Welcome to my build thread, here I will be showing the stages of process my car has gone through and the information about it. I had a thread started, unforunately I wasn't able to keep enough people interested and it slipped away into the archives. So here is a new beginning......Enjoy
My 1988 CJB t-top formula, now nicknamed "The Reaper" .......my project car... my future show car... my dream.
The car was bought February of 2003, in Oregon. When the ad. popped up on auto trader, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. There had been a local 86 GT show car for sale in town, looked great but a little out of my price range; so I began looking them up all around the net and that is when I found this forum. After several months of looking, I came to the conclusion that I would want a Formula - (88 suspension, lightweight, etc). One morning I was wandering around EBay and Auto trader... came across a relatively mint condition CJB T-top, Red, 5spd. Instantly my heart was set. I called on the car... needless to say; I had the car held for an hour... within that time I transferred cash over to hold it until I could get there. A week later I packed up my things and went with a long road trip with my parents - from the southeast part of Idaho to the middle of Oregon. Upon seeing the car I instantly knew that it had to be mine... after a quick drive around the block, the papers were signed and I had my new car.
After roughly a year, as much as I loved this car to death; I felt like something was missing. While browsing the forum I came across info about a 3800SC engine swap. I bounced this swap along with a v8 swap around in my head for a while and ended up deciding on the 3800SC. Now came my next problem... Being an 18 yr old CADD student (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) I hadn't had much experience with engine work. I come from a family that doesn’t really work on cars. So trying to bounce: learning about engines from scratch, finishing high school, starting college courses while still in high school, and a 6hr a day job. I barely had time to think.
I came to the conclusion that in order for me to ever get this swap done, that I would need help. I went to local shops around town; got quotes... some of you may remember my thread "3800SC install grief". The shops wanted $15,000, detailed instructions, all the parts, etc... Basically I would be paying them $15k for the renting of their tools, and a guy to turn the wrench.
There was no way I was going to have an inexperienced mechanic lay a hand on my baby. Throughout my 3800 thread a few installers offered their services... I pondered over the thought and began researching the various people. West Coast Fiero, Purple Reign, Fast Fieros, etc.... sent a few e-mails and pm's back and forth, and was surprised when I got a very detailed e-mail of the swap and such forth from Loyde of Fast Fieros.
Loyde and I talked things over for a while, and I browsed his site. As soon as I saw his old 88GT project, I knew this was who I was going with for my swap. I was more then impressed by the level of professionalism Loyde has, always willing to explain things, extremely prompt with replying to my e-mails, etc... Plans were made, things were arranged... and a short while later Loyde showed up at my house with his truck and trailer ready to take in my car for her new power plant.
Now, a little while down the road... the swap is done, the car is on its way home this week, and I couldn't be happier.
One thing with this thread that I will get asked probably more then anything.... Was it expensive? and why didn't I go with a cheaper installer?
Expensive? Well for an 18 yr old student.... it was a good chunk of change.
Was it worth every penny to me to have Loyde do the install for me? You bet! I could not be happier with the custom work Loyde has done for me...doing everything he could to make me happy and kept me updated on the progress of my car.
Why didn't I go with someone cheaper? Maybe I was brought up different... but to me professionalism means everything... if you have good communication with your customers, and help people whenever you can... you will go far... and Loyde will go far with his business.
Now with all that said.... I present The build up of The Reaper
Before:
After:
In order to save the 56k'ers here is my engine buildup on Loyde's site http://www.fastfieros.com/projects/matt_3800/index.htm As it says... 2000 Grand Prix 3800SC Series II 3.4 pulley FastFieros M1 PRJ fuel rails Custom concealed wiring Performance Solution Headers Cold air Intake Customized 80 series flowmaster exhaust etc...etc.... Future engine mods? Intercooler XP Cam smaller pulleys etc....etc..... this list goes on.
This thread is not only going to be about my motor... but a whole buildup of my car.
Things going in/on/or already in.. within the next month: Leather like vinyl racing seats, 3-point retractable racing harness, Rodney's Sport shifter and shifter rebuild kit, Momo steering wheel, new pedals, new ebrake handle to work with my bigger seats, 36 sq. ft. of Dynamat Xtreme, new black carpet, custom center console and firewall cover, custom bodywork, Norm's flushmount headlights, new 18" or 17/18" combo wheels (haven’t decided yet), exhaust tips, etc....
One thing I would like to add... Please, if you are going to do nothing but bash my car, take it into pm... I would be happy to talk to you in PM's about what you hate... but I want to keep this thread active and flame free for a long time...
What's this cars future? Pure deep black paint job, custom 1 off body styled after the Plazma and the Koenig Ferrari Testarossa CK3. Custom 1 off styled interior, Norms flush mount headlights, 5 spoke chrome Katana Wheels, Konis on all 4 with homemade coilovers in the rear, drop springs or spindles in front, 12" brakes, stereo, etc.
I hope this creation will be something that takes your breath away, or so I hope...Whether it does by its looks, or by the motor once it is dropped and cammed/intercooled.
As the car sits, the only thing on it is the rear clip and t-tops, the body panels have been removed, the interior has been stripped clean.
Current items on the modification block: Shaving trim molded together t-top headliner Cowl hood
What's this cars future? Pure deep black paint job, custom 1 off body styled after the Plazma and the Koenig Ferrari Testarossa CK3. Custom 1 off styled interior, Norms flush mount headlights,
That should be an interesting look. The styles are so different, how are you going to combine it? Are you going to stretch it for the TR length?
DAMN YOU ! YOU STOLE MY CARS NAME BEFORE I COULD USE IT ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Filler strip laid into place (took an old door and cut it into strips the size of the molding area, sanded down both sides to cream colored plastic)
Once I had the filler strip sanded down to the bare plastic, I applied a high strength 2 part bonding epoxy and clamped the strip into place. Once cured, I removed clamps and laid down a nice skim coat of UltimateX lightweight no clog slightly flexible filler. Keep in mind this is the plug for the mold that I will be making to produce a fiberglass panel. However, by using a piece of the door panel as filler, and using flexible filler on top of that the panel is sturdy enough to be used on the car if needed.
Filler applied
How’s it looking so far? Stay tuned for tomorrows update
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08:09 PM
p8ntman442 Member
Posts: 1747 From: portsmouth RI Registered: Sep 2003
Sorry boys, but that name is taken, and its a very well known car. Although it goes by the full name Grim Reaper and is not a Fiero, your name choice is yours, but this one has been done b4, with quite a bit of detail. Not sure whom the current owner is but here is a link. You can check out the quadfourm for more info.
J/W... Im thinking about doing something more along the lines of what madcurl has done with the doors and kinda the rear end, but with a slightly diffrent approach...
for the doors eventually I'd like to use the 75-82 style corvette handles that get pushed down... something of that nature under the TR style lip thats on the doors to keep the lines of the TR style flowing...
Looking nice... Hopefullyt by the time its warm I'll have a true GT to start my project with...
The name "The Reaper" will stay with my fiero, doesn't matter to me one bit that there is a cav titled "Grim Reaper" I figured the name has been used a billion times so it doesnt really matter. I checked the search and it didnt show there to be any fiero on the forum going by Reaper, so that's good enough for me.
Tim, I will be buying the Autoloc 50lb solenoid kit to pop the doors. Good luck with your project as well
Thanks for the comments guys
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10:14 PM
PFF
System Bot
Mar 29th, 2005
RCR Member
Posts: 4416 From: Shelby Twp Mi Registered: Sep 2002
Nebiros88: Are you going to stretch it 7.25", similar to the TR's? Have you thought about starting with a body kit then customizing it? (That's pretty much what I'm going to do). This is the one I was going to do, but circumstances changed: http://www.geocities.com/jerydoin6/photopagespiral.html
You've got a cool project going, so I'm not trying to change your mind. Good luck, I'll be following you every step of the way.
Bob
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09:00 AM
Pyric Member
Posts: 951 From: Raleigh, NC, USA Registered: Nov 2001
Just wondering.... when getting rid of the trim, how do you plan on reattaching the panels? I was considering doing the same but had not worked that part out yet.
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09:31 AM
ZeroC Member
Posts: 1664 From: Chilliwack,BC,Canada Registered: Jan 2003
Just wondering.... when getting rid of the trim, how do you plan on reattaching the panels? I was considering doing the same but had not worked that part out yet.
Lol Maybe He Didnt Think That Far
------------------ "This car is so good looking its almost indecent. - AutoWeek on the new 1986 GT" Chilliwack Fieros MSN Messanger tylercaddick@hotmail.com
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10:24 AM
Pyric Member
Posts: 951 From: Raleigh, NC, USA Registered: Nov 2001
Well... I've seen others do it.... but I was not sure if they just glassed the two panels together, or if they screwed them on and then glassed over them.
Of couse then you can't get them off. Maybe the top and bottom screws are enough to keep it on... I was just wondering what the plan was.
[This message has been edited by Pyric (edited 03-29-2005).]
That part was thought and stewed over long before I started this project. The front and rear bumpers will still be removeable, along with the door panels and most likely the rockers. theres a little secret about it though.
RCR, I dont plan on stretching the car, even though I love the TR stance. I have thought about getting a kit and customizing it, but it would be more difficult for me to buy a good enough kit to start with, mount it to my car, and then modify it. 85% of Kits are crap, you really have to watch where you buy a kit because some of the panels are so ungodly warped that you just have to toss them and start over because fixing a warped panel is next to impossible. A couple inches will more then likely be added to the fiero length with what i have planned for the rear bumpers etc.
Stay tuned, another update later tonight on the door.
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 03-29-2005).]
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12:11 PM
RCR Member
Posts: 4416 From: Shelby Twp Mi Registered: Sep 2002
I have thought about getting a kit and customizing it, but it would be more difficult for me to buy a good enough kit to start with, mount it to my car, and then modify it. 85% of Kits are crap, you really have to watch where you buy a kit because some of the panels are so ungodly warped that you just have to toss them and start over because fixing a warped panel is next to impossible.
I know what you're saying. I've been following the kitcar guys (Ari's, Lambolounge, etc) for a few years now. The panels above were made by Mike Delaney. He has a very good reputation for craftsmanship. I was about to purchase the panels when something happened to Mike. No idea what. My plans are/were to use the 355 front, the Hamann taillamps, possible extended windshield, custom headlamps, custom interior, and custom side windows. If this doesn't work out, then I'll just finish the car and do custom bodywork to it (ie my own design) and chassis/suspension.
I too have found Ari's forum a good read on kits. Aconcepts is quite the experimentalist; a lot of his works on that eclipse made me want to customize my car that much more. I think if I were to every buy a kit that is on the market right now, it would probably be the AD F355.
Once I am done with my own rebody, I hope to buy one of a few things (5-10 years down the road once my car and my truck are "complete"):
Either a......
69' Z28 Camaro to customize in the style like they do on Rides etc... (no pimp'my'ride here) or that new DDR Motorsports kit coming to the market soon.
Good luck with your project RCR, I hope all goes well for you... Are we going to see a build thread soon?
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 03-29-2005).]
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10:30 PM
Mar 30th, 2005
RCR Member
Posts: 4416 From: Shelby Twp Mi Registered: Sep 2002
I thought I remembered seeing you at Ari's. The AD355 is an awesome kit. If I did a 355, that would be the way to go. As for a build thread, of course I'll do one. Other than the dash, https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/043545.html , I really haven't had anything to show that a zillion other people have done. Other than the Pantera, there hasn't been to many rebody threads here, so I wouldn't mind adding one.
later... Bob
enuf of me...Carry on with your build thread
[This message has been edited by RCR (edited 03-31-2005).]
Unfortunately things kind of hit a dead stop. I was depending on the little extra cash from my fiero parts selling, and only my center console has sold so far.
Here is the list
- 88 red rear bumper w/ impact rubber stuff - I have someone looking into it so its kind of held for the time being til I know if they want it for sure or not - Stage 2 side scoops (complete 6 piece kit/ unpainted) - $245 + shipping - Modified IRM Archie rockers (I know I will be posting pics soon) - $400 + shipping - Stock 88 gray seats (small rip on drivers side) make me an offer, but they will have to be picked up - Backside piece of gauge housing (piece at the back of the gauges - make offer - 88 headlight assemblies (working motors/lights/assembly - complete) $100+shipping (I can seperate the lights and sell them for $45+shipping but I wont seperate the motors from the assemblies unless someone makes me an offer i cant refuse) - 88 formula steering wheel in great shape - make offer - **NEW** Never installed Aftermarket Grant steering wheel w/grant install hub kit - $145 + shipping - radio out of my 88 formula (will take pics today) - make offer - Set of DOT gray 88 face plates (includes gauge cluster plate, Aux gauge plate, radio plate w/ vents attached) - make offer - Interior door panels (includes handle surround, and arm rest ) make offer - 88 Dash ( Does NOT include any of the air ducting) has extremely tiny spider crack on passenger side where the side vent plates attach at the bottom (will take pic) make offer - 88 stock height shifter arm - make offer - **New** Never installed Matrix carbon fiber look-a-like pedals
May seem sad that something like this is holding me up... but when paying for college, food, rent, car payment, insurance, etc...... An extra $500 is a real help.
Can Someone please buy this damn stuff? I work to pay for life, my fiero money has to come from else where
Any help in selling this stuff would be appreciated, prices can drop...but not too far, I can't give this stuff away like others do.
A little progress over the last week. I'm finally out driving it.
Body is just mounted good enough to drive it, it will be coming off again this winter to recieve its new body mods.
[Edit] Also thought I would add, I found a place to carbon fiber design dip parts so it will have CF look deck vents and valve covers here this winter...
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 07-08-2005).]
- Interior door panels (includes handle surround, and arm rest ) make offer
what color are the inside door panels, if they are grey then let's make a deal on the passenger side inside door panel. My son just ripped his today and I need to replace. Call me and we can talk price and shipping.
Robert Ver Halen 336-462-1040 Winston Salem NC
------------------ Thank you, Robert Ver Halen Winston-Salem, NC (IZA-TOY) 88 Custom Formula
Here's a little better picture of the current hood activity.
Let me first state that... Yes, I used epoxy to seal the cowl down, the seams were built up with fiberglass, and the bondo is only a skim coat. However, this isn't going to be the front end going on the car. This next week I will be adjusting everything into proper place, height and gap. Then I will be filling the gaps with foam between the hood, nose and fenders, glassing over those areas and finishing the front end as all one piece (wet sanded primer finish). A 3+ piece mold will then be taken... and a new fiberglass front clip will be created for this car. Before this is done there will be a few more modifications to the front... I have a flared front fender in the making but I’m unsure if I will use it or not.
A small update... a little front clip progress... I just wish I could say I was half done with it *sigh*
One thing I'm curious about, with the way these radiators are angled in our cars, wouldn't it be possible to make a type of scoop and mount it to the radiator to drag up the pressurized air flowing under the car? The stock setup has something close but I’m talking bigger and then deleting the mouth all together.
Right now its build and sand and build and sand.... while I try and fight over ideas in my head about a mouth setup and find sources for good projector lights.
Thanks.
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 08-09-2005).]
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06:39 PM
Aug 10th, 2005
exoticse Member
Posts: 8654 From: Orlando, Fl Registered: Jun 2003
Sweeeet man. It's looking nice, great to see that it's moving along just as planned.
------------------ My Web page | The Turbo Super Duty Build. You know that little voice that says it can't be done? I duct-taped mine's mouth shut and pushed it down a flight of stairs.
Thanks for the reply Exoticse & Indy... I was beginning to wonder if I would have to grow tits and lose half my brain before anyone would take interest in my project.
Unfortunately I doubt these will ever be produced, this project is likely to stay one-off... With the lack of selling any of my parts off the car, and the lack of interest in the project all together, it would not be worth my time and money to build a mold sturdy enough to pull multiple parts from....
This front is only the beginning... and as I stated it isn’t even half done, I'm trying to design a mouth that I want on it, ground fx for in front of the front wheels, headlight mounting, latching, hinging.... it has all been thought out, just got to finally settle on an idea and make it happen. As for headlights, dual projectors with a round turn signal placed next to the lights, new mirrors with marker lights will be put on also.
The rear I'm looking into old late 70's corvette lights but not sure what I will end up going with, might go with lambo replica rear lights. The rear will get a 2-3" widening and taper up to the front, dual fans installed above the engine, notch back rounded down gradually instead of the pronounced notch.
Waterfall sloped fiberglass dash, same for the center... etc....
The list goes on and on..... It took me a long time, many changes in plans, but I finally said the hell with it and started doing my own stuff because I knew no matter what I bought I would never be truly happy with it.
I will most likely pull 2 parts from every mold, one for the finished product to be mounted to the car for good, and another, thinner version, without lights, to be pinned on at the track, same with the deck lid.
I’m open to constructive criticism too. I have worked my ass off since I was 13 to get where I am, to have the things I have. It might not seem much to anyone, and it might take me 5 years to finish the car, but when it's done, it will be 1-off and hand made.
Thanks for the support.
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06:27 PM
Wht&BluGT Member
Posts: 1175 From: Waterford, MI Registered: Jan 2005
One thing I'm curious about, with the way these radiators are angled in our cars, wouldn't it be possible to make a type of scoop and mount it to the radiator to drag up the pressurized air flowing under the car? The stock setup has something close but I’m talking bigger and then deleting the mouth all together.
Right now its build and sand and build and sand.... while I try and fight over ideas in my head about a mouth setup and find sources for good projector lights.
Thanks.
It sounds like what you talking about is what Norms front end does, the vent goes down all the way to meet flush the radiator fan, andd a question, lights where are they going, and how is the orginal clip coming off?
The scoop by the radiator that I was talking about, would actually be mounted under the car, under the nose, to pick up air going under the car and push it through the radiator.
As for a the vent like norms... I will be adding a separate type of scoop that surrounds the radiator, and then seals up against the cowl when closed, so that the only place for the air from the radiator to go, is out the cowl.
As for headlights, the dual projectors and turn signals will be placed a little lower then stock at the edge of the nose and hood.
As for the original clip coming off? I assume you mean the stuff you see in the picture? Well here’s the trick, that front end you see in the picture? is mounted to the car just like you would normally, but then it is all smoothed together with drywall putty... once I finish smoothing it, I will shoot some clear over it to seal the drywall putty, then I will take a mold of the whole front end, and fiberglass a new 1 piece clip from my mold. As for the front clip coming off when I’m done? Pressure wash all the drywall putty off and unbolt all the parts, and sell them or make a new design. That’s the great thing with drywall designing, if you don’t like it, wash it off and redo it.
