Back in Black

I'm 35. In my case, the Riv is the daily driver, so WANT becomes NEED! The Olds gets about 8/15 MPG, and it drinks premium, too. MUST. GET. RIV. RUNNING. SOON.

Nice job, Andrew. You seem very thorough in all your work.

wow! now that's an work ethic!
and what do you mean by Dex Kill ??
I thought that was what we're supposed to use...

Z-type wrote:

Robo, I'm not convinced I HAVE the energy. I am only 25 or so, but as busy as I am with work, I'm not sure how I do it sometimes lol. Fact is, it needs done so I'm gonna do it!

I sure would like to have you around my house for a couple of weeks. Do you do windows?

Quote :

and what do you mean by Dex Kill ??

You can read more about it here: https://rivperformance.editboard.com/t1364-faq-dexcool-coolant-antifreeze-types

The basic theory is that DexCool is bad because it eats the LIM gaskets, leaks into the oil, makes sludge, and can damage bearings and stuff in extreme cases. In reality, this doesn't always happen, especially if you know what symptoms to look for. The real problem is the plastic LIM gaskets, for which an upgraded metal version is available - problem solved.

I ran DexCool for 246k miles and from an oil analysis in 2008 I knew my LIM gasket was leaking a little bit. That was 100k miles ago. According to the engine builder, there was no evidence of any damage or contamination from DexCool in my engine. He showed me results of what DexCool can do to neglected engines - pretty nasty - but he did not blame the coolant, he blamed the OWNERS! I asked him what he runs: "DexCool in all 4 cars." was the reply.

So you can probably guess what's going back in my newly built engine. Orange stuff for another 200k+ miles.

Z-type wrote:

Pulled the LIM off, broke the plastic coolant elbow in the process, and found this underneath. I've never seen a set this bad in person!

Oh those aren't bad at all. I've seen the coolant ports completely collapsed and worse!

Don't get me wrong, they are bad, but there are much worse out there

Aaron is right on the money with DEX-Cool. That's exactly what I've seen on dozens of cases on the Bonneville forum and elsewhere. In my SSEi, I replaced the LIM gaskets with the AC Delco aluminum design, and switched to green coolant. I know I can use DEX with the new aluminum gaskets I'm putting this Riv, but I'm going to flush the DEX out anyway and use green.

Derek - I've seen pictures of collapsed ones too! They can get REAL bad if you let them go long enough. But my set here is definitely the worst I've seen in person, and I've pulled apart maybe 7 of these engines at this point. Nasty NASTY stuff.

Update later - have to finish detailing that Tahoe right now!

@ Andrew Z: You can get those rust stains out of the carpet with a powder called "Iron Out" - follow the label directions and work in a ventilated area (annoying fumes). Do you have any Iron-Out?

Never heard of it, actually. Sounds like just what I need! There are a few still visible in the back seat that I'd like to be rid of. Any suggestions on where to find it Albert?

Ok, like I promised, an update.

Did lots of porting, grinding, and cleaning today.

Here is the LIM drying off after a bath after I ported it. Well, not so much porting as it was de-burring and smoothing.


Aaaaah nice clean outlets. Love it.


Nice clean and shiny supercharger. Far cry from what it used to be.


The throttle body got the same treatment, inside and out. I also cleaned the MAF and IAC sensors - they needed it bad.


The alternator got some work as well. I had a regular brush attachment for my Dremel and here's a before:


And after:


Did a couple small things next. I removed that stupid rear engine hoist bracket, and the rear plug wires. I also removed the front engine hoist and painted various brackets and whatnot at this time.


Pulled the valve covers off while I had room to work. (LIM sitting on towels, for anyone who's wondering)


The valve covers were so oily they were black with crud, so they got soaked in GUNK and powerwashed. I applied new bolt grommets and gaskets.


And installed - makes the engine bay look that much better.



Some things I didn't get pictures of because my camera batteries died:

-de-burred the outlet of the supercharger (yes, I pulled the rotors out and protected the bearings)
-Painted the alternator, MAP sensor, and throttle brackets
-Painted the PCV valve cover and front vacuum port tree

I'm waiting for a new coolant Tee to come in from Intense, along with new supercharger oil and an IAT sensor. Once that Tee arrives I can put the engine back together, basically. I still have some cleaning to do as well. Work hopefully commences Sunday!

In the meantime, here's a picture of the side of my center console cupholder door.


The basic problem I observed was the door kept popping out of it's tracks. Nothing looked broken so I was a little confused. The fix I decided to apply was simply bending the bracket the lid was attached too. Worked like a charm! Stays in it's tracks now and opens and closes like it should. Problem now is that the spring is a bit rusty and doesn't have as much 'spring' to it. I'm going to try and find a replacement. At least now I can put my console back together!

You will find Iron Out at big box general stores (WalMart), hardware stores, etc. So you know what you're looking for here is a LINK to the Summit Brands web site describing the product.

Wow! looks great!

Got a nearly perfect spring from the hardware store this morning. The cupholder door works perfectly now, albeit a bit dirty still. Just have to finish removing the wood that's chipping off and do something fun with the aluminum underneath. Then maybe I can finally put the rest of the interior back together!

Ok, another update. Got the engine back together. I haven't fired it up yet because I need to put the new belts on still, but I ran out of time tonight.

Got home from work around 5:45, watered the cannas plants that are scattered around the deck in pots, then got to work on the Riv around 6:45. Started out installing a new drilled 180 thermostat, seal, and housing gasket.


I needed to clean off the tensioner and surrounding areas and I'm glad I poked around there, because I found this:


This is the end of the old plastic coolant elbow that was still stuck in the tensioner assembly. Glad I found that or it would have caused me a good bit of grief.

Cleaned off the heads, and stuck on new shiny aluminum LIM gaskets.


LIM bolted down.


Dad came over to see what I was up to and while he was here, I had him help me get the blower on. I also changed the supercharger oil and spark plugs while I had room to work.




Once everything was back together, I decided to start to test fit the Intense FWI that I had on my SSEi. The tubing fits in the stock airbox hole in the Riv's fender area, so that makes things easy. Also, since this silicone coupler is used with the Intense intake, I decided to go ahead and get the IAT sensor that fits in it and use it for the Riv's setup. Fit's perfectly, and the wiring for the IAT is not strained or stretched at all.


This is all for now. Looks pretty darn good considering what it was!



To-do list for now:

-Install belts
-Install FWI
-Change the oil
-Flush the coolant
-Change trans fluid
-Take it to my friend Bob to have the brake lines replaced
-Finish center console
-Replace rear shocks
-Burn rubber

Wow what a worker! I gotta let you know your doing a great job!

Thank Glenn

Well everyone, I sold the SSEi today so it's officially lockdown time for the Riv. Luckily, my to do list got a bit shorter today.

I finished:
-Center console
-Installed the belts (PITA, relatively speaking)
-Changed the oil
-Installed the FWI

Tomorrow I'm going to flush the coolant and set up a time to get the brake line fixed. I'm ordering rear shocks after I finish this.

The car runs great, but I only ran it for like 10 seconds because it has little to no coolant in it. I only hope the coolant elbow at the LIM isn't crap and all the gaskets are leak free!

Oh by the way that rear engine bracket serves as a convenient (-) battery terminal in the unlikely event you have to jumpstart your riv, or give another vehicle a boost. It is easy to reach but not far from the (+) power point.

That's a good point. Though, like you said, I hope not to need it. I did leave the other hoist bracket to the left of it on though. That should work, eh?

Some shots from today:

Everything all re-constructed, now with something a little different - a modified Intense intake.


Engine bay not detailed yet - disregard any leftover dirt lol.




Closer view of the Intense intake. The filter JUST fits in there, and I didn't have to move my horn, unlike on my '95.


Console all back together and the interior generally looking shiny and new. Some minor things need addressed inside still, but nothing any normal person would notice (read: anyone but me)

PERFECT-perfecto.

That's really looking nice Andrew...amazing what a little elbow grease, perseverance and skill will do.

As Jim Rohn says, "An enterprising person is one who comes across a pile of scrap metal and sees the making of a wonderful sculpture. An enterprising person is one who drives through an old decrepit part of town and sees a new housing development. An enterprising person is one who sees opportunity in all areas of life.

To be enterprising is to keep your eyes open and your mind active. It's to be skilled enough, confident enough, creative enough and disciplined enough to seize opportunities that present themselves".

You are going to go far in life young man.

THUMBS UP

Yes, looks great for such a short time!

Wow, thanks for the kind words Dave! They mean a lot and definitely makes me feel even more motivated .

Thanks Sean! Like I said a few posts up, I HAVE to get the car finished soon since my SSEi is gone. I have a Regal GS to get me around on rainy days when I can't drive the T-type, but now, time is a factor. The Regal has to get an inspection soon and the front left hub needs replaced.

Today, however, the coolant in the Riv did get flushed and transferred to the green stuff. Also, whilst the coolant was being flushed/drained/whathaveyou, the engine ran for a full 15 minutes or so without ANY issues whatsoever! I'm SO relieved that nothing is wrong with it so far. No oil or coolant leaks, no vacuum leaks to speak of (replaced a lot of dried up connections), and it ran at normal temperatures. Quiet engine too, especially compared to my Series I monster in the T-type.

However, I noticed a little surprise when the engine was running. I don't know if it was the previous owner Mike or who it was, but someone replaced the resonator with a REEALLY nice and big glasspack or something. The exhaust sounds awesome. Quiet, but burbly. Love it. Also, when I felt it was ok to do so, I revved the engine a few times and the supercharger sounds fantastic. Little bit louder than my SSEi, also love it.

I CANNOT WAIT to drive this thing.


EDIT: I also forgot to mention that I changed out the hood pad/insulator thingy for my nicer one off my '95, and i swapped the tail light assembly. Something didn't quite fit right at first, then something just gave way, and the whole thing fell into place lol. Whatevs...at least it's not cracked anymore and two bad lights were replaced.

good work.

Looks good...that engine looks great!

Step two...interior..The Riviera is the only car I know which begs for a dash kit. Woodgrain, carbon fiber, metal...etc...

Easy to do and makes 100% difference. Only, make sure it's what you want...there's no going back!

Wow the interior and engine bay are really starting to look great! I'm willing to bet that a high grit wet sand followed by a compounding with meguiar's ultimate compound would bring a lot of shine back to the paint.

okay, now part II of the engine bay...wanna blow your mind and get some great ideas?

check this link out!! WD-40!

http://www.d-series.org/forums/diy-forum/149991-d-i-y-detail-your-engine-bay-wd-40-91-civic-si.html

Its a good write up but a total waste of money and materials.Microfiber towels are for fine detailing and wd40 can be used for better purposes.WD will leave a film that will eventually atract the dirt you are trying so hard to erase.A good 'ol can of Gunk engine Brite ,cover the alternator and sensitive electronics,spray,pray,hose off.repeat for the little nasty bits n yer good to go. Jmo.