FYI: Official Alien Build thread Started 2003, Alien Resurection is underway. Flywheel is finished - transaxle is bolted - Starter works Options

[rick 918-S]

Call me. I'd like to caravan with you from Vegas. If I get there early I want to have an Alien landing at Renegades' shop! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) Talk about a photo opt! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[Jacco]

Hi Rich,

so... what's happing with Alien at the moment...
How did it handle the trip to WCC?
does it live up to expectations... or is there still a lot of tweaking to do.

just curious to know the project status.

greets
Jacco de Haan
Delft, the Netherlands

if I've missed a post where you talked about everything I just asked... my bad, but please point me to it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[aircooledboy]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
love to know.

[rick 918-S]

Looks like progress report time. Over 650 miles on the car now. Other than the axle bolt loosing (I discovered this at the WCC AX) I discovered I connected the Marchal alternator (built in regulator) from the 928 through the 914 regulator. In other words I had the alternator double regulated. The charging system died the day I arrived home. After a long distance consultation with my friend Pat in Clevland ( bosch guru, Saab fan donator) I discovered my over sight. I removed the regulator from the 914 relay board and reconnected the 928 alternator direct. WHAM 13.5 volts!

The throttle cable is only opening the throttle body open about 2/3 wide. (Like it matters...) It's a geometry thing I won't be fixing until I pull the motor out this fall, I skipped lots of detail work in the mad rush to finish the car for the WCC, I'll have all winter to correct this. For now I have enough throttle to spin the tires at will. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

I adjusted the clutch cable and now it doesn't grind going into reverse. (I hope it's still considered a true 914 Dave (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif) )

The car developed a miss at low throttle. I discovered the timing belt streched and needed to be re-adjusted. I think it may be tuneup time too. I'm running the same cap, rotor and spark plugs that came on the motor when I picked it up at the salvage yard. I also have a cracked spark plug insulator. My free Saab fans are not up to the in town work. I'm ordering a couple of new fans soon. For now the car is back in the shop resting from the wild weekend on the Gold Coast. So far the shake down is going well. All the problems have been very minor. Stay tuned for future updates.

[aircooledboy]

The throttle cable is only opening the throttle body open about 2/3 wide. (Like it matters...) . . . .. For now I have enough throttle to spin the tires at will.   (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)  :driving:

I have the exact situation w/ my 1.7


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif)

[rick 918-S]

Some new developments. I found the miss. #2 plug is oil fouled. I've got a upper end rebuild ahead of me this winter.

[Mueller]

oh joy........I take it the motor has to be removed for that???

[rick 918-S]

This concerns me a little more. I'm not sure where this oil is coming from. I'm hoping not from the head gasket. I'mm going to clean it off and watch for fresh leaks.

[rick 918-S]

oh joy........I take it the motor has to be removed for that???

Yep. It was a salvage yard motor. Very dirty and oily. I replaced all the lip seals thinking that was the source of the oil. Thought I had it fixed. Oh well. We slide our chips out on the table and roll the dice. I'm fairly sure I can remedy the oiling thing with a valve job and a gasket set. Other than the fouling of #2 plug and the oil leaks the motor runs very well.

BTW: it takes about an hour to pull it.

[rick 918-S]

Oh... and some new damage to repair.... It happened in the driveway...There were tears and sobbing going on and they weren't mine. I hate that stuff. Turns my heart into jelly. Don't ask.... It's not as bad as the offenders rig.


Lock is pasted over and the tail light panel is bent alot. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Jeroen]

that sucks!
(understatement of the day/week/month/year)

cheers,

Jeroen

[maf914]

Don't ask.... It's not as bad as the offenders rig.

Hmmm... Since when do 914's come out on top in fender benders? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Rich, Thanks for all the updates on the Alien. It is really fun to follow along with you project. Best of luck.

[rick 918-S]

here's the offender....

[seanery]

Good thing it was the bumper not the trailer hitch that hit it. Take that hitch off until you need, you're just asking for trouble there.

[rick 918-S]

I'm resurrecting this old thread for some new developments. some may have read I had a bit of a problem on the way home from the MWC. I had a stray piece of metal jamb my oil pump. The pump is driven via the big belt. It had a squealing sound, I stabbed the clutch peddle and the motor died. Maybe I was fast enough to save any damage. I just located a replacement pump and sent a pay pal off tonight. I should have a replacement pump soon. I need to install the replacement pump and see if I have any other damage. I'll keep you all posted.

[Joe Ricard]

Stray piece of metal? Damn where do you suppose that came from. Never had my motor apart so I can't say that there is a screen on the suction in the sump. Good thing you are a master fabricator so you can make one. Did it chew up the timing belt enough to make it skip?? Hope not as that Euro Motor is the interferance varity.

[rick 918-S]

Stray piece of metal? Damn where do you suppose that came from. Never had my motor apart so I can't say that there is a screen on the suction in the sump. Good thing you are a master fabricator so you can make one. Did it chew up the timing belt enough to make it skip?? Hope not as that Euro Motor is the interferance varity.

I think the metal is my fault. Atleast I hope it is. If it isn't I have a serious problem. The entire sump is covered by a screen. That's why I fairly sure the metal is a result of my haste during the install. BTW: 1980 euro-spec "S" factory 10:1 compression Big lift and duration. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) It looks like the belt skipped on the pump gear only but I won't know for sure until I install the replacement pump..

[rick 918-S]

I had to drag this old thread out of the list. I took the Alien for a ride tonight. I have never really jumped on it yet. I mean I have shifted it up a little and tossed it around some but tonight I jump on it getting on the freeway. I just had to tell you guys it was awesome! The best part is nothing broke! I'm really looking forward to the WCC 05! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[rick 918-S]

I'm recovering photos lost in a hard drive crash. I'm going through this thread and copying the photos of the build. I sent the hard drive out and had a distructive recovery done but there were many bad sectors the didn't retreive. Anyone have any photos of the Alien they would like to share post them here. I'd like to save a copy. Word to the wise. Save your valuable memories on some form of media or print the photos on paper. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/cool_shades.gif)

[jim912928]

Rick..I have a few from the Midwest Classic and the Fall Foilage. If you want to shoot me a pm with your email ID I'll send you the larger higher res ones that I can't post here.

pc's can suck!