Finally Building It

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Little update. The truck is running good so far the only issues I have with the turbo build is heat around the brake master cylinder. The nylon is starting to melt on hard drives. I have some parts coming to try and make it a remote fill next weekend.

Other than heat issues I need to finish the dash install and install the new steering ends so I can get it aligned. Crawler gears are in and I will say that the difference is amazing, so far by far the best mod I have done for the X. If you drive the auto I don't know how much benefit you will really see but on the 5 speed I feel so much better being nice to clutch over hard obstacles.

Turbo is a noticeable power boost moves the truck without issue and I notice almost no difference off boost since base engine didn't change just the fuel mapping and timing. I am running about a max boost of 6/7lbs with water meth coming on at 2lbs and hitting about 50% duty at 7lbs. I spec'd the kit for 14lbs boost but that's a next summer project.

The engine harness and ecu conversion was actually pretty easy (once I figured it out), only had a few wires that needed to be connected to the X harness like fuel pump and start signal. I will post my docs shortly in case anyone wants to follow the build. So far the tach is the only gauge not working however I have a plan for that.

Overall fun build I am looking forward to getting it road worthy and enjoying it this summer. Super fun to build however I just keep thinking I should have super charged it but to late now. I also have a spread sheet of the build cost and I stopped keeping track around 4K and that's not including the z31 purchase or donor X. So now I am keeping this X forever.


A picture to top off the book of a post. Black hood scope not bolted down in this picture.
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paulforeman02

Test Drive
I'm super interested in your water methanol system... I get some pinging with the supercharger swap when it's hot (yes, running highest grade pump gas available. Possibly partly because I still have the ECU from the Auto in my 5-speed?). Either way, before I run a smaller pulley and add the headers and larger exhaust, I'd like to get water running in it. Can you send me a description of how you did it? Or let's meet up sometime soon. I was just in Junction last week. I should have hit you up.
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Yesss!! I’m so happy to see she moves and it all turned out.

Thanks it's all coming together slowly but surly.

Nice man! Glad to see she lives! If you ever make it up to Idaho for any reason, hit me up.

For sure I just saw the update on your thread of your trip looks like beautiful country up there. I will have to get up there when this whole covid thing blows over.

I'm super interested in your water methanol system... I get some pinging with the supercharger swap when it's hot (yes, running highest grade pump gas available. Possibly partly because I still have the ECU from the Auto in my 5-speed?). Either way, before I run a smaller pulley and add the headers and larger exhaust, I'd like to get water running in it. Can you send me a description of how you did it? Or let's meet up sometime soon. I was just in Junction last week. I should have hit you up.

Might be easier to see in person but there's really not much to the install. I used the Snow Performance stage 2.5 kit I bought it used off ebay so it was a little cheaper. I have the pump mounted by where the stock airbox would be. You can see in my engine pics the cast 90 right before the throttle body I just drilled and tapped that for the nozzle. Wiring the controller is a little work to get everything through the firewall. The tank is mounted on the front of the condenser behind the front grill. My friend used the simpler kit on his diesel that just has a pressure switch that turns the pump on. No control on the flow but much easier to install and no gauge to mount.

I wanted the controller partly because it's also a boost gauge and I wanted to start injecting early to help with exhaust temps. I think with the supercharged engine you could drill and tap that cast part that bolts to the throttle body if I remember the layout correctly.

If you want pictures I can text them to you. Also I am thinking of running over the Grand Mesa going from Vega State park and dropping into Cedaredge on the other side. Not the most intense 4x4 trail but super pretty in early June. Let me know if you are interested and we can coordinate a time to run it.

Here is the kit I used and a link to spraying through a supercharger.
https://www.snowperformance.net/sta...lon-tubing-quick-connect-fittings-sno-210.asp

https://prometh.com/blogs/tech/7280...hanol-injection-through-my-eaton-supercharger
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Got the remote mount brake reservoirs installed today. Built a bracket out of some 3/16X1" metal and mounted it to the fender. Not super happy with it but as long as it works and doesn't leak it's fine. A lot cheaper than buying an aftermarket master. My stock reservoir was starting to melt being so close to the turbo.

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HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Little update I finally got the Calmini steering kit setup with new idler arm bushings and all new tie rod ends. Bushings ended up being a pain to get to work but now it's all good and aligned. Took it for a short shake down run yesterday and so far no issues. Lockers work great and low gears are awesome.

Also started the new sliders build still need add the tube once I get it cut.

Start of the build.
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finalish product.
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HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Been driving the X no real issues so far. The used turbo is eating some oil and I am lean all the time so I have new injectors coming. Would like to switch the ECU to megasquirt this winter to have some control over the fuel and timing but for now it's good enough.

Finally took the time to put the rest of the dash in and build a bracket for the locker switches. Used 16ga steel, cut the holes out with a jig saw so they look like awful but you can't tell with the switches in. Built some L brackets and plug welded them to the back and through bolted through the radio plastic cubby. Don't mind the crappy radio it's worked for this long so I am just going to use it till it dies.

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HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Took the X for two drives this weekend. First one to get a 350 chevy short block and a stroker crank for a chevy build I am starting. Got both parts in the back of the X with some extra gear. 120 mile round trip. Second one a long trail, 5 hours of off road driving and had no issues. Two climbs from 6K feet to 9K and all stayed cool. Nothing like watching the boost climb on a 218K engine. So far I have 400+ miles on the build and only melted a few plastic pieces.

Water crossing from the trail one of many.

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HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
No build update besides things seem to be working. I did however take it on a 500+ mile trip with 24 miles of hard 4x4 trail. Used the front and rear lockers but most of the time the rear was enough. Lower t-case gears are the best thing for being able to crawl up rocks rather than bump up them.

Road was really rough for the last 3 miles to the lakes where we did some kayaking. No pictures of the road more interested in getting there than taking pictures.

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HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Took some time to finish my sliders probably drop them off at the powder coater this week. Not super happy with how they turned out, the angle was harder than expected to keep consistent. I used a portaband and two tall jack stands to hold the tube with ratchet straps for my cuts.

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HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Couple updates. My oil return from the turbo is leaking at the pan again. I think with all the flexing it's pulling on the pan and I want to fix it before it becomes a major issue. Plan is to pull the oil pan and plate that section of the pan with 1/8 steel and then weld the fitting to the 1/8. Hopefully that fixes any flexing issue. Not excited as I have to pull the front diff out of the way to get to it.

Finally got some decent rear shocks no picture but just Bilstein's. Still need to order the fronts but using 4x4 parts for those. Also I never drove around with the winch connected due to it being cheap and personally not trusting it not to short out and winch itself through the bumper. Donor X had a heavy switch for something so I stole it and connected it to the winch. rated for 300amps continues.

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paulforeman02

Test Drive
The are short. The shocks on mine were topping out before the AC UCAs were hitting the bump stops. I added a sleeve on the shock - just enough to have the UCA bottom out first - lock nut still engages fully on the top shock mount. Just and idea. Kinda hard to see, but it's in there.

Love the updates - still want to find a time to get out there and check it out... Someday hopefully. DSC_0153.JPG
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Thanks for the tip on the spacer. Little disappointed that they didn't fit better. My cheap replacement shocks were actually much longer just too soft on the valving.

still want to find a time to get out there and check it out... Someday hopefully.

Yeah we need to find a time to get together and do some wheeling. Getting to the point where it's going to be in the snow.
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
First time playing with the new camera. Going to start uploading content to the youtube. Starting a Montero build in the early spring 4 link and 37's for the monty.

 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Dude, that was great! I'm curious what cam you picked up. I just got one as well yesterday.

Thanks! I used a gopro hero 9 (new) and an iphone XR for the video. I would like to get a little better cam for garage work but wanted to see what I thought before investing too much cash. Need a mic for the gopro since the X exhaust blows it out occasionally.
 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
I recently picked up an osmo for filming, just got an apemam a87 yesterday (does 4k 60), and have a big fs700 that I can take as well as a smaller Sony mirror less cam (though I need to upgrade that one - no 4k).
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
I recently picked up an osmo for filming, just got an apemam a87 yesterday (does 4k 60), and have a big fs700 that I can take as well as a smaller Sony mirror less cam (though I need to upgrade that one - no 4k).

Jealous of that sony cam! Sounds like a sweet setup about what I was thinking if I keep up with the filming. I want a few action style cams and a studio cam for getting fancy.

I restrained myself from getting the Red Komodo. Big fan of buy once cry once but I went cheap this time.
 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
Jealous of that sony cam! Sounds like a sweet setup about what I was thinking if I keep up with the filming. I want a few action style cams and a studio cam for getting fancy.

I restrained myself from getting the Red Komodo. Big fan of buy once cry once but I went cheap this time.

Haha. Honestly, having worked with reds before, while the image is fantastic, unless you have a crew on site, and enough money to buy 4 512gb red cards, they're not worth the money.
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Haha. Honestly, having worked with reds before, while the image is fantastic, unless you have a crew on site, and enough money to buy 4 512gb red cards, they're not worth the money.


Yeah I have heard they are not worth the money but the image is so pretty. I think the next step will just be a mirrorless cam and a few lenses probably a better investment than a red.

Share some xterra content if you have some.
 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
Yeah I have heard they are not worth the money but the image is so pretty. I think the next step will just be a mirrorless cam and a few lenses probably a better investment than a red.

Share some xterra content if you have some.

I've only filmed one trip so far, and I'm waiting to launch my channel until I have more content. That way I can have a steady stream of videos going.

If you have camera questions or are looking for recommendations, let me know. I have used a TON of different cameras, lights, audio gear and can make some solid, but inexpensive (relatively speaking) recommendations.
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
I've only filmed one trip so far, and I'm waiting to launch my channel until I have more content. That way I can have a steady stream of videos going.

If you have camera questions or are looking for recommendations, let me know. I have used a TON of different cameras, lights, audio gear and can make some solid, but inexpensive (relatively speaking) recommendations.


Thanks I appreciate it! Diving into this for the first time, just looking for another hobby because cars aren't expensive enough lol.
 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
OK. Here's what I'd recommend picking up.

I'd grab a Sony a6500. You can find these used for about 600 on ebay.

The biggest reason I recommend the a6500 over the a6300 comes down to the sensor. The sensor itself is stabilized. This allows for stabilization of vintage lenses.

I'd recommend at least two lenses. A wide lens (18 or 24mm, and as fast as you can afford, which is as close to f1.8 as you can get)

I'd then recommend a decent zoom lens that will cover the bulk of what you'd want to film.

Theres a lot of reason to choose the sonys over other cameras. The sensors are FANTASTIC. There's also the fact that the e-mount allows you to mount practically any lens ever made. While they only output 8-bit color via the hdmi, it is at least 8-bit 4:2:2.

While I was shooting corporate, films and other videos, my primary lenses were a 28mm f1. 8, 35mm f2. 8, 50mm f1. 8 and an 35-105mm f2. 8.

These are all vintage lenses, two being canons and two being Minolta.

I would pick up two microphones. An on camera shotgun mic for environmental audio and scratch audio when speaking, and a lab mic in either wireless form (if you can afford it. Wireless mics are not something to skimp on), or a wired lab to a pocket recorder (I have and still use a tascam dr-05 recorder).

Buy a decent tripod. There are some pretty good tripods in the 200-300 range. I wouldn't spend less than that on a tripod. Get your camera and equipment all rigged up, and figure out what it weighs. Then buy a tripod to accommodate that weight. For example, when my fs700 is all rigged up, it weighs somewhere between 18 and 24 lbs. I have a tripod that can counter balance up to 35lbs. It retails for about $1200.

Also, as far as camera rigging (cages, accessories, putting stuff on the camera), the sweet spot for quality vs cost is smallrig. They are inexpensive, and super high quality.

SD cards..... Don't bother buying anything other than Sony, Samsung, or SanDisk. Just buy class 10 u3 cards, and you're set.

Ill stop here for now. Let me know if you have questions regarding lighting, or what mics to buy. There are some surprisingly good mics for under 100 bucks.
 

paulforeman02

Test Drive
First time playing with the new camera. Going to start uploading content to the youtube. Starting a Montero build in the early spring 4 link and 37's for the monty.


Did you take the transfer case out of that donor X? Seem to remember it had the low range gears in it. looks like it does well. Nice video!
 

meisanerd

Need Bigger Tires
Just a hint for the mics, the TAKSTAR SGC-598 is a great shotgun for the price. And for lav, we've used a few Rode Wireless Go's for some projects here at work, pretty decent for the price.

We also use Neewer tripods, you can get those cheaper than the 200-300, and they are pretty solid. https://neewer.com/collections/tripod/products/tripods-10087146
It is a bit bulky if you are doing off-road stuff, and might be overkill for an A6500. Neewer makes a fair amount of decent video gear for the price, but from what I have heard, you kinda want to avoid their audio stuff.
 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
Just a hint for the mics, the TAKSTAR SGC-598 is a great shotgun for the price. And for lav, we've used a few Rode Wireless Go's for some projects here at work, pretty decent for the price.

We also use Neewer tripods, you can get those cheaper than the 200-300, and they are pretty solid. https://neewer.com/collections/tripod/products/tripods-10087146
It is a bit bulky if you are doing off-road stuff, and might be overkill for an A6500. Neewer makes a fair amount of decent video gear for the price, but from what I have heard, you kinda want to avoid their audio stuff.

The biggest expense when it comes to tripods is the fluid head. This is where it's ABSOLUTELY worth the cost of buying a good one from the start. Cheaper heads tend to stick, grind or wear out after not too long, and can get REALLY stiff when they get cold.

I'm a big fan of the ikan/e-image gh series heads. I have the gh10l. It's a geared fluid head with adjustable pan/tilt drag, and adjustable counter balance with a 100mm bowl mount. This is SUPER overkill for the a6500, but is perfect for my fully rigged up fs700.

Bowl mounts are nice, as you don't need to worry about the ground being level to get a level shot.

The benro heads are also really nice. I've not had good luck with Manfrotto, but I've only used the less expensive ones, so I can't attest to the more expensive models. An ikan/e-image gh03 head would serve you well, as would the benro s4.

Make your own decisions, but these recommendations are coming from personal experience.
 

meisanerd

Need Bigger Tires
Oh for sure, fluid heads are nice, but pricy. I'm more aiming at the beginner/budget side of things, and what does work. There are a lot of garbage tripods in the $250 range, but Neewer stuff has been good enough up to this point, lasts reasonably long enough without breaking or wearing down. Once you start making the big bucks with the streaming service, at that point you start justifying the $1k+ tripods. I've used a number of inexpensive tripods over the years, with the majority of them being considered garbage. The Neewers are decent for the price.

Having worked with a variety of Mannfroto stuff, it is expensive for what you get. And they like to do their own proprietary garbage on the connections, so you have to buy their plates and their heads to work, you can't just go "oh hey, this is a cheap spare camera so I'll buy the $10 amazon special plate for it because I don't really care"...
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Did you take the transfer case out of that donor X? Seem to remember it had the low range gears in it. looks like it does well. Nice video!

Yeah that's the T case out of the donor X. I am not sure what the ratio is I should have checked when I had it out. According to the seller they were "prototype" Calmini gears back in the early 2000's. Huge difference over the stock gears though. Would suggest upgrading the gears before adding lockers made such a big difference especially with the 5 speed.

I sold the donor X to my brother for 1500$ plus the Montero which was mine before I sold it to him 2 years ago. I would say I got 2k out of it. So 1k total cost for lockers, ARB compressor, gears, and a calmini steering setup. Plus small parts to swap and rebuild worn steering parts. Not bad in my opinion.

When we get the silver X back to full road worthy I might have my brother take it to the same spot and try without gears and lockers. Make a little comparison video.

Reaver, I am going to PM you some camera questions. I liked the suggestion on the used A6500 I was already looking at the A6600 but used fits my budget much better.
 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
Yeah that's the T case out of the donor X. I am not sure what the ratio is I should have checked when I had it out. According to the seller they were "prototype" Calmini gears back in the early 2000's. Huge difference over the stock gears though. Would suggest upgrading the gears before adding lockers made such a big difference especially with the 5 speed.

I sold the donor X to my brother for 1500$ plus the Montero which was mine before I sold it to him 2 years ago. I would say I got 2k out of it. So 1k total cost for lockers, ARB compressor, gears, and a calmini steering setup. Plus small parts to swap and rebuild worn steering parts. Not bad in my opinion.

When we get the silver X back to full road worthy I might have my brother take it to the same spot and try without gears and lockers. Make a little comparison video.

Reaver, I am going to PM you some camera questions. I liked the suggestion on the used A6500 I was already looking at the A6600 but used fits my budget much better.

No worries bro. You hooked me up with sliders (which I've already put to good use), so I'm happy to help! PM away!
 

HolyGhost

First Fill-Up (of many)
Reaver still need to PM you. However I am leaning towards a used a6400 right now. I like the no record limit.

Did take the donor X up to the same spot. You can see it was a little muddier than last time. Probably could have got the Donor X up but my brother has to get to work and I don't want to change out a CV on my day off for youtube :). Forgot my air compressor so we couldn't air down.

The donor X is all stock besides a 3 inch suspension lift and is on 33's. It just didn't want to climb but it was fun.

 

reaver

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Caldwell, ID
Reaver still need to PM you. However I am leaning towards a used a6400 right now. I like the no record limit.

Did take the donor X up to the same spot. You can see it was a little muddier than last time. Probably could have got the Donor X up but my brother has to get to work and I don't want to change out a CV on my day off for youtube :). Forgot my air compressor so we couldn't air down.

The donor X is all stock besides a 3 inch suspension lift and is on 33's. It just didn't want to climb but it was fun.

No worries man. I ain't going anywhere.

If you're planning on recording for extra long periods of time, the no record limit would be helpful for sure. For me, I'm less interested in that (I have an fs700 for extra long records), and more interested in the stabilized sensor of the a6500,as I mostly use vintage lenses.

Nice to have options.
 
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