ohpyramids Posted April 21, 2010 Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 Hello Ratsun! I have been around Ratsun for a while, but never had time to post a build thread. I feel like this forum has given me so much knowledge, even about stuff I didnt want to know, I want to give back. I work in LA. I like old shit, rusty shit, and video. Im an animator, and I spend most of my days in front of a computer. I have been interested in motorsports since I was a kid, this car is my first stab at hauling ass without dying. So far- so good. I found this car on Craigslist for $2500. I started looking for datsuns after much prodding from Ichorid. I was originally searching for Volvo 142e's, but when I compared the amount of results--I had to go with the Datsun. Theres still so many parts around compared to vintage Volvos. It didnt take long for the Volvo lust to mutate into Datsunitis... I love black turbo bricks. Heres what she looked like when I picked her up on a lunch break. front damage- missing chrome... side angle- stock ride height The 13b swap. This engine had so many problems- it would need its own build thread! Remarkable that I was able to drive anywhere. Interior shot- nice back bench seat, but the front seats are from a toyota corolla. The seatbelts pop open if you inhale too deeply. Right after work- baby goes to the car wash! Im looking back wondering if Im driving the titanic. so. many. holes. Hangin out at CVS with Ichorids' old champagne dime lookin fresh. Nana Flores Diaz still watches over the car. I thank her for her generosity, and am glad that she has nothing better to do. This is a video of Ichorid, Adam, and I on top of GMR Canyon. My car was unfit for the road...but this was too damn fun to pass up. 510 510 210 GMR Quote Link to comment
The Dat-side Posted April 21, 2010 Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 Animator!? What do you do? Oh, and sweet dime. I love the wheels. Great pictures too. Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted April 21, 2010 Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 Animator!? What do you do? Totally dude! Curious minds want to know! Quote Link to comment
ohpyramids Posted April 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 hey guys! mainly animation for television commercials. some music videos, some art projects or live performance installations also. SO- first thing that had to go... the engine. There was 1 chipped rotor housing, a counterbalance from a 12A (much different size & weight), the carb venturis were for a bridgeport- not a stock gsl-se 13b, the radiator fans pushed air the backwards through the radiator, the engine mount was failing due to poor welds, the transmission synchros were shot, 5th gear was shot, there were 3 vehicle wiring harnesses attached together- one was shorting and draining the battery, the choke was busted, the apex seals were loose, the metering pump leaked oil, the oil pan leaked oil, she ran at 185˚ normally (should be 150˚-160˚, 190˚ will seize your rotary) BUT! somehow she held together for 2 fun weeks before I could drop it off to my man Ricardo to do the engine work. A little creepin in the bushes never hurt anybody.... In Hollywood before the Bro party arrives: Engine parts are gutted! Tracing back fuel delivery problems, previous owner had used multiple gauges of fuel lines. SERIOUS RESTRICTIONS!!! Quote Link to comment
hang_510 Posted April 21, 2010 Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 looking real good so far! SO- first thing that had to go... the engine. Quote Link to comment
ohpyramids Posted April 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 hang510- the original engine WAS a fucking mess. i had no idea what i was getting into. if it was a daily driver, i might not have gone rotary. however! i like my engines like i like my porn- wankelable. sorry about these crappy pics, i only had my phone with me in the shop. Interior progress: The Datsun factory sound proofing material came up very easily with some Dry Ice and a Hammer. You can also see the new tranny cover- as the RX-7 transmission pushed back the location of the shifter. Moving to the back seats, more action! Gnarly holes to let my fuel pump and exhaust gas into the vehicle. No wonder I was getting so faded while driving. Fuel pump below. And why they used a Holley- no idea. Swapped it out for a Fawcett style. Much more reliable and appropriate. Quote Link to comment
ohpyramids Posted April 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 Time for good news! Engine bay painted! 13b block reassembled Adding parts back into the engine bay. Relocating battery to the trunk. 13b test fit! Ready to roll! Driver side angle of the engine bay. Check that RX-7 radiator shroud. Channels maximum air through the radiator. Keeps the temperature super low! As she sat after the engine work with Ricardo. Took a nice drive through Griffith park. Scared the locals. 510 and my DD Impreza. You can see how much height I lost after a front spring chop and rear coilovers! Quote Link to comment
The Dat-side Posted April 21, 2010 Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 That ride height is so right. Quote Link to comment
Skib Posted April 21, 2010 Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 lookin good :thumbup: Quote Link to comment
ohpyramids Posted April 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 On to the most recent work... I mashed a giant dent into my oilpan while cruising through sunland about 6 weeks ago. The oil pickup was tweeked out, and a motor mount came loose. un-cool. So, i knew that in addition to driving more carefully, I had to have a serious skid plate fabbed to keep my motor safe. My oil intercooler rides low and to the front, so it would have to have proper ventilation as well. Heres what Jimmy of Wellbilt Kustoms did for my ride... a gnarly 1/4" aluminum bash plate. Final fabbed piece on the table... Bash plate from the front Bash plate view from the back MEGA PROTECTION Quote Link to comment
sssr20det510 Posted April 21, 2010 Report Share Posted April 21, 2010 Nice looks like it coming right along Quote Link to comment
hang_510 Posted April 22, 2010 Report Share Posted April 22, 2010 Time for good news! 13b block reassembled Took a nice drive through Griffith park. Scared the locals. didnt think you were putiing it back in... nice job! the locals need a good scare over there! :thumbup: Quote Link to comment
ohpyramids Posted July 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2010 heres some recent pix- used SEM Trim Black on the rims. had some pro photos shot by my buddy nik jung (this is not one of them) havent had the car around much lately. shes in the shop having a 20 gallon fuel cell installed. i had been having problems with the stock tank starving my fuel pump on long rides. there was not enough air to balance the fuel being sucked out...so when i opened my gas cap- there would be a strong sucking noise, and then id hear the stock tank un-crinkle. should be back to blasting soon. Quote Link to comment
djaztek12 Posted July 10, 2010 Report Share Posted July 10, 2010 your engine looks like mind white and black. it's a bitch to keep it clean :D Quote Link to comment
ichorid Posted July 14, 2010 Report Share Posted July 14, 2010 I didnt know you had a build thread going! update with pics of the fuel cell! Quote Link to comment
elmerfudpucker Posted July 14, 2010 Report Share Posted July 14, 2010 needs more black! get rid of the rest of the chrome! :D Quote Link to comment
ohpyramids Posted July 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2010 white and black. it's a bitch to keep it clean :D agreed! i was doing well until i hit a spot of rain on the 5 south. that sweage water totally covered my whole engine block. needs more black! get rid of the rest of the chrome! :D fudpucker-thats a good idea. i should powdercoat the bumpers, side vents, grille, and handles....maybe teal or blonde.... nah BLACK IT IS! Quote Link to comment
ohpyramids Posted August 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2010 update! fuel cell is complete. purchased a 20 gal aluminum fuel cell from summit racing. installed by jimmy from wellbilt kustoms. pardon the soap suds, trunk doesnt seal properly. Quote Link to comment
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