SC400TT Project Car Stage II by SC400TT

8 minute(s) of a 718 minute read

9-1-2009

I planned to start up the car this past weekend, but I had to work out a few unexpected relocations first:

1)I had to relocate the EGT bung on the DP as it was too close to the lower radiator tube to get around with the sensor attached. I moved it six inches further down the exhaust, on the other side of the V-Band where there is no ceramic coating. That was welded on by Jarrett at SlowBoy Performance on Monday, August 31st. Problem fixed.

2)The bung for the IAC valve was never welded onto the Charge air tube, so Jarrett welded that too.

3)When I went to connect up the Air Intake Temp sensor, I found that the bung that was welded on was drilled and tapped for a different sensor, so the size of the hole was way to big. Jarrett fixed that up for me as well. Great guy, Jarett. He welds a damned fine bead.....

4)I have to work out the relocation of the PS pump reservoir, the location of the Water/Meth reservoir, as well as selecting a new fill reservoir for the windshield washer. 

As mentioned above, I picked up those parts from Slow Boys today, and I installed them tonight. Damned V Bands are sometimes a pain to connect up. Anyway, the exhaust is all buttoned up, I installed the Innovate O2 sensor and tightened that up.

I connected up the Intake Air Temp Sensor, as well as installed the EGT sensor.

I still have to finish up a few minor stereo parts in the trunk, and install the visors and headliner trim tomorrow night. I also plan to pull the wires back through the rubber grommets in the doors and reinstall the 4.5" midrange speakers. I am holding off installing the rest of the interior until Dan Osypian gets back from being out of town, as his wiring is par excellance, and he has a few items left to button up, as well as installing my Clifford alarm with remote start system.

There is not much left to do before I start up this car.....Finally!!

9-5-2009

I was hoping to get enough done last night so that I could start up the motor, but I ran into a few show stoppers, just temporarily.

• I was running around town getting the remaining parts I needed to finish up and start up the motor. That always takes too long.

• The radiator cap I bought was the wrong size....I will have to take it back and replace it.

• The Lexus dealer was supposed to set aside a case of Toyota Type IV tranny fluid for me to pick up since I could not make it by the time parts closed....I got there, no case. So, I had to leave without fluid.

• Tore the O-ring for the Transmission dip stick, have to get a new one on Saturday.

• Did not complete the installation of the Water Temp Sensor for the cooling fans last night, and will have to do so today.

That was the bad news, the good news is I can remedy that all today. I will keep you posted.

9-9-2009

Well gang, there has been massive progress. But I gotta tell ya, when you get down to this point on your your project, especially a custom ONE-OFF, it seems that everytime I complete one task, two come up in its place. The good news is that the car is basically ready to start. 

BTW, much of the custom wiring in this project has been done by Mr. Dan Osypian, take a bow Dan. You deserve it!!   Also a big thanks to Justin for coming by and helping out today also. And as always, thanks to Chaz for working the project from the very beginning, even when it was merely a thought on paper!! 

This has been accomplished recently:

• The Innovate wideband and gauge are installed and fired up.

• The e-shift in the steering wheel is completed.

• The AEM external MAP sensor has been installed. What a pain to drill and tap the block off plate where I mounted it on the back of the upper intake plenum. The plates are made of stainless. Enough said....

• The MAP sensor has been wired into the PCS ECU.

• I managed to finally determine the size of the bung hole in the bottom of the Koyo Aluminum radiator. It is a 16m, 150 thread pitch! I found a plug, of all places, at Advanced Discount Auto parts.

• The Greddy Radiator cap was the incorrect fit, so I ordered the correct one, and bought a $5 Stant for the start up.

• I connected the lower Cool Flex radiator tube. The radiator is buttoned up and ready to be filled.

• I found that there exists such a thing as Flexible SS Braided Oil Dipsticks. Lokar is the manufacturer. I ordered that to take care of the fact that there is no way the original will fit around the driver side manifold.

• I removed the old XM unit, harnesses and antenna, and installed the new XM/Traffic unit with its harnesses and the new XM antenna.

• I installed the GPS antenna.

• I installed the Fuba antenna and wiring.

• I cleaned up the disasterous mess in the trunk left by Driven Concepts. Including remounting the Billet Optima battery Tray. Temporarily mounted the battery. Remounted the amp backboard.

• Ran a new SS braided hose for the low presure side of the Power steering pump.

• Connected the relay for the fuel pumps.

• Ompleted the installation of the vacuum lines, power and ground for the Greddy Profec B.

• Installed the new -10 AN SS line for the IAC valve connection to the Charge air tube.

• Learned of a fantastic fix for relocating the Power Steering pump. Thank you ScottURnot and Lextreme!!

I think that's it..... I don't remember anything else. I am about to load the Base Maps into the ECU's. 

I did pick up my case of Toyota Type IV. My case of Brad Penn Start up motor oil. 

It's late, and I am tired....Many late nights on this car the past week.

I absolutely expect to start the car this week. I will post up the video....

Here are a few pics of the progress:

IAC:

Profec B:

External MAP:

XM install attached behind bracket:

Cleaned up trunk, much more customizing to come here:

Here are the rest:

E-Shift steering wheel completed:

Gauges 1:

Gauges 2:

Updated engine bay:

Radiator Bung Plug:

Last for now...

EGT Bung plugged:

EGT Sensor Relocated:

Innovate O2 Sensor Installed: