1998 Evolution V GSR: Classroom

[Tim_M]

Popped in new seals...perimeter and spark plug:



Also installed the OEM sealing washers (@ ~$3 each!) for the valve/rocker cover - at least the new finish won't be marred:



Test fitting the ARP studs - understand a common sense upgrade to minimize head gasket issues with elevated boost levels:



And assembling the front crossmember - fresh parts are a joy to work with:

[Solar]

Wow ! that valve cover looks fantastic, I know the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you get something repainted. Are you starting to reassemble the engine, or are you just test fitting everything ?

I know all about paying for OEM parts, I'm really not looking forward to adding up all my receipts for my 240.

[Tim_M]

Brian: Nothing better than new/refinished parts. Still test fitting...we need to figure out the bearing situation before we go final (and final block clean). Without the machine shops open, a bit stuck to get the proper bearing clearances for the mains/rods. Not a show stopper as of yet though.

With temps near 10 degrees...garage struggles to be habitable for some folks. Nonetheless, we ended up updating a tool we specifically ordered to hold the wheel hub to torque the axle nut. Pop didn't read the fine print so...we had a nice discussion on how to step drill metal and without torching the drill bits. Small success...once we service the axles...





Fits like a glove...



Got word 3 packages from UK are arriving Thursday...but they are coming with a 20% upcharge courtesy of brexit..hurts the pocket book a bit...

[Tim_M]

Some good news - previous owner called to say a few more parts were located...98 more fasteners!



Unfortunately, many we already purchased, but a few were gems - for instance - piston oil squirters!



Popped in new seals for the driveshaft and axle off the transfer case - little gal swings a 5 pound sledge with gusto! (although control was lacking!):



Preparing the fuel tank drop - vacuuming all the shells from another previous occupier (natural type):

[Solar]

Looks like your tool modification was a success Nice that the previous owner gave you the found bits. When I tore my car down I carefully bagged and tagged all the parts, fasteners and little bits. I’m still left with a few “leftover” fasteners that I can’t figure out where they belong or came from.

[Native]

Much respect for the child with the BFH.

[Tim_M]

Brian: It was nice, but it was sold as a complete car...and we had already repurchased half of the fasteners (almost all were engine related). Nonetheless, the piston squirters were near $200 savings. We won't complain! And yes this is quite a puzzle putting it together, but the car obviously has lots of following so much info on it.

Steve: you better believe it...lots of space was provided too!

A bit more progress...excited to install the new piston squirters - pulled the 'plugs' and reinstalled the check valve bolt and director:



Comparison:



Pulled the remaining seat in preparation for removing the carpet for a power clean:



Some hoovering:



Decent shape overall:



And renewing the rear axle lube:



She actually enjoyed the fluid consistency..."Dad - feels like honey!":



Better her than I...

[Tim_M]

Customs jail finally relented for at least two shipments from the UK...

Few shots of the bigger items:

Fresh rear top control arms (with their 3 new joints):



An upgraded turbo outlet (called an O2 sensor housing?) to gain a bit of efficiency:



3 inch outlet:



And matching downpipe since the current one is suspect - likely original with hose clamped heat shields and crusty connections:



We plan to install a wideband in this piece...

[Tim_M]

A bit like Christmas in the garage this weekend - more pieces of the puzzle...

One washer/one bolt at a time...satisfaction:



Likely one of the most expensive shift knobs arrived and installed - little gal enjoyed rowing the gears...she needs to work on the engine sounds though:



OEM Evo 5 model...definitely has some significant weight within:



Easy comparison crusty and new:



Even the simplest tasks can be challenging...took a few minutes to figure out how to finagle the oddly shaped arm:



Getting the hang of righty tighty:

[Native]

That turbo outlet looks too good to actually use.

[Tim_M]

Steve: agreed - quite reasonably priced too. I don't think you can even see it when installed...

Not sure what issue I have, but dislike torn up plastic mud guards...fortunately, still available new!:



Previous owner ran it pretty low and cut 3 holes in each front liner...also red overspray paint from likely an on-car caliper refinish. Glad to clean that up.

[Tim_M]

Quite easy to pop in the new mud guards...certainly freshens up the area:



Next was a new rear main seal after scraping the RTV remnants...watch those fingers!:



Back to finishing up the final corner suspension - new upper arm:



Prepping the wheel bearing pocket...she loves those power tools:



Some fun with anti-corrosion application...managed not to get it on everything...:



And the bearing - first attempt was 180 out again...why they are not symetric hole spacing?!:



Productive weekend.

[Solar]

Again, wow ! It’s amazing how when you have a 50/50 chance of installing a part in the correct orientation, that it goes wrong. Is that shifter at it’s correct height or just fitted in ? Seems like it’s going to have a pretty long throw.

[Tim_M]

Brian...part-at least we didn't get too far in torquing it down before analysis and getting it 'stuck' in the hole. The shifter throw is OEM, but no trans is connected so it might be artificially long. Seems in good shape though, bushing, etc.

Small projects today...new side window seals - pretty easy swap out with a nice return on appearance. Of course the originals came off in pieces:

Little be of clean up prior to install:



I let her figure out the orientation:



Complete!



Then moved to popping off the turbo outlet to see what lies beneath:



Looks in pretty good shape, eh? Supposed a near-new turbo:



Nice comparison from OEM to new M2 model:



Unfortunately, we may have ordered the incorrect turbo elbow/O2 sensor housing...as we intended for a full 3 inch exhaust path. The ruler does not lie...this one is only 2.6 inches (.25 larger than OEM)...hmmm:



Fresh fuel filter arrived:

[Solar]

Almost looks like the new O2 housing has the same outside diameter as the old one ? Could it still work ?

Side window seals are a great easy upgrade if the old ones were toast, I put them on my 240, and now the windows don't rattle and its quieter inside.

[Jamie]

Side window seals are a great easy upgrade if the old ones were toast....

If you can find them any longer...one of those unobtanium parts for anything but the last generation of Prelude.

[Solar]

Side window seals are a great easy upgrade if the old ones were toast....

If you can find them any longer...one of those unobtanium parts for anything but the last generation of Prelude.

Very true, most all pre-2000 Japanese car trim pieces are getting pretty hard to find, and when you do luck out and find them, you need to take out a second mortgage to pay for them.

[Tim_M]

Brian: the turbo elbow will work...just with a neck down that was not our intention. 4 tenths of an inch is minimal, but a crucial point. Likely not issue ultimately on our HP target especially after we add the HKS Silent 'Hi-Power'' exhaust! Love that name...

Definitely agree on the no longer available parts challenge. I'm not a fan of the scavenger hunt...definitely pick a car that has a following. Then again, this is a JDM model in Germany...we are very fortunate that there is two large parts suppliers in the UK for these cars...like huge stocks of NOS items. Most are still quite reasonable...although the GBP to USD is not favorable along with the new EU import tax of 20%. Results in window seals of $50 each X 4.

Been waiting just over 2 months for a package...



Rebuilt and refreshed OEM Brembos! More brake than we will ever need:



Looks to be a nice job and OEM colors...brake investment for little lady is a slam dunk!

[Jamie]

Rebuilt and refreshed OEM Brembos! More brake than we will ever need!

There isn't such a thing...that's like leaving sight of land and claiming you have too much gas....

[Solar]

Look at them purdy brakes ! I agree with Jamie, you can never have to much brake.

8 weeks isn't to bad of a wait, one thing I've learned with rebuilding/restoring a car is you need to channel your patience gods. I've become really good with Nissan OEM parts numbers, and have become pretty good at "search and find" by cross referencing parts through other Nissan JDM models. Its kind of disturbing how much a supplier will charge for a part under one model, but then find the same part under a different model for much less.