Big Cajun's LY GT Resurrection
 

Finally after 3 years of waiting, I can proceed with attempting to get my 2004 Lightning Yellow GT running again.

I put off doing a lot of work it needed uncertain if I was going to keep it.

Plans are in the works for getting a new crate engine from Pineapple Racing thanks to Rob Babicki who sold his to me.

Updates to follow.

its blowed up mane. ya digz?

My goal is simple, get my 8 running again
and fix the numerous issues that need to be addressed.
I'm not doing a build or real restoration, I just want it driveable again, most importantly;

New engine (duh)
Left oil cooler hose
Driver side headlight
Both rear shocks

Ancillary issues;
Sohn bundle
Catch can
New brake rotors and pads.
New tires

If I can get these problems fixed without going broke, then eventually I'll think about a new paint job

Yes it is.
But it was a slow motion, 2 year gradual blowup until it would no longer start in 11/19.
The WB I had after it died never measured up.
I miss my baby.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...2c2e3a484c.jpg

BC, Good looking specimen... exterior looks clean. All the best getting her rolling again.

you gonna swap it yourself or are you still planning on paying someone to do it?

I would bump tires and brakes up to the necessary fixes seeing that it's been sitting for 3ish years

Thanks.

I'm going to bring it, or more likely have it transported, to The Rotary Doctor in Neosho, MO.
They charge about $1200, not sure if I get a discount for the old engine.
It's about 2 hours south of here.
I'm still sorting everything out.

I might be able to DIY, but I don't want to spend the time doing it and maybe getting it wrong.
I don't think I'm up to it physically anymore.

Yeah, that's a good idea.
I think that area is in the Ozark foothills, so there's likely some twisties.

how about seeing if theres some local peeps that would give ya a hand

It's a good thought, but I don't think so.
I can afford to pay a pro, get some peace of mind knowing (hoping) that it'll get done right the first time, and I'd like it back ASAP.

It would be nice to get it back before my operation in October.
I think sonic is right about brakes and tires first.
I'm thinking about the Quickjacks.

My wife thinks I'm nuts for spending all this money on an old car.

You can't take it with you, right?

New car that’s fun about $35,000, old car that’s more fun with no payments revived about $12,000, LY for the win. Will follow your progress BC and glad you’re doing this.

Thanks for the encouragement brother.
It is without a doubt the best car I ever owned, and compares favorably or surpasses many late model cars I've rented for long road trips as far as comfort, quiet cabin and ergonomics are concerned.

I remember a Subaru that had the parking brake lever next to the seat that was pressing against my thigh and driving me crazy.

The worst was a VW that had a tapered center console that rubbed against my leg and was nearly torture.

If it didn't have cruise control to where I could move my leg off of the accelerator , I would've had to stop somewhere and rent another car.

Ironically, the MSRP for my fully loaded '04 was + $35K.

It took me almost 5 years to resurrect the first 8 I bought, with a bad engine. It was totally worth it. I get in it and drive just to drive. Many times, when I can't sleep, at 2:30 in the morning, I'll put 100+ miles in. No other car made me want to do that.

Keep going, make it the way you want, you will be glad you did!

Thanks.
I know exactly what you mean.
They are special cars.

I need to get the engine here first, Rob B. has graciously allowed me to get it shipped when I'm ready for it.

I'll have to make room in my garage and convert a cart that I use to overwinter plants to the same height as my pickup's tail gate so I can move it around by myself.

It feels good to know it's going to be ready in a few months.
(Hopefully)

I might have the oil cooler hose, not sure because I gave a full set away to someone else, but there is another partial set, let me know specifically which one and I’ll check

.

It's the driver's side first section off the cooler in the bumper.
I appreciate the offer, don't go through any trouble, I had planned on getting a new section.

I thought about getting a complete braided SS set but it's too much work for me and I don't want to add to my installation labor costs.
It's probably going to be a few weeks before I get one.
Thanks.

it’s $450 MSRP, but suit yourself if you’d rather not be bothered with pming me.
.

You said you'd check.
(?)

Thanks for the offer.
I just ordered a new Mishimoto line for $138.

Advanced Auto has a 15% discount on Carquest Wearever brake parts.
I saved $70 on rotors and pads for all 4 wheels.
Free shipping to home.

I contacted The Rotary Doctor in Neosho, MO. for a quote on installing my new engine, which I will hopefully be taking delivery of on Tuesday.

Since I don't need my old engine for a rebuild core, he agreed to keep the old engine with the knowledge that it was pretty worn out and after having progressively worse hot start issues for 2 years, he is still giving me a discount.

$800 for installation.
I think that's more than fair.
It's tentatively scheduled for 9/12.

800 really isn't that bad especially if that includes fluids, and coolant burp.

Hey Fickert, have you been gone awhile, or just frequenting threads I don't read?

It does include that, and some other stuff I can't remember.
It was a phone conversation and I don't remember a lot of things unless I read it.