Since I love bad cars... [Archive] - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

ThoR294

03-27-2018, 02:26 PM

The focus was running like butthole (stalls at idle, lack of power). I did plugs/wires/coil which didn't help. So, I did a compression test...

from cyl 1 to cyl 4 ... (PSI) 130, 40, 60, 130.

added some earl: 150, 90, 120, 155.

said fudge it, found an engine and met the guy at cabelas. fun saturday trip.
https://i.imgur.com/rikNeYTl.jpg

Friend has a lift, so we pulled it out
https://i.imgur.com/1Uch0zQl.jpg

assembling da "new" one:
https://i.imgur.com/cC2Vy6wl.jpg

yey!!!
https://i.imgur.com/PtRXTQTl.jpg

I pulled head off of old engine. Can see the discoloration on 2 middle cylinders.

https://i.imgur.com/DlDVY18l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SX8enXJl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/08TnIArl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vuvOA4Gl.jpg

Enjoy brahs

Blackbirdws6

03-27-2018, 03:42 PM

That looks like a whole lot of fun. How does it run now?

ThoR294

03-27-2018, 03:45 PM

That looks like a whole lot of fun. How does it run now?

It was fun for sure. It was worth the $ in the learning experience.

Infinitely better. Actually gets out of its own way and doesn't stall at idle. I am also getting 26mpg vs 22 lol.

unstable bob gable

03-27-2018, 06:24 PM

Industrious!

LTb1ow

03-27-2018, 07:12 PM

y doe

wretched73

03-28-2018, 07:59 AM

y doe

:stupid: Seriously why???

ThoR294

03-28-2018, 09:04 AM

:stupid: Seriously why???

only cost $200.

cheaper than finding another car and having to fix tires, brakes, suspension, etc. ;)

LS1ow

03-28-2018, 09:05 AM

that doesnt look like a focus SVT motor.

unstable bob gable

03-28-2018, 09:14 AM

:stupid: Seriously why???

Beats a car payment..

sweetbmxrider

03-28-2018, 09:16 AM

that doesnt look like a focus SVT motor.

His threads are always full of disappoint :facepalm:

ThoR294

03-28-2018, 09:31 AM

His threads are always full of disappoint :facepalm:

if i swapped in an SVT motor then you'd really ask why.

Not an easy swap

LS1ow

03-28-2018, 09:31 AM

unstable bob gable

03-28-2018, 09:33 AM

ThoR294

03-28-2018, 09:37 AM

Fun Fact: My buddy from Jackson blew the motor in his focus sedan and ended up swapping in a full driveline and interior from a SVT hatch. So he had a SVT Focus Sedan, which they never actually produced.

That's a cool swap.

Lots of guys do the ST swap in the new generation sedans since they only make them in hatches.

This turd is an auto, so I'd have to swap like everything. just engine swap way easier. I'd just buy an SVT if I wanted the SVT drivetrain

wretched73

03-28-2018, 11:19 AM

You could have bought another focus off craigslist for under a grand though!

ThoR294

03-28-2018, 12:23 PM

You could have bought another focus off craigslist for under a grand though!

Tried, nothing worthwhile.

Paul Huryk

03-29-2018, 10:57 AM

Good to see you put all your focus on your focus...

LS1ow

03-29-2018, 11:43 AM

Good to see you put all your focus on your focus...

:bertstare:

ThoR294

04-16-2018, 12:14 PM

uh oh...

https://i.imgur.com/8GNyIUyl.jpg

Race car!

I might have to keep up with bob (found this on a focus sale group)

https://i.imgur.com/BrBxK5xl.jpg

wretched73

04-16-2018, 12:56 PM

What're you even referring too?

And FYI- You can't make chicken salad with chicken ****

ThoR294

04-16-2018, 01:06 PM

What're you even referring too?

And FYI- You can't make chicken salad with chicken ****

bob got a supercharged buick.... sooooooo

and duh. its just fun to try :rofl:

unstable bob gable

04-16-2018, 01:52 PM

bob got a supercharged buick.... sooooooo

and duh. its just fun to try :rofl:

Let the haters hate. I for one am all for resurrection of a cheap ride. And if ya can make it faster so much the better!

ThoR294

04-16-2018, 01:54 PM

Let the haters hate. I for one am all for resurrection of a cheap ride. And if ya can make it faster so much the better!

my thought process is, if I can sell the parts again for the same/more, then its worth it.

Now If I bought like a brand new turbo kit from FSWerks... yeah lol

ThoR294

10-28-2018, 10:25 PM

hehe.

shocks were blown - bought a set of eibach shocks/springs off of eBay with a 15% coupon!

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

Also found some sweet wheels since I needed tires...

townsend

10-29-2018, 01:02 PM

unstable bob gable

10-29-2018, 01:41 PM

Wish my buddy could find something like this. He had to retire his classic 96 Escort wagon due to transmission problems and it's been dead end search after dead end search finding him a new ride. Been looking at Gran'pa Buicks and Mercurys now.

ThoR294

10-29-2018, 02:51 PM

i had a 2001 zx3, silver, just like yours. beat the ever living sh** out of it. ended up hydrolocking the motor with a ghetto cai that sucked up water by the fog light. god i loved that car though. go cart handling

The stock suspension on this car sucked. I think it was a junk aftermarket oe replacement. This eibach kit really makes it ride like a hatchback. Got rid of the 4x4 gap and these tires filled it in even more. It's a lot more enjoyable to drive.

Wish my buddy could find something like this. He had to retire his classic 96 Escort wagon due to transmission problems and it's been dead end search after dead end search finding him a new ride. Been looking at Gran'pa Buicks and Mercurys now.

Have him look for a svt zx5. They pop up every once in a while

unstable bob gable

10-29-2018, 03:19 PM

The stock suspension on this car sucked. I think it was a junk aftermarket oe replacement. This eibach kit really makes it ride like a hatchback. Got rid of the 4x4 gap and these tires filled it in even more. It's a lot more enjoyable to drive.

Have him look for a svt zx5. They pop up every once in a while

If it's a stick he can't drive it. He needs an ol' man car.

ThoR294

10-29-2018, 06:03 PM

If it's a stick he can't drive it. He needs an ol' man car.

Haha no svt then. Zx5s are around though in automatic. They are cool!

wretched73

10-29-2018, 07:38 PM

Why do you need another junker?

ThoR294

10-29-2018, 08:31 PM

Why do you need another junker?

Me or Bob? Lolol

This is holding me over until I actually buy a "new" car

ThoR294

02-25-2019, 02:19 PM

found a $500 gem

https://i.imgur.com/yGHizG9l.png

2005 Outback. Fully loaded, leather, heated seats, momo wheel, moonroof. Has a 6 cylinder with 5 speed automatic. every bell and whistle of that model lol.

Cleaned out garage to make room for this guy.
https://i.imgur.com/4R9Ih6Ml.png

This is why it was $500 lolol
https://i.imgur.com/selLNYrl.png

IDK how the F they did that. going to try to extract it, but the porcelain makes me nervous. Either way, it should be fine. engine makes no noise minus the misfire so that's good.

wretched73

02-25-2019, 06:38 PM

You can't make chicken salad out of chicken ****

LS1ow

02-25-2019, 06:55 PM

subaru never made a 2 door 8ft bed pick up, but you should.

creeper

02-25-2019, 11:09 PM

I've had good luck with the broken plug extractor tool for the Ford Triton motors, that would be a steal if you could repair it that easily

sweetbmxrider

02-26-2019, 05:56 AM

subaru never made a 2 door 8ft bed pick up, but you should.

Only if its got 37s tucked underneath :nod:

ThoR294

02-26-2019, 06:10 AM

You can't make chicken salad out of chicken ****

yayayaya

subaru never made a 2 door 8ft bed pick up, but you should.
Only if its got 37s tucked underneath :nod:

don't tempt me. I saw this already and my friend has a 2nd gen outback (like my white wagon) that is a perfect candidate....
https://i.imgur.com/eTvusLal.png

:lol::lol::lol:

I've had good luck with the broken plug extractor tool for the Ford Triton motors, that would be a steal if you could repair it that easily

I was actually thinking about that. and yeah it would be. Tires are brand new and some things I could easily sell to make my $500 back if I want to bail.

People are saying to use Square Cut Easy Outs. Maybe I can try that instead of the tool.

unstable bob gable

02-27-2019, 01:02 PM

My buddy is looking for something like that for his kid.

ThoR294

03-01-2019, 06:11 AM

My buddy is looking for something like that for his kid.

I'll let you know when I fix it all up :mrgreen:

The plug was IN THERE. I drilled the porcelain out (forced air into cylinder via brake booster line on intake to keep **** out of engine) and nothing got inside of the engine thankfully. EZ out wouldn't budge the plug, so I ended up drilling out the plug with a 31/64 drill bit. Threads still there. Unfortunately, the ground strap for the plug was stuck on the end with some of the threads left, so I tried using a pick to get it out and it fell into the cylinder :bertstare: currently trying to fish it out

unstable bob gable

03-02-2019, 01:45 PM

It's always something

ThoR294

03-02-2019, 03:42 PM

Yup once I get it out and get the plug installed I'm buying lottery tickets lol

unstable bob gable

03-03-2019, 12:40 PM

Yup once I get it out and get the plug installed I'm buying lottery tickets lol

I hear ya brother.

ThoR294

04-10-2019, 10:24 AM

https://i.imgur.com/8CS7nahl.png

drilled out the plug, some threads fell into the cylinder. Tried fishing it out but couldn't get it. ended up crushing it with the piston by turning crank via a wrench lol.

car runs now. issue with a coil pack that has a broken tab, so replacing that. $500 car ftw!

ThoR294

04-11-2019, 05:08 PM

https://i.imgur.com/vRo0vOTl.png

purrs like a kitten!

LS1ow

04-12-2019, 02:22 PM

subscribed for roof removal

ThoR294

05-14-2019, 01:14 PM

subscribed for roof removal

sorry to disappoint. sold it for $3k last week :bertstare: did pretty good on that one.

my next $500 find, needs a clutch lol

https://i.imgur.com/pq14Ojbl.png

01 corolla 5 speed. 200k miles. I should have paid less, but manual corollas are like impossible to find that are under 3k

sweetbmxrider

05-16-2019, 03:56 PM

Stop posting

ThoR294

05-16-2019, 03:59 PM

Love you

unstable bob gable

05-16-2019, 04:11 PM

Do a Honda. With Vtec, blower, turbo, supercharger, NOS
and Underglow. Plus lots of stickers!

ThoR294

05-17-2019, 07:53 AM

Do a Honda. With Vtec, blower, turbo, supercharger, NOS
and Underglow. Plus lots of stickers!

never. i had a 97 EX with a B18C swap and it was fun to drive but I hate the Honda scene so had to bail fast lol

BonzoHansen

05-17-2019, 08:33 AM

LS swap a prelude

ThoR294

05-17-2019, 08:38 AM

LS swap a prelude

https://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/30/a-4th-gen-prelude-converted-to-rwd/

perfect

ThoR294

12-06-2021, 07:38 PM

Lover of bad cars update ....

Got this at a very cheap price :bertstare: hahahahaha

The_Bishop

12-06-2021, 07:59 PM

So, how cheap is cheap? Trying to find a first car for my daughter, not having much luck looking around these parts.

ThoR294

12-06-2021, 08:30 PM

So, how cheap is cheap? Trying to find a first car for my daughter, not having much luck looking around these parts.

1800. given the current market, pretty cheap since it actually runs and drives just has a rusted fuel line (common issue), needs tires/brakes.

It is tough, depending on what youre looking for.

Also, focus still running strong. had to get a thicccc gasket for the header/cat pipe since it kept leaking. passed inspection with flying colors, friend is borrowing it since his pilot snapped a tbelt oops

wretched73

12-07-2021, 02:17 PM

Bruh, why? Do you not have enough on your plate?

ThoR294

12-07-2021, 02:47 PM

Bruh, why? Do you not have enough on your plate?

define enough on the plate. :lol: i have time and space for small stuff like cleaning, brakes, wheels, etc. not time or back strength for trans/rear/etc :mrgreen:

12-07-2021, 06:27 PM

do the gm stage 2 tune

ThoR294

12-07-2021, 07:12 PM

do the gm stage 2 tune

once I get the car settled in, ZZP intake and tune for sure

wretched73

12-08-2021, 09:58 AM

I mean, you got a 4th gen that is slowly going to bleed you dry, then you pick up this absolutely horrendous excuse for a vehicle.

ThoR294

12-08-2021, 10:30 AM

I mean, you got a 4th gen that is slowly going to bleed you dry, then you pick up this absolutely horrendous excuse for a vehicle.

I know that, which is why i have a cheap ****box and not an expensive commuter lol. The Homo Hot Rod Super Sucker is perfect :rofl:

Blackbirdws6

12-08-2021, 01:25 PM

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/familyguy/images/3/34/Jamesbottomtooth3.png

ThoR294

12-08-2021, 01:57 PM

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/familyguy/images/3/34/Jamesbottomtooth3.png

its funny how big the hood looks but i feel like theres less room than the cobalt

wretched73

12-08-2021, 06:42 PM

Did you sell the Buick? I thought you DD'd a newer Buick and the SUV was for your other half

ThoR294

12-08-2021, 09:13 PM

Did you sell the Buick? I thought you DD'd a newer Buick and the SUV was for your other half

Yeah. I liked it but wasn't super crazy about it. We needed deck money so that was first on chopping block unfortunately.

ThoR294

12-15-2021, 10:14 AM

Had a mechanic assistant visit me today. Replaced cooling fan. Easy job. Now it's clean

JL8Jeff

12-16-2021, 09:09 AM

ThoR294

12-16-2021, 09:40 AM

I remember looking for an HHR SS back around 2009-10 time frame when there were all those incentives from the gov't to keep the car companies alive. I never could find an automatic that was close enough and ended up using the money for a new furnace/AC for the house. I thought an HHR SS panel truck would have been pretty cool but they were really hard to find.

I was stupid and bought a 09 G5 new. I wish I got an HHR or cobalt SS instead back then lol probably would still have said car now.

The automatic is pretty lame compared to the 5 speed cobalt I had. the gears are so long, maybe itll get better with the tune but just not a fan at the moment.

sweetbmxrider

12-17-2021, 09:49 AM

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/609846850069010/

ThoR294

12-17-2021, 01:24 PM

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/609846850069010/

Yeah I saw that after I got mine. That one needs a motor

BonzoHansen

12-17-2021, 02:46 PM

Yeah I saw that after I got mine. That one needs a motor

LS swap it....:kneeslap:

ThoR294

03-20-2022, 09:58 PM

Drives nice now

ThoR294

05-17-2022, 08:26 PM

just an update, fixed it all up. Neighbor down the road from me bought it. He has a TBSS and an STS-V. He was looking for a niche performance GM product for his daughter's first car.... perfect :)

I am looking for a 2ZZ powered toyota product... (Matrix XRS, Corolla XRS, Pontiac Vibe GT) as my next flip

ThoR294

10-04-2022, 07:24 PM

Next POS to the lineup. 09 G5 5speed with 108k miles on it. Got it cheap but it needs a lot of work. does get mid 30s on the highway though!

10-07-2022, 07:40 PM

Not bad. If you come across any other cheap cars that you don't decide to pick up, let me know, my job is looking for some commuter cars for some of the employees.

ThoR294

10-07-2022, 09:28 PM

Not bad. If you come across any other cheap cars that you don't decide to pick up, let me know, my job is looking for some commuter cars for some of the employees.

will do. i was searching FB for corolla, cobalt, g5, focus and this one was the only one that was under 2500 lol everything else was expensive and molested or way too beat up

ThoR294

10-25-2022, 05:36 PM

Couldn't pass up the deal on the seats :facepalm::lol:

ThoR294

03-05-2024, 07:52 PM

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczP6QH2MWk5YkXFPXPKVBVDBvz5UbLe0M2XfhJc_fld3o5 vjd-t4w7dCMYXG8pvu6ugi34XNqJDI5IGVcayhupWXFAFieb0lE-_7-fhrl5TAHJze27NMlf7TZRdohFeIfJrPnRfkK7jgbLJy9qJ3eYq _=w1444-h1087-s-no-gm?authuser=0

I LOVE BAD CARS

sweetbmxrider

03-07-2024, 05:41 AM

A celica isn’t even a bad car….its ****ing terrible

wretched73

03-07-2024, 07:05 AM

A celica isn’t even a bad car….its ****ing terrible

Are we sure this is a celica and not a matrix?

Either way its a travesty