Hugh's 1987 505 STX V6 Project

6 minute(s) of a 40 minute read

Well, here we are in 2023 and this project has not moved forward at all in the interim.  Apart from the fact that I've run the car regularly and it basically hasn't deteriorated at all since the last time I posted, I have essentially nothing new to report.  But, with a new job has come (finally) the financing to move ahead with some of my car projects.  And I think it's time I did something with this one.  So, a couple of days ago I sat down and thought about what I'd really like to accomplish with this car.  I know I want forced induction.  I know I want it to remain a PRV V6.  I know I want to retain the Peugeot suspension and ABS.  Starting from there, I put together a build plan, and I've attached it here.

Key to the success of this plan is using parts and pieces that I mostly already have, so as to keep costs and delays down.  For example, I already have two spare Eagle Premier 3.0L engines.  Things like a new clutch and new brake pads I will have to source from Europe or the UK most likely, although I still see things pop up on eBay from time to time.  The SDS engine management system is going to be the most expensive part of this project, fully 20% of the budget.  But finally I actually do have a budget, and the means to move ahead with this.

Changes to the plan will be minor from this point on.  Mission creep is the enemy of progress.  This car needs to be on the road.  I brought it home from California in 2015 and a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

Disassembly is the first step, and if the weather is good then I'll begin that in about a week.

1-20-2023

Well, when I got the car the AC was already partially removed, so I'm just going to finish the job.  I suppose I could add all that weight and plumbing back in, but I'm not inclined to; I can live without it.  The only problem is that all Premiers had AC so the serpentine belt drive is set up for the compressor, mounted on the RH side valve cover.  I haven't really looked into what I'd have to do to make that work without it.  In the end it might actually be simpler to just reinstall the AC.  That said, I'd almost rather relocate the alternator up there, away from the exhaust, where it should stay cleaner and cooler.  I know I want to make use of the serpentine belt drive in any case.  It's a nice update for the 505.  It was one of the reasons I decided on the Premier engine, the others being the slight bump in displacement and the hydraulic cam followers.

1-21-2023

Yep

1-22-2023

That's a Premier engine, all right.  I recognize the valve covers.  But the induction system intrigues me.  I wonder what he did there.  I've met John in person, and I've seen his car.  In the course of our visit, however, I didn't get a chance to really examine his 504 as my time was limited.  I picked up some extra V6 stuff he had and was on my way.  But I do have an invitation to come visit again, so I think that's definitely something I'll have to do.  And this time I'll ask a few more questions.

1-23-2023

To be honest, it's not that I'm worried about the task.  I think most AC parts are pretty standard and I'm sure I can find what I need if I'm so inclined.  The issue is that I dislike all the extra weight and plumbing that goes with AC systems and clutters up the engine bay.  My idea with going with manual windows, mirrors, and door locks is to make the systems simpler and lighter.  AC is very nice on a hot day, it's true.  But this isn't a DD; it's a fun car for my own enjoyment and I'd like to make the front end lighter and get the weight distribution closer to that magic 50/50 number.  Fitting a lighter battery is also on that list.  The PRV engine is heavier than the XN6, so every little bit helps.  Plus I really dislike where Peugeot put the alternator on the V6 cars.  It gets soaked in oil and road grime down there.  Anyway, that's why I'm thinking about deleting the AC in this case.

Same thing with going with a manual glass moonroof or even a fixed one - that's weight up high that acts against the car in a corner, so I want to minimize it.  I draw the line at re-engineering the Peugeot suspension because to me that's a huge part of what makes it a Peugeot in the first place, but I can help that suspension out by removing some weight that works against it.

When I get around to building a 604, that car will have AC and power everything, but it will be a little more focused on creature comforts than this STX.

The 504s had, IIRC, a manual sunroof mechanism that involved a hand crank ahead of the sunroof opening, didn't they?  The existing 505 sunroof mechanism is said to be prone to failure over time thanks to its cable, while the 604 setup is much better although the sunroof motor is mounted in the ceiling and so adds weight up there.  I am still looking at options, but I think just a very simple tip-up arrangement that can also be removed entirely would be the lightest.

You're quite right about the glass being heavier.  I'll either stick with the steel panel, or more likely use tinted polycarbonate or something similar.