And so it begins....323BG hatch ----> V6 powa with a few extra surprises

[monoxidechild]

^
it hasnt even been fully assembled yet. but give it time.

[Dan [Sac]]

Could you show what tool you used to heat up the parts?

On another note, Have you gone to the track as I see you have that other drag car?

Simple propane torch, looks like this one:



Mine is more ghetto as the lighting mechanism is kaput and you have to use a lighter to fire it up (after you open the gas flow) - it was a good way to shave my knuckle hairs as it was a windy day...



As for the drag car, still not back together, right now I want to get the 323 done first. Then I gotta buy some axles for the Probe (I don't think stockers will like 600 hp launches). Since the 10.24 @ 139 pass I've upgraded the turbo, switched to liquid (ice water) intercooling, upgraded the down pipe from 2.5" to 4", switched to a low MOI twin-disc clutch, got the gearbox sorted out with PAR straight-cut, dog engagement gears, put in the MFactory LSD, and a few other odds & ends. I'm *hoping* to make some single digit passes if it all works together and I can drive it.

[Dan [Sac]]

The rear suspension is finally almost done.

I got all the bushings installed, calipers rebuilt, Goodridge SS brake lines put on, rear k-sports installed, parts cleaned up, now just waiting on rear pads and I still have to put in the brake line retainer brackets.

The bushing install was challenging. Once I got a method down though it was just grunt work. The removal was tougher, though the install in the lateral links was a challenge as the bushings seemed to be almost 1mm in diam. bigger than the hole (all metal sleeves had been removed and the bores cleaned up).

Also had a hell of a time with the trailing link getting back in its (forward) spot as the knuckle position was slightly shifted rearward, but it eventually surrendered too.


The enemy:

[300BHPZE]

Well I designed the bushings to be tight and the 90A being the fastest curing shrink the least so they are naturally the tightest.

I'm very curious to hear your impressions of the bushings.

[Dan [Sac]]

That makes sense. Your bushing removal directions proved to be the easiest method once I figured the press is pretty useless.

I can't wait till I drive it also.

[Mazda_Powered]

looking good man!

[crazycanadian]

That makes sense. Your bushing removal directions proved to be the easiest method once I figured the press is pretty useless.

I can't wait till I drive it also.

What method was that you used?

[Dan [Sac]]

Post 684, 6th line down. Also explained in detail in the links provided by 300BHPZE a page or two back.

[Dan [Sac]]

Front subframe also installed now, with the steering rack in the correct position, and the front control arm bushings in place. Steering column fits perfect, and the U-joints come in at OEM angles or less, which makes me happy. The support bracketry for the rack also clears the body by about 1/4".

Now I'm re-laying the wiring inside, so I can mount the pedals and start putting the hydraulic system back.

I am a bit bummed that i have to press the wheel hub out of the front right spindle because I have to replace one of the lug studs....I might change the front wheel bearings as well when I get to that.

[Pommyvince]

Just read your entire thread and its just dawned on me that it was your first 323 video on "you tube" that inspired me to do the BF KLZE transplant. Much respect and thanks.

[DeeAOne]

yep, same here. i saw that little red hatch was instantly excited to do the swap. lol

[300BHPZE]

Yeah the fire method is a pain but it is very effective. I am lucky that I have a motorized hydraulic press available which makes very short work of the bushings but you have to be very precise in the way you support the arms as the stamped steel is not very strong and it's easy to bend them really bad.

[Turpro]

Looking great Dan.

[300BHPZE]

Yeah um...you're going to have trouble stopping without pads in your rear calipers. I'm just sayin.

[Dan [Sac]]

You've seen the clear acrylic wheels? I've taken the fad further now with the first ever clear pads. Why block the view to such a fantastic rotor with ugly pads?


Everyone was out of stock, so I'm just waiting on them to come in. I think I mentioned that above.

I hope to get the last pieces painted this week. I got the 20 parts sanded (my arms are gonna fall off)...I thought I was done with sanding.