Progress Thread 93 Lx Hatchback Build Advice

Aaron93

New Member
Aug 26, 2015
5
0
1
Texas
Hello all,

I recently became the proud owner of a completely stock 93 Hatchback. Attached is a picture of her in all her glory. Despite the neglected paint, the interior is decent and the engine is in great shape with only 54k miles.

Now, this isn't my daily driver. Rather, I bought it as a project to work on in the evenings and on weekends. My goal: To build a car that's fast, fun to drive, and also comfortable to ride in. I don't see myself ever taking it to the track, so weight reduction at the cost of comfort is not what I'm looking for here. That being said, I am looking to do quite a few things to the engine, but I want to keep the small block. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking subframe connectors, aluminum heads, intake manifold, cold air intake, fuel injectors, mass air flow, drivetrain, axles, brakes, cam, 5-lug conversion, new exhaust system, lowered suspension, and eventually forced induction, just to name a few off the top of my head. I know those aren't in the correct order at all, which is why I'm asking educated individuals such as yourselves for advice.

I know that a proper tune-up is first, so I've already done new spark plugs/wires and next will be an oil change with new filter, a new fuel filter, new antifreeze and a thermostat change. I'm also aware that subframe connectors need to happen as soon as possible, so I plan to slap those puppies on and reinforce the torque boxes next.

Now I've done days worth of research, and learned a lot of things, but I'm still unsure what needs to happen next. That's where you guys come in. My main question is this: what steps do I need to take to reach my goal? More specifically, what order do I need to do these upgrades in? And what else did I forget?

I plan on updating this post frequently with pictures of my progress, and any further questions if you kind souls will continue to let me pick your brains. This is my first project like this, I'm an individual with a somewhat low budget and an average level of mechanical skill(which I'm intending on building as I work on this car). Please feel free to drop any advice at all, what steps you would take and in what order, etc. Judging by the posts I've read on here so far, you all seem like well-intentioned fellows, so feel free to give me constructive criticism on what I'm doing or what I need to do.
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    187 KB · Views: 156
  • Sponsors (?)


Your on the right track do subframes first then work on suspension mods, new bushings and so forth.
The 4 lug stuff will do just fine for now until you can afford the rims and tires for the swap.
How much of a budget do you have? Aluminum heads get pricey for good ones and depending on your goals there are great junk yard builds we can offer for good power. You can almost achieve 300rwhp from junk yard parts! Though some effort and time is required.
 
First thing to do is go from the front to the rear bumper and fix the things that are wrong and/or need preventative maintanence. I'd change all the fluids, filters, give it a tuneup and replace worn parts in the suspension, brakes, drivetrain,etc. Check the torque boxes for signs of damage and if they are torn install a set of battle boxes. Then I would address the suspension with subframe connectors, new poly sway bar link bushings. For driving and performance, an aftermarket MGW shifter, 3.55 or 3.73 gears, a cat back exhaust., K&N air filter, bump the timing to 12-14BTDC.

There are many choices for the suspension, brakes, engine, etc. Just remember the more you add performance parts, the farther away from a stock ride and driveability you'll get. These cars can turn into money pits very fast.

Make a plan and a goal of what you want the car to be. I'd recommend you do not remove things like the A/C, P/S, as you will regret it down the road.

Welcome and feel free to ask away. We;ve all been there and can help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Appreciate the advice guys!

a91what - I don't have an exact figure, rather I know this is the sort of project that can turn into a money pit very quickly so I'm trying to do everything as economically as I can. But don't worry, I have money to work with. Believe it or not, I actually got a hold of an upper/lower intake manifold and a set of aluminum heads for a great deal on craigslist from a guy who had sold his mustang and put the stock parts back on. The heads only had 15k miles on them, theyre in good shape but I'm still going to resurface them. The manifold was actually brand new.

mikestang63 - Yes sir I'd say we're on the same page, I have absolutely no intention of removing the a/c or p/s as the goal is to have a street car rather than something just for the track. The tune-up is almost complete, then hopefully this weekend I will have time to do the subframe connectors and some other things. Is that the order you would recommend(reinforcement>shifter>drivetrain>exhaust>intake>then timing)? My goal right now is to finish the tune-up and reinforcements, then to do whatever it takes to prep this block for the aluminum heads.

Speaking of the heads, could you guys give me an idea of what all supporting mods need to be completed prior to putting the aluminum heads on? 24lb injectors and a Mass Air Flow to match (recommendations?) are also on my list, so I was considering doing all of those at the same time since I'll already be down there. I'm open to thoughts, constructive criticism, ideas, anything.
 
Procomp aluminum heads:
Intake volume:210cc
Chamber volume:60cc
Exhaust valve: 2.02

Intake manifold:
Holly Systemax II Upper/Lower intake manifold
72mm throttle body opening

I'm thinking 77mm MAF, 75mm throttle body with 24lb injectors and a 190 fuel pump. Also I'm thinking aluminum roller rockers with a 1.7 ratio on the exhaust valve. What cam do you guys think would go well in this setup? Or would you change any of that?
 
Procomp aluminum heads:
Intake volume:210cc
Chamber volume:60cc
Exhaust valve: 2.02

Intake manifold:
Holly Systemax II Upper/Lower intake manifold
72mm throttle body opening

I'm thinking 77mm MAF, 75mm throttle body with 24lb injectors and a 190 fuel pump. Also I'm thgeinking aluminum roller rockers with a 1.7 ratio on the exhaust valve. What cam do you guys think would go well in this setup? Or would you change any of that?

Don't get those heads. they are crap. Get a set of either TFS or AFR heads and do it right once. Depending on the cam, you may need to upgrade the springs on the heads unless you get 11R heads.

For the cam, it all depends on what you want- you can easily get around 300rwhp with a TFS1, Comp Cams 264 or 272, or other OTS cams.

They don't make a 72MM TB- 70MM is more than enough, For the MAF go with PRO M. I would go with a 255 pump which will give you room to grow. Same with the injectors. I'd go with 30# as you will be maxing out the 24's around 350hp. The Holley intake is decent but the II is more for higher RPM and is expensive. you can achieve very close results with a Street Heat, Performer, or even Explorer intake for much less, but if you plan on a blower or more hp then that is a great intake.

Know that you may need to get a tune as you may end up with surging idles, and other driveability issues once you do a HCI swap.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Again, I appreciate the advice guys. I got both the heads and the manifold for a great price. I realize procomp isn't the highest-end brand, but I think you guys misunderstand my intentions with this build. I'm not trying to make this thing the absolute fastest it can be. I'm looking for a good common ground between price, power, and comfort. I believe you are thinking a little more about power and a little less about price than I am, Mike. Research would have one believe that while not the best of the best, procomp heads are still a good upgrade from the stock ones. Since they're in good shape and were such a good deal, I'd really like to build around them, though I know it could be done with better ones for more money.
 
Buy a reputable kit, if you have fab skills you can build your own.

On turbos bigger is not always better, get one that can make the power level you want but will spool quickly.

The stock block let's go at around 400-500 hp.

Throttle body, get one that fits your intake.
If the intake has a 75mm opening get a 75mm tb.