So I took my attention off the engine bay for now and decided to focus more on bring the rest of the suspension up to par with the future powerplant I hoped to install one day. But just then I was sidetracked by another great deal, this time on seats. While I was installing them, I ripped out the carpet and back seats... Actually, the seats are just sitting in there. Let me know if anyone has side mount seat rails for sale :P
It took a few weeks but I managed to scrape up enough money finish up the suspension. First I bought the Stance RUCA's. I tried everything to make them fit but it seemed to hit the strut. I called and complained to Stance. They informed me that the RUCA goes IN FRONT of the strut, not behind it like I was trying to do.... SERIOUSLY? I felt pretty stupid. So I ordered the toe and traction rods as well.
Since I didn't have the money now to paint the engine bay, I decided to do stuff that didn't cost money. I'm hoping I didn't make a big mistake but I took out the dash and removed all the AC components and heater core. Hopefully I don't need the heater core for the LS, I'm sure there is a way to either block em off or loop it once I get the engine right?
Anyway, ripped all that stuff out and put the dash back in.
Rolled her out for a bath. had to use a flathead screwdriver to scrape 20 years of dirt, grease, and gunk off the undercarriage. This was a very dirty day. Advice for anyone who decides to do this, wear a beanie to keep the shit out of your hair and glasses to keep it out of your eyes.
Finally sanded down the engine bay and layed down rust-oleum bedliner. I was pretty impressed with the outcome but this will eventually be a drift car so I wanted some colors that pop a little more than this.
So I decided to paint over it. I like the textured look from the bedliner.
And my 7 year old daughter wanted some pink soooooooo
I put several coats of the rust-oleum 500 degree heat and oil resistant clear coat on all of it. Hopefully it holds up. I'm not trying to win car shows, (I've got a 350Z for that) I'm building a drift rocket so even if the paint does go to shit, I don't really car.
Installed the conversion brake lines.
Got the 17/16 BMC and put it on today. During my research I thought I was going to have to cut open my old BMC to get the little cone things out but the new BMC had them installed in all 3 ports so it was an easy bolt in. Feel like I finally caught a break with this thing.
Here you can see the little cone things in my old BMC.
and here is the new one all buttoned up. I plan to flush the lines (just in case water got in them) since they have been open for a few months but I want to drop the rear sub-frame install the sub-frame bushings first. No sense in having to bleed them twice.
