Lewis7789 2002 Protege5 build thread (tons of pics)

[THE Phen]

You'll pick up a lot of rubber and stuff on them if you start using those slicks. Rocks and stuff in the rubber chucks picked up, etc. I may be talking out my ass, but I remember seeing DaveB's wheels after track events and while they were still in good shape, getting the rubber chunks off of the wheels themselves were sometimes a b****.

Just thinking out loud, that's all.

 

[Lewis7789]

Well I appreciate the out loud thinking, good sir. $560 is a lot of money for something that doesn't serve a purpose. I think it would look cool but not worth that much money. I think I'll just get the most damaged one repaired and powdercoated hypersilver and call it a day at $200. I've still got to keep money around for the KL swap before the Mitty.

 

[thejeans]

Or see if they would just repair it and we can just paint all your wheels red... I mean if you are only using them for track duty the paint should hold up pretty well until its time to put new tires on... Haha

 

[CTt3P5]

^^^^x2 and you can repaint them any color later on down the line.

 

[thejeans]

and then youd have extra monies to get the KL swapped before the mitty

 

[jri4]

Well I don't think they will fix them without the powder coat finish since that's where their money comes from. But I'm going to go to MotoMotion tomorrow after work and talk to them in person. As of now I'm going to bring my other 2 wheels with me and my track tires and see how much everything will be to have them powder coated red and the track tires mounted/balanced.

My biggest thing with MotoMotion is that they are actually too good. I mean, they deal almost exclusively with show cars and high dollar items--so they charge out the ass for their service. But they are never snobby or anything, it is just like "look, you want the product...you've got to pay for it!"

They have a sign above their office that shows a bunch of people doubled over, laughing- the quote reads "you want it when?" Meaning, it takes them a long time and not to get impatient. Anyways, good luck dealing with them. If you need anything, let me know. I have class in Akron tomorrow, so I won't be around, but if you need something, let me know because my dad will be home.

But, still tell them they are track wheels--you don't care about the finish...just that the bends are repaired. They should understand if they want your business. If not, then oh well.

 

[Lewis7789]

and then youd have extra monies to get the KL swapped before the mitty

This.

I just talked to Brian at MotoMotion and told him just to repair the one that is bent the most. Honestly, the other wheel isn't bent very badly so I'm sure it will be fine. I had Chipmunk take both wheels for repair but I was unaware they were so expensive. Hell, a brand new wheel is $250 shipped. I explained they are my track wheels and he said it's no problem. So I'm going to head out there tomorrow after work to drop off the track tires for them to mount/balance. Then when the repaired Enkei is done (I'm in no rush. Just gotta be ready by April 10th for MidOhio) I'll go pick them all up and will be ready for MidOhio.

I might still rattle can them red. They look too good like that. While powdercoating would be the best way to go, they are just track wheels and unfortunately won't see much use until 2012 season when I get into HPDE1.

I have to remind myself to stay focused on the KL swap. Todays warmer weather certainly helped.

Thanks for all the input and help, gentlemen.

 

[Lewis7789]

Man, I'm going to need to address a lot of cancer on the old girl in the spring. I've got a sticker for the back window that says "Rust: lighter than carbon fiber". Or I can just let it go and get this plate...

But I can't have a rusty car, it will just be a b**** to repair. But I'll get plenty of practice with my new paint gun.

 

[THE Phen]

Your car definitely doesn't deserve that plate... Mine does. LOL.

 

[PrinceValorum]

Do you have a time frame for the swap, now that it's getting closer to the Mitty/crunch time? You're gonna have the swap all done and everything all tied up before then?

 

[Lewis7789]

I'm hoping so...

I think I'll shoot for April 11th (the day after the MidOhio track day) to park the P5 in the garage and pull the FS-DE. It's just that there aren't any clear answers for some stuff since I'm going OBD2 and that's what scares me with the wiring. I mean, I've got the Mazda Manual for a 1996 OBD2 Millenia and all the parts I have are from that year so I'll probably be fine. I just don't want to get stuck not having my car ready for the Mitty May 1st. I want to have the motor running well, clutch broken in and ready to drive 11 hours to Georgia. And have a good chunk of cash for any unexpected problems with the swap. I'm not really in a huge hurry since my car runs just fine right now and I'm mostly focused on that MidOhio Hyperdive. But I'm sure after April10th I'll be itching to swap it.

Plus I gotta figure out which car Phen will let me rent while the P5 is down. Haha!

Just like you Wes, I just don't have much motiviation to wrench when it's so bloody cold outside.

 

[PrinceValorum]

Yeah, my garage doesn't freeze, but it's still no fun. Haha, I'd offer the Miata as a loaner, but I took insurance off of it for the winter. Plus I dunno if you could stand having that much fun driving it full time.

 

[Lewis7789]

So today I played hookie and took a day off from work, ran some errands with my gf and I went to Home Depot for some more shop light bulbs and checked to see if they had any air compressors. They had this one on sale because it's reconditioned. Regularly it's $270 but it was on sale for $160. I figured it was worth a shot. I still have the 90 day warranty from Home Depot but the 1 year Husky warranty is void. Boo but yay. So far so good, I ran it when I got home and it builds tank pressure to 145psi so that's a good sign. Most compressors are rated at 125 or 150psi but rarely get more than 120psi so I'm happy. It came with a husky impact wrench and air socket wrench but I have my trusty Crafstman impact wrench. And a 25' foot hose and fittings. For $160, come on. heh-heh.

It even fits in my P5. heh-heh

 

[azuelke]

^ Great deal. I have always liked Huskey's tools. My socket set has gone through hell and back, and none have given in yet.

 

[KZL_99ES]

whoa! great deal indeed! now phen can finish his car up! ...well, and you too

 

[THE Phen]

whoa! great deal indeed! now phen can finish his car up! ...well, and you too

Hey... you STFU. Unfortunately, air tools won't help my predicament. I've gotta drop the differential to finish my job.

 

[PrinceValorum]

air tools won't help my predicament.

Air tools can fix anything.

Evan what's the power rating on the Husky impact? Btw, great deal on the tank!

 

[azuelke]

Air tools can fix anything.

You forgot the duct tape and JB weld.

 

[hat1018]

Don't forget the zip-ties!

 

[Lewis7789]

Evan what's the power rating on the Husky impact?

Maybe 13lbs or torque? Heh-heh. It's only a 3/8 impact and I think 65lbs max. I'll keep it as a spare I guess. But the 3/8 air wrachet will be nice for wrenching since it's also 65lbs of torque for the easier bolts and such. But like I said, my Craftsman 1/2" impact is my baby and will continue to be the first weapon of choice.

ps- Wes, I'm cleaning/organzing my half of the garage and setting up the compressor and crap this weekend so probably next weekend we can tackle your axle.