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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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#203 ·
Cheers bud, I was contemplating it. But the thought of the hole in the bumper on the original side would of driven me mad.
 
#204 ·
I got to witness the first start up when my mate started his 2.5" single box system, exciting times!

My thermostat blank as part of my coolant reroute has the same finesse as the vtps bracket.
FFFP
Fit for fucking purpose :)
 
#206 ·
Haha I like that goes along with my standard torque setting of FT, fucking tight.

I was thinking that, but then you could see my rusty underside! I can't wait to fire here up, got the correct nuts for the AIT sensor on order as to bolt it to the silicone hoses. Along with a step drill, and my mate is sorting me a 1/2 inch bsp tap.

Come next weekend, I could be making choo choo noises.
 
#208 ·
Fingers crossed to get it all up an running mate, I am really liking the progress! I could use them welding skills, would save me a lot of hassle and money for sure... As for torque settings, they are for pussies anyway, tightened bolts as per instructions = shit leaking everywhere, parts wobbly... then go for FT (as you've put it) and shit works. Magic for sure
 
#209 ·
Cheers bud, cant wait to get her running. This Friday is oil return time, then the next major part is the megasquirt. Hopefully followed by choo choo noises.

Definitely a good skill to have is welding, especially if you like playing with cars. Completely self taught and the MIG has more than paid for itself.

FT has caused me to shear a few bolts before, oops.
 
#210 ·
Actually managed to finished work at a reasonable time today, as such it was still light when I got home.

Some better photos, its not completely finished as it still needs one bend sorting out. But pretty much there.

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It does come with a bung as well if its to loud.

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I was there thinking my welding wasn't to bad... but then compared to that of the stainless Jap Can maybe not. But in the words of Driftmonkey FFFP!

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#213 · (Edited by Moderator)
It's one linked on the tps thread.

The parts are welded on rotating jigs for a nice even weld.
Cheers,will have a gander.

As for the welding, try upping the current to get more heat, you should be able to get at least 2 good 180degree welds if you can't get all the way round in one. Just watch the weld and don't let it get too hot.

This is stainless that I mig welded.

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#214 ·
Ohh that does look rather tidy for a MIG job. I was having problems blowing a few holes, especially the stainless can, it seemed very thin at the end.

O well got some black BBQ paint to go one, should make it look a bit better.
 
#217 ·
I'm using an Argon-Shield equivalent and the welding is far better. Get a reg and adapter for hobby welders and get proper bottles, you wont go back!! I'd grind those welds back and get a nice finish.

I hate the initial start up, turn of the key. Mine was good other than the blue smoke out the turbo lol.
I have been contemplating getting a proper bottle, I go through phases of doing no welding then bloody loads. I get torn between the two.

I've just read the whole thread, good work going on!

It's going to be properly loud once it's running :D
Cheers bud, so close to finishing. I will get a video up for noise comparison when I can.
 
#220 · (Edited by Moderator)
GM AIT sensor in place, and wired in.

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My good friend Ash came over to tap the sump for me, as I was to much of a pussy.

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#221 ·
#223 ·
Nice, that's roarty sounding.
I got some time on the car today and took a step closer to start up, exciting times!
Lots of tuning ahead for you then. No choochoo yet.
 
#224 ·
Nice, that's roarty sounding.
I got some time on the car today and took a step closer to start up, exciting times!
Lots of tuning ahead for you then. No choochoo yet.
Yeah that was just downpipe only, no exhaust connected.

Come of DM I want to see a build thread.