the_random_hero

Have you tried changing the oil, fuel and air filters before going to any additives? I've recently ran Fuel Doctor Injector Cleaner through my car and it seems to be the *****. The car seems to be running noticeably smoother and revs quicker.

I just did after reading your comment. Seems like they've got their hands in all the right honey jars :P So who wants to get the book and... ermm... scan it for me?

Typically speaking with low capacity engines on of the bestest cheapest mods you can do is changing your oil to the best quality, lowest wattage oil you can get. good thin oil = less resitance = more efficient engine. I wouldn't recommend anything apart from Royal Purple 10w40. AMAZING oil, has been doing wonders for my new engine :)

Argh, wish I could come guys. You should head down to my work (Autobarn Logan City) so I can check your cars out while I'm working :P

Excellent, my car is back and in action. While fitting my new ignition leads (hooray, even though they were designed for my car, they are a bit too long ), I noticed that my fully sick air intake is actually creating a bit of a vacuum upside of the plenum. Before I get a new filter, I want to add bonnet vents (semi-forced induction :P ) that's feeding straight onto the pod, then isolate the filter from the engine bay.

Fuken mint mate! What engine are you getting put in it? Just a 5E-FE. He's run into some problems getting it in this afternoon, so it should be hopefully running by tomorrow morning/later on tonight. Once it's back on the road, I'll keep on putting like $50 a week towards upgrades. Next I need some rear speakers (I had a $400 set of Hertz HSK's but I broked one :(), I'll probably just go with Kicker KS 6" coax's. I've got the Kicker DS 6.5" splits in the front and they're alright, but I definitely need to sound deaden my doors, so I think that will come after that.

Awesome, finally some good news. Getting an imported motor that's done around 70k kms, all installed and running perfectly for around $1400. I bought Royal Purple Oil, Fuel Doctor Injector Cleaner, Eagle spark leads, NGK Iridium plugs and all Ryco filters, so it should be running quite alright. Fingers crossed, I'll have a running car by next Monday. EDIT: Just got a call from the mechanic, he said he's stayed back tonight and has fitted the new engine, all he needs are some bits and pieces I can pick up tomorrow morning and I should have running car by tomorrow afternoon :)

Finally got around to seeing the mechanic, he said the lower end bearing has gone and basically destroyed my crankshaft. I've got a rebuild kit ready to go (only $400 for genuine parts), but I still need the crankshaft. It's looking more like I should just get an imported motor as it will probably end up cheaper.

If my car's running, I'll be there. Albion Station, but what time/s? I couldn't be bothered reading all 8 pages :P

Any idea where I could track down a 5E-FHE in Queensland? I probably wouldn't bother with getting the 5EFHE just the parts that you need to increase the compression ratio in the 5EFE and whatever else is different in the 5EFHE (injectors etc) Well, so far the boys at work haven't been able to track down anything for a 5EFHE. I'm thinking of moving down to a .5mm gasket, but I'm also worried about bending rods - I know a slight increase in compression shouldn't hurt, but I can't go another week without my baby :( BOO to QLD rules! Your so close to import shops it is not funny. I rang around for half cuts of the 4EFTE, and a majority of them were up in QLD. They ranged from 1200 - 1500 in QLD!! ...That is 1k under your budget, and with your smarts and expertise, I'm sure you can do it!! You could always ninja spec it . The engine drops straight in Only "complex" bit would be the wiring. Well, if I wasn't so lazy, I could be off my P's now :P I've had my P's for 3 years now, but went all of last year without driving - I moved out of home and didn't have the funds to get a car. Once the cars up and running again, I'll work out what the next class of license is for me (I don't really understand the QLD system yet). So, hopefully, it shouldn't be much more than a year or two. The main thing stopping me from driving a turbo is the insurance. Even getting something that's NA and classed as 'sporty' would set me back around $1900 with a excess of over $1400. If anything, I'd go a 3S-GTE conversion over a 4E-FTE. While it's a nice little engine, you're sort of restricted in the amount of power you can make with only 1.3L. With the 3S-GTE, there's a lot more potential for ridiculous power in what's still a relatively light car. I'm not sure of the balance between power & cost between a 3S-GTE conversion stock and a 4E-FTE conversion with some bolt-ons.

Any idea where I could track down a 5E-FHE in Queensland? I probably wouldn't bother with getting the 5EFHE just the parts that you need to increase the compression ratio in the 5EFE and whatever else is different in the 5EFHE (injectors etc) Well, so far the boys at work haven't been able to track down anything for a 5EFHE. I'm thinking of moving down to a .5mm gasket, but I'm also worried about bending rods - I know a slight increase in compression shouldn't hurt, but I can't go another week without my baby :(

Any idea where I could track down a 5E-FHE in Queensland?

I've tracked down quite a few 'performance' products for the 5E-FE, but most of these will have to come from oversea's. I'm so frustrated at the moment, I've almost decided to definitely get rid of the old engine (anybody want to purchase one for cheap?) and just save my money. Well you could get a Starlet GT half cut, 4EFTE would be fun :) Hope you get your lil pas back on the road, keep your chin up and I'm sure you'll find a way to fix it Thanks to awesome QLD rules, I can't drive anything turbo'd Sucks as I've managed to find one in good running condition for cheap. The other big issue is money - I've only got a maximum of $2500 to spend on this. I'm slightly swaying towards a rebuild now, it makes a bit more sense when I think about it.

I've tracked down quite a few 'performance' products for the 5E-FE, but most of these will have to come from oversea's. I'm so frustrated at the moment, I've almost decided to definitely get rid of the old engine (anybody want to purchase one for cheap?) and just save my money.

Driving back from NSW, my Paseo encountered quite a few problems. There's a loud knocking noise that is there when I'm idling or driving, and gets quicker as you accelerate. The cars currently sitting at a mechanics (who says it's likely to be a rolled bearing in the lower end) and is being towed up here on Monday. Assuming it's cheaper for me to get a new engine, as I've been told, I'm going to keep the old 5E-FE and attempt to rebuild it myself. Has anybody stripped and rebuilt one of these? Anything I should be aware of before I start? I'm not particularly mechanically experienced (only really worked on small motors), but I have access to the tools and I'm pretty quick to learn things. While I'm in there, I figure I may as well do some upgrades to the motor. I want to keep the engine NA, so what could I do to get the most reliable power out of the engine? I'm thinking lightened flywheel, performance cams, new piston heads, etc. Any input is greatly appreciated.

On a paseo!?! Why didn't you just take the green wrapping off a milo tin... HAHA what a GOLD comment Just drill a massive hole in your air box. That will increase the 'grunt' noise of the Paseo. The mod is FREE. You will experience increased throttle response and top end performance....your filter will get a little bit more dirty, but it will be louder! Save your money on an exhaust system until you get that 4efte transplant. Or you can replace the whole intake system with an aftermarket filter and cold air intake. It's all pretty easy to do, I can write up a tutorial if you want. I'm still contemplating turbo-ing my 5E-FE - it's got a 200cc advantage on the 4EF-TE and to turbo it is around the same price as a transplant.

I just got a 2.25" cat-back system with a 2.5" hi-flow exhaust fitted today and it sounds plenty loud enough for me. Bugger all performance gains, but oh well :P

I'm fairly sure they are pretty universal. Otherwise, drive in to the car park, pop the sucker out and take it into the guys at spares/performance.

Yes you will need it installed professionally in case you haven't got it from the posts above Provided you've got the tools and know your way around a spanner or two, it's not too hard to fit an exhaust yourself. Having a welder would be great too :P