Another Vehicle to Suck My Life Away

[Broaner]

Howdy everybody. I've been on here for a couple months but mainly just lurking. I decided I'd do a get to know me thread.

First, let me say that I have a serious automotive affliction. It started when I was 15. Promptly after nailing down my first car I was delving into it riping stuff apart that was perfectly good. By doing this I taught myself everything I know.

I've owned my Ranger for just over two years and put about 30k on it. Its been a great vehicle in that time with only minor problems. But like I said I have an affliction and I'm getting bored with it. Over the past three years I've been dumping all my money and spending all my time on an '89 Nissan 240sx. Its a great little car. Its buildup thread can be found here for any who care to take the time to read. http://forums2.freshalloy.com/showthread.php?t=162975 So that has kept my automotive ambitions busy for a while.

But at this point my '95 XLT 4x4 5Spd is basically coming apart at the seams. Lots of little problems are snowballing all at once. Its kinda got me thinking that I need to slow down on the car and get my DD in order. My front end is falling apart(ball joints mainly; they're really bad at this point). Also, the 4.0 has seen better days. My fuel econ has dropped really badly in the last months. Currently getting 13.5 mpg with no 4wd usage and my hubs unlocked. Tires are set to mid 30's as well. The fuel econ is getting worse and worse by the day. Datalogging with the laptop reveals that there are multitudes of problems ranging from the evap cannister to the EGR system and O2's.

So, I'm at a crossroads. Do I feed my addiction with my ever continueing need to modify my vehicles to the fullest extent or do I take AA classes(Automotive Anonymous) and stick to finishing my original project in a timely manner? Only time will tell. At this point I'm unsure if I want to throw money into the D35 or the emissions bullsh!t because all those dollars could go toward an SAS and/or 351 swap. I'm interested in both. There is a tired but still running 351 (And BW1356?) in an abandoned '81 F250 at a place I used to live that I could get for free. Until I decide, glad to introduce myself and let me say this site has already been an excellent resource.

 

[metalmacguyver]

welcome! i say build your ranger and screw the import!



wow i just checked out your 240 build. DAUMNN! i dont know much about imports nor do i care much about them (damn ricers!) but that is some nice looking work dude and not a bad looking car. cant wait to see what you do with your ranger!

 

[kunar]

that 240 build was pretty cool, that car weighs about half of what my truck does... and has more power too well, welcome to TRS, youre gonna love it here. these trucks arent too difficult or expensive, take care of her and she will take care of you!

 

[mhughes165]

if u want to stay in ur realm of knowledge when building up the ranger, u could always say **** goin v8 like ive done in the past and build a bad ass 2.3 turbo for one, buddy of mine has one puttin out about 700 to the rear wheels that cost him less then 1500 to build, there great engines, i had never seen a ranger do a 4wheel donut almost on a axis b4 seein this truck....

 

[compleckz]

what was on the car when you weighed in at 2060? thats light as shit! my corrado weighed 2459 and its a pretty small car!

 

[itsbudda]

I hate when little problems snowball like that. Mine's doing the same thing.

 

[Broaner]

Thanks guys. Yeah the 240 is my baby. I've spent a ton of time doing little things to get a couple pounds here and there. Stock they are pretty light at ~2700lbs. The 2060lbs was about a year ago. Since then I've probably got it below 2000lbs. Once I get moving on it again I'd like to tube the whole car and replace at least the rear glass with polycarbonate. My ultimate goal is to be well below 2000lbs with me in it.

I'm sure a 2.3 build could be really cool but FI is not my thing. I thought it was for a while but have since refound my love for monster torque and instantaneous throttle response.

 

[Pt_Ranger_V8]

<snip>

I'm sure a 2.3 build could be really cool but FI is not my thing. I thought it was for a while but have since refound my love for monster torque and instantaneous throttle response.

And yo ucan have both of those - and more - with FI

 

[Broaner]

Torque yes but its a different sensation and response... Not even close.

 

[Broaner]

Thought I'd bring this one back up. I'm now selling my Ranger after not doing any of the things I intended to besides a BL and some 33's. Comical actually. But now I'm moving on to the world of no sparkplugs and high compression. I'm looking for an '03-'07 Common Rail quad cab in dark silver 4x4 of course and 6MT with preferably a manual T-case. Anyone finds one don't hesitate to PM me please. Thanks.

Perhaps I'll post up some pics when I get it. But for now I've got all my shit for sale so...