very nice write-up!

What made you finally wash your hands of your CIS to collect some Bitz? (I've researched doing the same) You seem to have refined and tested so much what was lacking?

I know a couple of things that need addressing in mine and your thread has given me a couple new things to check out so thank you.

I haven't washed my hands of CIS, it's running just fine daily on my car right now.
The refinement of control, improved horsepower, reliability and mileage increase from EFI are attractive. I'm getting about 16 mpg combined right now. Somewhat heavy foot, always running 3k rpm and up.
Parts for the CIS are getting rare and expensive.

I'm a tinkerer and a gearhead that loves to tweak performance (I had a '75 Rabbit when I was a teen that I modded from stock 72 HP to about 135 HP NA, that was a crazy fast ride...)
I just pulled my son's '88 Celica leaky slipping motor and tranny, re-gasketted it, new valve stem seals, new clutch & PP, painted it, put it back together over a 3 week period and it runs like a top now with 130K miles. EFI sure is nice....

The simplicity of the Bitz kit seems like a good way to begin experimenting with EFI and tuning with megasquirt.
I'll probably end up with EDIS as well once I get the EFI up and running. (megasquirt is good for both)
TBI's may even be in my future but they are a little pricey to start with as a learning tool.

I have collected everything I need to do the conversion, just need to stop driving the car long enough to get it on the lift now that the Toyota is done.

This is all going to be my fall/winter project while I fix a couple of minor oil leaks by installing RSR rocker shaft seals, install a stainless 2 in 1 out Dansk in place of the cheap but effective Sebring I'm running now. Clean up some more engine wiring, install a higher amperage Alternator, Install turbo tie rods, get a corner balance and alignment, etc.
The car is 34 years old and could benefit from some newer technology.

For the purists out there: I'm keeping all of the bolt on parts I'm removing just in case I ever want to go back to original.

Back to European Styling
 

I finally got around to changing out the US running lights in the front bumper.
What a pain on the driver's side, had to remove the windshield washer bottle, retaining strap bolt rusted solid etc.:eek:
1/2 hour to do passenger side. probably 2 hours for driver's side.
I think it looks good seeing the bumper as originally designed, so it was worth it.:D



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1347731905.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1347731939.jpg

Look what I found for the rainy season!

It needs a little fiberglass repair and a paint job, but it is a factory hardtop and fits really nicely.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1348633701.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1348633730.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1348633755.jpg

Nice - where did you pick that up Dennis?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/630760-fs-euro-95mm-9-8-p-c-ssi-web-cams-20-20-factory-targa-hartop-etc.html

It pays to do an advanced title search in the parts section.
Been talking to Tom about it since last spring, just couldn't seem to get together until recently. Great guy to deal with.

Picked it up for a little less than asking price. It's actually nicer than the pictures show. All latches work. I'll fix up the fiberglass and spray it as soon as my in-laws go home in 2 weeks.... :)

very nice. Makes me miss my Saratoga (a little).

Dennis;
I just got through reading your thread. Nice job done on a good looking car. I am planning to do some upgrades on my 83 coupe this winter so I thought I would subscribe and continue to monitor your progress.
Carl

Thanks Carl,
I just ordered tubo tie rod kit, all of the ball joint parts, stabilizer bushings, and control arm bushings this week.
New brake lines, caliper rebuild kits, all wheel bearings, rear suspension rubber, Shock tower bushings are next.
Going to be a busy winter! :)

Targa Hardtop
 

Started to repair the factory Targa Hardtop today.
Whle cleaning off the corner crack to get to fiberglass, I found that someone had tried to repair the top at one time using just Bondo....:eek:

No wonder it cracked again, you need the strength of the fibers in multiple directions to make a proper repair.

Here's a shot after fiberglass was applied, still wet. Lots of sanding later to level the repair and to remove very poor layer(s) of paint. :)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1349725536.jpg

Replaced all the missing pieces and chunks of fiberlass, repaired all the cracks and then stripped off 3 layers of paint!
Gave it an initial prime and sand, some leveller, another prime and guide coat, now on the final filler with glazing/spot putty and then a final sand and prime or 2. Then shoot it Black just in time for the rainy season to start here.

Oops found another small chunk missing on the opposite rain gutter....
Guess I'll finish by shaping it tomorrow, gotta love fiberglass!...:D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1350449268.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1350449294.jpg

nice thread and Im really digging the Black/Red combination!

Dry the fiberglass patch over night, a little filing, sanding and shaping and all I can ask is.
What missing chunk of drip rail?
Needs some primer and perhaps a little spot putty and it's good to go!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1350506373.jpg

Getting there Dennis...

Soon... very soon... Paint products and fillers take too long to dry!
I don't have enough spare time...:D

Well, after taking 3 coats of paint off, lots of sanding and prep work, I gave the top a new coat of paint.
Looks pretty good, especially compared to what I started with.
I'll have to wait a week or so before I start putting all the hardware and seals back on.

Pics:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1351456243.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1351456264.jpg

Just....wow

sent from my Galaxy S III

Nice work - did you use 1000 grit or similar between coats?

Thanks td and soba,
I used 400 wet this morning to make a bonding cut in my last spray that had a run in it....:mad:. (Nib files are a painters best friend)

Paint is an acrylic enamel single shot with a wet look hardener.
No clear coat and should be easy to touch up the scratches it will get over the years....

I'll buff it with some silicone free glaze in a few weeks to take out any dust from spraying it in my garage.

What sucks about this is the top is going to look better than the rest of my car's current paint job that is passable at best in my opinion.....:(

You all know where I'm headed...:eek:

Uh oh, slippery slope alert!

You're basically screwed now. This is why I leave them all crappy looking.