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While I was not in the market for a new car, I ran across a fellow GRMer selling this car and it was too good of a deal to pass up. It's not perfect, but it runs and drives and makes great sounds so I took the plunge!
It is a 1988 model with a 2005 Chevy L33 (aluminum block 5.3L motor) and a 1998 T56.
My goal is a streetable weekend warrior type car. I plan to add a roll bar before attempting any of the auto-x type activities though.
Here are some pics:
Looks VERY fun!
Info on cluster and... stereo? WTF are those?
SCAVENGE THE SEA FLOOR FOR NUTRIENTS
Oh boy, let the games begin!! 
Mike
SWEEEEET !
93celicaGT2 wrote: Info on cluster and... stereo? WTF are those?
The cluster is called a Racepak UDX. I'll see how I feel about it, but, right now, I am thinking I'd rather have traditional gauges. Here is a link to more info: Racepak UDX. Admittedly, I don't know enough about it yet to decide.
The radio is a Clarion double DIN unit. I have NO idea what that means, as I'm not an audio guy at all. It works, but I have no idea what all the buttons are for!
Here is a shot from the PO that shows both a little better.
Gainesville, FL
Thanks for the compliments. We'll see how it goes. Thanks to Mr. Joshua for letting me know the PO was selling the car!
First step is to clean it up and try to fix some of the issues. Here's what needs to be addressed at the moment:
Thoughts/suggestions welcomed!
Gainesville, FL
VERY jealous. My '88 vert is sitting in the dw with a blown seal and I SO want to do a LS swap. I'm very interested in your driving impressions, etc. Please post more when you get a chance.
Window is probably the switch. They are notorious for going bad internally and externally. Easy replacement and easy to find on Ebay cheap.
93celicaGT2 wrote: Info on cluster and... stereo? WTF are those?
reminds me of 
BTW, Double DIn means it requires a space twice the size of a normal stereo - this is typically because the unit has a large display, is a multi disc unit, or has a hard drive in it. in the case of older models, its just because stuff was big back then
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo DaVinci
DIN is just a size standard for automotive headunits. Most aftermarket stereos are single DIN. Kinda going out the window with new cars and their fully integrated setups. Not sure how people are going to put in aftermarket setups when the stereo is spread across the whole dash.
Speaking of dash, I'm guessing that guage pod is in there because it was significantly easier to get that working than try to get the stock guages working with the new motor/trans setup.
And I thought the L33 was technically a Gen IV smallblock, not an LSx. But I'm probably picking nits.
--There is no turd more polished than the Ford Mustang--
hobiercr wrote: VERY jealous. My '88 vert is sitting in the dw with a blown seal and I SO want to do a LS swap. I'm very interested in your driving impressions, etc. Please post more when you get a chance.
Don't be jealous yet. There is still a lot to do!
hobiercr wrote: Window is probably the switch. They are notorious for going bad internally and externally. Easy replacement and easy to find on Ebay cheap.
Thanks for the tip. I'll start there.
ReverendDexter wrote: DIN is just a size standard for automotive headunits. Most aftermarket stereos are single DIN. Kinda going out the window with new cars and their fully integrated setups. Not sure how people are going to put in aftermarket setups when the stereo is spread across the whole dash. Speaking of dash, I'm guessing that guage pod is in there because it was significantly easier to get that working than try to get the stock guages working with the new motor/trans setup. And I thought the L33 was technically a Gen IV smallblock, not an LSx. But I'm probably picking nits.
Thanks RD. And I think you're right about the Gen IV. The PO did mention that. If not an LSx, is there a general descriptor used for Gen IV motors? Or do folks just call them Gen IV (asking in earnest)?
Gainesville, FL
Actually, DIN originally meant Deutsche Industrie Normal, and it was a standard adopted (I think...) in the late 60's. It was picked up pretty quickly, mainly because it WAS a standard that came at a time when standards were anything but standard. The Japs, Brits, Italians and Yanks all had something slightly different, and DIN just made sense.
But this is still a sweet car, that despite being a ragtop (don't like 'em...goof up what hair I have left! 
), I'd like to have! NICE score!!!
Mike
While I was sitting in it making vroom-vroom noises the other day, I thought a bit about the shifter issues. I think the problem lies in the plastic under the shifter boot. Their is a ~2" high tapered plastic piece under the boot that I think is just there to make the boot sit nice. The shifter seems to hit that in all forward gears. IIRC it has the Hinson mounting kit and that giant thread you sent me says Hinson locates everything farther forward requiring you to cut the shifter hole in the body forward by about 1". Makes sense that it might foul some trim forward as well.
Pretty cool. That shifter is ridiculously long though.
How good of a deal if you don't mind me asking? Or a range maybe?
I was looking at his turbo V8 wagon a year and a half ago. It was a great deal too but buying a house put a damper on that. Its ok I ended up the the 5.0 Volvo Wagon instead for about half the price. Slower for sure but I am happy.
MrJoshua wrote: While I was sitting in it making vroom-vroom noises the other day, I thought a bit about the shifter issues. I think the problem lies in the plastic under the shifter boot. Their is a ~2" high tapered plastic piece under the boot that I think is just there to make the boot sit nice. The shifter seems to hit that in all forward gears. IIRC it has the Hinson mounting kit and that giant thread you sent me says Hinson locates everything farther forward requiring you to cut the shifter hole in the body forward by about 1". Makes sense that it might foul some trim forward as well.
Interesting theory. I will dig around the shifter and see what I can find. Your theory makes sense, as it only seems to pop out of gear in first, third and reverse (haven't gotten it into fifth yet).
Gainesville, FL
amg_rx7 wrote: Pretty cool. That shifter is ridiculously long though.
Agreed. Mr. Joshua tried to make me feel better by claiming it was really a rally shifter.
Gainesville, FL
Greg Voth wrote: How good of a deal if you don't mind me asking? Or a range maybe? I was looking at his turbo V8 wagon a year and a half ago. It was a great deal too but buying a house put a damper on that. Its ok I ended up the the 5.0 Volvo Wagon instead for about half the price. Slower for sure but I am happy.
Yep, same guy. Based on his documentation, he seems like a pretty meticulous builder. PM sent on your price question.
EDIT: PM not sent, as I get an error when trying to send something to you. 
Gainesville, FL
Oye I think my email on here is still the GRM one and I can't change it. gregory.k.voth@gmail
amg_rx7 wrote: Pretty cool. That shifter is ridiculously long though.
You haven't seen mine. I have a preference against those little shorty drag-racing shift levers, as I can't reach all my gears comfortably.
So I went this route:
And I couldn't be happier with it.
--There is no turd more polished than the Ford Mustang--
I like it RD! Looks good in the Ford interior.
Gainesville, FL
One word for your RX7: AWESOME!
SilverFleet wrote: One word for your RX7: AWESOME!
Thanks! I'm hopeful that I can cure some of the immediate concerns and just drive it for awhile.
Gainesville, FL
I didnt read this thread. I didnt have to because i already know that you AUTOMATICALLY WIN.
Great combo!
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