Just a quick update - Working on many things but the one I want to share is the recon of the aircond and vents system. Really, this is one of those jobs that everyone could/should do. It's cheap in parts and the results will blow you away (ha!)
The photos are a mix of before and after - basically the vents system is split into 3 units, a blower unit with the main fan - this also controls recirculation. That leads into the air cond cooler (if fitted), and the final is the heater and diverter. The diverter is full of flaps that open and close to direct air to the desired vent system. One issue is these diverter flaps are covered with foam for sealing and in 20 yo cars this has turned into powder!... no sealing and a stink through the system. Also, the air cond cooler and heater both are finned arrangements (like radiators) - they collect crap overtime and become less and less effective -and stink too!... I took these both out and using both compressed air and careful use of high pressure water cleaned these to as good as new. All the rusty brackets were sand blasted and painted with rust proofing zinc paint. The diverters were all cleaned of all residue foam, rust, dirt etc and new high density foam applied. All sealing edges have been re-foamed with the correct size sealing foam. I carefully inspected all PCB's for dry joints and resolders all the headers for the wiring. On wiring, I replaced some wiring and re-loomed it all. All relays were replaced with OEM newbie’s...
Finally, all moving parts were greased with graphite grease and re assembled. End result is an Air cond/Vent system that is as good as if not better than new! ... AND - you all could do this in a weekend!....(but remember you will be de-gassing your air cond so take that into account).
Currently I'm wiring up the engine to the Ecu - ( BTW: LS2 Coil packs f'kn send you across the room when you energise them and discharge through your finger!!!) -As the car has gone to the paint shop I have the garage floor to layout all the wiring for the entire car, then replacing and testing will occur - should be able to test everything!!!....
Oh and just spent another motza on stereo gear! - watch out for a full Alpine RX Reference series system with dual subs (yep in an AW11) and over 2000 W of RMS POWER! - fun fun....