The Phoenix Project: A New Beginning

[RJolly87]

Failed bushings isn't too surprising. The southwest is really good at that unfortunately.

Are you thinking of tearing down the suspension again to even the score, or putting it off until winter perhaps?

It's awesome seeing all the updates being shared :D

[Vegafan]

I am actually waiting until I put it away for the winter. There are quite a few things that are going to be done to the suspension at the same time when the bushings are replaced.

[Vegafan]

Quick question regarding Motor/ Trans mounts.. Does the 65e have to have the special mount or could I still use the old 440t4 mount with a limiter link in it? Just curious to kill two birds with one stone. Before people ask, this would not be the stiffest swap mount. A poly dog bone takes that award.

[MattStrike]

Which mount are you referring to? I think you're talking about the drivers side front? Unless you have a good reason not to (like headers) just use the 65e mount. The older mounts are not as strong and will tear. Can you run a bolt through it? Yes, but it needs to be isolated or it will transmit vibrations through the subframe to the steering rack and steering wheel.

I would normally redirect you to my '97 LeSabre build to see what I did with that mount, but you know, photobucket bombed.

[Vegafan]

Thanks Matt. I didn't realize that there was that much of a strength difference in the mounts. Although, the isolation is a very important factor because living with bad mounts sucks! (The mounts have gotten to be more noticeable since the meet)

[95naSTA]

I've run a bolt through the front trans mount without any vibration issues.

[Vegafan]

How well did that setup hold up? Not planning on taking the car above stockish power levels for a couple of years, but would like to future proof it for when I do make my next move.

[95naSTA]

Granted I'm only a cammed n/a but there were no issues with it holding up.

[MattStrike]

That's a fair point, at stock power levels you probably won't have an issue with the mount for a while. I keep thinking for some reason the end goal with this car is boost.

[RJolly87]

That's a fair point, at stock power levels you probably won't have an issue with the mount for a while. I keep thinking for some reason the end goal with this car is boost.

I think that's part of the "next couple of years" statement...

[Vegafan]

Hmm, I wonder what gave people that idea. I thought the whole N/A swap raised enough eyebrows lol.
@MattStrike, Yea.. I believe I've discussed it with you and your brother before. Plus, I believe some people have been very bad influences.

[95naSTA]

I know quite a bit people have done this over the years and I don't remember anyone breaking one, boosted or not.

[Vegafan]

Thank you for the insight. I think that is the direction I will be going.

[Vegafan]

Since I have been rather lax on updates due to class and other vehicle issues.. I figure i should finally pop on here and update the thread.

The car performed somewhat well as a daily driver until it went into the garage at the end of September. Had to bring another vehicle in the house so i could reclaim my truck from the girlfriend. Of course, that didn't help too much because it needed an engine swap relatively recently. During this time though, I have slowly worked at tearing the front of the car apart, and just have to pull the axles and the wiring passthrough to be able to pull the drivetrain. Other things have been in the works though, like backdating some of the front end.

Figuring out the wiring also has been fun since 1990 was a big change in how the signals are sent to the gauges and the rest of the car. Some of the signals are not going through the C260/C265 connector like they had in past years.

Stay tuned and in the next couple of weeks, updates should be more forthcoming. (End of Semester!)

Picture Dump Time!

Finally Indoors


Beginning of the teardown


Looking at some of the room for activities


Finally got the hood off


The beginning of the jumper harness

[Vegafan]

Since the last time I updated this thread, things have been progressing at a very slow but steady pace. The old LN3 was pulled and I won't miss the morning hijinks when I was afraid that it might stall. The HVAC box is currently on its way to being sealed for the new evaporator but it has been a challenge to get there.

The new drivetrain is on the cradle (new bushings!), but I have a little bit of plumbing of the steering lines / cooler mountings, before it is ready to go under the car. Also, while everything is clear, the old flexible section of the fuel line is being converted to quick connect so it will be a little easier to future proof.

Pictures will be forthcoming of course.

[RJolly87]

What? No rust repair yet?

This pleases me

[Vegafan]

Nah, just a bucket load of dust and stuff.

[Vegafan]

Big update time, it is currently coughing!

The engine and new subframe are in the car but I haven't installed the axles or suspension. I am currently waiting on parts to put the cooling system together so I can get the engine running better than a coughing fit. (Vacuum leaks )

[Vegafan]

Since I haven't been on here in such a long time, I figured it would be a good idea to post an update after all of this time. The project is not dead, just in a forced slumber due to lack of time.

Since I was on here last, my daily driver truck got hit by some guy looking away from the wheel (long since repaired), the little yellow cavalier that belonged to my GF at the time (now wife) decided to cough up another engine, then shortly after that AFM Failure on the truck . Between those repairs and the replacement to said cavalier, and replacement of said replacement. It has been a while. The current hope is that this winter, Ill be able to finally get the new fuel tank in the car and start the wiring to integrate the old and new systems.

Sorry.. No pics..

[MattStrike]

Hey, I completely understand how life likes to derail a project. Hopefully the fuel tank job doesn't turn into a can of worms; as it seems all my projects are these days.

Are you planning to have it running and driving for next summer?