La Cochina garage

La Cochina garage Behold the undertakings of a baller on a budget. The creation of something entertaining as it is scary....La Cochina!

Acquired a new project lol. Swapping out tires, adjusting the brake, lubing the chain, and doing an inspection prior to ...
09/09/2026

Acquired a new project lol. Swapping out tires, adjusting the brake, lubing the chain, and doing an inspection prior to releasing it to the goblin.

Got some updates to make since its been a bit. Under hard braking in the S14 I would get a weird knocking noise once eve...
09/03/2026

Got some updates to make since its been a bit. Under hard braking in the S14 I would get a weird knocking noise once everything heated up. Did some digging and found out that if you dont have the flat springs in your calipers, your pad will walk once they heat up and make an awful noise. I ordered a replacement hardware kit and the noise went away. Funny how that works.

While the car was in the air, I decided to install a set of GK Tech shifter return springs. Sweet jesus that made a world of difference and its so much more enjoyable to drive. I have a spare set, so Ill go ahead and toss it in the spare R33 trans I have for later use.

The S13 got some love as well. Without going into too much detail, it has a Street Faction S14 power brace kind of installed. In order to get it to work completely, Id have to do some modifications to the chassis that I dont really want to do. So I ended up boxing in the factory brackets and Ill weld in a tie bar after its installed to create my own power brace. The bar thats currently in it has a weird plating and I dont feel like putting a torch to it without knowing exactly what plating it has. So Ill cut it out and weld in something that I know what it is.

Lastly, the LQ4 in the S13 has been plaguing me with issues removing the damper. I've spent over 2 weeks trying to remove it and broken more tools trying to get it off. I stuck the boroscope in it and found out that it was trying to come off crooked. As a last ditch effort, I ordered a ProForm LS aftermarket damper tool and it popped off with ease. I was sad to spend the $140, but it paid off in about 10 min. Totally worth it....

The damper hub is getting shipped out to ATI for a second keyway machined. In the interim Ill go ahead and drill for the 2 pins so that its ready once it returns. The knock sensor relocation brackets have proven to be a pain, but I think I've come up with a plan using a rat tail to clearance some space for the brackets to slide through. If that doesn't work, Ill have to remove the motor to drill and tap the block for the LS3 knock sensors.

The engine wiring harness, hoses, and lines are squared away now. I also managed to get fenders tested fitted and theyre...
08/18/2026

The engine wiring harness, hoses, and lines are squared away now. I also managed to get fenders tested fitted and theyre looking pretty decent. Moving the 13 over to the lift for final touches and to build the exhaust. Fenders and hood are coming back off for paint.

The magnuson crank pin kit didn't work with an ATI damper, so I ordered the ATI pin kit and it should arrive today. Once the front end comes off again Ill get it installed.

Operation idler mod was a complete success. The new idler addition places the belt far enough away that theres no concer...
08/14/2026

Operation idler mod was a complete success. The new idler addition places the belt far enough away that theres no concern of it rubbing on itself. New belt measures at 110". Used a 1093k6 belt and we're g2g. There is some mild concern about the TPS wiring rubbing against the belt, but thats easy enough to tie up.

Throttle cable bracket is ready for install as well after I cut the channel for the cable to get secured to. Now that these last two hard part issues have been resolved, I can't immediately think of a reason why I shouldn't be able to crank it over this weekend. We will see what happens though!

Spent way too much time making my idler pulley stand for the 2650 to run. I ordered a couple and none were right, so it ...
08/12/2026

Spent way too much time making my idler pulley stand for the 2650 to run. I ordered a couple and none were right, so it was time to just locally manufacture it. 1" bar stock, a caliper, and 2 hours later I had my idler stand. Suffice to say, it'll do. Going to try and stick it all together tomorrow, then measure for a belt.

After botched weekend plans, I headed back out to the shop with the intent on finally closing the hood. I started the da...
08/10/2026

After botched weekend plans, I headed back out to the shop with the intent on finally closing the hood. I started the day off filing away at a portion of the fuel line fitting since it wasnt going on due to jackshaft interference. 10 min with that and all the fuel lines were finally on. I also straightened out some of the panel mounting points on the bottom so that I could start working with the fenders. The bottom and back half of the fenders are now drilled and mounted.

With the easy stuff taken care of, I laid out a quick template for a rough cut and started taking out a little at a time. Ended up installing and removing the hood about 8 times, but I think it turned out decent. I need to take another measurement for front clearance before I order the air filter and do my last cut. Current plan is to run a 45° piece from the throttle body down, attach air filter to 45° piece, and cut the hood barely too short. My thought process is that once the hood shuts, it will physically hold the tip of the air filter down so that I won't have to worry about it coming off on the highway.

Finally being able to latch the hood after 10 years blew me away. Its amazing how different a project car looks once the pieces finally start making it back on.

Got the R33 Vspec brakes to fit by using a 5mm spacer in the front. I was already worried about clearing the fenders, Im...
08/08/2026

Got the R33 Vspec brakes to fit by using a 5mm spacer in the front. I was already worried about clearing the fenders, Im going to run a bit more camber to see if we can get everything to clear. The rear coilovers I adjusted up since it was pretty much sitting on the ground. After I get a bit more adjusting done on the rear for toe, Ill drop it down and see how those clear. Before I put the rear wheels on, I went ahead and also installed the Dorki Dori rear lip kit. 1 more thing off the ground!

07/23/2026

The supercharger tensioner I ended up buying was for an LSA and wouldn't work for the magnuson jackshaft setup. The blower pullies are in completely different areas and the belt would lay on itself as it came back for the water pump. Since I had already paid the price for an HD tensioner, I opted to modify it a bit. I ordered plate 6061 and cut out about a 4" piece that was the width of the HD bracket. Positioned it at roughly a 45° angle so that I can add an additional idler pulley. This will give the belt even more bite and move it over just enough that I won't have to worry about the belt rubbing on itself.

Got off my butt and worked on the S13 a bit. Took the Akebono brakes off and put on the GTR Vspec brakes. Now the front ...
07/20/2026

Got off my butt and worked on the S13 a bit. Took the Akebono brakes off and put on the GTR Vspec brakes. Now the front wheels go on, but barely touch the front calipers. For the mean time, Im just going to run a small spacer to clear them until I decide on a permanent solution. The wheels are definitely more aggressive than I had originally thought.

FedEx dropped off the last of my rack parts. After finding the drivers side outer ball joint about to start collecting s...
06/21/2026

FedEx dropped off the last of my rack parts. After finding the drivers side outer ball joint about to start collecting social security on the Soarer, I opted to replace both inners, outers, boots, and replaced all rack bushings with a kit from whiteline. I still need to do an eyeball alignment before we test drive. Legit alignment is scheduled this next week for the R33 and Z30.

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Homestead, FL
85374

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Monday 10am - 10pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Friday 10am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 10pm

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