My 97 ES build thread. (Update 5/20/2008)

Car: 1997 Galant ES
Color: Monarch Green Pearl Metallic
Miles 212,xxx miles

Status: Sept 2009 Rebuilding...Est revival: Spring 2010?

3/2/2008
Just started the swap yesterday. Got the trans out, had troubles removing the spacer. I am going to go get a torch tonight and try to heat it out. Pics:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9622_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9635_us.jpg

Tips at getting the axle nuts off when you are working by yourself.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9641_us.jpg

Note to self, dont use cheap screw drivers while attempting the above:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9638_us.jpg

Easiest way to get the axle out of the hub. Unbolt the suspension fork and the lower control arm from the chassis. From there the hub swings free:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9640_us.jpg

Easiest way to pop out the axles. Stick a screwdriver between the axle and the trans, gently tap the screwdriver with a hammer:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9645_us.jpg

If the axles dont slide out of the hub easily, do not use a hammer directly ln the end of the axle or you will risk damaging the threads. Instead get a small screwdriver and put it in the small hole at the end of the axle and tap the screwdriver:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9643_us.jpg

Have to use a long extension in order to fit a socket wrench in on the driverside:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9642_us.jpg

More then likely the reason the trans failed. Looks like the lines had been leaking, probably ran itself out of fluid and overheated.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9649_us.jpg

5spd starter plate. Great way to spend $11
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9653_us.jpg

Comparing auto to 5spd. Auto is on top.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9654_us.jpg
5spd on top
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9655_us.jpg

And lastly some old memories and good times:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9633_us.jpg

3/8/2008
Thought I was starting out smart today, got myself the recommended pilot bearing removal tool ...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9685_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9686_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9687_us.jpg

But it turned slightly crooked and ...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9688_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9689_us.jpg

The devil itself resides in this spacer, started cutting it, thought I could jiggle it out with the air hammer I just purchased.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9694_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9697_us.jpg

But that didnt work, I just tore up the spacer. I could turn the spacer counter clockwise with the air hammer, but it didnt come out at all. So welding an axle nut to the spacer lolz. Had a wrench on the other end of the crank to hold it in place, but the huge pipe we were using to turn the spacer kept loosening the crank bolt that holds the crank pulley on, so we made a sweet uhhh I dont even know what to call it :p
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9699_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9698_us.jpg

But yeah, we were able to turn the spacer a little but, but again it didnt move out of place, so more welding. We welded and axle washer to the outside of the axle nut so we could use this gear puller to pull the spacer out. But we just broke that puller as well haha.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9709_us.jpg

Our last ditch effort, we threaded in a small pipe, welded that pipe to the spacer, welded in a few cracked welds from the last attempt, and used my nice handy dandy pipe to wiggle the spacer out as my friend used the air hammer on the beast.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9720_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9718_us.jpg

And she is out! Took about 3-4 hours to get that one spacer out, guess after 212k miles, that sucker felt like it was at home.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3..._9726_us-1.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9722_us.jpg

Now I can install my flywheel, but I need a new gasket, kinda burned it up with the torch/welder.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_9730_us.jpg

And for all of you people who were able to wiggle that spacer out with no more then a pair of vice grips ...... I hate you all!

Nice progress so far Seth. Thanks for the tips on getting the axles out since I need to replace one. :smt023

Cool, cool.

I think you should swap in a 6G72, though, and enjoy having a jackstand racer! ;)

Damn, yeah, you definitely need a new rear main seal :o

Yeah a 6g72 swap crossed my mind, but Id use the "good" version of that motor out of the 3kgt ooooh :P

That's pretty cool that you welded a bar on there... You problem solver you...

Nice Work Seth!!! I see you had a lot of fun with the Pilot bearing as well :):) I just took the air jack hammer directly to the bearing and it gave in so to speak :)

I guess you will be swapping over your old dohc head and turbo setup?

Lol, that second post didn't load the last time I posted. Those are some "pretty" looking welds you got there man. :p Anyways glad to hear you got the spacer out and yeah, replace that seal.

Nice progress Seth..but seriously, you need to get a air gun. Your life would be soo much easier with one...especially when you wanted to remove the axle nut.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by laxinwarrior

Lol, that second post didn't load the last time I posted. Those are some "pretty" looking welds you got there man. :p Anyways glad to hear you got the spacer out and yeah, replace that seal.

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Yeah I had the first post already typed out from last week, was in the process of making the second post. And my welder sucks. Its just a gassless Licoln mig, its about 10 year old. Doesnt make pretty welds anymore, it needs a new feed line as it doesnt feed as smoothly as it used to.

Dude I had air tools! Used the impact gun to get the flywheel bolts off, used the air hammer/chisel on the pilot bearing, it just tore it up. I wish I would have taken a picture of the spacer before I welded the nut on there, it was basically a few strands of metal pointing out haha. I didnt have the impact gun at the time of axle removal, but my method is cake, I just step on the breaker bar a few times and the nut loosens with ease. Hopefully if the auto parts stores have the rear main seal in stock, I will have it on the road tomorrow.

This is fun to watch.

i love build threads

Neither parts store had the rear main seal in stock, will be here Tuesday. Didnt do any work on the Green g, just took parts off the silver car and called it a day.

Picked up the rear main seal today. Didnt get a whole lot of time to work on it, but accomplished a decent amount.

Installed new rear main seal.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0334_us.jpg

Fidanza flywheel ooooooh.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0337_us.jpg

5spd flywheel bolt ont he left, auto on the right ... you cannot use the auto bolts.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0335_us.jpg

Holes for clutch master cylinder already lined out for you, even the carpet padding is cut, you just pull it out. Dont be fooled though, the small bottum hole is correct, as is the middle big hole, but the top hole does should not be as big as it is outlined, it should be the same size as the bottum small hole. Maybe I have a 2g clutch master cylinder, but just something to make sure of before you start cutting. I used a drill to start the holes, then a air powered die grinder with a drill bit to cut the circles out, worked pretty good, just not the cleanest route.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0343_us.jpg

Tada!
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0346_us.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0345_us.jpg

Im going to need some new carpet bah. Kinda boring the second time around haha.

Bro im lost probably cause i havent been here in a while, but you are getting rid of the silver g and got yourself this green one to start building her up or what are you doing to her.

Sorry bro i havent been around

Parted out the silver 7g. Had problems with the frame from a wreck a few years ago. Picked this one up with a blown auto trans, straight body, clean paint for $600. Havent decided what I want to do with it after the 5spd swap.

Hey, Seth did you make sure to seat the rear main seal at the same EXACT depth as before? Else, it might leak a little.

awesome thread nice and detailed with pics

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WarmAndSCSI

Hey, Seth did you make sure to seat the rear main seal at the same EXACT depth as before? Else, it might leak a little.

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I tried, with my luck, it will probably leak.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by seth98esT

I tried, with my luck, it will probably leak.

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Aw, yeah that's something I've gotta watch when I do this engine this weekend. I think I'll just reuse my rear main seal and housing since it's still perfectly OK. Depth is already set right since it's not leaking, so that's a plus!

See, I found when I was doing mine last time that there's a small groove in the crankshaft/flywheel boss where the seal's lip is supposed to sit. It's easiest to just measure the previous depth and go from there, but you can always kind of guesstimate when it reaches that groove.

Finished it up tonight. Need a new oil pan though, old one is rusty and have a pinhole leak in it now from jacking the motor up and down. Might try to clean it up and jb weld it or something.

Stock Exedy clutch, just reused the one I had
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0537_us.jpg

2-ton man jack, love this beast. It jacks up so high haha.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0539_US.jpg

Have to findangle it up, I find it easiest to angle it up like this, rest the bell housing on the crossmember, then jack the bottum up.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0540_US.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0547_us.jpg

Done! She starts and drives, just need to fix the oil pan. Going to clean the engine bay and interior this weekend, will take more pics.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0561_us.jpg

Not sure what the next project will be. Either sell the car, or build a motor ... hmmmm.

needs more pressurewashed/tirefoamed engine bay.

Wow nice job seth.. Didn't know you could do the swap withot removing the crossmember...

Yeah, it takes a little bit of finess, bu its not that hard at all. Ive never removed the crossmember on my car before.

She is done. Finished up little things tonight. Starts, runs, drives great. Need to raise the idle a bit, the light weight flywheel really makes the revs free. Definitely notice a difference between the Fidanza and the ACT Streetlite! For what it is, its pretty quick(stock 5spd, air filter, flywheel), Id say probably high 15 to low 16s 1/4.

Going to wash and detail it this weekend. Havent decided if I am going to paint the bumper or repaint the entire car, but I have the DE grills to install(thanks Zigenscarface, your the man!) and need to order another corner. Dont make too much fun of her ... she is speeeecial :D
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0572_US.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by seth98esT

She is done. Finished up little things tonight. Starts, runs, drives great. Need to raise the idle a bit, the light weight flywheel really makes the revs free. Definitely notice a difference between the Fidanza and the ACT Streetlite! For what it is, its pretty quick(stock 5spd, air filter, flywheel), Id say probably high 15 to low 16s 1/4.

Going to wash and detail it this weekend. Havent decided if I am going to paint the bumper or repaint the entire car, but I have the DE grills to install(thanks Zigenscarface, your the man!) and need to order another corner. Dont make too much fun of her ... she is speeeecial :D
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...MG_0572_US.jpg

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;) more to come my dude

looks good Seth. We should swap front bumpers. This way my 7G is one color

looks good seth

i noticed with my flywheel it likes to rev, rev alot. i'll let you know what i run in a couple weeks.



i say slap on the turbo parts from your old motor

how bout next mod... get the corner lights, and grill for your jdm bumper hehe... I'm with Grim, get an air gun or impact wrench, especially dealing with 212k. Oh and don't worry, i wish i could have gotten that spacer out in 4 hours compared to almost a week. I finally used the tool that Advanced auto carries. it has a sliding weight on a bar. Great progress Seth!

You're always missing a damn turn signal lens.. haha

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blue Ice

how bout next mod... get the corner lights, and grill for your jdm bumper hehe... I'm with Grim, get an air gun or impact wrench, especially dealing with 212k. Oh and don't worry, i wish i could have gotten that spacer out in 4 hours compared to almost a week. I finally used the tool that Advanced auto carries. it has a sliding weight on a bar. Great progress Seth!

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I have DE grills, just not installed yet. And I DID HAVE an impact gun, die grinder, and a few other air tools!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Serstylz2

You're always missing a damn turn signal lens.. haha

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Yah yah yah, I have the passenger corner. Will order a driver corner here in the next week or so.

This is a fucking timewarp.

i love this thread!

it reminds me the time when i swapped my a/t for a 5 m/t on my 7g galant.

seth, you need to get the following:

1. 2-pot front calipers.... (it looks like you are already using a double diaphragm hydrovac = good!)
2. 4G63T (do you still have your old one?)
3. front strut bar
4. rims (size 16s or 17s) and a good set of tyres
5. paint her green.
6. interior detailing

i think i have my old stock 94 5star mitsubishi rims if you want to get rid of those steelies. not bent or anything. they may need new tread though.

Im not sure what I want to do. Id like to do a lot of things, but with lacking funds and plans to move soon, I might just paint the front bumper, fix the door ding on the driver side, and sell it. I was watching Top Gear last night and they were test driving the new Aston Marton DBS and I love that color green, I think it was Mercury Silver or California Sage, not sure. Would be sick to have the car painted that color, rock some flat or satin black 5 spoke 16" or 17" wheels like Motegi Tracklites, and have it slammed on some coilovers.



I still have my 4g63t but dont want to put that motor back in unless I a)Rebuild it or b)stroke it. But then again I run into that part where I have no money haha. I dont know anymore, I just want a race car. I just should buy a pre-built Spec Miata and have some fun. I dont care about street cars anymore, I would rather have a dedicated track car.

And I have the black 17s I had on my silver 7g, but they are heavy and I dont think I want to put them on this car(Its already slow as it is :P). Im either going to sell the tires to my roomy or get some 17" rotas or something.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by seth98esT

Im not sure what I want to do. Id like to do a lot of things, but with lacking funds and plans to move soon, I might just paint the front bumper, fix the door ding on the driver side, and sell it. I was watching Top Gear last night and they were test driving the new Aston Marton DBS and I love that color green, I think it was Mercury Silver or California Sage, not sure. Would be sick to have the car painted that color, rock some flat or satin black 5 spoke 16" or 17" wheels like Motegi Tracklites, and have it slammed on some coilovers.



I still have my 4g63t but dont want to put that motor back in unless I a)Rebuild it or b)stroke it. But then again I run into that part where I have no money haha. I dont know anymore, I just want a race car. I just should buy a pre-built Spec Miata and have some fun. I dont care about street cars anymore, I would rather have a dedicated track car.

And I have the black 17s I had on my silver 7g, but they are heavy and I dont think I want to put them on this car(Its already slow as it is :P). Im either going to sell the tires to my roomy or get some 17" rotas or something.

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get 16" slipstreams =D

Why not do that g4cs swap? The dsm guys say it better than the 4g64 cause its a 2.4 6 bolt and no crank walk. They can be found on the 89-92 sonata not sure if the years are right, but they can be found cheaply.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by remarque

Why not do that g4cs swap? The dsm guys say it better than the 4g64 cause its a 2.4 6 bolt and no crank walk. They can be found on the 89-92 sonata not sure if the years are right, but they can be found cheaply.

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It isn't common (Come to think of it no confirmed cases) that the 7bolt 4G64 is prone to crankwalk...just the 7bolt 4g63's.

Then again there isn't alot of "turbo" 7bolt 4g64's either, but there are many 7bolt 4g64's on the 7g's and 2g spyder's with tons of miles on them and haven't crankwalked either.


You just got the green 7g, and now you are contiplating on selling it already Seth?

That is the face only a mother could love. Considering the work you've put into it, I think you qualify as a surrogate mother.

Nice work, Sethmo. So why's this one special?

Well in Seth's defense, he is starting all over. I'm sure it wasn't as much fun swapping to five speed this time like it was the first time. I know if i had too, i would not mod another Galant. The adventure of doing it is gone. i love my car and the way it looks and wish it was running. But there is only one Blue Ice... the Inimmitable.