1985 740T Street/Race Car

[grebnut]

This has been my project since I inherited it from my dad, who has owned it since it was new.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/31839372.jpg

My first project on the car was removing the stock exhaust and installing a 5 point harness. I ran open downpipe for 6 months or so. My parents took away my driving privledges, so I took the car apart in our garage. I put a Holset on it, made a custom intercooler for it, megasquirted it, and all the accompanying items. This here is a previous thread about that project:

Click Here (http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=26948)



http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/35198059.jpg

After that, I spent several months breaking and fixing things. Every week somthing would go wrong with the car, I would take it all apart, fix whatever went wrong so it wont happen again, and put it back together. I blew 2 headgaskets, melted many hoses, leaked alot of oil, overheated it, all kinds of stuff. I also made an exhaust, put in a K15 cam, and a few other little things.

Click Here (http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=32501)

I worked through that development time to where it has been running for 5 or so months without me touching much of anything. I have been doing little thing to it over that time, like I made a catch can for the pcv hose. I put 72lb/hr injectors in and have been running about 20psi of boost. I made 230whp on the dyno where I work on 17ish psi of boost with the clutch slipping pretty hard. (stock clutch and tranny)

I also just finished up a new system for the car. Alpine Type R 10's and a JBL 2 channel amp running bridged 1 ohm. I made the box so that it tucks up on the upper tray in the front of the trunk. I put Memphis component sets up front in the doors and tweets on the dash but I don't have pictures of them yet. The rear deck speakers are not done, but i will probably just drop another set of Memphis speakers in there. Love the sound!

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/45789305.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/45789302.jpg

[PrVolvoRcR]

sexy.......

[Raz]

Which holset is that?

[Raz]

oh, is this a K block?

[E36LUVA]

Which holset is that?

That looks like a Holset off a 99 Cummins pickup. I wonder how laggy it is on the Volvo. I know it is real responsive on the Cummins. I remember when they started using that turbo on their high output engine everyone raved about it although the turbo is actually smaller than the low output engine..... Hey Ben its been 2 years since this thread started, what are you up to now. I just discovered this thread and like everyone else I'm very impressed with your abilities. Its rear these days to see kids your age doing stuff like this. You have a real future in the fab/custom/auto bussiness. Keep it up dude.......

[DurableSwedish]

I thought he switched to BMWs or something...:e-shrug:

[rmriggin]

I went to SPSCC with Ben a few years ago but I am not sure what he is up to know. I tried to get a hold of him and pick his brain a bit after I got bit by the turbo Volvo bug but haven't heard back form any PM's sent. Last time I actually got to talk to him he was into BMWs and was driving a sweet one!
You still alive Ben?

[Jordan]

what in the world gave you the idea for that intercooler?

[E36LUVA]

what in the world gave you the idea for that intercooler?


That V mount setup is from the JDM drifting world and it is really effective. It must be hard to mount an A/C condenser in there though!

[Hank Scorpio]

That looks like a Holset off a 99 Cummins pickup. I wonder how laggy it is on the Volvo. I know it is real responsive on the Cummins. I remember when they started using that turbo on their high output engine everyone raved about it although the turbo is actually smaller than the low output engine..... Hey Ben its been 2 years since this thread started, what are you up to now. I just discovered this thread and like everyone else I'm very impressed with your abilities. Its rear these days to see kids your age doing stuff like this. You have a real future in the fab/custom/auto bussiness. Keep it up dude.......

I loved my HY35 :-D

what in the world gave you the idea for that intercooler?

*cause he can* ;-) :-D

[socalsean]

I know he's still kickin it somewhere. I bought his downpipe and manifold from him a few months ago.

[grebnut]

Haha... I completely forgot about this thread! I'm still kickin!!

I just got back from school a couple weeks ago for the summer and have been busting ass putting the volvo together with a getrag tranny that will (hopefully) hold up to some power and my driving.

I have been, as mentioned, working on alot of BMW's lately as well. I just sold my E30 M3 and "downgraded" to a 325i to get out of debt until I am done with school.

I will post up some pictures of what I have been up to. Alot has changed since this thread was created.

Ben

[Hank Scorpio]

You sold your M3?

Please tell me you sold it for alot of money so I can ignore the fact you didn't offer it to me FIRST!

:( sobs

[grebnut]

You sold your M3?

Please tell me you sold it for alot of money so I can ignore the fact you didn't offer it to me FIRST!

:( sobs


How much is alot of money? It sold for 18k and is somewhere down in your neck of the woods now.

I didn't know you wanted it!

[grebnut]

Well, here are some pictures of the latest on the car.

The getrag is in and working beautifully so far. I used the volvo shifter heavily modified as my lever and pivot ball for the tranny. The stock driveshaft front section was lengthened 7.5" and a new BMW bushing was put in the front to make sure everything lined up and balanced out properly. Also, the M3 crossmember was included with the tranny so I used the center section out of it and welded up some tabs and bracing that go out to the volvo mounting points. This works out smoothly with the stock M3 rubber mounts.


http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427178.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427181.jpg

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http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427194.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427195.jpg


Then there is the interior. I took out the entire stock heating system because its friggin enormous and weighs 30lbs. Also, the heater core was leaking anyway. I think I will get a Flex a Lite Mojave heater that's small and I assume much lighter.

Also, the carpeting and much of the sound deadening has been removed. Surprisingly, it's not that much louder inside. I can definitely hear pebbles hitting the fenderwells, but overall road noise is not so bad.

I moved my radio up to where the heater controls used to be and am using the entire front panel of the dash to mount gauges.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427198.jpg

Here are a couple shots of the engine as it sits now. Pretty much the same old crap. The only significant thing is my super ghetto pcv nipple plug.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427200.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427201.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/79427204.jpg

Anyways, thats pretty much it for now. I'm still working on it quite a bit though. I'll try to remember to post some updates regularly.

As always, comments and questions are welcome.

Ben

[blkaplan]

i love your car,

[CaptainWhoosh]

happen to have any 1/4 mile times(or impressive kill stories)? kewl car mang

[grebnut]

i love your car,

Thanks! I love your work!



ModBrick18, the last time I had the car at the strip, it ran a 14.7 quarter mile. However, that was a long time ago. Several years. At that point, it ran 14psi with no megasquirt ignition control, I didn't have a cam, and it was poorly tuned. I am really looking forward to taking it to the track this year to see what it'll do.


Ben

[E36LUVA]

Hey Ben what model BMW is that getrag from and where did you get that adapter plate and whats the difference between the M90 getrag and the one your using. I know I know 20 questions!!!!!!!! :oops:

[grebnut]

Hey Ben what model BMW is that getrag from and where did you get that adapter plate and whats the difference between the M90 getrag and the one your using. I know I know 20 questions!!!!!!!! :oops:

The getrag used here is from an E30 M3, which at first glance sounds like I must have paid a fortune for it, but check out s14.net. I got mine for a VERY reasonable price.

*edit* I forgot to mention that I made my own adapter plate. I cut it out of 1" aluminum, then used machinist hole center punch things to perfectly center my holes. I drilled and tapped them and it all bolts together. It's not pretty and machined but it seems to work just fine. I did pay to have the Volvo bellhousing machined to the exact right size so that the transmission will center to the engine using this as the main hub instead of the adapter plate. */edit*

I am not entirely sure what exactly the differences between the E30 M3 trans and the M90 are, but I do know that for the M90, you need the entire flywheel/clutch assembly as well as the transmission. It is definitely the most "bolt in" swap, but can be expensive to attain here in the states. Supposedly, it is very strong though. There is lots of info on these forums on both swaps, but I am happy to provide as much as I can about the M3 getrag swap.

Questions are a good place to start. No worries.

Ben

[E36LUVA]

The getrag used here is from an E30 M3, which at first glance sounds like I must have paid a fortune for it, but check out s14.net. I got mine for a VERY reasonable price.

*edit* I forgot to mention that I made my own adapter plate. I cut it out of 1" aluminum, then used machinist hole center punch things to perfectly center my holes. I drilled and tapped them and it all bolts together. It's not pretty and machined but it seems to work just fine. I did pay to have the Volvo bellhousing machined to the exact right size so that the transmission will center to the engine using this as the main hub instead of the adapter plate. */edit*

I am not entirely sure what exactly the differences between the E30 M3 trans and the M90 are, but I do know that for the M90, you need the entire flywheel/clutch assembly as well as the transmission. It is definitely the most "bolt in" swap, but can be expensive to attain here in the states. Supposedly, it is very strong though. There is lots of info on these forums on both swaps, but I am happy to provide as much as I can about the M3 getrag swap.

Questions are a good place to start. No worries.

Ben



Dude you just opened new opportunities for trans options besides the T5 swap for these cars. Very cool. I too am into BMW's and they have great gearbox's. What BMW forums are a member of....

[grebnut]

Dude you just opened new opportunities for trans options besides the T5 swap for these cars. Very cool. I too am into BMW's and they have great gearbox's. What BMW forums are a member of....

Hehe... Naw, people have been doing this very swap for years. In fact, you can buy all the parts you need to accomplish it premade and much more nicely done than mine are. But thanks though!


As far as BMW forums, I am on s14.net, r3vlimited.com, e30tech.com, bmwpugetsound.com, bimmerforums.com, and a few others as well. See you around!

Ben

[grebnut]

I have been doing a few things, one of which was to take off the plate which is mounted to the drivers side of the engine and look inside just for fun. This must have been where a mechanical fuel pump could have been attatched using the idler shaft as a drive cam.

Anyways, the significance is that the motor can be started and ran without this plate on at all. Therefor, it's a prime location for a large crankcase breather. Also, I noticed that when I did run the engine with this off, there was an amazing amount of air pumping out.

I don't have any before pictures of the plate, but this is what it looks like now.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/80320497.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/80320498.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/80320502.jpg

This made me think that I must have quite a bit of blowby. Also, if I ran 25psi boost, the dipstick literally blows out and blows oil out all over the place. More evidence of a suspected failing motor. It is high miles though.

Leakdown numbers were not great.

1- 55%
2- 72%
3- 57%
4- 48%

Compression looked okay.

1- 145psi
2- 150psi
3- 145psi
4- 145psi

So what gives? I don't know whether to give up on this motor or not, but for now I plan on setting up a large diameter breather system and running the piss out of it.

Also, I have been playing with brushing my aluminum pipes with a brass brush. I think it look decent. What do you think? Brushed is on the left, natural alum on right.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/80320499.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/80320500.jpg

Ben

[E36LUVA]

Looks like its time for a 2.5 Penta 16V :) . You must be burning oil with those leak down numbers. Like you said, drive the piss out of it until pops then put somthing better in there...

[Citysurf740]

great work, I notice that you cut the console, did you have to move the the fuse box. I was thinking of doing the same on my 740 with the T5, you also remove the heater core and the controls for it, are you running any heat on your car now.

Thanks and keep the great work

[740ATL]

it brings joy to my heart to get a slovo update.

[norcal505]

Nice sub-enclosure:zeeall:

[grebnut]

great work, I notice that you cut the console, did you have to move the the fuse box. I was thinking of doing the same on my 740 with the T5, you also remove the heater core and the controls for it, are you running any heat on your car now.

Thanks and keep the great work

Thanks! I did have to move the fuse box. I cut off the stock bracket, welded up the holes that the spot welds left in the floor of the car, and also welded the seam under the bracket. Then I tacked some nuts to the floor in the same pattern as the plastic holder thing and bolted everything down farther forward.

As of right now, I am not running a heater. It's summer for now so it's not an immediate problem, but I plan to put in a Flex a Lite Mojave heater instead of the stock unit.


740ATL, Thanks! I'm glad somebody appreciates this POS. :)

Freeride, thanks! It's actually long gone out of the car since I am going for more race, less DD, but it was decent when it was in.


Update: I got a big box of parts tonight from FCP, one of which includes a new crank wheel so we'll see if I can't get this thing tuned in.

Ben

[grebnut]

Hello all, i wanted to throw up some pictures of what I've been up to lately.


It's a small thing, but it's been bugging me for a long time that this hose sits right next to the turbo but has no insulation. Had to pull the fitting off the end to slide the cover on, but it seems to fit well and should provide some heat management.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/81081395.jpg

Then I built this little catch can and modified the block off plate to be able to put a big breather on the crankcase. It seemed to make a significant difference in power, and also the oil filler cap didn't puke a bunch of oil like it normally does, leading me to believe that there is less crankcase pressure.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/81081385.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/81081381.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/81081371.jpg

Also, I finally got the passenger seat and a new seatbelt in.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/81081404.jpg

[Hank Scorpio]

Sweet Ben!! I wish you were local :(

[rallyvovo]

lookin good mang! i like that catch can idea there

[grebnut]

Thanks guys... On the down side, I broke the locating pin off the timing belt drive pulley that keys to the crank................. So now I wait for parts.... :-P

Ben

[E36LUVA]

As always Ben, impressive!!!!

[Raz]

May I suggest coming to the PacNW Cruise? :)

Love your fabwork, its quite nifty! - Have you put down any dyno numbers yet? - Is that a HY35 or a HE351? - Are you running a stock bottom end B230FT? I'd love to pick your brain some time... :)

[grebnut]

Some quick pictures of what I've been up to.

Ben

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83208831.jpg

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http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83208902.jpg

[740ATL]

I believe this is my first usage of giggity.

[blkaplan]

nice triangle gusset on the manifold

[BrickLove]

Some of the most impressive work on T-bricks. Kenny's got power and numbers to back it up, but I'd like to see him build his own header/downpipe/intercooler. Awesome work. What part of Oly are you from?

[grebnut]

Thank you!

I'm from north Olympia, out in Boston Harbor. In BFE. ;-)

Thanks for the comments. I'll get some new pictures up soon.

Ben

[socalsean]

Are you going to weld your sunroof shut?

[grebnut]

Are you going to weld your sunroof shut?

Not fully, though it will be permanently "shut". I am thinking I will reinforce it with welding and whatnot, then just use marinetek or some kind of epoxy sealant to permanently fix the seam, then sand it relatively smooth and shoot a little paint on it. I'm not after it being pretty, just functional.

I was amazed at how heavy the entire headliner and sunroof assembly was. Combined, I bet at least 40lbs. At the topmost point of the car. Terrible for CG and roll couple.

Ben

[grebnut]

A couple new things!

First, I got attacked with a cutter. Quite different.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690034.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690036.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690037.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690038.jpg

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Also, I thought I should show our shop mascot, dubbed "killer". Apparently, its a female hobo. Big sucker.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690041.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690042.jpg

ALLRIGHT... Car pictures.

I fiberglassed the sunroof plug (which is aluminum, by the way... Didn't know that.) into place, then layed up a bit of bondo, sanded it smooth and shot some ghetto spray paint. It looks better than a hole in the roof though.

I meant to get some "during" pictures, but forgot... sorry!. So you get the final product.

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690044.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690045.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/grebnut/image/83690046.jpg

I was planning on going to the drag strip tonight to see what it would do, but got delayed with packing for school.... Maybe next year? :grrr:

Anywho... That's it for a while, since tomorrow morning I am leaving for school (5.5 hours away). Hopefully I will be able to do some projects and work on stuff during breaks, but likely not as intensively as I have been.

Thanks for the interest!

Ben

[Hank Scorpio]

Awesome Ben, good luck with school!

[pwschuh]

I like the haircut. It's tactical.

Awesome job on the car too.

[Marksimus76]

I have a 98 s70 T5 that I bought certified and etested for 2500 cad out of Bowmanville Ontario. It has 350k on it ans it is still super fun. The reason I am replying to this post is because my older brother is a Turbo nut and I am a speed freak. He mentioned I should look for a holset hy35 as it suits my car. I was also researching Methanol injection as a way of allowing you to cool and fuel the intake charge and alot of guys are doing it with incredible results. Have you thought about methanol injection? Anyhow get back. I wanna make anough horsepower to blow this puppy up. Cheap Rand D.

Marko

[WindowsBreakerG4]

I know this is a way old bump, but i was wondering what happened to this car?

[The Aspirator]

Yeah dude, update! I see you online!!!

[scottyd]

Ben! Awesome! I want more!