'Ellie'/Project Panda - My FD

[Madda]

Awesome work Si. She is a beautiful motor

[warner]

About time we had an update





:


My next car is going to be just like this

[BreadBin]

1st time I've seen this thread - loving your work

[dandan]

Damn Si, this puts what me and Rich have done to shame! All we did was bolt on a load of new shiny bits, you have put some serious thought and effort into that, very very good decision on the wheels too, the FD was built to wear MS-01's.

Well done and I hope I get to see it in the flesh some day.

[Dave270r]

Didn't know you had a project thread - coming along very nicely

[Si]

Cheers guys.
Dan - suspension is a peice of pi$$ - engines are where I draw the line - Suspension is just nuts and bolts - no skill involved, cracking the block involves skill, and knowledge.
It was a steep learning curve in places (BUCKET!!!! There's more fuel in here than I anticipated... ) and i still don't know if any of it will work when it's back together

Also, the photos make it look far better than it actually is My brush painting skillz are weak

Basically, what I'm aiming for is my ultimate fast road but still usable coupe - no stripped outness, no over the top noise - It's all trying to balance the best performing bits whilst retaining some comfort and refinement

[Evilchap]

I call shotgun for at least a couple of trips up the hill next year, for scientific comparison reasons only of course

[Si]

lol Hopefully she'll feel a little different to the last time, a lot less of 'understeeeeeeeerr...balance...power over!!!'(and armco death close call).

In all seriousness, if all this stuff isn't worth it, I'm going to be mighty disappointed

A bit more power in the new year should help put the finishing touches on it

[michael]

Good read that Si

Its coming along nicely-top work

[dandan]

Don't believe a word of it Si, what you've done there looks top notch. But if you really aren't brave enough to crack open that wan(k)el then send it to me on a pallet and I'll sort it right out for you.

[Si]

I'll pop it in a crate with the porting templates

It's only done 48k, so I'm not worried about the mileage, but it's 14 year old engine, so i guess the water seals are inevitable

PS Photos from careful angles hide a multitude of sins

[Fake Ben Taylor]

it was erm entertaining on the hill lol!

[mattkeeber]

Awesome stuff. It almost makes me want to sort mine out and get it back on the road

engines are where I draw the line - Suspension is just nuts and bolts - no skill involved, cracking the block involves skill, and knowledge.

Pffft.. I tell you what, i'd rather rebuild another ****le than do all what you've done. It's quite funny how the thought of rebuilding my 13b again doesn't fill me with the same fear rebuilding calipers do!

[Clouder_sx]

Very nice Si i saw this in the flesh very briefly at Japfest, i hope to see a lot more of it next year

[garysx]

Im liking what your doing Si.

[Si]

Cheers for the kind words

Time for another 'ZOMG, why's he telling us all this crap' style update:

Had to neaten up a bit of the wiring, so a few photos of the WI install.
Behind the trim:

(see what i mean about the size of the reservoir? It's not exactly enormous!)
Note the shiny cap heads

Trim back in, all nicely hidden away:


And some audio crazyness: The OEM Bose 'Acoustic Wave' stereo that was standard on some models:


Fear the giant wavy snake/aqualung type fandango!


Diff degreased and cleaned out, ready for new seals and clips:



New(Some SH) parts time!
New Diff oil seals and driveshaft retaining clips:


SH red top, and some terminals and a cut off switch, to prevent it draining when the car is left for long periods.


The red top isn't perfect for my needs, but I needed a gel battery since the battery was inside the cabin and i didn't want an acid filled projectile mounted behind me, and it came up at the right price.

[Si]

Can I have my badge back please?


25mm Hubcentrics for the rear. Should make it a 17x10 et20 with a 225

Shiny pimpness for the interior:






Nardi 'Deep Corn', I've been after one for ages You can't see it in the photos but it's perforated black leather with a red stitching, should compliment the seats nicely I'm going to sort out some matching gaitors for the gear and handbrake to co-ordinate the interior.

Chav bulbs!


Red LEDs to replace the dash lights! I couldn't find any that fitted the tiny little sockets i needed, so it's a DIY job!

Existing ones (Filament, orange covers on the bulbs):


Dissected new ones:


Bastardised replacements


Photos to come when it gets dark
I'm off to get a battery tray made up by a local genius today

And the good news I've had is that almost all of my suspension arms are done. They were supposed to be here friday. On friday evening, they hadn't been sent Not a happy bunny. Ah well, spilt milk.
The company producing the bushes also hasn't finished sorting the ones for the rear toe links, or, the steering rack, so they won't be with the first shipment, and may be another fortnight

[Fake Ben Taylor]

i envy you on that nardi . . . . I tried to buy one when i was in japan but my credit card wouldnt work

[Jord]

I want a Nardi Deep Corn

[Ed]

Nice work dude.
Your attention to detail and extreme anal-ness is the reason I bought your Volvo off you

And I'll have your undertray and diffuser ready and delivered by Xmas