2.5 turbo ing an 88 reliant wagon...

[pauly_no_van]

Hi all,

I got this car from somebody for 100 bucks, needed wheels so I brought some up to Bonney Lake WA and drove it home.
I am about to put motor(Garrett T2 Ported everything), and trans(built with 5 clutch ea drum and firm shift mod), in there, and am wondering if the 89 turbo van under-hood harness I am going to use will be pinned correctly for the 88 reliant gauge cluster and such. I know headlamp sockets will need to be swapped/altered, and the AC fan wiring will need to be modified.
Putting 255 hp in gas tank too.
Has anybody done this and had to change any wiring, or does it all work right just plug that bad boy in there?
I can take and post pics if anybody is interested :D

paul

[rib256]

88 and 89 used a SMEC, so they should be similar. The only problems I could see would be the differences between body styles/options. Try this thread also.:D

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8336

Good luck on the build.:clap:

[Aries_Turbo]

i put a 90 caravan harness in a 88 reliant. every pin was the same minus two of the windshield motor pins. i had to move two of them. youll need to get that bulkhead pinout for the two cars and compare them.

im pretty sure someone will have them around here. ill dig through my files.

caravan harness fits pretty nice.

Brian

[pauly_no_van]

i put a 90 caravan harness in a 88 reliant. every pin was the same minus two of the windshield motor pins. i had to move two of them. youll need to get that bulkhead pinout for the two cars and compare them.

im pretty sure someone will have them around here. ill dig through my files.

caravan harness fits pretty nice.

Brian

"Yea-auhhh ! "
Thanks!
paul

[Vigo]

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34580

2 pins :) Lots of relooming to get it to fit 'right', and lighting connectors.

[pauly_no_van]

haha yeah im doing a lot of re looming today for sure!

i found that cutting down the 'big' tab on the van harness newer type parking lamp sockets allow for use instead of the original metal ones. I did that cuz I had bulbs for those but not the other:D[EDIT] That didnt work you will have to splice in old sockets......

I did same thing with radiator as you, funny cuz I hadn't seen your thread in a while.
No IC yet.
No exhaust yet.
did my cluster a little though:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/IMG_5624.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/IMG_5626.jpg

paul

[blk86trbo]

Cluster looks good! Sounds like a neat project, keep updating with pictures :thumb:

[Big_P]

Shoulda started off with a tach cluster!

[GLHNSLHT2]

I love my 88 Kcar factory turbo SMEC harness

[pauly_no_van]

Shoulda started off with a tach cluster!

I know I know....
I tried to add a 6 digit odo to k speedo and broke it:(
I didn't have a tach to put n it, but I wanted to continue the look of the thing.
I will add the other gauges as there is plenty of room on that dash..
:D

[Vigo]

Shoulda started off with a tach cluster!

i dont think they exist for aries/reliant... ?

[pauly_no_van]

they dont but only 1 wire would need to be run to make it work I think...

[omni_840]

cool build, definately keep us updated

[Big_P]

i dont think they exist for aries/reliant... ?

Yeah but the speedo/fuel gauge from said picture look they're out of a P body or LeBaron.

[pauly_no_van]

:partywoot: it RUNS :D

[rib256]

:partywoot: it RUNS :D

That's always a good feeling. Congrats :thumb:

[Vigo]

Yeah but the speedo/fuel gauge from said picture look they're out of a P body or LeBaron.

Im seeing tbi minivan... but your point remains the same. Either way i think factory tachs are crappy and im thinking of putting the bigass fuel gauge back into my minivan cluster and running a smaller aftermarket tach.

[pauly_no_van]

The big fuel gauge is from a turbo van.
I have 2 turbo minis that came w/them/no tach so I swapped in v6 clusters...

Car idled ok with no ic plumbing now it refuses to idle, could be inadequate fuel tho as i havent replaced stock 88 na pump:P also have not set timing yet either.
It has a pita water leak on turbo water inlet fitting so I have to pull that off the motor:mad:
So I fix that swap fuel pump and get exhaust on and I'm good I think...

[Vigo]

any fuel pump from a geo swift will provide enough fuel to idle if the pump is working properly.

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge? $30 will get you one.

Dont go swapping fuel pump thinking it will fix your problem until you know more, because i think the chances are slim and you may end up frustrated.

[Big_P]

Im seeing tbi minivan... but your point remains the same. Either way i think factory tachs are crappy and im thinking of putting the bigass fuel gauge back into my minivan cluster and running a smaller aftermarket tach.

Makes sense. I couldn't find a replacement GTS cluster for mine so I pulled a digital cluster out of an Imperial and I'll just have to wire up an aftermarket tach. :amen:

[pauly_no_van]

Hey..
Its all together now. Still no exhaust and still haven't done fuel pump.
The head that was on tall deck motor that I am using here turned out to be a turbo head. Found the TS on it when I was cleaning it up. The exhaust valves were compared to known turbo head valves and are same.(non ferrous).
The cam is a total mystery still. I'll have to figure that out once I get a proper fuel pump in there. The running is erratic as hell right now, it is timed properly.
It seems to fall flat after running for a bit and does not like it when throttle is opened after a certain point. After warming up 2/3 of the way it starts to act as though its starving for gas be it idle or part open throttle.
.........It did this with stock setup in fact......
Testing the turbo setup done parked in the driveway, no driving has been possible save back and fourth to check trans.
My hope is a 255 hp pump will eliminate this problem, otherwise I will start messing with camshaft timing. It needs the pump regardless so I am not gonna cry if its not the problem.
I used PVC pipe/plumbing couplers on cold side of IC to save some bucks, see how long it lasts.
Some more pics.
Lebaron wheels?
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0711091013-00.jpg
Cluster installed:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0711091013-01.jpg
IC from T Bird SC:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0711091015-01.jpg
Coupled to plumbing with exhaust parts and rubber do-nut from IC coupler:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0711091016-00.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0711091015-00.jpg
Electrical from van installed:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0711091016-01.jpg

paul

[Aries_Turbo]

nice. :)

is there a turbo fuel pump in there?

Brian

[pauly_no_van]

nice. :)

is there a turbo fuel pump in there?

Brian

Thank you!:D

Nope its the stock unit with ~120k on it.(or 220)
those operate new at 14?psi...
Anyway if i'm going in there I only want to do it once.
Both my vans have that GSS340 pump, car should too since its got the same motor.

paul

[bakes]

you need a new pump tbi's over heat and crap out when you try them 45+ psi put a 255l in there and it will all be good

[Aries_Turbo]

yup, thats why i asked about the pump. :) looks like it will solve the problem. the TBI pumps dont like being hammered and asked to actually deliver fuel at that pressure level. :)

Brian

[pauly_no_van]

Ok changed fuel pump problem solved runs like a bat out of uranus.
Drove it up street and back one time, too many po leas mon around today no insurance or reg yet.
Exhaust is 2.5" dp transitioned to 3" cutout right after the first bend.
Essentially the cutout is the DP now its all 3" cept inside the muffler it tapers dfown to like 2.5" or something...
The muffler is semi restrictive, but has deep tone and spool is above average still. Price was way right.
I am going to use a TB dump on cutout so I'll take quieter most of the time and loud when I need it.
Here are some pics:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0720091734-00.jpg

Quiet muffler:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0720091734-01.jpg

Cutout is just above k frame, still working on mounting solution for Throttle body dump:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0720091734-02.jpg

Can only see it this way by bending:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0720091735-00.jpg

Close up:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0720091735-01.jpg

Welds are a little messy, its the first time I welded something.
I got a good deal on a mig welder and hate the price they get for stupid clamps,
so I learned to weld on a bud's machine then bought my own.

[tkelly27]

Thought we stole you some new lug nuts?

[bakes]

Nice good to here the pump solved the problem . Need to get it to the track know!!

[pauly_no_van]

Thought we stole you some new lug nuts?

ya i gotta put em on yet. was anxious to weld that exhaust up:D

Track?
haha I never tried that yet, I think I'm afraid of screwing up/not getting good times:D:D

[pauly_no_van]

Here's how I wired the wipers:

I'm talking about the square thru-firewall plugs here..
I have the 88 tbi harness, and an extra 90 turbo van harness.
The 88 tbi plug reveals where the 2 wires need to be, and the 90 turbo plug reveals where the 2 wires ACTUALLY are in the 89 turbo harness currently installed in the reliant.
89 and 90 turbo van plugs are same at least with regard to position of windshield wiper wires.
One wire is RED with yellow stripe and other is BROWN with white(i think) stripe. Same color code all 3 vehicles.


Here is the under-hood side of TBI plug:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0723091057-00.jpg

Here is the under-hood side of 90 TURBOVAN plug, see where blue and green still are but red and brown are gone:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0723091058-00.jpg

90 TURBOVAN plug where the wires go to:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0723091059-00.jpg

So by those photos, any person performing this swap should be able to re locate the wires right in the plug as the under-hood harness is being installed.
However, if you are a not-so-patient person like me, you probably already installed your dash wiring and figured out that the wipers don't work.
For those of you that did that, here's the solution:

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0723091112-00.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0723091127-00.jpg

Here's the shot of up under the driver footwell where the wires are to scotchlocked to, they are on the upper right side of the plug:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh251/paulpatrick3/minivan/0723091129-00.jpg

Car is fast with only 5 psi, a vid or 2 to follow...

paul

[Vigo]

Cant wait to see the vids.

Turbo Aries/Reliant rock.. i would know :p

[pauly_no_van]

Vigo you race yours yet?

[pauly_no_van]

Hey what sort of vid should I make?
I saw Gary's 10 sec speedo vid and now I think its like a waste of time me posting something like that:(
Well anyway, its running 16 psi now and a 3 bar we started to tune.
When we were tuning wot a/f it was getting to 80 mph so fast I had no idea til trying to slow down!
On the cutout:
I broke the throttle body in half:mad:, so I am trying to make a cutout out of other parts.
/update

[Vigo]

No, its got clutch issues right now but other than that its doing great since i put it back together. There are some in-car vids of it when it was still mitsu to give you some idea at 11-13 psi. http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34580&page=3 bottom of page

My clutch doesnt slip at 5psi tho, so we could race like that :p


When we were tuning wot a/f it was getting to 80 mph so fast I had no idea til trying to slow down!

Hah i have 3 shifts to remind me :lol:

Keep up the good work.

[ShadowFromHell]

What kind of muffler is that? Cheapy autozone turbo muffler? I really want to open up the exhaust on my yorker, but dont want it to be 3inch side exit loud. I also dont have a of $$$ to spend, so a nice out the back system is out of the question. I was thinking of building a cutout, but Id like to have decent spool all of the time. Id probaly end up driving around with the cutout open all the time anyways... lol.

[pauly_no_van]

that is a summit 'turbo muffler' they are 20 bux or so.
i got two and some pipes for free, well he's getting my last extra motor....
I get all the boost i want thru this exhaust after adjusting the wg can some.
it will hit overboost cut-out (set at 18psi) if i want it to.
muffler is quiet with a slight deep tone only, no rumble, perfect:thumb:
with exhaust cutout open i get 5 psi more boost with no other changes, def good for the track!
this car freakin moves, i think i will do a dash vid even tho it won't be nutty like relentless.

thanks vigo...

paul

[pauly_no_van]

Ok so I tried to get it out and do a video, but before I could operate the camera, I got pulled over! [tire smoke for 60' plus, and hit about 70 before I saw him in my mirror.:lol:
The po-po man told me he couldn't believe what he saw, I told him it was headed to the track and I was 'showing off' [which I was, had a friend with me].
Long story short he let me go without even a warning!
I was looking at rekless and speeding and . . .
Lucky.
I ended-up scrapping that body b/c it was now 'marked' and it had too many interior issues for me to want to deal with.
I will get another body soon...

[Vigo]

Another Aries body?

Johnny Spiva is selling a nice spirit/acclaim last i looked.

Got my spirit to 15psi on the 2.2, feels good but nothing like 2.5 Aries:hail:

[pauly_no_van]

Another Aries body?

Johnny Spiva is selling a nice spirit/acclaim last i looked.

Got my spirit to 15psi on the 2.2, feels good but nothing like 2.5 Aries:hail:


Ideally an aries/reliant but I'd go for a nice omni/horizon or a fully loaded acclaim. Spiva says he sold it.
I don't have $800 now anyways...
That wagon was the fastest car I ever owned, it would break em loose at 30 mph on dry pavement. Wet roads it was REAL dangerous.
I have a 35th anniversary tbird sc bought it for $400 and put another $500 in it.
It is also useless on wet roads.. Its modded but still not a s quick as the wagon!
I get this feeling this winter is gonna be rough here, and I'd rather have a fwd running. I still have a van I can use, it has the motor + tranny that was in wagon.

If I have the $ or find the right car I will be back in a K platform for sure.
I just started working again after a long time unemployed, still ahve catching up to do next month or so...
Good to see you are still active here!
:D