Mx5 Rocketeer V6 Conversion Project
Discussion
unlikelymechanic said:
Snap (sorry about pic its the right way up on my computer!)
Reading this thread with interest
I have just VHT wrinkle painted my rocker covers
Should be getting my rocketeer kit within the next couple of weeks - I have decided not to touch my MX5 and concentrate on the engine until I get the kit
Nice work by the way - looking forward to seeing pictures (and maybe video?) of yours finished
I must say, the VHT paint is very satisfying to use when it starts to crinkle!
It is satisfying to use when the magic happens with the paint! I used a heat gun to make the paint wrinkle which I found by reading up online - it doesn’t mention this method on the side of the tin
There were a couple of places where the paint started to ‘sag’ on the vertical faces when I used the heat gun even though I allowed 5mins between the coats and 10mins before I used the heat gun
I managed to remove the excess paint from the sags with the side of a wooden tooth pick once the paint had started to dry so I am now happy with the results. I was worried I would have to strip one of them down and start again!
There were a couple of places where the paint started to ‘sag’ on the vertical faces when I used the heat gun even though I allowed 5mins between the coats and 10mins before I used the heat gun
I managed to remove the excess paint from the sags with the side of a wooden tooth pick once the paint had started to dry so I am now happy with the results. I was worried I would have to strip one of them down and start again!
I simply wouldn't have you're patience, I'd have bolted it all in and been enjoying it, with the intention of taking it off the road in winter and doing all the tidying up
Which I'd never actually get around to.
With half a mind to this conversion I recently bought my wife a 3.0 X type and I really like the amount of power and the way it delivers it, I think it'll be a great combination in your MX5
Which I'd never actually get around to.
With half a mind to this conversion I recently bought my wife a 3.0 X type and I really like the amount of power and the way it delivers it, I think it'll be a great combination in your MX5
unlikelymechanic said:
It is satisfying to use when the magic happens with the paint! I used a heat gun to make the paint wrinkle which I found by reading up online - it doesn’t mention this method on the side of the tin
There were a couple of places where the paint started to ‘sag’ on the vertical faces when I used the heat gun even though I allowed 5mins between the coats and 10mins before I used the heat gun
I managed to remove the excess paint from the sags with the side of a wooden tooth pick once the paint had started to dry so I am now happy with the results. I was worried I would have to strip one of them down and start again!
I followed this method:There were a couple of places where the paint started to ‘sag’ on the vertical faces when I used the heat gun even though I allowed 5mins between the coats and 10mins before I used the heat gun
I managed to remove the excess paint from the sags with the side of a wooden tooth pick once the paint had started to dry so I am now happy with the results. I was worried I would have to strip one of them down and start again!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Very helpful!
Just read this from the start. You've done a very thorough job which befits the outlay on the conversion kit. Too many people seem to see the earlier mx5s as disposable cars and neglect to properly take care of them. Great work on your part.
I've got a turbo'd mk2.5 I spend far too much on, but I keep reading about these Rocketeer conversions and find myself feeling that my car won't be finished until it has a V6 under the bonnet.
I look forward to seeing your actual conversion take place.
One tip, if you want to get rid of the tinny doors, fit delrin door bushes. They make a big difference in my experience.
Ben
I've got a turbo'd mk2.5 I spend far too much on, but I keep reading about these Rocketeer conversions and find myself feeling that my car won't be finished until it has a V6 under the bonnet.
I look forward to seeing your actual conversion take place.
One tip, if you want to get rid of the tinny doors, fit delrin door bushes. They make a big difference in my experience.
Ben
Thanks for all the kind words.
Part of me does want to get the engine in and running as soon as possible, but then on the other hand I will never have such a good opportunity for the engine bay work and other bits and pieces. The trick will be finding the right balance I think!
It is a bit daunting stripping the engine bay back so far though, even with many reference pictures and bagging all the bolts etc!
Part of me does want to get the engine in and running as soon as possible, but then on the other hand I will never have such a good opportunity for the engine bay work and other bits and pieces. The trick will be finding the right balance I think!
It is a bit daunting stripping the engine bay back so far though, even with many reference pictures and bagging all the bolts etc!
Just to finish up the cam cover painting, here is a before photo:
IMG_20180928_164815 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
This was then sanded down and dusted with primer. Then when that is fully dry, the VHT paint is applied in stages.
IMG_20180929_113332 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
And then when it looks like the above, you carefully go at it with a hot air gun until it looks like so...
IMG_20180930_101554 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
Quite a satisfying job.
IMG_20180928_164815 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrThis was then sanded down and dusted with primer. Then when that is fully dry, the VHT paint is applied in stages.
IMG_20180929_113332 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrAnd then when it looks like the above, you carefully go at it with a hot air gun until it looks like so...
IMG_20180930_101554 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrQuite a satisfying job.
Finally an post to bring the thread up to date (not that it's vastly behind, but a little).
As teased by Ace, the engine is out! It also came out pretty easily, which was a pleasant surprise. First all the radiator etc was stripped out, and then all pipes and wires going to the engine/gearbox disconnected. After that, the car got jacked up quite high, and the engine and gearbox pulled out with the subframe. No dramas at all - though having the right tools is crucial...
Getting the car high enough.
IMG_20180925_120400 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
The engine crane was then attached to the engine lift points and the weight taken so the subframe bolts could be removed.
IMG_20180925_122328 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
Notice the little dolley which we lowered the engine onto. This is in its whole state - it didn't stay in that condition!
IMG_20180925_122335 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
Engine down and ready for extraction...
IMG_20180926_085841 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
The whole lot out, before splitting the gearbox off.
IMG_20180925_124948 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
And the final view of the engine bay looking a trifle bare. Still lots to strip out before paint prep though! Lots of reference pictures have been taken!
IMG_20180925_142049 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
As teased by Ace, the engine is out! It also came out pretty easily, which was a pleasant surprise. First all the radiator etc was stripped out, and then all pipes and wires going to the engine/gearbox disconnected. After that, the car got jacked up quite high, and the engine and gearbox pulled out with the subframe. No dramas at all - though having the right tools is crucial...
Getting the car high enough.
IMG_20180925_120400 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrThe engine crane was then attached to the engine lift points and the weight taken so the subframe bolts could be removed.
IMG_20180925_122328 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrNotice the little dolley which we lowered the engine onto. This is in its whole state - it didn't stay in that condition!
IMG_20180925_122335 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrEngine down and ready for extraction...
IMG_20180926_085841 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrThe whole lot out, before splitting the gearbox off.
IMG_20180925_124948 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrAnd the final view of the engine bay looking a trifle bare. Still lots to strip out before paint prep though! Lots of reference pictures have been taken!
IMG_20180925_142049 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
Engine bay update time...
Over the last few days since the engine came out I've been busy taking all the other bits and pieces out of the area for respraying purposes. Happily nothing broke, and after many a reference picture was taken, I was left with:
IMG_20181009_110510 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
This is actually just after degreasing and jet-washing.
I then got busy with a number of wire brushes to remove rust/loose paint etc then sanded all the areas to feather the edges for paint. That left it looking like this.
IMG_20181009_131837 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
It then recieved an extremely liberal coating of Kurust and then got masked up for primer. The photo is oddly blurry, but i'm going to say that it's artistic and trust at least some people are taken in!
IMG_20181010_101216 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
Lastly, and to bring this up to date, epoxy primer was applied. I chose this as it protects against water, unlike a lot of primers which are permeable. It is quite expensive though!
IMG_20181010_114141 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
IMG_20181010_114147 by Jon Fellows, on Flickr
You'll notice that the lower portions of the engine bay have been left - this is deliberate. I'm going to use the Dinatrol rust proofing system on these areas as I have done on the rest of the car. After the paint is finished though!
Over the last few days since the engine came out I've been busy taking all the other bits and pieces out of the area for respraying purposes. Happily nothing broke, and after many a reference picture was taken, I was left with:
IMG_20181009_110510 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrThis is actually just after degreasing and jet-washing.
I then got busy with a number of wire brushes to remove rust/loose paint etc then sanded all the areas to feather the edges for paint. That left it looking like this.
IMG_20181009_131837 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrIt then recieved an extremely liberal coating of Kurust and then got masked up for primer. The photo is oddly blurry, but i'm going to say that it's artistic and trust at least some people are taken in!
IMG_20181010_101216 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrLastly, and to bring this up to date, epoxy primer was applied. I chose this as it protects against water, unlike a lot of primers which are permeable. It is quite expensive though!
IMG_20181010_114141 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrIMG_20181010_114147 by Jon Fellows, on FlickrYou'll notice that the lower portions of the engine bay have been left - this is deliberate. I'm going to use the Dinatrol rust proofing system on these areas as I have done on the rest of the car. After the paint is finished though!
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