My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Topic: My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics) (Read 41253 times) previous topic - next topic

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #60 – February 24, 2011, 04:58:47 AM

You know, you only have about a week to put it back together! Of course, I've got a ton of to do to mine before the trip, so...We'll see.

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #61 – February 27, 2011, 10:56:04 PM

I wish it would be done that fast, but it will still be a couple of weeks till its done.

The car has a 5 speed in it now! Removing the C3 and installing the T5 went very smoothly. I pulled the turbo and exhaust manifold (T3 on an E3) and separated them and also separated the IHI I have from the E6. I couldn't believe the size difference inside the turbo . I installed the SVO compressor housing (so I can run the TC intercooler) and will be putting it on the E6 manifold. Here are a few pictures of the progress.

Manifold comparison

T3 with new compressor housing

Hydraulic clutch reservoir

Pedals and enlarged shifter hole

Removed auto stuff!

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #62 – February 28, 2011, 12:27:46 AM

Hahah! - At the difference in exhaust I.D. - That's terrible! Looks like you'll get a pretty good upgrade on that. I have a car sitting mostly in bare metal in my garage, and I have to find a primer/sealer to coat it with tomorrow. Yay me!

P.S. Serves you right for taking it all apart like that!

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #63 – February 28, 2011, 01:23:45 AM

Gimmeh that old Shifter!

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #64 – March 04, 2011, 05:32:46 PM

Intercooled!

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #65 – March 24, 2011, 10:18:40 PM

I got my Gillis boost controller in the mail today!

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #66 – April 06, 2011, 07:33:50 PM

No new pictures today, but I upgraded to a big VAM and an LA2 EEC. I was initially upgrading because I thought my old VAM had failed. It was running very rich and stumbling at idle. I checked the VAM voltage and it was too high. When I finally got to doing the swap, i found that the VAM door was just stuck halfway open, causing the rich condition. It was just dirty I guess, but I went ahead with the swap anyway since I had the parts from my parts car. The car is running good again!

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #67 – April 06, 2011, 07:38:29 PM

Great to hear it's doing well. What's next on the list? I'm hoping to get ANYTHING done tomorrow. The Sport is needing a little love. I did have the A?C put into functional status today. I suppose that's something, but since I didn't do it, it doesn't count.LOL.

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #68 – April 12, 2011, 08:15:14 PM

Being the fool that I am (proven many times,) I sold my truck yesterday and had to press the Cougar into daily service for a few days because my wife is at a different base for the month and can't take the bus there. I hadn't really road tested it since everything was done. By everything I mean 5 speed swap, rear end swap, big vam, intercooler, TC spindles and brakes, etc. Well I drove it to pick up my son from school and man, was I scared. The car was pulling in every direction, tires screeching, fighting me the whole way, brakes sucked, clutch stinking. You name it, it was going on. My son was SO happy when he came out and saw me in the Cougar, he skipped all the way out to it. That look of pure happiness was soon replaced by a look of pure terror as we started driving away. I'm pretty sure I heard a few Hail Marys as we drove the 3ish miles to the alignment shop. I'm very glad i have a smarty phone and could find a shop while I was sitting waiting for school to be out.

So at the alignment shop they have the car up on the lift and theres things hanging off the wheels and weird red strobes going on and who knows what other black magic is involved in alignments.

They give the car back to me about an hour later and I drove off. It was a totally different car. It is actually enjoyable to drive now. And I LOVE the power. Good for me for doing the 2.3T swap!

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #69 – April 13, 2011, 11:02:56 AM

I'm sure you got a huge feeling of accomplishment now that you can drive it. Congrats! I'm sure seeing your son so happy to be picked up in it was a proud moment as well.

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #70 – April 14, 2011, 01:40:13 PM

I tried to get a new video of me giving it some gas, but its not so easy now that I have a 5 speed, lol. Its py, but here it is.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Loaded87IROC/?action=view¤t=video-2011-04-14-07-55-32.mp4

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #71 – April 14, 2011, 08:26:27 PM

So, does first gear "Light 'Em Up"? :D

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #72 – April 14, 2011, 10:11:33 PM

Yeah, no problem getting the tires to spin in first, even tough I haven't tried. Since I am having title problems with the other car I can't break this one till the other car is tagged. I have been pretty gentle with it so far, but it has lots of power.

With it being my daily driver car for the time being, I figured I should change the headlights, even though I don't drive at night. I am pretty sure I saw a fish swimming in the left one the other day. No cracks, chips, or pits, so I don't know the water is in there and it won't come out.

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #73 – April 27, 2011, 07:29:39 PM

Here is a little bit better video of me getting on it some.

My 86 Cougar (2.3T swapped) thread (long and lots of pics)

Reply #74 – October 04, 2011, 09:41:00 PM

I got the parts gathered for my 3" exhaust. I hope to have it built this weekend.