LarZ's ps13 reinCARnaton - see what i did there?

[LarZ]

My ps13 has served me amazingly as a road car for the bones of 2 and half years. It came a long way over the years and was parked up about a year ago when the ugly duckling 180sx came around. Then that ate all my money.

With the to and fro of a car build, i had the majority of the parts i needed for a 2jz conversion on the ps13 but abandoned that idea close to crunch time as the costs mounted up so so high and i just couldn't justify it. I 'only' want about 350 to 400bhp. I want to be able to drive and enjoy this car. Yep, I want to be able to daily it. And keep the 180 too obviously. We can all dream

So i've started this thread to keep track of the timeline for the build. My camera's a bit shagged so there wont be many pics yet. I'll be keeping a spec list here too.

Basically we're going to see an n/a to turbo sr20 swap, manly wheels and a lick of paint...

SPEC to date (updated 09/03/2018)

***Engine and drivetrain***
Sr20det non vvt red top
Garrett 2871r turbo with aftermarket manifold and HKS actuator
Exedy 3 puk clutch
R180 two way diff
Skyline engine mounts with solid spacers for S13/SR20

***Fuelling, cooling, electronics and exhaust***
Nismo 550cc injectors
Nismo fuel pressure regulator
GTR fuel pump
GReddy front mount and piping
HKS SSQV Dump valve
z32 afm, Apex intake pipe and filter
Apexi powerFC with hand commander
Japspeed turbo elbow
Japspeed downpipe
Kakimoto cat back exhaust
HKS turbo timer
Greddy Profec B spec 2 boost controller
GKtech oil catch can
GKtech oem replacement coolant overflow bottle

*** Suspension and wheels ***
BC Coilovers
hard race tie rods and tie rod ends
aftermarket Camber/toe arms
Front wheels are 15x9jj ET+7 Work Equip 03
Rear wheels are 15x8.5 ET+3 Work Equip 03
Toyo Proxes T1-R 205/55/R15

*** Body/Styling ***
Brick headlights
OEM bumper and side lights
OEM rear lights
OEM brown glass all around
OEM chuki 180sx side skirts
Bomex rear valance
OEM Aero front bumper
Color: two tone FG0/463 OEM Silver Green Pearl over Dark Gray Metallic
Full underseal

*** Interior ***
S15 front seats
180sx kouki rear seats
OEM s13 silvia mats
Nardi suede deep corn
NRG Quick release and short hub
OEM Non Smoker Box
Fly off handbrake button
Nismo gearknob

*** Other ***
Alarm
Remote central locking
Immobiliser
Original Toyo spare tyre (probably not worth putting on but super cool)

[LarZ]

First things first, i need an engine. WRONG... Big turbo... Bought myself a 2871r with actuator, manifold and a turbo elbow that came with it. That'll go nicely with the Apex'i PowerFC, brand new z32 AFM and nismo 550cc injectors that I picked up. I picked all of those up about 3 or 4 months ago and they were originally meant for the 180. But i love how the 180 drives too much to mess with it.

[LarZ]

Then i went about sourcing an engine. The powerFC i got was a for a red top so that's what i set about looking for. I had had my eye on one in particular and was nearly tempted before. Apparently it had had cams done but i'm not banking on that. I haven't opened it up yet. It came with an s14 turbo and manifold, and also with an exedy 3 puk clutch and flywheel. It has been sitting for a few years but was making over 300bhp with that setup before.

The plan is to give that a freshen up, replace the bearings, bigger head gasket, new seals and gaskets and all that shite that i know nothing about but darren coates does know about so he'll be taking care of that for me as well as making sure i wont need to take the engine back out for a long time.

Other bits that i've picked up for the engine include a nismo FPR, a GTR fuel pump that i'm yet to pick up, and a brand new japspeed downpipe. Also have an o2 sensor. Bought a brand new GReddy FMIC off pepster on here. Plenty more bits needed but the back is broken on it...

[Eoin k]

Good stuff man. I hope it all goes to plan...

[LarZ]

So do I I'm going to have a go at taking the existing engine out myself. I've got an engine crane coming this evening that i can borrow for a while. And I've one of the lads bringing me some big drums for my waste fluids. Also bought one of these bad boys:



I know, I know... But i'm an absolute novice with engines and working on them. I have no shame admitting it either. Might get a hand from a few of the lads but I really want to try doing a lot of it myself. Once the bay is clear i'll sent that off for paint and at least be in a position to get the new engine in place.

I know there are millions of lists out there, but does anyone have a good comprehensive conversion checklist to hand?

[michealkirwan]

Dude great start ive a few bits I've to get yet myself. Taking the engine yourself is very possible plenty of zip lock bags so you know what goes where tippex certain plugs and sensors remove as much as you can. While it's out change seals and gaskets save you in the long run

[LarZ]

Yeah good advice on the zip lock bags! The engine is going for a refresh alright. I want it to be solid and not need to come out again.

Got the engine crane delivered today. Delighted with life. Must make a start properly though. I have the axle stands ready to go and all.

I may have purchased some Jdm as furrrrk wheels too. More on those when they arrive. Wouldn't mind an auld money tree if anyone has one handy...

[LarZ]

So I was all set to get working on this at the weekend, but real life got in the way. Not to mention the cold.

In other news, an order has gone in for a bitchin' set of brand new wheels. I'll keep the wheel choice under wraps for now though

[Funnyonion]

Looking forward to seeing this!

[LarZ]

I picked up an Apex'i Auto turbo timer and a Greddy Profec B spec 2 boost controller for his a while back. The plan is to install these and whatever other electronics i need in the glovebox as i dont want to be looking at them all the time. I'll even be hiding the hand commander for the powerFC. I like power, but like OEM styling even more. I want as little crap cluttering my dash as possible.