54/1451 2GR swap

[Clifton]

I've edited this post to include the engine swap I am also doing. I had another thread but I will just continue to post everything on here.
Engine is a Toyota 2GR (3.5 V6), same as in the Lotus Evora.

I've been working on a new radiator/condenser set up and mounting a Vintage Air evap. Radiator and electric fans are from a Celica. I finally got the evap bolted in and then decided to make a new dash. I don't really want to but it will look better and  I can have 2 center vents instead of one.

[BDA]

That looks really interesting! I hope it all comes together for you!

If you'd consider buying a good dash rather than making one, I'd recommend Prestige Autowood (http://www.prestigeautowood.com/). He makes beautiful dashes with a choice of several different woods. He finishes both the front and back, as well as the edges of the holes to protect it against moisture, he includes all the lettering, AND he will do custom designs. The quality is really top notch. Maybe you can get an idea of the kind of work he does from the attached picture.

He made my dash which includes a glovebox door and an extra hole for a gauge but what's more interesting is that he was thinking about making an instrument binnacle from wood. That didn't turn out to be practical but his willingness to do something totally different impressed me. I'm sure he would be willing to work with you.  but the quality of the dash impressed me more.

[jbcollier]

That's a very big condenser!  The Europa cabin is very small.

[Clifton]

That's a very big condenser!  The Europa cabin is very small.

True but I'm In Phoenix. I don't think ac over kill here is possible between June through September. I have a regular cab Nissan pickup that takes atleast 20 minutes to cool down when it's over 110*, actually it never really gets cool, just tolerable. The condenser is actually a little smaller than the radiator. The size worked out good for mounting too.

BDA, Thanks for the link. I think I am just going to cover mine with vinyl and try a single center with two side vents.

 

[Clifton]

I finally finished the dash. I used 3/8 Birch. I also deleted the defrost fronts before I wrapped the dash. It also makes the top look much cleaner. I wrapped every thing with vinyl. I made a new lower bump pad from wood and covered it in foam fist to give it some cushion.

[Clifton]

Pics

[Clifton]

I installed LED bulbs for the stock gauges to match the Speedhut tach and speedo lights. I used the 9 LED white bulbs. They are a little too long on the amp and oil gauge so I put them in have way.

[BDA]

Very nicely done! The dash is sort of E-type esque! 

I found the LEDs were a great improvement for the gauges, too. I also replaced all the exterior lights except the headlights. I can't wait for them to be reasonably priced!

How's the A/C coming?

Congratulations on a job well done!

[EuropaTC]

That's coming together nicely, the vinyl trim you've done is very neat and looks as if it could have been done by Lotus back in the day.  Great work there, I'll look forward to seeing more as you get along with it.

Brian

[Clifton]

Thanks guys.
 The a/c is finished under the dash. I mounted the control in the console but I still need to wrap that in vinyl after I figure out how I am doing the shifter boot. I also need to run two hard lines from the foot well bulkhead to the front. That will be all I can do on the a/c until I get the engine in. I talked to the junk yard yesterday. He said they are still looking for a car for me but they have all been 4 cyl in the auctions.

[blasterdad]

Beautiful work! I like how you got rid of the glove box, looks great!

[jjbunn]

Nice work! Impressive ...

[Clifton]

If you haven't read the other thread. The engine is a Toyota 2GR plus turbo.  Transmission is a Toyota  E153 w/LSD. I just ordered a 92-93 Camry trans to get a lower final drive out of it, 3.6:1 vs the 4.1 in the E153. I used MR2 hubs and converted them to upper/lower wishbone so I could use Toyota axles.

 It has taken a while to get this far but I finally got the sub frame completed enough to do a test fit today before I finish welding it together. Next, I will hang the turbo, build the exhaust and permanently weld this in.  I still have a long way to go.

[BDA]

That's coming together very nicely! That should be a real screamer! Keep up the great work! 

[EuropatcSPECIAL]

wow stunning piece of work  Well done