"the dog" grille filler

Re: jwagner's project: "the dog" paint prep'd

-yep. still need to paint the bit on the bumpers that match the trim. the bumper gap is actually less noticable in person, but im still rolling around ideas on how to fill it. the lip attatches to the stock lower bumper bolts and i had to trim a bit to get that match, i may try a piece of double stick to fill the gap. im gonna get some fogs, and then ill figure out some type of mesh for the rest of the opening.

-ill get the rear skirt, but i kinda like it as-is.

-windows will get a light/medium tint. one of my biggest pet-peves is driving a car with windows that are too dark. i like to be able to see at night, but our cars are definatly little terrariums.

-seats may or may not got. id like to shed the wieght and go back and forth on the color, but they are cozy. this is pretty low on the list.

-wheels will be a big improvement, but could take a while as im very particular about what ill get....i've never actually had something worth buying a set of custom wheels for so its a big decision. this will also determine the color of different vynils. i like the black for now, but feel like its just temporary. defo leaning towards gold/gold for wheel/vynils.

-also am thinking about having the top and maybe the spoiler re-shot in gloss. i think its important to break up the mono-tone ness of the semi. but hey its constantly evolving.

-as for the front lip there is a noticeable amount of more air moving over the car at speed. you can see it well in the rain. i wouldnt however say that it has any noticable effect on handling. my biggest draw back to the handling now is the tires.

-next up will be cheap little things for a while, maybe tint. the pocket book is still hurting from the paint. i want to save up for wheels and am waiting for the right set to pop up on ebay or c.l.

 

Re: jwagner's project: "the dog" painted

-so i havent done anything to the car in a bit. one thing thats really been bothering me however is the cold start issue. takes 3-4 cranks to get her going when its cold. it does help if i turn the key to on for about 30 sec, then it takes 2-3 cranks. i have good voltages everywhere, and good pressure in the bay. so on a hunch im guessing that the hose that connects the f.p. to the lines may have a small leak in-tank. assuming that its the original f.p. that means it has 230K on it and 25+ years old. its also one of the last bits mechanicaly that i havent addresed.

-sure enough i dropped the tank today and the hose has seen better days. seperated rubber, holes in the outer jacket, ect. manufacture date.......3/85. there is also a small bit of corrosion on the terminals, so time for a clean-up and upgrade. hopefully this will solve my cold start issue.

-cant find my camera right now but ill get pics when i get the replacement. probably after vaca :mrgreen

 

Re: jwagner's project: "the dog" painted

-yep, though there are also other changes that may support that. not sure the ecu alone would resolve that. we'll see. i'd like to change it out for peace of mind aswell. im always kinda worried that eventually its gonna take a dump on me. if it still has the issue with a new f.p. atleast i know its not gonna leave me stranded.

 

Re: jwagner's project: "the dog" painted

-thanks gt-i, im super picky on the wheels so it could be a ways out, ill be going for something different.

-kev, the ecu 89 also saw bigger injectors, a re-route on the vac, slightly different wiring ect. running th jdm ecu now so id like to continue using it. like i said, ill try the f.p. and go from there.

-celicaman, thanks. its just a magnaflow straight through with two outlets. then angled chrome tips welded on. i also really like it. not a big fan of the single coffee can.

 

Re: jwagner's project: "the dog" painted

-fuel pump swapped. 255lph walbro in. though i probably dont need one, i think it falls under preventative maintanace/future mod support. judging by the afr from my dyno the last thing i really need is more fuel. i may try a pod filter with a home made box. but id rreally like to go with the afr gauge first so i can see any changes.

-by the seat o the pants meeter i does feel more responsive, less sputtery. i will say that i could be just be my imagination, or the fact that i havent driven it in 2 weeks, but it really does feel much much smoother than i remember.

-i cant judge any effect on the cold start issue yet, as ive only started it cold once since the install. i should find out tonight. it did take a few cranks, but that would be expected since the system was bled.

-one other thing i noticed was that you can actually hear the walbro. its got a bit of a high pitch whine. the interesting thing is that it only comes on once the key is turned to start. not at ON like 09. so im thinking if there is a difference in the ecu thats it. 09 was on the 89 ecu and you coud hear the pump turn on as soon as the key was put to ON. p/n's for all the relays ect are all the same. id wonder if there isnt a way to mod it so it comes on at on?

-pics

 

Re: jwagner's project: "the dog" new fuel pump

-ha! same thing i thought. glad somebody else has it, i was wondering if something was wrong with it.