So you have transitioned from the world of “slowly gathering momentum” to that of actually “accelerating”. …..Well done
Build OL'BETSY ZX: 1991 HZJ77
- Thread starter JDM Journeys
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JDM Journeys
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- #762
Added another hanger which makes it feel very solid. Now I just need to drive it some, and see if any rattles develop. There is one place where the muffler is pretty close to the frame so we'll see. Doesn't seem to be any give there but you know how corrugations can shift things around.
There are two flex pieces so that should help with vibrations. I probably should do some kind of tailpipe redirection so the exhaust is directed out from the tire.
Speaking of tire, the front is very close to my wheelwell exit pipe at full lock. I'm hoping I don't have to introduce that nice mandrel bend to Big Bertha (the giant sledge hammer) but we'll see?
Finding ways to mount hangers under the rocker panel was not easy but I thankfully I managed to do it without drilling any new holes. This one mounts off a heat shield bolt and a small bracket I made.
And this one uses a factory hanger from elsewhere, bolted into existing holes in the body mount frame extension.
There are two flex pieces so that should help with vibrations. I probably should do some kind of tailpipe redirection so the exhaust is directed out from the tire.
Speaking of tire, the front is very close to my wheelwell exit pipe at full lock. I'm hoping I don't have to introduce that nice mandrel bend to Big Bertha (the giant sledge hammer) but we'll see?
Finding ways to mount hangers under the rocker panel was not easy but I thankfully I managed to do it without drilling any new holes. This one mounts off a heat shield bolt and a small bracket I made.
And this one uses a factory hanger from elsewhere, bolted into existing holes in the body mount frame extension.
JDM Journeys
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- #764
That is exactly what I've been looking for. So far I haven't found one that I can use. Do you have a pic of your 45?
Still not keen on the pipe's slope toward the back but I'm not sure I can clear any better without cutting the body mount kickouts. I did shave the back one a few mm's but that was enough to allow the pipe passage, as long as I let it drop a little...
JDM Journeys
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- #768
Super helpful! Thanks so much! Seeing that, I like the 45° a lot. That's probably how I'll do it too eventually. Nice work! Sure is a great looking rig. Makes a guy think traitorous pickup thoughts... 
JDM Journeys
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- #769
After some thought and measuring, and more thinking, I decided to go with a 90° bend. My side run is short as it is, given the 107" wheelbase and the 4 doors, so a 90 will hopefully allow me to have it as far back as possible but still be behind the back door opening. The piece is coming today so I'll soon find out. Once that is installed she'll be ready for some *real* testing and tweaking.
When fuel is out of the equation (ie left alone) the relationship between EGT, boost, and water temp should be an interesting one. Egt versus boost levels is an obvious one, but water temp? I guess that remains to be seen.
On paper, more boost equals more heat in the water jacket since compressed air is hotter. But more boost also means lower EGTs which reduces combustion temps. Obv this has an effect on water temp in the opposite direction. So I'm thinking there is a happy medium?
When fuel is out of the equation (ie left alone) the relationship between EGT, boost, and water temp should be an interesting one. Egt versus boost levels is an obvious one, but water temp? I guess that remains to be seen.
On paper, more boost equals more heat in the water jacket since compressed air is hotter. But more boost also means lower EGTs which reduces combustion temps. Obv this has an effect on water temp in the opposite direction. So I'm thinking there is a happy medium?
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JDM Journeys
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- #770
I think my side exit exhaust is done? Just finished adding another hanger and a 90 degree tip on the end. It feels very firm (given the three rubberized mounting points) and although it is close at certain points, I'm hoping it'll prove rattle free in the long term. One good washboard pounding may have something to say about that, but we'll see.
Here are a few final pics, before I get it out on the road and really put it to the test.
I angled the camera for maximum exposure but in day to day, walking up to it, the exhaust isn't very notieceable. The cobbled together previous version had a bend after the wheel well (and before it snaked over the frame) that was quite hideous looking, so in my opinion this nice straight run of stainless looks much better.
It's going to be hard to get used to switching my "smoke gauge" to the right hand mirror...
Here are a few final pics, before I get it out on the road and really put it to the test.
I angled the camera for maximum exposure but in day to day, walking up to it, the exhaust isn't very notieceable. The cobbled together previous version had a bend after the wheel well (and before it snaked over the frame) that was quite hideous looking, so in my opinion this nice straight run of stainless looks much better.
It's going to be hard to get used to switching my "smoke gauge" to the right hand mirror...
JDM Journeys
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- #771
I just finished 2 days of driving to work, approximately 350 km. I still haven't added any fuel (ie turned in the smoke screw) but I will say that a turbo on this engine at this elevation is the best altitude compensator I could ask for.
I am absolutely amazed with the difference it has made. Bear in mind this was a budget turbo and I had no plans for great power. Mainly, I just wanted to lower my egts. I've definitely done that. The maximum I saw at the end of a long hill climb today was 675 F. Before I could easily get to 1250°F before I backed out. Today there was no backing out and it didn't go any higher. Water temperatures didn't go any higher than 208 F and that was again at the top of a long pull. There were a couple of times where I didn't even realize I was in fifth and got to the top of the hill with reasonable temperatures before I spotted it. That would never have happened before...
I'm currently at 13 PSI at my absolute Max boost pressure but it's usually more around 10psi. Again, no new fuel added.
I am absolutely amazed with the difference it has made. Bear in mind this was a budget turbo and I had no plans for great power. Mainly, I just wanted to lower my egts. I've definitely done that. The maximum I saw at the end of a long hill climb today was 675 F. Before I could easily get to 1250°F before I backed out. Today there was no backing out and it didn't go any higher. Water temperatures didn't go any higher than 208 F and that was again at the top of a long pull. There were a couple of times where I didn't even realize I was in fifth and got to the top of the hill with reasonable temperatures before I spotted it. That would never have happened before...
I'm currently at 13 PSI at my absolute Max boost pressure but it's usually more around 10psi. Again, no new fuel added.
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Way to go Phil.... I do believe this is the appropriate time to queue that flame job for ol' betsy!! 
@JDM Journeys ….. “The maximum I saw at the end of a long hill climb today was 675 F. Before I could easily get to 1250°F before I backed out”.
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I see you’re using the “real measurements” instead of the voodoo metric nonsense.
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I see you’re using the “real measurements” instead of the voodoo metric nonsense.
JDM Journeys
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- #774
I forgot to mention I was doing 105 km/h at the time and it was 9°C outside.@JDM Journeys ….. “The maximum I saw at the end of a long hill climb today was 675 F. Before I could easily get to 1250°F before I backed out”.
———————————————————————————————
I see you’re using the “real measurements” instead of the voodoo metric nonsense.
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JDM Journeys
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- #775
Bought some new shocks. This rig came to.me with what I thought was a full OME Lift kit. Given that it was sprayed with POR15 I assumed the rear shocks were originally yellow and didn't look too closely. The fronts were clearly nitrochargers, and leafs were changed so I left it at that.
Last May' s Utah trip revealed (on crazy washboard) that the rear shocks were done for. I finally got around to changing them last week and got a surprise when I pulled the old ones. They appear to be the originals!
No wonder they were knackered!
I got some new Bilsteins (part number in pic above) as well as different bushings (number also featured in the pic above) and put them in. What a difference!
Bumps have a lot less bang now as the rear passes over and lateral stability is improved. Haven't even tested them off the pavement yet but a marked difference in the blacktop.
Last May' s Utah trip revealed (on crazy washboard) that the rear shocks were done for. I finally got around to changing them last week and got a surprise when I pulled the old ones. They appear to be the originals!
No wonder they were knackered!
I got some new Bilsteins (part number in pic above) as well as different bushings (number also featured in the pic above) and put them in. What a difference!
Bumps have a lot less bang now as the rear passes over and lateral stability is improved. Haven't even tested them off the pavement yet but a marked difference in the blacktop.
JDM Journeys
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- #776
Another test today but this time west into the mountains... A strong headwind was in the mix and we reached about 1300m. Now just outside of Canmore, Alberta.
Despite the wind and being fully loaded, the newly turboed hzj77 managed to keep the speed limit in sight on almost all obstacles. EGTs are no longer even a consideration going up hills. Once I saw 678 F but otherwise it stayed in the middle 500s on the highway. Water temps are about the same as they were pre turbo... Saw 210f once on a long pull but mostly swept slowly up and down between 180 and 195, depending on grade.
Still have not touched the fuel screw. Although I might have dreamed about it last night.
Camping for the night now and we were able to set up the 270° awning plus walls.
Despite the wind and being fully loaded, the newly turboed hzj77 managed to keep the speed limit in sight on almost all obstacles. EGTs are no longer even a consideration going up hills. Once I saw 678 F but otherwise it stayed in the middle 500s on the highway. Water temps are about the same as they were pre turbo... Saw 210f once on a long pull but mostly swept slowly up and down between 180 and 195, depending on grade.
Still have not touched the fuel screw. Although I might have dreamed about it last night.
Camping for the night now and we were able to set up the 270° awning plus walls.
JDM Journeys
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- #777
Another weekend, another trip. This time it was me and the fellas (along with Princess Frosty lol) and we found a random camp spot in a forest area. Had some fun getting in there, and my buddy with the 6 mo old Defender 130 finally got a chance to get it dirty.
The other two rigs were the ones that went with me to Utah last year: Pathy on trophy truck suspension and 3500 Ram.
It was cold both nights, and getting up in the morning was unpleasant but the rest of the time was great. But... I'm starting to think that perhaps the next phase might be on the horizon? RTT is great, but a little inside space to get dressed, make coffee, might enable camping to be more comfortable once the snow hits? We'll see. I'm mulling over the possibilities.
Meanwhile, the newly turboed 1hz turned over 300k kms on the way to the trail but I completely missed it for a pic until about half an hour later. Argg.
Fitting that it was on the way to another adventure!
Once there we found a prime spot in the trees and spent a few days hanging out, catching up, and planning bigger adventures for next year.
And I decided that when I got home I'd start retooling my setup. It's been working great now for three years but time to change it up!
Overall a great weekend: the turbo gave me a little more oomph on the back roads… up the hills, and facing the headwinds, all the while keeping my EGTs at half of what I was used to seeing before.
The other two rigs were the ones that went with me to Utah last year: Pathy on trophy truck suspension and 3500 Ram.
It was cold both nights, and getting up in the morning was unpleasant but the rest of the time was great. But... I'm starting to think that perhaps the next phase might be on the horizon? RTT is great, but a little inside space to get dressed, make coffee, might enable camping to be more comfortable once the snow hits? We'll see. I'm mulling over the possibilities.
Meanwhile, the newly turboed 1hz turned over 300k kms on the way to the trail but I completely missed it for a pic until about half an hour later. Argg.
Fitting that it was on the way to another adventure!
Once there we found a prime spot in the trees and spent a few days hanging out, catching up, and planning bigger adventures for next year.
And I decided that when I got home I'd start retooling my setup. It's been working great now for three years but time to change it up!
Overall a great weekend: the turbo gave me a little more oomph on the back roads… up the hills, and facing the headwinds, all the while keeping my EGTs at half of what I was used to seeing before.
JDM Journeys
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- #778
Time for a reset.
Going to run light for a bit, with bare roof too, as I plan the next iteration.
Going to run light for a bit, with bare roof too, as I plan the next iteration.
Good opportunity to find the loose change and McDonalds french fries you’ve dropped over the previous months.
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JDM Journeys
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- #780
The next iteration has begun. I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on a poptop for the ol 77. But then... I got quotes from the two suppliers in North America, and with my crappy currency exchange, it just seemed too large an expenditure for what I'd get... And it'd still be small inside...so...now?
I'm in the midst of a new plan. I've just put down a deposit on an off-road trailer which will be built for me in Canada and ready for spring. Sub 1000 lbs, small footprint, rear fold Aussie style. More details to come.
And that of course affects how the rear buildup gets redone. So I have new bits coming and some here already. My rear kitchen is getting an upgrade. As is my modest electrical setup.
I'm in the midst of a new plan. I've just put down a deposit on an off-road trailer which will be built for me in Canada and ready for spring. Sub 1000 lbs, small footprint, rear fold Aussie style. More details to come.
And that of course affects how the rear buildup gets redone. So I have new bits coming and some here already. My rear kitchen is getting an upgrade. As is my modest electrical setup.