1978 Ke30 Autocross/rallycross Project

[zsteelman]

So I've been lurking around for awhile on this forum both before I purchased this KE30, back when I had a Datsun 210, and snagged a new project off of Craigslist in Oklahoma, USA a few weeks ago for $500USD. In reality I traded some other car parts and didn't have to pay anything for this new toy.

 

 

After dragging it home I found that the cylinders were stuck and began trying a few different things, Marvel Mystery Oil and other oil products. However, after that didn't work I decided to pull the head to get a better look. After pulling it off and seeing that some condensation had gotten into one of they cylinders causing some rust I decided to try a different product we have in the US, Evaporust. This is a completely non-toxic formula that converts rust and leaves the metal almost raw and brand new. After about 24 hours of this soaking in the cylinders this thing popped loose with a regular wrench and didn't even need a breaker bar.

 

However, since I had already pulled the head and needed a new headgasket I decided to do a complete cleanup and refresh. Below are a few before pictures and in progress pictures. I should have the "finished" engine and transmission done this weekend.

 

Look forward to diving in and learning a lot more about these cars as you guys on the other side of the planet seem to have it all figured out.

 

 

The paint scheme for the engine bay is VHT Golden Flake and Wrinkle Black with a little cast iron silver.

 

[Clapped out]

Great pick up there mate! Body looks to be in pretty good shape, doesn't look like much rust at all, will be watching!

 

cheers!

[zsteelman]

Well, I finally wrapped up the engine, just need to get it down on the wooden "run stand" and let it idle for awhile to check for leaks and set the timing.

 

Now I just have to clean out the 30+ years of gunk out of the engine bay....

 

Before:

 

 

After:

Edited May 10, 2014 by zsteelman

[Skellington]

Wow, nice work on the engine. The paint reminds me of some vintage race motorcycles. Good luck with your new project. Glad to see another from the states.

[zsteelman]

Well I haven't had a chance to update in awhile as it has been slow around here. I did finish up the engine other than a few holes that need to be plugged from removing all the emissions items. I am also building an engine run stand so that I can test the motor and transmission outside of the car.

 

More recently I snagged a new set of seats from the salvage yard out of a hyundai tiburon for 55$ in amazing condition. Great bolsters, lumbar support, and leg adjustments.