Alignment and Corner Weighting

Today, I took the 240 over to Auto Assets for alignment and corner weighting.  I had previous experience with the shop, as the Audi Avant is a regular visitor - so I knew they were legit.  Although, they were a little hesitant to work on a Japanese car.

First up, corner weighting.  This process was done with me in the driver's seat, for optimum setup.  I was quite pleased with the results:

LF: 673lb (26.5%)
RF: 657lb (25.8%)
LR: 610lb (24.0%)
RR: 602lb (23.7%)
F: 1330lb (52.3%)
R: 1212lb (47.7%)
Total: 2544lb (wet, with 170lb driver)

Second, alignment.  Dennis helped out with setting the specifications, pretty much as much negative camber as possible....just kidding.

Driving back to Dublin, the overall feel was MUCH improved.  The vehicle was stable and confident as higher speeds.  Unfortunately, we identified a front brake clearance issue (rotor to caliper) and a leaky master cylinder - both of which need to be fixed before drivable again.

Interior Mostly Installed

Dennis and I put almost all of the interior back together today.  Dash, center console, door panels (which I purchased from a guy in a "I Turbo Boost" shirt last weekend) are all back in place.  Now, I just need the harness bar and harnesses (which are on the way).  I also still need to mount the master switch and fan switches on the carbon radio delete panel.  Still, good progress for today.

First Drive

I worked feverishly this weekend to finish up the remaining harness items and vacuum routing.  Since I didn't have the oil pressure switch, ACG, or vehicle speed sensors connected to the meter last weekend, I wasn't 100% sure that the engine wasn't about to grenade.  Now that I had those connected, my confidence was high.  Maybe, too high.

So, I decided it was now or never.  I needed fuel...running off of 3-year-old vapors wasn't going to last long.  I started the engine, backed out of the garage, and drove to the fuel station.

Some said that it would never happen, but it did.  I finally drove the 240 under its own power.  The engine seems to be running fine, however, the suspension needs some work (alignment and corner weighting) and the transmission seems to be a little hard to shift (maybe just from sitting so long).  Anyways, there's always more to be done, but today a major milestone was reached.

First Start? Holy shit!

Almost 3 years after I last drove the 240.....it's finally running again.  And, it started on the first try!  Wilson gave me a hand on both Saturday and Sunday to get the rest of the electrical system all connected.  Finally, it took a jump start from the Audi to turn the starter and fire up.

The idle was rough (due to some vacuum lines that need sorted out and 3-year-old fuel in the tank).  But, once I gave it some throttle, it jumped up to 2000 RPM and was running nice and smooth. 

A celebration toast was in order...

Exhaust, Harness, Fluids

Made some decent progress this weekend.  First, I installed the Tomei turbo elbow that I picked up on Zilvia with a fresh O2 Sensor.  Then, I bolted the rest of the exhaust back together.  Today, I reinstalled the Lower Engine Wire Harness.  I also tied up a couple of loose ends on the coolant system, and filled the coolant and engine oil.

Now I can stop having those dreams about driving the 240, which turn into a nightmare when I remember that I forgot to fill the fluids...

S14 SR20 Engine into 1995 S14 Frame Wire Guide

If you're looking to wire up your own SR20 swap, let me give you some assistance.  As you know, you'll need to do some re-pinning to the connector between the 240SX Frame Harness and the SR20 Engine Harness.  I made a spreadsheet showing the colors/functions of the both sides of the harness.  In the middle, I show how I modified the Engine Harness to be compatible.

Note: I have not circuit checked the function of this harness yet, so I can't assure you that it will work (although, I know the FSM in and out now, so I'm hoping it's dead on).  Also, use at your own risk.  I won't be held accountable for any damage that occurs from this information.  Finally, keep in mind that this is for a 1995 OBD-I 240sx.  I believe there are some differences with 1996 and later OBD-II vehicles.

Anyways, it's a place to start.  Feel free to leave comments/questions below.

1995 Nissan 240SX / S14 SR20DET Electrical System

Wire Harness Install

After months of cleaning up the wire harness, relocating the Fuse Box from the engine bay to the cabin, and deleting unnecessary circuits, I've finally got the harness back into place.  However, I've still got some work do to before a function check will be possible.  I still need to get the Lower Engine Harness back on, and extend some circuits from the Fuse Box out to the engine (see picture 1).

Fuse Box in new location (need to make an actual mount for it).

 It's been a while since the Meter has been in...