mattster's FD/LS1 T56 Build thread

[mattster03]

Well I figured it's about time I start this build thread before I forget some of the steps I've done so far. I want this build thread to be as complete as possible, so that I can compile a similar website as what I did for my FC build... it seems a lot of people found that useful in the past. I'm hoping to keep a tally of every penny spent like frijolee and try to go as in depth as kevin doe has been doing... it's a lofty goal but you guys have inspired me . I also will try to attempt to track my time. Lets get started by summarizing my goals for the project.

My budget for "phase 1" of this project is going to be $16000. Phase 1 will be a stock LS1 and stock suspension. One general extra expense is going to be converting the body back to stock form, the car came with what I would consider to be an ugly/ricer body kit and some very cheap flush mount headlights. The engine bay will be the focus, so it's going to be as clean as possible. Phase 2 I'll try and get 400 RWHP out of the motor and do a full bushing swap + coilovers; that budget on that has yet to be determined . I plan on using Granny's/Pryo's stock hood subframe and kit for 3 specific reasons:

1. It will be a local pickup
2. More header Clearance (verified), prefer his design
3. I have had good past experience with his kits

The car is a 1993 RX7 R1 with 90k, it was purchased on 6/15/2007 for $6900 and included a spare engine and transmission. I found the engine in the car to be a good compression motor and some extras to sell such as a KOYO radiator and dual oil coolers. The parts are slowly being sold off... I think I could regain as much as $2500, but the actual numbers won't be in until later when stuff actually gets picked up and paid for.





My first step was to pull the engine. There is really not a whole ton to say about this part of the project. I took off the hood and fenders right away, I really didn't feel like denting or scratching them throughout this project. I made sure to get the car up nice and high on 4 jackstands, there's nothing worse than a cramped workspace. I pulled the engine and tranny out as a single unit with all of the accessories attached. I used a cheap harbor freight cherry picker with a leveler, it worked amazingly well!






Next up was to prep the engine bay for paint match... as you can see from the pictures it's still the original black... it's the focal point of the car so might as well spend time making it look nice. The best way to get a good spray is to completely empty the engine bay of EVERYTHING. Removing most of the stuff was self-explainatory, I took the ABS and brake master out as one piece, that way I only had to detach 3 lines. I was a bit frustrated with the wire harness, unlike the FC, it makes a complete loop from one side to the other. I was expecting to be able to pull it off to the side for painting purposes, rework and reloom... it seems a bit difficult to disconnect for this purpose (any advice?). One thing I wish I would have done was take better note of where all the little plasic tabs that hold things like brake lines, wires, etc go back in. I'm hoping it will be obvious when I get to re-assembing it. I used a special spot weld removal tool to remove the two tabs from the frame rails, it worked pretty good but I wouldn't pay $16 for it if I were to do it again, it left some round marks that I'll probably have to bondo. Before I removed the suspension, I rolled it outside and pressure washed it using "Gunk" engine bay cleaner. Rolled it back in for the last time, and pulled the suspension, when pulling the subframe and suspension, a breaker bar is a MUST!









That's it for now. Next step, sanding the engine bay and spraying it. Updates will come regularly. Cost and time spreadsheet soon.

[cencalrx7]

great start

[FCs Rule]

looks great man! eta on the project being done?

[Sabre002]

nice matt!!!!

You going to be kepping the ABS in your car if not I might need some parts from you. I'm still troubleshooting mine.

[mattster03]

i was going to mention the ETA in the project goals but completely forgot. i think i've got a LS1/T56 picked out to be picked up next weekend, and after that parts gathering shouldn't be too difficult or expensive. i think a reasonable goal will be to have the car done by march 1. we will see.

yes, i'm keeping the ABS, it's only out for engine bay painting.

[Ben.Armantrout]

Wheres the update matt? I need some good reading material for work!!!

[ludi-kriss]

update!

[norotor88]

Update???

[SMonty]

I am really glad your making another build thread matt, your fc build thread is what put my ass in gear on my own project.

[Azar]

WTB: Update, will pay top dollar.