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View Full Version : My German Look '70 Ghia -- GhiaMonster


Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:14
I've had several member of this site suggest I do a build thread of my Ghia over here

Picked up the Ghia in April of 2012, in a little town about a hour and a half north of Phoenix..... The car had been in VW Trends magazine in August 1997. The PO had been road racing it in Phoenix and Las Vegas and had parked the car in '02 to start racing open wheeled cars, so it hadn't been touched in 10 years. Here's some pictures of the way it was when I brought it home, a 6 hour drive to SoCal.

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-12904-1334114483332.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-12904-1334114483332.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-13028-1334156250075.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-13028-1334156250075.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-1752-1334156282780.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-1752-1334156282780.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-1050-1334156308023.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-1050-1334156308023.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:21
It came with no engine and a 901 Porsche 5 speed trans -- and you can see it was a stripped out race car -- --

I had a big engine laying around and some plans to put it back on the street, as a fast street/track car. Initially, I had plans of doing some land speed record stuff with it and wanted to so a trip to Bonneville and race it on the salt and maybe do some drag racing and some SOLO parking lot/cone racing.. In other words, I wanted the car able to do it all.

Here is the car setting on the ground just after getting it off the trailer....

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-5577-1337815741207.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-5577-1337815741207.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:31
Here is the engine that I had decided that I wanted to put into it..... Notice anything strange

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-37039-1339042001617.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-37039-1339042001617.jpg.html)

This engine was originally purchased and built in 1987. It is based off a ARPM case and barrels, and has angle port heads. It's displacement is 2989cc's, almost 3 liters. It uses Siamese cylinders to that 4" SBC chevy pistons and rods can be used -- and with a 90mm crank, offset ground to accept the small journal chevy rods. -- -- It also incorporates a drop cam placement of 150 thousandths so that there is no cam interference with the big crank..... ARPM also used a very different head stud setup with 6 main 1/2" studs and 4 smaller studs.... All this means is that if anything breaks, I will be so screwed to replace it LOL

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-7277-1339028168504.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-7277-1339028168504.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/IMG_20130609_103614_176_zps5aa23ea5.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/IMG_20130609_103614_176_zps5aa23ea5.jpg.html)

This engine is also 3" wider than stock, so there is a lot of modifications required to get it to fit in any VW

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:36
Here is what the engine compartment looked like when I got it.... I bought a box of cutting discs to get ready to put the engine in there -- One positive, is that the car came with a removable rear valance already done......

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-31447-1339728430549.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-31447-1339728430549.jpg.html)

Afterwards:::::

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-12639-1341366259246.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-12639-1341366259246.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:45
The car came with a stock gas tank, which of course wouldn't do --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-10372-1341192392985.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-10372-1341192392985.jpg.html)

All the brakes on the car proved to be junk so I upgraded to some new ones.

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-6186-1341689892784.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-6186-1341689892784.jpg.html)

These came with a choice of Chevy or Porsche pattern, and I was leaning towards putting Chevy rims on the car,,, BUT I came across one those craigslist deals of the century and found some 16" teledials on there super cheap and within 20 miles of my house

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-10618-1342983028548.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-10618-1342983028548.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:53
Being everything had to be fabricated, I had Marty Skaggs hand fab me some intakes

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-49557-1342724307126.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-49557-1342724307126.jpg.html)

And since Marty Runs the US division of TurboSmart, a quick decision was made,,, to turbo the 2989 ... I'm still giggling about that..........

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-6578-1343535338028.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-6578-1343535338028.jpg.html)

So I, the worlds worst welder, decided to start fab-ing up the intake and exhaust,,,, You can't buy any of this chit anyway..... Here is some early attempts -- --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-2773-1343417830170.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-2773-1343417830170.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:57
The exhaust and turbo are fab'd -- -- OK, OK bubble gumed together

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-3655-1343952984681.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-3655-1343952984681.jpg.html)

of course it needed an intercooler -- so bought a water/air one off ebay -- a few more bends and poof, chit has occurred LOL


http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-636-1344120974189.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-636-1344120974189.jpg.html)


http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-3212-1344121002116.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-3212-1344121002116.jpg.html)

Here's the rest of the intercooler system -- a tank and pump (mounted behind passenger seat) and a small radiator (oil cooler) that I mounted under the car --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-20044-1350252772534.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-20044-1350252772534.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 10:59
The Battery, Fuel Tank and fuel pump getting their initial lay out, and lines ran

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-5937-1343227900569.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-5937-1343227900569.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 11:02
The Dash gets a little redo

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-50452-1347485720221.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-50452-1347485720221.jpg.html)

Those itty-bitty small-ass seats that were in the car, got pulled and given away, and were upgraded to some Kirky seats

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-1479-1351285674627.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-1479-1351285674627.jpg.html)

Of course all this is occurring with all the normal 'life' issues going on, like work, money, work, less money, family, even less money and the other normal distractions

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-37742-1349300672321.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-37742-1349300672321.jpg.html)

Anyway -- about 9 months after getting the car, it's first attempt to drive it around the block occurs

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/photobucket-1573-1351376157737.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/photobucket-1573-1351376157737.jpg.html)

Well, at least it made it to the corner LMAO -- needed to get on a dyno and get it tuned for sure

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 11:22
SO I got it running kinda good and took to Donut Derelicts in Long Beach for a early morning cruise for the start of Jan 2013 -- --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/IMG950925_zpsatk1huue.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/IMG950925_zpsatk1huue.jpg.html)

That's where I found out what a POS the 901 Porsche trans is as I blasted the main shaft leaving the parking lot -- Of Course, it couldn't have anything to do with my driving habits,,, could it????

So the car gets parked for another 6 months as I save my money up for a new transaxle

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 11:36
So suddenly I get the new 091 Bus trans -- --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20140331_144729_zpsh5yby4up.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20140331_144729_zpsh5yby4up.jpg.html)

of course, it is nothing like the 901 that was in there and the old rear of the car has to be redone to fit this monster in there

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20140407_133514_zpss5rrrpme.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20140407_133514_zpss5rrrpme.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20140407_103624_zpstycifwuv.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20140407_103624_zpstycifwuv.jpg.html)

Some new 930 CV's and axles and stubs are in order

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20140410_184140_zps1d0t6i2u.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20140410_184140_zps1d0t6i2u.jpg.html)

I went out and did some parking lot stuff and found that without a posi in the car, it would just burn the inside tire going around any corner, so the motor and trans had to come out again to get a new LSD put in....

and the car got cleaned up and a few things done to it

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20140501_160519_zpsg66zl5u1.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20140501_160519_zpsg66zl5u1.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20140617_132423_zpsd00mysyy.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20140617_132423_zpsd00mysyy.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20140719_105852_zpsdux4vdj0.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20140719_105852_zpsdux4vdj0.jpg.html)

Here is a video of it on the dyno::::::::::::::::::::::::

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m52kBy7a6fc

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 11:45
It was while on the dyno I started having issues with my Electromotive EFI system -- so currently the car is all tore apart (AGAIN) and all the electrical is getting redone as I put in a AEM EMS4 system

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150324_162819_zpskfbmvgzz.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150324_162819_zpskfbmvgzz.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150401_083857_zpsnd8gsz2f.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150401_083857_zpsnd8gsz2f.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150401_122651_zpsjgr8op8l.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150401_122651_zpsjgr8op8l.jpg.html)

I started this project using Weatherpak connectors and then was told that Metric-pack were better, so I'm currently waiting on a crimper that I can use with the Metric-packs --- I've got so many crimpers now,,,, I just need one more tool LOL

I beginning to wonder if I'll find the ends to all these wires LOL

or

Dude, where's my interior

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150407_180600_zpsolreqdzb.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150407_180600_zpsolreqdzb.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 9th 2015, 11:47
So that's the story to this point -- -- I have a sick sense of humor and I've left out numerous sick adventures (OK -- MISadventures) I've had in this build, but I'm sure I add some as This chit keeps going

spannermanager
April 10th 2015, 12:31
So that's the story to this point -- -- I have a sick sense of humor and I've left out numerous sick adventures (OK -- MISadventures) I've had in this build, but I'm sure I add some as This chit keeps going

Nice post Fiat, not taking it all to serious and having fun, what's the point if you never laugh out loud! rare and interesting engine build, , any more pics?, what was up with the old injection setup?

NO_H2O
April 10th 2015, 18:35
Thanks for sharing. Nice build.thanks for hanging in there while we sorted things out.

GreenMeanie
April 10th 2015, 23:13
What size rims are you running? I have been looking for a set of phone dials in 16X8 if you have any leads.

Fiatdude
April 11th 2015, 00:17
I'm running 16x7's -- there were a ton floating around for a while but there are a lot 15" on www.thesamba.com in their ads -- search phone dial

here's some NEW 16's -- grab your ankles -- http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1770681

Fiatdude
April 11th 2015, 20:07
Nice post Fiat, not taking it all to serious and having fun, what's the point if you never laugh out loud! rare and interesting engine build, , any more pics?, what was up with the old injection setup?

I'll dig up some more pics of the engine build -- might take me a while-----

As far as the Electromotive EFI -- I'm thinking now that I've heard all these horror stories on Weather-pack connectors, I'm thinking it might be those connectors, as the whole harness was custom made using them -- -- and I just got the TecGT box back from the factory and it checked out all OK -- at least my 'new' crimper will be here Monday and I can get back at it

Thanks for sharing. Nice build.thanks for hanging in there while we sorted things out.

No Problem -- I realized it was out of your control, and hoped that there was a solution... Thanks for helping me out

Steve C
April 12th 2015, 23:10
Great read, glad your still hanging around here

Fiatdude
April 13th 2015, 23:17
In the never ending saga of the weirdest chit happens to me -- -- -- -- I bring you the ordering of the Metri-pack Crimpers

So, I had bought a chit load of Weather-pack connectors thinking that they were the best, I run into Scott Featheroff at Drag Day and he proceeds to tell me the only way to go is Metri-pack and points me at all the problems the Scorpion were having with their ignition cutting out during tire shake. So I talk to Chad and I'm converted.... SO, I buy a big box of Metri-pack connectors, stupidly thinking that the big buck weather-pack crimper I've got will work .. .. .. oooops, Stupid me -- -- So now I'm needing a Metri-pack crimper -- -- OK, I go on Flea-bay last Monday and buy a moderately priced one and click the 2 day shipping box -- cool, I'm ready to go -- -- I get the shipping confirmation, and with nothing else to do while waiting for these crimpers, I start following their journey to me -- Tuesday they're shipped from Texas, OK -- -- Wednesday they are in Oklahoma, ??? --- Thursday they are Kansas, WTF -- Friday they are Colorado, This is getting plain stupid -- Saturday they are in Vernon, CA,,, Cool at least its the right state -- Sunday,,, Nothings happens on Sunday -- -- MONDAY 7 DAYS LATER, at 4pm I receive them,,, That's right, I get 2 pairs of crimpers. I only paid for one -- -- And the kicker, the return address is from Orange CA

So, in my best Ricky Ricardo voice "Lucy, you got some 'splaining to do !!!"

Fiatdude
April 15th 2015, 22:22
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1337149.jpg

Fiatdude
April 17th 2015, 09:09
It is called 'The NoGhia Project' -- I think I'll just call it BadAss

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1337333.jpg

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1337343.jpg

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1337316.jpg

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1337322.jpg

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1337346.jpg

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1337345.jpg

Flintstones
April 17th 2015, 10:39
Niiice :)

Fiatdude
April 19th 2015, 23:28
Finally found a little time today to finish wiring up the cam and crank sensors -- -- The AEM cables to both has some strange stuff going on that I was waiting to hear from AEM before I finished wiring them in --- through out the harness they have used black as ground, red as power and white or green as the signal wires -- WELL,,,, suddenly in these cables, the ground was the white wire and black and green were signal and at least red stayed power -- .. .. .. -- It didn't make any sense to me either, that is why I checked with the factory and asked why they went stupid -- -- Put a good work out with my new Metri-pack crimper and it worked neat -- requires two crimps to do each connector unlike the weather-pack, but it was still nice

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150419_150653_zpshsohznxs.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150419_150653_zpshsohznxs.jpg.html)

I'm switching over to Mario's crank wheel and also going to a Honeywell GT101 hall effect sensor -- Mario's wheel comes with a VR sensor and it required a bunch of playing to get the 101 a place to fit as it is 3/8" longer, So I made a bracket and had to move it up a few degrees from where Mario has his placed... Big difference between the Electromotive (60-2) and Mario's (30-1) ...... here's a picture of the back of both crank pulleys

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150419_152308_zpscphbeigs.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150419_152308_zpscphbeigs.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 25th 2015, 01:48
LMAO -- Google Street View -- Me and the Ghia

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/google%20maps%20street%20level_zpsdnuefhtp.jpg~ori ginal (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/google%20maps%20street%20level_zpsdnuefhtp.jpg.htm l)

Fiatdude
May 10th 2015, 21:59
Had the infamous ice maker leak which destroyed the wood and carpet flooring on the whole bottom floor -- and a couple of cabinets -- -- so been fighting the good fight with the insurance company and the hardest part has been trying to get in touch with the adjustor -- he has the whole Orange County, plus the San Bernardino and Riverside counties -- which is almost half the total area of SoCal --

Needless to say the Ghia isn't going to be ready for Fontana next weekend -- THIS has been my current project -- 1/4 of the way done and this is sucking so hard to get it right -- --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20150510_101105_zpsc8rhds5b.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20150510_101105_zpsc8rhds5b.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
May 14th 2015, 10:30
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garrett-Jet-Turbine-Engine-Trans-for-VW-Volkswagen-Bug-Dune-Buggy-Sandrail-/301631335813?hash=item463aa0ed85&vxp=mtr

Fiatdude
June 1st 2015, 23:13
I was cleaning up a old tool box I don't use anymore, giving it to the brother-in-law, and I closed it for the first time in years -- -- Damn, I've had this for a long time LOL

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20150601_184208_zpsecnlm10a.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20150601_184208_zpsecnlm10a.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
June 10th 2015, 23:14
Wellllllll, It's almost officially finished -- "The Kitchen Fixin' From the Ice Maker Flood" -- Still got a 20' container of stuff out in the driveway to get back into the house, but as far as I'm concerned my part is finished LOL -- -- 72 days of H E L L -- Now I've got two days to get the Ghia ready for FASATIVUS at California Speedway, It ain't gonna happen kiddies, not unless 25 people are knocking at the door tomorrow and are planning on camping out for 2 days (teach me to buy tickets in advance)....

Here's what the kitchen looked like after the flood and the flooring removed------

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/DSCN1242_zpstkrouvga.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/DSCN1242_zpstkrouvga.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/DSCN1243_zpstqpy8kxz.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/DSCN1243_zpstqpy8kxz.jpg.html)

And here is the kitchen and Family room today -- -- ---

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20150610_193644_zpsslvwuxuk.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20150610_193644_zpsslvwuxuk.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20150610_193621_zpstm6qxopd.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20150610_193621_zpstm6qxopd.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
July 7th 2015, 16:16
So way back in November of last year, there was that thing going around where California was going to reissue Black and Yellow plates for cars up until 1969 -- Well, my '70 Ghia was manufactured and sold in late '69, so I thought I'd give it a shot and mailed my documentation in -- It has been so long I had forgotten about it in fact --

And then today in the mail, -- -- -- Oh happy day

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150707_064516_zpsjwmhcqwl.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150707_064516_zpsjwmhcqwl.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
July 17th 2015, 18:30
I'm currently installing an AEM EMS4 EFI system in to the Ghia -- -- I have been using the Honeywell GT101 Hall effect sensors for most of the applications

Now I'm installing a speed sensor onto the Ghia -- The bracket and pulse ring I got from Pacific Customs in Corona

pulse generator ring:
http://www.pacificcustoms.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PC&Product_Code=ac957812&Category_Code=autometer-senders-hardware

bracket for my 091:
http://www.pacificcustoms.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PC&Product_Code=ac957811m&Category_Code=autometer-senders-hardware

But with this bracket a standard GT101, which has a tab that you bolt to your bracket, will not work -- I need one that is threaded on the outside so that adjustments can be made -- -- SOOOO after spending half of today cross referencing parts I finally found someone that had the knowledge to finish my quest -- The part number I need from Honeywell is SR4P3-A1

http://sensing.honeywell.com/product-page?pr_id=56074

They are about $5 dollars more than the GT101 at $43 each at Mouser Electronics.....

I'm gonna finish this damn thing on of these days LOL

Fiatdude
July 17th 2015, 19:13
I'm STILL working on the AEM EMS4 install -- the engine compartment wiring is done -- so mainly it is bringing all the wires together into one big bundle that doesn't hurt my eyes -- just decided to do a speed sensor, so the sensor should be here middle of next week,,,,

OH CRAP, it's coming UPS,,,, who the hell knows when it will get here

Oh Well, I've been cleaning up all the wiring as I go along, so there is a lot of 2 steps forward and one step back chit.... I just installed new positive and negative cables from the back of the car up to battery in the front.... Been thinking about installing a new starter when I get under the car to put in the speed sensor and connect the new positive to the starter -- --

I'm too frigging BIG to start with and now I'm getting to frigging old and blind to be snaking my big azz through this cage to get to chit I tell you LOL

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150717_153639_zpslcjqv98e.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150717_153639_zpslcjqv98e.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
July 22nd 2015, 13:00
Well, a lot on my plate today -- LOL -- Last night decided to run the oil lines down the tunnel and also put in a new starter and do the associated wiring with that chore -- -- So I had a choice of 2 starters setting on the shelf a new 16300, which is the auto-shift starter that I love in almost any situation, and an almost new Hi-Torque starter -- -- I decided to use the Hi-Torque and then remembered it was a IMI105 which is for use on a 6 volt flywheel -- damn -- Then I remembered a friend who was a neighbor of Chris Isom on of the owners of Hi-Torque, so I called my buddy who called Chris and Chris was nice enough to talk to me about what needed to be done -- seems as if they are both the same starter except for the pinion gear is bigger for the 6v flywheel -- so for $15 I got a kit to change over the gears. -- That little clip is a mother to get off and even harder to put back on LOL -- I must of had it spring off 5 -10 times while trying to get it on -- that little bastard is hard to find too LOL

with old gear removed and ready for new gear install--

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150722_090145_zpsofxhtdpq.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150722_090145_zpsofxhtdpq.jpg.html)

old gear and new gear kit on left--

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150722_090254_zpsgrtvoige.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150722_090254_zpsgrtvoige.jpg.html)

I'll need to orient the starter since it was last on the Porsche 901, but that is just R&R 2 bolts -- --

but before I do that -- I have to take the cat ((a few of you remember THE CAT)) to the vet to have her ANAL GLANDS expressed -- -- OH Joy!!!!!

Fiatdude
July 24th 2015, 15:07
Dagmabit -- -- Sometimes it a MFer having an old mans memory in a 18 year-olds body -- --

Like having a 3/4" sensor hole and swearing you need a 1/2" sensor -- -- Oh welllllll, nothing a couple of fender washers won't fix -- -- I hope LOL

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150724_115759_zpsmqq25o5l.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150724_115759_zpsmqq25o5l.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
August 2nd 2015, 02:57
Finally decided on a plan for the oil coolers move the front of the car -- -- I know, I know, but sometimes it just takes me a while to decide on a course of action -- I decided that since the shift rod was now run on top of the tunnel, I'd run some 5/8" aluminum tubing thru the tunnel -- - -- Since the PO cut the bottom of the tunnel at the rear to do the shifter for the 901 trans is should be a cake walk -- -- I got some water hose and cut it into 2" lengths and placed them every 1.5 to 2 foot along the tubing to hopefully reduce rattling -- I was going to put over the entire distance but I was wanting the tubing to act as a heat sink to also help lower the oil temps so I didn't --- --

I did some work on the front vents so that I can maybe add some ducting to the coolers

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150801_131702_zpspjpcupze.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150801_131702_zpspjpcupze.jpg.html)

Here is a picture of the tubing exiting thru the PO's 901 hole:::::::

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150801_112202_zpsfmrkfee0.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150801_112202_zpsfmrkfee0.jpg.html)

I'm still playing with a couple of different ways to mount the coolers in the nose -- and the mounting brackets -- but here is kinda what I'm leaning towards----- (you can see the tubing exiting thru the shift rod access hole)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150801_112109_zpsk49khayr.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150801_112109_zpsk49khayr.jpg.html)

Hope to finish this up tomorrow and get some brackets made and all the hoses ran to the coolers................

Fiatdude
August 2nd 2015, 18:54
So was finishing up the oil cooler install and using SS tubing -- Things were going pretty good, then started flaring the tubing ends -- you know, always feeling it needs to have the last quarter turn to finish that perfect flare -- NOT

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150802_151413_zpsdcmf3sfz.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150802_151413_zpsdcmf3sfz.jpg.html)

It's amazing just how much can leak thru those little cracks at pressure LOL -- -- Then started looking for that last piece of tubing to finish the install -- -- damnit -- it was 5/8" aluminum, needed 1/2" SS -- Oh Well, 20" short of tubing finished the day for me -- might stop by G and J in Ontario and the way home tomorrow and get a piece of SS tubing

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150802_152609_zpshwqosdno.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150802_152609_zpshwqosdno.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
September 2nd 2015, 23:37
I met a buddy for lunch today -- look at what the damn bastard drove up in -- --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20150902_133625_zpsh7pmrbyq.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20150902_133625_zpsh7pmrbyq.jpg.html)

It was his dad's who bought in '79 for $19K -- his dad took a greyhound to Texas with the money in a tool box -- -- Only the second time in four years he had driven it -- should of seen the commotion it caused -- even a Firetruck going up the street with its siren on had guys hanging out the window starring ....... It's 100% original total unrestored ... Oh it's a '70 Plymouth Super Bird

owdlvr
September 3rd 2015, 01:39
I think I officially hate your friend, and I haven't even met him.

;-)

-Dave

Flintstones
September 3rd 2015, 06:25
That, is stunning!!!

Fiatdude
September 16th 2015, 15:05
This is freaking embarrassing -- -- Just figured out that this is the first time this year the car has been out of the garage --

Oh Well, -- It's at least back together, just waiting on the tuner -- --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/aa03eb8e-92ec-4aaf-8216-8c48369aa6e8_zpsk4nviyxf.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/aa03eb8e-92ec-4aaf-8216-8c48369aa6e8_zpsk4nviyxf.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150916_113526_zpsdvma4kvg.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150916_113526_zpsdvma4kvg.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/529be9ac-1fb6-4354-afde-b2ea29ae0326_zpsacfebupe.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/529be9ac-1fb6-4354-afde-b2ea29ae0326_zpsacfebupe.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
September 16th 2015, 18:31
It was looking soooo good in the driveway this morning -- I just figured that daddy needed a new chair for the office

A Kirkey Seat is for sale !!!!

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150916_150220_zpsecpseguw.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150916_150220_zpsecpseguw.jpg.html)

graham
September 19th 2015, 13:53
Nice ghia mate

Fiatdude
September 19th 2015, 18:45
Thank You

Fiatdude
September 22nd 2015, 12:26
I was just wondering if .. .. .. .. ..

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Is%20this%20good%20for%20cornering_zpszxo5wvfu.jpg ~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Is%20this%20good%20for%20cornering_zpszxo5wvfu.jpg .html)

Fiatdude
September 24th 2015, 22:50
I'd love to have huge(r) tires under the Ghia -- -- But I can't bring myself to do any cutting to the body, I just think the stock lines are beautiful -- I could do a 3" Torsion narrowing and go that route, but it would require a lot of "redo" to my cage as it is mounted to the outside of the torsion tubes..........

And then I find this build ------

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/117289-Porsche-918-Wide-Body-RSR-LS3-1970-Build-Sema-Project

I just think all the 'hacking' done to this body is just crazy -- -- It will be badass when done but .. .. .. ... ..

Fiatdude
September 26th 2015, 12:57
My Son bought me a new key ring for the Ghia -- Does he know something I don't????

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20150926_095133_zpshd6vaigf.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20150926_095133_zpshd6vaigf.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
October 11th 2015, 05:05
Got to talk and hang out with Finnegan and Freiburger for about a hour today at the Optima Challenge --

They were working on a yellow Mazda rotary pickup with a 455 front engine Olds mounted in the bed -- they bought it from a guy who claimed it was a 10 sec car -- must of been timed in the 100 foot, cause it was a dog LOL

I didn't have much to offer them as far as help or suggestions, BUT they had some very nice eye candy hanging around them and it made walking away very VERY difficult LMAO

Did get a cool sticker -- Had volunteered to help doing the Tech-in early this am (before it got into the 100's) and the guy making the stickers messed up as it was suppose to be intermediate, so I took the damn thing LOL -- don't know if it should go on the Ghia or the tool box -- probably be the tool box

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20151011_015109_zpsoyx772pd.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20151011_015109_zpsoyx772pd.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
October 22nd 2015, 23:30
SO -- -- About December 15th I had the engine out and got the trans back from Benco -- I reinstalled the engine did some upgrades, and started putting everything back together

Immediately, I started having EFI problems -- turn on master power -- Electromotive EFI would come on run all the prestart stuff, hit start, engine would run for 20-30 seconds and shut off -- -- -- I would turn off the 'key', turn on the 'key' -- nothing -- kill the master power everything would repeat, engine would run, shut off, again everything dead

Holy crap I was vexed,,,,, so I sent the box back to Electromotive,, came back,, still the same thing,,, sent the box back and they sent me a new one as a replacement...... By this time I was pissed and I had the AEM setting on the shelf, so I started the AEM install -- -- So flash forward until this month and I had finally finished the install (OK, OK , I know I'm slow, but I was just frustrated with everything) I took the Ghia over the WesTech in Mira Loma to double check everything I had done on the install of the AEM and for them to tune the damn thing......

So I get a call from Eric @ WesTech last Friday, the Damn AEM is doing the same freaking thing, turn on main power, turn the 'key' on -- it would cycle thru everything perfectly, turn the 'key' off, turn 'key' back on -- -- box is all pissed off -- turn main power off/on -- start over, it work once then fail.....

WTF is going on???????????

I am Stumped -- I had gone through the wiring twice during the install checking everything -- -- I really dwelling on this thinking, thinking............ I'm thinking that the ARC switches is letting a small of current to flow through when the 'key' is off, not letting the memory clear for a clean restart...... Nah!! how can that happen through the relays......

SOOOO, I'm in bed Saturday night at about 11:30, almost asleep, when it hits me, The freaking alternator has a bad diode in it and letting current bleed through -- -- Hmmmm just might be it...

Monday night after work, I swing by WesTech, walk over to the Ghia, pull the exciter wire off the alternator.... SHAZAMMMM, freaking problem disappears -- -- 10 DAM months working on this thing and it was just a bad freaking Alternator from the very beginning...... who would of thunk it.......................................

Steve C
October 25th 2015, 17:07
Long process but now its fixed, if we wanted a simple life we wouldn't play around with these old cars, keeps your mind active and young, well that's what I tell myself

Fiatdude
October 28th 2015, 21:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzv40VWL5ho

Fiatdude
October 29th 2015, 10:33
Wellll, The guys at WesTech are really MAD at me - --- -- - One of the front oil coolers decided to split open while the car was on the dyno Monday -- what a mess -- Freaking car was still dripping oil out of the spare tire drain Tuesday when I went over to help by-pass that cooler -- should of just put another oil cooler in its place, but their description of what happen had me confused -- -- but I've been working nights lately so I'm in a constant state of confusion LOL (still had to have the blue towels and rags there to continue to mop up the oil in this picture LOL)

Don't know when they will have some open dyno time so they can get the Ghia back on there

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20151027_102334_zpsfayys3zh.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20151027_102334_zpsfayys3zh.jpg.html)

They did have a cool open class desert car on the dyno Tuesday -- -- about a half million dollar toy there

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20151027_102353_zpsqzlwoe9s.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20151027_102353_zpsqzlwoe9s.jpg.html)

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20151027_102237_zpsfairkovg.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20151027_102237_zpsfairkovg.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
October 30th 2015, 19:52
Was over working on the oil cooler at WesTech -- Chad from BangShift was there -- He had a junkyard SBC on the Dyno and all the guys there were running around the dyno and giggling and laughing and just cracking up -- --- --

They had setup two targets behind the headers and were pouring BB's down the carb and watching them hit the targets.... It was the craziest thing I'd ever watched-- I don't know which was funnier watching the BB's come shooting out of the headers or the guys running around laughing their azzes off -- -- Then they pulled the plugs out after their "run" OMG .. .. well, look at the pictures.....

Soon to be a video to be posted somewhere :::::::::::::::::::::::

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20151030_124955_zpsuyvpjk7b.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20151030_124955_zpsuyvpjk7b.jpg.html)

If you look closely you can see all the BB's on the floor....

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/20151030_125013_zpsdheiokbo.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/20151030_125013_zpsdheiokbo.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
November 5th 2015, 12:41
A little update -- -- Nothing is happening LMAO

The last 2 weeks the guys from WesTech have been jammed with the high dollar cars going to SEMA (or Chad destroying a SBC) or Eric being sicker than a dog -- Hope he's feeling better !!! -- Went over to work on the Ghia this morning, but they've all left to go to SEMA too..... Oh well, it's not like I've anywhere to go LOL -- and remember I'm the one who made the deal that the Ghia is not their first priority, just something for them work on when they can -- so really no problem as far as I'm concerned, because they are treating the ghia very well !!!

SO, Screw it,,,, I'm going on Vacation -- see you all in a couple of weeks

Fiatdude
December 8th 2015, 11:27
This was in my in-box today -- --

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) February 26-28, 2016



Good Morning:

I hope this finds each of you in good spirits as we trek through Fall toward Winter. I for one think a more southern location is in the cards. HMMM, perhaps Austin, Texas?!

For the fourth year in a row, it’s time to think about three days of driving on America’s only purpose built F1 track, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. MVP Track Time has scheduled our 4th annual three-day COTA track event for February 26 – 28, 2016.

Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the investment to play at COTA. The entry fee for all three days is $1,375, the same as 2014. As with previous years, there are a limited number of spots available for COTA. Yes, they fill fast.

STEP 1
The $1,375 entry fee for all three days at COTA can only be completed with Pay Pal (you can use any major credit card through the Pay Pal system if you don’t have a Pay Pal account) at the link below:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/websc...=JQ3XJ9LSZHJUN


STEP 2
Once you have completed the entry fee, head over to the “Registration Page” of MVP’s web site (link below) to register. You’ll need to scroll to the bottom of the page to complete the blue outlined registration box. Click on the“Event” drop-down menu and choose Circuit of The Americas (COTA): February 26-28, 2016.

http://www.mvptracktime.com/id92.html


After we have allocated the registrations by run group, based on individual track experience, we will send out group confirmation e-mails to each run group. We will have four (blue, green, yellow and red) run groups allowing us to schedule two hours of track time daily.

In the spirit of transparency, the rental of COTA, as you can guess, is rather costly, so once you register, MVP will not be able to give you a refund until COTA is sold out and we have a replacement for you. If/when we can replace you, there will be a $100 cancellation fee. Inside of four weeks (January 29, 2016 and later) prior to the COTA event there is no refund. This is the reality of renting Circuit of The Americas.

If you have any questions, grab the phone and call me at (314) 249-3770 or you can e-mail Feffman@MVPTrackTime.com.

Happy Motoring and I hope to see you at COTA. Enjoy your day.

Mark Pfeffer – MVP Track Time
www.MVPTrackTime.com
Phone: (314) 249-3770
E-mail: Feffman@MVPTrackTime.com

Fiatdude
January 22nd 2016, 01:32
Been working hard on the tune on the Ghia


Here's the latest dyno sheet::::


http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/dyno_zpsfbpslpgf.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/dyno_zpsfbpslpgf.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 29th 2016, 11:04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4WAUmyKDq0

Fiatdude
May 20th 2016, 14:02
It's Story telling day and it's Baseball season (here in the states) and the final year of Vin Skully's 67 year career announcing Baseball -- -- Here are a few of the stories he interweaves into his broadcasts that makes him so great.......

http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2016/04/27/174849170/vin-scullys-best-stories-on-national-tell-a-story-day

Fiatdude
May 24th 2016, 19:36
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/millennial%20anti-theft%20device_zpssqujuuim.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/millennial%20anti-theft%20device_zpssqujuuim.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
May 25th 2016, 11:43
Well, The Ghia is back home -- -- It has been gone so much the past year that there almost wasn't a space for it in the garage..... you know how a empty spot in the garage fills up quick LOL

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20160523_222128_zps8hbe4dht.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20160523_222128_zps8hbe4dht.jpg.html)

I brought the damn thing home Sunday, with more problems than it left with, oil leaks up the arse and just a ton of electrical issues. It runs OK. It drives on and off the trailer and goes down the road, then it just shuts off -- -- guess I'm just gonna reach in there and grab a handful of wiring and just rip it out and start over.... Ordered some new electrical things and they will be here tomorrow night, so tomorrow I'll get started straightening out my rats nest and decide how I want to proceed.....

On the way home, I was cruising a car show at the Riverside Auto Center with the Ghia on the trailer, and there was Ester (E-girl)((Powder puff VW racer par excellence)). I didn't know she was Ms. Route 66.... Damn she looked good in that tiara... LOL

Fiatdude
May 31st 2016, 10:11
Monday, thinking I had the electrical all sorted out, I took the car out on my little 3 mile test loop I use. Left one signal and was rolling onto the throttle, trying to get my gremlins to reappear. Damn, only boosting to 4-5 pounds, double damn, forgot to plug-in the boost controller and was only running on the waste gate spring..... Turned onto a side street so I could connect it back together... As I climbed out, this new GT Mustang pulls up next to me and rolls down his window... "I usually don't stop and congratulate someone for beating me, but that little thing is fast ! Whatcha got in it??"

"Just a stocker with a little boost," I replied, "If I'd known we were racing, I would of really got after it!!!!" Hope I don't go to hell for all the little lies I tell, LMAO.

He drove away shaking his head..... Don't mess with the Air Cooled!!!!! LOL

Fiatdude
June 9th 2016, 00:24
As life goes -- so do our toys --

The Ghia is for sale for $16,500 --

I believe this is a really fair price knowing how much in receipts I've shredded....

all offers are welcome, but please don't embarrass yourself.

Fiatdude
August 20th 2016, 01:41
Tuner leaned out the engine, then noticed a loss of power -- I said thank you very much, please do it again sir

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20160819_1707581_zpsgvaqzmxu.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20160819_1707581_zpsgvaqzmxu.jpg.html)

But I now have a solution to this tuner ****----

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20160819_1940231_zps99irwrl8.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20160819_1940231_zps99irwrl8.jpg.html)

Jadewombat
August 21st 2016, 20:31
So you're keeping the Ghia, then?

Fiatdude
September 28th 2016, 10:53
Sorry, been on vacation for a few weeks---

I'm doing a complete freshen up on the engine right now (waiting on machinist to do a touchup hone on cylinders for the new rings) -- then I'm putting the engine up for sale

If somebody pops up and wants the car and the price is right might consider selling it............

Fiatdude
October 12th 2016, 00:22
Oh lets say I've gone little stupid since the last post -- -- a complete tear down is now in order, inspection/R&R of the bearings, Corilla rods, J&E pistons, new gapless rings, heads completely redone (new porting, valves, springs, heat resistance coating on the inside, heat dispersement coating on the outside, blah blah blah), new 1.4 Pauter rockers, a couple of weeks in Italy for vacation and got all the parts and pieces back from the machine shops,,, and wah-la back together as a birthday present to me.... """Oh yes dear, it shouldn't cost more than a $100 to redo the engine,,,,, cough,,, cough ,,, choke, cough....."""

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/engine%2020161005_zpsykbbrohn.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/engine%2020161005_zpsykbbrohn.jpg.html)

Ok --- I think I got the carb intake mocked up -- this engine is starting to have more colors than an Easter Egg -- --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20161011_2030281_zps9s3febux.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20161011_2030281_zps9s3febux.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
October 14th 2016, 11:11
Engine is almost ready -- Just need to finish the MSD install -- I still hate crawling around the freaking cage to get to the back of the firewall LOL

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/Engine%2020161014_zps48w4x44s.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/Engine%2020161014_zps48w4x44s.jpg.html)

I'm so over using steel braided line -- and E85 just eats them up -- I'm having to replace it almost every other year -- So now I'm using hard line when I have new installs or replacing old lines, I'm using either SS or Aluminum... AL is softer and easier to form and more forgiving than SS.....

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/Engine%20hardlines%2020161014_zpsptbezuma.jpg~orig inal (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/Engine%20hardlines%2020161014_zpsptbezuma.jpg.html )

Fiatdude
October 14th 2016, 23:56
IT'S RUNNING -- -- Fired right up -- My timing light took a dump so I was just guessing where I was at --- and was trying to guess where I was at with the fuel but it was sounding real nice.........

Wally
October 15th 2016, 03:56
Thats great to hear!
What boost and fuel were you at when the engine detonated and broke rings on the dyno last time?

Fiatdude
October 21st 2016, 00:34
He was creeping up on the boost so I really don't know, but it was E85---



No sooner than I bragged about how great my 16300 starters, I had mine go out --- Damn it!!! -- -- So, I jumped into my car and drove over to CarCraft in Riverside, all the while preparing to buy another 16300 (and get lunch at Zorba's).... Was setting there bench racing with Bob Godfrey and whining about losing a starter, Ed perks up and said that he had this new brand new starter "OE Brand Part Number BA16450" out of Florida making some really killer starters.... I'm going, Yeah, Yeah, I've heard this all before... So Ed brings one out. They are tiny and light!!! I'm looking at it and thinking there's no way that this little thing is gonna spin my 2963.... He says, you buy this, and if you don't like it, bring it back in the original box and I'll put 100% of the money towards another starter.... OK, what do I have to lose except another chance to come over to CarCraft and go to Zorba's Hamburgers for lunch (I live for a Zorba Burger and Onion Rings from this place -- they are great!!!! Remember that the next time your in the area)..... SO, I bring this thing home, throw it into the car and this little starter is winging my engine at a higher RPM than I have ever had..... Really impressed with this little thing!!!!!!

Fiatdude
October 24th 2016, 03:08
Confucius says -- You definitely have an over rich condition, if you are finding pinholes in your intake by fuel squirting out.......

Words to live by if you ask me.....

Fiatdude
April 29th 2017, 22:45
Update time ---- Some dude came up to me an made me an offer I probably should of refused, but I didn't and I gave him the big engine out of the Ghia..... So I'm thinking it is time for a more of a street loving engine for the car -- So here is the new incarnation -- A 2332 with a bunch of goodies.... Probably not the total top shelf build I should of done but has enough good parts to get it running and sorted out.....

Still fabbing stuff together and trying to get everything to play together nicely......... The engine is 1/2 inch wider and 3/8" longer than a stocker, so everything that I bought trying to save time, had to be modified and took more time than piecing everything together.... Here's where I'm as of this morning and I'm planning a full day of attacking this thing, but I'll probably spend most of it chasing parts/bolts/stuff if you know what I mean....

The purple lines on the blow-thru hat on the EFI is where I'm having interference with the deck lid -- I'm trying to decide whether to cut the hat and reweld it at the purple lines or offset the deck lid higher -- kind of leaning towards opening the deck lid up as it will add a little more air flow to the engine also....

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20170427_064535_zpsnofr8syl.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20170427_064535_zpsnofr8syl.jpg.html)

Fiatdude
April 29th 2017, 22:46
Playing in the garage today -- made the "spacers" to raise the deck lid -- the results --

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20170429_192312_zps5ide7c6z.jpg (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20170429_192312_zps5ide7c6z.jpg.html)

Clears everything by a 1/2". So I could of made them a little smaller.... Got some 1/2" black pipe and some 8mm fender washers. Welded the washers to the pipe and came out pretty sturdy... Just need to throw some paint on them...

Almost got the intake system all finished. went to weld on the POP-off valve on, then notice/discovered that the flange was Aluminum.... Oh well, good place to finish for the day..... Off to my favorite Mexican food place for dinner....

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20170429_192337_zpsbbymgmyn.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20170429_192337_zpsbbymgmyn.jpg.html)

chug_A_bug
April 30th 2017, 21:27
Looking Great...

Fiatdude
May 8th 2017, 21:14
For those of you that warned me about using aluminum for fuel lines with a alcohol based fuel -- -- Well,,,, You were more than right

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/Fiatdude/Ghia/20170508_180029_zps0teqajje.jpg~original (http://s586.photobucket.com/user/Fiatdude/media/Ghia/20170508_180029_zps0teqajje.jpg.html)

My injectors looked the same too!!!!!!

Fiatdude
May 13th 2017, 00:23
Fuel system completely redone -- just missing two -8an to -6an fittings -- ordered them from Jeg's today........ Redid the front mounting of the fuel pump and ran the 5/8" lines down through the tunnel -- need to take a picture of that

Oil system is next .....

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1642301.jpg

Fiatdude
May 14th 2017, 23:21
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1642935.jpg [/quote]

Fiatdude
July 9th 2017, 15:19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvjerwo5Vkc

Fiatdude
August 4th 2017, 18:58
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYuTGJ_-9UQ

DORIGTT
August 5th 2017, 20:22
What is the bracing underhood for/accomplish?

rioprelude
December 17th 2017, 01:02
Any updates?

acidjzaz
April 10th 2018, 00:16
Great write up on this build!!! I want to do something similar to my KG.

I am also also wondering if the angled brace under the hood is also like a "non strut" but non body flex brace .



Also what are your thoughts on your front suspension setup.

Fiatdude
June 11th 2018, 01:05
That angle brace was in there to mount 2 oil coolers to. The front suspension works great once I got the anti sway bar installed.

Fiatdude
June 11th 2018, 01:08
Damn -- -- It's been since forever since I've been on here ... Some of you have missed me, Some of you haven't LOL

Well, Here's the short story.... Last October I turned 65 and I had been dragging my feet at retiring .... I had hooked with a good company and really was enjoying the type of jobs they were doing and the work I was getting to do. Well, on February 1st, the wife insisted that we list the house and try selling it again (last time things didn't go very good). I, in my infinite wisdom and thinking, thought that it would be the same stuff all over again. NOT, we had 4 full price offers the first weekend..... Damn, we're gonna have to move and do it in 21 days.....

Again didn't think this thing through very much.... We had been living in this house for over 27 years and you can guess all the stuff I had collected during that period of time. So, why worry, I'll go to work and let my wife pack it all up.... Can you guess where this is going LOL. Needless to say I gave my 2 weeks notice and all the while, every waking moment was spent packing and moving stuff into storage.... Did I mention we didn't have any place to go to yet???? Nope, not a clue where we were gonna end up....

So, on the very last weekend we were to own the house, I called hire-a-mover and had 3 guys move most of the big stuff from the house and into 3000 cubic feet of storage and some of the essentials into the motorhome... We moved to the local regional park (about a mile from the house) and then sat there trying to figure out what was next..... can you guys tell I wasn't really happy about moving out of the house???

Anyway, we decided to head towards Missouri where I had about a million relatives and we had been there a ton of times on vacation. Oh Chit, what about the Ghia, There was no more spaces left at the storage, and the wife told me I wasn't gonna spend $250 a month on space rental just to put that dumb car inside somewhere. ... .. ... So it got loaded onto the open car trailer and wrapped with 2 car covers, some blue traps and then bungee'd wrapped and hoping it would survive out in the open at a friends lot....

https://i.imgur.com/GVgU883.jpg

So, we put the Flex on a car dolly and packed up the MH and off the MO we went...... Holy Crap was it cold in March in Mo... and it wasn't really that cold by Mo standards 12 degrees (f) a few nights, 22 a lot of nights, and a healthy dose of snow on occassion... LOL ------- Please notice all the Marble size hail on the ground from an overnight storm -- IT WAS LOUD IN THE MOTORHOME!!!!

https://i.imgur.com/1YGCj36.jpg

Anyway, we started looking for a house and of course what the wife was wanting and what I was wanting were in two different parking lots on opposite coasts of the continent LOL.... But after 2 months of full time looking at stuff in our price range, she decided on this house in Monett MO....

https://i.imgur.com/wNF37Ny.jpg

Not a bad little place 1700 sq ft upstairs and 900 sq ft in the finished basement.... really funky designed thing, but the wife wanted it so.. .. you know the story, Happy wife blah blah blah...

It did have this detached little 2 car garage where 1/2 of it was set up as a paint booth and a nice covered RV parking thing that was about 15' too short for my Motorhome,,, but....

https://i.imgur.com/TCJmyvO.jpg

The house is sitting on 5 (20200 sq meters) acres of land, of which 3.5 acres are of grass which needs mowing -- -- Damn... So I ended up buying a lawnmower that cost more than the first 5 cars I owned combined!!!! Damn nice lawnmower if you ask me, even has a cup holder if your worrying about that... OH yeah it did also have this other little building sitting on the property.....

https://i.imgur.com/YGw3pb4.jpg

Something about a 40' x 60' (223 sq meter) shop building that just brings tears to a man's eye!!!!!!!

Well, the place had some issues, so we bought it in "as-is" condition and took possession the first week in March and 2 days later were flying to Cali to get the Ghia, .. oh, and the rest of the stuff...

We hired the same movers to take all the stuff out of storage and put it into a 26' Penske rental truck -- about half way through this it became apparent that one truck was not going to be enough, so I got another one and filled that one up too... I then hooked the car trailer up to the 26 footer and we prepared for the second part of adventure.....

https://i.imgur.com/lwecbum.jpg

Man, there was a ton of things that happened on the trip back to Mo which would fill another blog. but I won't bore you with here. but we made it right before Memorial Day weekend, put the Ghia in the 40x60 and it sure looked awfull lonely in there with my multi million dollar mower, I need some more stuff don't you think????

https://i.imgur.com/rnbEYgd.jpg

Anyway, it's taken me 2 weeks to get around to unpacking all my office stuff and setting up my computer, so I could give you a update... Aren't you glad you had all this extra time to spend reading this LOL Love you guys!!!!

Fiatdude
June 11th 2018, 01:09
Sorry about the huge pictures guys..................

owdlvr
June 11th 2018, 15:01
LOVE the shops! You are a lucky man, your wife knows how to pick a good place!

Oh, house ain't bad I suppose ;)

-Dave

Fiatdude
June 22nd 2018, 01:29
Took the Ghia to a car show in Joplin MO Thursday night -- --

https://i.imgur.com/rB7kL4T.jpg

First car show I ever went to that a relative stock 2013 Camaro won best car …..

So I guess I shouldn't of been surprised when I won this …. But I was amused, very amused …... LOL

https://i.imgur.com/wULMkqA.jpg

Steve C
June 22nd 2018, 04:19
the judges have good taste

Fiatdude
June 24th 2018, 00:08
Thank you

I never win anything at car shows just because of it being an old race car and me not wanting to hide that with shiny.... A woman told me at that show that at least I could clean it up some and I replied "Why? That doesn't make it faster.."

acidjzaz
June 25th 2018, 19:24
Thanks for the update
:-( to see you leave SoCal.. but that new garage is pretty nice and you get to shock and awe at local car shows :-) hahaha

Wally
July 2nd 2018, 05:26
Very nice house and even better garage! Thats a 'garage goal' right there haha!

Love the Ghia on those rims, excellent choice imo!
I just moved myself, so I know what a pain that is. Still, the rewards are worth it if you move by your own choice of course ;-)

Fiatdude
July 7th 2018, 15:41
Took the long way around a cul-de-sac recently

https://youtu.be/Z59LrK6NY5U

rioprelude
July 11th 2018, 00:07
That's awesome. Love your build!

Fiatdude
July 27th 2018, 23:17
Thought I'd give you a warning that the end of the world is coming soon!!!!!!!

This Died in the wool Ford Dude bought a Chevy Truck today...……………………………………..




Thought I'd let that sink in a few moments..... It must be the end of time LOL..



I've been looking for a good/nice used 4x4 truck for a few months now and today the wife wanted to go to an estate sale down in West Branson.... So I took her, and lo and behold, here was this CHEVY truck for sale as part of the estate... It's a 2011, always garaged Z71 Silverado with,,, get this,,, 27K miles on it... The price was right so I kicked a few moths out of the wallet and bought it.... too many scratches on the bed, but I'll make do..... LOL

https://i.imgur.com/DXQtjd0.jpg

Fiatdude
August 7th 2018, 22:57
Paid my money -- Will be there for Saturday

http://eurekaspringsvwshow.com/

Fiatdude
August 28th 2018, 13:48
Went to the Eureka Springs AR VW Show on 8-25-18 -- What a Day!!!!

Yep, First thing Saturday Morning as I was trying to back The Ghia into a spot and a "lady" rolled up on me. The drivers door is creased in 2 spots, so I'm calling it FUBAR'd…. I think most of the show had heard about the accident by 9am and lots of people came by and checked out the damage and told me how it sucked ……. LOL

It just wasn't my day at show.. Later in the day, I was sitting in a directors style folding chair on the knoll at the top of the parking lot watching all the cars returning from the parade around town, when the ground started to collapse under the chair (had a lot of rain the day before) and I did a slow motion fall over backwards.... It was so slow I had time to think about reaching over and grabbing the guy's chair next to me.... But he was sitting in a similar chair and was in his 70's, and I thought, Oh Chit, I'll probably drag him over too.... So I just tucked everything in and let gravity take over and splatted onto the ground. But luckily it had rained and the grass and ground were soft(er) and the only injuries I received was some more brain damage and a wounding to my pride...…..

I did win a 2nd place trophy for something LOL ….

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1816827.jpg

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1816826.jpg

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1816825.jpg

The Award:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1816822.jpg

The DAMAGE: Chit picture -- doesn't show where the paint is split in 2 places

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1816821.jpg

rioprelude
September 7th 2018, 23:42
Sorry to hear about the damage. Guess it could have been worse, but still not fun to repair. Did the other car get damaged?

Fiatdude
September 23rd 2018, 22:52
Went out and did some Auto-X at Neosho Mo -- Great group of guys from Ozark Z's and they put on a great event!!!

Was airing up my tires and just glanced at the dates on my tires.... They're freaking 8 years old. Damn!!! Spent the whole day short shifting and trying to stay off boost.... The second it would come on boost the back end would just crawl out from under me.... Loads of fun, like being on a slick track, My old butt wasn't up for the challenge LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x3wY33YUHQ&feature=youtu.be

Fiatdude
September 23rd 2018, 22:53
I'm sorry rioprelude -- didn't see your reply -- Nope no damage to her car....

Fiatdude
November 7th 2018, 21:47
My first winter in Missouri.... Learning experience has started. Winterized the Barn, the Shop, the cars..... Last weekend was the last car show, track day and get together for the year, so I guess it's time to put the Ghia to bed for the winter (especially since it is suppose to be 17 degrees here in the next couple of days and snowing). And start the Mods I've got planned for her... The shop is done and ready for the big move.

https://i.imgur.com/eMYU6tG.jpg

Fiatdude
November 15th 2018, 16:58
A couple of days after I posted that I woke up to this

https://i.imgur.com/AC5gvEC.jpg

It's been in the teens and 20's F since so the snow hasn't melted yet

Fiatdude
November 16th 2018, 00:19
https://i.imgur.com/80ej4ke.jpg

Fiatdude
November 16th 2018, 01:27
Just (re)found this over view of the Fiat build -- Forgot it existed

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=127789&hilit=fiat

DORIGTT
November 18th 2018, 01:04
Hey Fiatdude,

I noticed in one of your photos of the garage that you're using a mini-split system. Would you comment on its effectiveness both in cooling and heating for garage use? I've been thinking of doing one for my garage as well.

Kevin

Fiatdude
November 27th 2018, 23:36
Hi Kevin,

Sorry, just got back from a mini vacation.... Yes Highly recommend them -- Get the Mr Cool DIY system... Like the name says you can DIY...

Fiatdude
December 15th 2018, 01:47
Damn -- -- It seems like just last week it was running

https://i.imgur.com/RijSwIa.jpg

DORIGTT
December 19th 2018, 22:58
What are your wheel / tire specs? You look like you've got some fatties up front!

I recall reading that you're running 16x7's all around?

Fiatdude
December 23rd 2018, 03:19
205's up front with 225's rear

Fiatdude
June 12th 2019, 22:57
Welllllll, Six months later and 3 house rehab projects later....

Upon tear down found that there was almost .090" of slop between the barrels and the case... No wonder I had a terrible oil leak, those barrels were just flopping around on the case.... And the main journals on the crank were worn. Sent it out for a little grinding, so it is .010" under now.

New parts have arrived, case has been machined, long barrels machined, new cam, new pistons and some total seal rings..... Now I'm looking for all that ambition (OK any ambition) to get started working on this old thing.....

New Parts

https://i.imgur.com/5BVPA1G.jpg

I'm trying to see some new swing arms setting here.... Might have to break out some more ambition. LOL

https://i.imgur.com/ddAdfOf.jpg

Fiatdude
August 7th 2019, 01:28
So, Let's get caught up....

Finally got through with a bunch house stuff the wife wanted done and some $$$$ broke loose so it was time to do some GHIA STUFF!!!!! Yeah

Ordered some new long Barrells from CarCraft in Riverside CA and they did the machining and they were perfect!!! new cam, some new pistons, blah blah, blah and we were ready.

https://i.imgur.com/nrvaH23.jpg

then

https://i.imgur.com/2E4gUmJ.jpg

then

https://i.imgur.com/VDHErwo.jpg

then

https://i.imgur.com/z8J1ZX8.jpg

TAAAA-DAHHH -- -- The beast is back

Fiatdude
August 7th 2019, 01:29
SOOOO, been sweating my butt off when I'm outdoors, so turn on the a/c in the shop and decided to do some stuff on the Ghia...

And of course there has to be some drama.... Opened the box that has held my new TMI carpet kit for a few years... Yep it's Black!! CHECK

Opened the box that has held my new door panels for 6-7 years... Yep, they're bla...c.... .. DAMN

https://i.imgur.com/rNVptpT.jpg

OH Well, on they go .. .. Wait a minute -- Damn no rear panels … Gots to love this stuff...

OK, Time to start putting in the carpet kit... Houston we're going to have issues

https://i.imgur.com/dBMrH69.jpg

So, I start cutting a little here and a little there --- Squeezing my BIG old butt in between the bars, under the bars.... Only got stuck a few times and only took 2 bottles of Ivory soap to get me out LOL.. In the end, I think there was more shards of the carpet on the floor than in the car.....

https://i.imgur.com/uAnYkIL.jpg

Now I just have in invent some rear panels to put into the car and I need to find some Door sills …..

Anybody know where I can get some???


Thanks for reading....

Clatter
August 13th 2019, 10:19
Nice to see you back in the saddle again..

TMI carpets - I think they’re “cut to fit” by design. :-p