Posted by on 12th May , 2010
So after many hours try to work out a way to get the diff into my gearbox I’ve pulled the pin.
The only option left was to machine the diff itself down to take the smaller bearings voiding the warranty on the diff and possibly causing it to fail. Finding bearings with matching inside and outside diameter proved impossible.
Given this the diff is now up for sale on eBay, I’m hopeful one of the US Maxima guys snaps it up as my only option left is to import a VLSD box from the UK.
Got a fews sads because of it, but never mind. The stress is probably the most annoying part, but should really be expected doing this kind of thing.
Link to eBay ad
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Posted by on 7th May , 2010
So things with the gearbox are more complicated than ever anticipated.
I’m informed that the quaife diff uses different bearings to the stock exa, 42 vs 40mm. This can be made to work so it’s ok, but the diff also takes larger input shafts – 3mm bigger I think it was said.
I’ve suggested that J30 Maxima is given a go; thankfully the gearbox specialist is also one of the country’s largest driveshaft specialists! If the J30 inners match the diff I just have to hope they match the Exa shafts which are being sent up to be checked as well. I’m using J30 outers already so I think the chances of a match are pretty good.
I can only imagine all the cursing these mis-matched parts have caused the builder and I really feel sorry for him. But he sounds really talented and more importantly confident of being able to make it work 100%. In return for his willingness to make it all work and great attitude I have offered to put a couple of company stickers on my car for him.
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Posted by on 6th May , 2010
A small problem arose with the fitment of the gearset. The car is currently using an RS5F50A gearbox sourced from an Australian 1.8 N13 Exa – the gearset being applied to it is the RS5F50X to suit a Maxima.
This is the first time this has been attempted to my knowledge and on paper should work with out issue and it pretty much has. The only problem was some machining regarding second gear syncro – the gearset is designed for a 1 piece and my box uses a 3 piece. I was called and advised of the issue, but to discover it required the job to be already well underway so the machining was performed by default.
The box is also being treated to all new bearings and seals through-out, will be literally better than new.
I have to visit the shop again to drop of some more money and while I’m at it I will drop off a light weight pulley set I have and a full braided brake line kit.
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Posted by on 6th May , 2010
The quote to have the gearbox kitted out came back yesterday and has been given the ok to go ahead.
I think I am most excited about this as I absolutely love the sound of straight cut gears in hot cars as they drive past. Couple that with traction through both wheels – or spinning both 🙂 This will be the first N13 I know of running this gear which is cool.
It’s now just getting to the waiting stage as all work has been pretty much finalised and given the go ahead, hopefully the wait will pass quickly.
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Posted by on 5th May , 2010
Posted by on 30th April , 2010
The crank is back and ready to go. .10 over is the word on the bearings with the rest of it being in good shape.
The block is still at the machine shop so it will be early next week before I know all the details of what’s needed there.
I’d been thinking about a nice set of Wiseco pistons to go in this time, but all signs are pointing to no. Everyone I speak to says no no no for varying reasons. Second choice was CP but again could choose better; with that I am going to await suggestions from the builder and pricing probably more importantly.
Rods were suggested today, this had been in the back of my mind while it’s in bits, but adds alot to the bill so a maybe for now.
Thinking about the car a bit more yesterday I thought it might be a good time to FINALLY get the gearbox kitted out. So after thinking about it a lot and asking Jess’ thoughts, I dreamt about it last night – probably all the milk I drink – 3L in 24 hours is normal right? With Jess’ never ending support I took all the parts over to the shop this morning before work. The person I have been dealing with was impressed with the quality of the gear going in which was a nice.
With out asking I was also offered to be shown the claimed faulty parts out of the motor. This goes a long way showing honesty of a workshop in my eyes.
So the box is going to be quoted and should hear back early next week on both it and the block.
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Posted by on 27th April , 2010
First update was recieved today with motor already out of the car and pulled down.
The no. 4 piston is the problem with the side wall being damaged and is going to have to be replaced. The mains have also recieved abnormal wear so the crank has been sent off to be checked and probably prepped for oversize bearings to go in.
Pistons are going to be oversize again, last time I think for this block from memory.
Anyway, now it’s waiting for the report on the crank. I’m pretty impressed with the speed that the shop have made things happen so far and equally impressed for not having to chase them for updates.
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Posted by on 22nd April , 2010
Earlier this week I sent the car for a tune now that I have a working temperature gauge. Bri-Z came around on the weekend to sort out the temp sender for me, but I gave him the wrong sender so he came over with the wrong tap – my own fault! Luckily I have sorted the Greddy warning meter, so I have something showing a proper reading.
With the car still not running right I was hoping for this tune to make everything right again.
Since putting the engine back together it was still breathing alot of oil vapour out the exhaust and breathers. I’d hoped either the new head or the turbo or even the combination of them both would have fixed this, but sadly not. With the car strapped to the dyno and starting to put load on the engine it just started to breathe way too much oil out the exhaust.
Given this, the dyno has stopped and repairs would be required before going any further for fear of blowing up the engine. Best case senario is just the rings are gone and they can be replaced, worst case a new set of oversize pistons have to go in. I’m told the motor is a great base to work with and felt strong before having to shut it down. It’s also nice and quiet, all nice things to hear.
I gave the go ahead today to get it repaired. A week should see the motor open and exact required work known. 6-7 weeks should see the car driven out of there again.
So next update should be in about a week!
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Posted by on 16th April , 2010
So my oil filler cap arrived today. I’ve wanted one of these ever since I knew they existed, but never bought myself one. Needless to say many years later, I’m happy to have one.
Bri-Z Fabrication is installing the N13 temp sender this weekend so the stock temp gauge will read correctly again. The new temp gauge adapter arrived this week and has been installed. No leaks straight up which was surprising, but I’ll see how it goes at full pressure.
With working temperature meters going, I will check the cam positions again and then send her to hospital for a check up and tune. Beyond that will see the gearbox out ( 9001st time) for the gearset to go in along with the new diff & selector fork.
There is a car forsale on eBay I have been looking at here, but I am not 100% sold on it. There is too much work involved to get it road worthy again plus it’s not a real N13, it’s a Holden Astra. There are a few parts worth taking but I am not sure there is 2k+ worth. Here is a video of it back in it glory days
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Posted by on 6th April , 2010
I ordered the incorrect water sensor adaptor the other day so I have re-ordered another one. I got the wrong mesurent from a supplier online and here I was thinking the internets were a place of truth.
Once I have the correct part I can install the gauges and start looking at getting a final tune done. I’ve just heard back nengun that the oil filler cap I ordered and it has been discontinued. It took them a month to tell me this. On the upside a part number search on eBay returned one result with a clearance item from Canada, so I’ve ordered that one as a replacement.
REALLY good online retailers are so hard to find. I have had to a request a refund now from nengun just as I have with cartoyz and exoticauto. Requesting and waiting for the refnd isn’t the problem in this case, it’s that it took a month to communicate the issue.
frsport.com has been brilliant, at the other end of the spectrum.
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