N_Jay

I am putting a 2002 front end on my 2000 2.8

So here is the dilemma;

Do I use the 2000 core with fan set up for a 2.8 (one mechanical and one electric)

OR . . .

Do I use the 2002 core (3.0) with the main electrical fan removed to allow air to flow for the mechanical fan

OR . . . .

Do I have to make a Franken-part to allow everything to work?

I would just use the 2000 core, but am afraid something on the facelift might need the new core (headlights, hood, fender mounts, etc.)

Any help would be appreciated.

N_Jay

Bump? Anyone??

Guesses?

N_Jay

After careful consideration, I am going with the pre-facelift core.
The critical issues seems to be;
1) the correct fan configuration for the engine.
2) the correct radiator configuration for the engine.
3) the correct front engine nub (or whatever that thing is called)

The parts that concern me are;
1) fitment of headlights
2) fitment of under-engine pan
3) any interference issues with hood

And away I go!

jcman

Good luck N_Jay!
Your project sounds very involved and un-chartered to most of us, it's just hard to say if the inter structures have the same bolt patterns and if the ecm and relays "if any" are going to allow two electric fans.

N_Jay

Well, I went with the 2.8 core support, so the fans, ecu, engine, etc. all match.

I was thinking I could probably get it to work by using the 2.8 fan electronics to run the small fan, and then building my own relay circuit to run the large one, but when I saw the nub on the engine was in a different spot, I decided to first try the easiest.

I had thought some here had done facelifts, but I guess not.

Now to B!tch about the darn Germans!

All the wiring for the core support leaves in the front left and goes to a collection of plugs. (Easy piezy), except first the holder for the plugs is a pain to get them loose from, . . . . .
THEN, . . . . . You find there is one wire bundled in that does not go to the core and instead returns to the engine. (Why it is bundled there is a mystery)
THEN ! ! ! ! ! You find one more wire going from the bottom of the core support to the right side. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course the connector for THAT (friggin) wire is buried deep and without being on a lift, I could not get to it!
So, I decided to just cut it, and I will either use butt connectors to put it back together, or maybe install my own connector for easy disconnection next time.

N_Jay

The single connection that leave the core support (A removable piece) on the right bottom comes from, . . . . Wait for it, . . . . Wait for it, . . . . .

. . . . . . . The bundle coming in on the left side.

Some design engineer decided that best way to get a wire from the right side of the engine to the left side of the engine, points that have both the body harness and the engine harness available, was to go across the core support.

I figured it out.

See, they hired an Italian as a design engineer to add more style, but HR screwed up and assigned him to wiring design.

N_Jay

Three months planning and getting parts, and three days working on it.

All ready to hang fenders and bumper.
Then just have to swap hood and doors.

The transition:
Thursday evening
Friday evening
Saturday Morning
Saturday afternoon (2)

N_Jay

Darn shower and a whiskey sour gave me a burst of energy.
Fenders hung, to be aligned tomorrow.
Then the bumper and hood.
One last mechanical thing is checking why I have the CEL.
Guessing that some O2 sensor wires got snagged in the tow.

N_Jay

A little late, but fenders are aligned and headlights mounted.
Went under to check the O23 sensor and found a big dent in it (and unfortunately a dented transmission pan).
This weekend (since I have been traveling all week) will be the O2 sensor fix and the bumper installed.
Next will be a new (used) Transmission pan and fluid change and then it is back to every day use.

N_Jay

Just to keep everyone informed, the difference in the Pre-and Post facelift lights is the edge that meets the hood.
The gap you see in the above picture is the difference between the pre- and post facelift lights and hood. The "grill" or nose of the post is just a bit wider.