1992 Autozam AZ-1 My Super Tiny Sports Car! Part 4

[@TomsTurboGarage]

I BROKE IT!! 😭 Thanks for watching folks! I started to try out KZbin's Premiere feature so I could chat with y'all while the video was going on but lots of folks pointed out how annoying that feature is and I agree. So here's the video now!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

The worst part of breaking my little car is that I'M MISSING OUT ON COOL FALL TURBO WEATHER!!!

[@shasal]

Lets be honest Tom; while it is kind of sad that the car is having a clutch issue, you have been kind of itching to take it apart/clean/fix up some bits and pieces

[@TomsTurboGarage]

@Jonas The Movie Thank you for the kind support sir, I appreciate it!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

@@shasal Haha! Maybe a little bit. :-D

[@zombokiler4462]

nice job. Mitch .

[@Legotruck82]

well while it's out, might as well do some "preventative maintenance" by replacing the cams with bigger ones, turbo.....with a bigger one......you never know what could break next, better upgrade some stuff to be on the safe side

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! You make a very strong point. :-D

[@tuckermoreland147]

i watched your entire thunderbolt build. i had a low mileage mazda like yours. 40k miles. cost 8 grand. quick .responsive and a pleasure to drive. also had a vw gti . quick little bugger. lost it once on a slow curve. tires screamed. turned around a time and a half and never left the road. lot like driving a go cart. just want to say you are a pro. your workplace is spotless. you take it to the smallest detail. only thing i can give you. if you want to have permanent trouble free electrical connections. never use compression. use solder. you use the right insulators but dissimilar metals cause a great deal of damage over time.. a soldered connection will last many years beyond a compression connection. it would take a lot of time. but it is absolutely the longest lasting alternative. big respect for you. love your videos .

[@ThePeanutGiant]

Much respect to all the youtubers who work on their cars and take the time to film it for us. Must take so much longer to finish the job at hand when you have to worry about catching it on camera. Love this lil car btw, must be great fun to drive.

[@CPS2]

Why do people have no respect for this unique little car to remain stock? 90% of the comments are like "yeah! Now you can put a nitro methanol v12 rocket warp engine in there!" No no no.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

I agree with you! I think this car is great in stock or very "near stock" condition. I think if folks drove it they would understand that the engine/drivetrain is an essential part of the character of this car.

[@thatguyb3rt]

This is my sentiment with my MK1 MR2, The original drive train is a huge part of the character of the car for me. I still consider swapping in a 20v 4age but that original 16v that I rebuilt just does something for me. Hard to explain.

[@TroskyD01]

a little turbo upgrade wouldnt hurt tho

[@CPS2]

@@TroskyD01 Exhibit A ^

[@TroskyD01]

@@CPS2 🤷

[@charliewolf7500]

I never even thought of using a deck wagon. I have been either been lowering the transmission onto my chest and crawling out or trying to balance the trans on a trolly jack. Same when re-installing. I have a Deck Wagon. Thanks for the tip. I too look on line for tutorials, specs, workshop manuals and diagrams to make the job easier. Thank you internet. I also need to invest in a lift. I suggest you invest in a Lithium Brushless Impact Wrench. It will change your life. I am disabled and it makes wrenching a pleasure instead of a pain. I have the Hitachi which doubles as an Impact Driver and Hammer Drill.

[@tavarish]

Wow! That looked super easy! I'll definitely use one of those in one of my engine-out jobs.

[@stephenrowley4171]

Super easy, barely an inconvenience

[@mikec1096]

Tom is a very good mechanic, that is why it looked easy.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Hi Tavarish! It was a very straightforward job, of course everything being "fun-sized" helps make it more manageable. Have a good one sir and great to hear from you!

[@wiliambanquiter8039]

Love to see my favs crossover!

[@gokuusf]

A wild Tavarish appears lol. Can't wait to see ya lambo get done dude. :D

[@buckorooster]

I understand your pain. Just a couple months ago my 1987 Mitsubishi Starion suffered rod knock after I started driving it for only half a year. Looks like you got a lot done in one day, hope everything goes smoothly, Tom

[@greathornedowl3644]

I worked at an Audi-Porsche-Landrover dealership and watching the Master Porsche mechanic drop the engine on a Porsche was masterful, like 6 bolts and onto an engine stand it went. Wheeled it over to his bench and sat on stool fixing. Perfect.

[@dzroc]

This channel should have way more followers than it has. Tom I really appreciate how clean you are with your work. Doing everything in a safe organized manner I love it brother I really do.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you for the kind words sir! 👍🏻

[@mimo5383]

Huzzah another AZ-1 video. Not only is the AZ-1 my favourite Kei car, but to have such a great channel covering the car in such detail is truly great. Please keep them coming!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir, glad you enjoy the videos!

[@arielsantos5749]

I really enjoy watching you work, you seem to be a professional mechanic or maybe at least attended some automotive classes. Anyway, you are one of the best builder in KZbin. Kudos, from the Philippines.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you for the very kind words and support all the way from the Philippines!

[@arielsantos5749]

Tom's Turbo Garage will go the US this year but Tennessee is not in the itinerary. Too far from the west coast. Would love to meet you and see your creations.

[@drakeorion94]

Perfect opportunity to clean everything perfectly!

[@nomadben]

You know Tom will!

[@TravisMeeks6]

Tom needs to be my life coach.. if i were working on that, i would have cussed like a sailor the entire time.. this dude even smiled at a few points... extraordinary.. lol

[@thegunbuilder]

Your dedication to all of these unique vehicles really shows in your videos. You really go the extra mile, and get the job done exactly as it should. I appreciate the attention to detail in your work! God bless Tom, and enjoy your day!

[@Ralph2]

Oh no this the video I never wanted to see. But I know you'll get her sorted and back on the road in short order. Meantime I cannot but marvel at the condition of all those 26 year old dirty bits. The mild steel chassis looks like new! That car is a beauty, you hang on to her.

[@fbcbxcfb]

I didn't want this episode to finish. It was so fun!

[@TheLiquidKnight]

Whatever you do, don't go on CoPart looking for a Hayabusa engine donor to fit in the AZ-1 and go scalping super cars on track days. ;-)

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha, yeah that would be a TERRIBLE idea. :-D

[@dangs4m230]

Ah finally! A good look at what powers this quirky little car. Hope the repair isn't too challenging!

[@saamtech]

I'm sorry the car broke down but I can't deny it made me happy to see you back in real business! Great video as always!

[@buncho888]

Great job! So good to see how it's done. You definitely don't want to cut any corners on repairs while the engine is out. Imagine having to do that multiple times to fix different problems.

[@jmirsp4z]

i bought a honda beat 3 weeks ago and i absolutely love it... finding winter tires has proved to be a challenge though..

[@matjames9672]

Oh no!! Tom! Noooooo! However, on the plus side, you got to show us the workings of that amazing little car. I feel your pain, but loved the video. Is that bad? Waiting for the next video when you work your magic and fix it! Nice work as always.

[@-_____-]

I like your ice cube tray trick, I think I'm gonna steal that idea for when I'm working on my Miata!

[@caseylyon6262]

I use muffin trays for a bigger and more stable tray.

[@numinous4789]

While you're in there, time for a mild turbo upgrade, bigger exhaust, etc., right? XD

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha!

[@brokenacoustic]

@@TomsTurboGarage I didnt hear a 'no'!

[@dzroc]

Sounds like a yes to me lol atleast a little porting? Maybe turbo wheel upgrade?

[@big4g63t]

A little upgrade goes along way with such a little car....hmmmmm.

[@saracen7774]

Forged pistons amd add more boost.lol..u got a rocket ship.lol

[@charliewolf7500]

Wow. It is so much easier to work on my Porsche Boxster S. Similarly, it has an Engine Access Panel behind the seats, however, you also have full access via the Top Engine Hatch and undernieth. I too was tossing up between AZ-1, Cappuccino, Beat and SLK before settling on the Boxster S. I have done a full Alternator replacement in under 20 mins, Clutch replacement in a few hours and many, many mods. I have only recently started to post videos and am still learinig to edit. Thank you for entertaining and sharing.

[@MmmMmm-vc8jz]

Sorry bit late watching this video tom, love your work and videos. Shame they are few and far between now. Keep up the great work and I look forward to the next positive and informative upload

[@desertfresh3740]

"it's a thing you could do" ROFL! Love your humor, Tom.

[@scotchbudmeister9018]

Nice Tom! Lots of cleaning/detailing/maintenance potential with the engine out of it. For now it looks like a mid-engine deck wagon.

[@antonyingram]

Didn't see this update coming! Great job though, really looking forward to watching the next episode.

[@brianjoyce9040]

Awesome little ride. Petite. Look forward to next step

[@philsayer9797]

No seized bolts? WOW! The underside looks super-clean, as does the rest of the car! Looking forward to a whole 'mini-series' of repairs and upgrades!!! :D

[@TomsTurboGarage]

I know! The bolts removed from the subframe looked like new. I’m very thankful of the condition that this car is in! Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@JayLang7]

Tom the way you wrench is great to watch !, if you aren’t a mechanic you def should’ve been 1 lol, 👍🏻👌🏻👏👏🙌🏻

[@touristguy87]

I like that quick-release lever system that you've installed, that allows you to drop the entire engine and suspension out inside of 5 minutes. Schweet!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! That said I don't want to do this again anytime soon!

[@dumpsterstu4474]

Love dropping engines it's an easy process it's putting it back that is the true art. My prediction is that the stock exhaust is not going back on.. do the potato mod for more power. Put a ball at the end of a straight pipe best power adder out there. Just no busa motors. I enjoyed your video.

[@joannaatkins822]

What an Exciting Midship Coupe! Kudos on a very tidy and complete job AND video :D Edited to point out that you might benefit from a good quality set of kneepads. It's amazing how much being marginally more comfortable can make a job less of a chore and more of a breeze. Thanks again for such amazing content and good luck completing the job!

[@ConwayT91]

Great video Tom!! with the brake discs flipped up like that, it reminded me of the flying back to the future DeLorean!

[@joannaatkins822]

It needs a Flux Capacitor for next halloween!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! Thank you sir! This car 100% needs a Mr. Fusion and Flux Capacitor!

[@Blasterxp]

Good to see good old handtools. You don't need a drill for everything

[@BVM03]

I love your organization Tom! I have my own tiny mid engined car, Honda k24 swapped '88 Fiero GT and a k20 swapped 87 GT. The taillights on your AZ1 have given me some ideas!

[@Sparkee159]

Man, you are like the Bob Ross of DIY car channels!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! I just need the Bob Ross hairdo!

[@woopimagpie]

Great stuff. Currently facing the job of dropping engine & subframe out of the wife's Honda CRV. I wish everything on that car was as small as the AZ-1...... you've inspired me though, the pallet-jack and pallet is a great idea, might try that. Don't think that little metal cart would support the weight of a 4WD subframe....

[@eurobeatmachinist732]

11:05 that camber tho🤔😂

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! Indeed!

[@DStabs720]

Next video: AZ-1 K swap! I love how you label everything. It makes my OCD happy!

[@shaeet]

if it is anything like my old Mazda MX-3 V6, it uses a metal arm to engage/disengage the clutch. inside the bellhousing is a pivot ball that screws in. I sheared mine off once while coming home and i couldn't get out of gear since the clutch wouldn't pivot the release bearing. Not sure if that is what your AZ1's issue is but its one of the first things you can look for once you pop it off the engine.

[@WhatnotSoforth]

Nice job man! I'm sorry to hear you had a boo-boo though. That little cart is basically how we got the engine out of my Fiero. Disconnect stuff, lower it down and rest the cradle on some floor dollies, unbolt it and lift the carriage away. Of course there were a couple less steps since the exhaust comes away with it though. And it's always harder to put things back together once they are loose, damn you entropy! Yep, middies are nicely packaged. :) That thing is so small and *SO CUTE*! Twin Cam 12 woot woot! lol Reminds me of when my dad reminisced about working on a Simca (in America! wtf?!) and how he would unbolt the engine, and literally pick it up and take inside the house to work on. He said the lifters were just steel cups that the pushrods sat in, and it would rev over 11k all day long. He had two carburetors for it, one would go 55 mph top speed and the other could maybe get 65 with a slight tailwind. The bodywork was about as thin as a Pepsi can too, you could dent it with your finger lol. And it only had three lug nuts per wheel. Also it's really interesting that the AZ-1 uses tie rod ends to keep the rear knuckles aligned. That was the system that the 84-87 Fieros used too. The 88 used cradle-mounted non-adjustable inline rods that rotated along the lower A-arm axis which kept the wheel true when the suspension was loaded in a turn. The previous models obviously were not stable along suspension traversal and had oversteer issues as the suspension was loaded. It was fine for me, but it could get squirrelly when under very hard braking and trying to dodge an obstacle. I'm sure you'll be able to feel it and keep it under control, though. Be safe!

[@nessumsar]

Simple tip for you: Stop using pickle forks to remove tie rod ends and ball joints. Just loosen the castle nut, and smack the upright with a small sledge hammer. The shock with break the taper loose and they'll come right apart; bonus is you won't damage your boots.

[@chrisrobert5872]

Wish you would do a Fiero build! They are amazing platforms but get so little love from most auto enthusiasts. L67 swaps are super easy and make them a blast!

[@eknadeau8070]

That was one day!?! Dude, I spent 4 hrs today just trying to replace the battery and swap terminals on my Figaro! Successful, but not without a spark and a few trips to Advance Auto!

[@Jonky98]

Love your work and having a lift, midship exiting

[@Jonky98]

Love your work and having a lift, midship exiting Love your work and having a lift, midship exciting

[@gtpdz]

Nice video as usual Tom! Btw really like the Katsukabe license plate!

[@LasseHuhtala]

Always happy to see a Tom's play time update. ^^

[@randomname839]

Not sure what everyone’s on about with the “premiere”, but enjoyed the video as any other!

[@acoffeewithsatan]

Best of luck getting it to run nicely again! Perhaps you could take the opportunity to do some possible maintenance work on the engine, paint the valve covers to match the body or even take the engine off the subframe and powder coat it (the subframe, that is).

[@michaelcinco1199]

6:45 - TOM’s TRAP HOUSE GARAGE!!!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

🤫😀

[@michaelcinco1199]

Tom's Turbo Garage Haha you’re slight with the background music. Keep it up! 🔥

[@wiliambanquiter8039]

I knew somebody else noticed!

[@corey3642]

This is such a cool car. If I saw this and almost any exotic at cars and coffee, I'd definitely be more interested in this

[@rhilton1881]

Another interesting video, Tom! Like you said, the mid engine cars have a number of advantages, but accessibility to the mechanical parts are not one of them! Too bad you have to drop the engine to be able to work on the clutch. Well, you've got the lift and a lot of great tools, so you're in good shape to find an fix the problem. Here's hoping that it's not TOO serious! Waiting for the next installment... Rick

[@adman6380]

great vid as always , If you have the space id recommend making or buying a heavy duty workbench on heavy duty castor wheels then you could have it higher to put the engine/subframe things in the future and then have a higher surface to work on them as well as maybe making standing or sitting under the lift for the last few bolts an option rather than laying on the floor. Save your body/back.

[@martinultimatevw3779]

Love to see the transmission and clutch assembly. And of course cleaning it all up the Tom way 👌👍 keep it stock but give it a good tuneup.. parts are hard to find i think. My favorite project and youtuber! Cheers

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you for the very kind words sir!

[@AntonBabiy]

Thanks for reuploading as a normal video. It's just more straightforward for the viewers and you also don't loose a bunch of views as other creators noticed when using premiere 👍

[@TomsTurboGarage]

You're welcome sir! It's what I get for listening to dumb KZbin. I just liked the sound of chatting with folks in realtime.

[@AntonBabiy]

@@TomsTurboGarage The idea itself does sound good indeed but for me (I don't know if it's device dependent) on premier just like on live stream I get significantly worst video quality and often the video just starts buffing forever. Strange Parts (youtuber with over 1M subs) tried premier and he flopped his views on that video big time and even made a video about it. If you want to chat with folks try doing a live stream, I'm sure many would love that :)

[@eppyz]

I think this whole video is a ruse for Tom to really figure out how to drop in an LS1 hehe👍👍👍👍

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! I could definitely make it fit...I would just have to ride on top :-D

[@InitialDIYmods]

HAHA the fitment of your tiny engine in your tiny car is like my 4g63 in my Mini X-D Can't wait to find out what you broke man

[@eformance]

I did a brake job and front axles on my Dad's Nissan XE V6 without turning a single wrench...powah tools FTW!

[@mikec1096]

thanks for the video! sorry about the failure.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you Mike! Yeah, it bummed me out at first but got more fun as things went.

[@curtisbarker5657]

Key note on preserving rare collectible automotive oddities is to resist the temptation to drive them. Especially when you know good and well you can't dart out to the automotive parts house and find all the bits you need. The problem we have here is such as this. You can't keep your fingers off the prize

[@SkyLinMegas]

Excellent... Definitely gonna try that wagon cart idea when I drop my mr-2 engine this coming month

[@mgbrv8]

Okay port and polish blueprint and balance time oh and have that tiny turbo balanced also 😉

[@MLeeder53]

now begins toms over the top cleaning a fixing process! Cant wait!! :)

[@ALAPINO]

An interesting take on the *Descarte* philosophy to dropping the power train. ;)

[@kyleg112]

Seems like a good space for a motorcycle engine that sweet sequential shift and super high rpms perfect in this wee car

[@drewqqq]

Might have helped to mark the wheel position on the floor of the little green wagon to assist in realigning. Yes, I want to see more orange tape used!

[@CarPhonix]

This is great! Thanks for the guide! We’re doing this to ours :)

[@TomsTurboGarage]

You’re welcome! Good luck, it’s not a bad job at all. 👍🏻

[@04dram04]

That car looks so cool in that nice garage

[@oldbuddyhouse]

Love it, Tom! Take my 1.0 eco boost 3 cyl. for a swap. With an ecu re-map it put down 138 whp and 182 lb/ft torque in my Fiesta. Sacrilege, but would be very fast.

[@jasonyoung6420]

And I thought it was tough & time consuming doing a clutch job on my WRX.... LS SWAP IN-BOUND!

[@AntonBabiy]

Are you planning doing some minor performance upgrades like you've done on the figaro? Like removing exhaust restrictions and unnecessary emissions equipment cause it seems like this is a great excuse to do it😉

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Hi Anton, I may depending on what all I tore up in regards to the transmission. I don't want to fall too far down the "modification downward spiral" but a few more horses would be nice! "-D

[@Fackler91]

@@TomsTurboGarage please do!!!

[@Onhaey]

Tom I see all the time you spend with the ratchet taking out bolts. You should look into the Milwaukee m12 ratchets. I have the 3/8 non fuel one but it’s perfect and saves a lot of time

[@ShadowOfTheZone]

Oh no! This is my biggest fear for when I bring my Honda Beat back to the US. Parts can be so hard to find for kei cars! Best of luck getting it back on the road.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir! Yes, it’s always a concern, but I have to think this was a fluke problem/failure of some sort. I’ll know soon once I tear into it.

[@flowersnaught9380]

Friend has an alto works rsr. Can confirm its impossible to find parts

[@chrisred87]

Those Vessel JIS drivers are amazing, I love mine some of the best money I ever spent!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

I totally agree, love em!

[@mrpetit2]

When you use the picklefork to seperate the balljoint (6:55), dont you damage the rubber boot? I always use a puller for that unless the balljoint is worn and I'm replacing it.

[@bubbaskywalker3129]

Can't wait for the tear down!

[@mattmcdonough707]

Tom are you planning a modification to the power plant while you have it out?

[@LukeTheJoker]

Looking forward to the next episode!

[@borilopez8581]

Wow!! welcome back Tom i really enjoy the video thanks for share men.

[@BillyCiano]

Part 5 - How to shoe-horn a 4G63T into an Autozam!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! It would stick out the sides by about 6-8 inches on either side 😀

[@all-flat-engines]

FYI an ATV/Motorcycle jack works if you don’t have a lift

[@mushfiqchoudhury537]

Love your videos. They’re the best on KZbin.

[@DirtyDane14]

You are obviously way more of a professional with cars than I am, but it may help to outline where that mat is and where the wagon wheels were for easier re-installation. I could absolutely be wrong, but it my mind it sounds like it may make things easier.

[@reneneron2971]

Tom, enjoy the channel...is it a hydraulic clutch set up? Did you verify that you still had hydraulic fluid in the system? Often the clutch slave or flex line can leak and, if run dry, no clutch...and a lot easier to fix than dropping the entire engine, On my MR2's, you learn to drop the engine and tranny while leaving the clutch slave in the car (they are hard to bleed). Last, get yourself a cordless 3/8" powered ratchet. It will save you so much time, particularly where access is limited, and many have lights as well.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir! It's a cable setup, I wish it was hydraulic. I like power tools and have a bunch of them, but also enjoy the tactile feedback of wrenches and ratchets. I guess I'm weird that way.

[@flyonbyya]

My son remembers where everything goes...no matter how complex... I’m a labeler like you...

[@nomadben]

Nice video Tom. Hope you get 'er back on the road soon!

[@1776mikew]

Im surprised you didn't put tape on the floor to mark where your cart tires where so you can line it up easier when its time to reinstall.

[@MiguelGonzalez-me5fs]

Ive been a mwchamic for 15 years and i will tell u that u do great work , love all your cars .if i may ask what in hell do u do for your career

[@Tudds]

What a cute exhaust system 😍

[@guuuu666]

If you're planning on using the A/C, please plug the lines and compressor ports, moisture is a real SOB. Unless you're planning on servicing the dryer, expansion valve and flushing the system.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thanks for the tip on this.

[@guuuu666]

@@TomsTurboGarage No, thank you for taking me on the "Epic Dragon Wagon Space Fly By Near KZbin Super friends" ;-)

[@TomsTurboGarage]

@@guuuu666 Best reference ever!! Hard to believe that was so long ago already. Thank you for the awesome support all these years sir!

[@richardculbertson8027]

You sir are such a tease lol we need hour long videos from you tom as your content always rocks

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you Richard, I just made the video as I go. This is where I left off, I have no idea what is tore up with the transmission yet. I hope to find out sometime this week.

[@buaan]

Thanks, Tom. Really enjoyed the vid!

[@cratecruncher6687]

I love small mid-engine cars. I have a stock X1/9 that would look huge next to your AZ-1. I might have to get one once the asking prices stabilize.

[@Andrew-ms2xh]

I love that your videos have character

[@VelocityLabs]

3:57 Sounds like my date last night.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha! IN-N-OUT!!

[@stereolababy]

i bet he enjoyed it

[@bensetter7894]

Perfect chance to give it a full service and maybe some upgrades