Jump to content

Rubix's Nissan 180sx AKA "The Bastard Car"


Recommended Posts

I thought since my project thread got deleted after saying I wasn't going to use UKSO... I thought I'd recreate it a summary.

Its a copy and paste of some post from way back and recently so it may not read perfectly....

WARNING: YOU MAY WANT A CUPPA BEFORE YOU START, THIS SHIT IS LONG!

I got this bain of existence in July 2009 and its first outing was the Scottish Car Show the very next day. My mate Chris got a few snaps on the road up

SMC-6.jpg

SMC-5.jpg

The car came with a beafy spec, most of which turned out to be BS, but it seemed it had been BS long before its previous owner bought it...

2 months into its ownership it overheated while I was out one night and caused this:

SMIMG_0457.jpg

One dead 2mm HKS Headgasket. During stripping the cause was put down to a burst Radiator due to a lack of rubber mounts. :angry:

The car was fixed in Kev's garage over a 3 month period and came out with new HG, headbolts and I had the GReddy TD06 refurbished. Once out I decided I was gonna refurb the wheels, but I ended up getting board and selling them on to John "Hero Skids" Fallon.

I was getting fed up with it being a bit of a slag inside and bought an interior from Gary in Aberdeen:

IMG_0695.jpg

It definetly made a difference.

I then bought some new wheels and made them fit and my mate Chris took some shots for me at the tail end of 2010

wul6.jpg

wul5.jpg

wul4.jpg

However, my woes did not end and after months of speculation I got my fears confirmed:

IMAG0238.jpg

Exhaust gases were in the coolant system... FML :angry:

The car sat for over 6 months rotting in a shed with no love loss what so ever, I have contemplating letting someone take it away for buttons, but since regretting selling my last car I was determined...

Jamie gave me an amazing deal on an engine from a fellow SXOC members car he was breaking and the spark to get it running again begun...

249638_10150641946785343_900855342_.jpg

With the help of Gaz and Chris at GI Motorsport in Killie I got the car road legal and running again after 6 months of nothing :D

IMAG0420.jpg

th_VIDEO0024.jpg

Its first outing again would be the 2011 Scottish Car Show, where, for the first time in a year, I was happy with it!

283235_251197428240652_100000511898.jpg

Then finally, in Aug 2011, 2 years after I bought the car, I got to do what I bought it for....SKIDS!!!

Colin2.jpg

Colin3.jpg

The car was feeling great and I couldn't have been happier. I booked up for the October drift day for more......and ended up blowing 3rd gear all over the inside of my gearbox <_<

I got that fixed in the December, only to then find that I had a rather annoying exhaust issue:

P1010055.jpg

I decided at this point to sell the TD06 kit so got stuck in removing it all. While the car was up in the air I stripped off all the suspension joints to give them a little service:

IMAG0019.jpg

With the TD06 going I had to decide what I was going to replace it with. A GT2871r seemed the best for me, however I always like being awkward so I decided to go for something a little different... So the new parts collection began with a Horsham Developments Manifold

IMAG0076-1.jpg

IMAG0073.jpg

Got more stuff while I waited on my turbo arriving.

IMAG0089.jpg

2 turbo gaskets and a front crank oil seal...

IMAG0091.jpg

They are frickin expensive but any ebay ones just die in sub 100miles.

Then after a 3 month wait from Mazworx in the US....My boosts arrived!!! One Brand Spanking Garrett GTX2867r 0.64

IMG_20120418_132056.jpg

IMG_20120418_132853.jpg

IMG_20120418_132914.jpg

While I've been waiting on my turbo I had stripped down all the suspension arms and coil overs using big spanners and hammers! They were badly needing cleaned up.

IMG_20120423_183716.jpg

The front threads looked terrible:

IMG_20120423_183539.jpg

I then set up my weapons of choice for this task:

IMG_20120423_183517.jpg

All back together

IMG_20120424_190707.jpg

Apex Coilovers split and rebuilt

IMG_20120424_190717.jpg

IMG_20120424_190812.jpg

Driftworks Arm set, split and rebuilt with new sealing boots

IMG_20120424_190732.jpg

IMG_20120424_190800.jpg

And some brand spanking new Apex Tension Arms as the DW ones were beyond repair.

IMG_20120424_190739.jpg

Then got bored one evening in the house

FB_IMG_13355576333778219.jpg

Decided to build everything up to ensure things fitted...

FB_IMG_13356361738754419.jpg

Looks good. I only had one issue...

IMG_20120428_183455.jpg

The banjo bolt for the oil feed is too long and needed to have about 5mm of threads taken off it as it hits the built in oil restrictor.

Got busy when the weather was nice

IMG_20120505_165949.jpg

IMG_20120505_165937.jpg

Then got the turbo mounted in place

IMG_20120512_185953.jpg

IMG_20120512_185949.jpg

More Progress......

IMG_20120522_205735.jpg

Wait..... I know what your thinking, I've now got a half stripped car again...

I popped over with the intention of measuring up my rear interior panels to make a wooden install. However I ended up cleaning my Brix II seat, plumbing in my water return and moving my fan controller.

Afterwards I couldnt stop thinking about how my oil cooler was a PITA due to its position and the way its hoses are routed.... so the above shot is what happens when an idiot attempts to move an oil cooler.

Got there in the end...

IMG_20120522_205820.jpg

During work last night I thought I'd dick about with the panoramic mode on my new Nexus... I call this masterpiece "Broken Shit Laying Accross The Driveway"

PANO_20120522_210045.jpg

While waiting to get the car into GI during the summer I I decided to cut up some cardboard Blue Peter style...can you get what it is yet?

IMG_20120612_195005.jpg

Custom Heat Shield :thumbs:

IMG_20120612_195033.jpg

Engine Bay as I left it last night. Got the Stock piping in place but will be getting a 1 piece custom pipe made when the car goes to GI.

IMG_20120612_205922.jpg

Relocated Oil Cooler. Done the best I could with the hoses I had. This way it means I can drain it far easier than before. I'm going to make up more templates to ensure air doesn't pass through the side of the rad or between the IC and Rad.

IMG_20120612_205934.jpg

Gratuitous Turbo Shot...

IMG_20120612_205958.jpg

Ooooooooo PowerFC FTW!!!

IMG_20120612_210204.jpg

IMG_20120612_210214.jpg

The Interior as it sits. I've moved some gauges around and you'll notice the glove box and door cars are missing. Should hear back from a mate later this week above them :cool:

IMG_20120612_210034.jpg

IMG_20120612_210303.jpg

Really need to get a stereo and stuff to fill this hole, but totally loving my gear gaiter.

IMG_20120612_210320.jpg

Battery relocated behind drivers seat. I have a plan to do something like Ian200sx has done in his post HERE. I've already started working on templates, just not went and bought MDF yet. Might try and draft in my missus's Da as he's a joiner and no doubt will have better wood tools than my dad.

IMG_20120612_210716.jpg

Car badly needs a wash, Its not been washed since around Dec last year when the love was lost for it. Really need to get the alignment sorted as you can see. Dunno where I'm going to use as I've heard loads of mixed reports of all the local places.

IMG_20120612_210839.jpg

IMG_20120612_210820.jpg

Just a cheeky shameless plug for the place who do alot of my work and are growing each day.

IMG_20120612_210743.jpg

Well I got up this morning and waited on getting the news to get the car into GI.

While I waited at my folks house I decided to bastardise a screwdriver...:wack:

IMG_20120616_110114.jpg

Been meaning to do it for ages :thumbs:

Then dossed about some more and then the phone call came :D

IMG_20120616_145001.jpg

Seems like Gaz is collecting S-Bodies

IMG_20120616_144743.jpg

While we were chilling out one of the guys from Simon's coachworks in Irvine arrived :D :D

IMG_20120616_143409.jpg

IMG_20120616_144832.jpg

I decided if I wanted to run the current ride height I needed to roll the arches...so me and my mate set about it with his arch roller.

IMG_20120703_134135.jpg

IMG_20120703_134144.jpg

IMG_20120630_135640.jpg

Should help sort things out...

Also, it also came to life again!!

Its only been mapped on actuator pressure (1Bar) so far and by fuck its quick. Super smooth aswell. Feels about as quick as my TD06-20g at around 1.2 Bar.

Can't thank Gaz and Chris @ GI Motorsport enough for the effor the put into getting it all sorted to make the SXOC weekender. The girl and I spend a few days down in D&G at my folks caravan. Took some shots as we were leaving.

IMG_20120713_151513.jpg

IMG_20120713_123001.jpg

IMG_20120709_205750.jpg

Car has been running well. I've got new StopTech brake pads to go in front and back. I had noticed my gearknob was really "wobbly" since getting the car on the road. It was a pain when driving hard because you could mis shift.

The issue was a suspected worn gearknob bush.

Here was what I found when I took it out...

IMG_20120719_194005.jpg

IMG_20120719_194021.jpg

Yeah, pretty ****ed LOL here is the old and new togeher

IMG_20120719_194041.jpg

What a massive difference replacing this little £3 bush makes. I suggest if people are getting alot of play on their gearknob, go get this!

After this the car had some random non starting, constant missfiring issue no one could figure out why, all my mates from the SXOC came over and after 4 hours it randomly came back to life. So I am no going on the fact the car is simply a bastard and just needs its arse kicked in more.

Anyhoo.... decided to see jump on a RR Day that was advertised. Car seemed to be running good, knock values peeking around 20 on the PFC which is pretty much none. On the dyno however the operator noticed it was boosting up to 20psi :wack: Joys of just getting the actuator the job of holding boost on its on.

Here are the curves:

IMG_20121118_155039.jpg

Super Smooth Power curve!

IMG_20121118_155010.jpg

Boost creep!!

IMG_20121118_155027.jpg

The numbers:

IMG_20121118_155049.jpg

Quickly spoke to chris who said that our quick mapping session barely touched timing adjustments so he's as keen as I am to get more mapping done. Happy to know that its safe for now :)

I decided to finally fit this:

IMG_20130102_153233.jpg

I've only had it sitting since last Christmas I think :S Need to finalise plumming it in and set it up. Once thats done its saving time for another mapping session and getting some bushes sorted out. Need to speak to GI Motorsport and Kev to confirm what I need doing.

That takes me to right now, where the car is sitting out of tax. Its going to GI at the end of Jan for some polybushes and a service. I'll get it mapped again during Feb, then its on to another dyno day on the 30th of March. Hoping with more mapping tweeks and proper boost control I'll see around 360-380hp.

Then its lots of 2013 skid days!!!

Edited by Rubix_Cube
Link to post
Share on other sites

Tis good fun. When I go out mapping I will take the go pro with me and get some clips of it in action.

Malcom, yeah, I'm not a Head Mod and Rep on the SXOC. I love the place. Its just a great community.

Over the next few months I don't expect many build parts in here, hopefully lots of using the car :)

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 3 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

Just thought I'd stick a random update post up...

I dropped it into Gaz (GI Motorsport) at the end of January to have the bushes changed. A combination of Gaz and Chris having possibly the worst 2 months ever + my car being, well, extremely typical has meant the bushes are not done and the car is choking itself with fuel causing it to idle like crap and struggle to start.

Only in the last few days have we managed to get it up and running again. Chris is trying to work out why setting my injectors up as they should be (Nismo 555s) we can't seem to pull enough fuel out at idle to make it not choke itself. We think their is a possible fuel pressure or injectors fettled issue.

The car is also leaking coolant from the top hose and housing bit + my rad fans have died due to a gammy fuse holder.

Supposed to be at a RR day on the 30th to find out how the car performs at 1.2Bar, this currently seems impossible.

That plus the way I've been feeling about the car has been putting thoughts about breaking it into the air. If I get it running right I may try and sell it whole but the parts on it will help me get a new car quicker.


Anyhoo, generic "sitting at GI like a typical shitty Nissan ornament" pic here:
IMG_20130315_171905.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 2 months later...

After getting the car back at the start of May I've been taking it to meets, giving it runs at the weekend etc to see how it feels. So far, so good. Need to give it a service before the Weekender in July and also need fresh rear rubber as you'll see later.

No dyno run yet to see the power, but its safe to say at 1.2 Bar the car is fast enough and pulls hard all the way to the redline in every gear!

At the weekend temptation was my evil friend and this happened...

http://s44.photobucket.com/user/rubix_cube84/media/180sx/IMG_1284.jpg.html'>IMG_1284.jpg
http://s44.photobucket.com/user/rubix_cube84/media/180sx/980837_600869566598252_658203727_o.jpg.html'>980837_600869566598252_658203727_o.jpg
http://s44.photobucket.com/user/rubix_cube84/media/180sx/964280_600869553264920_1172500341_o.jpg.html'>964280_600869553264920_1172500341_o.jpg
http://s44.photobucket.com/user/rubix_cube84/media/180sx/413007_10201306703569367_182309293_o.jpg.html'>413007_10201306703569367_182309293_o.jpg

Felt good to be behind the wheel doing skids again... lets hope I get some use out of the bitch now.

Link to post
Share on other sites

With the opening of Driftland UK immanent here in Scotland, I've been asked along as a rep for the SXOC to see about private hire of the track. Should be going up in a few weeks to check it out.



So it should have a fair bit more action this year!


Edited by Rubix_Cube
Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm already booked on for the first practice day at track and can't believe it's that close. Might need to source a 318 diff setup for my car after the first practice day depending on how tight the track is.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Will have to wait and see. I don't think the SXOC day will be happening till the after at least one non private day is held. We wanna see how the events run. Get an idea of numbers etc.



When is the first practice day?


Link to post
Share on other sites

awesome looking car, ever considered giving it some sileighty loving??

Not really, if I wanted a PS13, I'd have bought a PS13. I like my pop ups.There are already a few Sil80's up here in Scotland.

Fingers crossed 29th June,

That will be cutting it fine me thinks.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...