For that price you are doing good! Remember you have a one of a kind car that you built! Thanks for the Fairmont videos, it shows exactly what it takes to build a car, cost, blood, sweat and tears! People seem to forget that.
Hey Eric. So excited every time I see a new video from you and I'm happy to hear there will be more videos to come. Watching your stuff has always been a great help. This was never my planned career path so by the time I got into mechanicing I couldn't go to school for it I needed to support my family. Watching your videos has educated me and helped me in more ways than you know. Thanks for the videos and all you do Eric.
Congrats Eric. I am sure it will be worth all the time and effort just in the feeling of accomplishment. Dropping $ 40k at a dealer does not buy that. That car is part of you. As usual, look forward to all your videos. Including Fairmont ones !
Finally, another Fairmont video!! My favorite series behind Fixing it Forward. I am in awe of what you put into the car, watched every video, all the blood, sweat and tears. Awesome in all ways. That look on Brian's face says it all, that car is a beast in sheep's clothing. Please keep posting.
I had the exact same problem with my 383 Chev stroker. Blew out many header gaskets, until, I used solid copper gaskets and the Stage8 header bolts. Been on for over a year now, with absolutely ZERO problems. You're probably going to love 'em. Good Luck !
Congrats Eric. Disregard all these naysayers! You accomplished something you always wanted to do. Only if most of us could be so lucky. There's nothing more satisfying than driving something unique that you built yourself. I can only imagine the possibilities on what can I do with my 1997 Lincoln Town Car Signature Touring Edition.
The Fairmont videos have been the best videoes as far as Im concerned. How privileged can you as a viewer be if someone gives you all this free information and still complain? He does all this effort and produces top quality videos with good detailed information on all aspects of making a project car and people complain?? Grow up. Thanks for the videos Eric, keep up the good work.
Your hard work is paying off Eric, no matter the price. I love the #Fairmontproject and everything else you do. Please don’t give up and keep your channel going. I’ve been watching you for the last 6 years and I hope you don’t give up . Ever .
So many people in the comments going "it wasn't worth it" or "you could buy this and that for that much money"... Like you can put a pricetag on a passion project and a dream. And even if Eric wasn't happy with the result (and apparently he is), it's still as much about the process and experience as it is about the end result.
I love the Fairmont series, and wish that there were more. I fully agree with ' it's my car, not yours' comment, I mean that there were some things that I questioned but I LEARNED. That's what your channel has always been about. Cheers, Eric, and I'll be happy when you come back to UA-cam regularly.
but it wouldnt be a grandpa car, the look and style he, no, we were striving for. Mine is a 85 LTD quad door w 5.0. fun project car in my retirement. There's a LTD group on FB, and I am learning tons. My budget is 10. Have about 4 to go.
vampirwrr ok the last dirt modified I built for a friend. I built it for him because he was having a kid. His money not mine. 600 hp 358 small block not including wheels and tires and some little odds and ends. Total came out to 25k give or take first race out it won. Motor turns 8800 rpm for 25 laps. No issues
yeah but a wrecked ZL1 camaro at the insurance auction would give you a helluva a donor car for anything you wanted to swap it into for a lot less coin.
Back when I was wrenchen (I retired in 2000 after 27 years, on imports), I bought a stock 1972 two door Datsun 510 sedan. Dropped in a SSS L20 racing engine, a 200SX 5 speed trans, a 280Z diff, Bilstein shocks, sway bars, and dropped it about 2". It was the hot setup in the day! I just loved blowing off BMW's and Porsche's on freeway entrance ramps and back roads. And I built it myself! A pure joy to drive. Good build Eric. The smile on your camera man's face says it all!
Eric, Man do I know what you mean. The 1993 Mazda RX7FD cost $17K, luckily the engine was rebuilt by a good shop MazdaTrix, but had to get a transmission $250 JDM and bushings repaced before I tracked it. A/C worked then but it's Hard to find a compressor for a 93 FD. It had Koni Orange and springs when I got it but spent a good $3,000 since in work. Tracked it at Auto Club Speedway last Saturday on the ROVAL during SevenStock and took 4 seconds off my time from last year, so I'm happy. Except for I noticed some Brake Fade this year, so Time to upgrade the brakes. It has slotted disks but well worn now. I know how they dig into your pocket and me being older and not wanting to do the work anymore myself. Luckily my mechanic became my racing buddy, he takes out his RX7FD also. So he's good to me. Interesting tho, all my mechanics seam to become friends thru the years. Maybe because I pay them ;-)
As every car modder knows, the actual cost is three times your budget, then doubled. So for a $6,000 build, Oliver has come up extremely well indeed. Truth be told Eric I was expecting higher. Thank you so much Eric for sharing these videos that I pay a fortune for to watch for free. I may be from Australia where fox bodies don't exactly roam free, but loved the evolution none the less.
Scott Montluzin lol yeah. He must have turned away a Fairmont of business and also lost a Fairmont of views/revenue. I have to say tho I LOVE the sounds this car makes!
You fulfilled your dream and got it out of your system. I did the same a while back buying a collector muscle car. After a few years I lost interest and put it in storage. The car was flooded in superstorm Sandy. I had insurance and got back every dime I spent. That was a car that I bought finished, not one I built. At the time I bought it I probably paid 50 cents on the dollar, someone else's loss. Enjoy the car Eric!
I appreciate your channel 10 times over channels like StreetspeedduchebagMike717's where it's all BoughtNotBuilt. Anyone with money can buy speed. Few can build it. And you've built a true contender for 1/3 what BoughtNotBuilt could achieve. Well done I say Eric! Cheers! Zip~
I agree with ZippoVarga. It doesn't take much talent to throw money around ...like buy and hack up nice cars then just buy more when you realize that you've jacked up a 70k car. Or convince yourself that the only way to provide content is to literally burn through money as fast as it comes... wisdom and talent can be honed through hard work and persistence, that's not the same as throwing money at stuff. Great vision and great fairmont Eric! Money can't buy passion or personal contentment!!!
What a failed comment in general, how can you compare the two to begin with? You cannot, there are tons of people that buy nice cars and just enjoy it. Not everybody is in the mood to build an old v8 fairmont together?! Did you ever see Mike bitch about channels like Eric? No the guy makes very good YT income and uses it to buy awesome cars...so what! You seem envious about what Streetspeed717 does calling him a douche why? Because you're stuck in your old little beater car?! Just a guess.., get over yourself...did you build your daily commuter? If not? WHY did you not build one!? Pretty weak to attack another UA-camr for no real reason. Eric and Mike are not even in the same league/format channel wise.
Herbie Husker what ? There is a difference between an auto repair shop and a machine shop. Nobody has $500,000 in machining tools laying around to build one motor every few years. You want him to built the boring machine too ? To do that , he'll need to dig up iron ore and coal to smelt the steel.
BustedWalletGarage no. I just think his attitude of I built this not bought it and therefore it's better than what other people have is stupid. He bought his too. It just took longer and had some assembly required. If that's what he wants to do fine, but acting like his car is better than the guys that bought theirs is just stupid.
As much as i think that’s a lot of money i just have to give you the upmost respect because you not only built YOUR [dream] car you set an example for others who are going to build their own car. They get to learn from your mistakes through what you’ve gone through with the fairmont and i think that was the whole idea of the build. Good job Eric keep it up. Your money, your car. So long as you enjoy it that’s all that matters!!!!
There's a few ways to look at it. Let's be honest, it's not how most people would spend 40k on a car. But what is the price for a custom build car you've wanted for the last 30 years, that makes a statement, instilled your persona into automotive form, one you literally know inside and out, and like you, it is unique in this world. 40k is an absolute bargain in that light.
Yep, I once asked a performance mechanic years ago "how much does it cost to ......." and his response was "how fast do you want to go, the faster you want the more it costs..." I love the sleeper cars, I built a F23A Accord into a boosted fun car that looks stock. Everyone thinks it is an old cheap Accord until I take off haha. I think your project is awesome man, looking forward to viewing all the Fairmont videos.
My daughter and I have watched every video of yours about the Fairmont and very happy to see it nearing closer to the finish line than not. I would you to see it in the drag track and see how it does! I'm glad that you're also bringing back the old channel. Like I said before, we all need a break.
Expensive aftermarket fans are a rip-off in my experience. Stock fans from a 90's taurus move huge air. I've used salvage ones from a Taurus in big v8's that we're naturally aspirated and did not overheat at all.
Eric, the very first video I ever watched of yours was when you rebuilt the calipers on the Fairmont. I’ve followed the Fairmont Project since then and I have to say awesome job! I’ve always been a fox body fan and when I bought a 1990 Mustang a few months ago I rewatched all the Fairmont videos to get a better idea of what I was dealing with. Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Fairmont.
I've been working on getting all my goodies from my crashed '91 Volvo 240 wagon to my '90 Volvo 240 sedan. It is a lot of work but it is coming together and I'm loving every minute I spend working on it.
unfortunately this comment disappeared from my display but shows in notifications so ill repost it due to good info. patw52pb1 replied: "That is easily mitigated by spraying the gasket surface with either boron nitride or dry graphite." So yeah, these coatings were on my mind but i wasn't sure about the graphite sealing capability. Boron Nitride sounds very appropriate. heat resistivity and also good coating which would be significantly less conductive than that of a graphite or any electrolytic mess that you might spread in-between these two metals. Thanks Pat! I myself live with Aluminium head and cast iron block and being a 20 year old car i might be looking in some head-gasket problems and some galvanic effects happening so i am very weary about these contacts of metals through an electrolyte or direct contact.
Thanks...did not know that. Will prevent me from using copper anti-sieze I bought on my aluminum car areas and now and has me a tad worried if or where I may have used it there.
To anyone saying that this is "expensive" or "too much money" or asking why it cost so much, this is peanuts. And for those comparing this to bottom dollar budget builds that make the same or more hp, those builds are bottom dollar, cobbled together, made for one purpose, to go fast. This car was built head to toe to cater to Eric's every spec. You simply cannot build a car to this level of detail for this amount of money without SERIOUS planning and proper investments. This is not a one trick pony. This can't be compared to a turbo LS swapped *Insert car here* Nothing was swapped on this car, it was built. Every system was designed and built to work together. As for the labour costs, of course Eric didn't factor his own labour time, who would? It's his own time. Yes time is money, but the point of this build was for Eric to show us it is possible to build a car without just dropping it off at a shop and picking it up when it's done. I'm amazed at some of the ignorance in some of these comments, I genuinely feel for you people, especially if you consider yourselves 'car guys' A true car guy would understand the time, effort, and attention to detail that went into this build. It truly was built, not bought. Anything that didnt't require special machining or certified credentials was done by Eric, what more could you ask for?
I've seen 40 K just in a engine alone, You did just fine , and help from friends is priceless in any task being preformed. And in a small way , it was built by the internet .
$36K for a 600HP reliable build, with quality parts, that has been properly put together by skilled people, built as a daily driver, is on the low end of these types of builds. Anyone who says otherwise has no clue as to what they're talking about. Also, all of the youtube videos that you have made, and will make, regarding this car will probably pay for the whole thing eventually so of course it was worth it.
There's too many people that watch the shows where they just throw expensive ass parts at cars like it's going out of style and never mention the price. Then for fun, figure in the labour. That's when it gets scary.
Eric, I really appreciate the videos and honest sharing of cost on this build. I suggest that the only opinion of your build that matters is your own. Having spent a fair amount of time in a fairmont 6 cyl wagon as a child (and one of the first cars I drove as a teen), I really dig the sleeper quality of this build. Priceless! Take care and keep up the great work!
It's actually my birthday and I completely forgot about the customary birthday greeting on ETCG1!! If it's your birthday, happy birthday, my birthday buddies :-)
Built Not Bought wins hands down every time if you are a person that loves the hows and whys of building things with your own hands. Unfortunately for the people that live life by buying what they're told is cool will never understand the true joy of taking something apart and putting it back together the way you want it to be. The Fairmont isn't my type of car, but the work and thought that went into it is something I can truly appreciate. Nice car Eric!
Honestly Eric , I have watched your videos from the beginning of the fairmont project. Not because I am a fairmont enthusiast but because you were doing something I enjoyed watching. This project to me brought a lot of inspiration and brought a lot of old memories about "Wanting" to do something like this all my life. You Sir, brought insight (lessons learned while changing things as you go.), passion (for doing what you "Wanted to do") all the while filming,editing and publishing your content for all of us to learn from. Thank you for the great episodes, and may you keep building and having fun. Robert
Can't believe you spent that much.... even buying a crate motor and built transmission I see maybe 14,000 or so... 36,000? Does that include your labor rate? Matt Happel and Sloppy Mechanics are going 9's for 3-5k lol
Does static pressure and fan blade design matter here? In building PCs I look for fans better built for pushing through a rad for cooling rather than pure CFM. But then, cars don't have case fans that just need air moved in or out of the case. So Im assuming they all have decent designs for what they do. Are some better than others? How much does the design of the fan and blades matter? For all of you about to roast my silly question - to quote Billy Madison: "I'm here to LEARN everybody!".
I build computers, you make an excellent point! I build based on static pressure (fin design and fan count) instead of using only a couple fans at maximum CFM. The idea is to evenly distribute air across all the surfaces. Pull cool air in from the front and bottom, push hot air out the back and top (heat rises). A bonus benefit to choosing efficiently designed fins is the fans can run at a lower CFM, therefore reducing noise. Love the Billy Madison quote!
ETCG1 I wasn't trying to suggest the fans you got were wrong or anything. I try to see things from your perspective dealing with a lot of negative or critical comments and can see how it might read like that. I'm sorry if it came across that way. Very happy they're working great! I think I might have muddled my question by talking about cfm. What I'm tying to ask is, are some radiator fans more efficient at moving a volume of air through a radiator than others? In the pc building world you can get fans that can move air ready well in an unrestricted space (for case exhaust, say) but suck at pushing air through a radiator. The opposite is also true. Even if they have the same cfm rating, one is more efficient at one job then the other. Does that make sense? I just wondered if that was a consideration in the car world as well.
Yeah, it does look like the new blades were wider and closer together (but that might've just been the angle), that helps force air thru the radiator, so the air doesn't "leak out" between the blades of a fan where the blades are thin and far apart. Not a perfect analogy, but it will def get you more CFM for the same RPM. Meh, what do I know, I'm still undecided on what my project car will even be. Jealous Eric! Hope I can make it to a meetup sometime and meet Oliver.
Love it Eric! My car so go f yourself basically. LOL! Just enjoy her and ride her. I just spent 3 months rebuilding my first motorcycle. Got her running mint a month ago and totalled it last Monday when a guy ran a red. FML! LOL!
Worth every last penny, this is the car that will make you feel complete.But, on a side note, it will never be just perfect, project cars never will be, especially as you built it yourself. and are your own worst critic. I fucking love it.
He never claimed to be an engineer, so what is your point? Modifying any vehicle always throws up unseen issues, it is the very nature and essence of tuning cars. The real art is not the problems you face, but how you overcome them.
Inspirational Chief, Building a dream and staying invested.. You can’t rush a good job and there is no point doing half a job... All the best with the rest of your journey..
Due to its light weight and power..once you get it figured out...this will eat Hellcats. Plus its in a grannymobile...for half the price.Back in 91...my friend bought a 78 Fairmont 302 5 speed..it had a B&M megashifter in it and it would hit 9 grand if you wound it out..the car was an auto by then. It was a coupe..like a Futura. He got it for 500 bucks from a friend who had no history on it. That bastard would pull high 11s.. It had a 3.73 rear. No turbo or nothing. He neglected it and we pulled the intake off...turns out he bought a Fairmont with a 1969 Boss 302 engine.
He put a Crane cam build in it but it slowed it down..The Fairmont is by far the low buck build if you do it shadetree and unsafe. The cars barely weigh 2600 pounds
IDK the new Dodge Challenger Demon probably will leave the Fairmont in the dust, at a 4.2 second quarter mile in the Demon, I don't think the Fairmont would keep up with that.
I'm currently building a '78 Ford Granada project car. Love following along with your Fairmont build. My dad had one that was his grandma's car and it's the car I learned to drive in at 16. Pretty sweet, unusual ride man!
If you're considering going to EFI, you're probably going to be throwing another maybe $8-10K+ at this car. You'll need: upgraded fuel system, injectors, an ECU (custom ones are awesome but then you need to also have it tuned), but it'll give you potential of running E85 which will help keep your engine cooler/push more power out. I know some people have their intercoolers painted black as it apparently helps with temperatures when you're stationary as black radiates more heat, but doesn't really affect anything when you're actually moving. Not sure if that'd help with keeping temps down, but would be worth some research as it's not that hard to accomplish. Looks like you need to fix that roof liner sagging down, and possibly give the windows a tint to also help with cabin temperatures and the "sleeper" factor so the roll bar and such isn't nearly as visible. Regardless, if you're pushing for more power, reliability etc it is a smart thing to EFI this engine, but it's not cheap and WILL eat through your wallet considerably. Wish you all the luck and can't wait to watch some new content from you Eric. Have a lovely day :)
I've been using the same copper exhaust manifold gasket since the early 2000s - with a stock cast iron manifold, turbo manifold, stainless header, and it's held up great.
I had a Zephyr 4-Door like this years ago. This is miles above what I had back then... bought that car for $500 in 1990, ran it into the ground over three years. By the time I was done with it, it was running on four very bald tires, 4 1/2 cylinders, and to start it I had a separate switch because the ignition switch was partially broken (start position didn't work). I bought oil for the car by the case, and didn't need to change the oil because it burned through about a quart per tank of gas... I was young, in the military at the time, and it served its purpose... I have moved on to better vehicles and take care of them better as well...
Alexey Nikitin Apparently this guy didn't bother to look at other Fairmonts on youtube? $36k and it only makes 575hp on an engine dyno? Then he's talking about it making more once it's in the car? Usually engines make less on chassis dynos due to parasitic losses. I still can't get over it. $36k for 575hp... This has to be one of the worst hp/dollar ratios EVER! If it was my car, I'd spend another 4 dollars on a gallon of 93 and burn it...
WTF! Nice user name. Anyway, most European cars making this kind of power cost 3x as much. Are you living under a rock? Why do people feel the need to troll other folks builds? Do you feel better about yourselves at the end of the day somehow? It's like this 5th grade playground bully mentality.
+DirtyVegasVids, Yes, its entirely possible it makes more power now that its in the car. Since you seem to be ignoring the fact that Eric might have done some tuning on it since it was run on the dyno.
Michael Carlson - Who said anything about European cars? I sure didn't. I said he should have looked at literally any other Fairmont build for some direction on how to make more HP for far less money. Don't be Captain Save-A-Hoe, swinging off Eric's sack. He's a big boy and can speak for himself. Guess what, life isn't an entire circlejerk of happy happy thoughts. He put it out there, and should be able to take criticism as well as praise. IDK why anyone would want to praise him for building a complete turd though.... Apparently you trailer park dwellers like those sorts of things. sparkplug1018 - I'm sure an engine dyno operator has no idea how to extract max horsepower via tuning. You're right. Maybe Eric will find another 100hp, but I HIGHLY doubt it. I'll give you odds if you wanna bet that the car makes more power with the current engine combo, and any tune up Eric uses. Put your money where your mouth is?
KramersKlassyKustoms. Building this nice of a car is EASILY worth that much. He has actually saved a lot of money doing the work himself. That 40 grand would be way higher if he wouldn't have built it himself.
KramersKlassyKustoms You suggested that the car was stock, far from it. As I said, nothing about the car is stock at this point. It's been completely rebuilt. Not to mention I have enough left over to build a second car. Just because you don't like the car doesn't mean it doesn't have value to me. What do you drive?
I have a lot of toys. Mostly because I didn't waste thousands of dollars on shit. This project with the same power goals could have been done for 4,000 or less. With no "friend" pricing. 36k you could have multiple 6/700 hp cars
Perhaps you're forgetting that all I need is an engine and I also have a Mustang. I realize you don't like the car, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have value to me. That said, you say lots of 'toys' but nothing specific. You sound more like a UA-cam wannabe that a real car collector with a statement like that.
Eric,don't feel lonely. I own a 1980 Fairmont Futura that u love. I've changed it around several times. Currently im changing it around to look like a 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt. Its been fun hunting down the stuff to do it. You might want to conciser the Thunderbolt teardrop hood scoop to help disapate some of the heat under your hood. They are a cool looking hood scoop and do not look out of place on a Fairmont
Great job! You recognized a problem within yourself. You assessed the damage. You created a recovery plan and put it into action. Most importantly you followed through and have something to show for it. You seem a lot happier,like you were pushing for a month on the throne and dropped a deuce of biblical proportions. A lot of people will spend that and then some on a ridiculously over priced head shrink and have nothing to show but deeper uncertainty and self doubt. Happy to see your happy
Eric, I wouldn't worry about what some of your viewers have to say about "too many Fairmont" videos. Some of your viewers including myself will watch these videos not just for the entertainment but also for the education, tricks and practices of putting together various bits of the car. Keep them coming in my opinion.
Of course it was worth it! In my 45 years of auto repair, I've built many for customers, as well as 3 drag cars, 2 trucks, 2 broncos & 2 or 3 jeeps- for myself. I don't regret any of them, they were my creation for me only- a price cannot be put on that, lol. I figured up a total on just 1, for fun & games, and i will never do that again. Scared the hell outta me, lol... Once you get most of the issues worked out, & put it in service, ever time you drive it that warm fuzzy "i created this" feeling will be there!! All 3 of my drag cars were running small block fords, & i had the same issue with headers. Finally solved it- copper gaskets, thick bead of silicone, bring it to operating temp, & tighten em down again. Only way i could keep them from blowing out.......keep up the good videos, my dear!!
thanks, you have been an inspiration. I just got started on my Monte Carlo and I see sort of what you talking about with the expenses. it seems like you could never come up with a real estimate, because things always changing
As a mechanic myself I've always wanted to do the same project you've done a spectacular job yes I'd have gone with a self learning tbi but as you stated your car and I respect that. I've seen where carbs have been more effective than tbi. Anyhow great job and I am guessing a ball park of 50 to 60 k when that sweet spot is found stay dirty. Side note find a zinc compound to put between head and headers to slow or even stop galvanic seizing.
#worthit #builtnotbought #sleeper I've been watching you build this thing from the beginning and am happy to see what it's become and just to have a channel like this! (so I don't have to spend that much--yet--on my own!)
Great to see your posting again. I think you might end up needing some cooling louvers in your hood to let the heat out. Or even some mesh cut outs. I think a slot cut out behind the radiator area might work the best. I understand that kinda wrecks the sleeper look but if its what the motor needs to function correctly then so be it I guess. I'd be interested to see what happens if you end up running EFI that would make the car stronger again. Cheers mate , good luck with it!!
I'm glad you're happy with your project Eric. the sucky thing about projects is if there ever comes a day where you want or have to part with it you'll be lucky to recoup 1/4 of your money
I think you have done great on the prices. It's also one of those things, once you start it just keeps growing. "Well while I'm at it, let me add/ upgrade this and this..." haha. Looking forward to those ETCG videos.
It takes more then what most guys have to complete a car from start to finish I know because I used to do body restorations it takes more then what most can muster to do it right it's the small steps that get forgotten and that will hurt Ur project
Wanna know what I think is funny... wait "INSPIRING" is a better word, is that you proved with your build, that no matter what you think it will cost, double it. And with your build Eric, not only did you have to double the cost, you had to do it at least TWICE!!!! with every step you took. Motor, Transmission, Rear end, Suspension, Brakes, Rims.... even the the studs for the lugnuts had to be bought twice. So that means quadrupling your first estimate is probably the cost you will endure. Thanks for the great vids.
Nice summary, it's humbling to see how much it cost, for parts alone. Of course any analysis needs to consider all costs, including labor and building expenses. On the other hand, one could realistically consider your labor to be written off as part of the UA-cam job. Let's hope that you can get as much out of it as you put in! Sleeper cars like this are a niche market, and I wouldn't discount the emotion a new buyer might feel. It would be kind of cool to have a video record of all the repairs done on one's new car, especially one done by Ericthecarguy. Don't give it away, ha ha. Cheers!
That's a fairmont of money.
facepalm
I see what you did there.
Dang it, I wanted to make that pun lol
you should be punished for that one
No one laughed when I wrote "That's a fairmont of work" a couple of months ago :'(
For that price you are doing good! Remember you have a one of a kind car that you built! Thanks for the Fairmont videos, it shows exactly what it takes to build a car, cost, blood, sweat and tears! People seem to forget that.
Eric this car is YOU cool calm but lots of power under the hood.Thanks for all you do!
Rob Carstuff that is a cool saying 😎😁
Hey Eric. So excited every time I see a new video from you and I'm happy to hear there will be more videos to come. Watching your stuff has always been a great help. This was never my planned career path so by the time I got into mechanicing I couldn't go to school for it I needed to support my family. Watching your videos has educated me and helped me in more ways than you know. Thanks for the videos and all you do Eric.
Thank YOU for that comment. It's comments like yours that keep me going. I really appreciate it. Good luck.
Congrats Eric. I am sure it will be worth all the time and effort just in the feeling of accomplishment. Dropping $ 40k at a dealer does not buy that. That car is part of you. As usual, look forward to all your videos. Including Fairmont ones !
Finally, another Fairmont video!! My favorite series behind Fixing it Forward. I am in awe of what you put into the car, watched every video, all the blood, sweat and tears. Awesome in all ways. That look on Brian's face says it all, that car is a beast in sheep's clothing. Please keep posting.
Time to get Mr. Regular to review your Fairmont
Mr. Regular and EricTheCarGuy collaboration!
oh god yes!
Which fox body is best fox body?
My Fox Body is best Fox Body because... sleeper.....
I'd love this
I had the exact same problem with my 383 Chev stroker. Blew out many header gaskets, until, I used solid copper gaskets and the Stage8 header bolts. Been on for over a year now, with absolutely ZERO problems. You're probably going to love 'em. Good Luck !
WOW since 2013? where did all that time go... i still remember the first Fairmont video..
I still remember when he made repair videos.
Congrats Eric. Disregard all these naysayers! You accomplished something you always wanted to do. Only if most of us could be so lucky. There's nothing more satisfying than driving something unique that you built yourself. I can only imagine the possibilities on what can I do with my 1997 Lincoln Town Car Signature Touring Edition.
The Fairmont videos have been the best videoes as far as Im concerned. How privileged can you as a viewer be if someone gives you all this free information and still complain? He does all this effort and produces top quality videos with good detailed information on all aspects of making a project car and people complain?? Grow up. Thanks for the videos Eric, keep up the good work.
The smiles on your faces at 10:22 and up says it all ! Good Job !
Don't do it Jesse, he's got $40,000 under the hood of that car
Nice Fast and Furious reference....
im gonna do it
This dude has not got enough NOS under the hood 😂
Your hard work is paying off Eric, no matter the price. I love the #Fairmontproject and everything else you do. Please don’t give up and keep your channel going. I’ve been watching you for the last 6 years and I hope you don’t give up . Ever .
So many people in the comments going "it wasn't worth it" or "you could buy this and that for that much money"... Like you can put a pricetag on a passion project and a dream. And even if Eric wasn't happy with the result (and apparently he is), it's still as much about the process and experience as it is about the end result.
I love the Fairmont series, and wish that there were more. I fully agree with ' it's my car, not yours' comment, I mean that there were some things that I questioned but I LEARNED. That's what your channel has always been about. Cheers, Eric, and I'll be happy when you come back to UA-cam regularly.
$36k is very good. No new car will compare or make you as happy or make as much power. This is a win.
36k is retarded. We've built Racecars for much less
Richard Mogel
show me
but it wouldnt be a grandpa car, the look and style he, no, we were striving for. Mine is a 85 LTD quad door w 5.0. fun project car in my retirement. There's a LTD group on FB, and I am learning tons. My budget is 10. Have about 4 to go.
But not streetable 600FTLb sleepers with AC, and sound mat, l'll wager
vampirwrr ok the last dirt modified I built for a friend. I built it for him because he was having a kid. His money not mine. 600 hp 358 small block not including wheels and tires and some little odds and ends. Total came out to 25k give or take first race out it won. Motor turns 8800 rpm for 25 laps. No issues
Man, I love sleepers. This build was the entire reason I subbed to your channel. Love that it's coming together.
That's not as much as I though it would be. Heck you can spend that much in one afternoon on the Snap On truck. Can we get back to Barb's van now?
Barb's van , lollool
Yeah! How’s Barbs Town & Country
🙄
ETCG gets schweeet parts deals though.
Not like the plebian population, where we get wheel bearing assemblies for only $400 CDN.
Stay gold.
yeah but a wrecked ZL1 camaro at the insurance auction would give you a helluva a donor car for anything you wanted to swap it into for a lot less coin.
Back when I was wrenchen (I retired in 2000 after 27 years, on imports), I bought a stock 1972 two door Datsun 510 sedan. Dropped in a SSS L20 racing engine, a 200SX 5 speed trans, a 280Z diff, Bilstein shocks, sway bars, and dropped it about 2". It was the hot setup in the day! I just loved blowing off BMW's and Porsche's on freeway entrance ramps and back roads. And I built it myself! A pure joy to drive. Good build Eric. The smile on your camera man's face says it all!
Eric, Man do I know what you mean. The 1993 Mazda RX7FD cost $17K, luckily the engine was rebuilt by a good shop MazdaTrix, but had to get a transmission $250 JDM and bushings repaced before I tracked it. A/C worked then but it's Hard to find a compressor for a 93 FD. It had Koni Orange and springs when I got it but spent a good $3,000 since in work. Tracked it at Auto Club Speedway last Saturday on the ROVAL during SevenStock and took 4 seconds off my time from last year, so I'm happy. Except for I noticed some Brake Fade this year, so Time to upgrade the brakes. It has slotted disks but well worn now. I know how they dig into your pocket and me being older and not wanting to do the work anymore myself. Luckily my mechanic became my racing buddy, he takes out his RX7FD also. So he's good to me. Interesting tho, all my mechanics seam to become friends thru the years. Maybe because I pay them ;-)
As every car modder knows, the actual cost is three times your budget, then doubled. So for a $6,000 build, Oliver has come up extremely well indeed. Truth be told Eric I was expecting higher. Thank you so much Eric for sharing these videos that I pay a fortune for to watch for free. I may be from Australia where fox bodies don't exactly roam free, but loved the evolution none the less.
honestly, that was much lower than what i imagined (i was thinking $50k-60k). you must've had a good labor rate.
You did it right. Many many people can't understand this. It is worth it and it is yours the way you wanted it. Great work!
Add $100k in labour
since he is filming and making money via youtube, this calculation is probably not quite right
You can't put a price tag on a hobby or a passion.
If you have a shop build it for you.
Scott Montluzin lol yeah. He must have turned away a Fairmont of business and also lost a Fairmont of views/revenue. I have to say tho I LOVE the sounds this car makes!
How much has it cost him in subscribers tho?
You fulfilled your dream and got it out of your system. I did the same a while back buying a collector muscle car. After a few years I lost interest and put it in storage. The car was flooded in superstorm Sandy. I had insurance and got back every dime I spent. That was a car that I bought finished, not one I built. At the time I bought it I probably paid 50 cents on the dollar, someone else's loss. Enjoy the car Eric!
I appreciate your channel 10 times over channels like StreetspeedduchebagMike717's where it's all BoughtNotBuilt. Anyone with money can buy speed. Few can build it. And you've built a true contender for 1/3 what BoughtNotBuilt could achieve. Well done I say Eric! Cheers! Zip~
Thanks!
Not exactly true, while I don't like Nick at all, Andy at DiabloFormulaRacing builds his cars for him. So they are built, just not by him.
never understand the sort of inverted snobbery around car building or not. Jeez people just enjoy the machinery
I agree with ZippoVarga. It doesn't take much talent to throw money around ...like buy and hack up nice cars then just buy more when you realize that you've jacked up a 70k car. Or convince yourself that the only way to provide content is to literally burn through money as fast as it comes... wisdom and talent can be honed through hard work and persistence, that's not the same as throwing money at stuff. Great vision and great fairmont Eric! Money can't buy passion or personal contentment!!!
What a failed comment in general, how can you compare the two to begin with? You cannot, there are tons of people that buy nice cars and just enjoy it. Not everybody is in the mood to build an old v8 fairmont together?! Did you ever see Mike bitch about channels like Eric? No the guy makes very good YT income and uses it to buy awesome cars...so what! You seem envious about what Streetspeed717 does calling him a douche why? Because you're stuck in your old little beater car?! Just a guess.., get over yourself...did you build your daily commuter? If not? WHY did you not build one!? Pretty weak to attack another UA-camr for no real reason. Eric and Mike are not even in the same league/format channel wise.
Absolutely feeling the magic of YT atm - it's a fantastic project to see 'finished'. Thanks for sharing it.
I don't fault you. I have a built-not-bought mustang. Any of us involved in small business these days have a screw or 3 loose to start with.
BustedWalletGarage how us it built not bought when he farmed out a lot of the work?
Herbie Husker what ? There is a difference between an auto repair shop and a machine shop. Nobody has $500,000 in machining tools laying around to build one motor every few years. You want him to built the boring machine too ? To do that , he'll need to dig up iron ore and coal to smelt the steel.
BustedWalletGarage no. I just think his attitude of I built this not bought it and therefore it's better than what other people have is stupid. He bought his too. It just took longer and had some assembly required. If that's what he wants to do fine, but acting like his car is better than the guys that bought theirs is just stupid.
Herbie Husker What do you drive?
ETCG1 something that I bought.
As much as i think that’s a lot of money i just have to give you the upmost respect because you not only built YOUR [dream] car you set an example for others who are going to build their own car. They get to learn from your mistakes through what you’ve gone through with the fairmont and i think that was the whole idea of the build. Good job Eric keep it up. Your money, your car. So long as you enjoy it that’s all that matters!!!!
There's a few ways to look at it. Let's be honest, it's not how most people would spend 40k on a car.
But what is the price for a custom build car you've wanted for the last 30 years, that makes a statement, instilled your persona into automotive form, one you literally know inside and out, and like you, it is unique in this world. 40k is an absolute bargain in that light.
Yep, I once asked a performance mechanic years ago "how much does it cost to ......." and his response was "how fast do you want to go, the faster you want the more it costs..." I love the sleeper cars, I built a F23A Accord into a boosted fun car that looks stock. Everyone thinks it is an old cheap Accord until I take off haha. I think your project is awesome man, looking forward to viewing all the Fairmont videos.
Need to get you a shop flag, "ERIC YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!!" ~UA-cam Commentators
My daughter and I have watched every video of yours about the Fairmont and very happy to see it nearing closer to the finish line than not. I would you to see it in the drag track and see how it does! I'm glad that you're also bringing back the old channel. Like I said before, we all need a break.
Expensive aftermarket fans are a rip-off in my experience. Stock fans from a 90's taurus move huge air. I've used salvage ones from a Taurus in big v8's that we're naturally aspirated and did not overheat at all.
Thanks for the advice. I'll use that when I have to replace a fan.
yes
Wouldn't call the 3.4 liter v8 in the Taurus " big "
But for the Taurus it is.
I've used a big 90s Volvo fan to replace the mechanical fan in my BMW; worked great.
Eric, the very first video I ever watched of yours was when you rebuilt the calipers on the Fairmont. I’ve followed the Fairmont Project since then and I have to say awesome job! I’ve always been a fox body fan and when I bought a 1990 Mustang a few months ago I rewatched all the Fairmont videos to get a better idea of what I was dealing with. Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Fairmont.
7:19 YES!
I've been working on getting all my goodies from my crashed '91 Volvo 240 wagon to my '90 Volvo 240 sedan. It is a lot of work but it is coming together and I'm loving every minute I spend working on it.
Aluminium + Copper is a galvanic pair. It might get corrosion effects on the contact surfaces.
that's an interesting concern. I guess maybe use anti seize coatings?
It'll help.
unfortunately this comment disappeared from my display but shows in notifications so ill repost it due to good info.
patw52pb1 replied: "That is easily mitigated by spraying the gasket surface with either boron nitride or dry graphite."
So yeah, these coatings were on my mind but i wasn't sure about the graphite sealing capability. Boron Nitride sounds very appropriate. heat resistivity and also good coating which would be significantly less conductive than that of a graphite or any electrolytic mess that you might spread in-between these two metals. Thanks Pat!
I myself live with Aluminium head and cast iron block and being a 20 year old car i might be looking in some head-gasket problems and some galvanic effects happening so i am very weary about these contacts of metals through an electrolyte or direct contact.
Thanks...did not know that. Will prevent me from using copper anti-sieze I bought on my aluminum car areas and now and has me a tad worried if or where I may have used it there.
I think it's awesome cool to be able to piece this car together how YOU want it and still learn some things along the way. Kudos to you sir!
To anyone saying that this is "expensive" or "too much money" or asking why it cost so much, this is peanuts. And for those comparing this to bottom dollar budget builds that make the same or more hp, those builds are bottom dollar, cobbled together, made for one purpose, to go fast. This car was built head to toe to cater to Eric's every spec. You simply cannot build a car to this level of detail for this amount of money without SERIOUS planning and proper investments.
This is not a one trick pony. This can't be compared to a turbo LS swapped *Insert car here* Nothing was swapped on this car, it was built. Every system was designed and built to work together.
As for the labour costs, of course Eric didn't factor his own labour time, who would? It's his own time. Yes time is money, but the point of this build was for Eric to show us it is possible to build a car without just dropping it off at a shop and picking it up when it's done.
I'm amazed at some of the ignorance in some of these comments, I genuinely feel for you people, especially if you consider yourselves 'car guys' A true car guy would understand the time, effort, and attention to detail that went into this build. It truly was built, not bought. Anything that didnt't require special machining or certified credentials was done by Eric, what more could you ask for?
I've seen 40 K just in a engine alone, You did just fine , and help from friends is priceless in any task being preformed. And in a small way , it was built by the internet .
$36K for a 600HP reliable build, with quality parts, that has been properly put together by skilled people, built as a daily driver, is on the low end of these types of builds. Anyone who says otherwise has no clue as to what they're talking about.
Also, all of the youtube videos that you have made, and will make, regarding this car will probably pay for the whole thing eventually so of course it was worth it.
There's too many people that watch the shows where they just throw expensive ass parts at cars like it's going out of style and never mention the price. Then for fun, figure in the labour. That's when it gets scary.
Doesn't seem so reliable does it
Eric, I really appreciate the videos and honest sharing of cost on this build. I suggest that the only opinion of your build that matters is your own. Having spent a fair amount of time in a fairmont 6 cyl wagon as a child (and one of the first cars I drove as a teen), I really dig the sleeper quality of this build. Priceless! Take care and keep up the great work!
It's actually my birthday and I completely forgot about the customary birthday greeting on ETCG1!! If it's your birthday, happy birthday, my birthday buddies :-)
Also, I have a twin brother who's another car nut and I bought him a BD present - an 'OUTATIME' replica number plate!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUY!!!!
Happy birthday!
Built Not Bought wins hands down every time if you are a person that loves the hows and whys of building things with your own hands. Unfortunately for the people that live life by buying what they're told is cool will never understand the true joy of taking something apart and putting it back together the way you want it to be.
The Fairmont isn't my type of car, but the work and thought that went into it is something I can truly appreciate. Nice car Eric!
Would you like to buy a parts fairmont? It's got a nice hood to put luvers in? :)
Honestly Eric , I have watched your videos from the beginning of the fairmont project. Not because I am a fairmont enthusiast but because you were doing something I enjoyed watching. This project to me brought a lot of inspiration and brought a lot of old memories about "Wanting" to do something like this all my life. You Sir, brought insight (lessons learned while changing things as you go.), passion (for doing what you "Wanted to do") all the while filming,editing and publishing your content for all of us to learn from.
Thank you for the great episodes, and may you keep building and having fun.
Robert
Can't believe you spent that much.... even buying a crate motor and built transmission I see maybe 14,000 or so... 36,000? Does that include your labor rate? Matt Happel and Sloppy Mechanics are going 9's for 3-5k lol
Remember, not just engine. Transmission. Cross members, suspension, brakes, fuel cell. Wiring. Etc. etc. etc. etc.
Silas, Matt broke 1,000hp for I believe less then 13k and that's a couple motors and the truck.
Don't forget I'm just an engine away from having a Mustang too.
Quite a grip of bodywork too
yup, and Matt is a I.T. support tech...that can swap LS's in a afternoon...loll
YAY! Eric the Car Guy videos! I was going through withdrawal. Can't wait to see what you got cooked up for us!
Does static pressure and fan blade design matter here? In building PCs I look for fans better built for pushing through a rad for cooling rather than pure CFM. But then, cars don't have case fans that just need air moved in or out of the case. So Im assuming they all have decent designs for what they do. Are some better than others? How much does the design of the fan and blades matter? For all of you about to roast my silly question - to quote Billy Madison: "I'm here to LEARN everybody!".
CFM is CFM, and that is measured by the end result that includes blade design and the operation of the motor. The new fans are working great BTW.
I build computers, you make an excellent point! I build based on static pressure (fin design and fan count) instead of using only a couple fans at maximum CFM. The idea is to evenly distribute air across all the surfaces. Pull cool air in from the front and bottom, push hot air out the back and top (heat rises). A bonus benefit to choosing efficiently designed fins is the fans can run at a lower CFM, therefore reducing noise. Love the Billy Madison quote!
ETCG1 I wasn't trying to suggest the fans you got were wrong or anything. I try to see things from your perspective dealing with a lot of negative or critical comments and can see how it might read like that. I'm sorry if it came across that way. Very happy they're working great! I think I might have muddled my question by talking about cfm. What I'm tying to ask is, are some radiator fans more efficient at moving a volume of air through a radiator than others? In the pc building world you can get fans that can move air ready well in an unrestricted space (for case exhaust, say) but suck at pushing air through a radiator. The opposite is also true. Even if they have the same cfm rating, one is more efficient at one job then the other. Does that make sense? I just wondered if that was a consideration in the car world as well.
Yeah, it does look like the new blades were wider and closer together (but that might've just been the angle), that helps force air thru the radiator, so the air doesn't "leak out" between the blades of a fan where the blades are thin and far apart. Not a perfect analogy, but it will def get you more CFM for the same RPM. Meh, what do I know, I'm still undecided on what my project car will even be. Jealous Eric! Hope I can make it to a meetup sometime and meet Oliver.
Great news to hear your coming back soon Eric! Man I've missed you!
Love it Eric! My car so go f yourself basically. LOL! Just enjoy her and ride her. I just spent 3 months rebuilding my first motorcycle. Got her running mint a month ago and totalled it last Monday when a guy ran a red. FML! LOL!
glad your coming back we miss you!
Worth every last penny, this is the car that will make you feel complete.But, on a side note, it will never be just perfect, project cars never will be, especially as you built it yourself. and are your own worst critic. I fucking love it.
He never claimed to be an engineer, so what is your point? Modifying any vehicle always throws up unseen issues, it is the very nature and essence of tuning cars. The real art is not the problems you face, but how you overcome them.
Inspirational Chief, Building a dream and staying invested.. You can’t rush a good job and there is no point doing half a job... All the best with the rest of your journey..
#builtnotbought
Mayo he couldn't even build an 8.8 ford rear...
Seems to be working fine for me.
I didn't spend 36k on a shit box you did
You explained yourself perfectly well, as long as your enjoying the build process thane. I thing else matters. Thanks for this vid and best of luck.
Due to its light weight and power..once you get it figured out...this will eat Hellcats. Plus its in a grannymobile...for half the price.Back in 91...my friend bought a 78 Fairmont 302 5 speed..it had a B&M megashifter in it and it would hit 9 grand if you wound it out..the car was an auto by then. It was a coupe..like a Futura. He got it for 500 bucks from a friend who had no history on it. That bastard would pull high 11s.. It had a 3.73 rear. No turbo or nothing. He neglected it and we pulled the intake off...turns out he bought a Fairmont with a 1969 Boss 302 engine.
He put a Crane cam build in it but it slowed it down..The Fairmont is by far the low buck build if you do it shadetree and unsafe. The cars barely weigh 2600 pounds
IDK the new Dodge Challenger Demon probably will leave the Fairmont in the dust, at a 4.2 second quarter mile in the Demon, I don't think the Fairmont would keep up with that.
I'm currently building a '78 Ford Granada project car. Love following along with your Fairmont build. My dad had one that was his grandma's car and it's the car I learned to drive in at 16. Pretty sweet, unusual ride man!
LOL, I am laughing at the jealous nay-sayers! Great project and the results are undeniably cooler than any purchased ride. *BUILT NOT BOUGHT*
Glad to hear she is happy. Love the fairmont! Have fun!
If you're considering going to EFI, you're probably going to be throwing another maybe $8-10K+ at this car. You'll need: upgraded fuel system, injectors, an ECU (custom ones are awesome but then you need to also have it tuned), but it'll give you potential of running E85 which will help keep your engine cooler/push more power out.
I know some people have their intercoolers painted black as it apparently helps with temperatures when you're stationary as black radiates more heat, but doesn't really affect anything when you're actually moving. Not sure if that'd help with keeping temps down, but would be worth some research as it's not that hard to accomplish.
Looks like you need to fix that roof liner sagging down, and possibly give the windows a tint to also help with cabin temperatures and the "sleeper" factor so the roll bar and such isn't nearly as visible.
Regardless, if you're pushing for more power, reliability etc it is a smart thing to EFI this engine, but it's not cheap and WILL eat through your wallet considerably.
Wish you all the luck and can't wait to watch some new content from you Eric. Have a lovely day :)
$1400 at most. The only thing I'll need to add to the fuel system aside from the EFI unit is a fuel pump and return line.
I've been using the same copper exhaust manifold gasket since the early 2000s - with a stock cast iron manifold, turbo manifold, stainless header, and it's held up great.
Please spend 100.00 & replace that headliner it's annoying to watch
The headliner has no effect in performance yet it adds to my 'sleeper' look.
Also, to repair the headliner, I'd have to remove the windshield or rear glass at this point now that the roll bar is in place.
just put staples in to hold it up
Those little plastic curly tacks would work and if anything add to the sleeper look.
Your right, no affect on performance, but nobody likes a saggy headliner, even people with slow boring cars!
I had a Zephyr 4-Door like this years ago. This is miles above what I had back then... bought that car for $500 in 1990, ran it into the ground over three years. By the time I was done with it, it was running on four very bald tires, 4 1/2 cylinders, and to start it I had a separate switch because the ignition switch was partially broken (start position didn't work). I bought oil for the car by the case, and didn't need to change the oil because it burned through about a quart per tank of gas...
I was young, in the military at the time, and it served its purpose... I have moved on to better vehicles and take care of them better as well...
Should have gone to Sloppy.
I agree sloppy ls turbo. Lol at him wanting to run a t5 behind a turbo motor.
Alexey Nikitin Apparently this guy didn't bother to look at other Fairmonts on youtube? $36k and it only makes 575hp on an engine dyno? Then he's talking about it making more once it's in the car? Usually engines make less on chassis dynos due to parasitic losses. I still can't get over it. $36k for 575hp... This has to be one of the worst hp/dollar ratios EVER! If it was my car, I'd spend another 4 dollars on a gallon of 93 and burn it...
WTF! Nice user name. Anyway, most European cars making this kind of power cost 3x as much. Are you living under a rock?
Why do people feel the need to troll other folks builds? Do you feel better about yourselves at the end of the day somehow? It's like this 5th grade playground bully mentality.
+DirtyVegasVids, Yes, its entirely possible it makes more power now that its in the car. Since you seem to be ignoring the fact that Eric might have done some tuning on it since it was run on the dyno.
Michael Carlson - Who said anything about European cars? I sure didn't. I said he should have looked at literally any other Fairmont build for some direction on how to make more HP for far less money. Don't be Captain Save-A-Hoe, swinging off Eric's sack. He's a big boy and can speak for himself. Guess what, life isn't an entire circlejerk of happy happy thoughts. He put it out there, and should be able to take criticism as well as praise. IDK why anyone would want to praise him for building a complete turd though.... Apparently you trailer park dwellers like those sorts of things.
sparkplug1018 - I'm sure an engine dyno operator has no idea how to extract max horsepower via tuning. You're right. Maybe Eric will find another 100hp, but I HIGHLY doubt it. I'll give you odds if you wanna bet that the car makes more power with the current engine combo, and any tune up Eric uses. Put your money where your mouth is?
Glad to hear you will posting videos on the Fairmont Eric really enjoyed them car looks awesome thankyou.
$40,000 for an almost 600hp rwd turbo 5 speed car is still imo pretty cheap considering you did the car over twice.
Great job Eric loved the fairmont videos can't wait for the rest of them!!
7:02 it's yours thanks to viewers you forgot that.
You're living your drive and doing what you love. We have been here with you from the very beginning and will be here to the end Eric 😃👍👍
36k to build that car with a stock motor and stock rear is like getting sodomized dry by a patio umbrella.
Nothing about this car is stock except the body at this point.
ETCG1 nothing about the car says $36,000 either...is that Canadian?
You seem like a rather "sloppy" fellow ;)
KramersKlassyKustoms. Building this nice of a car is EASILY worth that much. He has actually saved a lot of money doing the work himself. That 40 grand would be way higher if he wouldn't have built it himself.
KramersKlassyKustoms You suggested that the car was stock, far from it. As I said, nothing about the car is stock at this point. It's been completely rebuilt. Not to mention I have enough left over to build a second car. Just because you don't like the car doesn't mean it doesn't have value to me. What do you drive?
Thanks for being honest Eric on the costs.
You have a $36,000, $500 clunker.
What do you drive?
I have a lot of toys. Mostly because I didn't waste thousands of dollars on shit. This project with the same power goals could have been done for 4,000 or less. With no "friend" pricing. 36k you could have multiple 6/700 hp cars
Perhaps you're forgetting that all I need is an engine and I also have a Mustang. I realize you don't like the car, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have value to me. That said, you say lots of 'toys' but nothing specific. You sound more like a UA-cam wannabe that a real car collector with a statement like that.
I just popped over to his channel and he does indeed have lots of cool shit. I need a rat rod myself.
in your opinion, and you know what they say about opinions
Love this build! Glad to hear you're happy with the X-Mat; I'm considering it for my 1st gen MR2/supercharged 2GR swap.
It is magic when a dream becomes a reality. Well done man, and keep at it. Thanks
Honestly I'm glad Eric took this break. He doesn't sound as dim as he did during that time and seems a lot less stressed
I sure appreciate you Eric. The pull-a-part challenge has been a lot of fun to watch as well.
I went to UNOH for Diesel/AG/Auto. Good school, nice facilities. Great video, goes to show, double what you think it's gonna cost.
Eric,don't feel lonely. I own a 1980 Fairmont Futura that u love. I've changed it around several times. Currently im changing it around to look like a 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt. Its been fun hunting down the stuff to do it. You might want to conciser the Thunderbolt teardrop hood scoop to help disapate some of the heat under your hood. They are a cool looking hood scoop and do not look out of place on a Fairmont
Great job! You recognized a problem within yourself. You assessed the damage. You created a recovery plan and put it into action. Most importantly you followed through and have something to show for it.
You seem a lot happier,like you were pushing for a month on the throne and dropped a deuce of biblical proportions.
A lot of people will spend that and then some on a ridiculously over priced head shrink and have nothing to show but deeper uncertainty and self doubt.
Happy to see your happy
Eric, I wouldn't worry about what some of your viewers have to say about "too many Fairmont" videos. Some of your viewers including myself will watch these videos not just for the entertainment but also for the education, tricks and practices of putting together various bits of the car. Keep them coming in my opinion.
Don't worry, I have plenty of Fairmont videos for you in the pipeline. I just want to mix some other things in as well.
Of course it was worth it! In my 45 years of auto repair, I've built many for customers, as well as 3 drag cars, 2 trucks, 2 broncos & 2 or 3 jeeps- for myself. I don't regret any of them, they were my creation for me only- a price cannot be put on that, lol. I figured up a total on just 1, for fun & games, and i will never do that again. Scared the hell outta me, lol...
Once you get most of the issues worked out, & put it in service, ever time you drive it that warm fuzzy "i created this" feeling will be there!! All 3 of my drag cars were running small block fords, & i had the same issue with headers. Finally solved it- copper gaskets, thick bead of silicone, bring it to operating temp, & tighten em down again. Only way i could keep them from blowing out.......keep up the good videos, my dear!!
I loved the Fairmont Project videos. It was nice to see the whole process that wasn't super polished like on TV!
thanks, you have been an inspiration. I just got started on my Monte Carlo and I see sort of what you talking about with the expenses. it seems like you could never come up with a real estimate, because things always changing
As a mechanic myself I've always wanted to do the same project you've done a spectacular job yes I'd have gone with a self learning tbi but as you stated your car and I respect that. I've seen where carbs have been more effective than tbi. Anyhow great job and I am guessing a ball park of 50 to 60 k when that sweet spot is found stay dirty. Side note find a zinc compound to put between head and headers to slow or even stop galvanic seizing.
#worthit #builtnotbought #sleeper
I've been watching you build this thing from the beginning and am happy to see what it's become and just to have a channel like this! (so I don't have to spend that much--yet--on my own!)
I hope it brings you joy man. I hope the break from the other channel has given you a good rest and revitalised you. Hope all is well.
Ive watched loads of your videos and had no idea that thing had a custom engine and turbo kit. Outstanding
Love watching your videos cause you help keep the passion moving... and you make me laugh.
It's great that you're happy with it. Sleepers FTW!
Great to see your posting again. I think you might end up needing some cooling louvers in your hood to let the heat out. Or even some mesh cut outs. I think a slot cut out behind the radiator area might work the best. I understand that kinda wrecks the sleeper look but if its what the motor needs to function correctly then so be it I guess. I'd be interested to see what happens if you end up running EFI that would make the car stronger again. Cheers mate , good luck with it!!
I'm glad you're happy with your project Eric. the sucky thing about projects is if there ever comes a day where you want or have to part with it you'll be lucky to recoup 1/4 of your money
I agree. I never even considered resale while I was building the car. I have no regrets either.
I think you have done great on the prices. It's also one of those things, once you start it just keeps growing. "Well while I'm at it, let me add/ upgrade this and this..." haha.
Looking forward to those ETCG videos.
U have pride of doing a job that most people could not even consider trying most could not even complete a car
It takes more then what most guys have to complete a car from start to finish I know because I used to do body restorations it takes more then what most can muster to do it right it's the small steps that get forgotten and that will hurt Ur project
My favorite channel lately,
Wanna know what I think is funny... wait "INSPIRING" is a better word, is that you proved with your build, that no matter what you think it will cost, double it. And with your build Eric, not only did you have to double the cost, you had to do it at least TWICE!!!! with every step you took. Motor, Transmission, Rear end, Suspension, Brakes, Rims.... even the the studs for the lugnuts had to be bought twice. So that means quadrupling your first estimate is probably the cost you will endure.
Thanks for the great vids.
Nice summary, it's humbling to see how much it cost, for parts alone. Of course any analysis needs to consider all costs, including labor and building expenses. On the other hand, one could realistically consider your labor to be written off as part of the UA-cam job. Let's hope that you can get as much out of it as you put in! Sleeper cars like this are a niche market, and I wouldn't discount the emotion a new buyer might feel. It would be kind of cool to have a video record of all the repairs done on one's new car, especially one done by Ericthecarguy. Don't give it away, ha ha. Cheers!
Thanks for keeping going with the Fairmont videos! Great stuff.