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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
Wow. Glad you like ![]() All this being done in such a limited space!! Just goes to show --- Plan your work...::...Work your plan Hats off & thumbs up!! Thank you! and yes, space is indeed a non stop issue. Especially now that the cruiser has been winterized. Nothing would make me happier than an upgrade to at least a two car garage. Awesome progress Luk. and the vid...very exciting watching it spin ![]() Glad I'm not the only one that can stare at these kinds of things haha. Don't know what it is, but watching CNC machines do their thing is almost hypnotizing Whose shop was that? Yours!!! Awesome dude.. not mine! its my old mans. I do get to use it often though; which is great because it allows for major upgrades/maintanance to happen during the colder months. Otherwise I'd have to build one of those big white tents in my driveway and buy a torpedo heater ![]() Very cool Luke. You're making me want to take Abby down to keep up with you..... That's how Dan makes me feel with his car lol. Usually after seeing his car all I want to do is drop all of my responsibilities and spend a months worth of salary on paint ![]() Great updates Luke; this thread is full of excellent information and inspiration. ![]() Thanks Keiri, I've been trying to show the basic approach and reasoning behind the projects I take on. So I'm glad people are getting something from it, and I hope it makes things like a 3s or SS swap seem llike less of a challenge Amazing attention to detail Luke! Keep up the clean work! Thanks Ben, I'll be glad when it's done so I can finally start to feel like this is a balanced car and actually put some power down. Quick update: ![]() Superstrut is officially plug and play with my LHD frame ![]() Also have an s54-06d in the works. Hopefully I can convince this importer to split their engine set and sell it to me. If not I'm gonna have to scramble to source one elsewhere. This post has been edited by enderswift: Nov 6, 2013 - 1:17 AM -------------------- ![]() |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
Hey 6gc, small update:
The sway bar endlinks that came with my superstrut weren't looking too good so I decided to replace them. Unfortunately st205 endlinks are few and far in between. If you find a set, they're going to cost you. Aftermarket performance adjustable links are always an option but those tend to be expensive too... and who's going to spend an arm and a leg for links? Which is why my buddy and I spend a good 40 minutes at the back of an Advance auto opening every end link kit they had until we found this: ![]() New link on top, original st205 link on bottom. Paid ~$70 for both ![]() ![]() Here's the part number for those interested. I'm pretty sure these links are originally meant for a mazda protege 5. ![]() I mocked everything up to test the fitment and found no issues ![]() All that's left is just cosmetic work and rust proofing. Should be getting everything installed in the next few weeks ![]() This post has been edited by enderswift: Nov 11, 2013 - 12:21 AM -------------------- ![]() |
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Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined May 16, '10 From Raleigh Currently Offline Reputation: 12 (100%) ![]() |
Lookin' good man!
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Enthusiast Joined Apr 17, '13 From Northlake Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) ![]() |
SWAY BAR LINKS!!!!
Believed to be from a MP5 protege (useless Mazda knowledge isn't so useless now is it lol) -------------------- "it doesn't matter what you mod as long as you mod it tastefully" for discounted prices on blasting and powder coating check out https://www.facebook.com/AS.Perfomance.Coatings discounts for forum members |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
Hello 6gc,
I have another update ready. Like always, my plans and timeline for this swap have been blown completely out of the water. The biggest issue I ran into was the fact that I could not find any importer that wanted to sell an s54-06d transmission. That is, I couldn't find an importer that wouldn't flake last minute. They all seemed more than happy to split their engine sets and sell just the transmission until I asked for photos of the axle holes. Then they would stall with the pictures for days before suddenly realizing the transmissions aren't LSD afterall...Go figure. The funny thing is they would refuse to update their online listings to reflect that the transmissions aren't indeed LSD... You guys should really take care to ask the right questions if you're considering a BEAMS engine set in the near future. Anyway if they wont sell an LSD transmission to me, then I'll build my own: ![]() Thus I sourced a TRD helical diff. I've never opened a trans before, so this build is going to be an interesting challenge. As far as the suspension is concerned, its been a very slow process; mostly due to the limited availability of a 20 ton press and a stubborn broken bolt that took over a week to extract. Luckily both of those issues have been resolved. The subframe paint on the other hand, has turned into a disaster. POR 15 is very hard to work with, and I honestly don't have the facilities to maintain proper humidity and temperature. So I've decided to have the subframe powdercoated along with a few other pieces instead. Its pricey but guarantees a durable, and fantastic looking finish. Anyway here are a few photos of some of the other small things I've been keeping busy with: ![]() This is a before shot of one of the ruined dust shields that arrived with my clip. The importer unfortunately had them support the weight of the suspension during shipping. ![]() And here is the same shield after an application of several wood blocks, a table vice, pliers/vicegrips, and my friends blasting/powdercoating skills. Lots of work but better than buying new ones from TCB ![]() ![]() Here I have one side of the suspension ready for blasting and powdercoating. I still need to use the press to squeeze out the bearing on the other side. If I'm lucky I'll get to it this coming weekend. ![]() New bearings and seals all ready to go once parts get coated. ![]() Finally here are the suspension arms ready for a coat of POR 15 chassis black. These will hopefully be easy to paint compared to the subframe. This post has been edited by enderswift: Dec 3, 2013 - 12:24 AM -------------------- ![]() |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Mar 15, '07 From Tennessee Currently Offline Reputation: 52 (100%) ![]() |
I wonder, how do you replace the ball joints or rubber on those parts? do you have to get them new?
-------------------- Learned a lot in 10 years... I hardly log in anymore, last login Today Sept 6 2019, and I was forced just to clarify a post. LOL
If you PM me and I dont respond, dont fret or cry. Im alive, better post your questions in the thread below, maybe I log back in 2grfe Swapped... Why I chose the 2GR, before you ask read here... A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within. @llamaraxing in Instagram is the best way to find me. I hardly log here anymore. |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
There is no real way to recondition superstrut parts that I am aware of. Paul from GT4-Racing is the only one that offers rebuilding services. It's the unfortunate downside to owning superstrut. Thankfully all of my joints are still smooth and tight, so I expect to get a decent amount of life out of them barring some kind of pothole/accident. At least in the future when the current stock shocks give out I'll be able to simply cut and weld on a BC coilover set. In the distant future I'll probably be forced to swap back to McPherson when parts truly do become impossible to source. Which wont be a horrible thing to do. For now I'm just going to enjoy the multilink goodness.
This post has been edited by enderswift: Dec 5, 2013 - 8:13 PM -------------------- ![]() |
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![]() Moderator ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Nov 5, '07 From New Zealand Currently Offline Reputation: 3 (100%) ![]() |
Anyway if they wont sell an LSD transmission to me, then I'll build my own: ![]() Thus I sourced a TRD helical diff. I've never opened a trans before, so this build is going to be an interesting challenge. Ahh so this is the TRD LSD you were pm'ing me about. Its hard to say if it truly is a TRD helical vs factory helical. Unless you got one side by side, and even then I guess. Were you given the trd part number or did you source it from my thread? As its not listed on website. Edit: Found this: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread...p;highlight=LSD This post has been edited by Rusty: Dec 3, 2013 - 5:34 PM -------------------- |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
Ahh so this is the TRD LSD you were pm'ing me about. Its hard to say if it truly is a TRD helical vs factory helical. Unless you got one side by side, and even then I guess. Were you given the trd part number or did you source it from my thread? As its not listed on website. Edit: Found this: http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread...p;highlight=LSD Thanks Rusty, The seller provided me with P/N 41301-ST900, which corresponds to a TRD diff. Unfortunately there are very few clues to go on. Luckily I got this for a great price This post has been edited by enderswift: Dec 4, 2013 - 12:34 AM -------------------- ![]() |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
Quick update:
Put my new press to work and freed the remaining bearings this week. Thus I was able to get 80% of the powdercoating done. Only the subframe is left. It's sure nice to have a friend that is getting into the blasting/coating business: ![]() There just is no substitute for oxide blasting. Removes every single speck of rust. ![]() I took care to protect the bearing surfaces during the whole process. ![]() Here is a terribly blurred photo comparing the shields before and after being restored. ![]() Here is the bulk of what I intended to powder. In the future I may coat the calipers as well depending on how the current paint holds up. Plus I plan to do a bunch of miscellaneous engine brackets as well.... And maybe a transmission case ![]() This weekend I'm hoping to apply POR chassis black to the control arms and struts. Then finally the rustproofing will be complete ![]() I still wont be able to assemble the suspension however. I unfortunately ordered the wrong front wheel bearings and will have to purchase the correct kits on Monday. This means the suspension refresh will be pushed out at least a week more. Oh well, gives me time to chip away at the other million small things I still have to pay attention to. This post has been edited by enderswift: Dec 6, 2013 - 6:45 PM -------------------- ![]() |
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Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Sep 27, '10 From pittsburgh Currently Offline Reputation: 4 (100%) ![]() |
Cool, are those powder coated or painted?
I just bought an el cheapo blasting cabinet for smaller things like that. I don't want to powder coat them, just want some heavy duty paint. -------------------- -93 Rx7, Turbo 6.1L v8, 725rwhp/760rwtq
-95 Celica GT Rally Car - 3sge/AWD -10 F150 Always buying stock wheels... PM me if interested in selling. |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Dec 22, '06 From Columbia, MD Currently Offline Reputation: 13 (100%) ![]() |
Anyway if they wont sell an LSD transmission to me, then I'll build my own: ![]() Thus I sourced a TRD helical diff. I've never opened a trans before, so this build is going to be an interesting challenge. WIN! -------------------- ![]() 1995 GT::::Diffusing the Situation エキサイティングカーレーシングチーム! march 2010 COTM : 6GC feature 2014 : january 2015-2016-2018 COTM |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
Cool, are those powder coated or painted? I just bought an el cheapo blasting cabinet for smaller things like that. I don't want to powder coat them, just want some heavy duty paint. Those have been powder coated. Honestly, powdercoating will be easier than painting. The only paint that can stand up to the rocks and abuse parts like this will see is POR 15/chassis coat, and that stuff is TOUGH to work with. It just doesn't cover the way you expect it to... Anyway you can buy a craftsman powdercoating gun for ~$60 and some decent powder for $5/lb; which is less than the ~$90 I paid for a quart of POR. Even harbor freight has halfway decent powder. Basically you just have to do a good job sand blasting, bake the parts to burn off any grease/oil (after a decent simplegreen soak), mask off the bearing surfaces, place plugs in any threads, then you just coat and bake in an electric oven ![]() Anyway if they wont sell an LSD transmission to me, then I'll build my own: ![]() Thus I sourced a TRD helical diff. I've never opened a trans before, so this build is going to be an interesting challenge. WIN! ![]() Quick update: Things are at a standstill at the moment because the holidays are demanding my project funds. Furthermore my wheel bearing kits have been stopped in customs and I'm waiting on supplies to undo the mess I created while trying to use POR chassis coat black. I just don't know what I was doing wrong, but it turned out awful every time I tried. Since I had such a rough time painting the suspension parts I am no longer on the fence on whether or not to have the subframe professionally powdered (it doesn't fit in my friends oven unfortunately). I'm just tired of exerting enormous amounts of labor on it. The suspension on the other hand should not be placed in any oven so I'm going to have to keep trying different things until I get a decent finish. I also have to purchase new axles, a set of stainless lines, and poly bushings for the sway bar. After all that I'll be ready to acquire the last few tools necessary to tear into the trans. I just know it's all gonna be worth it in the spring ![]() This post has been edited by enderswift: Dec 16, 2013 - 11:11 PM -------------------- ![]() |
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Enthusiast Joined Apr 17, '13 From Northlake Currently Offline Reputation: 0 (0%) ![]() |
Cool, are those powder coated or painted? I just bought an el cheapo blasting cabinet for smaller things like that. I don't want to powder coat them, just want some heavy duty paint. trust me if you want a good durable finish. powder coat it! it will cost less in the long run -------------------- "it doesn't matter what you mod as long as you mod it tastefully" for discounted prices on blasting and powder coating check out https://www.facebook.com/AS.Perfomance.Coatings discounts for forum members |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() Joined Jul 21, '10 From Northern NJ Currently Offline Reputation: 1 (100%) ![]() |
Amazing attention to detail! Looking forward to your updates!
-------------------- PRIME Performance 862-258-3346
Check out our store and services: www.PRIMEMR2.com |
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Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined May 29, '09 From Gainesville, FL Currently Offline Reputation: 17 (100%) ![]() |
Excellent work as always!
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
Time for an update. I've been keeping busy making all of the superstrut components look new again:
![]() I was never happy with how the Calipers came out when I first painted them. So I decided to start over with POR 15 Chassis coat. The stuff actually flows out really well if its applied as a spray...sure wish I knew that sooner! ![]() ![]() The rear calipers received the same treatment. ![]() Here is a picture of my upright with a partially pressed-in bearing. I decided to have a press adapter machined before I pressed these in the whole way. No sense in risking $300 worth of bearings! I'm really happy I went with powder coating on these parts, the stuff is damn near indestructible! ![]() After lots of trial and error I finally figured out how to paint suspension parts with an oem finish. Hopefully my choice of paint stands the test of time and keeps everything from rusting, which is the whole point of doing all of this. ![]() Using a heat gun to cure the paint between coats really cut down on the time needed to do all of this. Even so I think I spent a total of 15 hours refinishing all of these suspension parts. ![]() I decided to go the extra mile and mimic the appearance of my sway bar endlinks by polishing and clearing all of the ball joint housings. Sorry for the dark photos, its tough to take pictures of satin parts while indoors unfortunately. ![]() Hopefully the clearcoat holds up and these wont rust! That's it for now; hopefully I'll have the suspension installed in the near future ![]() This post has been edited by enderswift: Mar 4, 2014 - 11:12 AM -------------------- ![]() |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Mar 8, '09 From Westport, MA Currently Offline Reputation: 6 (100%) ![]() |
great update and a great build man! heat gun between coats will definitely help speed up the process, but painting always takes time regardless, its a trade of patience! lol .. the clear coat on the ball joints should hold up for a while but will eventually wear off due the location and abuse they will see from the roads. I cleared my struts and springs 5 years ago when I installed them and they do have some rust from over the years but nothing compared to what it would've been if i didn't clear them. Everything looks tho great man, awesome attention to detail, keep it up!
![]() -------------------- st205 powered ss3 coupe
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Aug 23, '11 From kenton ohio Currently Offline Reputation: 14 (100%) ![]() |
I hope to have my celica this well done up one day.
-------------------- 95 gt coupe, v6 swap weekend toy
99 gt hatch beams swapped wife's 94 st hatch my daily driver http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=82235 ![]() |
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![]() Enthusiast ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Joined Jul 12, '08 Currently Offline Reputation: 5 (100%) ![]() |
great update and a great build man! heat gun between coats will definitely help speed up the process, but painting always takes time regardless, its a trade of patience! lol .. the clear coat on the ball joints should hold up for a while but will eventually wear off due the location and abuse they will see from the roads. I cleared my struts and springs 5 years ago when I installed them and they do have some rust from over the years but nothing compared to what it would've been if i didn't clear them. Everything looks tho great man, awesome attention to detail, keep it up! ![]() I hope to have my celica this well done up one day. Thanks for the kind words guys. I really cannot wrap my head around how much work all of this was. I orignally thought I could slap together a compatible and painted superstrut setup in a week! Silly me ![]() -------------------- ![]() |
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