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12 Months Later - Alex's Build Thread

36K views 409 replies 33 participants last post by  Shadowraven  
#1 ·
So thought I would stick up a build thread, well a second one as my first one was wank and the car and I have gone in a completely different direction to that. 12 Months from purchase I think its time to show what's been going on

Right the firm I work for at the moment decided that they where going to give me a bloody big van to drive round it, so it wasn't to long before I got feed up not being able to park it anyway and general being noisy and crap on my 50,000 mile a year journey.

So looking at the generic euro boxes available for weekend run arounds and was thinking bah, I want my 1275 Mini back in one piece. This one;

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Then I saw the light and found that MX5's are pretty much at the going rate for shit boxes, so I popped up to Yeovil and picked this little charmer up;

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#177 · (Edited by Moderator)
Just skim read this, looking good!

Where did you get the compressor flange adaptors from.. ebay?

If I were you i'd keep an eye out for a set of rx8 injectors.. boost IS addictive!

also whats the turbo from is that a gtir turbo?

Basically I'm building up a replacement turbo kit for my car built around an s14 t28 an a hks manifold.. hoping to go around the 250 mark! 200 wasn't enough!
Thanks for the comments bud :thumb-up: .

Compressor flanges adaptors here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321034984602?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 and here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390558845594?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

That is my plan, get a set of RX8's get them cleaned and and likely install a GT28R turbo. Possibly looking at some EV14's as a counterpart.

From my very little research I believe its from a late SR20DET, due to the bolt on inlet. Yummy 250 would be nice, and likely my next goal. This only started as something to do over the winter, now im hooked :wallbash:
 
#178 ·
Just finished having a proper read. Looks fucking awesome.

Don't have pics at work, photobucket is blocked because of laaaaame.

Making me even more tempted to Turbo :'(
 
#179 ·
Just finished having a proper read. Looks fucking awesome.

Don't have pics at work, photobucket is blocked because of laaaaame.

Making me even more tempted to Turbo :'(
Cheers mate, ruddy IT peoples with their blocking.

Go own you know you want boost ;) , just get your wallet out.
 
#180 · (Edited by Moderator)
:cry: :cry: :cry:

Looks like I'm going to have to miss the first drift event of the year down here on the 22nd March, next local one isn't until August!

Unless I can do the following in 4 weeks.

- MOT

- IAT Fitting and Wiring

- VTPS Fitting and Wiring

- Alloy Rad installation and coolant hose through

- Re-paint roll cage

- Sort and fit turbo to mani studs, and insta-gasket

- Fabricate exhaust system

- Purchase and fit tyres to new wheels

- Fit drift tyres

- Purchase and install a Wideband

- Welding to N/S sill

- Fully fit manual boost controller

- Drill and tap oil return line

- Oil and filter change

- Purchase and fit boost gauge

- Purchase and fit new wheel nuts

- Megasquirt install

- Megasquirt tuning

Dont see it happening, and I reckon that's another ÂŁ600 worth of kit. I really wana go burn some rubber, but dont want to rush the build and cut any corners or compromise.
 
#182 ·
You could get that done if u cracked on bud! Forget the stupid things like 'paint cage'
I dont know, its the weather fucking it all up. So bloody windy I cant have my canopy out, so shit gets wet.

Currently trying to sort a programme of works out, bloody Uni work as well means I have bugger all time.
 
#184 ·
Not much to report today, turbo fully bolted down to manifold now with hi-temp gasket sealent.

Also fully installed the MBC, not really intending to use it to up boost massively, more as a check to reduce creep;

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#185 · (Edited by Moderator)
Just figured out I have a T25G turbo (bought it not knowing what that was), and my said Saturday night Interweb trawlings have found a 'G' has a bigger compressor housing over the standard T25. Apparently an inbetween of the T25 and T28.

Happy days :D
 
#186 ·
I've been doing some reading up on them aswell recently and from what I can work out most aren't ball bearing, only some are. so you may be lucky, but it may also just be journal bearing!

When are you going to make it to a dyno? I'm interested to see what you get out of that turbo! I found some specs on that turbo somewhere and it seems to have the same dimensions an a/r's etc as a gt2554r. which according to flyin miata's website will make 200rwhp, so approx 220 at the fly(not bad).

I have the option of either a t25g or a t28, think I've decided to just go straight for the t28, go big or go home ;)!
 
#187 ·
I've been doing some reading up on them aswell recently and from what I can work out most aren't ball bearing, only some are. so you may be lucky, but it may also just be journal bearing!

When are you going to make it to a dyno? I'm interested to see what you get out of that turbo! I found some specs on that turbo somewhere and it seems to have the same dimensions an a/r's etc as a gt2554r. which according to flyin miata's website will make 200rwhp, so approx 220 at the fly(not bad).

I have the option of either a t25g or a t28, think I've decided to just go straight for the t28, go big or go home ;)!
After further interweb reading I also found out not all are BB, bit of a jumped up all happy about the original finding. Thinking we have been reading the same info.

Not sure on the dyno, I have all intentions to get on one and do it correctly, but I am intending to upgrade the injectors to something bigger so dont really want to do it again within quick succession. But if I'm achieving 200+ whp, clutch and diff will not last long at all.

Nice T28 should push past the 200 with some decent injectors, not going to find it to laggy though?
 
#188 ·
The t28 thing is something I wonder about.
One of my friends had a t25g hks kit on his mk1 1.8, only home mapped to 10psi and it wasn't impressive, then he swapped to cooks old set up gt2560r(I think) with full 2.5" system and home mapped that wasn't impressive, wasn't until after it was set up on the rolling road that it became a quick car.
But it doesn't come in that low down.

Another friend with mk1 1.6 is going cast t3 manifold with t3-t2 adapter(made by me) to t28 off a nissan sunny gtir to a downpipe adapter(I've nearly finished it) but I'm predicting it will be laggy.
 
#189 ·
The t28 thing is something I wonder about.
One of my friends had a t25g hks kit on his mk1 1.8, only home mapped to 10psi and it wasn't impressive, then he swapped to cooks old set up gt2560r(I think) with full 2.5" system and home mapped that wasn't impressive, wasn't until after it was set up on the rolling road that it became a quick car.
But it doesn't come in that low down.

Another friend with mk1 1.6 is going cast t3 manifold with t3-t2 adapter(made by me) to t28 off a nissan sunny gtir to a downpipe adapter(I've nearly finished it) but I'm predicting it will be laggy.
What wasn't impressive the power output or delivery?
 
#190 ·
Both, I'm guessing it was to do with the timing being super safe, and only running them on wastegate until he had it mapped with the boost controller.
When he first fitted the hks kit, my mk1.6 wasn't struggling to keep up.
And the last time we went out for a drive and swapped cars, his is quick, loads quicker, devastatingly quicker, but mine is instant power, and like all turbo cars if your not at high enough rpm your cursing for being in the wrong gear.
I always argue mine is better as it has no powersteering and is a proper drivers car.....
Well you have to say something when his car is better in every other way.
 
#191 ·
Lag with the T28 is something I'm worried about and ideally I'd go for a gt2560r which is the bb version of the t28, but I can't justify ~ÂŁ600 on a new turbo.

I did consider getting an s15 t28r, but I'm worried about it bec oming an expensive paper weight as you can't rebuild a bb turbo!

My curent setup uses a td04-9b which is tiny so response is very good, but it doesn't have massive top end. I use the car for track so I think it'll be fine to have a bit of lag to gain loads of top end.

Also I think most of the threads which bemoan lag on a t28 it could be caused by other factors, like not running electronic boost control. The difference in response between running wastegate pressure then setting up the megasquirts closed loop boost control was awesome!

I was having a chat with chris at EFI-parts, and he reckoned that ball bearing turbos weren't as great as everyone makes out. He said the difference in reaching your boost threshold isn't massive. He said the only place where I'll notice it is on the transient response, so if coming out of a corner I'm on the throttle, then come off, then go back on again... time will tell.

I believe the gtir t28 uses a 0.86 a/r turbine vs 0.64(s14 t28)? I think that could be a lag monster! only difference between the t25g an t28 is the compressor.. How much worse can it be :)!

Ultimately if it is a lag monster and I don't like it, I can swap back to the old turbo kit!
 
#192 ·
But if I'm achieving 200+ whp, clutch and diff will not last long at all.
What diff you running pal? Yetidragon has been putting just shy of 270hp through his Torsen and it still works!
(although yes, your clutch will take a shit!)
 
#193 ·
But if I'm achieving 200+ whp, clutch and diff will not last long at all.
What diff you running pal? Yetidragon has been putting just shy of 270hp through his Torsen and it still works!
(although yes, your clutch will take a shit!)
Yeah forgot to mention, that I catestrophically exploded my 1.6 friction plate at ~180hp... hardish 1st to 2nd gear full of fuel and packed full of bags kaboom!

Changed the clutch an a month later my diff started behaving strangely and then some nice knocking noises from it!

Budget to change both!
 
#194 ·
Dead diff at only 180bhp, ah bugger, was hoping not having to change mine.
Yeah the t28 car is only a track toy, and that was his argument, it won't matter as will be driving it hard and keeping it in the right rev range. Whilst I think as he's not going forged he will only be able to go to 250bhp so will be a waste.
I keep trying to get one of my friends to sell me the t25g he has(he bought it off my mate) but wants to keep it with the hks manifold.
He's decided he wants a td05 of an evo fq wotsit and go forged.
By then I could of built 3 budget turbo builds and done loads of track days.
 
#195 ·
Dead diff at only 180bhp, ah bugger, was hoping not having to change mine.
Yeah the t28 car is only a track toy, and that was his argument, it won't matter as will be driving it hard and keeping it in the right rev range. Whilst I think as he's not going forged he will only be able to go to 250bhp so will be a waste.
I keep trying to get one of my friends to sell me the t25g he has(he bought it off my mate) but wants to keep it with the hks manifold.
He's decided he wants a td05 of an evo fq wotsit and go forged.
By then I could of built 3 budget turbo builds and done loads of track days.
I can give you the details of a guy on driftworks who is trying to sell me a t25G if you want.. although he wants ÂŁ160 posted to the wirral!

I know what you mean about it possibly being a waste as I won't be forged. Having said that the stock turbo on an fm2 is the gt2560r, which is the same spec as a nissan s14a t28 and it makes 230 whp at 12 psi. I know you can push it harder an break the rods, but I think 230whp will be more than enough.

Adding power is a vicious circle! you add the power then the brakes aren't up to it, then the tyres are the limiting factor so you make them bigger/wider, then you have too much grip, so you add more power and the circle keeps going!

The setup atm with the 1.8 torsen, 1.8 brakes/yellowstuff, 15" michelin pe2s an meisterrs works well together, but i still has buckets of grip in hand
 
#196 ·
But if I'm achieving 200+ whp, clutch and diff will not last long at all.
What diff you running pal? Yetidragon has been putting just shy of 270hp through his Torsen and it still works!
(although yes, your clutch will take a shit!)
Some interesting comments there, and as per usual has placed more onto my forecast budget. But I know the diff would need doing anyway.

Currently im running a 1.6 VLSD welded, and an OEM level Exedy clutch which may last better than the 20 year old original???
 
#197 ·
I'm going to be hopefully doing a group buy on uprated clutch plates in a month or so, it won't be a big group as they turn into a nightmare, probably only 5, you will need a 1.8 flywheel and cover but I bet JYD has them in stock.
 
#198 · (Edited by Moderator)
So today has been a good one, got a couple things off my list to do.

A bit of Driftmonkey Fabrication Ltd on my car, one VTPS in place.

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A bit of general maintenance on the car, cleaned out the hood drain pipes. I hate being under my car, lets me see how rusted it has got since I last welded it up :sick: .

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My main goal for the today was to fabricate my exhaust, 2.5" mild steel mounted to a 6" back box with a 4" tip.

To start I welded a new flange to the downpipe as I am using a 3 bolt type, not the best of welding but it was the morning.

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The start of the exhaust, checking its level and good to go.

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See I can weld.

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A few tools of the day.

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I had a problem with the pipe bender as I didn't have the correct size die, which causes the tube to crush and oval out. So I had to cut a slot, and then heat it up prior to bending.

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There we go welded back up, also I cut the mounts off the original exhaust and re-used on this one.

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This shows the bend, I had 2 on this length in different directions, and 1 on the cross over pipe.

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I spent a lot of time making sure it wasn't to low, as I didn't want it crashing into everything.

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This shows the cross over pipe, photos makes it look crap for some reason.

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This is the can mounted on its own weight, I used the stainless wrap around straps you can buy.

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By this time it was getting dark and my photos went to shit. But its done :banana: one exhaust system, I will add some extra photos went its light.

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#199 ·
I'm going to be hopefully doing a group buy on uprated clutch plates in a month or so, it won't be a big group as they turn into a nightmare, probably only 5, you will need a 1.8 flywheel and cover but I bet JYD has them in stock.
Cheers bud, I should be keen for one.
 
#201 ·