[ZipDriveX]

This is my 1999 Dodge Avenger base model, equipped with the Mitsubishi 420a, DOHC 2.0 and manual 5 speed transmission. I bought this car around 5 years ago and it’s been through many different phases while in my ownership but I’ll only be focusing on the current phases of the car.

The car sat, with problems and pieces missing, for three years until January of 2009 when I got my license back and started putting time, money, and effort back into her. I got her looking good again and then decided to join the boost crew and bought a used turbo kit from a guy off and Avenger forum (ASEC). I installed the kit in July, but to my dismay I had terrible oil leaks coming from everywhere in the motor and I was overheating. Two months later I had a new head gasket, valve cover gasket, intake gaskets, cam seals, timing belt, pulleys, water pump, thermostat, and radiator cap. Now she runs great and it’s time to let the fun begin!


Restore List:
*Front bumper cover
*Turn signal sockets & pigtails
*License plate bracket
*Headlights
*Taillights
*L & R rear wheel hubs
*L & R outer tie rod end
*HVAC bezel
*Radio mount bracket and wiring harness
*Passenger air bag cover
*Drivers outer door handle
*L & R door handle cups
*New front tires
*4 wheel balance & alignment
*Windshield
*L & R wheel hubs
*Just about every gasket/seal in the motor needed replacing
*Hood prop
*LT still plate
*Replaced cigarette lighter

Mod List:
Brakes/Suspension:
*Front upper strut tower bar
*Moog Outer Tie Rod Ends
*Painted Calipers & Drums

Engine:
*T3 42/48 AR turbocharger (5psi on stock internals)
*XS Power external wastegate
*Turbo XS RFL BOV
*Bar & Plate FMIC
*Custom 8-injector intake manifold with stock primary and 30lb secondary injectors
*Dual high-flow billet fuel rails
*Aeromotive 1:1 FPR
*Walbro 255 fuel pump
*A/C Delete
*Mopar EGR Blockoff Plate
*Energy Suspension Polyurethane Shifter Bushings
*Golden Eagle vacuum manifold
*Mopar MLS Headgasket
*NGK One Step Colder Plugs
*Painted Valve Cover
*Synapse Missing Link mechanical fuel cut defender
*Taylor performance plug wires

Engine Electronics:
*034 EIC supplementary injector controller
*Prosport Boost Gauge
*Prosport Oil Pressure Gauge
*Innovate LM1 Wideband

Exhaust
*Log style cast turbo manifold
*External wastegate routed into exhaust
*2.5" custom turbo downpipe
*2.5" Catback Exhaust
*SPW Muffler

Exterior:
*”HDR” Front lip
*08 Style "Avenger" Emblem - Black
*08 Style "Dodge" Emblem - Black
*2.0T Emblem - Black
*Clear/Smoke Turn Signals
*Smoked Corners
*Smoked Taillights
*Smoked reverse bar
*SS Hood
*Carbon Fiber Trunk

In-Car Entertainment:
*Alpine In-Dash Deck
*Pioneer 6x9s

Interior:
*3D red gauge bezel
*B&M Short Throw Shifter
*Black shifter boot with red stitching
*Black w/ red Dodge logo back seat cover
*Black w/ red Dodge logo floor mats
*Bomz Racing Seats
*Gauge Cluster Dual Gauge Pod
*A-pillar dual gauge pod
*Custom Painted Interior
*Grant Evolution GT Steering Wheel
*Indiglow gauges
*Momo Leather Shift Knob
*Reverse Glow HVAC Overlays
*Under Dash Neons


Tires/Wheels:
*Eagle Racing 17” rims
*Yokohama Avid V4 tires (SIZE HERE)
*Black Painted Wheels

Future/Planned Mods:
*160 Degree TStat
*2.5" Test Pipe
*Custom Oil Catch Can (Just need to install)
*OBX Upper Rad Hose
*Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
*Carbon Fiber SS Hood
*Carbon Fiber GSX side skirts
*Fix all dents/scratches/holes and repaint
*Coilovers
*Upgrade stereo system, new deck, speakers all the way around, and a new sub & amp setup
*Black 18's w/ red ring and new tread
*Replace all interrior grey panels w/ GSX black panels
*Replace carpet w/ black
*Recover headliner/sunvisors/speaker surround with black and fix the sagging liner
*Upholster rear seat red & black to match front seats
*Solid shifter bushings
*Front & Rear Sway bars
*Re-tint windows


Newest Pics:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1287.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1293.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1294.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1301.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1298.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1024.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1132.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1297.jpg

Not-so-very-old pics:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/Subie%20Sunday/CIMG1078.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/Subie%20Sunday/CIMG1112.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1176.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1167.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG0780.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG0777.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG0768.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG0771.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1174.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1166.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/ZipDriveX/CIMG1171.jpg

Lewistown: Sept 2009:
http://justa6.net/images/lewistown2/todd/DPP_0001%20copy.jpg
http://justa6.net/images/lewistown2/todd/DPP_0003%20copy.jpg
http://justa6.net/images/lewistown2/todd/DPP_0005%20copy.jpg
http://justa6.net/images/lewistown2/todd/DPP_0007%20copy.jpg




**ORIGINAL POST**

It finally got warm enough here in Montana for me to do some work to my car. So I decided to tackle a couple things that have been buggin me for a while now.

First off my front turn lamps: Somewhere in time past I apparently clipped off the sockets and wires for my front turn lamps. Bad news is the only way to get them from the dealer is to order the OEM lamps at $50 a pop. Well I dug around in a scrap socket bin at work and found two that were the ones I needed. So I wired them back in. YA! No more tweeker blinker!

Secondly my interrior neons and guage black light: That was an easy fix I just had to undo all the wiring to the switch and re do it and man its nice to have it back!

 inside.jpg (31.16K)
Number of downloads: 95

Last on the list is my deck unit: My TV screen and DVD player and old deck got stolen a year or so ago :cry: So I found an old one I had lying around the house and installed it. I got bumps again!!!


MODS: IF ONE OF YOU COULD MAKE THIS POST INTO TWO SEPERATE POSTS (EVERYTHING UNDER THE **ORIGINAL POST** SHOULD BE THE 2ND POST IN HERE AFTER THE DESCRIPTION) I'D APPRECIATE IT! THANKS!!!

This post has been edited by ZipDriveX: 03 August 2010 - 09:39 AM

[Mopar McNeer]

Good deal bro. Its always nice to get some of the small projects wrapped up.

BTW: do the cops give you any crap when they pull you over after they see the Pot leaves on your Tach & Speedo?? I'm sure there was a time in my life that would have thought that was kick ass, but now I would think it would just draw unwanted attention.

Keep up the mods and project finishing!!!

Oh, you might consider turning this thread into your actual Project Log (edit the title maybe). If you do, I can edit out my added comments.

[ZipDriveX]

Ya, I've got a few little ones I gotta get done still. I was told about the log thing and I'm going to change it around.I never got asked about the pot leaves when i got pulled over in the past. I've since realized that even though they are cool and different..... they're not the smartest idea lol. I want to replace them with white face guages and a red 3D bezel :)Ya, I've got a few little ones I gotta get done still. I was told about the log thing and I'm going to change it around.I never got asked about the pot leaves when i got pulled over in the past. I've since realized that even though they are cool and different..... they're not the smartest idea lol. I want to replace them with white face guages and a red 3D bezel :dunno:

 guages.jpg (67.83K)
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 bezel.jpg (28.25K)
Number of downloads: 39  bezel2.jpg (23.81K)
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This post has been edited by ZipDriveX: 02 March 2009 - 12:59 AM

[ZipDriveX]

Alright, now that I've got my log fixed I've got another one to add. I just ordered my upper strut bar and 4 to 1 header tonight. Hopefully I'll get them in time so I can put them on this weekend. I'll post pics of the install :dunno:
 tbe95t_au1.jpg (24.34K)
Number of downloads: 22  HD_301.jpg (28.48K)
Number of downloads: 27

This post has been edited by ZipDriveX: 02 March 2009 - 12:57 AM

[kprice510]

white face gauges :noes:

[ZipDriveX]

So my transmission leak is getting out of control and Im finally breaking down and taking it to a shop to get fixed tomorrow. I told them about the axle seal leak and they drove the car and said the noises it's making are from my throw out bearing. Hopefully this won't be too expensive of a fix.
 leak.jpg (45.09K)
Number of downloads: 45

[ZipDriveX]

Strut tower bar and header!!!!

 towerbar.jpg (40.5K)
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Finally... the header: It fit perfectly, simply install. Didn't make it too much louder but I still have a stock cat back but it does have a lower pitch. Throttle response is improved 100%

 header.jpg (87.4K)
Number of downloads: 42

This post has been edited by ZipDriveX: 24 March 2009 - 05:51 PM

[ZipDriveX]

ZipDriveX, on Mar 8 2009, 07:35 PM, said:

So my transmission leak is getting out of control and Im finally breaking down and taking it to a shop to get fixed tomorrow. I told them about the axle seal leak and they drove the car and said the noises it's making are from my throw out bearing. Hopefully this won't be too expensive of a fix.
leak.jpg

UPDATE: Went down to the shop after work to see what they had found out and they told me that the noises were coming from the inside of the tranny and it would have to be rebuilt which would cost from $1500 - $3000!!!! The leak is still coming from the axle seal and as soon as all this stupid snow melts I'm gonna replace that again so hopefully my tranny will last a while longer. I checked prices on a rebuilt tranny but all I can find is a used one for $1000. So basically I get to deal with the clunking and grinding until it either fucks the tranny completely or I get enough money saved up (after my vegas trip in June) to get it fixed. :rofl:

[fjm9898]

car-parts.com

should be able to find a used one for a few hundred.

[ZipDriveX]

fjm9898, on Mar 10 2009, 11:29 AM, said:

car-parts.com

should be able to find a used one for a few hundred.

Ya I checked that out but I guess the biggest thing I'm worried about is the condition of the tranny. This will be the 4th time since i got the car that I've had to rebuild/replace the tranny and I just don't want to buy a used tranny with the same issues mine has already.

[Daes]

4th time? What are you doing to them?

[ZipDriveX]

ImTheDaes, on Mar 10 2009, 11:35 AM, said:

4th time? What are you doing to them?

LOL. Well the first time was my fault, It was some time ago and don't remember exactly what happened but the shop I took it to messed up the repair every time they fixed it and had to re do it so technically this is only the second time. This time it was caused by my axle seal leaking too much and causing internal damage.

[Daes]

Does the sound go away when you press the clutch pedal down?

[ZipDriveX]

ImTheDaes, on Mar 10 2009, 11:41 AM, said:

Does the sound go away when you press the clutch pedal down?

There's a few different noises, one noise (a clunk when shifting) we determined was the throw out bearing. this noise does go away when the clutch is pressed.

another noise only comes when it's cold outside and I first start the car, it's almost like theres a damn bolt rattling itself around inside there. This noise goes away when i press in the clutch pedal.

another is a grinding when i accelerate when its in say 3rd gear at a low rmp.

I'll take a sound video when i get off work tonight so you can hear exactly what it sounds like.

This post has been edited by ZipDriveX: 10 March 2009 - 03:03 PM

[ZipDriveX]

Okay so it's a pretty slow day at work today so I'm write up a to-do list for when this stupid snow melts and it actually gets above 20 degrees!!

Engine/Transmission

• Replace axle seal that is leaking and possibly sleeve the axle end
  
• Replace thow-out bearing and hope that gets rid of most of the tranny noise
  
• If transmission still causes problems after step 1 & 2 then I'm gonna have it rebuilt
  
• Replace CAI filter (this one's years old and I want a red one along w/ red boots)
  
• Replace all belts (I'm pretty sure they're still the original and it never hurts to replace them.
  
• MSD coil
  
• Push button ignition in the ACC plug hole (cause it doesn't work anyway!)
  
• Fix reverse lights and cruise control

Brakes/Suspension

• Wheel balance and allignment (this needs to be done BAD)
  
• Performance struts
  
• Upgrade lower tie bars (front and rear)
  
• Rear disk brake conversion

Interrior

• Repaint fading/cracking pieces
  
• White face guages to replace the pot leaves
  
• 3D guage bezel
  
• New stereo setup (deck, speakers, subs, etc)
  
• Short throw shifter

Exterrior

• TC1 front bumper (urathane if I can ever find one!)
  
• Mold cross hair grille from OE bumper into new bumper
  
• TC1 urathane side skirts (molded)
  
• TC1 urathane rear lip (molded)
  
• Replace fbg hood
  
• Shave antenna hole
  
• Fix all dents and dings
  
• Small wing (I found one off an 05 Sebring conv that I really like)
  
• Projector headlights w/ HID conversion
  
• Tint all 3 taillight pieces (minus the reverse circles)
  
• L.E.D third brake light
  
• Paint car (Pretty sure I'm going with a darker red but I may keep it IRS)
  
• Replace original nameplates with the 08-up "Dodge" and "Avenger" nameplates

I will constantly be changing this to-do list as I accomplish some of the things and find more that need to be added.

This post has been edited by ZipDriveX: 17 March 2009 - 07:15 PM

[Daes]

Get a Screamin Demon coil from DMS unless you just like the red MSD coil. From what I have read and heard, the MSD is just a stock replacement coil. I had one a few years ago along with the MSD wires and didn't feel a difference at all.

[Jim9812]

ZipDriveX, on Mar 11 2009, 02:28 PM, said:

TC1 front bumper (urathane if I can ever find one!)
Mold cross hair grille from OE bumper into new bumper

That's an interesting idea, can't wait to see how it turns out.

[Daes]

440Mopar, on Mar 11 2009, 03:46 PM, said:

That's an interesting idea, can't wait to see how it turns out.

That's actually been done before and it kinda looked like ass imo. And you will never find a TC1 urethane.

[ZipDriveX]

ImTheDaes, on Mar 11 2009, 02:34 PM, said:

Get a Screamin Demon coil from DMS unless you just like the red MSD coil. From what I have read and heard, the MSD is just a stock replacement coil. I had one a few years ago along with the MSD wires and didn't feel a difference at all.

Thanks Daes! I'll have to look into that!

[ZipDriveX]

ImTheDaes, on Mar 11 2009, 02:54 PM, said:

That's actually been done before and it kinda looked like ass imo. And you will never find a TC1 urethane.

I realize I'll never find the front bumper in urathane, just hoping lol. I have a pic of a venge that did the cross hairs idea and I personally LOVE it cause it makes it more agressive while still keeping the OE look. I'll upload the picture when I get home so you guys can see what she'll look like and get opinions.

[Daes]

Here's the one I had in mind. Is this what you plan to do?

http://i84.photobuck...97/102_3108.jpg
http://i84.photobuck...97/102_3109.jpg
http://i84.photobuck...97/102_3110.jpg
http://i84.photobuck...97/102_3111.jpg

This post has been edited by ImTheDaes: 11 March 2009 - 07:24 PM

[ZipDriveX]

Oh god no! IMO thats hidious! My idea is pretty much the same but w/o making the hole bigger like they did. It looks like they even molding in the bottom of the OE fascia, I'm just going to cut out the "T" part and mold it, not the entire middle section. I'll post the pic of the one that made me drool tonight. God it looks so much better then that one!

This post has been edited by ZipDriveX: 11 March 2009 - 05:13 PM

[ZipDriveX]

This is what I'm talking about:
 g_131.jpg (50.22K)
Number of downloads: 82

[Daes]

I like that one a lot better but being your prolly gonna have a fg tc1, I would recommend using the crosshairs from a tc2 or creating your own out of fg. Attaching urethane to fg can be tricky and will most likely crack over time due to different expansion rates between the two materials.

[fjm9898]

ya that guy with the black car did a much better job putting his in there. i really like that