Optimusglen's build off challenge, 6-cylinders of goodness. Ready for my next cross-country trip. Options

[Optimusglen]

Glen - God speed for a full and complete recovery for your wife. When stuff like that happens, the world stops in all other ways.

Oh, love the RSR finished wheels too. Are you going to off the front half of the left front fender and replace or try to straighten that?

Thank You!

I am planning to chop the front half of the fender off and weld a new panel in. Already have the replacement but bodywork won't be for a few years I think. I pounded it out enough that I can put a turn signal bucket in there to drive.

[Optimusglen]

Glen,
So sorry to read all of this. Hope everything continues to improve. If you need anything let me know. I'd also like to come see someday now that the weather is improving.
Jule

Sounds good Jule! My garage is a mess compared to yours, but you're welcome any time. Hopefully the car will be driving in a few weeks and I can make it down that way for a C&C.

Project update:
Last night I got the distributor in and hooked up. All plugs and wires are in but the boots don't make a good seal with the tins. I have another set of boots I will try.

I verified the engine timing and got a baseline for the ignition timing, then I adjusted all of the valves and installed the new speedo cable.

The angle drive was a bit wobbly, I took it out and looked it over. Looked as if one of the previous owners stripped out part of it, then instead of replacing it they drilled a hole and pinned it together. I enlarged the drilled hole a bit then put a small self tapping screw in to hold it all together for the time being, will replace later on.

Then started looking at my passenger suspension console. The rear right wheel has a noticeable amount of camber and upon searching here it sounds like a common cause is a rusty console on that side.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1491311967.1.jpg)

good news (maybe) is that the console is all rock solid, not even surface rust, just dirt. The plan is to remove that arm and see if the hole in the inner ear is ovaled out, and then just put it back together with shims. If I remember correctly, there are no shims in that side currently, the other side has a couple.

Got the shift bar in that goes from the firewall to the rear. So... much... slop... even with new bushings. Going to start looking into doing something with that.

[Optimusglen]

Big update!

There were no shims on the passenger side, which didn't help the excessive negative camber over there. Inspection of the structural components showed nothing but solid metal, no rusty spots or cracks. So I ordered up some shims from Tangerine Racing, and 3 longer bolts to be safe. It's now sitting nicely at -0.8 degrees of camber in the rear.

Early last week I got a good day in the garage

-new throttle cable installed
-fuel pump got it's final mounting sorted out and wired in
-stock shift linkage was installed and set roughly, the cable shift project will come later on
-installed a new trans-chassis grounding strap
-finished up the PCV system
-installed the headers and then the rear section of the exhaust

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593101.1.jpg)

Exhaust doesn't look like much, but I like that about it.

The previous owner had this relay setup for the starter, kinda hacked in there. This pic is pre-teardown.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593101.2.jpg)
I'll be doing a hot start relay as well, but not like this. I'll be following Mark Henry's guide on this.

These rear springs came with the car, couldn't find much info on them.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593101.3.jpg)
Marked "HDS-1" and "14/93" <~~(I assume this is a spring rate marking, but no idea how this translates)

Did a bit of search but couldn't find out what the spring rate is, anyone here able to enlighten me?
Spring dimensions:
-15" long
-4.125" outside spring diameter
-.425 wire diameter

Using a spring rate calculator, I get approx 115 lb/in which I believe is very slightly higher than stock.


Late last week I got another good day in

-installed the fuel filler neck/cap
-tried to rebuild the fuel level sender, saw that it was badly corroded and beyond repair, chopped off the bottom and bolted the top to the tank to keep debris out for now
-installed the new fusebox
-installed the remaining wiring harness and starter cables, didn't do the hotstart relay yet, for now it went back to stock
-installed the new thermostat and cable
-installed an oil filter and filled it with oil

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593102.4.jpg)

On Saturday I got out and tinkered with it a bit more. Primed the engine, tested the lights and ignition, everything works. Tested the fuel pump and that works too. Swapped the new rear brake rotors on.

Then last night I got out again. Got the front shocks in

Here are the fronts, old vs new. New ones are larger but they're also lighter. All the valving is in the upper section so it reduces unsprung weight even more.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593102.5.jpg)

Front's installed with new balljoints
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593102.6.jpg)

rears I did a few days ago
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593103.7.jpg)

Everything is back together but the car is up in the air with the wheels off. I had to disconnect the brake calipers up front. I was planning on bleeding them again anyway but this cements it in. Might try to sneak home early to do that today.

Also, rookie mistake... I knew the drivers outer tie rod was bad but the passenger side was solid still, I had ordered just the one side. As I got it all apart it became evident that the passenger side wasn't far behind, torn boot that was hidden. I put it all back together anyway and I'll order a new passenger side today.


Wife and baby update:
My wife is hanging in there, it's been hard on her. Last week her leg started to swell back up a little. Went in and the doc put her back on shots every 12 hours, just for the weekend. They did a CT scan because she felt funny, looking for clots in her lungs. Good news is that her lungs were clear, bad news was that they found something in one of her breasts.

A day of freaking out and then we went back for a detailed scan of it, turned out to be only a cyst so we're in the clear there. INR levels back up so she's off shots thankfully. Had another appointment with the blood doctor with the genetic results from a test she took several weeks ago, turns out she has two blood abnormalities that can both contribute to clotting, so she will be on blood thinners for life. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

In the last 3 months we've spent about $160k of the insurance companies money.

Baby Wren is doing wonderful, happy and healthy. Started sleeping 8 hours about a week ago.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494593103.8.jpg)

[barefoot]

Please read other posts about not pre-filling oil filter cartridge.

[Optimusglen]

Please read other posts about not pre-filling oil filter cartridge.

Don't worry, I didn't. I had already read that. When I said "filled with oil" I meant the engine, not the filter.

Engine was primed. Used an oil squirter to inject oil into a hole of the oil filter mount, effectively filling the oil pump. Installed the dry filter and filled the engine with oil. Cranked the engine only a few times until the oil pressure light went out.

[914time]

Glen, thank you for the update about you, your wife and Wren! I've been wondering about you guys. Sounds like most of it is going in the right direction.

Car looks great btw! Keep it up.

[Optimusglen]

It runs!

[VIDEO]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LRd1X6T3Ws&t=1s[/VIDEO]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LRd1X6T3Ws&t=1s

Tomorrow I'll be towing it down to Further to get tuned.

Happy Mothers day everyone!

[Optimusglen]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494941955.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1494941955.2.jpg)

Heard back from Tristan same day. So far it's looking really good. The base settings for the carb and ignition timing were plenty to get it running if you applied a bit of throttle. He did some tuning and it's pretty smooth but will be replacing the idle jets, moving from 50 to 55. He had to order the 55's which will be here Thursday. He had 60's that he tried but that went too far the other way. The carbs synced up really well, he had a couple minor suggestions regarding the carb linkage, mainly replacing the ball ends because of a tiny bit of slop, likewise with the central pivot.

I hadn't gotten a chance to install the clutch cable. I had a new one but wasn't sure if I needed it or not. They will be installing and adjusting that this week as well.

He noted a slight leak on the tail shifter. To be honest I hadn't really touched the transmission, never quite knew if I would be going to a side shifter or not so I didn't want to waste any time on it. Now that it's running I will probably revisit that, I did replace every bushing in the linkage and the metal to metal area at the rear has minimal wear, so for now I'll stick with it and address the leak.

I did a home alignment using the string method and accurate measuring to within 1/32" It should be plenty to be able to drive it and not destroy my tires, but I will be getting a professional alignment to make sure it's good.

So it's looking like next weekend I'll be ripping around in this thing!

Once I get it back I'll start making it look a bit more presentable, installing the missing chrome trim, grills, seatbelts, etc. I'll be re-keying all of the locks, and will probably get some audio wired in. Ya know, little stuff.

[JmuRiz]

Ahhhh, that sound brings back memories (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

A tune and tweeks to everything (shifter etc) will do wonders....will bring a smile to your face for sure.

[Optimusglen]

Update on the car:

55s were money, runs great I hear.

It was having an issue with fueling, apparently the fuel pump was getting power, just not enough amps to build the full 3.5 psi. they swapped a couple of the relays and now it's getting the juice, so I will be ordering new ones to be safe.

They will be doing the clutch cable this week then driving it to see if any other adjustments are needed.

[Optimusglen]

Update:

Baby: 4 month regression is real. Just hit it and we're feeling the pain. We have a sleep plan though so there is hope. otherwise baby is awesome, she keeps getting cuter. Loosing some of her birth hair but I read that it's pretty normal.

Wife: Unfortunately there's some regression here too, she was clotting back up through the blood thinners. When they went to put the stent in they couldn't get through. Started back up on shots every 12 hours to bring her back in range. Did some tests to make sure that Warfarin was actually doing something. Found out it was so they upped her dose and took her off the shots. Went back in a week later (yesterday) and her numbers were low again, so we're back on shots until Friday and they upped her dosage again. Frustrating that they can't get her levels in check, but we're moving forward. Once she has been in a good range for a month or so they will try again for the stent.

Me: battling a cold that I picked up from baby, wreaking havoc on my throat, blah.

Car: I picked up the car from the shop yesterday! They put the new clutch cable in just because I didn't get a chance to before I brought it down to them. Carbs are tuned well, runs great. The home alignment I did is great, tracks straight. Drove it into work today, going to try to make it to a local European car gathering this evening, and then C&C this weekend. Still lots to do for trim and bodywork, but it drives like an adult sized go-kart.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

She was in good company at the shop
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1496246686.1.jpg)
tristan from Further Performance is great, top notch work and very reasonably priced. I'm super pleased.

And today at work
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1496246687.2.jpg)

[Optimusglen]

Made it to C&C this weekend, car is a blast!

Little photo shoot on my way home.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1496565572.1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/c1.staticflickr.com-19709-1496565724.1.jpg)

[Optimusglen]

It's been a long while so I figured I'd update this thread.

Family: Wife and baby are doing great. The blood clot is chronic but it's in a good place and her active lifestyle means that her leg is rebuilding pathways for blood-flow so swelling and danger are way way down. She'll be on blood thinners the rest of her life, Warfarin wasn't working for her so she is on Xarelto which does. Baby Wren is so wonderful ,smart, super cute, a ray of light.

(we don't put pictures of her face on the internet or social media, so this is the best you'll get)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1558104406.1.jpg)

The 2.2T 911 engine rebuild stalled out, not sure of it's future. The case is really good but it does need a line bore back to standard and so far a bunch of other things have consumed my "fun" budget. Initial estimates for the work are between 2-3k.

For now the 914 is great, I drive it whenever I can.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1558104407.2.jpg)

I did the side-shift trans swap last season thanks to Jule. Shifts great now, all things considered. Also did a L.E. airdam up front, and had a period with the car where I had roundels/meatballs/number circles on the sides and then pulled them off a short time later.

New muffler from Ben is on and it sounds great. I'll be getting some good audio/video but it's going to wait until after I can fix this rattle coming from the front end. Sounds like it may be the alternator, but another option I haven't checked yet is an exhaust leak.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1558104407.3.jpg)

Some new shoes are in the works, going back to 15's with an RSR finish sans polished lip. I'll be going with 205/60 to really fill out the wheel wells.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1558104408.4.jpg)

I don't think any non-Porsche people would even notice, but I think it'll be a good move. They're reps, purchased from one of you guys who got them from another one of you guys, haha. Fine for what I do, casual summer driving.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1558104408.5.jpg)

I went back to the factory 4-spoke steering wheel, the diameter just feels so much better than the smaller aftermarket wheel I had before. It's in the middle of being modified a little. I trimmed the foam where the spokes meet the rim and will be re-wrapping it myself. This will be the 5th wheel I've done, (last was post #63 of this thread) so I've gotten the hang of it I think. I'll be designing a 3D printable hockey-puck style horn button that'll use the stock hardware to mount, intention to be wrapped in leather and a Porsche shield fitted. Once the project gets further along I'll post some pictures...

Things I'd like to do this season:
-rebuild doors, I'd like to be able to easily roll up the windows with the winder alone
-replace targa vinyl and trim, I have everything to do the job just haven't made time for it
-wire in fog/driving lights and fix the horn and turn signals
-fix/replace/rebuild my speedometer. I put a new cable in but it bounced the speedo around all over the place and then eventually the speedo just stopped responding.
-maybe even weld in the new patch for the front drivers corner, kinda waiting on that until I do flares though, so it'll probably spend this season in full patina again.

Long term goals:
-get the 6 built and installed
-flares (I've gone back and fourth on wanting to keep it narrow and wanting flares) I think I'm set on flares though, at least on this car since it has some metal issues that I'll want to take care of and because it's not a particularly rare or sought-after model. After seeing some great cars and luft 6 this year it sold me on flares even more.


edit: I had originally split the 6-cylinder aspect of this project into another thread. Now I'm thinking it should have stuck around in here to keep the continuity. If you're reading through this for the first time, swing into this thread to get up to date on the state of the engine then come back here for further details.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=311714

[ndfrigi]

thanks for the update on your project. An encouraging build thread!

[FlacaProductions]

I just read this thread in one sitting and it's fascinating to see the progress in both the 914 and life. Nice work on both fronts!

[914time]

Very good to hear you and your family are doing well, OGlen!

Thank you for the update and your car looks amazing!

[Cairo94507]

Thanks for the update on the family and the car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Freezin 914]

As always, car looks good! Glad to hear things are good. Please keep us posted on the progress on your car... I know I am one of many who will be patiently waiting for updates. Cheers.
P.S. I am sure have some parts for your doors if you need any.

[Optimusglen]

A little build update I suppose, it's been awhile.

In my last update I had a list of things I wanted to do this season. Sadly, I worked on one of those items (the speedo) and am back at the drawing board on it, haha. That's not to say I didn't do anything to the car this season though.

I did get those 15" Fuchs reps mounted, overall I liked them.
(IMG:http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48307859632_ed2854acd6_b.jpg)

I stumbled upon a set of Revolutions on here. These are a style of wheel I've loved, going back to my VW days. Pretty good price and they were NOS, so I bought them.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621343.1.jpg)

I was not, however, fond of the black centers. So I had them blasted and I painted them silver.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621344.2.jpg)

Shot comparing the Revolutions, the 15" rep Fuchs, and the 16" rep Fuchs
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621344.3.jpg)

Anyway, I installed the revolutions, rolled it out into the driveway.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621344.4.jpg)

Immediately decided I didn't like them and started refinishing the 15" Fuchs right then and there. I already had the paint stripper and supplies etc.

So, I stripped the old paint off of the 15" Fuchs. Taped up the holes, leveled them out.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621345.5.jpg)

I used the bucket method this time instead of masking.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621345.6.jpg)

after filling all 5 areas and connecting the shallow strips.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621346.7.jpg)

This is a shot showing the areas (red border) that were painted previously. That was the thing that threw me with them, the mask line wasn't right.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621346.8.jpg)

Once they were all done, I think the mask line is better, but now maybe a little low.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621347.9.jpg)

I think I'll re-do them again, maybe in the spring.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621347.10.jpg)


Next, I replaced the crystals in all of my Heuer timers. I have two pair that I interchange, these two got double-dome sapphire crystals and it really makes them look nice. The other two got flat sapphire with chamfered edges. The originals had plastic.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621348.11.jpg)

I swapped the factory steering wheel back on, I like the diameter more than the smaller 3-spoke I had. Both in terms of driving control and also gauge visibility. I re-wrapped my wheel in leather, and got a hockey puck horn button.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621348.12.jpg)

I was most of the way through stitching when I realized I made the joining stitch in the incorrect method. So this too will likely be re-done this winter.


I was going to go on a fall rally put on by the Overcrest podcast. A nice podcast put on by a couple friends, both with 911's. I helped out with a bunch of the graphic design for them and had been looking forward to it for several months.

The early morning drive down to the start point, left the house at 4:30.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621349.13.jpg)

I was one of the first to sign in so I got my pick of the numbers, chose the year of my 914 because why not?
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621349.14.jpg)

I've been on dozens of drives and rallys, many using the same roads we were driving on this day, so it was nothing new. The setup of the rally was quite different though. It wasn't a lead-follow rally. We knew from past experiences that it turns into a mess with tail cars rushing to keep up with lead cars, then everyone coming to a halt once they catch up etc. The accordion effect, or rubber banding. However you describe it it's not fun. So they scouted 3 full different routes, all with some gravel/dirt shortcuts mixed in. Each car was given a large map with the routes, and a guide book with turn by turn directions to follow the routes (this was the part I helped on) that resembled rally pace notes. Intended for a co-driver to dictate.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621349.15.jpg)

It was off to a great start. We let most of the people go first so it wasn't a big crowd all hitting the roads at once. I took off with about 3 cars behind me. A guy from the video crew was in my car so I had to go off of memory for several of the turns.

We came up to one turn and that's when things started to go south. I've been reliving this moment since it happened about a month ago. I had massive brake fade/loss and had to rely on the corning ability of the car to take a corner at far faster than I wanted. We did make it around the majority but near the exit of the corner I was on the far outside. Once the tires hit the grassy off-camber outside of the bend it was a slow-slide down the ditch, over several mossy logs, and perched on top of a culvert.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621350.16.jpg)

It's easy to want to point fingers at what was at fault. The pads I had weren't the best (Mintex redbox). But in reality it was my fault. I was just going too fast and shouldn't have been pushing the car as hard. A mistake I was lucky to have learned with the only outcome being a bruised ego and a broken fiberglass valance. I will for sure be bleeding the brakes and replacing the pads with the ones Eric recommends, as well as keeping it cool on the streets.

I called AAA and got it pulled back onto the road. Checked the car out and it was only the valance and some dirt. I drove it to the meetup for lunch and then had a pretty uneventful 2 hour drive home. Valance in the frunk.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621350.17.jpg)


Now, back to the project.

I ordered a seat on August 1st. I was hoping to have it by the drive (early October) but didn't actually end up getting it until the end of October. I had originally gotten a quote through GTSClassics and the price was just way too high. Then I saw that Pelican offered the seat at a lower price so I ordered through them. It turns out that Stephan/Pelican just hadn't updated their catalog. It was listed as including the headrest and free shipping, items that would normally add a couple hundred to the bill IIRC.

I received the seat sans headrest. Initially a bit perturbed I contacted Pelican about the missing headrest (with no clear way to mount a headrest either) and they contacted Stephan. Found that indeed their listing should not have said that the headrest was included, but he is sending me a headrest with grommets anyway because of the mixup. So it was a positive outcome with two companies, both Pelican and GTSClassics.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-19709-1572621351.18.jpg)

That brings it up to date, the car may make another appearance on the roads this season but with snow due soon it's a big maybe. I would really like to get the seat in and at least take it for a short drive.

[sb914]

Glad you didn’t hurt yourself and your car is semi fine !