Well, I figured I would start my own poject thread to document my work on the Typhoon I recently purchased. The truck ran, but after doing a little datalogging and daily driving some issues were discovered. The main problems were a rough, unpredictable idle which I attributed to a Code 43 issue; high IC temps, and sloppy steering. Along with the big stuff, there as also alot of little stuff like oil leaks, power steering fluid leaks, transmission fluid leaks, and other various leaks. The interior is also a little beat up and the stereo system is hurting also. The engine and trans have already been modded so I don't plan any radical upgrades to either. Instead I am going to upgrade everything supporting them so I can actually maximize the potential that already exhists. With that said, here is my plan of attack.
1. Tuneup and tuning equipment for Code 43 issues. This is the problem that bugs me the most since the truck is undriveable as is. So far I am in the process of switching to NGK spark plugs, upgrading wires and finishing up other tune up items. I also picked up some goodies from Moates for tuning once everything is back together. I have been lucky to find everything I needed from board members at reasonable prices.
2. Stock intercooler. I decided to change out the whole w2a intercooler after pulling the system apart to remove the metal IC lines and finding years of sediment in both the lines and the lower heat exchanger. The lines has rusted and clogged which explained the high IC temps from datalogging. I was going to just clean everything out, but decided to go a2a for maintanence and long term reliability. Thanks to replied to the parts wanted section, I found a KB a2a from a board member which will replace the stock system. This also neccessitated an electric fan due to space issues. I am going with a Volvo fan, also from a board member. I plan on building the electrics to run the fan myself using 8 guage wire, 50amp relay, IC pump wire as a trigger (values will be changed when tuning), and 50 amp breaker. I may also slave some smaller IC fans behind a2a heat exchanger if I see my IC temps spiking again.
3. Steering: Once I started pulling the steering system apart, I discovered the previous owner (also a board member) had installed a jeep steering shaft so I won't have to replace that. I grabbed a ZQ8 steering box from another board member and plan on replacing those little plastic bearing things while I have everything apart. I also am planning on replacing all of the bushings in the steering system eventually, but I am not that worried about them as the front wheels don't have any play in them currently. I also got new pitman and idler arms as they look to be a pain in the butt to replace with everything together. Since I had some old calipers and rotors from my C5 laying around I picked up a Renz kit to change out the front calipers and rotors. I will get to the rears later once I can get a kit that retains the ebrake, which currently isn't hooked up since disc brakes where added to rear.
4. Interior Upgrades. When I pulled the truck apart to fix the rear speakers, I found quite a mess. There was probably 300 feet of random speaker wires and rca jacks running under the carpet on both the drivers and passengers side of the truck. While I can see what the guy who ran all of it originally was trying to do, technology has come a long way and I decided to rip most of it out and start over. I did hook up the rear speakers for the time being and added some 6 1/2 in the front doors to replace the stock ones that actually fell apart as I was taking them out. The head unit had been replaced with the Walmart special, which will also be getting replaced with a double din unit once I figure out how to make it fit. I will also be replacing carpet, running new wires for amps, subs and speakers in stock locations. There is also some rusting under the carpet that will have to be addressed. Sound deadening will be going in at the same time. I am not aiming for competition system, but since I will probably enter the truck in some local shows, I am planning a custom, clean system.
That is pretty much all I have planned for now. I am trying to combine projects as much as possible, but I am working with a limited budget and want to get this thing back on the road by the end of March. This is, without a doubt, the most indepth project I have undertaken. I have a limited mechanical and technical background and will likely be asking alot of questions, especially when it comes to tuning. I am tackling this project all by myself and due to my stubborn insistence on independance, don't plan on outside professional help except with powdercoating and stuff like that. I will get some pics up soon to keep a photo journal of progress. Please chime in if you see things that are jacked up or see me really messing something up.
Thanks
Chris
1. Tuneup and tuning equipment for Code 43 issues. This is the problem that bugs me the most since the truck is undriveable as is. So far I am in the process of switching to NGK spark plugs, upgrading wires and finishing up other tune up items. I also picked up some goodies from Moates for tuning once everything is back together. I have been lucky to find everything I needed from board members at reasonable prices.
2. Stock intercooler. I decided to change out the whole w2a intercooler after pulling the system apart to remove the metal IC lines and finding years of sediment in both the lines and the lower heat exchanger. The lines has rusted and clogged which explained the high IC temps from datalogging. I was going to just clean everything out, but decided to go a2a for maintanence and long term reliability. Thanks to replied to the parts wanted section, I found a KB a2a from a board member which will replace the stock system. This also neccessitated an electric fan due to space issues. I am going with a Volvo fan, also from a board member. I plan on building the electrics to run the fan myself using 8 guage wire, 50amp relay, IC pump wire as a trigger (values will be changed when tuning), and 50 amp breaker. I may also slave some smaller IC fans behind a2a heat exchanger if I see my IC temps spiking again.
3. Steering: Once I started pulling the steering system apart, I discovered the previous owner (also a board member) had installed a jeep steering shaft so I won't have to replace that. I grabbed a ZQ8 steering box from another board member and plan on replacing those little plastic bearing things while I have everything apart. I also am planning on replacing all of the bushings in the steering system eventually, but I am not that worried about them as the front wheels don't have any play in them currently. I also got new pitman and idler arms as they look to be a pain in the butt to replace with everything together. Since I had some old calipers and rotors from my C5 laying around I picked up a Renz kit to change out the front calipers and rotors. I will get to the rears later once I can get a kit that retains the ebrake, which currently isn't hooked up since disc brakes where added to rear.
4. Interior Upgrades. When I pulled the truck apart to fix the rear speakers, I found quite a mess. There was probably 300 feet of random speaker wires and rca jacks running under the carpet on both the drivers and passengers side of the truck. While I can see what the guy who ran all of it originally was trying to do, technology has come a long way and I decided to rip most of it out and start over. I did hook up the rear speakers for the time being and added some 6 1/2 in the front doors to replace the stock ones that actually fell apart as I was taking them out. The head unit had been replaced with the Walmart special, which will also be getting replaced with a double din unit once I figure out how to make it fit. I will also be replacing carpet, running new wires for amps, subs and speakers in stock locations. There is also some rusting under the carpet that will have to be addressed. Sound deadening will be going in at the same time. I am not aiming for competition system, but since I will probably enter the truck in some local shows, I am planning a custom, clean system.
That is pretty much all I have planned for now. I am trying to combine projects as much as possible, but I am working with a limited budget and want to get this thing back on the road by the end of March. This is, without a doubt, the most indepth project I have undertaken. I have a limited mechanical and technical background and will likely be asking alot of questions, especially when it comes to tuning. I am tackling this project all by myself and due to my stubborn insistence on independance, don't plan on outside professional help except with powdercoating and stuff like that. I will get some pics up soon to keep a photo journal of progress. Please chime in if you see things that are jacked up or see me really messing something up.
Thanks
Chris
good luck :tup: