View Full Version : My MK1 project - a little different
firstmk1
02-01-2006, 18:06
Hello all :wave:
I don't know if this is of interest to you lot but I'm doing a little tuning of my 4age Mk1. I've had the usual "why do you want to do that?" and "it will be undrivable" comments so I've come here to talk about it.
So far my box of bits includes 288deg TRD cams, 54psi fuel regulator, throttle bodies and I have a 1-way LSD and 4.7kg flywheel on the way.
Not quite Two Brutal but a good 1.5 Brutal don't you think?
Gary Symons
02-01-2006, 18:29
Doesnt matter how you do it. More power is always good in my book.
Paul Woods
02-01-2006, 18:30
cant see a problem with those mods,it'll idle rough as a badgers arse but all of the above should shift the powerband up the revs i would have thought.By throttle bodies do you mean bike carbs? or just bodies controlling air and leaving the stock injectors in place? have you thought about some sort of mapping? id love to see a 4a controlled by a megasquirt and do away with the dizzy.
Lets have some pics if you have some or when the project starts.If its mk1 and modified you're in the right place,although when you're done you might hanker for more,luckily we have a solution for that :D
firstmk1
02-01-2006, 19:01
Oh, yes forgot about the GEMS programmable ECU. \\:D/ I don't have to drive far for work so my driving is more about fun. The throttle bodies are off a 20v 4age with a custom manifold and other bits so they work with my engine.
(correction: the thottle bodies are a custom setup from Japan not 20v jobs)
MegatronUK
02-01-2006, 19:32
Now that does sound rather fun... bet it would make an excellent track day weapon. Multiple throttle bodies or big fat rorty carbs are always good fun :D
BTW, where are you getting the LSD from? Have you got an SC gearbox to put it in?
The reason I ask is that the diff units are supposedly compatible between the SC box and the revision 1 turbo gearbox... and if you have found a supplier of SC/rev1 diffs, then I would be very interested indeed :D
superchargedsam
02-01-2006, 20:06
me next after john !
firstmk1
02-01-2006, 20:10
It's going in a std. NA mk1b gearbox. It's from a guy in the states who imports odd bits and pieces so I doubt he'd make a good supplier. I'll ask in the next email I send.
sounds good mate..any thing to squeeze more out of that little 1600 is good in my books..after all thats what everyone does before realising a swap is the only way to go..
pics and specs would be great when you got the project underway mate..
good luck and keep us posted..
firstmk1
09-01-2006, 23:58
These are the fun element of my project.
http://wil4sons.bulldoghome.com/photos/BDRES/wil4sons_bulldoghome_com/_thb/e8_1.jpg
Fingers crossed it will all come together without too many problems.[-o<
Paul Woods
10-01-2006, 06:47
looks a nice bit of kit that....do you know you alter the length of the inlet trumpets for tuning? pulse tuning i think its called and it makes a hell of a difference apparently,never messed about with it myself to be honest so im keeping one eye on this to see how it turns out,should be stonking!
firstmk1
10-01-2006, 12:48
I'm the only car fan in my family so all I get at home is "don't spend money on that thing. You should be saving for a new one. It won't pass it's MOT".
I have faith in it so on with the mods!
firstmk1
31-01-2006, 23:03
Should be going in to the garage soon. Looking forward to the sound of those throttle bodies :drive:
Does anyone know anything about LSDs? My cusco could do with a service and I don't know who to send it to.
Ian
firstmk1
10-02-2006, 14:04
The car is in the garage as we speak (type?!) so all being well I'll have a nice set of pics to show you all very soon.
I'm a little excited about it all and can't wait to tear up the roads of Yorkshire :driving:
superchargedsam
10-02-2006, 23:25
so whats the new spec gonna be then fella ?
firstmk1
11-02-2006, 13:08
288deg cams and a set of throttle bodies with a programmable ecu to run it. I still need to sort out an air box for it but for now trumpet sock filters will do. I'm just waiting to hear when it'll be ready to collect and I'll post some pics. I have a few more bits and pieces to sort out before it's done, not that a tuned car is ever finished!
firstmk1
24-03-2006, 18:31
car is still away but here is a pic from a couple of weeks ago....
http://wil4sons.bulldoghome.com/photos/BDRES/wil4sons_bulldoghome_com/week%204.jpg
What do you think so far?
Ian
Liking the throttle bodies. You'll heve to post a sound clip once it's running.
firstmk1
24-03-2006, 23:50
Any suggestions on the best way to record that?
Sponge Bob
25-03-2006, 09:40
Yeah - not on a mobile ;)
Video camara's best, failing that - if you have a laptop and a reasonable microphone that will usually get better quality for sound recording.
weegaz22
25-03-2006, 22:02
looks a nice bit of kit that....do you know you alter the length of the inlet trumpets for tuning? pulse tuning i think its called and it makes a hell of a difference apparently,never messed about with it myself to be honest so im keeping one eye on this to see how it turns out,should be stonking!
if i remember correctly you will get an increase in midrange and still maintain peak power with longer trumpets, also depends on whether the trumpets are tapered (like 55mm down to 45mm at the throttle body) as the tapered effect increases air velocity, but the differences in trumpet length and diameter/taper will only be seen at wide open throttle as the butterfly will be restricting flow otherwise
firstmk1
25-03-2006, 23:49
I don't want to have to buy a number of expensive trumpets just to try it out so my plan is to make a pulse plate that acts as a deflector for the pressure waves. If the plan works I'll be able to adjust the power curve to better suit my driving.
I've been reading alot on the subject of tuning and the writers all show that it's not as simple as short inlet for peak power and long for midrange. Each engine is different and needs tuning to your intended use. I've also learnt that I can get a nice big number for peak power to show off but the power curve will be lumpy as a lumpy thing and I'd be better tipping the curve so it hits the midrange sooner at the expense of trailing off at high revs. Is a bit trial and error as the last time I did anything like this was a bike engined race car with a team of engineering students.
weegaz22
26-03-2006, 00:02
yes it is far more complicated than that as there are so many factors to take into account, cam timing, lift and duration will also affect how the trumpets work, cylinder scavenging, injector position and angle etc etc
firstmk1
26-03-2006, 15:44
My tuning will be done on the road in true home mechanic style so it'll come down to feel. It's not quite as untechnical as you think as I will have a wideband O2 sensor in place to give a starting point. At the moment I'm just waiting for it to be returned and living in hope that it runs well enough to get me to work and back.
I'm open to ideas and suggestions as I believe every day is a school day.
firstmk1
09-04-2006, 10:32
I may have my car back next weekend :pray:
I'll give it a wash and get some pics up for you all to have a look at. The next job will be to get it to a rolling road and see what she can do.
Ian
firstmk1
28-05-2006, 13:36
My car runs! Only trouble is it's so rich that once warm it dies if reved to 4k. To make matters worse we can't access the ECU so it's had to go back to GEMS. If all goes well they'll sort it on Tuesday so the car will run in time for it's MOT at the end of the week.
BTW for those of you interested in the sound that a 4AGE makes with minor mods ;) it's loud.
lets have some pornota media then please :mrgreen:
firstmk1
28-05-2006, 20:09
It's still at the garage and doesn't run so you'll have to wait a little longer :(
Paul Woods
29-05-2006, 07:44
from peters talks with me ian im not surprised its overfuelling,the set up sounds very barbaric just feeding off TPS and nothing else,still it should make some stonking power higher up the revs...just get a petrol tanker to follow you :)
firstmk1
29-05-2006, 11:04
A small price to pay for the sound it makes :drool:
What we couldn't figure out is that the ECU is mapped for the cams on a standard intake so you'd think that with the throttle bodies it would run lean at idle not rich.
I doubt it'll stay like that anyway so everything will be kept to enable a future upgrade to a less 'all or nothing' ECU. If all goes well it could be on the road at the weekend.
firstmk1
04-06-2006, 23:42
I'm a little nervous now as the MOT runs out tomorrow and it'd be just my luck for the ECU to finally work and it then fail the test.
Paul, any chance you have a spare sump kicking about that you could weld a bung in for an oil temp gauge? I'd happily echange it for some of those funny pictures of the Queen I have in my wallet.
Ian
Paul Woods
05-06-2006, 06:14
i'll have a look today mate but ive a feeling all the sumps ive got are a bit too rusty,i'll see what ive got.
firstmk1
09-06-2006, 20:05
Bloomin' ECU had to go back again but with a bit (make that a lot) of luck it'll arrive tomorrow and work so the nice welder man can work his magic and get her MOT'd. I may get to drive her soon :driving:
I've already started looking into alternative ECU's just incase. :nerd:
firstmk1
09-06-2006, 20:09
http://wil4sons.bulldoghome.com/photos/BDRES/wil4sons_bulldoghome_com/Engine1may06.jpg
mmm looks tasty!. what inlet manifold are you using? is that breather pipe blocked off?.. brum
Paul Woods
10-06-2006, 08:45
that looks lovely,peters done a fine job there.
firstmk1
10-06-2006, 12:02
The pic is from 6th May so lots of little bits have been done since including a filter on the breather. The priority now is to get it back on the road as summer is drifting away and I miss having a car :cry: but once it's working I'm sure there will be months on tinkering to get it all spot on.
I've also worked out the next upgrade - I've found an ECU that'll run direct port nitrous injection and the throttle body manifold has a second set of injector holes :twisted:
second set of holes, always helfpul :mrgreen:
Marksman
11-06-2006, 10:55
Fantastic work FirstMK1, that is going to be a original car of the frist order!
second set of holes, always helfpul :mrgreen:
Whatever could you mean?
Cheers chaps,
O.S.
firstmk1
11-06-2006, 13:12
Very kind of you to say so. I never thought it'd end up that way when I started as it was just a reaction to the insurance costs of buying a faster car. In all honesty I'm not sure how it will turn out as an everyday car but we'd never get anywhere without trying.
Paul, I'm still planning to visit you when it's done so you can have a look. Do you think you'd have chance to make up that rear strut bar we talked about?
firstmk1
11-06-2006, 13:20
mmm looks tasty!. what inlet manifold are you using? is that breather pipe blocked off?.. brum
The inlet is from Japan - http://www.oer.co.jp/airsystem/
The important part is this one - http://www.oer.co.jp/airsystem/img/mani.gif
Paul Woods
11-06-2006, 17:33
yeah im sure i can do it for you ian,just give me a while to clear my workload,its a bit horrendous at the mo.
firstmk1
25-06-2006, 00:36
Well the ECU has been checked by GEMS and is said to be working correctly. They think the problem is with the cable or the PC operating system so fingers crossed it'll be sorted this week.
The sunshine is making it harder to be without the car :sad: what do you guys do to cope during a swap? :hmm:
Paul Woods
25-06-2006, 08:25
well ive been without lily for 3 years now and no end in sight such is the enormity of the project ive taken on...you just have to remain focused and dream of the day it drives,until then gran turismo will have to do :)
firstmk1
25-06-2006, 10:48
Good plan there Stan, only problem is that I'll be late for work if I take the gran turismo car :odd:
I'm going over to see Peter this afternoon so I can sit in her and make engine noises :driving: Part of me wishes I'd done the job myself, don't get me wrong he'd done a wonderful job of it, it's just that it would have been so much better to say I did it. Hey ho, there's always the next project.....hmmm....:idea: nitrous oxide!
firstmk1
25-06-2006, 23:41
Good news! We got the software communicating with the ECU so now it can be tuned to pass the MOT. After all the problems I was well chuffed when the display filled with info from the ECU :hyper: It would have been nice to fire her up but given the noise this thing makes and it's current location it wasn't really an option.
Get some vids up when you do start her up :clap: :poke2:
firstmk1
26-06-2006, 11:18
I don't have the facility so unless I can borrow one it'll have to be crappy phone quality.
superchargedsam
26-06-2006, 11:43
I have donated a camcorder to the TB cause which can be borrowed by big members for just the cost of postage. It is currently with marksman so if you want to borrow it fella might be worth dropping him a PM and copy me on it and see if he is able to send it up to you. Shouldnt cost that much in postage I wouldnt have thought and is a high spec camera so you should get some top quality vid out of it ! Offers there if you need it fella.
and my way of coping when my car goes off the road........
I'll just take the bike out instead :)
firstmk1
26-06-2006, 15:19
and my way of coping when my car goes off the road........
I'll just take the bike out instead :)
Nice plan, only problem is that I only have one car and that's the MR2.
firstmk1
26-06-2006, 20:21
When it's up and running we'll get a recording of the wonderful noises it makes using a laptop. I've arranged for the file to be hosted so you'll all be able to enjoy it. :popcorn:
Update for this evening is that the TPS settings were way off due to them relating to a standard throttle body not a set of four! Anyway, it has been discussed and the general consensus is that this would be the cause of the over fuelling issue meaning that, fingers crossed, it should now work sufficiently to drive to the welders and it's MOT. Then there's just time for a little :dance: before a spot of on the road tuning.
well ive been without lily for 3 years now and no end in sight such is the enormity of the project ive taken on...you just have to remain focused and dream of the day it drives,until then gran turismo will have to do :)
exactly :)
done gt3 allready! nicked the gf's daughters ps2, she soon took that back :naughty: . it's been about the same for me since mines been off the road, frustrating at times, but focused on the dream indeed :praise2:
good new on your ecu ian, yep why not get a video, would enjoy seeing this thing moving
firstmk1
26-06-2006, 23:13
Am I the only one daft enough to do this sort of thing to his only car? :nuts:
Nope... i'm putting a supercharger on mine.... god help me if it blows up tho... I need it for work!!!
Being carless is a pain in the ass :sad:
Buy urself a cheap ass scooter. Perfect for summer driving and you don't need a cbt or whatever to ride it.
P.S you can also pretend to be a mod. :D
firstmk1
06-07-2006, 23:54
Got it to idle last night :jump: and tonight I received confirmation that it all works on the road. Next job is to get the welding done and then on to the MOT. If all goes really well :pray: I'll be able to test it out by driving to Oxford for a High Performance Club driving day.
Paul, I'm sure you'll want to know.....
Quote from Mr Gidden "Have to say your car sounds awesome on open throttle"
Ian
lodgeman
07-07-2006, 00:02
well done mate! got there in the end!:thumbsup: were you looking for one of these? may have some news later for you! but be patient.
http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2006/07/69.jpg
http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2006/07/70.jpg
Paul Woods
07-07-2006, 06:17
thats superb ian,if peter says it sounds amazing on WOT then you can bet it really does sound the business!
well done mate! got there in the end!:thumbsup: were you looking for one of these? may have some news later for you! but be patient.
I was watching that on t'bay as well.
lodgeman
07-07-2006, 14:34
I was watching that on t'bay as well.
funny it was'nt posted on the ebay section?:whistle: hopefully we may all get one!!
firstmk1
07-07-2006, 17:46
Boo and hiss! I was bidding on that to give to a bodyshop to have copies made but if that's what you plan it's all the same.
firstmk1
08-07-2006, 11:25
Sam - do you want to post your throttle body questions on here and then others will have the info too
superchargedsam
08-07-2006, 11:39
will do as soon as I arrange for them to be shipped over ! Am having some silly thoughts about them as they are the larger blacktop ones !
firstmk1
16-07-2006, 00:49
Got a message today to say that the car was finally back from the welder (should have been wednesday) but there wasn't a slot at the MOT station so it'll have to wait while Monday. If I get her back I may drive down to JAE for the day on Saturday so those interested can have a snoop.
always interested, i'd like to hear this one, sure many others too, will be great if you can make it to jae
firstmk1
18-07-2006, 17:39
Well it was bad news today, it's failed the MOT. The message I got suggested it's to do with rust in a structural area so I'm just about to go over to see what. Pretty gutted as I was looking forward to meeting you folk on Saturday but hey-ho. Actually Saturday is the least of my worries as the piggy bank may not stretch to fixing her if there's more than one item on the failure sheet (shocks are on the way out) and I'd be gutted to have to have to sell/break her without even driving her. Have to think positive and keep my fingers crossed that another couple of hundred quids welding will sort it.
superchargedsam
18-07-2006, 17:44
Ian sorry to hear that fella I truely am as wanted to see and hear this machine ! fingers crossed nothing major ?
sorry to hear that, as sam says, what area did it fail on?
firstmk1
18-07-2006, 23:29
All I know at the moment is that it's missing a sill and "some other bits need doing". No chance of it being ready for the weekend.
Sponge Bob
19-07-2006, 00:36
:( that's damn unfortunate mate - hope you still end up coming to JAE though!!!
firstmk1
20-07-2006, 00:12
JAE just isn't going to happen as I only have the one car.
I took the trim off both sides to have a look and found big gaps where metal should be. First job tomorrow is to locate a pair of sills and then some cutting and welding.
firstmk1
20-07-2006, 12:45
Just bought a pair of sills so that's part of the problem solved.
Good one on the sills! Shame about JAE though. Not sure i'm going to make it either... might be car shopping this weekend if they can't repair it :violin:
superchargedsam
20-07-2006, 16:51
reapair what goldy ? whats wrong with your car ?
firstmk1
20-07-2006, 19:09
The sills look good, it's just a shame they were ?100.
Last night the car had to be moved "to a garage to carry out MOT repair work":shhh: so I was taken round the block in it. I'd been told that it get quite a bit of attention (so says the guy who's normally driving a Noble) and I think it could be down to the noise.....loud and fast and the two words I'll be using when people ask what it's like.
Alessandro
29-07-2006, 18:38
Sounds like a really interesting project you have going on. Good luck getting the problems sorted.
firstmk1
29-07-2006, 19:18
One of the bad bits...:cry:
http://wil4sons.bulldoghome.com/photos/BDRES/wil4sons_bulldoghome_com/OS%20Sill.jpg
...and a good bit :shades:
http://wil4sons.bulldoghome.com/photos/BDRES/wil4sons_bulldoghome_com/Engine.jpg
nice to see you do things properly, when it's bad it's really bad, but when its good it's bloody excellent lol
firstmk1
29-07-2006, 19:50
It was a little strange hitting my car with a hammer but it had to be done. When I started there were just a couple of 10p sized holes in each sill but the true extent of the problem soon became clear. One of the inner sills needed a patch too but at least I know they'll be ok for a few years now.
Exact same thing with my old MK1, did a little exploring to see the extent of the rust, as i took the piece of side moulding off from in front of the rear wheel it just crumbled away and left a massive hole, (i wish i had'nt touched that) but it was too far gone, both sides, arches ( this was before you could get the panels)
firstmk1
11-08-2006, 17:54
The welding is all done so the car went in for the retest this morning and.......failed :cry:
Bad news mate what did she fail on this time?
firstmk1
11-08-2006, 18:31
Rear brake again. It's a recon caliper (fitted just over a year ago) but something is wrong with the handbrake mechanism as it works very well on the footbrake.
Paul Woods
11-08-2006, 18:41
ian there will be nothing wrong with the mechanism bud,this is a very common thing with recently fitted calipers....you need to slacken the cables right off,wind the pistons right in and then back out again without touching the handbrake lever arm...if you do it resets the internal mechanism and the handbrake wont work on that caliper...when its wound out again pump the footbrake before finally taking the slack back up on the cables,job sorted.
Know how you feel had exactly the same on mine at last MOT. Got the welding done, then the handbrake was my only fail. New cable ?37 still no joy so new caliper ?96 + Labour + Re-test + VAT . Got the car back 5.30pm the evening before JAE with a bill for.....?250.:hand:
firstmk1
11-08-2006, 18:55
I've not been doing the work as it's still with Peter. Are the mk2 calipers the same?
I'm going over tomorrow so I'll take a look and hopefully get it in for another MOT.
firstmk1
12-08-2006, 12:35
Well :banghead:
Got up early and went over to sort the car only to find that it's in a compound and the keyholder isn't around. I now have the fun job of fixing my mountain bike so I can get to work Monday morning.
My one tip for anyone planning tuning a car is to buy another first.
firstmk1
14-08-2006, 18:25
MOT passed so off to collect her now
lodgeman
14-08-2006, 20:56
well done mate!:clap: :clap:
firstmk1
14-08-2006, 23:52
Still needs quite a lot of tinkering but the noise is great :hyper:
Congratulations mate, back on the road again.:thumbsup:
firstmk1
15-08-2006, 17:49
It's running on a map that doesn't take account of the throttle bodies but despite this it's not that bad to drive in traffic. You can't trundle along in gear off throttle but with a little blip and some clutch action she was happy to take me to work. It was much better on the drive home last night as it really comes to life above 2.5k/3k.
The current plan is to get the carpets back in and give her a clean and tidy before fitting a few bits 'n' bobs that have been sat waiting (inc. a nice little fire extinguisher that somehow scares the girlfriend) then some proper tuning to get everything just right.
superchargedsam
16-08-2006, 12:17
Ian PHOTOS of the car but MORE importantly that engine bay !
superchargedsam
16-08-2006, 12:17
Oh and sorry fella congratulations on finally getting in her as it must be awsome feeling after all this time !
yup, still dribbling over the possibility of a throttle bodied .wav
well done mate, thats been a tough cookie eh :praise2: :thumbsup:
Nice one matey ! :thumbsup:
Piccies please, oh and vids too :)
:driving:
Sponge Bob
17-08-2006, 00:33
Sweeeet :drool:
firstmk1
17-08-2006, 00:50
It's broken :icon_conf
The coil had some nice sparks jumping from HT to LT and one of the spark plugs has a great big crack down the side.
I will sort out some sounds for you all but it'll have to wait a few days.
My bicycle is ready and waiting to transport me to work in the morning.
firstmk1
18-08-2006, 17:36
Good news is that I fixed the car yesterday.
Bad news is that it broke again today.
Marksman
18-08-2006, 17:56
I think that you should move to the MGB forum.
What went this time? Easy fix I hope?
Good luck,
Owen.
firstmk1
18-08-2006, 18:29
It wouldn't be so bad if I had as many as you!
The coil was shorting out so it was fixed with a gallon or so of WD-40. I'm just about to go pick up a few bits so I can work out what's causing the problem and hopefully fix it for good.
Hmmm....MGB....no, not interested....although the MGC with wide arches isn't too bad :hmm:
Marksman
18-08-2006, 18:36
Oh no not the MG cars, just thought you'd fit in more :banghead: :violin: :banghead: :violin: :driving: :violin: with the fixed it, broken again, fixed it, drove it, broke down again MGB clan rather than the Jap :driving::driving::driving::driving: club (Sorry) :welsh:
Good luck, twill be a very cool beastie when it's on song.
All the best,
Owen.
firstmk1
20-08-2006, 12:53
Turns out it was the coil as replacing it (and the igniter) has got it running again.
Marksman
20-08-2006, 13:04
Over-used word but it seems to fit... Awsome! Well done that man.
O.S.
firstmk1
20-08-2006, 23:21
It was Peter Gidden at sbits that put the bits in place and I've the task of finishing it off. I'm just waiting for a price for tuning before I decide if I should do it myself or not. I've borrowed a wide-band lambda kit so I can get an idea of just how rich it's running which should give me a head start with the tuning phase.
I'm also thinking is what to do looks wise. Passed a 911 GT3 RS this evening and I think I may well paint my wheels red. I also need to get the brake upgrade on the car. Need to make time to get this done. If only I'd won some pennies yesterday then I would have all day to play with it.
firstmk1
28-08-2006, 18:54
Bloody car is broken again. I'm now at the point of weighing up the pros and cons of breaking it and getting a car that will make it to its destination.
:banghead:
Paul Woods
28-08-2006, 19:14
ian whats happened to it now bud?
look into my eyes! its time for a 3s-gt eeeeeeeee!
wangan_x
28-08-2006, 20:06
i kinda think 288 is a lil big for so lil mods... why not 264's?
firstmk1
28-08-2006, 23:20
I connected up the wideband gauge that Peter has kindly lent me to set up the fuelling but then my laptop plan didn't work out so well and I now need to install Win98 to get the ECU software running. I removed the rear heat shield as it was being used by the exhaust in an evil plot to annoy the neighbours and then took the car out for a nice run while my girlfriend noted the Lambda readings. All was well until we stopped at B&Q and the car wouldn't start. Flat battery that looks to have been caused by a lazy ass alternator. Looking around the car this morning I can see quite a bit of welding that needs doing and the suspension is shot together with the alternator replacement. My main problem is that all these issues need sorting for me to use the car daily and I'm running out of money and patience. I'm now at the point of do I sell the car and buy something that gets me to work and back; break it to try and get good money for the tuning bits; or say 'it's only money and I want to live at home forever anyway' and restore the thing.
Basically :thk:
youve come this far matey, finish the job :mrgreen: :slap: , hey, ive got a decent mk1 alternator , was rebuilt and used for just a year, now just been sitting for over 2 years...yours for the postage.. ? do some more diagnostics to find out the exact cause of the no start, if thats the case it yours. keep pushing :praise2:
keep goin mate your have come so close to your goal dont fall at the last jump
im doing a twin 40 mod on a 4a-ge engine and i keep running out of money to so i know how it feels but you cant give up
firstmk1
29-08-2006, 13:00
Maybe it was a bad idea doing this to my only car but it's done now so I'll have live with it or get shut.
The offer of an alternator would be very very welcome right now. I'll check the wiring and such this evening to be sure that's the issue.
Cheers all
Anderson
29-08-2006, 16:14
Dont give mate! Persistance is the key here and in the end it will seem like all that fuss and fit was over nothing as you have a little screamer :D
firstmk1
08-09-2006, 19:18
Last night I finished off the first full tank of petrol so I did a quick calculation to see how much fuel she's using. I know it's not tuned properly but the wideband gauge shows it's pretty close fuel wise, anyway it was a bit of a shock as I only travelled 18 miles to each gallon where I used to average 32.
swell.. hows she perform?.. electrical problems sorted?
firstmk1
10-09-2006, 15:07
I'm busy tinkering again as now the battery and alternator show good voltage but on start up the battery voltage drops and remains low on idle. It's fine as soon as its reved but it's hunting at idle in time to the voltage fluctuations. Also, I'm not sure what to so about the ECU, I'm looking at around ?400 to get it mapped but it only works off TPS and revs so it'll never be perfect for road use. I don't want to spent money tuning this one only to buy another in a few months and have to get that mapped too.
It was nice and sunny yesterday so went for a drive over the moors with my friend and a video camera. Got some pretty crappy footage for you to see but it gives an idea of the noise it makes. I just need to figure out a way of getting it off the tape and onto a PC.
Oh, Ta for the alternator Adam :thumbsup:
stop teasing now!.. been hanging around for this sound for a while.. get another ecu in fella..
firstmk1
14-09-2006, 00:05
A new ECU will be many pounds so that's a last resort. I had a play with some of the settings this evening and now it's much easier to drive at low speed with very little throttle. This will make the drive to work more pleasant.
I'll see if I can record it firing up on my PC tomorrow to keep you interested.
firstmk1
24-09-2006, 18:02
This morning I started the car after a week away in Norfolk and found that the chuffin things broken again!
It's not charging again so I'll have to do the usual checks and hope it's cheap to fix as I've run out of funds for now. Looks like it's pedal power for me this coming week. :banghead:
millentubby
25-09-2006, 09:43
You know what they say mate;
If it aint broke, fix it.
And if it is broke, swear, go to the pub then feel guilty and get it sorted!
Hope you get it sorted soon dude...have been watching you struggle through everything on this one! Its too close to the end to give in!
If only you had ?300 for a new Megasquirt V3!
firstmk1
25-09-2006, 18:04
I can muster ?300 but then it's another ?300 to get the thing tuned and I need new suspension and more welding and possibly new tyres and.....
I am never ever ever doing this again without a second car to use.
The ECU is much better since I adjusted the TPS window, I just hope that the fuel consumption improves when it's tuned.
firstmk1
08-10-2006, 23:41
Well it looks like not been able to work for a full week since it came home has finally beaten me. :cry:
The plan is to auction all the bits I have that were waiting to go on the car (LSD, flywheel, Recaro carbon seats, full 'Woods' brake conversion, launch control, shift light etc.) try to get the car to run and see if I can sell it for a reasonable amount otherwise break the thing.
Gutted about it but what's the point of a car that doesn't get you to where you want to go? Not happy that I've spent over ?1500 on having the bits fitted and insurance for very little use but nothing I can do about it.
dude dont do it you have come so far
try and buy a cheap run around and take it off the road to get it sorted
these things take time and a lot of money
it taken me a year just to rebuild my 2nd engine and it still isnt finished
i keep running out of cash and now have new girl friend so all my time is gone
stay with it
it will be worth it in the end
Buy an other 4AGE (i'm sure someone one here has one lying around :) ) Stick that in the car and take your time modding up your currnt engine and ECU till one day you can stick it back in the car.
Conside your options very carfully, you will always wonder what was possible if you sell it now.
superchargedsam
09-10-2006, 09:30
Ian sorry to hear this fella !
whoa!.. with all them bits its going to be a corker.. dont want to say it.. but it will sell well, and prolly go really well..and at that point you prolly wont want to sell it :mrgreen: :nuts: .. i know how you feel fella can be very frustrating throwing money at things, theres always the turbo / v6 option?
firstmk1
09-10-2006, 23:37
I'd like to put it to one side to fix up but I don't have any space and I don't know anyone who does. As it's my only car that I use to get around it's a real problem that I can't trust it to get me anywhere and this has led to the current situation. I've lost faith in it so it looks like it cold be time to move on. I'm off work next week so will work my way through the car trying to locate the problem(s) and hopefully fix for very little outlay. I can then get a few months use out of it while I find a replacement.
I'd very much like to fit a standard engine and keep mine for a brighter day but again the lack of space stops this dead.
What are the chances of getting much back for it as is? I think the only way is to break it.
That's life I guess :old:
PS Maybe I'll have a luck week and fix the problem once and for all. rotflmao
firstmk1
15-10-2006, 00:36
Tried the car this morning and it started :)
Drove it around for an hour or and everything seemed to be working ok...that's when the noise started. My car is now doing a good impression of a dumper truck. Feeling gutted that it's come to this but it looks like I'll be getting what I can out of it and getting an old Vectra or Mondeo. <:(
oh dear! what does it do or not do?.. sorry to hear but never mind eh..
Paul Woods
15-10-2006, 08:49
sounds like bottom end ad.... ians had no luck with this project at all,condolences mate...you were brave enough to have a go tuning the 4a,respect due for that.
probally going to be out of my price range but how much you looking at for the whole car as she stands now ??
in half way through a 4a-ge upgrade myself and i need parts
firstmk1
15-10-2006, 14:05
I'm just creating a list in Excel of all the parts that I can make money back on so should have an idea of broken value soon. I do think that it'll be cheaper to go the turbo/V6 route and is it stands today I would advise anyone else to do that if looking for more power. Otherwise do what I'm hoping to do and buy a newer car that's quick from the factory. Having said that the most likely replacement Vectra SRi or something similar.
As I look back over the last year it does seem that I've had problem after problem but at the time there was light at the end of the tunnel in that I thought the finished car would have a good grin factor. It did to a point and even yesterday for the time it worked I was enjoying the wonderful noise it made. It's a real shame but I just don't have the space to store a non-running car.
I've been offered a used 4age in standard trim but it's of unknown history and although I'm willing to take a chance I'm struggling to find a place to carry out the work. It'd be a shame to scrap the shell as it was welded up for the MOT just two months ago with new inner and outer sills and the few areas of the floorpan repaired. In fact it's perfect for an engine swap as the front wings are just a couple of years old, the (above) welding has been done and although the rear arches are going it's only cosmetic. :hmm: maybe....if I can find a garage......
superchargedsam
16-10-2006, 18:41
Please Ian I beg you dont buy a vectra sri, i had one for 3 days once while company car was being fixed and scared the shit out of me ! went into a corner at 120 which my normal barge of a laguna woul;d handle ok at that speed the fecking vectra cocked the drivers side rear wheel giving me only 3 wheels on the ground, the back end then started to let go before I was lucky enough to catch it in time and bring her back in ! damed car was shocking to drive and only had 3000 miles on the clock ! scariest car I have driven apart from a fiesta ! Dont do it Ian !
Barronmr
16-10-2006, 19:23
Hi firstmk1,
If you wouldn't mind before you break the car up, could I have a gander or even if possible hear the engine running? Reason is that I've always wanted a high revving 4age but decided to go the V6 route... So I now have a camry sat outside the house. But I'd love to see what a tuned 4-age is like.
If your interested I've got a complete mk1 mr2 t-bar in good condition that I would MOT (I also may have another mk1 coupe if a guy on ebay ever sorts out its MOT), so if your interested in a swap of some sorts for a working mk1?
Also if you haven't guessed I'll have a spare standard (variant a) 4age when the V6 goes in, but that may not happen for some time.
If your interested come and have a look, I'm only a few miles away in Brighouse.
Regards Luke
firstmk1
16-10-2006, 20:39
Before I bought my MR2 I drove my parents car and my dad had a few Vectra's. I always found them reasonable to drive and in 2.2 petrol guise pretty quick. I'm looking to get away from the older cars until I have the money and space to run one as a second car. Although never say never :shifty:
Luke, you'd have been welcome to see the car running last week but as it now has a finite life I'm not starting it until I need to take it to swap the engine (if I find somewhere). If I were starting again knowing what I know now it'd be V6 all the way.
firstmk1
02-03-2008, 23:49
I’m sure you’ll all be pleased to hear that I didn’t give up on this project. I managed to complete an engine swap on the drive, which was interesting given the time of year I chose. The replacement, standard, engine required a bit of work to fit (early engine into late car) and is now dying. The good news is that while my original engine has been out of the car it has been rebuilt.
Block cleaned and the cylinders honed, new pistons, upgraded con-rods, crank polished and balanced, rotating parts balanced, lightweight crank pulley and flywheel, uprated clutch and a lovely Haltech E6K to run the thing. This should help make full use of the 288 degree cams, uprated value springs, and throttle bodies.
The engine is built and I’m just waiting for a suitable time for it to be fitted. It’ll take a little time to get it properly sorted but this time my fingers, and toes, will be firmly crossed.
I’m glad I stuck with it as it has been an interesting learning experience that I think I would have regretted missing out on, had I sold up.
Ian
Jiff Lemon
03-03-2008, 09:12
Excellent stuff Ian, you should be a dab hand at getting the engine in and out now! New pics of the engine build? :thumbsup:
firstmk1
04-03-2008, 00:23
I'll post up some photos, and hopefully a video, once the engine is back in.
superchargedsam
04-03-2008, 00:46
Ian pics of the engine now fella please, pretty please? some fo us still love the 4AGE just :hidesbehi
firstmk1
29-05-2008, 23:20
Progress has stalled again.
Stick at it mate, I've just re read your woes and good on ya for being true to the screaming chicken. :thumbsup:
Any help we can give just shout.
BSM
monkeymax
30-05-2008, 14:48
Stick at it mate, I've just re read your woes and good on ya for being true to the screaming chicken. :thumbsup:
Any help we can give just shout.
BSM
Yup, what he said Ian!
I found this thread a couple of months back through the search feature and was a bit gutted for you reading the final few posts, so was happy to see you were picking it up again!
Really would be interested to see what this 4A-GE can do now that you've had a proper chance at redoing it! I've been considering doing similar (though perhaps not quite so extreme!) myself at some point, so would love to see how it all comes together!
firstmk1
30-05-2008, 16:17
I hope to get it sorted soon. The MOT is up July/August so it needs to running before then.
firstmk1
30-06-2008, 19:09
No news, other than the purchase of a BMW.
firstmk1
14-07-2008, 23:32
The end has come. My insurance run out yesterday and I've decided to call it a day. I think I'll have to break the car to get the most from it so will post up a list of parts, for those interested. I there a market for shells or should I assume it's scrap?
It was fun for the short time that it was all together.
superchargedsam
15-07-2008, 09:31
Ian gutted to hear that mate was an awesome project and very pioneering!
firstmk1
15-07-2008, 23:32
If all goes well, I'll be keeping the engine to live again in something that doesn't rust.
I there a market for shells or should I assume it's scrap?
You know, if you were closer I'd have that shell off you. I intend to market fully restored shells for self re build in the future, always the same when I have nowhere to put it......
Real shame you have to give up now.
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