My Official Project thread, Off to Or-egg-gone we go! Options

[RiqueMar]

Hello 914World! Long time no-post, however I'm still here and 'chipping' away. Had a bit of a problem in the Fall with 'rough running' on my engine that I believe has been isolated to the ECU. While that one is in for repair, modification and upgrade - I purchased a 'rebuilt' and certified unit from Steve Wong Link to SWChips.com and 'voilà!' everything works again, with the only change being that I moved pin 18 (constant power) to a fused source.

While I'm able to run the engine consistently with starter fluid, this leads me to believe I need to give the fuel system another look. Next order of business is to remove and send in the injectors for cleaning / servicing as well as the fuel-rails just to be safe, because I had them re-plated. Also, going to use this opportunity to install a fuel-pressure gauge on the fuel rail and (maybe) replace the fuel pump. More details later, but for now, sharing my 'finished' wiring diagram. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[Cairo94507]

Hello Enrique - Nice to see you back and still making progress. Is WCR in your plans? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[RiqueMar]

Hello Enrique - Nice to see you back and still making progress. Is WCR in your plans? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

@Cairo94507 - I've been at it, it's just been a bit 'slow' recently - our business has really picked up. No complaints here though, it's better than the alternative! I think WCR is in July - I don't think I can have my car up there that quickly, but I'll try and tag along and find an empty seat or cool car to bring. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[RiqueMar]

I mentioned previously that the car was running rough. I suspect it's the injectors. As a precaution I'm also going to take this opportunity check or replace the following. I don't foresee this as a big problem, because I've had the car running in this configuration for 10-20 minutes at a time, but we'll see....

- Servicing the injectors: As much as I would like to get new ones, at $250 each, I just can't see it happening.
- New Fuel Pump: This unit sat for a while and I remember there was something 'finicky' about it before reinstalling it. Further, it's been with the car for atleast as long as I can remember and sat 'dry' for the longest time. Also, when I turn the ignition ON and the system is on, it seems a bit loud. Something here doesn't seem right.
- Check the fuel lines: These are new, but I'm going to check underneath the tank, in the tunnel and out the rear firewall for any 'kinks'.
- Lower the fuel filter: I made the mistake of mounting the fuel-filter above the fuel pump in the front trunk, and a bit too high. While it's easy to get to, clean and replace, it's too high and I need to lower lower it to about the same level as the fuel pump.
- Install a pressure Gauge on the passenger-side fuel rail: I'm sure I can do this, I'm just not sure how to yet.

Getting ready for each of these, I spent last night removing the injectors and wanted to be careful because I've already detailed the engine bay. Pretty straight forward, just started at the Passenger-side fuel rail and disconnected the supply line. It had a bit of fuel, but nothing that a water-bottle and a rag can't handle. From there, just disconnected each hose tot eh pressure regulator and engine fuel system and repeated the same on the Driver-side. For those that are doing this for the first time, give yourself about 1.5-2hrs, have a few rags and take your time. It gets a bit cramped in the 914 engine bay, but it's not too difficult with light, a Gatorade/Bottle handy and the tools on-hand (16, 17, 18, 19mm wrench). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[eric9144]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/slap.gif)

[flat4guy]

Great looking build - hope to see your car sometime.

[RiqueMar]

Hi Guys!

Still here and with the project! Our business just really picked up last-year and, as well, went through a divorce so this was put on the back-burner. I swear, I think I was only 'home' for about a total of 4-months in 2022-2023. In any-case, working on my first-property and I'd like to see this done sometime in 2024! Last-week, I began calling around to different shops to 'push this across' the finish line - very excited to find the 'right' place!

Thought I'de check in, hope everyone is doing well! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[mepstein]

Enrique - If I can help with anything, just let me know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Cairo94507]

Enrique - Sorry to hear about the divorce- no fun. I really hope you are doing well, moving on and maybe that you found the shop to complete your car. I know it likely rubs you the wrong way to have someone else work on your car, but at some point, time is worth more than money. Hope to see you driving that beauty very soon. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Cheers,
Michael

[RiqueMar]

Hi All,

Thanks for the nice words, all good over here - really just working on a variety of different projects, the long and the short of it...

- Divorce was no fun, but it was my decision.
- Took a year (2022) to 'go on the road' for my company and live out of a suitcase, that was fun while it lasted. Likewise, took a lot of 'solo' trip around the world; Scottish Roadtrip, Mexican Tour, etc.
- Was promoted to a completely different role, Director of Sales, and it seems fun.
- Subsequent to the promotion - Business really picked up, back-to-back 'record' years, hoping to keep that going.
- Bought a building and renovating it (more on that later)
- Met a girl (details there are not for you)
- Most recently, last month, sent my car off to Ben @ 'Martin Mid-Engine'. Loving his periodic updates.

I'll post more later, but for now, happy to say that I'm busy as hell, but all good!

[RiqueMar]

Updating for the group, hello world! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

It's been a non-stop couple of years, but I'm happy to say I'm here for it. After much internal-wavering, I decided to contact several restorers/shops here on 914World. Every person and shop I spoke to was incredible, though I eventually decided on Ben Martin of Martin Mid-Engine for the project after he was able to carve out time to visit myself and get an in-person look at the car here in San Diego.

From there, a few months passed and in early-July, the car was on its way to the PNW - thanks to the help of my lovely-assistant, a very-dedicated 'hot shot' hauler, and Ben himself.

More later, thats all for now. You all can't get rid of me that-easy.

[mepstein]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[RiqueMar]

Hi All - Now, with the car at Martin Mid-Engine, I want to ensure that I keep this thread active. Bummer that I couldn't 'get this across the finish line' myself, however thats the way it goes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I wanted to take a moment to highlight Ben and Martin Mid-Engine. After much perseverating, I came to the conclusion that I just couldn't see the project through the way I wanted to. Likewise, I found myself 'sick' of just looking at the car - wondering if I would ever actually drive or finish it. I was sick of it being 'perpetually almost done'

When I finally came to the conclusion to send it out, I contacted a variety of people and shops and was very happy to get so much positive feedback and interaction. We have a great community of members, vendors and experts and - while I could only choose one-shop EVERY other contact was pleasant and professional. Eventually, I decided on Martin Mid-engine. Ben was gracious enough to carve out the time to visit me and the car and get a first-hand look at the project. Likewise, the prospect of towing or driving it back from the PNW is just too good for me to pass-up.

When we initially met in March, I was happy to hear his opinion that we were very-close. As well, we shared many of the same perspectives and ideas of where to go to finish off the car. Fast forward to July, I contracted a 'hot shot' for a direct-transport from San Diego to Northern Oregon and the 'beginning of the end' had started for the project.

Having said all that, I wanted to take a moment to highlight Martin Mid-Engine (Martin Mid-Engine Website). From the start, everything has been incredibly smooth; Ben / MME have been incredibly accommodating and clear with the terms of service, work as well as progress. As a customer I'm very-happy that I have an online resource where I can see progress photos of the car and, as well, get ahold of them in a timely fashion. Everything has been not only professional, but sincere and accommodating. While not done yet, if you're considering a restoration or service on this car - very much recommend Martin Mid-Engine.

More to follow! I'de like to update this thread with progress photos, however that's it for now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[Cairo94507]

Hi Enrique - Welcome back. I look forward to seeing photos of your car when you get it running and driving. I know you are excited about that. Time flies my friend.
Cheers,
Michael (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[RiqueMar]

Keeping the thread going, a few progress photos from Martin Mid-Engine HQ. Very grateful for this as well, because my work is going to be 'checked over' by another set of experienced eyes and hands! Likewise, I feel better knowing the key-components such as Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Motor and Transmission are getting a once over and a second-look.

Seen here, the car on the lift getting an initial sorting as well as a 'restart' of the engine. You can see in the photos the level of grime from the wrong-lines being used for fuel. I think I mentioned previously that the previous owner had mistakenly run hydraulic lines for fuel, which degraded and resulted in a lot of 'crap' going to the injectors. As of now, motor and ECU are running, and we have an operating clutch. Downside for this week, appears my stock / OEM

Another mistake, on my part, is that I forgot to convert the shift assembly from a previously 901-unit to the 915 assembly. Happy enough, a quick-call to JWEST resulted in a delivered Rennshift unit. So nice!

'Shiny-parts' and 'Oily-parts' photos below, until later friends (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[jim_hoyland]

Nice ! Keep us updated (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[mepstein]

Did your father finish his car?

[RiqueMar]

Did your father finish his car?

OOOooh yeah. nicknamed 'The Black Widow', it's a Ferrari-360 Spider that has parts integrated from a Challenge Stradale. We Brough over the Suspension, Engine, Interior, Aero-bits, wheels / brakes, and left the convertible top / manual shifter. Effectively, a Spider / Challenge Stradale. He's since moved on to more cars and projects and got really into Spec-Racing and different types of racing as of a few years ago, super happy for him. As well, we still work together - almost day-to-day now.

Hopefully, things slow-down a bit and we can get his 914-6 (my cars 'twin' little-big-brother) up and going next! Hope you're well Señor @mepstein !

[mepstein]

I meant his orange six but I do remember you showing me his two Ferrari’s and explaining the project. It’s great that he got that done. I’m waiting for the father/son pic with the two orange cars.

[RiqueMar]

I meant his orange six but I do remember you showing me his two Ferrari’s and explaining the project. It’s great that he got that done. I’m waiting for the father/son pic with the two orange cars.

Oh, haha - now I just feel silly. You and Me both!