Member Profile - James' GT spec B Wagon - GTB013

[jamescd]

They're 1000cc and still the 3076

And I'll make sure I update the list in the near future
EDIT: list has been updated

[bigBADbenny]

Awesome! & kudos for the FB group cover comp win!

[jamescd]

Update with some bad news.
Went to a track day 2 weeks ago, in general the car was good. Unfortunately the car hit the low oil pressure limiter (rev limit based on rpm and oil pressure), not too bad in and of itself, but there was also a lot of valvetrain noise when I came back to the pits. When I turned the car on again there was no oil pressure at first. It picked up after a few seconds, but clearly wasn't right.
I pulled the oil pump off as I had a feeling that based on the issues a bad oil pressure relief valve was to blame. Upon inspection the valve wasn't seating all the way in, was difficult to move (not smooth), and had wear marks. Compared to an old pump I had laying around where the valve moved easily, went in a lot further and had no signs of wear, I figured it was a safe assumption that the relief valve was the culprit.
I ordered a new pump, but unfortunately due to shipping at the moment it hasn't arrived. Hopefully when it arrives it will sort out the oil pressure problems, and with full pressure again the valvetrain noise will go away (other issues to look at if not). I am also hoping that the Link has stopped any serious damage to the engine by cutting power when the pressure dropped.

[nvmylh]

Damn, hope there's no metal in your oil after that!

It's crazy how many people don't have that sort of fail-safe on their cars when going to the track, even a accumulator can be plumbed in for not too much and give you some/enough time to save the engine.

[bigBADbenny]

So good you had a failsafe set

[jamescd]

I dropped the oil yesterday and there was a tiny bit of bearing material in it.

So unfortunately the lib will be out of action for a while again while I get that dealt with

[jamescd]

I thought I had posted this update, but turns out I forgot

I pulled the engine


Pulled off the sump and found some bits


Flipped the engine over, a nice surprise in the pickup


More bits


Pulled off the rocker cover on the side which had the valvetrain noise, found out what the bits were. All four exhaust valve shims. Which were toast, and took the cam with them.




So, still in for a rebuild, but that's a little while off.

[jamescd]

While the car is off the road I figured it was a good time to tackle some other bits that I would otherwise be unlikely to do.

I got some Cusco rear arm braces cheap from Japan, but they needed some work

Sand blasted them

And a lick of paint


I also re-wrapped the engine harness and sensor harness





I also ordered a bigger turbo, a GTX3582R


Stock, 3076 and 3582 for scale



I also pulled the rear subframe





My exhaust needs a re-weld as it has a crack


Cleaned up the diff and carrier



I removed all the subframe bushes, including the subframe to body bushes



New Whiteline bushes in the diff carrier and the subframe diff bushes



I haven't sorted what I'm doing for the subframe bushes, there are some poly offerings from the US (Energy Suspension) and UK (PowerFlex). No local poly options and Whiteline weren't interested when I asked if they would consider it as a product line. I have asked MCHND in SA and they have said they should be able to do a set in acetal which I'd be happy with, just waiting to hear back on a quote.
I also have Whiteline lower adjustable arms on the way, as well as alloy trailing arms and upper arms coming from Japan.

[RX25SE]

What a pain in the ar......

Pulled off the rocker cover on the side which had the valvetrain noise, found out what the bits were. All four exhaust valve shims. Which were toast, and took the cam with them.

Are you running stock valve springs & camshaft?

[jamescd]

No, not sure exactly which springs they were, but I know they were upgraded, and they are Kelford 272 camshafts.

[bigBADbenny]

That’s interesting going solid subframe bushes.

I started a thread about that subject: specifically chassis bracing and its effect on floating subframes.

I guess the question for me is, with the solid subframe bushes, will you go the extra effort and expense of using rigid collars to lock the subframes in relation to the body?

[jamescd]

That’s interesting going solid subframe bushes.

I started a thread about that subject: specifically chassis bracing and its effect on floating subframes.

I guess the question for me is, with the solid subframe bushes, will you go the extra effort and expense of using rigid collars to lock the subframes in relation to the body?

There is still a fair bit for me to work out in relation to the subframe bushes. I still need to source parts, otherwise I've considered making my own poly bushes (I think making a mold would probably be worthwhile as I'm sure others would also consider using them). Either way I need to find a reasonable supply for the bushing inner sleeve (I could clean the rubber off the stock ones, but not a great option if I want to make bushes potentially available to others). Depending on that I can/may make adjustments/allowances for collars. I assume you are talking about collars to remove the play between the bolt and the sleeve?
I have access to a lathe and could make some collars and also the subframe bushes, but as it's a friend's I don't want to abuse access.

It is interesting how much play the stock bolt would have in the sleeve, as the bolt is 13.1mm in diameter along the un-threaded section, but the inner bushing sleeve has an 18.1mm inner diameter.
With the dimensions I'm also looking for other poly options. (it looks like BRZ subframe bushes are incredibly close, including the bushing sleeve)

[bigBADbenny]

You can also get diy polyurethane kits that get poured into the stock bushing voids.

Yes the mod is said to have a noticeable effect on handling, eg there’s a gulf between locked subframe bushes and the stock setup which effectively floats. Whilst this is an obvious observation, it was recently brought to my attention when looking up rear swaybars reinforcing plates: eg Cusco type do not lock the subframe to the body but AVO might tend to lock it.

I do have a set of PROVA rigi collar, I believe they’re made by Spoon.

I could certainly loan those out to you as they’re pending install.
Or just make measurements.

[jamescd]

I do have a set of PROVA rigi collar, I believe they’re made by Spoon.

I could certainly loan those out to you as they’re pending install.
Or just make measurements.

Before deciding I'll likely go for a reasonably custom route, making a set of the rigid collars was somewhat on the cards.