You can now follow my build elsewhere

[LostInTransit]

You can now follow my build elsewhere, without all the useless snide remarks..

[DanStokes]

Remember, this is hot rodding - don't expect anything to "bolt right on". Sometimes stuff fits but you need to consider that a bonus. It's almost a given that you'll immediately void the warranty by making whatever starting point you get from a supplier actually fit your vehicle, especially when you're working with a car that's not mainstream. I find that stuff fits out of the box much more often on my '88 'Stang than on my MGB project as the 'Stang is common and the MGB, well, isn't. But that's hot rodding - if it was easy everyone could and would do it.

[LostInTransit]

Several thing on the list above all ready fit and we're just refreshing these 4 year old parts with new one. But things like the Camber plate, 28mm sway bar and spherical ball joint end links have not been sets on the van. The thing here is, we have several shops at our disposable that will try to make things fit. As for the warranty, that we blown out the window several months ago. So it's not a concern of mine. Again we're focusing on the suspension aspect more than adding engine components or mild upgrades on an engine rebuild Though I have thought about dropping in a 1.5L diesel engine instead of the 2.0L the van currently has. After all has test fitted or added to the van, there's not much more one can do to it unless we find a great deal on a set of coil overs but I'm not a fan of these types of set ups.

Ironically, once we locate parts that fit, seem no one cares about it as we're not able to locate other van owners who may want to do these types of upgrades themselves. The wife tells me not to worry about it and not post anything online.. but in the back of my mind and upon several occasions, we've had ppl come up to use asking about the van and if we have a site.. But that only happens about once every 3 months or so. Even if I report back to companies I purchased parts from to tell them that "X" parts fits our van, they don't want to hear it or have anything to do with our discovery.

[DanStokes]

Several thing on the list above all ready fit and we're just refreshing these 4 year old parts with new one. But things like the Camber plate, 28mm sway bar and spherical ball joint end links have not been sets on the van. The thing here is, we have several shops at our disposable that will try to make things fit. As for the warranty, that we blown out the window several months ago. So it's not a concern of mine. Again we're focusing on the suspension aspect more than adding engine components or mild upgrades on an engine rebuild Though I have thought about dropping in a 1.5L diesel engine instead of the 2.0L the van currently has. After all has test fitted or added to the van, there's not much more one can do to it unless we find a great deal on a set of coil overs but I'm not a fan of these types of set ups.

Ironically, once we locate parts that fit, seem no one cares about it as we're not able to locate other van owners who may want to do these types of upgrades themselves. The wife tells me not to worry about it and not post anything online.. but in the back of my mind and upon several occasions, we've had ppl come up to use asking about the van and if we have a site.. But that only happens about once every 3 months or so. Even if I report back to companies I purchased parts from to tell them that "X" parts fits our van, they don't want to hear it or have anything to do with our discovery.

That's too bad that there doesn't seem to be much interest. While not my cup of tea (as the Brits say) it seems like there would be some folks who would like that information. I'm lucky with the MGB that there are MG folks with interest (I'm on an MG forum) as well as hot rod folks (mostly here) who are interested in the engine swap. But ya, it sucks when nobody shares your passion.

[LostInTransit]

The buying spree has begun..

Moments ago, purchase the Optima Yellow Top Battery For our 2020 Connect as the Van's factory batteries are known to die at any moment. At $359.99 this will give us piece of mind and ample power when we need it for future upgrades.

What's next on the list:

• Install new Purge valve
• install new MAF
• Purchase the full set of slotted Rotors
• Then we're off to the dealership for a new set of front coil springs

At some point, I'd like to accumulate all the items in one place around the van and post a pic.. Sort of like what they upgrade youtube show do..

[LostInTransit]

Something else I've been working on in conjunction with rebadge design I've ask them to create a puffy badge based on the rear door "ford" emblem. But with a twist.. I wanted them to change the text to read: "Flord" and fit in the same location as the current ford badge. Although we've already had redbubble vinyl print stickers.. I though best to get something done a bit more professional.



For more information contact the guys over at rebadge designs for a custom badge for your hotrod. https://rebadgedesign.com

[LostInTransit]

[BREAKING] Powerstop "unofficially" joins the Build



We just got word that Powerstop is going to unofficially join our build. This makes two major companies who are willing to help support our 2020 Connect build. We'll be looking for a package from Powerstop in a few days.

[LostInTransit]

Preordered the Hardrace Camber Plates.. (these are wedge shaped with either a 1.5% wedge or 1.5° wedge not sure the site reference meaning)



Preordered the Hardrace KUGA/Escape 28mm Sway Bar.. (the van's factory sway bar is 24mm)



Suspension.com already sent me a set of their Energy Suspension universal sway bar Bushings and Mounting Brackets



We'll be driving to Waldorf Md in a few weeks to pick up the Front Coil Springs, (Coil springs will then be hand delivered to our powder coaters for a recoat)



Then head on down to Dublin, VA Bimmerworld to pick up the Spherical Ball joint end links..



Busy Busy Busy..

[LostInTransit]

UPDATE

This just in, HardraceUSA just contacted me saying that there will be a delay on getting the sway bar and camber plates as these would be coming from Taiwan. With customs and new fees, VAT etc slows the process down. They gave me the option to wait for the parts or cancel the order.. I've waited this long for the frotn splitter, so I may as well wait the same amount of time for the sway bar and camber plates. I thanked them for letting me know and if things change, they should contact me soon as possible.

Also, Powerstop just emailed me the tracking number to what they are sending us.

Sat, we're heading down to Waldorf Md to pick up the coil springs. Then sometime early Sept we'll be taking a week off and head down to Bimmerworld to pick up the spherical ball joint end links.. This is just how we roll. if your company is willing to give us a shop tour let me know and we'll swing by anything we're in that direction.

[DanStokes]

Good that they kept you informed - not every vendor does.

[LostInTransit]

DanStokes yeah I told them the same.. not often I heard form a company that actually gave me options and told me there would be a delay. In fact I told them about our project and they wanted to know more with images.. I suspect they might come on board like Motul and Powerstop.

[LostInTransit]

I wasn't excepting to get anything like this..



Powerstop is in the house!

[LostInTransit]

Felt like our Sat drive to Waldorf ford in Waldorf md was wasted as their site claims they had the Coil springs in stock. But once there, they said they would have to order them from the main warehouse in CA. With that in mind, we've went ahead and ordered those coil springs as well as two poly isolators whcih fit in the upper strut perch that aligns the springs.

While in the mood to order more parts for the van, we changed our minds about getting full slotted rotors and instead we're now getting dimpled slotted rotors as these are not cut/milled as deep as getting full slotted or full drilled rotors. Originally, I was looking to get the black anodized slots, but the wife didn't like the full black rotors and the balck would wear off over time. Instead we'll be getting the zinc coated silver rotors.



The KYB strut mounts arrived a few days ago and we've placed them assign waiting on the Bilstein B6 struts. One major discovery this weekend while removing the MAF, I noticed that the connector was loose and checked the MAF. There is a small numb or clip broken form the MAF and this could be the reason we're getting an intermitting cord as the wiring harness could be moving around. i suspect the last person to handle or touch the intake was the shop who handled the transmission service.

Just got word that our front splitter arrived in CA from Poland and Maxton Designs is sorting out all the orders and will send us a tracking number shortly. if this is true, the Splitter will arrive a few week ahead of schedule. Lastly, Wed is the date we've reserved for the shop to handle the new canister Purge valve installation. Plus we picked up a new Optima yellow top battery for the van and man was thta bitch heavy..

[LostInTransit]

Although I'll not look a gift horse in the mouth and will take what ever any company will give me, I've decided to take the shop/showroom banner to our performance shop and give it to them. The banner doesn't fit in our cramped garage. So I'll prob just have a banner made using their logo.

[LostInTransit]

https://youtube.com/shorts/sdKTRzTwoEo?si=I-JVzB0ozjWcgG6u