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I will be documenting my journey for my 97 sc300 build. This is my 2nd SC3.
Long story short, I wrecked my 95 sc300 on the freeway and purchased a new BRZ thereafter. While the BRZ is great, it lacks the personality of a boosted / built SC300. Plus I didn’t want to void the factory warranty.
1997 SC300 Auto : Volk 19 GT7 (from my old car)
Bought another SC300 a week after the BRZ. $2800.00 salvage title, it was rear ended but frame is straight.
Sold my Volk and got some TT wheels. Swapped over the LS400 Brakes from old car. On stock suspension.
First order of business is to convert to R154, then build the 2JZGTE.
Got a R154 Trans with Beech short shifter for $600.00, what a steal in CA.
Trans got full treatment - Rebuilt from DM, 3-Inch Alum DS, Ogura Twin disc Clutch (not pictured).
Sold the short shifter for $160.
Cost for R154 = $440
DM Rebuilt + parts = $1200.00
Marlin Crawler bushings = $25.00
R154 Bell Ebay = $298.00
Ogura Twin plate clutch ebay used = $600.00 (with Nismo Slave)
Pedals from Altanta Lexus = $260.00 (I didnt order the spring thing, it will save about $30.00)
Master Cylinder from Amazon = $58.00
DM clutch line = $55.00 (The threat pitch is same as the Nismo Slave but the male thread is too short, I ended up going to my local hydraulic store and got 2 small copper washer to make it work.)
DM 3Inch Alum DriveShaft + adapter = $600.00
DM Trans Mount
MC Speed Sensor
New Shifter Boot
4 quartz on Redline MT 90 - NAPA has it for $9.50 locally a quart!
Drilled Firewall / Minor cut on tunnel
Gs400 Diff from local junkyard - $60.00. 3.26 gearing ftw.
Picked up a non VVTI 2JZGTE with rear sump for $1500.00 locally. Owner said it has problem.
Torn the engine down the next day and it was a exhaust valve leak in Cylinder 3.
Head is rebuilt by TEM at Napa, CA = $460.00
BC Springs, Retainers, 3 angle valve job, clean and deck done!
I didnt want to go aftermarket. I had my eye on a suede Sparco wheel but I want to make it look oem.
Thus, I have decided to swap on a 2014, 2015 IS250, RC350, CT200H steering wheel.
Total cost:
Ct200h 2015 wheels: $120.00 on ebay. Leather, Mint!
The center potion is tricky, because an airbag is $400.00+. I have decided to buy a blown airbag for the bracket (for the horn) and buy a airbag cover only on ebay for $70.00.
Luckily, I lived in Sacramento, and it is auto wrecker recycle central. I managed to score a 2015 Camry blown airbag and ordered the airbag cover on Ebay.
I plan to do full bushing. I will try to detail what I did her for 1997+ people.
For front lower control arm. To clear all confusion. You can get the Whiteline Kit on Summit for $80.00 shipped (with $20.00 coupon, they give this out like every other month if you are on their mailing list).
The parts you need. (W51231A, W51232A)
49.5mm - 54.8mm respectively. (You need to remove the metal sleeves, I am pretty sure once you press out the metal sleeves, this will work for all years and it is less expensive than FIGS' superpro bushings, same quality from Whiteline).
I bought a 20Ton HF press for $150.00 and bought a ball joint kit from Amazon.
InLyneTrbo, your thread was very inspiring. Similiarly, I am dead set on running an AEM Infinity-6 and running either a 6466 or a similar size new gen BW SXE S3XX. The issue is whether to run forged internals now. The block is completely stripped ATM but I ran out of money after doing the trans swap and suspension refresh.
I plan to hit high 600HP. I have a lot of buy still. Just orderd some megan rear lower control arms that set me back another $358.00.
InLyneTrbo, your thread was very inspiring. Similiarly, I am dead set on running an AEM Infinity-6 and running either a 6466 or a similar size new gen BW SXE S3XX. The issue is whether to run forged internals now. The block is completely stripped ATM but I ran out of money after doing the trans swap and suspension refresh.
I plan to hit high 600HP. I have a lot of buy still. Just orderd some megan rear lower control arms that set me back another $358.00.
Yeah, tell me about it. I've been broke for the last 2 months from parts I purchased at that time.. But soon I'll have some more cash to throw at her just like at the strip club.
I'm fully building the head as well and porting the crap out of it, but gonna leave the factory pistons/rods in there and see what she can handle. I've seen several blocks make 600 whp, but then again a few bearings slip and rods bend. Your chances should be good though
Wow! As stated previously, you aren't wasting any time! You've also came across some really good deals too! Can't wait to see this build finished. Thanks for sharing-subscribed!
On one of the rear coilovers, Fortune Auto gave me a smaller hole. I thought that was pretty interesting since they are known to have good quality. The other rear side was good, drilled M14. Anyhow, FA was kind enough to overnight the lower sleeve to me. I might need to tow my car to the alignment shop since I changed the steering wheel, the rack, and all bushings.
Bought the Tilton Master Clutch Cylinder kit from Twins Turbo Motorsports. Installed it overnight, just set the pedal stop this morning.
My thoughts: I love the kit. Instead of using the 10% of the clutch pedal, I am now using the top 10-40%. My pedal stop is almost an inch from the floor. The pedal is firmer but it is livable and the slippable area definitely increased. More importantly, when you depress the clutch the disengagement is very accurate and linear, no more stalling or that ON/OFF feeling with the clutch.
On a side note, I was able to set the pedal stop myself instead of having another person to spin the rear wheel while I step on the clutch. Since the ORC twin chatters LOUD when it disengages, I simply put the car on stands, starts the car and took notes of the pedal position when the chatters start to set the pedal stop.
Now that suspension, steering and driveline is all finished. It is time to build the motor and get sum POWAR!!
I didnt want to go aftermarket. I had my eye on a suede Sparco wheel but I want to make it look oem.
Thus, I have decided to swap on a 2014, 2015 IS250, RC350, CT200H steering wheel.
Total cost:
Ct200h 2015 wheels: $120.00 on ebay. Leather, Mint!
The center potion is tricky, because an airbag is $400.00+. I have decided to buy a blown airbag for the bracket (for the horn) and buy a airbag cover only on ebay for $70.00.
Luckily, I lived in Sacramento, and it is auto wrecker recycle central. I managed to score a 2015 Camry blown airbag and ordered the airbag cover on Ebay.
I need this setup badly. I'm sure there is a way to make the buttons function but it must be difficult. The two tone just looks so good FSU has a nice two tone also
03-07-16, 09:50 PM
1997 SC300 Project
