Jumbo's Silver FX - 2nd custom build
- Thread starter jumbosrule
- Start date
Sorry man no - I'm posting everything the shop sends me. If you click on the picture you can zoom in. The shop fabricated a mounting bracket using what they call a, "wire frame" fabrication. That's the bent tube you see coming down from each side of the oil coolers, with flat stock welded to it to bolt into the cooler mounts. All welded and powder-coated of course.
As I was posting those photos last night I realized I had never seen the intake routing. I asked if they had any photos (or to take a few with the parts mocked in place). I definitely had a vision for that routing and looking at the photos I'm hoping no major changes need to be made.
It really is an entirely different game this time. I have what the shop refers to as, "build maturity"; realistic expectations, flexibility and understanding. A lot of what caused me stress last time is just part of the game. I've learned these types of projects dont really have a timeline nor are they really ever finished. I have confidence in the fact that this shop will take care of me and will make things right.
We talked yesterday. They believe I'll be driving it next month. I wont take delivery, but when I go back to Houston for the holidays, I'll have my FX to use around town rather than a rental car. That will be a drive-ability shakedown - I'll try to chase out any of the gremlins that might be hiding. That's the plan anyways. If they hit any speed bumps along the way I'll keep y'all posted.
All of the piping is out for finish/coating. I asked the shop to have a pro do a full detail on the engine bay and everything in it before assembling everything.
Yo Dave. I live here now. We gonna hang out?
We talked yesterday. They believe I'll be driving it next month. I wont take delivery, but when I go back to Houston for the holidays, I'll have my FX to use around town rather than a rental car. That will be a drive-ability shakedown - I'll try to chase out any of the gremlins that might be hiding. That's the plan anyways. If they hit any speed bumps along the way I'll keep y'all posted.
All of the piping is out for finish/coating. I asked the shop to have a pro do a full detail on the engine bay and everything in it before assembling everything.
Yo Dave. I live here now. We gonna hang out?
I know I'm excited about the turbo location too. As part of the cold side chroming, the turbo housing will be smoothed out and chromed out as well (ala supra guys). Hope it's not too much bling but we can always adjust later.
Man I'm LOVING it here. Of course anybody in my position would... my wife has the job and I'm staying at home. It's not all free time (2 kids under 10 and a side property investment business) but I do get to work on my cars almost as much as I want. I sort of see it as an earned break after grinding it out for the last 17 years in aerospace. When we left Texas, we sold our house and paid off all existing debt. We moved out here free and clear with a little bit of cash left over from the sale. We plan to use that cash to buy a place but we need a bigger down payment so we have a couple years of saving to do. I will look for a job in the next couple of years but want to take some time off to scratch my car itch. The California car culture was definitely part of the reason for moving out here. I've been going to Cars and Coffee Irvine almost every Saturday since we arrived. There are track days and autocrosses every single weekend. Car shows, museums, personal collections and a metric ass-ton of automotive shops in all styles and flavors out here. In just being here I've met and made friends with the owner and Chief engineer of AEM electronics. He has introduced me to guys I had to google and then be in awe of their automotive accomplishments. Have breakfast with him about once a week and he's had me over to AEM a couple times to look at their business setup; an informal consulting job. I'm fully expecting to get my first automotive job out here through him or through an introduction he makes.
He introduced me to the AEM engineer responsible for bringing the AEM EMS-4 to market (EMS on my Miata), who then personally tuned my Miata..
So yeah... I like it here! And we didn't even talk about how perfect the weather is ALL THE TIME where I live. Such a fundamental difference in temperature and humidity from Houston. Don't even have AC in this house - windows open since we moved in. Closed when it gets a little too cool. We drove to Vegas last week for my wife's 40th. 4.5 hour drive - so close it's scary. Can't wait to do that drive in the finished FX.
I'm like, in Redondo Beach, brah! 20 minutes south of LAX on PCH, less than a mile from the beach.
Which C&C? Monthly/Weekly? Are we talking about an IS group or can I bring my Miata till the FX is delivered?
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Jumbo: I'm sure you're loving the "motor mecca" over here. I know there is plenty to keep you busy for a while. My favorite museum is the Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar. It definitely takes a vintage appreciation, but the historical restoration quality is bar none. -Pebble Beach winners. Call ahead and ask for the old collection tour. Should be invite only. The new museum is always open.
Also, Foose in Huntington Beach used to give a daily nickel tour. (Dave can give his opinion too. )
Maybe you can entice Mazda to let you take the Miata on their test track??
Also, Foose in Huntington Beach used to give a daily nickel tour. (Dave can give his opinion too. )
Maybe you can entice Mazda to let you take the Miata on their test track??
I do remember. :smile (2):
