Canadian Imola Yellow S4 build

[JMiller7]

Like everyone else I didn't expect to make a build thread but I gave in. I've been in the market for another performance car(previously owned a big turbo Neon SRT) for quite some time and decided on the B5 S4(previously owned a big turbo Neon SRT), It fits all my needs and I couldn't ask for a better price. I'm just new to the S4 world. I'm fully aware of the labour involved and cant wait to dive in and rip it apart, clean it and build it back up. I will be relying on the forums(you guys) and Google for all the information I need on restoring this thing of beauty.

I picked up this 01 S4 for $1500. The car was not running when I purchased it but I had a good feeling I knew what the issue was, the starter. Once I got it home a quick push start and it fired up right away.

Pictures from the Ad:











This will be a slower build than most due to owning a house and having other bills and priorities. My DD is a B7 A4 so I'm going to take my time and do it right.

Quick pic of the B7:




The S4 needs some TLC of course. It's good from far but far from good.
First I need to fix the starter (or possibly flywheel) problem. After push starting the car it will turn key start however there's a grinding noise while doing it. My guess, and I hope the starter's at fault.

Once I have that figured out I plan to rip apart the front end and inspect the timing belt, more than likely replace it. Do the Valve cover gaskets and the camshaft seals as I have the standard oil leak on the exhaust manifold. The car will need brakes and an ebrake cable. It's also throwing a Cat/O2 code that I'll need to take a closer look at as well since in Ontario we need an Emissions test.

The exterior is missing a few pieces that will need to be addressed to make it look a bit nicer(headlight washer cap and fender trim). The paint, like the rest of the car is good from far but far from good. That will need to be updated or changed. Maybe just a good wash and wax. There is minor rust under the doors and small bubbles on the fenders. Plastidip on the front bumper which I've already removed.

Interior is missing a few pieces as well. Front piece of the cup holder and a few button covers. Nothing crazy. Leather is in really good shape, the standard minor wear marks. Still has the untouched first aid kit in the back armrest and the triangle in the trunk.

Thanks for looking and I cant wait to start wrenching on this car! Happy new years everyone!

[Bordom]

Looks like low coolant (got a leak or several somewhere). Ceck the back of the driver side head and the radiator when you pull the bumper.

Also thank God you pulled off that black plastidip. Really distorted
the front of the car.

The interior also shows promise but I assume you've already given it a good wipe down? Real dusty.

The ebrake will be a bit of a bitch, namely removing it from the rear lower control arm.

Good luck and congrats!

Everything graciously mispelled by Android

[JMiller7]

Coolant is at a good level, no leaks I can see. Previous owner must have done some work on it. Interior is dust free now.

[JMiller7]

So I've finally gotten time to take a look at the car. Started the car and took it around the block to see if anything else is wrong.

My priority right now is the starting issues. See video below.



I still think it's the starter, crossing my fingers and hoping the flywheel is not damaged. After driving around the block I tried turning it on while it was warm and the grinding noise is awful and the motor does not turn over. I'll have to take the starter out, look at it and test it.

[JMiller7]

Another thing, while the engine is warming up it smokes. Once I got back from my drive it was not smoking. Should be a valve cover gasket or cam seal.

[88ninety9]

Looks like a good pickup for 1500. Good thing your wrench savvy, they are maintenance hogs. Seems you're going in the right direction. Absolutely change the timing belt if you don't know the last time it was changed. Gl!

[Bordom]

Valve cover gasket bro. Pretty straight forward to change. I gotta do mine again

Everything graciously mispelled by Android

[JMiller7]

More investigating and surprises. No fan and the Rad is dented in a bit. The power steering lines were tie wrapped up No leaks anywhere. Apparently the fan has a sensor on it for the interior temp gauge. That would explain why mine is not working.



Now on to the scary stuff. Transmission bolts are snapped and missing. The car drove fine for the most part, clutch felt a little weird. This could be the reason.





I looked through the small gap caused by no bolts and could see the flywheel teeth with a small shine to them. Starter is grinding it or something. Could the transmission bolts missing cause the grinding noise while starting? But there's more.. Drivers side motor mount has a mind of it's own. Somehow grinding the metal and moving. I don't even know how this happens. Any suggestions would be great. I need to replace the transmission bolts but how do they snap to begin with?



And lastly I discovered the exhaust leak.. flex pipe. Standard issue.



Thanks!

[Austonwerner4]

Im sure the last owner has some "cool" civics..

[JMiller7]

More progress, ripped out the Alternator and Starter. Sending both in to get rebuilt. It was quite difficult to get that starter out.



Timing belt looks to be in very good shape.



A good friend of mine made a couple of tap handles for our Kegerators! This is by far my favorite handle.



I'm ordering a handful of parts for the car today. Brakes, seals/gaskets, filters and a belt.

[JMiller7]

Stopped working on the car for a bit because a friend of mine helped with installing new lights in the garage along with waiting for the starter and alternator to get rebuilt. Upgrading from 3 T12's to 8-10 T8's. So far installed the 4 in the back of the garage. The rest of the lights will go up once I get them.

[JMiller7]

This past week the Starter/Alt was finally finished. They're now in the car. Had to replace a bolt/nut for the starter.






All my parts came in from Jason at GermanOEM. Great guy to work with if anyone hasn't yet.

[gmdiluca]

Looking good! Where abouts in Ontario are you?

[JMiller7]

Looking good! Where abouts in Ontario are you?

Thanks! I'm in London

[viceprp]

I don't run the lower 3 bolts in my trans/motor. Neither does a few other racers in their 700+whp cars. I just run the top 5 and make them snug. You will definitely feel the motor mount bolt missing & hear the loose trans bolts.

Good to see you are squaring up the maintenance before going crazy on performance.

[JMiller7]

I don't run the lower 3 bolts in my trans/motor. Neither does a few other racers in their 700+whp cars. I just run the top 5 and make them snug. You will definitely feel the motor mount bolt missing & hear the loose trans bolts.

Good to see you are squaring up the maintenance before going crazy on performance.

I've heard a few people say that now. I haven't been as worried since. Thanks for that!