Page 1: Regular updates
Page 2: Ideas for the Storm
Page 3: Performance Mods (NEW)
UPDATE!!!
2-22-09
I donated the Storm as I said to the Purple Heart Foundation. This was in hopes that it would be fixed by professionals (destroyed head) and given to a disabled veteran in need. I was happy about this. Well today I go to a local junkyard to find parts for my CRX and find the Storm sitting in the "Ford" section. I was pissed. They took it for the tires and dropped it. Someone came by and took the K&N Filter, seat covers, Compass/ Navigation/Thermo, Ignition coil and battery. But they left all the money I put in it lol. So.... I grabbed the ECU, Beru Performance wires, and all the fuses and screws in there. I broke every window on my way out. Tomorrow I'm going back and taking the hood, IAC, NGK plugs, and some other things to sell. Why do that? It had over $500 in tires, new power steering pump, K&N intake, Performance wires, performance ignition coil, Rebuilt distributor, new pulley/bearing, new timing belt and water pump, new gaskets, and on and on.... Well I meant to do good and I still intend to. I know theres people out there needing these parts so I'm going to salvage them and get them to people who need them.
UPDATE!!
2-7-09
I had no choice but to get rid of the Storm. It was in the lot and the Home Owners Assoc. wasn't happy that it wasn't going anywhere and sitting like a log. I dropped over $2,500 in it and I still couldn't get ithe head fixed to be up and running. I donated it to a Disabled Veterans Foundation in hopes that they can fix it and give it to someone who's served our country and has had the misfortune of being disabled and does not have the finances for a car. I rather help someone this way than throw it in a junk yard because its a great car. Thank you everyone for all your support. But the Storm is out of my hands and hopefully in just as good a pair. Thanks again! IF you ever have questions about your Storm or need help with troubleshooting send me a line I'll be more than happy to help.
UPDATE!!!
12-28-08
The Storm is currently for sale. I am not putting a price. Anybody that wants it can make an offer as I'm going to be very open to offers. This is the current outside condition.
UPDATE!!
12-19-08
So I bought and put in a new TPS and this has not fixed the problem. However I heard some noisy rattling under the center of the car. So I'm going to go ahead and have the exhaust system looked at for free!! Thanks to all the guys at Stormowners and Isuzone I have a nice checklist I'm going through and plenty of support and advice. Thanks everyone out there for all your hep and tips!
UPDATE!!
12-12-08
So I checked the vacuum lines for leaks. I got nothing. So thanks to the guys at Stormowners and Ssuzone, I am going to next check for faulty fuel injectors with an Ohmeter, the EGR and MAP sensor. I have now scratched double checking the distributor (module and pickup coil) and vacuum leaks. But I will check them thrice not too far from now to be extra safe. Daylights gone so I'll be back at it tomorrow in the Sun.
UPDATE!!
12-11-08
So AFter saving up some money to spend outside of xmas gifts. I took out the ECM. Its a pain in the ass and I don't wanna do it again! I got it out in hopes to get it tested JUST to make sure it isn't faulting. AS frustrating as things are getting with the Storm to be up and running properly again, I have hope. Now I have decided that instead of getting a pre-flashed new ECM I'm gonna test this one first hopefully tomorrow morning. Now I'm not entirely sure nor is anybody else that this will fix the problem with the surging, erratic idle, and acceleration stumbling and choking. My last mechanic swears its a spark failure... Which its not... My new mechanic thinks its a clogged cat converter, which I'm not too sure of either... and other people say the ECM and vacuum leak.
UPDATE!!
11-27-08
So I have found a NEW mechanic who is willing to seriously look into what is wrong with the Storm. Tomorrow night I will drop it off and Saturday he will take an in-depth look at the valves and cylinders. And he WILL readjust the timing belt to where it needs to be.
UPDATE!!
11-24-08
Put the IAC in, as soon as I did the car idled at 5000 RPMs!!! So I reset it and let it run for about a minute and it went back to normal. Took it for a spin, the ECM readjusted the pintle to its necessities and it was fine. However, the main problem still remains... The surging, erratic idle, rumbling upon acceleration from time to time, and harsh rattling when turning the wheel in stop position. Next I'm going to check the ECM.... Godammit v.v
UPDATE!!!
11-23-08
So I cleaned out he throttle body REAL good, and the IAC as well. The IAC was built up real bad and had some wear on it so I ordered a new one to put on. Hopefully this will be the end of the problems but I doubt it.
UPDATE!!!
11-17-08
So I havn't really driven the Storm for a few weeks. My mechanic came over Sunday and checked it out but the Storm wouldn't act up for us. But of course at the end of the night before I get off work it starts with this rumbling and lack of acceleration due to me wanting to finally try and drive it. Now from what I have read it can be anything from the Throttle body which seems to be common by description, the IAC, the ECU or even the fuel injectors/pump. It DOES sound like an air or gas problem though. So, Sunday I am going to clean the throttle body and the IAC and see what happens. If that doesn't work I am going to go ahead and start replacing the fuel filter/pump/injectors if they are bad or overdue. And I'll go from there. ALSO I have found a 93' Storm base that was wrecked for $300 and I plan and buying out the parts and scrapping the shell. The interior is FLAWLESS!!! The previous owner kept it garaged so it's really nice. I might end up grabbing the alloys off it, the dashboard panel, speakers, seats, fuel injectors, the window slides and bolts, Maybe the throttle and back bumper. We will see soon. :)
UPDATE!!!
10-30-08
So the Storm is STILL having those "rumbling" and stalling issues. I popped the hood at work, and it sure the **** seems like the timing belt was NOT installed properly. This would explain the RPM gauge jumping, while cruising gradually, and in the low MPH range. Timing belt, cam, something down there.... just pray no valves are bent or anything real serious is going on, but it sounds extremely damaged. Every time it runs it doesn't sound like it'll run another 10 minutes. In other words the guy fucked up. All this ignition BS he's talking isn't affecting these original problems. Now its a matter of getting him to accept that and fix it for free. He never remembered what year, what cam, what engine, what model every time he's worked on the car. So its VERY likely he did the timing for another car in general or for a different model or year of the Storm. But the belt is definately skipping and its very noticeable. So I will let you all know whats going on from here on out.
UPDATE!!!
10-28-08
I got the Storm running a hell of a lot better. Put the new plugs, and ignition coil in there. A week ago I replaced the whole distributor which was arcing as was the ignition coil. Its running a lot smoother now though and I can actually use it for work. However, every once in awhile it still rumbles and struggles to accelerate from a stop, so all I do is let off the gas and re-accelerate and its fine. But it doesn't sound healthy and I want to fix it ASAP. The power is suffering greatly as well... My mechanic, I'll go to for simpler shit from now on. He doesn't believe in anything I wish to do to this car nor say about it. He's never seen one or worked on one before, he's simply a good family friend and fair. So I might end up doing the other reparations myself. I'm tired of waiting a week for him to get around to doing things. I plan next to replace the fuel filter, and maybe the cat converter. Being as this problem has slowed greatly but is STILL going on slightly. It might not be the primary ignition but elsewhere. I have new 8mm performance wires on the way in the mail, can't wait to get them and pop them in!!! Thanks Robie!
UPDATE!!!
10-13-08/10-14-08
Saffron died again!!! It wouldn't get the lead out so to speak. He shuttered and jerked until it got to about 10-25 mph then it was fine. I checked the tranny fluid and it was bone dry somehow so I refilled it and it was fine the rest of the day. But when my friend got in the car later that night we couldn't get it going steady so our plans were cancelled for the evening. I can't tell you how frustrating this was as I JUST fixed a bunch of stuff with it. If I had to stop and re-accelerate it had a retard attack. So Tuesday with hazard lights on, I coasted it about 8 miles back at my mechanics and we did some diagnostics tests. The codes given say it is a distributor issue which probably needs to be replaced anyways, being as we found a HUGE dime-sized hole in it. I would take pics but I have to send it back in for a discount. I ordered a new distributor, cap, module etc. to be replaced. Next I am going to put new plugs and wires in and see what happens. Now I am waiting for the weekend to see what is to come of the Storm. Updates to come very soon this weekend....
(P.S. - I told the guy who said it was the exhaust and estimated it at $1200-1800 that he was way off as I said and he still thinks its the exhaust after it wasn't.... This is why people get shafted out there. Trust your OWN mechanic, never let a stranger do shit for you!!! I'm glad I got my own ties!
UPDATE!!!!
10-12-08
Saffron is alive and well! There was a bearings problem which fucked the timing up. So I fixed all of that. So it now has a new timing belt, water pump, bearing, antifreeze filled up and reset exhaust and repaired exhaust leak.
UPDATE!!!!
10-12-08
I am replacing the pulley, timing belt and water pump. I also fixed a leak in the exhaust and tightened it up to stop some rattling that was going on. Then I will do a compression test. I pray that this fixes it as me and my mechanic both think this is the problem. If not then I will take it to the machiners and redo the head or swap the enigne which I may wait on til funds are more readily available. Every dime I have is going into this.
UPDATE!!!!
10-2-08
The car is done for maybe.... The "exhaust" went on it supposedly, though it sounded like the tranny, and it was estimated for $1200-1800 for repairs which I don't have nor want to put into a fucking exhaust....I also think the guy was full of shit, I think its a timing/compression problem. I'm keeping it on the side to work on, unless I decide to do something otherwise. Thanks everyone for your support. I will keep updates on anything I do to it in the future for bringing it back to life. Thanks again everyone..
This is a pic of what fucked the timing up real good.
~Nick
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I just bought this 91' Storm. Its my new project. I joined this site to seek advice from other storm drivers, gain inspiration and share my progress with all of you on this car.
When I got this from a friend for $150, I knew it was going to be a challenge. Its got a drivers window that doesn't roll up. Airbag light that won't go off. Balding tires, No stereo system and no speakers, a crack in the power steering pump. All the belts were drenched in fluids. It sat under a maple tree for a long time and theres some block spotting hazed on the paint. I've gotten msot of it out with a fine steel wool that did not scratch the paint. Valves worn out. The left side behind the door is dented in. Drivers door doesn't unlock with a key from outside. Drivers door handle is broken off. No AC, and a cracked dashboard. The interior looks like a clown took a shit in it. Soo.... I'm just wanting to really do this badboy up. Everythings fine under the hood. I bought it on 144,000 miles.
I have so far, rebuilt or replaced most of the valves, and all the crap in it that was broken or fucked up when I got it recently, including the entire power steering pump, wet belts, air filter etc. I immediately took those stupid stickers off when I bought it. Brand new tires. Now its ready to be worked on...
The first thing is going to be an air intake system and opening of the ports blah blah blah.
Any suggestions?
4-22-08
I lifted her up and changed the oil. Man was this shit dirty. There wasn't much left and its hard to say when the last time it was changed... glad I did though. Its running a hell of a lot smoother. The door lock got all messed up due to someone not knowing what the fuck they were doing aroudn tedious parts!!! The window seems to still be irrepairable. Shes all washed and clean. I took some mineral spirits to peel thsoe stupid looking stickers off the back. I reoaired and reconnected a vaccuum hose and topped off all the fluids. I do believe its ready for NYC...
4-24-08
So when I started it up today from work it sounded a little off. I think its time to replace the spark plugs and ignition wires. Which probably won't be a bad idea for my trip up North anyways. Keep getting phone calls about an 87' Supra. DECLINED!!! Though its my dreamcar not the year atleast....
4-26-08
This is what the engine currently looks like....
4-30-08
This is the current exhaust...
This is the spotting I'm buffing out...
And the broken window bolt thats giving me nonstop problems rolling the window up >.<
Some of the major rusting thats about to go bye bye!
I forgot to get the pic of the dent previous to my ownership of the car. But I will have it up soon as well as the progress of fixing all these "ailments."
RECENT UPDATE!!
8-08
As I removed the valve cover to replace the gasket and do minor cleaning. I stripped and repainted the cover yellow while it was out. I did this to make it more attractive. It IS the first thing you see when you lift a hood anyways. :P
