Hello everyone,

I haven't posted on these forums for a good couple of years. It's been a long time. Too long.

You might remember my project car. It's a 4A-GTE powered ADM AE86. I spent a lot of money on it too. A half decent suspension setup, Tarago diff with TRD 2way, W58 with cushioned button clutch... the works. The engine wasn't just your run-of-the-mill 4A's with a cheap turbo bolted on either. AE101 4AGZE, only 36,000kms on it, bits and pieces reco'd all over, with a brand new turbo which was essentially an aftermarket version of an S14 turbo (GT2560R if I remember correctly). I got it to the stage where it'd start, albeit with a lot of smoke... the base map on the Microtech was very rich.

If it wasn't for my signature, I would never have guessed I had started this project nearly 5 years ago now. Don't ask me where the time's gone. Life got in the way. I decided to go all professional and try and do something with my life. I finished uni at the end of 2009, but got a girlfriend before that... we've been together nearly 4 years now. 2 weeks ago she gave birth to my daughter Aurora. I've got a job now with a News Ltd business unit now and nearly 2 years ago I bought a house. I've got a pretty sweet shed now (6x6x3m) filled with my 86, and pretty much most things you'd expect in a home workshop, plus a bit more. Everything from a basic tool set through to a AC/DC tig welder and a 15hp generator.

I believe I've made sufficient headway for a 24 year old to have a bit of fun, and reopen an old project that got away. Besides, I think I need to do this otherwise I'm going to go fkn nuts. I need some fun.

This isn't a request for handouts, I mostly need advice. It's been so long that I don't know what's the best way to finish all the parts that need finishing. I don't have a lot of money at the moment but I would like to have a plan of action so I know what money I need to finish her. Here's the things I'm not happy with that I need help with.

Fuel system: My silly ADM carbie fuel system wasn't going to cut it so I started replacing it. I don't like how it's sitting now though, as I know it won't pass engineering and I'm sure a better solution has come up since. What's the best idea for a street legal(ish) 4AGTE these days?

Gearbox crossmember: I've got an AE101 block, Niteparts bellhousing, W58 and a one-piece tailshaft. I've got a custom plate-metal crossmember now but it's hanging too low. I also believe that I need a more suitable shifter. What do I do here to make this suitable?

Speedo drive: Mine was rusted out and I need something to go between the W58 and my dash. What do?

Seats: I stupidly threw out my originals (okay, they weren't the greatest in the first place) and butchered the rails trying to make a set that went on an aftermarket Autobarn $400 pair, that were way too big. What's a suitable and economical solution to putting seats in?

There's a few other little bits and pieces that need doing too but these are the main points. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anyone in the Redlands (east/bay side of Brisbane, south of the river) that would want to come over and have a look, or even lend a hand?

Help me AE86DC, you're my only hope.