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Moonstone Blue Mk2 Ford Orion Zetec Turbo - 313.5bhp/ 321.7trq
New thread due I think due to the Photobucket thing
A chance to tidy bits up I suppose...
Briefly then...
Back in 2007 the time had come to sell on My98 Impreza Sti Type R
(Ej22t 2.35, Md321t turbo, etc etc running over 400bhp @ only 22psi due to clutch slip)
Me and the misses ( now wife ) decided it was time to get on the property market, at 25 years old I’d had a good run of fun with cars I suppose
Impreza Type R sold
A few of my previous cars while we’re back here
Pics aren’t in the right order
But 1st car was a Mk2 Orion 1600 ghia
2nd car was the red Mk2 Orion 1600 ghia ( spec )
3rd car was the Silver Mk3 Orion 1800i ghia
4th car was the Blue Uk Impreza turbo
5th car was the Black Impreza Type R
The Mk1 Golf was one of the runarounds I had while the Type R was off the road have a rebuild/ upgrade
Back onto the Orion anyway
Before the Impreza went back in 2007 I purchased a Orion as a project to build at the new house, I ended up buying 2, as a better example come up locally at the right money
Was spotted by the misses on the way to work one day
£200 later it was back at my Mum and Dads briefly
Orion at the new house complete with a 16x10 garage
I did get the Orion Mot’d, plan was to have it done in a year and out mapping before due it’s next one
Plans were a full respray in Ford Moonstone Blue, de-locked, S2 90's spec front bumper, turbo bonnet, Saff boot spoiler.
Engine wise, 2 litre zetec turbo...
As the Impreza had gone, and the Orion a project along side the house, I had to get something practical
Job sorted, ideal for b&q trips, tip trips and parts hauling
2008 ish I purchased a salvage 2 litre Mondeo for £125 needing only a back bumper
By the time it was broke down for bits and weighed in I’d got a pretty much free engine
It was then time to strip the Orion down
Welding was done by a mate, it had lower front wings repaired where it originally had mud flaps
Rear out arches
Locks welded up
Minor front panel repair
A plate on the floor
I also changed a rear door
Once all that was done I cracked on with cleaning the underside up
It’s a lovely clean shell, original Ford wings with dates stamped on etc
17th January 2009 the Orion went away for paint...
Was being done by a mate... his car then was this Series 1 RS Turbo
The Orion was back with me for 14th March 2009
Not a bad turn around done as a foreigner
Thanks goes to Ade Culley
Somewhere around this time I purchased a lot of parts off a Orion Register member Andy ( Freakpower )
He was breaking his Orion
So I had off him
Cts stage 2 box with paddle clutch
Hydraulic clutch conversion
Quick shift kit
Vibratec mounts
Cossie rear brake conversion
Stainless exhaust system
Gaz coilovers
Adjustable front tca’s
S2 front & rear anti roll bars
I’m sure there was more... ££££
I’d also sold the 306 and bought another Orion to do the shows in while still getting on with this build
Once back it was time to start refitting parts
Cossie front and rear brake set up fitted along with the Gaz coilovers &
Refurbished 7.5J Borbet C’s fitted with 205/40/17 Goodyear Eagle F1’s
Alittle further along with the rebuild, seals, glass, interior etc starting to go back on
2010 ish
Another mate ( my sister’s ex Andy @ Overboost ) was building the engine up
A pic of my Impreza build in a clean working environment
Wossner Pistons, Eagle rods, Cometic head gasket, ARP bolts were purchased through Jano @ Oddkid creations
Also purchased uprated valve springs, stud and nut kit, breather blanking plate, core plugs, water pump
Vernier pulleys were had from CDF Racing
Also purchased a Focus RS exhaust manifold & turbo ( unfortunately the turbo wanted rebuilding )
A Miltek downpipe modified to suit
Purchased a new Cossie 31- actuator
Vag map sensor
Back at home with the car I was getting everything ready for the engine returning to me
Once all my tick list was done, it was loaded back on a trailer and returned to Andy for wiring the Adaptronics ecu
Run in map, etc
Once all this was done it was returned to me for a few bits to sort, then time for tracking and mot’ing
Unfortunately it didn’t make my 2010 Fordfair deadline
But I carried on doing jobs and also not forgetting building another Orion over 3 months with spares I couldn’t sell...
April 2011 the Orion was taxed for the first time in years
I was also approached by Fastford for a double feature
From then on I started doing the shows and getting the miles on it
The gearbox had to come out for a rebuild after 500 miles due to not being built properly by Cts
2012 ish
I cooked a starter motor
So the next one had alittle heat protection
Oil temps were around 120-130 degs and we still wasn’t trying
So a call to Opie oils for some proper oil advice was done
I also purchased a oil cooler
Oil temps under control now
Dipped beam wasn’t working, so new relays purchased to fix the problem
I also purchased Focus RS Front Brembo set up, tubular exhaust manifold, gearbox, flywheel, starter motor, driveshafts, gear selector... even bought a Crazycage gearbox mount & to date there still sat in boxes in the garage
Christmas prezzie
2013
Mine and the wife’s wedding cars
I never did get pics of them together
Back to the Orion
I purchased a wideband gauge
And tried out some new rear top mount bushes
A new banner and frame sorted for the shows
Another 1st place at out national day ( 3rd year on the bounce )
Another Mot
Alittle prep for Fordfair
Usual meet up point with the Cheshire RSOC for a convoy down minus a Saff though
Thanks to Twins... Nos 90’s spec material for a change
It’s replacement soon found and appearing at a local show
October time me and the wife found a new house we liked so put ours on the market and I put off making a start on the Focus box conversion
Last edited by slammedorion; 08-07-2018 at 07:08 PM.
My life changed forever
3rd July 2015 the wife had a section
Due to baby being breached and 4 weeks early
all was well and she didn't arrive on due date August 2nd Fordfair
Sophie
6lbs8 born at 10:04
Sophie spent her first month of life in hospital with suspected Nec
After a small op she was on the mend
2016 I decided to get a few bits done
Service
Wideband gauge finally fitted
Focus tubular manifold fitted... big pain in the aRSehole started then
After a map tweak it felt really good, I had problems though
Manifold is hitting the bonnet
It’s melting bonnet release cables, popping the bonnet and even bending the release mechanism
I did manage to get the 90’s spec retrim done and fitted although I’m still short of light grey material to complete 2 new front seats so 2 good 90’s spec fronts fitted for now
After Fordfair it was taken back off and I went to Gold Cup with the standard manifold back on, it drove awful on the latest map with this back on
At Gold Cup
After Gold Cup it went to Crazycage for a custom exhaust manifold
Collected from Crazycage once done on a flatbed
All I had to do was put it back together
Last edited by slammedorion; 16-11-2017 at 09:44 PM.
A trip to Ford for another new bonnet cable, melted another with the new manifold
New under bonnet plates arrived thanks to Monster
Belts and braces for this cable...
It’s still being affected by heat but it’s working for now... needs something custom making up I think...
I really don’t want to fit bonnet catches/ pins
April ish was time for a Photoshoot for RetroFord - weather on the day was cracking for April
Both of us had a good day although I was suffering on the day
I’d been off work for a few weeks with suspected testicular torsion
I was on strong pain killers and really didn’t move around to well
Later to be told I’ve a Inguinal Hernia causing me left lower back pain and left testicle pain
Photoshoot done... and I’m still waiting for it to appear in the magazine now...
Retroford have had issues apparently?
I’ve been promised it’s in soon
Last edited by slammedorion; 16-11-2017 at 09:23 PM.
A few pics from the Photoshoot via Chris Frosin’s site
Started attending a local Cars and coffee meet
I now have company going for Mot’s
Managed a brake upgrade on the A3 including LCR Brembos up front
Even put it on the Audisport net stand at Aitp
1st Vag show we’ve ever done with this, and we’ve owned it since 2006
A few pics from Gold Cup
September 13th I went in to have the op done to sort the Hernia out
I’m still off to date and back to see the docs soon as still in pain
Last edited by slammedorion; 16-11-2017 at 09:48 PM.
While off I’ve managed to pull the Orion out once to wash the dust off
It’s now away for winter on Sorn
I’ve purchased genuine Nos Headlights which are to be fitted for next year
Still got a pair of Recaro headrests to fit to the rear seat
While running it up to temperature I did notice alittle froth in the header tank
I need to flush the coolant system and see if it reappears when possible
I’ve purchased a couple of lower temp thermostats to try in it aswell
82 and a 74 deg
I can’t remember what’s currently in it, I think it could be a 92 or 88 deg
But since it’s been built the first initial kick in of the fans has always been higher up the gauge
Once it’s kicked in its always kicked back in just under 3/4
I think it’s possibly getting a false reading... as until the stat opens it won’t see the true engine coolant temp
Anyway I’m looking into lower temp stats and when possible I’m gonna check there’s no head gasket issues
If there isn’t great but I’m still gonna sort a few bits
If it’s done the gasket so be it...
Engine will come out and go to Andy’s @ Overboost
for a new head gasket, cam belt etc
May get the manifold coated if it’s off again to try reduce the under bonnet temps still
The gearbox can come out and the Focus box will go in
If I haven’t got time Andy will get the job
I’d also like to look into fitting the Brembos and decide if there a yes or no
So that’s about back up to date for 2017
Sorry it’s all alittle brief, but 10 years have past since I started the build
It’s taken me a day to do a new thread and I’ve saved what pictures I can
Photobucket can now do one
Last edited by slammedorion; 16-11-2017 at 09:56 PM.
Resprayed in Ford Moonstone blue
Delocked all round
S2 RST bonnet and 90's spec front bumper
Saff boot spoiler
clear lights all round
Interior. . .
Custom 90’s spec full retrim, lower door cards done in grey leather
Flocked dashboard thanks to Raj @ Autoflock
A few racetech gauges, boost, oil pressure/ temperature
Wideband gauge
Retrimmed Saff wheel, gearknob and gear gaitor
Wheels, suspension, brakes. . .
17 inch Borbet C's refurbed and painted in Bentley Tungsten Grey
Fitted with 205/40/17 Goodyear eagle F1's all round
Cossie front and rear brake set up
Polybushed all round
Adjustable TCA's
S2 Front and rear anti roll bars
Gaz coilovers
Rear strut brace
Engine. . .
2 Litre silvertop zetec turbo
uprated pistons, rods, valve springs etc
CDF cam pulleys
GRS fmic
Alloy rad with twin fans
Big Green cone air filter
Focus RS inlet manifold, injectors etc
Crazycage custom exhaust manifold with Miltek downpipe and standard rebuilt FRS turbo charger
-31 actuator
Custom exhaust
044 motorsport fuel pump
Adaptronics ECU http://www.adaptronic.com.au/about-us/
Lots of new nuts, bolts from Ford plus a cleaned underside
To do for next years shows
Sort coolant issue, water temp/ fan issues
Tweak map again and maybe we can finally give it some more boost
Fit:-...
Focus RS box
Brembos
Headlights
Recaro headrests to the back seat
I’ve bought some smoked side repeaters, may fit them for a change and fit some smoked/ red rears ( I’ve got a spare pair of clear rears here ready to mod )
I’d like to upgrade the rear poly bushes to Powerflex and powdercoat all rear end parts
Last edited by slammedorion; 16-11-2017 at 10:06 PM.
Cool car. So you are still planning in the frs box I see. Not driven mine for a year now. Just had daughter born so I'm struggling for garage time.
Hopefully
It’s all sat here, main issue is I’m running silvertop so the box/ diff housing will be lower to the ground so I’m told
I know that feeling
Our daughter is 2 1/2 now... times flown by
Still got loads to do in the Orion
Hopefully
It’s all sat here, main issue is I’m running silvertop so the box/ diff housing will be lower to the ground so I’m told
I know that feeling
Our daughter is 2 1/2 now... times flown by
Still got loads to do in the Orion
how is there anything left that could poss make it any better lol
Good to hear, what happened to the engine?
Mag feature was a good read
thanks.well the engine I bought last winter was supposed to be fully forged but on closer inspection it wasn't.lesson learnt don't buy second hand engines lol.anyway due to human error ie me bouncing off the rev limiter for pops bangs etc a valve seat fell out the head and engine decided to eat it lol.its all apart waiting on pistons and gonna build a proper one this time round lol
Awesome write up mate ..love it ..hopefully get to meet you at a local show once I'm up and running as we are not far apart ..and also if you decide to go FRS box is there anychance I can have first dibs on the CTS please .
The guy that bought my Red Orion is 1st on the contact list when it’s coming out, if he’s not in the position to buy then you’ll be 2nd...
There’s plenty of meets/ shows round here, we should be able to meet up at a few. Sounds good
The guy that bought my Red Orion is 1st on the contact list when it’s coming out, if he’s not in the position to buy then you’ll be 2nd...
There’s plenty of meets/ shows round here, we should be able to meet up at a few. Sounds good
That's fine by me mate ..saves me buying a brand spanker ..and yea ill be looking at meets next year
Training the daughter up to detail...
Had her cleaning her Mini while I cleaned our daily up over weekend... she was well away, kept spraying my tool boxes though
Didn’t expect to have any spare time or feel up to working on the Orion anytime soon...
But managed to pull it out from hibernation and play around the thermostats plus flush the coolant system
Pulled the original one out ( no markings on it unfortunately so not sure what temp stat it was, can only presume standard 88-92 deg? )
Replacements I’d ordered via eBay were
A original Ford item ( think that was a low 80 deg stat )
The 74 deg stat with a slimmer seal has fitted perfect with no trimming
The difference in warm up and fans kicking in seems positive too
Top hose is warm with the temp gauge less than half way up
And the fans are kicking in lower down ( between 1/2-3/4 ) which is great news
That is looking stunning mate. I can't wait to get a house with my own driveway so I can tinker and clean my saph, currently live in a block of flats in an area u don't want to leave the garage open or car on show for too long. Can't wait to move
Out of curiosity, do you have any pics of the stitch welded rear end? Also any night testing with the new headlight bulbs?
I’ll have a look, have a feeling they’ll have gone thanks to PB
Not touched the car since my op last year... ain’t been too good tbh
Hopefully slowly on the mend
Need to plan some time on the car when feeling up to it...
I’ll have a look, have a feeling they’ll have gone thanks to PB
Not touched the car since my op last year... ain’t been too good tbh
Hopefully slowly on the mend
Need to plan some time on the car when feeling up to it...
That's cool man, hope you get better soon! finally started my own build thread!
Nice one, make sure you keep me updated as I'm terrible remembering such things...looks like it will be a while away yet so the Orion should be back on the road by then...engine conversion should be complete in the next month or two, then its off to bodywork to get the paint and arches done etc, then its ready for summer!
I’ll have a look, have a feeling they’ll have gone thanks to PB
Not touched the car since my op last year... ain’t been too good tbh
Hopefully slowly on the mend
Need to plan some time on the car when feeling up to it...
Jesus mate sorry to hear your still not feeling too good ..if you need anything feel free to shout I'm not miles away ..
Went back to work a few weeks ago after 14 weeks signed off and 3 weeks holiday Currently back on light duties atm
Just taking things steady atm and still backwards and forwards to the docs, hospital for scans etc
Still got lower back and groin pain ( which was presumably to do with the inguinal hernia )
Also while off I managed to get food poisoning from McDonald’s
I’ve ended up passing out and hitting my head on the bath on the way down
Since then I’ve been getting pain/ pins and needles on the left hand side of my head, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, chest Even felt light headed with it
It’s taken 2 months to start getting any Physio. Really been fed up as I’m normally active and can’t sit down
Just got another MRI scan to confirm there’s nothing seriously wrong and hopefully it’s down to muscle damage and possibly trapped nerves in the neck area?
So fingers crossed the Physio will get things sorted asap
Then I can concentrate on getting my back pain sorted I suppose
Last edited by slammedorion; 30-01-2018 at 06:54 PM.
Went back to work a few weeks ago after 14 weeks signed off and 3 weeks holiday Currently back on light duties atm
Just taking things steady atm and still backwards and forwards to the docs, hospital for scans etc
Still got lower back and groin pain ( which was presumably to do with the inguinal hernia )
Also while off I managed to get food poisoning from McDonald’s
I’ve ended up passing out and hitting my head on the bath on the way down
Since then I’ve been getting pain/ pins and needles on the left hand side of my head, neck, shoulder, arm, hand, chest Even felt light headed with it
It’s taken 2 months to start getting any Physio. Really been fed up as I’m normally active and can’t sit down
Just got another MRI scan to confirm there’s nothing seriously wrong and hopefully it’s down to muscle damage and possibly trapped nerves in the neck area?
So fingers crossed the Physio will get things sorted asap
Then I can concentrate on getting my back pain sorted I suppose
Jesus what a list ..not good ..fingers crossed you get sorted asap ..best of luck mate
16-11-2017, 09:14 AM
Moonstone Blue Mk2 Ford Orion Zetec Turbo - 313.5bhp/ 321.7trq
There’s always something to do...
