6M, check the block.

As for vacuum leaks, take some carb cleaner and spray around the plastic intake crap, the intake manifold, throttle body and vacuum lines. Even if it doesn't sound like it's leaking, it still could be. The plastic intake pieces are notorious for cracking. A friend has burnt valves in his 5M twice for running it lean too long...

 

[Facime]

Fathers day was spent washing and waxing and detailing 3 different cars. Here is how mine turned out:

:biglaugh:

 

[Poodles]

LOL, where those shots of the turn signals for me?

Nice car man.