2004 VW Jetta Engine Build

An ongoing project I have been co-working on is the restoration of a 1974 Datsun 260Z. To the left is images of when it was purchased in 2023; it had not been driven in 26 years prior. 

 

Major changes in the car's restoration include:

- Fiberglassed floorboards and complete interior sound deadening

- All new interior wiring and new moulded carpets

- Haltec 750 ECU and modern fuel injection system

- Technotoytuning weld in place coilovers

- Cam position sensor upgrade to control individual cylinder timing 

- 5-speed transmission swap from a 1984 280ZX

- New gas tank and fuel lines

- Redone brakes, lines and hydraulics

This past January, I got the opportunity to put a 5-speed manual in my truck, replacing the factory automatic. To perform this swap, there were several complications that I had to take into account and some engineering solutions too. 

 

The wiring for the transmission is different, and since buying the factory harness is no longer possible, I created my own complete harness following the factory diagrams. To create the connectors, I designed and 3D printed each individually and pinned each wire. The clutch I chose to use is also not meant for the truck; therefore, I had the flywheel machined to the crank bolt pattern along with the pressure plate pattern.

 

There was also fabrication and welding I had to do to make the turbo piping fit around the larger transmission bellhousing. Ensuring 4x4 functionality was done by taking measurements to a driveshaft shop, they then explained and showed their welding process for custom driveshafts. The truck is now used for all my towing needs. 

 

1992 F350 Manual Swap

In October 2023, my car's engine failed due to a broken timing belt. I took this opportunity to rebuild it from a bare short block. Throughout this project, I learnt the inner workings of the engine along with custom fabrication skills when the goal of the project shifted to increase the horsepower output of the car. 

 

Over the course of a month, the engine was removed, stripped down, rebuilt, and placed back into the car. I also took this time to install a new performance clutch and flywheel, along with all the supporting modifications for the power goals. These modifications include a larger 59mm turbo, a front mount intercooler and piping, bigger injectors, upgraded valves and lifters, and a custom dyno tune. 

 

After the project was complete, the car has driven several thousand km road trips and has been consistently reliable. 

1974 Datsun Restoration