Project Money Pit

Dogbreath · 23 Jul 2007 at 23:01

Garret T28, and 220bhp.

agw_01 · 23 Jul 2007 at 23:14

Cool

A common upgrade for Rover owners is a T28 from either a 200sx S14 or Pulsar GTi-R. Never heard of them using a turbo from a Fiat Coupe though.

Simon · 23 Jul 2007 at 23:22

agw_01 said:
Cool

A common upgrade for Rover owners is a T28 from either a 200sx S14 or Pulsar GTi-R. Never heard of them using a turbo from a Fiat Coupe though.

Thats cause they use a T3 exhaust housing

agw_01 · 23 Jul 2007 at 23:24

Was expecting a reply from you Simon

Thought it was going to be something like that

Is the T3 a bigger housing then?

Simon · 23 Jul 2007 at 23:29

agw_01 said:
Was expecting a reply from you Simon

Thought it was going to be something like that Is the T3 a bigger housing then?

Not really, it doesnt fit the rover manifold.

NightShadow · 24 Jul 2007 at 03:21

[TW]Fox said:
My god that looks... amazing

Seconded!

NS

Hawk Tuah · 24 Jul 2007 at 08:43

Dogbreath said:
This is where is seems to crack

Yep, thats a bog standard Fiat Coupe crack you've got there.

The new manifolds have a cut out section so that branch of the manifold isn't so rigid and prone to cracking. Like this...

Dogbreath · 24 Jul 2007 at 09:00

Thanks BO, that makes sense. I need the head back before I can weld it up, but I shall apply the hacksaw in the relevant places. I might also open up the fixing holes a little on the flange for that branch to stop the studs constraining it.

Hawk Tuah · 24 Jul 2007 at 09:49

Dogbreath said:
Thanks BO, that makes sense. I need the head back before I can weld it up, but I shall apply the hacksaw in the relevant places. I might also open up the fixing holes a little on the flange for that branch to stop the studs constraining it.

What kind of budget do you have for this project.

Just thinking that while you've got the thing in peices, it would be a good time to add some choice upgrades.

I certainly wouldn't go back to the standard boost control system. The standard ebv is pretty rubbish and prone to boost spikes. Might want to fit a nice electronic boost controller.

Also, check the group buy sections of fccuk. ProAlloy are doing a good deal on their FMIC and straight induction pipe. Plus they've got a good deal on an uprated turbo.

They've also got new cams, poly wishbones and uprated ARB's which might be beneficial.

Dogbreath · 24 Jul 2007 at 15:57

Bug One said:
What kind of budget do you have for this project.

The plan is to spend what is needed to get it back on the road and make it reliable, which is why I'm changing cambelt, tensioners waterpump etc now, even though they are not strictly needed. After that I will see what's "needed" and what I can get away with. Once it's proven itself to be reliable the Civic will be sold to recoup some money and free space in front of the house.

Just thinking that while you've got the thing in peices, it would be a good time to add some choice upgrades.

I certainly wouldn't go back to the standard boost control system. The standard ebv is pretty rubbish and prone to boost spikes. Might want to fit a nice electronic boost controller.

I though the standard EBV was designed to give an overboost rather than just being a flaw in it's operation? I could just keep the PRV but set it to stock boost I suppose, but it doesn't give the protection that the EBV does (assuming EBV lowers boost when engine is cold etc?).

Also, check the group buy sections of fccuk. ProAlloy are doing a good deal on their FMIC and straight induction pipe. Plus they've got a good deal on an uprated turbo.

I want to use the car as a daily driver rather than reserving it for a weekend toy, so reliability is of primary concern, which is why I want to keep the engine more or less standard. An uprated intercooler is a definate possibility as even with stock boost it will give more power, but also depends on what the insurance company say. Don't really like the idea of having to chop the front of the car about to fit it in though.

They've also got new cams, poly wishbones and uprated ARB's which might be beneficial.

Any significant upgrades I make will be primarily on the chassis. I can't lower it though, or at leat not by much at all. I lowered the Civic by just 35mm and I can't get it down my drive now, and with the current parking situation in my road, using the driveway is mandatory!

It already has an almost new SuperSprint exhaust and K&N, though I'm tempted to go back to a proper airbox.

Xez · 24 Jul 2007 at 16:16

Lowering really isnta good idea on them because they have a bad turning circle anyway

Im not sure what an iduction kit would sound like on one but drilling holes in the standard box made it sound much better and more or a roar sound with the spinning of the turbo sound.

Hawk Tuah · 24 Jul 2007 at 16:25

You are right, the EBV does lower the boost levels until you are up to temperature. I hated the inconsistancy of it though. The ebv is often quite slow to react, so you will get a boost spike up to 1.5bar when you floor it. Many people use the PRV even if you are going to stick with the EBV just as an added protection against the boost spikes.

I've got a hybrid boost controller. Its just a cheap electronic controller which allows me to alter my boost levels from within the car and I can switch between two levels. It comes with its own unit which replaces the ebv. I've got one level set at 0-6 bar for before the cars warmed up, then one set at 1.1 bar for when its up to temps. The unit was only £85 from a group buy on fccuk and well worth it.

I found the standard suspension quite wallowy. So I've now got coilovers. Its a pain having it low, but handles well.

I've got a K&N panel and a drilled airbox. Sounds nice and meaty. Wouldn't bother with a normal K&N cone filter though. I've heard its not a good option for the car unless you have the straight induction mod.

BigglesPiP · 24 Jul 2007 at 17:13

Bug One said:
Yep, thats a bog standard Fiat Coupe crack you've got there.

The new manifolds have a cut out section so that branch of the manifold isn't so rigid and prone to cracking. Like this...

Thats exactly where they cut the Uno manifolds.

Between each port. Stop that plate that bolts onto the head (hottest bit) expanding and prising a crack apart where it did.

You don't have to cut a massive amount of metal away, just a gap in there the width of a saw blade is enough. Keeps as much are as possible to make the seal.

Dogbreath · 2 Aug 2007 at 22:14

Sorry for lack of updates, but I've not been able to do much in the last couple of weeks.

The head is now back from the machine shop, nicely cleaned and skimmed with new guides and seals fitted and seats recut. One job I am happy to pay for.

I've also got a new set of big end bearings. They weren't badly worn, but it seemed like a sensible idea to change them whilst the sump is off.

I fitted the new rings to the pistons and they are currently residing in the engine, though the big ends have yet to be bolted up. Forgot to take a pic, but will take one before I fit the head on, hopefully this w/e.

Dogbreath · 2 Aug 2007 at 22:14

I also spent a little bit of time on the manifold, veeing out the cracks and welding them up. Not my neatest ever welding job, but the results aren't too bad considering this is mild steel wire welding cast iron. You don't see it when it's behind the heat shield anyway

The flange between cylinders 4 and 5 has been cut to match the newer style manifolds from Fiat, and inline with the Fiat Uno manifold cracking solution. The welding obvioulsy induced some stresses into the manifold as the cut pinched up near the end and I shattered a brand new cobalt hacksaw blade

Hopefully after a few heat cycles on the car any stresses should work their way out.

Liverpool-Lad · 2 Aug 2007 at 22:23

Nice job on the welding, looks tidy!

Dogbreath · 2 Aug 2007 at 22:27

Liverpool-Lad said:
Nice job on the welding, looks tidy!

It went a bit nasty near the top, hence the ground down section you can see (B&D powerfiles are very handy!). It was a bit awkward to get the end of the nozzle in there, so ended up welding at a bit of an angle.

neil-ste · 6 Sep 2007 at 16:58

Are you any further forward with this now, you had made quite interesting progress.

Dogbreath · 6 Sep 2007 at 17:49

neil-ste said:
Are you any further forward with this now, you had made quite interesting progress.

Actualy, the car is on the road now, but have been a little busy with stuff recently to finish the write up, and I was embarrasingly slack with the use of the camera

However, after I have fixed the Mother in laws leaky ballcock this evening I will try to get an update on here

NickXX · 6 Sep 2007 at 19:36

Xez said:
If your thinking of getting it resprayed also i think this is the colour to go for - Electric Blue

Fantastic