newest project (Page 306/312)
Fiero2m8 APR 25, 12:57 PM
On the mechanical front, I had a starter issue to resolve.

Symptom was car starts fine when engine cold but wouldn't engage and crank properly when engine was hot.
Of course I didn't want to damage my new flywheel so I needed to find a solution to avoid having to walk home as the alternative.

I removed the starter and took some measurements with the calipers.
The result jogged my memory to realize I had caused this issue in the first place!
After upgrading the clutch and pressure plate last season, I had a clearance issue to the transaxle housing.
This was resolved by shaving material off the crank adapter plate.
The aha moment is that the starter pinion had also been moved further away causing the pinion to not fully engage the width of flywheel.

First I thought of modifying the mounting plate on the starter but then I thought a "off the shelf" starter solution would be best for long term ease of replacement.
Here are the starters I had been using:


My second idea what why not use a Porsche starter?
Measuring the width of the pinion teeth and throw distance showed an improvement over the aftermarket starter I was using.

Here's a picture of a stock Porsche 914 starter mounted:


Problem was the starter didn't have enough torque to start the V8!


So I exchanged it for one from a 911:


Then I decided that the Porsche starters were too big and heavy and that I may have problems with it's close proximity to the header.

Next I called IMI the manufacturer of the hi torque starters and gave Chris my measurements and application details.
Instead of the IMI -101 I had with a 30mm depth, we went with a 44mm depth unit that could be shimmed out 3mm to get what I wanted.

In the catalog it is a starter for V8 conversions to a VW bus (I had been using a VW bus flywheel and I do have a V8 lol).


I decided to go for the IMI-104NC (the N being higher torque version and C for chrome) as the part number for my project.
Soon it arrived from California nice and shiny:




Next I swapped in the rebuilt transaxle for this season as the syncros on the used one are getting tired and see how the new starter performs...

Here are the pics:











[This message has been edited by Fiero2m8 (edited 04-26-2015).]

David Hambleton APR 25, 10:43 PM

quote
Originally posted by Fiero2m8:

Latest upgrade is installing "switchbacks".



That's a good idea. I've thought about exactly that kind of thing but didn't know they were available.
Where did you get them? Do you just swap them for the standard bulbs or is there more to it? Did you make clear lenses?
Fiero2m8 APR 26, 11:49 AM

quote
Originally posted by David Hambleton:


That's a good idea. I've thought about exactly that kind of thing but didn't know they were available.
Where did you get them? Do you just swap them for the standard bulbs or is there more to it? Did you make clear lenses?



Hi David,

I ordered the switchbacks from Performance Improvements on Upper Ottawa in Hamilton during their annual sale - very close to Stoney Creek!
Performance Improvments

The clear lens are from the Fiero Store here: 84-88 Clear Ft Park/Turn Lamps
I try to support The Fiero Store annually as I'm glad they still exist - using purchasing hardware kits or accessories etc.

You can direct swap the bulbs as they can be ordered for a 1157 socket.
To slow down the flashing rate, swap out your flasher relay with a LED relay.

You will see in the picture below I chose to bring the lens out flush with my homemade tinted covers to increase visibility and modernize the appearance:
However without the tinted covers hiding the housings it wouldn't look right in the 87/88 bumper IMHO.



I liked the switchbacks so much, I'm planning something similar to incorporate them at the back of the Fiero.
The switchbacks will combine indicators and reverse lights in the bumper reflector location...
Fiero2m8 APR 26, 11:56 AM
David Hambleton APR 26, 07:49 PM
Found this video about switchback lights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uucafuksDng
Fiero2m8 MAY 05, 10:01 PM
Next in the LED project was upgrading the rear, using in part the Embrace Racing kit from local forum member doublec4
While the instructions were very good, I took pictures of the progress along the way to document on the build thread here for future reference.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Assembly of kit:























Next is testing them in the car...
Fiero2m8 MAY 05, 10:17 PM
Brake lights during test



Time to install them in lens housings



Cleaned up the wiring removing unneeded extra wire from last sequential system



Parking lights only



Brake lights only



Both - (what you would see at night)
Fiero2m8 MAY 05, 10:39 PM
Since I liked the switchback LED's on the front of the Fiero so much I decided to incorporate them as turn signals and reverse lights at the rear.

Ordered another set of clear lens and I already had the extra switchback bulbs:



Wired up turn signals to reflector area that I had already previously modified for the reverse lights:



This is how it turned out with switchback LED's behind the tinted lens - different compared to the standard kit setup but flows with the setup at the front of the car.
Fiero2m8 MAY 05, 10:41 PM
Here's a video of the overall operation:



------------------

Indy Northstar-Stretch

[This message has been edited by Fiero2m8 (edited 05-05-2015).]

doublec4 MAY 06, 01:39 PM
Nice! I like the amber turn signals in the bumper. Everything is looking much more modern