The journey of one man and his Mule(s)

[Magic Beans]

I'd obsess about weight saving and end up with this:

[JD]

Fine piece of engineering, even if it was from Top Gear.

[Magic Beans]

Right, details time...

It's not really a new car, to me at least, it's actually been in the fold for some time... Pete and I purchased a UK Rev 5 NA some time back, with a view tidying it up, resolving any issues and selling it. After a good scrub we discovered it was a really nice, solid and clean little car. It needed a few bits doing to it, which I've listed below, but it's a great example of a completely stock Rev 5.

While deep into deliberating about buying Z cars it dawned on me that all I really want is a project to tinker with. Given my impending plans to develop property etc it would make zero sense to tie up £30k in a 240Z right now. One day just not now. I think it changes your relationship with a car when you spend increasing amount of money on them, to me at least. It feels like more of a burden, like it needs to be perfect and reward you in some way for everything you've spent. Which previously they ultimately never felt they did..

Anyway, here it is, in all it's stock NA glory. This is before most of the work below was done:



List what Pete's done so far (here's been a busy boy!):

Full clay bar, wash and polish..
New heater control gear. It was stuck shut, causing head gasket type symptoms..
Replaced coolant
New leads
New battery
New gearbox, as the old one didn't like 5th
New clutch
Oil level sensor disconnected and linked out
Mot.. No advisories
New rear caliper and brake bleed
New license plates

Learning lessons from Mule I and II, I'll be approaching this differently. Initially I just plan on using it and enjoying what is a great little car. When I do decide to meddle (it's inevitable ) my priority is creating a solid and fully sorted foundation. After that I may start looking at power, if it's actually deemed necessary. If it is deemed necessary that's likely to be in the form of minor mods to the 3S engine, such as fitting an ACIS spacer, EGR delete (this will likely happen within 24 hours of me getting it! ) and improved induction. If I decide to go further the bits will be sold and a V6 lump will be fitted. Possibly with an extra little something attached to it...

My plans in the short term are:

Collect it. It's way down in the south, residing at Chez Mason.
Waxoyl EVERYTHING. Well, it's belly at least
Bring it home and use it while the weather's good: Main priority
Tidy up any small little niggles etc
Coilovers
Replace the wheels. I have a set in mind already
Chassis tweaks. Such as bracing, polybushing and full geo. Handling before power this time!

I'm undecided about changing the body styling. I think it's likely to remain a properly stanced and stock looking car. A complete contrast to my other cars, which is part of the appeal..

So yeah, Mule VI is born. This thread is alive again. I play with cars, ramble about it all and upload loads of photos. Business as usual

[pistol pete]

Looking forward to the ramblings..

[ashley]

Here we go again....






Welcome back mate- knew it wouldn't be too long

[ads]

excellent news, back in a 2 .. enjoy

[craig]

Nice one Phil. Welcome back!

That won't stay standard for long......

[Gullzter]

If I decide to go further the bits will be sold and a V6 lump will be fitted. Possibly with an extra little something attached to it...

So yeah, Mule VI is born.

I smell a supercharged 2GR

[Magic Beans]

Looking forward to the ramblings..

You're used to it

Welcome back mate- knew it wouldn't be too long

I've been keeping tabs on some of the builds on here, especially yours. It made me realise that I've missed a spot of spannering. Nothing OTT this time, just something to keep me entertained when Adrienne's away etc.

excellent news, back in a 2 .. enjoy

Thank you, sir

That won't stay standard for long......

We'll see...

I smell a supercharged 2GR

I was thinking of a steam engine with a whistle on it. I guess a 2GR might be fun too

[Ben]

Well this is more like it! I'll be interested to see what you come up with starting from a completely blank canvas

Also looking forward to seeing what your property plans are

[Magic Beans]

I think I've made my mind up on what I'm going to do with it...

[pistol pete]

Looking forward to the results knowing what the plan is...

[Magic Beans]

Looking forward to the results knowing what the plan is...

[thomp1983]

Will you be doing the v6 swap yourself or sending it to Pete?

[Magic Beans]

Will you be doing the v6 swap yourself or sending it to Pete?

Neither

[thomp1983]

Will you be doing the v6 swap yourself or sending it to Pete?

Neither

Woodsport? Or is a v6 now off the table?

[ads]

Phil will be interesting from my perspective to see you extract the best from the chassis before any engine swaps, starting from tyres up

[Magic Beans]

Will you be doing the v6 swap yourself or sending it to Pete?

Neither

Woodsport? Or is a v6 now off the table?

It's off the table, I'm going in a completely different direction.

[Magic Beans]

Phil will be interesting from my perspective to see you extract the best from the chassis before any engine swaps, starting from tyres up

Watch this space. You might be surprised

[Gullzter]

Phil will be interesting from my perspective to see you extract the best from the chassis before any engine swaps, starting from tyres up

Watch this space. You might be surprised

Hmmmm it's got to be either a Kswap or a 1.0L Eco engine