Update time!
The 20v Blacktop ITB adapter from Xcessive Mfg, while expensive, does have some cool features. The adapter has an NPT vacuum port for each of the 4 runners, allowing you to sync the throttle linkage adjustments, while also using the vacuum from all 4 cylinders to feed a vacuum block, which can be used for things such as the brake booster, fuel pressure regulator, and the integrated MAP sensor in my stand-alone ECU.
I picked up this very inexpensive vac block off eBay and made a quick bracket out of some .125" aluminum sheet from work. It utilizes some threaded holes in the factory lower plenum, which keeps it tucked nicely out of the way while still be relatively accessible. Also, you can see the larger hose existing the left side of the vac block, which feeds the brake booster.
The silicone hose to brake booster, still using the factory Nissan check valve. It's ugly, but it works. I'll probably update this later with something a bit more aesthetically pleasing. Potentially more AN stuff.
I picked up a cheap (yet surprisingly nice) catch can to route the factory PCV system.
I was able to cut up the factory rubber hoses, use a couple brass PEX barbed fittings, and add silicone hose to connect the whole system. I'm relatively happy with how it turned out. Once the trumpets are on the throttle bodies, it should be less intrusive looking. I hope.
Radiator #3 turned out to be the winner! This is an oversize full aluminum unit made for a NA Mazda Miata. It's nice and short, which was the problem I had been battling with my previous two radiator attempts. The nice thing is that it shares a 1.25" inlet and outlet with the BEAMS engine, which eliminated the need for reducers in the coolant system.
By utilizing the factory upper radiator mounting points, I made some quick little brackets, which I suck and didn't get pictures of once welded and painted, but I will!
I was able to use the crossmember I put in between the tension rod brackets (initially to mount a skid plate) to attach a lower radiator mount. It ended up being places perfectly for this, and its solid as a rock now.
I scored a Honda Accord coolant overflow from the junkyard a month or so ago, and took the sheet metal bracket with me to build my own for the S12
I had to get a little creative with the rad plumbing, though it wasn't too bad. I still have to flare the pipe ends. I just haven't gotten to it yet.
Then came the part I was dreading, which I took virtually no pictures of. Mainly because of how filthy I was during this whole process.
The downpipe proved to be relatively difficult, as one of the pipes would have to make a weird turn to make it around the steering shaft.
That's the completed midpipe before paint. No pictures of the tailpipe section or the finished downpipe. All three sections are now coated in a black high-temp header paint. I'll grab some pictures before reinstalling.
And then it was time to pull the engine again. I wanted everything completely mocked up before doing so. The engine had no flywheel/clutch in it, and was missing a bunch of components. It has basically been used just for mock-up over the last month or so. I installed a new rear main seal, flywheel, clutch, starter, wiring harness, etc. However, I did run into one hiccup. The clutch kit that I purchased ended up coming with the incorrect throw out bearing, or "clutch release bearing" as Toyota calls it. Battle Garage lists them, however they are currently out of stock, waiting for an incoming shipment. This is a real kick in the balls, because I just KNOW this is going to be that damn part that holds me up for another month. I put the whole driveline back together with the old worn throw out bearing. Worst case, I can get it running and tuned with the old one, as it hasn't completely failed, it's just seen better days.
And two last pics before I started pulling the engine. I put the car on the ground to move some things around. I set the car down on ramps so that I could get my jack out from underneath, and put the car into gear before doing so, so it wouldn't go anywhere. Well stupid me forgot that being in gear doesn't mean shit if there isn't a clutch or flywheel involved. So the car ran out of the garage and down the driveway and scared the shit out of me. Thankfully, no one was parked behind it. But it gave me an opportunity to take a couple decent pics out in the sunlight. It's starting to look like a functioning engine bay!
The 'Rona has given me some extra time at home, so I hope to have this thing up and running in a couple weeks, assuming I can get my hands on a wideband...
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