Adam's Canadian 13B Rotary 818-SR Build

[Flamshackle]

are they the xxr 530's?

[Canadian818]

are they the xxr 530's?

XXR 531's 18x11 +20 out back and 18x8.5 +20 up front

[Scargo]

Are you trying to avoid buying the aftermarket, curved trailing arms? I wonder if stock is up to the task of high torque? They also have those mushy bushings...
Gawd those wheels are big!

[nkw8181]

Geeezz that's huge! When looking from the back with the tires on the majority of the with will be tire.

[Pearldrummer7]

Those are huge. Will the tires touch each other with how wide they are?


Your backspacing is a lot less than mine (~10mm less clearance on the inside). How does that work? Do you have a spacer or something?

My 17x9 + 35mm offset rubbed in a few places until I added a 3mm spacer. That's with Wayne's modified arms.

[Kurk818]

Wheel Day!!!

It touches, but barely. I might have to change the shims on that bar a little to offset it inside. None of the suspension is tightened or aligned, so its hard to say if it'll be a problem requiring wheel spacers.

The clearance on mine is also just as tight. So much so that i had to switch from the rim mounted balancing weights to the stick on type to avoid the contact with the upper trailing arm during cornering.

Love the wheels

[Canadian818]

Are you trying to avoid buying the aftermarket, curved trailing arms? I wonder if stock is up to the task of high torque? They also have those mushy bushings...
Gawd those wheels are big!

I already have some tubular Godspeed trailing arms with the hiem joint on the chassis side. Once I get some tires on I'll install them and do a rough alignment. I expect I'll have to modify them like Wayne's arms as some say they offer less clearance than stock.

[Canadian818]

Geeezz that's huge! When looking from the back with the tires on the majority of the with will be tire.

That's the idea! I can't wait to get tires and put this on the ground.

Those are huge. Will the tires touch each other with how wide they are?


Your backspacing is a lot less than mine (~10mm less clearance on the inside). How does that work? Do you have a spacer or something?

My 17x9 + 35mm offset rubbed in a few places until I added a 3mm spacer. That's with Wayne's modified arms.

No spacer yet, the suspension bolts are all loose, hanging, with the coilover preloaded.

The clearance on mine is also just as tight. So much so that i had to switch from the rim mounted balancing weights to the stick on type to avoid the contact with the upper trailing arm during cornering.

Love the wheels

Thanks Kurt, I'm really happy with them. I'll have to remember to get the stick on weights, I definitely don't have the room for the hammer on style.

[oorx7]

Any updates?

I am really interested to see how this transmission works with rx7 motor.

I'm thinking of building this drivetrain and finding an interesting home for it. ;-)

[Canadian818]

Any updates?

I am really interested to see how this transmission works with rx7 motor.

I'm thinking of building this drivetrain and finding an interesting home for it. ;-)

Sorry, nothing new to post. Been working 70hrs/week for far too long. I had planned lots of work to be done over Christmas break, however we planned a last min trip to Disneyland instead. I don't foresee having time to work on it for a few months, as the little free time I have goes to my family. Fortunately I find time on breaks to follow the forum, and have by no means lost any interest in the project.

[oorx7]

Completely understand. No need to be sorry.

I've subscribed so I should get a notice when you get back to it.

[ChrisMC]

Definitely subscribed! I've been wondering what it would take to mount 18x10 in the rear on an 818. I'm working on buying a house for now (wife says it's more important or something like that haha) but the first chance I have I'm snatching up an 818C and want to build to around the same +/-400rwhp that you're looking for. I know the subbie engines can make that easily and that the transmissions can be built to handle it but I was REALLY worried about traction with the rear tire widths that I've been seeing. I was thinking along the same lines with the fender flares but wasn't really sure how to go about it.

[Canadian818]

Definitely subscribed! I've been wondering what it would take to mount 18x10 in the rear on an 818. I'm working on buying a house for now (wife says it's more important or something like that haha) but the first chance I have I'm snatching up an 818C and want to build to around the same +/-400rwhp that you're looking for. I know the subbie engines can make that easily and that the transmissions can be built to handle it but I was REALLY worried about traction with the rear tire widths that I've been seeing. I was thinking along the same lines with the fender flares but wasn't really sure how to go about it.

I believe 9.5" widths have been installed out back with stock flares. Perhaps with the right offset, modified rear lower trailing arms and different spacers for the rear upper trailing arms, it could work. I too was concerned about traction issues, but now I'll have transmission and axles issues. I'm going to get it finished enough to register before addressing those, so I'll either take it easy or break something.

[Frank818]

What axles issues?

[Canadian818]

What axles issues?

They're going to snap. With 350hp+ and 12" wide tires they don't stand a chance, and neither does my transmission. I'll probably go with STI hubs, fortunately my wheels are both 5x100 and 5x114

[bbjones121]

They're going to snap. With 350hp+ and 12" wide tires they don't stand a chance, and neither does my transmission. I'll probably go with STI hubs, fortunately my wheels are both 5x100 and 5x114

Not necessarily. Depends how hard you launch and/or shock the system on shifts.

[Frank818]

The shafts themselves I don't know how much they could support OEM, but we know Bob twisted one already, by launching hard with less power than you have. You probably need better CVs cuz with the traction and power you have the OEM ones may well fail. Good news is that I went through the procedure for you loll and know what you need to order. But doing it again I'd go even bigger with STI spindles so you can get upgraded STI CVs. Although it should be enough with small WRX upgraded ones, STIs are not going to be worse.

[Frank818]

Adam, I know you work 70h a week not on the car but since March you got some updates?
Hopefully Fort McMurray didn't affect you.

[Canadian818]

Adam, I know you work 70h a week not on the car but since March you got some updates?
Hopefully Fort McMurray didn't affect you.

Thanks for checking in on me Frank. I was unaffected by the fire, however I did have some visitors because of it. I'm finally done working, hopefully for a little while. Been busy catching up on about two years of overdue projects around the house, and getting the nursery ready for our second child due in a month! Also bought a bike, a Yamaha Road Star Warrior, and I've been spending the odd couple of hours in the garage modifying that. To be honest I was sick of spending an hour here and there on the car, felt like I was accomplishing nothing. I'm really looking forward to spending full days in the garage on it. I have the tires mounted on the rims, and bought some goodies, so hopefully I'll have some updates by the weekend. Unless I decide to go to Montreal for the Grand Prix!

[Canadian818]

I've been back to working on the car for the past few weeks. Unfortunately, despite the amount of time spent, progress has been slow. I had to pull the engine once more to finish welding and paint the engine and transmission mounts. While it was out I installed some firewall between the engine and gas tank. I couldn't have it all mount from the engine side as the engine sits slightly inside the center "triangle."



I don't mind a loud engine, but I hate hearing a fuel pump whine. Here's my solution.





Next up was the brakes. I finished relocating the rear calliper mounting holes, which is where I left off like 6 months ago. I shaved off the "Nissan" and painted them black. Routed the e-brake cables through the new firewall and assembled with new shoes, DBA rotors, Stop Tech pads, and Goodridge brake lines. Also new Godspeed lower trailing arms, which I expect to have to modify shortly.



Front callipers cleaned up and painted as well. Using the Nissan brakes has been a huge pain, and I don't recommend it. Even after buying the KNS brackets and multiple rotor fit tests, I still need to use washers to space the callipers to be centred on the rotor.



Next up will be to mount my Tilton remote reservoir and bleed the system. Then it'll be ready for wheels and tires and the obligatory driveway shot. I might finish up my coolant lines first though, as it'll be easier to do still up on the frame buck.

[Frank818]

Funny thing, your fuel tank is shaped slightly different than mine, the center part behind the ebrake has more angles. Mine is fully flush from left to... oh... the seats. It's probably an FFR tank design before their new L-shaped to give more seat space for the wookies out here. What chassis again? 91? I have 181, then your tank is not 100% FFR?

Love the discs man. But man, you gotta find ways to work more often and steadily on the car, really. You're going rotary! That's 1000-1500+ hours. And like you said, time for installing brakes and Wayne builds a full car... so... lolll

[Canadian818]

I modified my FFR tank to clear my seat backs, along with the fire wall. All in the name of trying to get the seat back as far as possible.

[Frank818]

Ha! I see. I must have forgotten that one. There goes a few 20's hours.... which Wayne used to install the suspension, tank, complete wiring, brakes, wheels, shifter and ebrake. Oh yeah. lolll

[Canadian818]

Ha! I see. I must have forgotten that one. There goes a few 20's hours.... which Wayne used to install the suspension, tank, complete wiring, brakes, wheels, shifter and ebrake. Oh yeah. lolll

Haha, no kidding. It's amazing how time consuming one change can be because of the domino effect. Moving my seats closer together and further back must have cost me 100hrs between the tank, firewall, center console frame and aluminum. And don't get me started on the Nissan brakes or choosing the rotary.

[Canadian818]

Got a little distracted from the build with this new addition...



Mom and baby are happy and healthy! I was back in the garage for a bit today and have a question. Does anyone have a picture of this installed? I think it goes above the master cylinder and under the windshield frame, but it's been so long. Couldn't find it in the manual. Thanks!

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I split it in half so I could put it around my wiper motor.
Bob

[Canadian818]

Thanks Bob, that was quick! So it goes on after the windshield frame?

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Thanks Bob, that was quick! So it goes on after the windshield frame?

Same day as windshield frame.
Oh Yea, Congratulations.
Bob

[Frank818]

Congrats on the build completeness! Although you only worked 1h on it, got lazy and paid your wife to do the remaining. Which means you have no idea of the feeling and experience the build could have given you. No one but Tamra on this forum would ever anyway. lolll

Yeah that piece goes on the top frame tube behind the cluster and inside the windshield to prevent airflow from the rad bay to enter under the dash. Yours is black and not alu, did you paint it?

[Canadian818]

Thanks guys! You're right Frank, but how can I convince her to help with this build? Haha

[Frank818]

Hey, you helped her with her build, now her turn to help you with yours. lolll Nah, life doesn't work that way.

Speaking of life, what are your viable plans for the summer and autumn on the car? Any goals?

[Canadian818]

Hey, you helped her with her build, now her turn to help you with yours. lolll Nah, life doesn't work that way.

Speaking of life, what are your viable plans for the summer and autumn on the car? Any goals?

Funny you should ask today Frank. Finally got back on the car today, first time since the baby showed up. I've been in the garage, but I was installing a winch on my quad and shaving the seat on my motorcycle, too many projects. I also squeezed a few days of work in there!

Goals? I'm kind of sick of setting them, as life gets in the way. Like today, do I spend this beautiful day in the garage? Or do I take my 8 year old to the zoo? Well the zoo was great, lol. I think once the build is closer to completion I'll push everything aside to finish, but right now it's easy to get distracted by smaller projects with easier goals that I can enjoy sooner.

Today I finished installing the brakes and began installing my rims and tires. The fronts went on good, however one side clears almost completely to full lock and the other only half way. I'm sure there's some adjustments to be made, I'll look into that tomorrow. The bigger project for tomorrow will be modifying my rear lower trailing arms. They are eBay "Godspeed" ones, and I'll cut and weld them much like the VCP arms.





Goals? Well for tomorrow, arms modified, reservoir installed, and brakes/clutch bled.

[Canadian818]

Good progress today...







I'll finish welding at add some gussets/support on the end along with powder coat at a later date. At least after a rough alignment.

Got the brakes bled, well as much as I could solo. Still some air in the lines but she'll stop in the driveway, lol.



Getting there...

[Frank818]

Finally some overall pix with nice stuff in! That engine is smaller than I thought! Are you missing some parts around? Oh, the turbo, right?

Remind me what are those tires?
I wonder how you guys are able to fit tires so ****ing wide, I got small 265s and wider would rub bad on both modified trailing arms, would be so ****ing close of the fwd upper link which is already pushed as far as possible on the bracket and would stick out of fenders bad. Strange, you must be some kind of magician, like the others. Adam Angels? lolll

What did you use to cut the trailing arms? Looks laser cut!
There's another solution, quite efficient, it's to move inwards the ball joint on the bracket and use much different lengths spacers (a long one and very short one). I tested that with washers and it works well. I need to get one of my spacers cut and add washers to the other one. Will do just before inspection.

[Canadian818]

Finally some overall pix with nice stuff in! That engine is smaller than I thought! Are you missing some parts around? Oh, the turbo, right?

It is quite small yes, but the turbo takes up pretty much all the space on the right of the engine. I've contemplated putting the battery on the left side, but I'm not sure yet. The coils will be mounted off the engine somewhere on the left side as well, and eventually a second fuel pump in a sump.

Remind me what are those tires?
I wonder how you guys are able to fit tires so ****ing wide, I got small 265s and wider would rub bad on both modified trailing arms, would be so ****ing close of the fwd upper link which is already pushed as far as possible on the bracket and would stick out of fenders bad. Strange, you must be some kind of magician, like the others. Adam Angels? lolll

Tires are 305's, and no magic here. 11" wide wheel, +20 offset mounted with no spacers. The upper trailing arm doesn't have a spacer on it right now, but a small spacer on the inside will still allow the hiem full motion. The tires will not clear the body, but that's for another day.

What did you use to cut the trailing arms? Looks laser cut!
There's another solution, quite efficient, it's to move inwards the ball joint on the bracket and use much different lengths spacers (a long one and very short one). I tested that with washers and it works well. I need to get one of my spacers cut and add washers to the other one. Will do just before inspection.

Haha, it was cut with a ZipDisc, which is just a very fine cutting disc on a grinder. I've spent more time with a angle grinder in my life than I have with my wife, lol. Actually that's not funny at all.

I didn't want to mess with the geometry of the arm, but cutting it where I did the two pivot points didn't change, just the shape of the arm. If one moved the front hiem to the inside you would be changing the geometry ever so slightly, which IMO could cause further problems.

You know sometimes Frank, I think you're the only one following my build, lol. Thanks for the interest. I figure if I'm doing something wrong someone will comment.


Today's project is coolant piping. I didn't want to buy coolant tubes, especially since I'd have to fab the rear section anyway. I don't have a bender, but I do have a roller from another project so I'm making that work. I also made a "bead roller" for the coolant tubes.





I'll have some completed pics tomorrow. In the background of the last pic you can see my new transmission! It's from a '98 JDM STI RA, so it has close ratio "RA" gears and a helical front limited slip. Much to my surprise it uses male cv's and doesn't have the male stubs like is needed for all aftermarket LSD's for 5 speeds. This is good news since that means the axles I have will work. It also has a DCCD center diff which I'll be removing, so if anyone is interested in it for another subie project let me know. I believe this thing is the crown jewel of 5mt's. It won't be installed until a later date, as I don't want to move backwards at all and what I have will work to get it on the road.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

You know sometimes Frank, I think you're the only one following my build, lol. Thanks for the interest. I figure if I'm doing something wrong someone will comment.

Hi Adam.
I'm watching.
I can relate to the peanut grinder comment. I would say we have gone through at least 20 cut off wheels.
You need to spend more time with that new baby.

I have a question and comment on the brakes.
Where did you get the Master cylinder hose adapters? I know Mike Everson sells them with a kit but you don't have his tank.

The pink brake line adapters that I got had a nose on them that restricted them to only 2 or 3 revolutions into aluminum components. I didn't trust that so I changed the ends to M10x1.0 metric nuts.
Bob

[Canadian818]

I have the kit from Mike, however I didn't like the seemingly recycled reservoir, and the supplied hose leaked through on Frank. So I bought the Tilton reservoir and some EPDM hose locally.

The pink adapters also make it hard to clear the windshield front fiberglass because it becomes so high coming off the master.

Oh, and thanks for watching

[Frank818]

I have the kit from Mike, however I didn't like the seemingly recycled reservoir, and the supplied hose leaked through on Frank.

Absolutely. With ATE 200 brake fluid. Other fluids might be ok but this one, the blue bottle, did not work at all. I remember you commented on that. Good move with your lines. I really like what you did (lines-reservoir combo).

I'm coming back on the trailing arms cut. Is geometry that much important for this arm? It's just there to prevent waving side to side, would it be that bad if the ball joint would be 1" inwards or 1" outwards, relative to center-to-center?


Lucky ******* on 305s. lollll What brand?

[Canadian818]

Absolutely. With ATE 200 brake fluid. Other fluids might be ok but this one, the blue bottle, did not work at all. I remember you commented on that. Good move with your lines. I really like what you did (lines-reservoir combo).

Thanks, I'm really happy with how it turned out. EPDM hose is really expensive though, I think I paid like $8/ft! I used Willwoods brake fluid, 600 something it's called.

I'm coming back on the trailing arms cut. Is geometry that much important for this arm? It's just there to prevent waving side to side, would it be that bad if the ball joint would be 1" inwards or 1" outwards, relative to center-to-center?

Im really not sure how much that could affect the geometry, I just didn't want to risk it. Cutting and welding is what I know, suspension is something I need to learn, so I didn't risk it.

Lucky ******* on 305s. lollll What brand?

They're NT01's, and I expect they'll claim some driveline parts, lol.

[Wayne Presley]

You know sometimes Frank, I think you're the only one following my build, lol. Thanks for the interest. I figure if I'm doing something wrong someone will comment.

I follow the build and think the 13B is the perfect powerplant for the 818.