JLarson's build thread

[Rusty]

I'll be out on Friday the 21st. Either the afternoon or evening. Depending if I have to work or not. They haven't posted my schedule work that week yet.

[OldGrayDog]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I'll be out on Friday the 21st. Either the afternoon or evening. Depending if I have to work or not. They haven't posted my schedule work that week yet.

Now this is starting to sound like an interesting build party, while my skill with a wrench is not worth thinking about, Im good at `hold this`, `get me that` , and ordering pizza!

Need a gopher on the weekend 22,23 let me know , your close and its been a while.

[JLarson]

Originally Posted by OldGrayDog

Now this is starting to sound like an interesting build party, while my skill with a wrench is not worth thinking about, Im good at `hold this`, `get me that` , and ordering pizza!

Need a gopher on the weekend 22,23 let me know , your close and its been a while.

Come on out! You need to meet Russ and Scott anyway, and building friendships like this is just one small step on the way to winding up at Zdayz.

Edit: Just don't end up the little spoon with JAR

[JLarson]

Gauge pod pillar arrived and finished wrapping the piping. Edging steadily closer.

[JLarson]

It has begun.

Prepped a bit Friday night. Quickjack in place, tools out and ready, but I really didn't get started until Saturday morning around 7:30. Father-in-law showed up to pretty much watch and hand me occasional tools around 8:30. My order of operations was roughly as follows:

1) Remove undertray and front fascia.
2) Remove intakes and crash bar.
3) Remove throttle bodies and upper plenum.
4) Plug lower plenum to prevent debris entering engine.
5) Remove CBE. By that time, my dad arrived bringing a propane heater (hero) and started working on the passenger side header. With the tools I had, he removed 5/6 bolts and studs on that side before having to head out. The last bolt and stud were in an awkward position for my tools on hand, so I ordered a set of double ended box wrenches with offset heads through Amazon to see if that would solve my problem. Meanwhile, I started tackling the driver's side header.
6) Removed driver's side header. Amazingly, it took maybe 2 hours at most, and slid right out. I marked the steering knuckle to easily replace it later.
7) Attempted drivers side motor mount. Even with the header removed, I could not get a good angle of attack, and rounded it slightly without making noticeable progress. Figured that was enough fun for one day, called it quits around 5.

[JLarson]

In addition to playing guitar for a heavy metal band, I also lead worship at Church, so I got a late start on Sunday. Stopped at an Autozone on my way home from services, got a few adapters for my 1/4" drive sockets.

1) Went back after passenger side header with proper angle. With a brief prayer (OH LORD - LET NOT THY SERVANT STRIP THIS NUT) I broke it loose, and passenger's side came free. Nice.
2) Removed O2 sensors from LTH.
3) Cleaned up studs and nuts from driver's and passengers side. These are considered a re-order wear item by Nissan, and I've got replacements on the way, but most were still in good shape with intact threads.
4) There is better access to the passenger side motor mount than drivers side. After sizing it up, I set an impact socket on the top nut of the motor mount, held it in place manually, and with a flex joint + extension, tried breaking it loose. No good. It vibrated for a bit, and then rounded off the corners of the nut. Bollocks. Considered this for a little while and shot a text to Joby, who has been a solid resource throughout this process. He pointed out that many sockets have a beveled edge, and the upper portion of the nut ALSO has a beveled edge, so the area where the socket was applying grip was exceedingly limited. My next option would be to either find a socket where it's flush and a bit undersized and hammer it onto the nut, or I've got some extractors which I could try. If I'm sold on removing that nut, I'm sure it can be done.
5) Re-ordered the passenger side studs per the FSM for OEM headers (note for those with Fast Intentions Headers, the FI uses a different stud pattern than factory) and installed the passenger side header and heat shield.

That was enough for Sunday.

[JLarson]

My goal is to continue knocking out small projects during the more limited evenings this week.

Monday's accomplishments:
1) Swapped spark plugs. Sasha includes the 1-step colder NGK with the BP kit. Old ones were about what you'd expect for 64k miles, considering I'm not a harsh driver - still in decent shape.
2) For clearance, the BP turbo kit requires removal of the 2 support braces which connect to the hood latches. Done.
3) The power steering cooler brackets need to be removed and flipped to get better clearance from the cooler. Done. Also this was where I formally invested my blood in the project, since I punched the cooler fins lightly when a bolt broke loose. As a side note, those brackets are 2 pieces. Insert a screwdriver between them and pry to get them to pop loose if they are stuck and do not come off by hand.
4) Removed drivers side air guide and plastic in front of the driver's side wheel to allow for routing of intercooler piping.
5) Installed oil cooler bracket and oil cooler. Did a rough routing of the lines into the engine bay underneath the washer fluid reservoir, but may move them later.

[madwi]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I'll be out on Friday the 21st. Either the afternoon or evening. Depending if I have to work or not. They haven't posted my schedule work that week yet.

Excellent!

[JLarson]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I'll be out on Friday the 21st. Either the afternoon or evening. Depending if I have to work or not. They haven't posted my schedule work that week yet.

Awesome! It'll be great to have the benefit of your skill set, and long experience learning what not to do

My wife is an excellent cook and has already asked me for a headcount so she can figure out what she's making.