RyanB's Baja

[RyanB]

Well, with my frustration of not being able to go to the beach cruise,  I spent all weekend working on the Baja. I replaced the valve cover gasket which was leaking horribly.  Also re-wired the fan unit to use the heat sensor.  I got my Fuel Guage in and into a new instrument panel as well.  Also cut/trimmed the rear Baja Cowl so that it would fit.  Still have some more cutting to do there however as it still rubs the motor in some places. I'll post some pics up soon.

I took the Baja on a few test runs. The wastegate is LOUD. I really need to either build another custom one that it dumps into the exhaust or find a stock one to modify.

To Do List:

Figure out why I am popping fuses since installing the new VDO guage and sensor.
Fit my new Rear engine cage.
Fit left side instrument panel
Find another Turbo
Build new Turbo flange
Cover rear box with carpet

[coolblue57bug]

You left out sell the damn Frankenstein, and buy an air cooled car........JK had to do it though.

[TotallyVW]

To Do List:

Figure out why I am popping fuses since installing the new VDO guage and sensor.
Fit my new Rear engine cage.
Fit left side instrument panel
Find another Turbo
Build new Turbo flange
Cover rear box with carpet

So you are putting a second turbo on your Baja?!  Why you always gotta one-up me?   

[RyanB]

Yea,  thats right Mark. Suck it!   

When I am done, This thing will have a jet engine in the back ...   

[RyanB]

Did not get as much done as I would have liked this past weekend. Pretty much just got the heater hose run through the heater channels. TIGHT FIT!

Here are a couple pics of the car so far.

[jbjetta]

Looking nice Ryan. That cone definitely gives it character. 

[TotallyVW]

...not to mention the Super Trap!  You've got that water pumper tucked up in there nicely.  Very impressive my turbo brother.   

[j.reyven]

Quick question...rotation direction?
Did you have to do any mods or was it good already ?

I know you can reverse rotate an engine, boats do it all the time with dual engines. But yours?....

...okay...internet answered my question first :)
It's corvairs and h*ndas (prev car a h*nda) that rotate opposite...VW already took care of that "engine facing the wrong direction thing" .... Or is that facing the RIGHT direction ?

So just get a kennedy adapter?

[RyanB]

Thanks for the kudo's guys.  The problem with the cone is weather. I have to figure out a way to cover it for the winter rain.

As far as the Adapter. It was from the local guy. Hecker Machine. Really cool dude and I've got a few adapters from him so far. Once I get the rear cage worked out, I'll be welding motor mounts into the cage to help support the motor as well.

[RyanB]

Still poking away at the car. A few things here and there I've cleaned up.  I got my cooling system finished. Sadly, it appears the pump is not really up to the task of pushing water to the front of the car.  Not sure if they make a high output water pump for the motor or not. Also thinking of putting in a higher temp thermostat.

[Thanney]

Man that Baja looks wicked!

[RyanB]

I have setup the cooling system a bit better. Welded in supports. Routed things a bit better. A bit of electrical work and I have my new gauges in. Electrical Water/oil with white faces on the left and black face Volt/Fuel on the right. The white face Tach I purchased ended up not fitting. It was a 2 3/8" gauge and the hole is only 2 1/8". Sadly I cannot open the hole as size is at a premium. Meaning there just isn't any way I can open it further.

On the plus side, I drove it today in to work! Woohoo. Was a ton of fun. Tons and tons of power. I feel giddy.

[Kev]

Look at me, I'm green with envy!  My motor will be finished, someday...

[RyanB]

Well, car died on the way to work today. After sitting for 10-15 min it started up and got me to work the last 1 mile.  Not sure what whats up with it. long discussion with folks on ShopTalkForums about it.  Looks like I am probably going to replace all my fuel line and I am also going to put in a different fuel tank.

[RyanB]

Well, died n the way home and had to get my truck to drag it home. on the plus side, I know what the problem is now. Fuel pump died.