2003 Black GT Sporty

[Chato]

So clean!

[Spuds]

I finished cleaning the block today and can't do anything till Sunday. I'm spending time with the family and always have to have time for them. If Phil gets back in time maybe he can help me with the timing belt snapped the last couple shots before I put the heads on. I took the rear motor mount out and changed that one before I put the rear head back on. I need to put some oil in the heads on the camshaft and rockers before I put the valve covers on and from there I should be good to go. I'm not sure if I should drain the antifreeze out of the block or not ?

[repforenzo]

Todd, I'll be back on the 5th late, so the 6th or the 7th would be good for me. Remember to have the heads on, torqued down, and the valve covers on. This way, I can do the timing belt in a hour.

Here some additional things to think about: your water pump is really easy to change out while your engine is in its current form. I would do it. Also, a new auto tensioner is less than $70, and would be a good idea to replace. I changed both mine out when I pulled my heads the first time.

[Spuds]

Well a little update. I got the heads on and the valve covers all I need is Phil to come back and help my with the timing belt. After that it's double time getting everything back on. I'll post some pics tomorrow.

[Spuds]

Well the wife let me sneak out tonight for a little bit. I'll get the manifolds and the y-pipe along with the turbo piping on tomorrow. I'm gonna run to crazy rays in the morning to see if I get lucky on finding a Diamante throttle body and rear motor mount.

[repforenzo]

Nice work, Todd. By the way, I know Greg and I told you at the bar it is fine to put your plugs in, but pull them out. It'll be a lot easier to crank the crank when we do the timing belt.

[icemanrld19]

well if u told him at the bar i hope he didnt listen to anything you had to say, LOL

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by icemanrld19

well if u told him at the bar i hope he didnt listen to anything you had to say, LOL

Yea it's hard to remember car talk while drinking. I went to crazy rays junkyard today and got a new valve cover. I'm gonna have my friend powder coat it so it looks like it's polished. I also found a V6 galant and found out it shares the same rear tranny mount that the auto V6 eclipse has so I need to get back there ASAP. I was looking for a diamante throttle body but none in the year I need.

[Spuds]

Well I've been busy with work and the kids so I got a chance to get my final mount (upper trans. mount) on tonight. I ended up backing the studs out of the tranny and then moved the engine and trans around to line up the holes. The wife wanted me to come in so I'll get back at it tomorrow. Not to much more to do. Just need Someone, anyone to come over a check my timing belt . I couldn't get the new spark plugs because my wife took my spare money!

[icemanrld19]

your fuel rail is on backwards

[Spuds]

no it's not, the lower intake manifold was set on there the wrong way. It was only to keep dirt out for the week I didn't work on it. I realized that after I looked at the pic

[Spuds]

a different update. I cut my hand open Saturday taking out the trash and got 5 stitches. I can't do shit for 7 days because its between my thumb and pointer finger. Repforenzo is stopping by tomorrow night to check my timing belt so after my hand heals, all I need is one good day.

[EZT]

This is slightly off topic, but I can powdercoat a valve cover for you if need be.

[wright06jhs]

Beautiful car dude, looks very good.
I like that spoiler alot too, i would like to have one.
Take a look at my member page to see what you think of my Clipse

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by EZT

This is slightly off topic, but I can powdercoat a valve cover for you if need be.

send me a PM on a price. I was thinking about that.

[noricereclips]

Todd, this thing is gonna be a beast!! Keep me posted about when this puppy's up and running again...I'd love to do a F/I 3g photo-day with your car and mine

[Spuds]

I can't wait till my hand gets better so I can finish her up. I hope its gonna be a beast. I'm gonna make sure there are no leaks before I start boosting it again and if all is good I'm putting on snow performance water and meth kit. Then off with Greg to DTM for some Dyno time. When its done I'll be taking it to the meets again. We'll get some pics after it's done

[noricereclips]

Nick's gonna do the tune for ya at DTM? He's a great guy and he really knows his stuff!! He tuned my car the 1st time and he was really knowledgeable! Like I said, keep me posted. My new wastegate, radiator and hood should be here sometime next week or so, and then I will be good to go myself as well

[repforenzo]

Hey Todd,
You got to call a brother up if you want him to swing by.

[Spuds]

Well Phil stopped by last night and we got the timing belt on. The car was really being a bitch and didn't want to be put back together. Well we had a couple of drinks to celebrate I'll try to get the rest of it done this weekend. I cant work on it till 9 tonight cause I have family time to spend.

[repforenzo]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Well Phil stopped by last night and we got the timing belt on. The car was really being a bitch and didn't want to be put back together.

Damn, I'll second that about the car being a pain. Or should I say third?
Now, Todd's car had been sitting a bit, so on our first attempt the cams and the crank didn't want to move freely for positioning. All the wiggling cause the Crank Position Fin Wheel to come off of the timing belt cog as we were about to pull the tensioner pin. After resetting the fin wheel, we had about completed the second attempt, when the allen key used as the tensioner pin snapped during it removal. So to be sure the broken piece did not get lodged in the tensioner, we had to remove it for inspection and reset the tensioner. The third attempt was the charm. The engine cranks nicely.

Todd, just be sure to not pull on the crank cog too much if you end up putting the crank pulley on and then pulling it off. That is how it got dislodged. Crank the engine from time to time as you do your rebuild to keep everything moving and check all moving parts. I talked to Greg about the lateral cam movement we saw and he confirmed what I believed: without the retainer in the back of the cam, that sucker will move a bit in and out. Same with the rear cam without the distributer.

I also left that dvd behind. I'll get if from you one day.

[Spuds]

Well I started bolting the thermostat housing back onto the heads and my torque wrench didn't click on the last bolt and I snapped it off in the rear head. I drilled it then tapped it Friday night along with putting the timing belt covers on, the power steering pump, Alternator, and the top left motor mount back on. I had the baby saturday and sunday so I only had 3 hours to work on it this weekend. I'm gonna work on it a little during the week if I get a chance and try to start it this weekend.

[repforenzo]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Well I started bolting the thermostat housing back onto the heads and my torque wrench didn't click on the last bolt and I snapped it off in the rear head. I drilled it then tapped it Friday night along with putting the timing belt covers on, the power steering pump, Alternator, and the top left motor mount back on. I had the baby saturday and sunday so I only had 3 hours to work on it this weekend. I'm gonna work on it a little during the week if I get a chance and try to start it this weekend.

I broke one of my lower oil pan bolts once, but I got this nice 'broken bolt retriever" that worked like a charm. You can get them at the Home Depot and they are worth it. No drilling out the hole and re-tapping. I just looked at the 5-piece (different sizes of course) set I have: Black & Decker Screw Extractor Set.

[Spuds]

I have a 5 piece set but I couldn't back it out so I said fuck it. Now I'm working 10 hours a day and 8 on Saturday so after work I'll have to get back at it.

[repforenzo]

How's it going? Got everything together?

[Spuds]

I'm just waiting on my intake manifold gaskets that will be in monday. I have pretty much everything on except the intake manifold my turbo piping and my fuel lines plus some little things. I have to flush the antifreeze of course but not to much left. I've been real busy and my wifes grandmother was in the hospital so I had very little time for anything. I should have it started next week. A lot changes when you have 2 kids, one 6 months and a nine year old. I haven't been on here in a while because my wife didn't have a virus program anymore because it expired and wanted 50 bucks for it. I would have paid for it but she didn't tell me. Now it has a virus, or 2 or 5 or who knows but it won't start up now. I'm on my fathers computer now any who when it's up and running I'll get a video or two up.

[viking51916]

what up! i'm looking forward on seeing your car running... theres not that many shopes here in las vegas that want to work on a 3g eclipse. i'm doing allot of research on boosting up my eclipse. and i got allot of info on this thread!

[PharmEcis]

I'm always up for a trip to Vegas if you cover my expenses and have the materials on hand.

[Spuds]

wouldn't that be nice. It might take a little longer than planned because there is a lot to do in Vegas !

[Spuds]

Well I started the car tonight. She fired on the second turn and ran for a minute or 2 then blew the fuel line coming off the fuel rail, which is an AN fitting so I'll stop at extreme tomorrow and see if they have something in stock if not I'll have to call summit. So far that was the only problem and no other leaks yet but other than that everything sounded good.

[Chato]

Are you going to dyno tune it? Post vids.

[repforenzo]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Well I started the car tonight. She fired on the second turn and ran for a minute or 2 then blew the fuel line coming off the fuel rail, which is an AN fitting so I'll stop at extreme tomorrow and see if they have something in stock if not I'll have to call summit. So far that was the only problem and no other leaks yet but other than that everything sounded good.

Extreme is gone. ELD Performance has some AN fittings. Glad to hear it ran, but how did it 'blow' the fuel line?

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by repforenzo

Extreme is gone. ELD Performance has some AN fittings. Glad to hear it ran, but how did it 'blow' the fuel line?

Even though we talked already I think I everyone else should know so if they try this on their own. I think it was because I just tried to start it and not just turn the key to let the fuel pump prime the lines. it started on the second turn so I think it just pushed the air out of the lines followed by fuel. It didn't leak at all today but I do have a antifreeze leak which it seems like it's coming from the thermostat housing where it bolts to the rear head. I'm gonna buy new O-rings for the lines going to the heater core and use some RV sealant and cross my fingers and bless the car . It sounds good and just from the display for the wideband said it was idling at 14.7 AFR. My Honda started f@$#ing up today so thats first cause it gets me back and forth from work. It seems like it's not getting fuel so I'm gonna change the fuel filter and pump then go from there and fix the leak on the Eclipse. Thanks to Greg and Phil they have helped me a lot along with the chiltons manual. As for dyno sheets and #'s I'm gonna get it running and keep it at 5.8 psi for now until it gets warm again. I gonna do some datalogging and do some street tuning just for the winter. The water and meth kit will be put in once it is stored for the snow season so I can get it ready for race season. It's been a lot of headaches but is well worth it.

[Spuds]

Okay I found the antifreeze leak. It was coming from a rubber cap to bypass the throttle body. I'm gonna cap it off and change the antifreeze a couple more times and I should be good to go.

[Spuds]

Ok it's fixed. All I have to do is put on the front rims, take it off the jack stands and put on the front bumper. I'll put a couple miles on it and change the oil again. and drain the antifreeze again.

[Spuds]

Well I changed the antifreeze and took it for a ride and everything is good so far. I still need to put on the front bumper and clean her up. I'll get to that tomorrow after I do some side work. I'll get some footage this week.

[repforenzo]

Good to hear!

[viking51916]

nice!!!!!!!!!

[Spuds]

Cleaned her all up and made a start up video but I don't have time to post it cause I got the baby tonight. I went for a ride and when I got her home, about 20 seconds after shutting her off I heard something blow then the smell of antifreeze and stem filled the engine bay. It was only one of the lines going to the thermostat housing. I forgot to bolt those lines to the bracket that I can't find now.... If anyone can send me a pic of this to help I would appreciate it! Other than that she is all cleaned up and ready to ride

[Spuds]

Well I took the ride for emissions and they couldn't test it because the ECU monitors have to reset itself. They said it takes about 2 weeks to reset so I'll have to drive it everyday. Other than that everything is all good so far.

[Spuds]

Here's a boring video:
V6 Eclipse with a single turbo- Video

[Chato]

Glad to see it alive.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by Chato

Glad to see it alive.

Thanks, my daughter wants to go to the track and run with me and since my fastest time was a 14.20 I'm gonna let her ride with me to tape while I make a run. I'll have to see if Phil or Greg wants to go.

[Chato]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Thanks, my daughter wants to go to the track and run with me and since my fastest time was a 14.20 I'm gonna let her ride with me to tape while I make a run. I'll have to see if Phil or Greg wants to go.

Hell yeah. Get some track videos.

[repforenzo]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Thanks, my daughter wants to go to the track and run with me and since my fastest time was a 14.20 I'm gonna let her ride with me to tape while I make a run. I'll have to see if Phil or Greg wants to go.

Todd, don't you have some tuning to do? Don't do a run so soon after a semi-rebuild. Drink instead!

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by repforenzo

Todd, don't you have some tuning to do? Don't do a run so soon after a semi-rebuild. Drink instead!

Yea so that means I have to take you hostage to help me with some tuning! I drank last night! I was wondering when I can start to open her up. Maybe if the rain goes away we can meet up and go for a ride then have a couple drinks! Also I have been calling around to see if anyone can tune my car and so far 2 places didn't want to because I'm running a split second controller. People are acting like that is not a good tuning device and I don't understand. The guy at AMS tuning said I should just go with 6 440cc injectors and use the E-management and the ECU flash.

[repforenzo]

Originally Posted by Spuds

People are acting like that is not a good tuning device and I don't understand. The guy at AMS tuning said I should just go with 6 440cc injectors and use the E-management and the ECU flash.

I can't comment on how good of a tuning device the Split Second is. A lot of Toyota guys use them. You've had good AFRs, so it has worked for your set up.

We can debate the pros and cons of a supplemental fuel system though. I've never been a fan of the Ripp system. Gasoline has poor heating absorption properties, so it is never a great idea to inject from a far distance. Then there are questions about safety and fuel getting in areas it is not supposed to (vacuum lines, sensors, etc.). All that being said, I am basing some of my trepidation from speculation and not hard data. Add the boost cooler will add another layer of safety and efficiency.

I can understand where the guy at AMS recommended the e-manage and the ECUFLash. It has been a combo I've been looking at. As long as you are getting good AFRs, then there is no reason to change. We use EVOScan to check your timing. Wear a fire suit. Just kidding.

[Spuds]

Well just a little update. I took the car out for a drive since I cleaned it up yesterday. Drove it 20 miles to my parents with no problems and 20 miles back with no problems under normal driving conditions. Well I was going to my daughters cheerleader competition and took off about half throttle from the light maybe building up 3psi. Well when I let off my AFR went to 21.0 and stalled once I hit the light. I started it back up and turned around to take it home so once I gave it gas it was ok but once I hit 50 and tried to stay at a steady speed my AFR dropped again to 21.0 and then threw the SES light finally. It finally hit 14.7 when just giving it a little bit of gas a couple of times and letting off. The code was an EGR code, "insufficient EGR flow". I read in the manual that if the EGR valve was bad it could cause the car to run bad and shut off. I'm hoping this is gonna solve the problem of my AFR fluctuating unless it's my ECU going from open loop to closed loop . If anyone wants to chime in for their I would appreciate it. Hey Phil can we meet up some time and see whats going on with my ECU and check my EGR lines to make sure I have them hooked up correctly?

[icemanrld19]

I get that code when cruising and more often when its cold outside. Few of the reason i sold the car. Got tired of always playing catch-up

[repforenzo]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Hey Phil can we meet up some time and see whats going on with my ECU and check my EGR lines to make sure I have them hooked up correctly?

How is it running lately? I'm happy to help out, but I'm been on the road so I'm a bit late responding. I'll be back in town Feb 10 and my be able to help out. I just add that this cold weather plays a bit of havoc on our cars once you add boost. Even though I have the philosophy of tuning in hot weather for obvious reasons, I can still see the benefit of a cold weather tune. At least in terms of keep the car running smoothly during cruise.

With my car, I've have a summer idle AFR that is 15-16:1. Now, with the colder weather it is richer until it gets up to temp.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by repforenzo

How is it running lately? I'm happy to help out, but I'm been on the road so I'm a bit late responding. I'll be back in town Feb 10 and my be able to help out. I just add that this cold weather plays a bit of havoc on our cars once you add boost. Even though I have the philosophy of tuning in hot weather for obvious reasons, I can still see the benefit of a cold weather tune. At least in terms of keep the car running smoothly during cruise.

With my car, I've have a summer idle AFR that is 15-16:1. Now, with the colder weather it is richer until it gets up to temp.

It's running good except for the AFR jumping around. I was thinking it might just be from the cold weather. I'll keep in touch with you and maybe we can meet up when you get back. Well besides that, since we had some f#$ked up weather I started some minor details for this spring and summer. All 4 of my brake calipers needed touched up so I used duplicolor red caliper paint. Here are some front shots, Before and after:

[CloudINC00]

Great looking 3g

[Cudude11]

beautiful!

[jorgeez]

That's one hell of a car man! Your 3G Eclipse looks really tight! Good job and keep it up!

_________________
radiator parts

[RedClipse00]

Do you have a BBK? Those brakes look great.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by RedClipse00

Do you have a BBK? Those brakes look great.

Thanks. I have the old AEM upgraded rotors. Powerslot bought the design from AEM about 2 years ago. I think they are 11.5 inches and I'm using EBC's Red stuff pads.

[Spuds]

Since it hit 60 degrees today I washed up the car and went for a ride. I lost a good friend at work Friday so I had to keep busy this weekend. He fell about 100 feet into the inner harbor, right across from the domino sugar factory. It was horrible and I never experienced anything like that before. It almost seemed like it was all fake almost something you would see in a horror movie. Well here are some Bull shit pics

[Spuds]

Well I went to the track today and got there before Greg and Phil. The first run was a 14.58 @98.82 agaisnt a RSX. The 2nd run was a 14.47 @97.78, again against a RSX but a Type s. The last run Greg saw and that was a 14.45 @98.16. Once I get the boost cooler I'm gonna turn it up to 8.5psi and should put me in the 13's with no problem. Who knows maybe I'll be 60 years old driving a 1982 turbocharged Tercel like the guy we saw today !

[Scooby00GT]

I'm really sorry to hear about your friend... On a lighter note, after all these years you're still reppin' the black 3G's very nicely. This has always been one of my favorite cars on the forums because it's so clean and well put together. Very tastefully done, keep up the good work.

[Ryans3g]

good lookin car! i like the gloss black interior, i painted mine silver but i might have to make a change to go glossy black like urs!