GTV-S2000 (warning not for the Alfa purist) - Page 28

Keven · #**406** (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 09:04 AM

I chose these connectors, cause I was sick of dim lights and corroded
connections. I also am using all LED bulbs for the brake, turn etc. The
headlamp buckets are going out to be powder coated, and I will be
using a Hella conversion kit with H4 bulbs.

Keven · #**407** (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 09:13 AM

I also had to restore the Carello license plate lights that
attach to the bumper. The platic bulb holder was completely
rotted. I used a band saw to cut a piece of aluminum
plate to the same shape as the original plasic, then got a
panel light socket threaded into the aluminum. Note the
bulb, it is actually an LED also. I will have to drill two small
holes in the bumper to attach the new bases. The aluminum
plate is threaded, so the bolts will not be visible. Lot cheaper
than buing new ones at $90 each

Keven · #**408** (**permalink**) 05-02-2009, 09:26 AM

OK, so the lights are pretty much sorted out, the brake lights, back light,
plate lights, and turn signals all work using the S2000 harness and light
stalk. Now I am turning my attention to the heating, and I want to add
AC, as the motor came with the compressor. I bought pretty much all
the S2000 AC plumbing, drier, evaporator, fan, etc. So I pulled the Alfa's
stock heating box hoping I could modify it for both AC and heat. Conclusion:
NO WAY. I ma going to have to build a custom box. But one intersting
note is that the S2000 heater fan is astonishingly similar in size to the Alfa's.
It is also very cheap to get one on Ebay (about $25!!) but keep in mind that
you will need the power transistor as well, and is separate from the fan.
Anyways I thought I would post some pics of the fan and the dissasembeled
Alfa heater box to give you all some ideas on converting to the Honda fan

More on the custom box later...

PSk · #**409** (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 06:13 PM

One day I'll work out why you didn't just purchase a S2000 ...

Keep having fun.
Pete

cowfy · #**410** (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 11:53 PM

i don't know why keven did it.i know why i would've done it.the s2000 has a lot of style missing.the form follows function thing does'nt work with it.but the gtv is simply beautiful.secoundly the honda engine is certainly in a class by itself giving 220+ hp without turbo and revving forever.ever drive that babe?

Alfajay · #**411** (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 07:37 PM

Kevin:

I'm no expert on LED's, but my suspicion is that they are a lot brighter when you are looking at them axially, than when they are viewed from the side. The first photo below is one you posted on 5/2; it shows a standard LED "bulb" inserted into a standard Alfa GT tail light socket. The factory mounted that socket 90 degrees from the car's axis, which is not a problem with an incandescent bulb, but is it OK for an LED bulb? My concern is that the LED's don't shine much light out their sides.

The second photo below is how I used an LED array in a GT to solve the same problem. With my setup, the LED's are viewed axially, and I'm guessing that they will appear brighter. I'm not saying that this approach is better, but I can attest that I haven't been rearended yet.

I got the third photo from the SuperBrightLED website. This is their solution for cars like the Alfa GT that locate their tail light bulbs at 90 degrees from the car's axis. Of course, on the Alfa, the 1157 bulbs will point 180 degrees from where you want them to, necessitating rotating your socket, or twisting the LED array relative to the metal part of the bulb.

Keven · #**412** (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 09:39 AM

Jay,
Nice job on the LED's! I saw the right angle lights after I had bought
mine

I agree, I probably need to get them.

Pete,
I agree, think I have gone overboard with the conversion.

But I have owned several Hondas and even after 20 years
of use everything still works! Just cant beat the reliability.
Also I think that the S2000 is ugly (no offence to you S2000
owners). I think it's a shame they put such a great engine in
such a heavy car, and loaded it up with all the controls
and trim found in a CIVIC. It's really a wierd car, with
really heavy cast iron suspension peices, then they use
a super light engine, and a really nice aluminum rear differential.
I guess they had a price goal, but I think the compromises
ultimately made a second class sports car. Also I do not
want a convertible, otherwise I would have done the conversion
on a Spider

I honestly think that the Miata is a much better
sports car, super light, high rev engine, and nice styling
...putting on my flameproof suit.....

**wctouring#7** · #**413** (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 08:12 PM

No flames coming from me... I own a 2 Miata's, one street car and one race car. See off topic thread for pics of one of mine being used in a new Mazda ad.

iachella · #**414** (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 08:40 AM

Kevin:

Are you going to use the Honda heater fan in the Alfa box, or make a custom box? If custom, is it going to be based on the Alfa box? If your work with the Honda fan is of use to Alfa owners, it's be nice to make a separate post on it. It's always nice to discover other parts that work for us.

If you posted your pictures just to illustrate the similarities, then someone should attempt this. I'll pick up a spare used box from APE one day and try it if no one cares to. My fan hasn't been working in several years, but I don't want to have a dismantled dash while I figure it out.

Keven · #**415** (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 09:11 PM

iachella,

I am making a custom box. Should have some pics up this week.
Yeah, I think it merits it's own post, as a new Alfa fan is upwards
of $200 if you can find one!

I might sell my stock heater box
when I'm done making the custom one...I'll keep you posted if you
are interested.

Keven · #**416** (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 02:31 PM

Here is my attempt to make a custom heater/AC box for the Tomato.
Im making it out of 1/16" aluminum plate, held together with rivets
and tabs. I had to make the fresh air inlet slightly smaller than
the stock because it would interfere with the accelerator pedal linkage.
There is a baffle that lets you choose fresh or recirculate air. The
heater and AC drier are "sandwitched" together in the side opening.
I still need to make a cover, and design a good drain for the box.
Here's some pics so far...

raff_gta · #**417** (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 09:43 PM

nice work there mate, im guessing that once the car is done, interior and exterior will look standard as to not give away all these mods right?

iachella · #**418** (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:28 PM

Nice work on the box. Yes, keep me posted on the old box. I might be interested. Or go into the heater box business with Honda fans and we'll all replace ours with yours...

**jarrington** · #**419** (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 09:32 AM

Why not just use one of the universal heat / AC units from Vintage Air or one of their competitors?

-Jason

Keven · #**420** (**permalink**) 05-25-2009, 09:21 AM

Well, as usual more problems!

slight miscalculation, and the
tip of the fan is to close to the shifter! So may explore the posibility
of removing the fan from it's plastic case...

iachella - for the good of Alfa-dom the box is yours. PM me your address
and I will send it out.

raff_gta - I am planning on using all the stock heater knobs, but the dash
will be customized to merge the tunnel with it. I plan on wood veneer
and leather covering for the tunnel/console/dash all nicely merged
into one. So a true Alfisti will be able to tell it is not correct, but
it will look stock to the untrained eye.

jarrington - It may come down to that! I looked for one that would
fit under my dash/tranny tunnel but they all seem to tall. If you have
any leads, please post a link.

Here are a few shots of the box in the car...my knuckles hit the tip
of the fan when I put her in first gear

But she blows like a porn star