Finally my 280i arrived from across the country.
Discussion
My 280i arrived from CO to PA this past weekend after spending weeks trying to get a carrier to pick it up I found a guy with an enclosed trailer and truck willing to deliver for a lot more than what I wanted to spend but not much more than what I was offering a transporter to ship it for. It arrived without incident and is now in my garage. First thing is it'll need to do is get it running. The wiring harness is horrific, cut connectors, missing connectors etc... Not getting fuel to the engine when it cranks. Haven't looked much beyond reinstalling the fuel distributor which was taken off as the mechanic the previous owner had look at it said that was the issue. It might be but I'm not getting anything before it and can't hear the pump turn on when I turn the key so that's where I'll start.
Frame is immaculate, needs some love on the sunbeaten body but being from the salt belt I wanted something that was at least solid underneath to start with. If anybody has a spare airbox (snorkel and box that snaps on is what I'll need) I could really use it. I'm wondering if I can adapt a Scorpio Box as it is the same filter. It didn't come with one so that will be a definate need. Also needs a windshield and a front bumper but those I'll get from Marshall in the next month or so.
If I can't figure out the wiring and get it up and running soon I'll probably think about going with a 2004- Ford Mustang 4.0 and 5 speed in its place. Shouldn't be that difficult beyond the wiring nightmare already ahead of me.
The original vin on the car is TV9RF28T3FBDH1164 and it does have a NA TVR club sticker on it so I'm wondering if anybody might know the history of it. Seems like it might have been a track day car for someone at some point as it does have some upgraded suspension bits on at least the rear that I've noticed.
Frame is immaculate, needs some love on the sunbeaten body but being from the salt belt I wanted something that was at least solid underneath to start with. If anybody has a spare airbox (snorkel and box that snaps on is what I'll need) I could really use it. I'm wondering if I can adapt a Scorpio Box as it is the same filter. It didn't come with one so that will be a definate need. Also needs a windshield and a front bumper but those I'll get from Marshall in the next month or so.
If I can't figure out the wiring and get it up and running soon I'll probably think about going with a 2004- Ford Mustang 4.0 and 5 speed in its place. Shouldn't be that difficult beyond the wiring nightmare already ahead of me.
The original vin on the car is TV9RF28T3FBDH1164 and it does have a NA TVR club sticker on it so I'm wondering if anybody might know the history of it. Seems like it might have been a track day car for someone at some point as it does have some upgraded suspension bits on at least the rear that I've noticed.
Ben,
Don't be in too much of a hurry to 'reeinvent the wheel' when it comes to the drivetrain. My 280i was a barn find after 5-7 years of sitting, not to mention some jackleg 'mechanics' doing all kinds of stupid things to it before I got it. It's running like a top now with the original drivetrain. It only takes a little effort and making sure whoever works on it knows what they are doing. Actually, my 'barn find' is the strongest running of the three wedges I have owned over the years.
Don't be in too much of a hurry to 'reeinvent the wheel' when it comes to the drivetrain. My 280i was a barn find after 5-7 years of sitting, not to mention some jackleg 'mechanics' doing all kinds of stupid things to it before I got it. It's running like a top now with the original drivetrain. It only takes a little effort and making sure whoever works on it knows what they are doing. Actually, my 'barn find' is the strongest running of the three wedges I have owned over the years.
Marshall,
Not looking to reinvent the wheel but it is lacking a few things I'd like such as a 5 speed and few more ponies. I like the idea of a rustang 4.0 from 05- as it "should" bolt right in theoretically and give a solid 50 more ponies with an engine that shouldn't have any emissions problems or run into parts that aren't available. Engine in there should run fine but my hope is a daily driver when I don't wanna ride the Honda so I do want something that ends up bullet proof. 1st task is to get the engine in there running. Like I said I don't think there is anything left for the computer to control and have yet to find it or the fuses. Hopefully today I'll drain the tank and put some clean gas in then jump the fuel pump. I hope to find that digital camera today and send you some pics of the windshield "gasket" as well.
Ben
Not looking to reinvent the wheel but it is lacking a few things I'd like such as a 5 speed and few more ponies. I like the idea of a rustang 4.0 from 05- as it "should" bolt right in theoretically and give a solid 50 more ponies with an engine that shouldn't have any emissions problems or run into parts that aren't available. Engine in there should run fine but my hope is a daily driver when I don't wanna ride the Honda so I do want something that ends up bullet proof. 1st task is to get the engine in there running. Like I said I don't think there is anything left for the computer to control and have yet to find it or the fuses. Hopefully today I'll drain the tank and put some clean gas in then jump the fuel pump. I hope to find that digital camera today and send you some pics of the windshield "gasket" as well.
Ben
Ben,
I would change the fuel filter and stick some techron in with the new gas.
I guess you are gonna hotwire the pump with a button for testing as you can't see the relay in the footwell.
You can check the fuel at the pressure regulator (by the return hose)
If you get fuel, I 'm sure you will, let it run for a while to flush it a bit.
After you reconnect the return hose give the pump another hit to get pressure up. It gives it the residual pressure that the car normally has from when it was driven last.
Check aux air device, pull off the two hoses you see daylight through it when cold.
Check sensor plate moves by lifting gently(shouldn't stick)
Check cold start injector operates from thermotime switch.
Check voltage on coil at start and run key positions.
Should fire right up.
Idle is high when cold, comes down quite quickly, if it doesn't don't adjust butterfly. First check aux air device, then the idle bypass. A spray can of carb cleaner is your friend
good luck
I would change the fuel filter and stick some techron in with the new gas.
I guess you are gonna hotwire the pump with a button for testing as you can't see the relay in the footwell.
You can check the fuel at the pressure regulator (by the return hose)
If you get fuel, I 'm sure you will, let it run for a while to flush it a bit.
After you reconnect the return hose give the pump another hit to get pressure up. It gives it the residual pressure that the car normally has from when it was driven last.
Check aux air device, pull off the two hoses you see daylight through it when cold.
Check sensor plate moves by lifting gently(shouldn't stick)
Check cold start injector operates from thermotime switch.
Check voltage on coil at start and run key positions.
Should fire right up.
Idle is high when cold, comes down quite quickly, if it doesn't don't adjust butterfly. First check aux air device, then the idle bypass. A spray can of carb cleaner is your friend
good luck
Thought I'd better add the stuff about be careful about sparks with the fuel pump and at the fuel dist. There are a few CIS Porsches that have gone up in smoke
Assume you know that the fuel pump does not op on the key. It needs pulses from the coil, that's why some people change the safety module for a regular relay for testing, others just hot wire it.
If you do find some relays, it's the cream one.
Assume you know that the fuel pump does not op on the key. It needs pulses from the coil, that's why some people change the safety module for a regular relay for testing, others just hot wire it.
If you do find some relays, it's the cream one.
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