Jess' FTO build / questions thread
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- dstocks
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Ill have the boot liners. Looks like you need the front strut brace as well. Version R is supposed to have one.
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Oh and should be able to get a decent radiator off ebay for not too much and do not buy the genuine timing belt as it is hideously expensive. Go for a Gates T987 (think thats right from memory). The same goes for gaskets I think. Are you sure all these things need doing and he isnt just trying to fleece you, because thats about everything. For example, head gasket will not need doing unless youve blown the existing one (milky oil or oil in radiator fluid). It has nothing to do with oil leaks.
And dont pay more than $100 for a 2nd hand starter motor.
And if you do have to buy genuine, buy direct from Japan and not from Mitsi Australia. Youll save 40% of the cost.
And dont pay more than $100 for a 2nd hand starter motor.
And if you do have to buy genuine, buy direct from Japan and not from Mitsi Australia. Youll save 40% of the cost.
Complete FTO (http://www.completefto.com.au/completefto.asp) 
If you are trying to contact me and not getting a quick answer, its because im disorganised. Hassle me and ill get back to you

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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Ordered front strut.. How much would you let the boot liners go for and where are you based?dstocks wrote:Ill have the boot liners. Looks like you need the front strut brace as well. Version R is supposed to have one.
Thanks for the tip once again sir!dstocks wrote:Oh and should be able to get a decent radiator off ebay for not too much and do not buy the genuine timing belt as it is hideously expensive. Go for a Gates T987 (think thats right from memory). The same goes for gaskets I think. Are you sure all these things need doing and he isnt just trying to fleece you, because thats about everything. For example, head gasket will not need doing unless youve blown the existing one (milky oil or oil in radiator fluid). It has nothing to do with oil leaks.
And dont pay more than $100 for a 2nd hand starter motor.
And if you do have to buy genuine, buy direct from Japan and not from Mitsi Australia. Youll save 40% of the cost.
- dstocks
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Hmmm, There are 3 of them plus the floor mat, but I think you have that. Say $40 + postage for those 3. The issue will be the one that fits across the back though as its not material and will not fold. And due to the way its made, it doesnt roll well either. Im south coast NSW and work in Canberra. Happy to take suggestions. I think Lawso (one of the other club members will be coming down before the bonfire). May be able to send it back with him.
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Do u happen to have rear wheel arch black plastic undercover? And clock & batt meter surround?dstocks wrote:Hmmm, There are 3 of them plus the floor mat, but I think you have that. Say $40 + postage for those 3. The issue will be the one that fits across the back though as its not material and will not fold. And due to the way its made, it doesnt roll well either. Im south coast NSW and work in Canberra. Happy to take suggestions. I think Lawso (one of the other club members will be coming down before the bonfire). May be able to send it back with him.
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
The rear wheel arch is metal. There is a plastic bit at the back if that is what you mean. Should have a couple. I do have a couple of rubber upper consoles, but one is grey and the other is not perfect. Ill have a bit of a scout around but not sure on this front.
Complete FTO (http://www.completefto.com.au/completefto.asp) 
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
yup the plastic bit in the rear wheel arch please..dstocks wrote:The rear wheel arch is metal. There is a plastic bit at the back if that is what you mean. Should have a couple. I do have a couple of rubber upper consoles, but one is grey and the other is not perfect. Ill have a bit of a scout around but not sure on this front.
dont worry if the rubber upper consoles aren't in good cond.
meeting up at bonfire could be an option or I can drive to Canberra

whatever it maybe, set the boot lining and rear arch plastic aside for me please!
Last edited by DODO`` on Wed Mar 16, 2016 10:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
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First start.
Before I say anything.. check this out.

starter motor has been replace and started the car for the first time..
No oil change, no petrol change..
Mechanic reckons the cylinders rings will need reconditioning & head re-machined. another $1500....
Fellow FTO riders.. any thoughts please?
To me it looks like white smoke which suggests condensed water build up in cylinder? ( I hope I hope)

starter motor has been replace and started the car for the first time..
No oil change, no petrol change..
Mechanic reckons the cylinders rings will need reconditioning & head re-machined. another $1500....

Fellow FTO riders.. any thoughts please?
To me it looks like white smoke which suggests condensed water build up in cylinder? ( I hope I hope)
Last edited by DODO`` on Wed Mar 16, 2016 1:29 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- dstocks
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
At the very least, id say 2nd opinion. If it is stuffed, cheaper to replace engine rather than rebuild.
Complete FTO (http://www.completefto.com.au/completefto.asp) 
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
It's in.
I'm biting the bullet.
4 grand all up.
-Cylinder head
-VRS kit
-timing kit
-spark plug
-fuel filter
-starter motor
-thermostat
-belts
-blue slip
Plus labour+
This better be worth it!!

I'm biting the bullet.
4 grand all up.
-Cylinder head
-VRS kit
-timing kit
-spark plug
-fuel filter
-starter motor
-thermostat
-belts
-blue slip
Plus labour+
This better be worth it!!



Last edited by DODO`` on Wed Mar 16, 2016 5:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Vectose
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Better off just getting a second hand engine. And definitely get a second opinion before doing anything.
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Chucked a sickie today. Went around got 2nd & (2 1/2) opinions.Vectose wrote:Better off just getting a second hand engine. And definitely get a second opinion before doing anything.
Whether its water or oil,, the head will need to come off. The smoke is blowing non stop..

Needs compression test too I think..
& Yup getting another engine is an option but how wld u know its a good one?
Or DIY.
Last edited by DODO`` on Wed Mar 16, 2016 8:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Bennoz
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
That's the gamble. If it was me, I'd take my busted donk out & fix it. Question is, do you trust your local mechanic / engine builder.
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Ki....nda.... ill let you know how all this goes in about a week or 2 time!Bennoz wrote:That's the gamble. If it was me, I'd take my busted donk out & fix it. Question is, do you trust your local mechanic / engine builder.
I'm gona need to work harder in a meanwhile if I want to be able to pay him

- bjk
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Forget keeping it stock, just 6A13 it now. 

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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Lolbjk wrote:Forget keeping it stock, just 6A13 it now.
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Do a comp test first it could be something stupid so lets make sure it is actually rings or valve seals. Does sound and look pretty fucked, though.
If it is then I would be getting a 2nd hand motor and just swapping that in.
If it is then I would be getting a 2nd hand motor and just swapping that in.
I fix cars.
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- dstocks
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Yep, id go 2nd hand motor as well. Have done that a number of times now and maybe im just lucky, but it has paid off every time.
Complete FTO (http://www.completefto.com.au/completefto.asp) 
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Jobs already begun.! 2nd hand motor sounds tempting but I really want to see this original engine live again..dstocks wrote:Yep, id go 2nd hand motor as well. Have done that a number of times now and maybe im just lucky, but it has paid off every time.
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Re: Jess' FTO build / questions thread
Nice. Fresh rebuild also brings the power back up around manufacturers spec too.DODO`` wrote:Jobs already begun.! 2nd hand motor sounds tempting but I really want to see this original engine live again..dstocks wrote:Yep, id go 2nd hand motor as well. Have done that a number of times now and maybe im just lucky, but it has paid off every time.