Project Purple Passion Status Update

Project Purple Passion

(Pp) Status Update, summarizing the progress over the last two weeks, focusing on critical mechanical fixes and weight-reduction measures, as well as the ongoing exterior build.

1. Mechanical Recovery and Performance After facing severe issues with misfiring and almost no fuel pressure, the problem with Pp (1999 Dodge Ram Van 2500, 5.2L) was ultimately resolved. Diagnostics led to checking the fuel pump, ECM, and finally, replacing two faulty spark plug wires.

* Status:

Pp is now running exceptionally well, better than ever before.

2. Weight Reduction and Structural Work A major weight loss initiative was undertaken after discovering Pp was significantly overweight for legal road operation.

* Front-End Reduction: The extended front bumper, winch, and two auxiliary batteries were removed, saving approximately 300 lbs. A total of 1000 lbs was initially removed to get the van under the legal limit.

* exterior Weight-Saving:

Further weight reduction was achieved by replacing heavy exterior boards (originally 49 lbs) with much lighter alternatives (now 5 lbs).

This week October 20 -25

will be focused on finishing the sealing and painting of the lighter boards. I’ll also be finishing the back door to hold the spare tire and building a bay window. The bay window will be in the bathroom in the very back of PP. Finally, the wiring hooking up the back driving lights needs to be secured, and the turn signal relay needs to be replaced since it only works half the time.

And so much more to do.

Jg and the Ppt posse