Project 635 - 300HP RWD 620

[RONSLYCHUK]

I think that you have reached all of your objectives- —-very nice work!

[DADZSUN]

I'm starting to get excited. The end of this project is looking more and more certain now - mid September she'll have her first test drive? I'm almost convinced that I'll have this running before the PITA KA24e within my 510 - wouldn't that be ironic!

Since the last update I've slowly but steadily threw some hours into the project whenever I had a bit of time. Progress has been demonstrated with a shorter and shorter To-Do list, and more and more time needed to consider new items before each 'phase' is completed (ie: motor mounted for the final time).

Here's a rough summary of the workflow:

New ARP exhaust manifold bolts arrived. ARP (673-1002) is the part number. These are a nice 1 piece bolt rather than a threaded stud and nut. Naturally, new gaskets were used. Stock heat shields were remounted.

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I double checked all vacuum and coolant lines on the VQ. Clamped down as required.

Double checked the wiring harness. Ensured everything was properly clipped in and fastened.

Motor was mounted into the frame, slotted into the engine mounts perfectly, again. I really nailed that part of the build.

I focused on testing as much as I could with the body off. Fuel lines were purged with air (to clear and debris) then tightened. In doing so my first surprise was to see the return line fitting had snapped off and Tanks Inc will be out of stock until late July. I managed to find a temporary replacement, but re-doing 'done stuff' really sucks.

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Fuel was added to the tank and the pump fired up.

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No leaks except for the O ring on the rear passenger side.

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That was a PITA to remove the upper manifold but in the end the source of the leak was quite obvious. A quick swap with a spare part and she was leak-free.

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Next I pressurized the front & rear brake lines. I leveraged an S30 Master Brake Cylinder to pressurize. After a few nuts were tightened the system stayed leak-free and was bled. All the fluid will be purged again once the cab is mounted and the proper master cylinders are fastened.

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Next I focused on the heater lines. The electronic valve had to be positioned within the engine bay as there was no room on the inner firewall.

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Here's a pic of the lines poking out. I'm a little nervous they poke out too far but we'll see and modify as required once the cab is lowered.

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Here's a pic of the heater mounted on the inner firewall.

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After that it was simply a matter of testing the starter and then the ECU. After some clarification on mis-labeled wire from Z Fever, my VQ35DE fired right up!!! Honestly, the thing sounded so civil, like it was running just yesterday.

https://youtu.be/JEu58_QDLgA

Even more pleasing was that the custom exhaust I built had a pretty decent tone.

https://youtube.com/shorts/IZmnfFJ91YY?feature=share

So with this done, I'll clean up the wiring and make sure everything's fastened and away from the exhaust. Next I'll be added some aluminum heat shielding between the exhaust and cab floor. Once complete, I'll be ready to lower the cab for the final time. This will take some effort to make sure the steering connect properly and heater lines work well. After that I'll connect the brake lines and then start on the elctrical.

[Edm620]

Good to see your progress!

[ace028]

I am not sure how I missed this super awesome build, looks amazing man!!! Looking forward to more progress!

[DADZSUN]

I mounted 635's cab for hopefully the last time this weekend. It took a bit of persuasion (I did it on my own) but I managed to get all 8 bolts to line up. For those wondering where I placed them there are 4 in the cab, 2 by the front rad support, 2 on the firewall reaching the Infiniti G35 towers.

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These pics give bit more clarity as to how the Infiniti G35 'floating' towers are designed to clear the cab's inner arch.

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With the VQ mounted, I finally got a good idea on the ride height. Spring rate seems like a decent first-guess, camber looks good too (OEM upper A-arms still, no adjustment)

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Finally a pic with my 510 (which has received a TON of attention lately too).

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I'll install & bleed the clutch this week, finish the heater coolant plumbing, finalize the steering column connections, and finish the cab brakes (including the handbrake). I'm thinking I'll be able to do an initial test drive by August.

[Edm620]

Looks great! That truck should be a monster of fun