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Mazda Projects \ '89 B2200/FE3; Project -Just Let Me Die'89 B2200/FE3; Project -Just Let Me Die
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following 4
SilentDawn
+1y
$200 junkyard parts truck turned reliable daily driver.
Start with a long story? Great!
I bought this truck when I saw it in a guy's junkyard, the day it was going to the crusher. I knew I needed parts for my '87 B2000 I was working on back then. Clean title, cheap price.
Perfect body, no head. Automatic tranny. Complete truck...and it came with a complete B2000 engine and 5 speed tranny in the bed.
Figured what the heck. The next day I honed the rust out of the cylinders. Popped on my head from my B2000. fired it up. Well sweet! 200 bucks and I got a truck that drives! Quickly found out why the head had gone on the last one. Radiator was plugged. Fixing that and giving it a full chassis and engine tune up..It ran like this for years! My B2000 still sitting in pieces this time. Parts truck turned daily drivable.
When I got it and got it running.
Did small things.
*Intermittent wipers
*Electric rad. fan with thermostat, manual override switch and A/C compressor trigger.
Neon coupe seats.
Ford Exploder console
Bi-Xenon Acura TL projectors inside Ebay crystal clear H4 housings
Custom relay harness to make the Hi and Low beams work together and actuate the Bi-Xenon flapper.
*I had to relocate the battery inside the cab because of the projector. Gel cell Honda size Optima behind passenger seat.
*Isuzu steel chrome wheels
*Lowered 3 inches rear. 2 inches in the front to avoid rubbing.
Sport badges! and other decals
(This now reads "V Tec" because noone got my dry humor of "V Tech" being a brand of children toys...and also people that it meant Virginia Tech and frowned on it)
Since "Truck Nuts" are illegal in Virgina, where I frequently go...I decided to annoy them with clever aircraft AN-28 jam nuts safety-wired to my ball hitch! They can't say CRAP!
I think thats it. Right?
Oh yeah! Got tired of the leaky, tired F2 engine...and the slushy auto gearbox.
Dropped in the super easy Kia FE3 engine. Did a manual gearbox swap with it.
Used a smaller BMW E36 charcoal canister, so it retains full 2001 emissions. Mounted it out of the way on the frame rail.
Added a second relay and fuse box for the Kia computer.
2.5" header back with cat and single Flowmaster 40.
After a few years like that..I wanted A/C back!
A/C hoses and adapter blocks for the Denso compressor.
Machined compressor adapter blocks for the Denso compressor
What happens then your speedo sender gear gets worn out...This is a nasty smelly mess all behind the dash and all in the carpet. Speedo cable was siphoning gear oil up into my dash.
That's it!
Made this thread for you all to be curious, get ideas and ask questions. I'll also use this thread to comment on additions I make or things that go wrong with my truck. This is no longer considered a "project" I'm done with the majority of modifying it. Its actually for sale for a negotiable price of $2,400.
Start with a long story? Great!
I bought this truck when I saw it in a guy's junkyard, the day it was going to the crusher. I knew I needed parts for my '87 B2000 I was working on back then. Clean title, cheap price.
Perfect body, no head. Automatic tranny. Complete truck...and it came with a complete B2000 engine and 5 speed tranny in the bed.
Figured what the heck. The next day I honed the rust out of the cylinders. Popped on my head from my B2000. fired it up. Well sweet! 200 bucks and I got a truck that drives! Quickly found out why the head had gone on the last one. Radiator was plugged. Fixing that and giving it a full chassis and engine tune up..It ran like this for years! My B2000 still sitting in pieces this time. Parts truck turned daily drivable.
When I got it and got it running.
Did small things.
*Intermittent wipers
*Electric rad. fan with thermostat, manual override switch and A/C compressor trigger.
Neon coupe seats.
Ford Exploder console
Bi-Xenon Acura TL projectors inside Ebay crystal clear H4 housings
Custom relay harness to make the Hi and Low beams work together and actuate the Bi-Xenon flapper.
*I had to relocate the battery inside the cab because of the projector. Gel cell Honda size Optima behind passenger seat.
*Isuzu steel chrome wheels
*Lowered 3 inches rear. 2 inches in the front to avoid rubbing.
Sport badges! and other decals
(This now reads "V Tec" because noone got my dry humor of "V Tech" being a brand of children toys...and also people that it meant Virginia Tech and frowned on it)
Since "Truck Nuts" are illegal in Virgina, where I frequently go...I decided to annoy them with clever aircraft AN-28 jam nuts safety-wired to my ball hitch! They can't say CRAP!
I think thats it. Right?
Oh yeah! Got tired of the leaky, tired F2 engine...and the slushy auto gearbox.
Dropped in the super easy Kia FE3 engine. Did a manual gearbox swap with it.
Used a smaller BMW E36 charcoal canister, so it retains full 2001 emissions. Mounted it out of the way on the frame rail.
Added a second relay and fuse box for the Kia computer.
2.5" header back with cat and single Flowmaster 40.
After a few years like that..I wanted A/C back!
A/C hoses and adapter blocks for the Denso compressor.
Machined compressor adapter blocks for the Denso compressor
What happens then your speedo sender gear gets worn out...This is a nasty smelly mess all behind the dash and all in the carpet. Speedo cable was siphoning gear oil up into my dash.
That's it!
Made this thread for you all to be curious, get ideas and ask questions. I'll also use this thread to comment on additions I make or things that go wrong with my truck. This is no longer considered a "project" I'm done with the majority of modifying it. Its actually for sale for a negotiable price of $2,400.
jenko
+1y
Love it SD
Can't say I'm sad about "truck nuts" being outlawed... ugly bloody things... yours though are a good laugh! (and look better)
Are you sure you don't want to dazzle us further with a turbo?
Or as things go in the US, a supercharger instead?
As you're a fan of small Japanese things perhaps a SC14 build? (because I want to copy you? umm.... no comment)
P.S: I also thought you were Australian!
Can't say I'm sad about "truck nuts" being outlawed... ugly bloody things... yours though are a good laugh! (and look better)
Are you sure you don't want to dazzle us further with a turbo?
Or as things go in the US, a supercharger instead?
As you're a fan of small Japanese things perhaps a SC14 build? (because I want to copy you? umm.... no comment)
P.S: I also thought you were Australian!
SilentDawn
+1y
Forgot! I can't have a thread without fire!
Fire??
FIRREEE!
And a not-so-good clip of my Exhaust. 2.5" with Flowmaster 40. Kia powered.
Anyhow. I'm actually not really a fan of imports/Japanese stuff, other than the Mazda trucks. I'm a euro car fan. The FE3 was so cheap and easy, I just couldn't help but try it. and its been GREAT.
This actually was turbo for a short time. I had a Mazda VJ11 I think on a modified Miata manifold with no tuning. I put a light waste gate on it. The turbo and manifold was so restrictive to that engine I removed it shortly after. But I kept the "Turbo Electronic Fuel Injection" emblem I had at the time on the tailgate. Because half of it still applies. And it might be turbo again some day.
Funny, one of my next projects is going to use a Mercedes Eaton twin screw supercharger. But it'll be a VW... Eatons are nice and loud!
Fire??
FIRREEE!
And a not-so-good clip of my Exhaust. 2.5" with Flowmaster 40. Kia powered.
Anyhow. I'm actually not really a fan of imports/Japanese stuff, other than the Mazda trucks. I'm a euro car fan. The FE3 was so cheap and easy, I just couldn't help but try it. and its been GREAT.
This actually was turbo for a short time. I had a Mazda VJ11 I think on a modified Miata manifold with no tuning. I put a light waste gate on it. The turbo and manifold was so restrictive to that engine I removed it shortly after. But I kept the "Turbo Electronic Fuel Injection" emblem I had at the time on the tailgate. Because half of it still applies. And it might be turbo again some day.
Funny, one of my next projects is going to use a Mercedes Eaton twin screw supercharger. But it'll be a VW... Eatons are nice and loud!
SilentDawn
+1y
*Gasp* I actually drove my truck to and from work all week this week! Rain, slush, wind, cows. I know, crazy weather. Total miles driven this week: 529
Having not driven this boat for a few months...The feel and sounds of going from a 2010 VW to a 1990 truck was rather unnerving for the first few miles. The roaring and groaning of the worn out carrier on the driveshaft and the rocking, swerving and swaying of the horribly worn out upper control arm bushings/shafts made the commutes rather "interesting" as I clenched my butt cheeks through wet turns and uneven roads. And the horrible condition of my windshield wipers in the rain was actually comical. The rubber was flapping against the windshield.
Got some parts in, though...And I'll be making repairs this weekend. Might take some video of the repairs and me throwing tools and kicking small woodland animals.
*Bosch Icon wiper blades (Awesome blades)
*Moog upper control arm shaft kits
*National driveshaft center carrier bearing and a greasing of the already upgraded U-joints.
*Maybe tighten the steering box adjustment.
*Inspect the condition of wear items in the front suspension. Most of this has been replaced already, though.
Having not driven this boat for a few months...The feel and sounds of going from a 2010 VW to a 1990 truck was rather unnerving for the first few miles. The roaring and groaning of the worn out carrier on the driveshaft and the rocking, swerving and swaying of the horribly worn out upper control arm bushings/shafts made the commutes rather "interesting" as I clenched my butt cheeks through wet turns and uneven roads. And the horrible condition of my windshield wipers in the rain was actually comical. The rubber was flapping against the windshield.
Got some parts in, though...And I'll be making repairs this weekend. Might take some video of the repairs and me throwing tools and kicking small woodland animals.
*Bosch Icon wiper blades (Awesome blades)
*Moog upper control arm shaft kits
*National driveshaft center carrier bearing and a greasing of the already upgraded U-joints.
*Maybe tighten the steering box adjustment.
*Inspect the condition of wear items in the front suspension. Most of this has been replaced already, though.
SilentDawn
+1y
Had some of the day today free, so I pulled my truck up to my garage at home and did the upper control arm bushings. Shot time lapse basically and highlighted the steps of the drivers side. Hope it helps...
Video link:
"
Some of the time lapse sections look somewhat suggestive with my ratcheting the rusted bolts...Good laugh, indeed.
I've made some updates on the other forum of my plans for this truck:
I recently acquired a Nissan 240SX (to flip) and in the trunk were some parts. Some engine parts...And an intercooler and a brand new GT28R turbo.
Looks to be a GSP. (Mostly because the new intercooler is a GodSpeed) GT2871R. .60 compressor, .64 turbine. T25 flange. Oil and water cooled. Internal wastegate, so probably 8-10 psi. GodSpeed has gotten quite a bit better with their stuff now that they have started supplying aftermarket products to the VW and BMW market. Interested to see how their turbo holds up. Their manifolds and exhaust parts are pretty dang good now.
Thinking I might buy a cheap $100 BP (1.8 Miata) turbo manifold. And throw this thing on my FE3 truck with a RRFPR and wideband O2. Little VW side mount I/C.
I've done super clean/reliable turbo builds and I've done cheap turbo builds. This will be a REALLY dirt cheap turbo build...Because its my truck. I'm going for better fuel economy (With normal, sensible driving) and the "turbo" sound. If I don't get better fuel economy, THEN I'll look into fuel and timing management systems. I want to be the only guy around my area with a turbo FE3 Mazda. Now that I've done a few FE3 swaps for people..Just having an FE3 in my Mazda isn't good enough to be "unique" anymore.
If I were making this into a performance truck..I'd easily build a manifold, wire in engine management and improve fuel/ignition. But I'm not. No time. Plus Its no challenge. I actually think it will be an interesting challenge to see HOW CHEAP you can build a reliable turbo setup for these FE3's. I'm not racing the truck. I don't "street race" I might pass someone on the interstate, but thats the most "abuse" this thing sees. That's what my other cars are for. This truck is to haul stuff around.
So...
*Like to see where this goes? Ok, cool. Raise your hand.
*Think I'm wasting your time (and mine) throw a tomato at me or whatever.
*Think this is going to end up with a huge oil spot on some road somewhere? Cool, I'll get video. So get popcorn.
*Haters hate. I drive VW's...I love the haters. Either way, this will happen. If it explodes. So? $200 bucks and I'll go yank another Sportage engine. Yawn.
Other than that;
I hope to FINALLY get a respray done on the body! Now that I've gotten the mechanical stuff sorted out, I can look into more cosmetic things and small additions, such as the mentioned turbo addition.
Video link:
"
Some of the time lapse sections look somewhat suggestive with my ratcheting the rusted bolts...Good laugh, indeed.
I've made some updates on the other forum of my plans for this truck:
I recently acquired a Nissan 240SX (to flip) and in the trunk were some parts. Some engine parts...And an intercooler and a brand new GT28R turbo.
Looks to be a GSP. (Mostly because the new intercooler is a GodSpeed) GT2871R. .60 compressor, .64 turbine. T25 flange. Oil and water cooled. Internal wastegate, so probably 8-10 psi. GodSpeed has gotten quite a bit better with their stuff now that they have started supplying aftermarket products to the VW and BMW market. Interested to see how their turbo holds up. Their manifolds and exhaust parts are pretty dang good now.
Thinking I might buy a cheap $100 BP (1.8 Miata) turbo manifold. And throw this thing on my FE3 truck with a RRFPR and wideband O2. Little VW side mount I/C.
I've done super clean/reliable turbo builds and I've done cheap turbo builds. This will be a REALLY dirt cheap turbo build...Because its my truck. I'm going for better fuel economy (With normal, sensible driving) and the "turbo" sound. If I don't get better fuel economy, THEN I'll look into fuel and timing management systems. I want to be the only guy around my area with a turbo FE3 Mazda. Now that I've done a few FE3 swaps for people..Just having an FE3 in my Mazda isn't good enough to be "unique" anymore.
If I were making this into a performance truck..I'd easily build a manifold, wire in engine management and improve fuel/ignition. But I'm not. No time. Plus Its no challenge. I actually think it will be an interesting challenge to see HOW CHEAP you can build a reliable turbo setup for these FE3's. I'm not racing the truck. I don't "street race" I might pass someone on the interstate, but thats the most "abuse" this thing sees. That's what my other cars are for. This truck is to haul stuff around.
So...
*Like to see where this goes? Ok, cool. Raise your hand.
*Think I'm wasting your time (and mine) throw a tomato at me or whatever.
*Think this is going to end up with a huge oil spot on some road somewhere? Cool, I'll get video. So get popcorn.
*Haters hate. I drive VW's...I love the haters. Either way, this will happen. If it explodes. So? $200 bucks and I'll go yank another Sportage engine. Yawn.
Other than that;
I hope to FINALLY get a respray done on the body! Now that I've gotten the mechanical stuff sorted out, I can look into more cosmetic things and small additions, such as the mentioned turbo addition.
SilentDawn
+1y
Did the carrier bearing on the driveshaft today (got video of it too)
Holy crap! Amazing how quiet the truck sounds now! No constant roaring and growling!! Sounds...normal. Can't believe the sounds you just get used to.
Video:
Holy crap! Amazing how quiet the truck sounds now! No constant roaring and growling!! Sounds...normal. Can't believe the sounds you just get used to.
Video:
SilentDawn
+1y
What I did with my truck this weekend:
Video:
Vented some frustrations out on an old shelf (And the Mazda)
We later attacked the remains with sledge hammers and a Fireman's Axe. Then burnt the pile of rubble.
Damage to Mazda:
Pushed in hood, fender, bent hood hinge, bent tailgate and two bumpers with scuffs and warping. Nothing worse than what it already had. I need a demolition vehicle where I can just plow through stuff full throttle and not care. I've got a shed and some tree's I need demolished soon!
Video:
Vented some frustrations out on an old shelf (And the Mazda)
We later attacked the remains with sledge hammers and a Fireman's Axe. Then burnt the pile of rubble.
Damage to Mazda:
Pushed in hood, fender, bent hood hinge, bent tailgate and two bumpers with scuffs and warping. Nothing worse than what it already had. I need a demolition vehicle where I can just plow through stuff full throttle and not care. I've got a shed and some tree's I need demolished soon!