Lancer 1800 GTX (A175X) Prototype...

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Sat May 26, 2012 9:28 am

WELCOME HOME! ...
BEFORE... "Donor Car" - Unwashed & unpolished.

Sanctifier wrote:

Yesterday, (2/05/12) I got a Lancer 1.4 EX Saloon (A172A) "foreign" parts-car in "mint"... no, make that :tu:

"FANTASTIC" condition.

EVERYTHING works perfectly. Underneath is even better than the interior... (seriously.) The entire body-shell is like "NEW!"
Even the tyres (and ALLOY rims) are in VERY good condition. It's in MUCH better condition than the car that I drive now.

DAMN!... The bonnet... windscreen washer bottle... firewall and other parts still have the original labels!
. . . . . . . . . . . . AND IT WAS BUILT IN 1983! . . . . TWENTY-NINE (29!) YEARS AGO! . . . . . . . . . . . .

The brown marks in the pix are dirt and sawdust (go figure!) ... NOT rust.
... It's a pity that I have to... CUT IT UP!...

(Can't be registered!)

Sanctifier wrote:

FOR SALE!

Engine (G12B - 1400 cc)... (Air-Condition system NOT included)...

Cooling system...

Exhaust system...

Gear-box & Clutch...

Rear Axle (Diff)...

Front & Rear suspension & Brakes (incl. booster)... &

Front & Rear Seats.

Why cut it up? ...

Sanctifier wrote:

Because like they say here..."Gopaul's luck ain't Seepaul's luck!"

No "phoney" License Plates... No "splicing in" (welding) Chassis Numbers... No "swapped" firewall... NOTHING bogus for me.

After investing so much TIME & $$$$ into it, I refuse to risk having it impounded by the Licensing Office!...
It doesn't make sense to risk (INSURANCE LIABILITY... & POLICE... FOREVER!), just to reduce the "build" time! :roll:

IIRC there's a Lamborghini owner (Gopaul?) :lol:

who has similar issues right now... I'm NOT goin' there! :roll:

Instead of using inferior (thin guage) steel sheet to do "cut & patch" rust repairs; having a "mint" donor car allows me to replace all the rusty panels in my Lancer 1800 GSR with OEM panels from the "parts car"...

Sanctifier wrote:

"A" PILLARS!... Rear Parcel Shelf... Trunk lid surround... DOORS!... TRUNK LID!... etc. etc.

Sanctifier wrote:

... *start-up = 2013*... I have to get my Evo 6 RS2 back on the road first. It's been in storage for five years, so... General Maintenance req'd: Electrical & ALL sensors, belts, fluids, hubs, bearings, ball-joints... from the UK! Then U.S. gearbox & LSD rebuild, etc. etc... $$$$ :roll:

Yup, it's a lot of work... and a lot of headaches

... but when I've finished (in about 24 months after *start up*) I'll have a "BRAND NEW" Lancer 1800 GSR (A175A)... or more accurately... a "new" Lancer 1800 GTX (A175X) Prototype.

Why "GTX" instead of "GSR"?...

"X" = "Experimental" (Prototype.)

"GT" because it'll be quicker and faster (205 bhp) than a Lancer 1800 GSR (159 bhp) or even a 2.0L Lancer Turbo (177 bhp.)
... and will still have a "lightly stressed", RELIABLE, "stock" engine... with GREAT milage too.

"Drivability": It must have a standard (OEM) clutch (for traffic)... low steering lock (+/- 2.6 turns)... low-rpm torque ("flexibility".)
... NO excessive power (so no poor milage)...
... NO excessive torque (to break drive-train parts & needing a "super stiff" EXPENSIVE clutch & flywheel kit.)

"Safety":....

With Brembo calipers (front & rear) off an Evo 8.
.................

With more responsive, precise Power "Rack & Pinion" Steering...
.................

With 215/60 x 16" tyres (or better)... instead of 185/65 HR 14" tyres...
.................

With a FoamSeal "roll-cage" (pic.) = stiffer chassis = better handling AND better occupant protection.

Sanctifier wrote:

N.B. - There were no "Air-bags" in 1983, so whatever I do to improve occupant safety is Win!... WIN!
:idea:

Hmmm... The 4G93 + ECU came from a 4wd 1800 GSR... Maybe the Steering Wheel, Air-bags etc. can be transplanted too!

.................

"Well... don't you think it will be safer after all that?"...

Why bother to do it?...

Sanctifier wrote:

IMHO the standard Lancer 1800 GSR is NOT ideal for quick, consistent driving.
When you add these issues...

Imprecise, lurid throttle oversteer...

Terminal understeer "beyond the limit" of tyre adhesion.

Constant brake fade...

Sloppy steering and Turn-in (with 3.xx turns lock-to-lock) :roll:

... the initial grin :twisted:

... starts to fade :evil:

BTW I have owned/driven FOUR Lancers to date...

Sanctifier wrote:

1 x N/A Lancer 1.4 EX (Normally Aspirated.)

1 x N/A Lancer 2.0L EX (G63B + 5-speed.)

2 x Lancer 1800 GSR Turbo saloons... 1 with LSD and 1 without LSD.

... so my opinion on "Lancer handling" is formed from long-term use, driving different configurations of the same basic platform.
I'm no auto expert (or "World Class" driver) by any means... but it's my humble opinion, none the less.

The main goals of Project GTX are to solve the handling, braking and steering issues to allow consistent, safer driving...
and what the hell... DOING IT SIMPLY BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE HAS EVER DONE THIS BEFORE!

Sanctifier wrote:

Lancer 1800 GTX Specifications:

Engine ..................

4G93 - 1.8L, DOHC, In-line 4-cylinder Turbo Motor.
Gearbox ............... rwd

Lancer 1800 GSR 5-speed.
Drive-train ............

Starion LSD, (3.545:1) with torque-tube and drive-shaft.
Steering ...............

Lancer 1800 GSR Power Steering-box swapped for Power Rack & Pinion steering. (Model to be decided.)
Front Suspension ....

Lancer 1800 GSR front suspension.
Rear Suspension .....

Starion Independent Rear Suspension - "Trailing A-Arms", Coil-over shocks, Stabiliser bar.
Brakes .................

Starion Rotors (ft. & rr.) - cross-drilled (unfortunately) & slotted.
......................................... Calipers - Front:

Evolution 8 4-pot Brembo.
......................................... Calipers - Rear:

Evolution 8 2-pot Brembo.
Rims ....................

Starion 16" x 8" ET xx mm, PCD - xxx, 5-hole.

Bling!: ..................

Power Slide & Tilt Sun-roof - ex-4WD Lancer 1800 GSR (CM5A)
...........................

Power Windows - ex-4WD Lancer 1800 GSR (CM5A)

All

Starion parts (including the floor-pan) were sourced from a seller in California, via eBay...

The crate is in Miami as we speak...

Why not a 4G63?...

Sanctifier wrote:

Because the 4G93T is FREE! (ex-4wd Lancer 1800 GSR.)

Because I already have TWO Evo 6 TME RS2 Projects with 4G63s... one for the street... the other for AutoX & Circuit use.

A 4G93T will only need a "fill-up" at the pump ONCE A WEEK... maybe twice occasionally.
. A stock Evo usually has to "fill-up" TWO or THREE times a week!... MIMIMUM! :roll:

With fuel price increases coming sooner rather than later :roll:

, "low running cost" is VERY important to me!

Because a "stock" 4G93T will give me > 130 mph... 0-60 mph in about 6.7 sec!... and hopefully, 35-40 m.p.g. too. :tu:

EDIT: As predicted, "Premium" Gas ('95' octane) was increased in September by 44%... from $4.00 / litre-to-$5.75 / litre!

Up next... (AFTER the "parts" sales over the next six months.)

Then this lot...

Sanctifier wrote:

RESTORATION & UPGRADE SCHEDULE:

1st Build: Trial installation...

Install I.R.S.

Install engine, drive-train, suspension, brakes, wiring harness & "electronics".

Troubleshoot EVERYTHING!

Remove ALL components and "strip" shell.

Media Blasting: (Baking Soda & Black Diamond),

"Spot/Stitch-welding" (MIG),

Rustproofing duties...

Then the actual (long, boring)

Bodywork...

FoamSeal...

Seam sealing...

Undersealing &

Paint job can begin... :roll:

Final Assembly!

Link--> GroceryGetter! - Lancer 1800 GTX (A175X.)

Stay tuned!...

10psitx · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:38 am

Just a thought, i had a few of these cars awhile ago. I got around the legal issue by gettig a CLO number from license office. it is given to a wrecked car that needs repairs where the chassis number is stamped. i did it with 2 lancers and a 626. check it out or look for a car with an existing CLO number.

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 12:26 pm

10psitx wrote:

Just a thought, i had a few of these cars awhile ago. I got around the legal issue by getting a CLO number from license office.
it is given to a wrecked car that needs repairs where the chassis number is stamped.
i did it with 2 lancers and a 626. check it out or look for a car with an existing CLO number.

Hi 10psitx, Nice to talk to a fellow Trini.

Unfortunately I already spoke to the last Transport Commmissioner (Douglas) about a CLO a couple years ago for a damaged vehicle... No Joy!
The dept. is so riddled with corruption that no one will approve a simple CLO, for fear of being accused of corruption.
BTW the Police brought in FOUR Licensing Officers for questioning about fraud... last week!

This is what the current Transport Commmissioner (Cato) had to say about using "foreign used" shells on 16-05-2012...

So that's out I'm afraid. :roll:

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:44 pm

Anyway, I don't want to patch rust with galvanised sheet steel either. That's why I bought a mint bodyshell...
I'll cut it up (*see below*) and restore my GSR properly without screwing around with the firewall, chassis number
or anything else that will put the legal Registration at risk... and I'll use OEM

body panels too!

Both cars are almost 30 YEARS OLD! To prevent new corrosion for as long as possible, even the "new" shell would need
a full rotisserie restoration to stop future rust.
The only ways to get between the spot-welded seams & panels... and inside the chassis rails to stop rust are...
(1) Electro-dipping (Not available locally)...
(2) Electrolysis (I'm going to try this!)...and
(3) THIS way... (I'll be doing this too!)

Sanctifier wrote:

*HTP Spot Mill*... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKi0RGdMcck

*HTP Quick Spot II*... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-xn50zybTI

Sample job... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uODvVKX4DBQ

"Examples"...

Dissecting the GSR's shell like that will also give me the chance to Weld/Bond ALL the panels when fixing them into place...
(ie. Actually "rust-proof" BETWEEN the seams!... Exactly where rust starts in the first place!)

Sanctifier wrote:

WELD/BONDING...
"Panel Bonding" is actually stronger than OEM spot-welding... 3M's Tough Stuff vs. Welding Shear Test - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92HKgJ1rw7U

Doing BOTH is even better... Quarter Panel Installation (Weld Bond) - Fusor 108B - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk0kc45bhhQ

Before the paint job, I'll "stitch-weld" the entire shell...

Fill ALL the chassis rails, boxed panels, etc. with FoamSeal (2lb. & 8lb.)...

Finally, apply Seam Sealer, etc.

All that will give me---> Stiffer chassis = Better handling (and quicker "turn in".) :tu:

Also---> FoamSeal = No air pockets = No Moisture = NO RUST!... :tu:

and it also reduces "Noise, Vibration & Harshness" issues too. :tu:

That should keep the "new" bodyshell going for another 30 years! :lol:

My $0.02¢

10psitx · **Posted:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:47 pm

Be careful with that foam seal, remember the a pillars in these cars are foamsealed from the factory, thats the main reason it rots out before anything else, you can't stop moisture , heat and cooling cycles will natrually occur so what you want to increase is moisture dissipation from enclosed spaces through ventilation. Triniland is a tropical climate with high humidity = moisture. foam seal is not water proof it has air pockets which holds moisture for a while/ takes long to dry out. i would coat the spaces with a mixture of oil and grease or get lithium grease in a spray can it works like a charm. i spray bare metal with it when storing it and it does not rust at all. there is also a weld tru primer you can spray in side the panels.

It looks like you are off to a great start other wise, keep the updates comming. i will love to see the end product. i wish i could get one here (Austin,Texas).
i love the a172 lancers i started with a 87 rust bucket back in 1992 with a 1600 engine mikuni sidedraughts, race cam and janspeed extractors. progressed to local GSR'S then to Bamboo foreign used single cam turbo ones.BTW do you know a guy from St Joseph named Riyad? he had a black lancer with a 4g63 twin cam that ran 11's at wallerfield. Its nice to communicate wit a county man as well.

ohseph · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:41 am

hi sir nice work
you're so lucky to have that kind of donor car

is there by any chance will you be using the keyset?
i've been looking around for a keyset for the same car and i haven't got any luck yet

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 5:03 pm

^ ^ ^ Hi ohseph,

Sanctifier wrote:

FOR SALE!

Engine (G12B - 1400 cc @ 92,098 km)... (with A/C Compressor)...

Cooling system...

Exhaust system... and ALL the small engine bits in the engine bay.

5-speed gear-box & Clutch...

Rear Axle (Diff)...

Front & Rear suspension & Brakes (incl. booster)... &

Front & Rear Seats...

Sorry but other than what's listed above, I'm not selling any other parts from the Lancer 1.4 EX "Donor" car... even after the project is finished.
Spare parts (especially body panels and miscellaneous "trim") are already impossible to find locally.
An Evo owner in the UK just paid 700 (sterling) for a quarter panel. Locally (@ about $9.65:1 + air-freight, duty & VAT) that's almost $8,000 TT.
New quarter panels are not even available locally... even for NEW cars. :roll:

If I had to buy NEW parts for the build it would cost more than a new car locally. That's why I paid top dollar for it.

Also, because of HIGH shipping cost (distance & weight), quite likely the parts I'm selling will only be sold locally.
Maybe I'll just sell the whole lot (above) as a "package deal" to get rid of it quickly.

10psitx wrote:

BTW do you know a guy from St Joseph named Riyad? he had a black lancer with a 4g63 twin cam that ran 11's at wallerfield. Its nice to communicate wit a county man as well.

Hi 10psitx. Sorry I missed your reply. Yup, I met Riyad years ago. Don't hear anything about him these days.

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:11 pm

EQUIPMENT UPDATE: I just got a couple more used toys for the project, including this... (in transit soon)

The Car-O-Mech Measuring System will eliminate any rear suspension misalignment issues and should solve a lot of other headaches as well.

:idea:

I also got another "chassis-mounting" idea from the DriftWorks build of a Volvo 245 GT-D...

So in addition to a Car-O-Mech Upper Body Measuring System... now I'm also hunting for a old model Car-O-liner Mk. IV Frame Machine... (bottom right pic.)...

The Car-O-liner and Car-O-Mech will give the accuracy needed for the build... while the rotisserie will speed up disassembling the "donor" car.

Keeping my fingers crossed...

Project Link--> GroceryGetter! - Lancer 1800 GTX (A175X.)

lt2000ex · **Posted:** Fri Jul 20, 2012 1:49 am

This is a very ambitious project with the potential to be a great road car, look forward to see the oucome :tu:

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Fri Jul 20, 2012 5:15 am

lt2000ex wrote:

This is a very ambitious project with the potential to be a great road car, look forward to see the outcome :tu:

ambitious... Hmm... Very "polite" word. Some of the guys at home may not be so "politically correct" when they find out. :lol:

great road car... Thanks. I'm hoping it will live up to my expectations...

Sanctifier wrote:

"GT": Because (at about 2,700 lbs.) it'll be quicker and faster (203 bhp) than a Lancer 1800 GSR (158 bhp) or even a 2.0L Lancer Turbo (177 bhp.)

With my Evo 6 back on the road by Christmas (I hope), I'll get my "adrenaline fix" soon enough.
For GroceryGetter better steering, brakes, handling and milage are even more important to me... (35-40 m.p.g. would be GREAT!)

Thanks for the kind words lt2000ex. I've read about it for years but I'm still a bodywork novice, (and I'm 59 in Sept.) so this is a 1st for me in many ways...
(Chassis alignment... Spot & Mig welding... bodywork & painting... etc. etc.)... I may need all the prayers that I can get. :roll:

... It should be "interesting"... :lol:

Thank God for great advice and support locally and abroad!

It's a good thing that I already have a lot of the equipment I'll need... I never will have too many tools! :mrgreen:

Link--> THE ASYLUM!... Workshops & Tools for DIY Mitsu MadMen.

BTW the Car-O-Mech Measuring System is on the way...

... and I think I'll score a set of older Car-O-Liner Frame Data Manuals...
an M900 Upper body Measuring System... and an older Car-O-Liner Mark 4 with many accessories by late next week. :tu:

Here's hoping!... :wink:

10psitx · **Posted:** Fri Jul 20, 2012 3:08 pm

with the tool list you have you can go into the body shop business...that's if you you're not already. i eagerly await the outcome of this project.

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Fri Jul 20, 2012 3:55 pm

10psitx wrote:

with the tool list you have you can go into the body shop business...that's if you you're not already. i eagerly await the outcome of this project.

you can go into the body shop business... Hi 10psitx. Actually I'm waiting (over 24 months) to secure a Gov't Lease for our "start-up" Company to go into... Farming! :lol:

("Contract Broiler Grow-out" and later, Aquaponics.) If that falls through, we intend to start on a smaller scale on Freehold land (already owned) before the end of 2013.

Right now all I want is all three project cars finished over the next few years... I've been waiting for my "adrenaline fix" for far too long.
This is just for "special projects" for the time being. Maybe after the projects we'll see about outside jobs... but NOT "commercial autobody repairs."
I don't have any "pro" experience ("Job Estimating", "tricks-of-the-trade" and "skullduggery") to make a success of it. Also good "Techs" are a killer to find... and impossible to keep.

I prefer to do "Paintless Dent Repair" with the focus on "large panel" repairs... and obviously "Contract Chassis Straightening" for other small shops;
using all this stuff and some other special tools that I already have.

My $0.02¢

4G63BT · **Posted:** Sun Jul 22, 2012 12:16 am

Cant wait for this...nice choice of car welcome to Lancer WORLD..

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Sun Jul 22, 2012 4:34 am

^ ^ ^ Hi 4G63BT. Thanks for the warm welcome.

4G63BT wrote:

Cant wait for this...nice choice of car welcome to Lancer WORLD..

This will make it 5 Lancer EXs... and 9

in the family to date. :lol:

This is the

list so far... :wink:

Sanctifier wrote:

RWD:... 3 x Lancer EX (A172A) + 2 x Lancer 1800 GSR (A175A) + '86 Galant 2.0L Turbo
FWD:... + '96 Galant VR-G
4WD:... + '96 Lancer 1800 GSR (CM5A) + '99 Lancer Evo 6 RS2.

Link--> ~ Readers' Rides ~

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Tue Nov 13, 2012 2:34 pm

UPDATE: It's been awhile... but I've been VERY busy... fixing "headaches" and preparing for the 'build'.
My home was flooded out in August! :cry:

... Clean-up was a HUGE p.i.t.a. :td:

All FIVE cars, including my wife's Subaru Legacy GT Turbo Wagon got hit... (It had to be "written off"... at a VERY big loss of course!) :roll:

... including the 1800 GSR "Project" car and my immaculate EX 1400 "Parts" car... :cry:

Thankfully, "clean up", "throw out" and "salvage" are almost over. I've also totally stripped and cleaned both cars and swapped ALL the 1400 EX bits
into the GSR for MoT inspection... (pix to follow.) This was easier than finding 1800 GSR parts to get it going again.
This way, I don't have to worry about "de-registration" when it's off the road for a few years, during the 'build'. It's just to protect my growing investment in this project.

Now for some news that's a lot more pleasant. So far, I scored the following used tools & equipment...

........................... Car-O-Mech .................. and M900 Measuring Systems...
as well as Car-O-Liner Frame Data Manuals... a dozen or more Mo Clamps... Mo Clamp 'Baby' Tram Gauge... etc. etc.

Kernel 1-post Auto Lift (New!)...

Sanctifier wrote:

I don't intend to lose another car to flood damage at home again!
So... fabricate 4 ft "A-frames/Axle Stands"... Lift cars in danger onto "A-frames"....
Lift the replacement (used) Legacy GT Turbo Wagon 5 - 6ft high (on even taller axle-stands)... Hopefully that will be enough.

Autotron Induction Heater (New @ a "killer" eBay price!) :tu:

...

Sanctifier wrote:

A 'stuck' Pitman Arm was so tight that the pickle-fork handle broke when trying to seperate it... :evil:

Autotron had it almost red hot in less than 45 seconds... New pickle-fork had absolutely no problems this time!

A Dominator II Master PDR kit...

and a PDR light and other PDR tools. (I intend to do "Paintless Dent Repair" commercially soon)...
and sundry hand-tools & other bits like a 90deg Outlet...

... for the future DIY Sandblast/Spray-booth...

It's here! It will be delivered next week... :twisted:

Car-O-Liner Mk. IV Bench (frame machine) with Two Draw-Aligner Arms & accessories... plus another Car-O-Mech. :tu:

It's actually TWO Car-O-Liners & Accessories... plus TWO Car-O-Mech Measuring Systems... 6,931 lbs of steel.

BTW one pair (C-O-L & Car-O-Mech) is already sold!

Sanctifier wrote:

I must say "Thank you!" to Dave Shelby and the guys from Illinois, USA.
Without his generosity and interest in the Project, it would be impossible for me to afford the Car-O-Liner.

Next year should be a lot more FUN!

Sanctifier wrote:

To eliminate all future rust from flood damage & mud, I MUST dissect the GSR during the build... even more than was first planned.
I may even skip the electrolysis and dissect the shell "down to the bone" (including most of the chassis rails)
Another really cool 'toy' to speed up the process is being crated for shipment right now. More on this later... :wink:

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Tue Jan 01, 2013 12:19 pm

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

May we and our families and friends all be safe on the road ...
and may all our projects be satisfying and well advanced by year's end.

Here's to a safe and productive 2013 to all... and now the REAL hard work begins!

muffler · **Posted:** Thu Jan 03, 2013 3:18 am

you're the man... Happy New Year 2013 to all

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Thu Jan 03, 2013 4:24 am

Hi muffler. Happy New Year to you.

Sanctifier · **Posted:** Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:19 am

Okay time to let the cat out of the bag... I got lucky recently.
I scored a Saitek_Weilander-Schill water-cooled spot welder at a VERY reasonable price.
If it works well, then "weld-bonding" will be a breeze during the restoration.

It should arrive next week. Trying to install by mid-February if all goes well. 90 amp circuit req'd.
I don't want to 'hard-wire' a "fixed" installation, so I'm hunting a suitable "disconnect" (plug) for it. Suggestions wil be appreciated.

(Sample pic of "air-cooled" unit)................ ("Parts car" on Car-O-Liner for measurements.)

GroceryGetter is already 2 weeks behind schedule; so hoping to have all other tools & equipment by then too.
M900 upper body measuring system (uprights) should arrive with welder...
Up next, about 2-3 weeks of measurements and drawings... while the GSR gets MoT inspection & 2013 sticker.

Lancer 1800 GTX (A175X) Prototype...

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