Building first car...

[Mechdado3]

So this is my first post about my sons car. A 2002 P5 manual (with195k) that I have known for some 16 years but only had possession of for the last 5. It was owned by 2 other people I have known. The idea was to get the car that had been neglected and abused up to spec for my sons senior year in high school. We removed the blownup engine (headgasket) and purchased a import fs to drop in hopefully. After much cleaning, parts and labor its almost done . I created a new 2.25 exhaust (all v-Band) with modified aftermarket header, high flow cat ,magnaflow resonance chamber and magnaflow muffler. All the suspension rubber and wear componets have been replaced. Brake calipers were seized and replaced along with rotors. Now all thats left is to teach him to drive stick...

before

 

[Mechdado3]

 

[Mechdado3]

 

[Mechdado3]

 

[Mechdado3]

and

 

[Mechdado3]

 

[Mechdado3]

 

[LankyKiwi]

Welcome! What a perfect project and first car for your son They're forgiving to drive but still handle brilliantly (for a 20 year old car )

That stainless exhaust is top notch!

Also, interestingly it's got black sedan headlights instead of the twin lamp pro5 units...

Looking forward to seeing the progress!

 

[Mechdado3]

Welcome! What a perfect project and first car for your son They're forgiving to drive but still handle brilliantly (for a 20 year old car )

That stainless exhaust is top notch!

Also, interestingly it's got black sedan headlights instead of the twin lamp pro5 units...

Looking forward to seeing the progress!

Thanks . He is excited to be learning and after a shotgun ride the other day he's more than ready.

I always have liked doing exhaust when I can do it my way and at my (slow) pace so thanks.
The headlights are indeed incorrect I think the first owners father replaced them after he borrowed the car and promptly rear ended his wife. Guy was so cheap. It is supposed to have the twins.
More to come ...

 

[Mechdado3]

 

[Mechdado3]

 

[Mechdado3]

Thank you for all the interest and accolades. My Son Carter helped with the process and now we will be replacing the trashed speakers, finishing cleaning the carpet for reinstall, reinstall of seats, backup camera install, and a 4 wheel alignment. All to get ready for state inspection. Then its on to baseline at the strip and teaching him the fun of rowing gears. I have plans to fabricate suspension bracing for front lower like what used to be around and seeing as i am going to have to customize it around the exhaust. Lots of little projects to do as well.

 

[Mechdado3]

Carpet and Interior are back in. Already had first lesson in how to drive a straight drive (he didnt stall it even once). Replaced 2 vacuum solenoids, and installed the new ignition switch assembly. Took a drive with the boy and located a few goodies from a wrecked automatic 2002mp5. Scored mass air, rear floormats, trunk emblem, 1wheel center cap, and a perfect (just a little furry) rear cargo cover.

 

[Mechdado3]

Sanded and buffed headlights clearer.

Some most interesting findings with the ac fan switch.

And..... we have a dry and sealed ac system. YAY!!!!!

 

[LankyKiwi]

Those headlights look miles better!

That AC switch on the other hand

 

[Mechdado3]

Thanks, I used a harbor freight headlight restore kit and some 3m hard plastic and lens compound. I was surprised as to the result. I wet sanded on med-low speed and buffed med -hi speed.
I'm going to pull my electronics kits out to find the resistors I need. Plan on showing my son how to fix the ac switch and fan speed. I pulled a 35w hid bulb kit out of my Camaro build parts to install in the newly buffed headlight housings. No problems seeing now. I also replaced key courtesy light ,map lights, and instrument cluster lights so far. Reading the dash is so much easier at a glance at night.

Next parts in line to replace...

just a hole in the drivers side boot leaking all the cv grease caused this purchase. I already know the axle and hub on the car have indeed become one. I am going to remove the assembly and replace it.
While im in there i am replacing the trans output seal on that side. I have to stop there for now on the P5, seeing as it will pass inspection with any problems now. I have another older boy with my old 98 civic that needs my attention and know how to be ready for inspection as well.

 

[Mechdado3]

With all the driver side now replaced and running nicely....its time to replace the fuel tank . I have the tank, filter, and strainer ready. The current tank has clogged 3 strainers and filled 2 filters with particulate. The first filter looked like mud inside. Recently I had to remove and clean the injectors as well as the fuel rail. I was getting a cylinder 2 misfire. The injectors all had fine rust in the top of the injectors. Number 2 was full of debris , and after cleaning out it ran totally different. Cant wait to clean it all out again after changing the tank and drive it.

 

[Coredawg]

Lots of good work going into the car. Definitely keep it up!