Crank case full of coolant

The new stainless exhaust on, 2 1/4" tubing with smooth joints (not stamped like the original Y piece), hi-flow sports cat and muffler. Sounds good and the engine seems to rev quicker; the welding guy said it was definitely flowing better. Went with the PowerFlow ANIMAL tip;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6...psaa3f8878.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6...ps29986ed1.jpg

Alas some new problems;

1) The front differential is toast. Was making a really loud whine in TOD mode and making clicking noises on reverse (even in 2WD mode). Then it started juddering in reverse, then it locked up and refused to reverse at all. Unfortuantely while I was on a trip; I managed to limp home but it was making grinding noises by the end, I'm sure the internals are scrap. Fortunately should be easy to fix, I'll just swap in the spare from the crashed USDM VX I have. Will top off the rear LSD oil while I'm at it.

2) The engine is overheating on longer drives. For the engine rebuild I replaced the water pump but foolishly not the thermostat, will do that now. Also thinking of ditching the viscous coupling fan and putting in a couple of electric fans, might as well replace the radiator with a brand new one while I'm at it. I saw a guy on Ebay making custom shrouds for the VehiCROSS, would be convenient (assuming it covers the trans oil cooler properly as well), but he refuses to ship to the UK. Would anyone be willing to forward a parcel to the UK, would be happy to pay a reasonable fee?

After that I have a new alloy towball, stainless electrical socket bracket and some better LED fog lights to go on to make the back end look better.

Finally got that electric fan kit, plus a new thermostat, radiator, hoses, temp sensor. Hopefully that will solve the overheating. Next problem, the chrome plating on the 18" US car's wheels is peeling off, only slightly on the exterior but really badly on the inside of the wheel. Literally no one in the UK re-chromes alloy wheels; I tried about 10 different wheel refinishing and electroplating places, a couple did steel wheels for classic cars but that's it. Apparently chrome plated wheels only make sense in California, not the rainy UK. Finally found somewhere near Southampton that will chemically strip the wheels down to the alloy then chrome-effect powder coat them. I have this stuff on my DeLorean (engine block) and it seems to last much longer and look nearly as good as actual chrome anyway.

impressive progress.

You'll have one heck of beastie when you're done!!!

Radiator didn't fit. I'm planning to get one of those custom aluminium racing radiators from the US for Christmas, will stick with stock for now. New thermostat and electric fan kit are in. Changing the diff is proving to be a big job, the front suspension of both cars is completely in pieces at the moment.

David Wiltshire turned up on Sunday and took the front windows, motors and heater control module. Nice bloke, told me he was thinking of getting a Cayenne but would still keep the VX because he likes it so much. I'm going to store as much of the parts from the car as I can in my garage, including all the remaining glass, so if anyone else in the UK needs a VX-specific part hopefully I can help out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Starglider

Finally got that electric fan kit, plus a new thermostat, radiator, hoses, temp sensor. Hopefully that will solve the overheating.

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I've been through 2-3 electric fan setups/configurations, thermostat, temp sensor, hoses and my truck still repeatedly overheated. Got a Ron Davis radiator, still overheated. The only thing that stopped the overheating was replacing the stock fan clutch w/another one. Works like a champ now.

Front differential, thermostat, temp sensor and pipes replaced. Electric cooling fan kit is in, the fan itself seems to be working fine, but the sensor is a worthless 'glue onto radiator surface' job that never triggers. I've wired the fan to always-on for now, will get a proper in-tube cooling switch later.

New problems :
1) ABS warning light is on; presumably a front sensor wiring issue, will check when I put the stripped/recoated US wheels on.
2) surging / stalling idle plus temporary RPM drop on throttle up. I pulled a 'MAF system error' trouble code from the OBD2. Might just be dirty but I think it's safer to just replace it, I'll replace the pod filter and the fuel line filter while I'm at.

Old problems;
3) Using the (JDM-only) 2 wheel drive mode is still causing a 'TOD module error' warning despite it mechanically working fine.
4) 'D' bulb is burned out on the transmission mode display. I'll replace all the dash bulbs with LEDs at some point.

At David and Kat's suggestion, I've ordered a set of Rancho shocks, should improve the ride. I'm reluctant to remove the rear spring assisters though, as I do tow a 2 tonne trailer with the VX fairly regularly.

It was nice to meet you Michael I am sure the Rancho's will improve the ride immeasurably.

That electric fan kit is definitely doing the job, temperature is pegged at 40% of the scale and doesn't budge after hours of high speed driving. Of course this is winter in the UK, summer in Texas is a different matter. New fuel filter is in, new MAF sensor hasn't arrived yet but the underfueling issue seems to have gone away for now.

Rancho shocks are also in; I got the local garage to do that as I don't have a spring compressor. The VX is riding a lot more like a car now, albeit a car with sports suspension. My wife definitely likes it more now. Had to install the rear shocks upside down due to clearance issues though! The USDM tires have been stripped (of peeling chrome) and powercoated; I'll put them on this weekend and take some photos.

Good news; the Autogas (LPG) place say they can drill the Alpine supercharger manifold for propane injectors no problem, there's enough clearance to get them right next to the ports so no safety issues (single central injector based LPG systems tend to make superchargers explode). So I will be installing the supercharger kit as soon as I have time, then taking the VX back to the Autogas place to get the dual-fuel capability back. I've got two hood scoops with stainless inserts to go on as well, haven't had time to modify the spare hood inset to take them yet.

USDM vs JDM wheels.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6...ps6d0f446d.jpg

The US wheels definitely look more contemporary.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6...psc2f59c1f.jpg

Next things : fit supercharger, mount roof rack, replace rusted tow ball with alloy tow ball.

Very nice I like the wheels, I mentioned to Fabrice who is the guy who bought my VX and also has one he owned before buying mine that you may have some spares that he would be interested in.
I've tried to search for him on the forum but so far can't find him, I'll pm him so that he can get in touch with you.