alright - here goes. KL-P5-take2

in looking at the design of a STB - it's gonna be hell this weekend. I don't have access to the shop with the welding rig - so it's kinda pointless to plan on it right now.

I don't want to buy some craptacular piece that's gonna break again either.....
 
new 2 row, all aluminum radiator on the way to replace the coolant-seeping unit that's in there now, along with new SPAL fan mounting kit to remount my fan on the driver side.

updates to follow!
 
I've actually taken the lead in the "guy who buys the most stuff from ebay" award this year I do believe.....ha!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261094481774?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648

2 row, all aluminum (no more cracking that plastic tank or inlet/outlet necks), and OEM spec to just drop-in and go.

Can't wait to get this thing in there...and actually run coolant. Watching your investment come out in a green stream is no fun.....so I run water.
 
ok - got some goodies lastnight from the magical UPS man:

IMG-20121018-00230.jpg


not the best quality pictures, but the quality of the radiator is damn respectable. Welds look awesome, pressure tested well above what I'm going to run it at, and comes with a new 1.1bar cap. Best 120 bucks I've spent in quite awhile:
Houston-20121018-00231.jpg
 
Got new endlinks lastnight in the mail - front (escape AWD) and rears from Rockauto.

The fronts went on like a dream! No issues whatsoever. BUUUUUT....the rear set is a totally different story. and to keep the story short - I got the wrong ones. Even though Rockauto claimed these would fit - I should've read a little more and i would've seen that they were too long. The ones I need are 1.25"-1.5" shorter than the ones I ordered - so a little more time with the clunk but it'll be resolved soon. Went for a test drive after putting just the fronts on.....and whoa.....taking that same u-turn under the freeway I normally take @ 40'ish feels completely more planted and solid throughout the entire corner. lane changes are just a flick of the wrist. Responsiveness has gone up considerably.

Just a drive-by update.
 
cat clogged up lasnight and wasn't allowing the engine to run properly. So, like any good lil car enthusiast......what'd I do??

Yep.....we cut it off and welded in a straight-pipe in it's place.......HOOOOOOOOOOOLY FKKKKKK this thing is loud now! I'm ordering a replacement cat today though - a Thunderbolt 2.5" spun stainless cat for 38 bucks.

Next - I'm looking at some coilovers. I've read something that spiked my interest though - that the 3rd Gen Protege/P5 coilovers fit on Probe GT/MX6's. If this is true - wouldn't logic say that the same is with probe gt/mx6 coilovers would fit on my p5? I found a set of coilovers (brand new) for under 500 bucks that have gotten undeniably good ratings.

What say you Protege5.com? anyone with more info?
 
On the rear of MX-6s and Probes the endlink attaches to the rear most latteral links. You cant swap them in from a Probe/MX-6 because the lateral links are longer due to a different subframe design. Ive been trying to relocate mine for a while now because my AAC link kit doesnt work efficiently with my Racing Beat Sway. Im almost curtain a bracket can be made that will relocate the endlink onto where the trailing link attaches to the hub, I just havent had the time. Will need a different design endlinks tho...
 
well, my rear set is just fine - I'm just thinking for the fronts. The extra weight of the KL is now playing hell on the bumpstops.....it's heavier than I initially thought:

FSDE = 390.2 lbs
KLDE = 474 lbs.

My springs are Tein S-Techs and my struts are Tokico HP Blues, which in my car - ride soooooo smooth because of the added weight, but allow bottoming. So, I was looking for someone's front coilovers or stiffer springs. I've seen people sell just the fronts or rears or give discounts because the rears are blown but the fronts are good...something along those lines.
 
Did you trim down your bump stops when installing the springs/struts? Not saying you should or shouldn't. I trimmed mine when I had the silver P5 on the Tein/Tokico setup but didn't have the KL in it.

I didn't really notice much of a difference in front weight with the BC's on the Silver P5 after the KL swap, but I might not be in tune with my cars as well as you.
 
Putting coils on the front and leaving the rear with springs/struts is a all around bad idea. Will severely disrupt the ballance of the car making it handle akwardly and feel like you dont have a sway bar. Ill do some reaserch tonight, See if I can find you a higher spring rate for the front ;)

And Evan, I sure do hope your in-tune with your beast! Gotta push it to its limits!
 
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I appreciate the help you guys.

I took the bumpstops and trimmed them down to almost nothing, honestly.

I've made a few phonecalls yesterday and it seemed that I'm correct in my thinking. But, I'm also wrong in that putting just coilovers in the fronts will fix it....it's a bad idea like Protege03ak46 said.
 
Got an OBX Short Shifter on the way from a buddy here on the board that replaced his with an omgwtfbbq Perrin SS....lol.

I also have a cat.converter showing up today, so it may end up being a long night. This thing is freaking LOUD! It sounds like it has VTAK once the VRIS solenoids open up because it goes from wahhhhhh to BAHHHHHHHHHH.

Things I'm looking for in the not so distant future:

- saving up a little more for the MSPNP for KL powered Probe/mx6/626/milly
- finding a possible replacement for the suspension, in favor of some stiffer front springs (anyone? stiffer than the Tein S-techs for cheappppp?)
- installing the homemade turbo setup I have completed (should be fun with a KL)
- Dip the car! I'm looking at the Firebelly Orange....for the whole thing...... lol
 
- finding a possible replacement for the suspension, in favor of some stiffer front springs (anyone? stiffer than the Tein S-techs for cheappppp?)

Dude, do full coilovers. I have driven/driven in so many cars with and without, proper coilovers will destroy a spring/strut car. They just ride so much better when designed and suited to work together. BC or Yellowspeeds didn't end up costing much more than lowering springs and performance struts would've. The ride quality even with double the spring rates is so worth the extra coin-age.

- installing the homemade turbo setup I have completed (should be fun with a KL)

yes please.

And I haven't weighed my car before and after (2700 lbs) but I didnt notice a handling change at all, is the difference really that much? mind you I don't have A/C or anything...

and haha ya I have a straight pipe, and oh my goodness is it fun :D

stay classy man, I look forward to the turbo era
 
I want to, trust me! But with the season that's upon us, the way things are riding right now with life, and the responsibilities I currently have undertaken - I don't have a choice brother. I have to wait until things get a little easier to do anything of that caliber.

On a positive note - I got a kill lastnight driving home from a meeting. early 90's 5.0. from a dig - to 4th gear. he jumped on me at the light by 2 cars and I reeled him in and pulled 1 on him by the time I shut down. Good run and afterwards we met up again at a light. He rolled the window down and said "Nice run kiddo."

Kiddo. WTF?

I looked over and sure 'nuff - this dude is like 70 with a huge beard. funny shiz.
 
Short shifter on the way! Hope you have some good snap ring pliers because the ones from Harbor Freight won't cut it...

We're not allowed to talk about street racing but it is fun when you have a license plate like mine on your wagon. It surprises some people. :D
 
Ya on the truck I've killed my buddy's stock 5.0, at best by over a second.
and aight, ill settle down lol
 
*big wink* Gotcha - I must'ave forgotten to add the part about all this happening in Mexico on a deserted road without a soul for 50 miles besides me and this old man.

whew....thanks for the reminder Evan!
 

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