Jumbo's custom turbo build

jumbosrule said:
Yes, aftermarket turbo manifolds could be used - but I have a custom installation so none of them would fit without re-fabricating the hot side. Most of the aftermarket manifolds are build for a particular kit - they are not shaped like our OEM manifold.

The configuration of my set-up uses the OEM mating specification so it's either an OEM manifold, an of the shelf header or a custom job. I'd just prefer the OEM manifolds since I already have an extra set.
Click to expand...

Damn, then I would advise against using the DC Headers as a base, it will crack at the welds. Well since you're using the OEM manifold then go for it again. Is any type of prepping used for the OEM manifolds? Are they extrude honed/smoothed on the inside? Heat treated?
 
The paint can was on my way to the Woodlands on I-45N. It was one of those all-plastic 5 gallon buckets.

The kid on the bicycle was on purpose - kid called my FX a chick car, so I took him and his bike out.:skull:

Just kidding. The only other thing I have hit was a few months ago - a metal 1 gallon paint can on US59. That was before coilovers and it took out the GT Spec ladder brace. No big deal since I can't use the ladder brace on the FI setup.
 
jumbosrule said:
The paint can was on my way to the Woodlands on I-45N. It was one of those all-plastic 5 gallon buckets.

The kid on the bicycle was on purpose - kid called my FX a chick car, so I took him and his bike out.:skull:

Just kidding. The only other thing I have hit was a few months ago - a metal 1 gallon paint can on US59. That was before coilovers and it took out the GT Spec ladder brace. No big deal since I can't use the ladder brace on the FI setup.
Click to expand...

hahaha ya ur right he deserved it lol but seriously it sucks what happened to your turbo, so how much longer to you get her back? i want to hear her growl again since now you have it all tuned it should sound sick now.
 
SexualChocolate said:
Is any type of prepping used for the OEM manifolds? Are they extrude honed/smoothed on the inside? Heat treated?
Click to expand...

Officially, I'm not sure there is a process. The shop will boroscope the insides of my headers after having them media blasted to clean them up. There are other and better methods of inspection, but they cost a lot. Eddy current and radiographic inspection would be the only types of non-destructive testing available and no shop that I know of would do those types of inspections. They would get sent out to a lab.

jcasanova said:
hahaha ya ur right he deserved it lol but seriously it sucks what happened to your turbo, so how much longer to you get her back? i want to hear her growl again since now you have it all tuned it should sound sick now.
Click to expand...

Honestly not sure when I'll get her back. Turbo is on order, my headers are being worked and the rest of my job list sort of depends on finishing up the build. If I had to guess, I'd say another month from now but it wouldn't surprise me if it is a little longer. Definitely before the end of the year!
 
too bad this failure happened you could have raced your baby at pinks all out at the baytown drag strip this past weekend. Just look it this way now you know what your getting for x-mas :)
 
jumbosrule said:
Officially, I'm not sure there is a process. The shop will boroscope the insides of my headers after having them media blasted to clean them up. There are other and better methods of inspection, but they cost a lot. Eddy current and radiographic inspection would be the only types of non-destructive testing available and no shop that I know of would do those types of inspections. They would get sent out to a lab.
Click to expand...

That'll work. I decided to read a little on the single turbo G35/350Z setups and came across that the OEM manifolds needed the inside cleaned up from the casting process. They and some of you guys are knowledgeable when it comes to this platform, which is perfect. I am just bringing overal knowledge from setups/working on other cars.

Seems like everything should be good to go this time.

What the heck are you driving for the time being?
 
SexualChocolate said:
What the heck are you driving for the time being?
Click to expand...

Sharing my wife's Tahoe. As long as I am in no hurry and not aggressive, I like the ride. Any type of speed at all scares me in that thing.

1bad_fx45 said:
How long has the fx been in the shop? Knowing what you know now, would you still have done this or would you buy a new ride?
Click to expand...

FX has been in and out of the shop three times since May, but it was planned that way. This is stage 3 of a planned three stage build. The only thing taking a bit more time than we had planned is ordering a new turbo and the replacement sway bars.

Buying a new ride was never an option for me. I love the FX and wanted to customize it and continue to do so. I drove the original motor 110,000 miles and now have a brand new motor, fuel system, intake & exhaust, suspension... so I pretty much DID buy a new ride, didn't I? Before I took the car in I expected the full build to take one or two months. Now I know better - anybody going for such extensive modifications needs to count on three or four months - and that's if everything goes smoothly.

I'm sure some shops could do it more quickly, but the point is it would be nice to have a second car you can drive while the FX is in the hospital for the bionic upgrades. That way you don't have to worry if they need an extra week, or if a part is on back-order.

Hell yes I would do it again. And it's not even done yet!
 
jumbosrule said:
Sharing my wife's Tahoe. As long as I am in no hurry and not aggressive, I like the ride. Any type of speed at all scares me in that thing.
Click to expand...

Ahahahahaha that's cool. Yeah Tahoes are a bit on the hefty side for sporty driving. IYou have an understanding wife:smile (2):. At least she was willing to share and didn't tell you to hitchhike your way around until you got another car:laugh:
 
Yup - definitely an understanding woman. She would have to be to put up with me.

We keep talking about buying temporary beater instead of renting a car if the build looks like it will go past November. I have been looking at a couple of Miatas under $2000. Think I might have to pull the trigger this weekend. Depends on the car of course...
 
yeah man, I'm in the same boat, luckily I have another car laying around for just such situations, can't wait to get back into my fx but even if it still takes a while at least I have wheels. there are so many little things that need attention on my minivan but I refuse to fix them until after the fx is done, don't want to get too comfortable in it, I like being uncomfortable in it to give me that much more push to get the fx done :)
 
jumbosrule said:
Yup - definitely an understanding woman. She would have to be to put up with me.

We keep talking about buying temporary beater instead of renting a car if the build looks like it will go past November. I have been looking at a couple of Miatas under $2000. Think I might have to pull the trigger this weekend. Depends on the car of course...
Click to expand...

A Miata would be a great choice. Resale will remain virtually the same. I am a past NA owner (1994) and NB owner (2001). Can't go wrong at all, they are deadly reliable and a hoot to drive!
 
SexualChocolate said:
That'll work. I decided to read a little on the single turbo G35/350Z setups and came across that the OEM manifolds needed the inside cleaned up from the casting process. They and some of you guys are knowledgeable when it comes to this platform, which is perfect. I am just bringing overal knowledge from setups/working on other cars.
Click to expand...


You have some links on that discussion or what needs to be done exactly....??
 
Some of it came from 350Z tech/wiki and 350Z tech forums, and I quote "Other turbine damage is due to casting flash that may break out of the manifolds and ports."

I can't remember exactly where I encountered the cleaning up process details, but the info is out there. I know it's from one of the 350Z forums, I think the poster was GTM who apparantly makes turbo kits and accessories for the Z/G platforms.
 
SexualChocolate said:
A Miata would be a great choice. Resale will remain virtually the same. I am a past NA owner (1994) and NB owner (2001). Can't go wrong at all, they are deadly reliable and a hoot to drive!
Click to expand...

Well then my turbo build just went up another 1500 bucks - I just picked up a 95 Brillant Black Miata MX-5 convertible, manual. Drove it around the neighborhood this afternoon and look forward to getting to know my first two seater, first manual and first convertible all rolled into one. After I get my FX back, I'm going to rape the holy heck out of this car. It's going to the track.
 
jumbosrule said:
Well then my turbo build just went up another 1500 bucks - I just picked up a 95 Brillant Black Miata MX-5 convertible, manual. Drove it around the neighborhood this afternoon and look forward to getting to know my first two seater, first manual and first convertible all rolled into one. After I get my FX back, I'm going to rape the holy heck out of this car. It's going to the track.
Click to expand...

That's awesome!!! You'll be hooked on top down motoring. I know I am and miss my verts immensely! Its been quite a while but the Houtson Miata Club should still be very active. Nice group of people that have events, a lot of which consist of driving and sometimes couples activities.
I highly recommend going to one of their Andersen Loop runs, it's fun especially if their autoX group hangs out in the back, which is where you'll want to be lol.

Congrats!!!! Now it's time to post pics of your NA!
 
jumbosrule said:
Well then my turbo build just went up another 1500 bucks - I just picked up a 95 Brillant Black Miata MX-5 convertible, manual. Drove it around the neighborhood this afternoon and look forward to getting to know my first two seater, first manual and first convertible all rolled into one. After I get my FX back, I'm going to rape the holy heck out of this car. It's going to the track.
Click to expand...


don't you mean $3k? :tongue (2):
 
Congrats on the Miata, I'm pretty damn sure my next car is a 2001 (NB) Miata :tup:

On the OEM headers issue... my first question is why you went with OEM headers off of a boosted Z/G? Why didn't you use your original headers in the first place?

Second question is about the ceramic coating. Who is doing the coating and are they leaving the insides alone? I highly recommend they don't coat the insides. Even SwainTech who does their "White Lightning" ceramic coating and are known for having some pretty in-depth knowledge of the coating process won't hold up forever.

I saw pictures of the outside coating on turbo manifolds at 0 miles, 1k, 10k, 20k, 42k and 50k+ and needless to say you can follow the progression. Towards 50k the coating looks peely like a week after a bad sun burn. Granted, the outside is subject to more drastic cooling (rain water kicked up from the road in front of you getting in the engine bay, etc), but I wouldn't take my chances with any type of coating on the inside of a turbo manifold.

This coating is nowhere near as lethal to the turbine as a chunk of metal breaking free but it's still detrimental.

Just some food for thought on ceramic coating.

...come to think of it, I wonder what ever happened to my stock headers... hmmm... oh well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top