Had a few guys ask to post up the progress of "rebuilding" after hitting a ditch and destroying the front end. So here goes. Its not really a "rebuild" as I'm going in some different directions from hat I had before. Finished some work on the garage so I can finally start working on the car now. This will probably be a slow progression. I hope to have it ready for next summer.


The wreck:

Had a conference for work which ran late into the evening. Was on my way home, it was dark, it was raining, and the *** end decided to kick while doing 70 on the highway. Tried to correct but she was already to far gone. Hit the ditch sideways, spun twice before coming to a stop with the front end planted into the side of some 4-wheeler ruts. From where I left to the road to where I stopped was probably a good 50-60 yards. Luckily the car sat low enough that the suspension didn't have room to move and catch anything otherwise I would have rolled. destroyed the core spt, front splitter, twisted the bumper (poly) broke a bunch of tabs and brackets in he front, twisted up and shifted side skirts, damaged rear bumper, tore my dump tube clean off the wastegate at the flex joint, banged up the exhaust and pushed it up into the drifeshaft, took 2 tires off the bead and scratched up the wheels. Overall not too bad of damage and easily fixable, but insurance claimed it a total loss due to cost of OEM parts. Now the car is paid off and bought car back with a clean title for $462. Win

Current set-up:

Osiris tune 515whp/509ft lbs @17psi
Powerlabs GT35 single turbo
Wiseco Pistons 8.8-1
Eagle Rods
Cometic .030 head gasket
ACL main/rod bearings
ARP L19 main/rod/studs
Z1 Viton Valve Seals
JWT valve springs
OEM cams (for now)
CJM S0 fuel return
DW 1000cc injectors
Aero 340lph pump
Mishimotor radiator
SouthBend SS full disc clutch
Fidanza flyheel
DriveshaftShop carbon shaft
Z1 engine and trans mounts
Z1 oil cooler
Pathfinder cooling mod
el-cheapo no name headers
Tomei ExpremeTi exhaust
Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonator
RJM clutch pedal
MD spacer
GT Spec fr/rr strut bars
GT Spec fender braces
GT spec front lower
Hotchkis sways fr/rr
Megan Spec-RS coil-overs (converted to true type rear)
Stance 14/12 springs
SPC Camber correction
Stoptech rotors fr/rr
Stoptech pads
Stoptech braided brake lines
18x10.5 square Enkei RS05RR
Kuruma front bumer
Ipul sides
Chargespeed rear
OEM type carbon hood
Strafe carbon trunk
OC fcarbon front splitter
custom ABS flares
RareJDM undertray
06 projector headlights


Changes this time around: (major items)

Precision 6266 v-band turbo (hope to hit ~575-600 on 93oct)
Mishimoto G line intercooler
Powerlabs shorty headers
Rev-up or Suckerpunch oil pump
debating on cams
debating on new plenum
re-locate turbo oil return to upper oil pan
power steering cooler
brake cooling ducts
05 6MT VLSD diff swap (it was free)
tube core/bumper spt
custom full race ready front splitter
custom functional rear diffuser
Work Meister wheels 18 or 19 inch, 10.5 or 11 square (huge offsets to fit flares)
rebuild/replace current struts
contemplating air cup kit

 

Last night I started taking the OEM core spt out. Bottom was completely gone and radiator was hanging in place by zip ties and wires that I rigged up for transport. Minimal damage to radiator, just cosmetic, but A/C condenser is toast and bent like a banana. GT-Spec brace took the blunt of the blow to the bottom so the oil pan and motor are fine, and I was able to drive it around the yard to move it in and out the garage.

Fit the bash bar I picked up from a buddy. Originally for a 350z so I have some modifications to make to it, but its a good starting point.

 

Aaahhh, I see the wheels are turning and the midnight oil is burning. Good start.

 

Can you tell me your experiences with the mishimoto radiator? Is it really different?

 

I myself haven't tried one although I am going to upgrade to the Moshimoto or the Koyo radiator. Those that have installed the Moshimoto have had fitment issues (so I've read). The Koyo doesn't have fitment issues (so I've read). Both radiators are quite good but, you have to decide which one you want. So far I've decided on the Koyo unless Moshimoto can fix the fitment issues. They both have similar pricing.

 

Mishi is thicker than OEM, allowing for more cooling. If you run A/C you will need to trim the core spt to fit everything. If you don't run A/C and remove the condenser then the only spot you may have to mess with is the lower rad mounts. I had to oblong the holes about an inch each side. OEM fans and shroud will bolt up to the MIshi.

 

glad all that extra reinforcement saved a lot from getting damage, that gt spec saved a lot from the bottom getting hurt too ..

 

Bad azz thread, sub'd for updates as they happen. OP sorry you had to deal with this but you've got a great attitude, a ballin' garage and the know how to rebuild your beast even better than it was before. Gotta admit, I've got a bit of a man crush going on with this thread..........

 

any update?

 

In for updates.....also, thank you I just choose my next rim set. Those enki look amazing with that color.