Picked up a non-running '94 XR2 project back in September. If you missed it, here is an introductory thread I made in the General section:
http://teamcapri.com/forum/index.php/topic,3219.0.htmlMy goals for the car are as follows:
1. Fix current mechanical issues.-Bought the car with a blown headgasket, which the previous owner tried to remedy with some of that metallicy stop leak crap, which ultimately sprayed out of the waterpump seal. I'm guessing the bottom end is fine, but will have the head checked and decked if needed. Once good, I'll secure everything with ARP head studs, then add a new waterpump and timing belt etc.
-I'm guessing the PO's cooling issues started with a radiator fan that quit working. There's a whole rats nest of cut and spliced wires at the front drivers side of the engine bay, and the fan was ultimately wired directly to the battery... My plan is to graft in an eBay dual core Honda Civic radiator, with a slim line fan wired to an independent fan controller.
-The shifter is horribly sloppy, so I'm going to toss in some of those Corksport "Bronzoil" bushings.
-The most likely original VJ14 is completely seized, which im guessing probably came from coolant being present in the oil after the HG went. I'm assuming that due to the seizure, if possible a rebuild will likely call for more than just a rebuild kit. However, I haven't been able to find anywhere where replacement RHB5 turbines and/or compressors can be realistically or affordably purchased. I also don't want to go on a wild goose chase and shell out money for a used VJ14, since I will eventually be upgrading. I have a buddy who has a whole bunch of stuff laying around from his days of being into F2T cars, including a bunch of VJ11's and a T-bird/11 hybrid, but I don't want to go that route. My plan here leads me to...
2. Make an impressive HP/ET gain while spending as little money as possible.-As stated in my other thread, I also own an AWD 1G DSM. I've been modding and repairing those cars for almost 12 years now, and have compliled a mass collection of used parts for them almost worthy of getting me an appearance on the show "Hoarders". Combined with the obvious need for some manageable fabrication, I'd like to re-purpose whatever I can from that collection to make upgrades to the Capri. I've found a cheap stainless log style exhaust manifold on Ebay that is meant for B6ZE Miata's, that orients the turbo in the same style as the B6T mani. The biggest plus though, is that it is flanged for DSM style TD05 turbo's. I have plethora of these from stock 14B's all the way up to genuine MHI 16G's. All of which way outflow 11/14 and Tbird hybrids. I'd like to mate this with a O2 housing, BOV, 390CC injectors/resistor box, and an aftermarket intake pipe all from my DSM collection. I also have some DSM intercoolers, as well as access to Probe and EVO 8/9 IC's. Only real fab work will be modifying an O2 housing, making a downpipe and getting crafty with plumbing for various things.
-All of this will be tied together with a Rocketchip, Walbro 255/FPR and a fuel pump rewire. All also most likely toss in an aftermarket clutch to handle the extra load.
-I'll also be putting it on a diet, removing AC, cruise control, power steering and any unneeded intake or emissions components.
3. Perform some suspension/brake upgrades-Pretty easy. Freshen up the suspension, do the Galant rotor upgrade, possibly lowering springs and sway bar(s).
4. Devise a unique tuning solution to make even more power-Obviously the Rocketchip will only take me so far. What I'd eventually like to do, is further tap into my DSM stockade to be able to tune the Capri. Basically the Capri will be converted to use a 1G turbo DSM engine harness and ECU. Then, I can use the pretty easy to use DSMLink to tune it. It's actually been done a few times on Miata's and some 240SX's. The BP/B6ZE Miata's coilpack and CAS are physically identical to what is used on a 1G DSM, which will help eliminate some headache. With DSMLink I'd be able to:
-Use much better flowing air meters, or switch to speed density
-Use much larger injectors and tune for E85
-Drop in a set of B6ZE Kelford 272 cams that I often drool over
-Program in things like launch control or no lift shift
-Break things faster...
I should be getting to tear down very shortly. I'll be upgrading with my progress as it happens.
Let me know what you think.