Astina BA Hatch Engine Rebuild + more

[Fez323]

Hey all, as some of you know I own a Mazda Astina Hatch BA. In many months of planning etc everything is now being taken into action. As any project would have the ups and downs I'll do my best to recall it all.

So in 2008 (September/October) it was decided that I'll have my first car as I am close to completing my SC (school certificate). Problem was deiciding what car to own. So like many P platers (or soon to be in my case as I was still on my L's) I wanted the typical Lancer, Pulsar SSS, Civic (VTEC BROO!!) etc. I always like Jap cars from the beginning though.

How the Astina came into mind I suppose it would've been from the time where my parents and I went to Malaysia for holidays (meeting up with the family etc) they had rented a Mazda Astina BA. My dad always said how well controls, decent power etc, but the best thing of all I wanted to be unique from other P platers, and not many P platers own a Mazda Astina furthermore modify it like your typical P plater cars. So the search for a BA astina began... (at that time all I knew was the shape not the BA bit or all the series (1-3) or the cylinders, but i guess I loved 4 cyl more.

So during the hunt for the Astina ( had to be manual as I never wanted to drive an automatic vehicle) we ended up at some suburb close to the airport (can't recall it atm will edit when i remember), and there it was a nice 1.8 BA Hatch Astina Dark blue, the car of my dreams. Considering that I was still on my L's at that time my dad will be doing the test drive of it, and wow i loved every single bit of it (nice and low bucket seats). So it was decided that will be my first car.

So my dad went ahead and put a deposit on it ($50) and since we knew where the guy lived, and he was quite convincing about the bit where he is selling the car for his newborn we didnt bother asking for a receipt.

Next do you know when we were going to arrange a time to pick the car up he never picks up his phone for many days etc. Through alot of hassle we decided to not bother with this Astina and start looking for another one.

After looking at several places on the we found an Astina with 172,???km on the clock. To cut a long story short the guy was asking for $5,500+ and after bargaining it down we got it for $4500 and all the paperwork was done that day. Sadly I dont have any pictures of it then, if I do though I will upload it for sure.

So while completing my L's with the astina and killing the clutch so it had to be replaced :p the engine started blowing alot of smoke, after finding out what was the cause of it I found out it was the valve stem seals that were worn. So instead of rebuilding it we replaced the motor for $500.

Then came the time where I had passed my test and now a Red P-Plater, after a few months of holding my licence, i've got the simple modifications done to it which will be in my next post. Hope you liked my super long intro about me getting a car :p

[Fez323]

So the modifications began... As i'm always looking for useful stuff of ebay and other websites for my car I happen to come past a rear strut brace for $40 off ebay. So that was definately a bargain for me so I bought it. Having to cut out parts of the trim etc it turned out good, and I cant complain about it at all as it only cost me $40 :) I'll add some pictures up showing it soon. :eek: Oh nearly forgot during the easter long weekend in 2009 I had removed all my trims in the car and resprayed it black and red to suit the outside. It cost me around $350 worth of paint and 4 days of pure work and is really worth it.



http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/P1010076.jpg




Then the simple stuff which is my dear 17" Lenso Type M wheels, King Springs (super low i think, either way it was a 2" drop). Also had a simple sound system to top it up, JBL sub, amp and speakers. I'm not too fussy with my sound system as long as I feel the bass and can hear my music decent loud thats all I need. Not knowing that I would be doing any modifications to my engine I had install a 2inch cat back cannon exhaust. Looked nice thats all i needed. Then I got my awesome red custom plates ( did you know red makes your car go faster :p )


http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/P1010103.jpg

Next post will be on the reason why I decided to rebuild the engine.

[Clean_Cookie]

sounds ALOT like me same prices and everything! good to see some pics and whatnot :) btw make a worklog NOW - kinda wished i did but then again thought that they were the same mods as everyone else... looking back when the insurance guy last week asking about a crash which happened 18mths ago and not my fault i had all the info in PM's etc but was annoying to fid. a worklog would have made this at least a little easier :) and gives a good history if you want to sell it to someone who wants a modified one!

btw how awesome would it look if you could paint the centre of the steering wheel red too!

[Fez323]

So after a few months of driving and living :p I started realising my idle dropped everytime i engaged the clutch. It was always doing that but not to the extent where the motor dies. I knew something wasnt right. After asking around finding more info about it I was told that the clutch thrust bearing wasnt replaced with my clutch, so since i'm alot more better driving manual compared to what I was I thought i might as well change my whole clutch kit to some performance one.

So it ended up being a Exedy Heavy Duty Cushion Button clutch kit. At the same time (this all was around Jan 2010) I had a short shifter installed (not sure what brand). Also replacing the rear main seal as it was leaking. Only to find that it was close to impossible to put it into gear and it was still leaking. The guy said that it will take a while to wear in but my problem of the idle drop was still happening.

Being curious if he even did put a proper clutch in it (with the pressure plate thats made for it) I asked for the part number. After receiving the part number i searched it only to find its a clutch meant for a Diesel Asia vehicle (the manufacturer is Asia). So i took it back and got into a bit of an arguement and told him to put the right clutch kit it and fix the leak.

Got the car back found no leaks at the rear main seal, gears were going in smoothly but idle drop was still there. But like always another problem will occur this time it was my crankshaft seal that was leaking like crazy (by crazy i'm talking about 0.5 litres a day with 2x 15min drives and it leaving a puddle whever it stops). Possibility was that the guy had damaged it on purpose while replacing my clutch with the proper kit ( i also found out 2 months ago that there was cig buds in my coolan overflow bottle which i knew wasnt there last year ) I was certain that he had placed the cig buds in there but meh what can I do.

Reason I said a possibility that he damaged my crankshaft seal is that I found that my thrust washers were worn. Which results in excessive crankshaft play A.K.A crankwalk and leads to my belts being loose, now I know. On top of that having a performance clutch in it adds the pressure on the crankshaft which possibly ripped the seal. It was certain that the thrust washers are worn but a worn input shaft bearing may have a cause in this issue.

Thinking about replacing it with another engine isnt exactly in mind as the engine I had put in was supposedly to have 36,000km. Then rebuilding the engine isnt cheap and engine conversions wasnt exactly easy with a 4cyl on top of the cost so with my brain being like a pinball machine it was decided that I will be rebuilding the motor with all performance in it so i spent a few months (feb-april) on researching and learning about all the parts in the engine etc and finally today have received the final lot of parts which is my pistons. Next post will be on engine modifications

[project.r.racing]

The idle issue has nothing to do with the clutch. A common issue with age of these engines is the Idle Air Contorller (IAC). It gets dirty, and doesn't work properly. Lots of thread about it in the mech section.

[Fez323]

The idle issue has nothing to do with the clutch. A common issue with age of these engines is the Idle Air Contorller (IAC). It gets dirty, and doesn't work properly. Lots of thread about it in the mech section.

I had thought about that too however it isnt as there is too much crankshaft movement as the thrust washers are worn. The symptoms of the thrust washers being faulty is taking a right hand turn sharply and then not being able to engage the clutch, and a few others which i've forgotten at the time being :p

[Fez323]

sounds ALOT like me same prices and everything! good to see some pics and whatnot :) btw make a worklog NOW - kinda wished i did but then again thought that they were the same mods as everyone else... looking back when the insurance guy last week asking about a crash which happened 18mths ago and not my fault i had all the info in PM's etc but was annoying to fid. a worklog would have made this at least a little easier :) and gives a good history if you want to sell it to someone who wants a modified one!

btw how awesome would it look if you could paint the centre of the steering wheel red too!

Yeah wished I made a worklog earlier but nothing much to talk about as the whole thing was going slow and uncertain haha, but now all into action which is good =) Yeah I'll add some pics, in my next post i'll talk about the parts etc thats going in, and damn thats annoying about the insurance guy situation.

[Fez323]

So it was decided the motor will require rebuilding, so I was researching, ordering parts, installed some, and spent months on this (cant even remember what other things i did besides researching) probably another reason why I didnt make a worklog ealier as I wouldnt have enough time to update it.

Anyway about the engine rebuild, nothing much to talk about it except my mate works a a performance shop and knowing that with my engine at that place I will be certain that a good job would be done etc with peace of mind. So I knew where I'll be sending the car for all the works.

Now on with the list of what I am changing:

-0.04" oversized CP pistons (was meant to be Wiseco but as it was going to take too long i got upgraded to CP for free, includes rings etc)

-Stage 2 Camshafts

-ARP Head Studs

-Walbro fuel pump (kit)

-Larger Injectors

-ACL racing bearings (main, thrust and rod bearings)

-Eagle Rods "ESP" H Beam

-Fidanza Aluminium flywheel

-Underdrive CNC aluminium crankshaft pulley

-Adjustable cam gears

-Supertec 1mm overbore valves (intake and exhaust)

-Supertec Dual valve springs+ retainers

-Adjustable fuel regulator

As it isnt hard to replace the injector and fuel pump I had done it at home before sending the car off to the shop.

PICS!!!

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Mostoftheparts.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Walbrofuelpumpkit.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Walbro255lphfuelpump.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Walbrofuelpumpwith320ccinjectors.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Stage2Camshafts.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/IntegralCamshafts.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Oversizedvalvesdualvalvesprings.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Fidanzaaluminiumflywheel.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/EagleRodsBox.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/EagleRodsAclracingbearings.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Crankshaftpulley2.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Crankshaftpulley1.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/CrankshaftAluminiumpulley.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/CPPistonBox.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/CPSinglePiston.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/CPPistons.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/CPPistonrings2.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/CpPistonRings.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/ARPHeadStudBox.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/ARPHeadStuds.jpg

[Fez323]

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/AdjustableFuelpressureregulator.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/AdjustableCamgears.jpg


At the same time of delivering the car off it started making a really loud knocking sound, so sadly i couldnt get the dyno readings before the rebuild. At the same time of getting my car towed to the shop I had removed the cannon exhaust and replaced it with a system which is 4-2-1 extractors, high flow cat, high flow resonator and hooker muffler. Sadly with a 2 1/4 inch pipe it was way to loud and wont pass rego and attract attention from everywhere (which i dont want too) I had to go back to a 2 inch pipe but even so it is alot more better then my old system.

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Newextractors.jpg

I'll get more pics added on the exhaust system when I get my car back and have it up on the hoist.

[Fez323]

Besides all the modifications I've talked about so far, an aggressive port and polish will be done on the head and port matching it to the intake manifold and extractors (which is why i had to do the exhaust system before sending it). I'll also have the head shaved, crankshaft knife edged, grinded and balanced along with the flywheel and clutch.

All that is left now is the standalone ECU that I will be using which most probably be the Haltech (not too sure which one just of yet).

[Fez323]

Well since I know that I wont be having the car at home, feels kinda useless on wasting the time not doing anything. Also since the car was going to get towed away not having a front bumper wouldnt be an issue therefore pictures will explain more than words:


http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Nofrontbar.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Frontbarmissing.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/FrontBar.jpg


http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Prepforfrontbar2.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Rearreflectorpaneloverlaycoat.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/BlackLights.jpg








Pictures of stock engine bay :p

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/Astine%20Engine/Stockoldengine.jpg



Wished there was a way to make all this images smaller =/ Sorry guys

[Fez323]

Long story cut short, when the car started making the weird knocking sound it was because the thrust washers were completly screwed up and the whole engine is ruined. So I wont be using that motor for the rebuild sadly. Good thing is I've always had a spare motor at home which I had stripped a while ago to learn the internals of it, only difference is that it says BP 2 instead of BP 1. But the guys said it should fit and they'll check etc. I'll upload some pics of my car missing a engine tomorrow as I didnt have my camera with me today. So now my worklog is updated to where I stand now. :)

[Clean_Cookie]

brilliant.

[mkid]

this is pretty cool mate
keep it going

[project.r.racing]

-0.04" oversized CP pistons
-Stage 2 Integral Camshafts
-320cc Injectors
-Fidanza Aluminium flywheel
-Supertec 1mm overbore valves (intake and exhaust)
-Supertec Dual valve springs+ retainersi would love the specs on these items.
costs?
supplier?

looks like alot of ebaying there.

[Cosmo Dude]

Those pistons look like the ones 7ONYD posted in the random question thread.

[Fez323]

Those pistons look like the ones 7ONYD posted in the random question thread.

Same brand just the top of it is different, i originally ordered Wiseco pistons of a certain US website (i'll get a link if anyone is interested, i'm on laptop atm so no links here).

[Fez323]

i would love the specs on these items.
costs?
supplier?

looks like alot of ebaying there.


http://www.integralcams.com/

Injectors are exactly the same as a Supra forgot which motor, i googled it for ya, you might find some info here (btw i havent read it so i have no idea what is says)

http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=48894

CP pistons as I posted above

Supertec same with CP pistons-supplier from US. I can get it in AU but is overpriced

Flywheel -of a website roughly $400 i think?

I'll post up a price list etc when I get onto my desktop.

I know the total cost me around $4500-$5000 roughly (not counting exhaust system)

[project.r.racing]

Woah! That's some big cams 260/9.52! Why did you buy overseas for those vs. a auzzie supplier/maker?

What is the compression ratio of your new pistons? Part no.?

Flywheel for F or G series box?

[Fez323]

Woah! That's some big cams 260/9.52! Why did you buy overseas for those vs. a auzzie supplier/maker?

What is the compression ratio of your new pistons? Part no.?

Flywheel for F or G series box?

Well mainly the price, camshafts cost me approx $800 where it will cost me $1200 here, the cheaper method in AU is to reprofile your old ones (around $600) but takes a long time. I'd just rather pay $200 more for brand new ones. The camshafts get made on order so thats good =) (i got mine in 2 weeks which is really quick).

Part number-SC7542
Compression ratio- 9.0:1

G series gearbox =)

Engine should be ready within 2 weeks from now. Really anxious. :)

[project.r.racing]

How come you kept the compression ratio the same as stock?

[Fez323]

How come you kept the compression ratio the same as stock?

Mainly because CP pistons were made at that ratio, and also its easier to have it turbo'd in future.

[70NYD]

for turbo u would want 8:1 compression unless you are looking at ****ing your bearings
u say cp is upgrade of wiseco, yet wiseco has 8:1 comp pistons

[Fez323]

If I do change to a 8:1 compression ratio that will be low for a NA astina. I'm only going to be turboing in a few years time. CP is an upgrade of wiseco as I am only building a NA astina. But like i said above, I kept it at the stock ratio mainly because it was the only option with cp pistons.

[project.r.racing]

the pistons you got for a turbo application are fine. i wouldn't got near 8.1 in a BP engine. i just thought by the by all the stuff you brought, that you were building a n/a screamer.

i have my eye on a set of K590M84 pistons from Wiseco. 84mm bore, same as yours, but 10:1 comp ratio.

if planning on turboing later on, use a BP block from a BG 323/Astina as it has the provisions for water and oil feed from the block, where's the block from a BAs do not. it will save you a bottom end rebuild later on.

hope it all turns out for you well. keep us updated on it. :)

[Rupewrecht]

i wouldn't got near 8.1 in a BP engine.

BPT/BPD are only just above that though.

[project.r.racing]

8.8 me thinkz. or am i wrong?

[Rupewrecht]

Nah, i think one is 8.2 and the other is 8.4 - as i got my rebuild done to 8.3

[Fez323]

For now all I'm aiming for is a NA screamer, sure I can get high compression ratios but I've heard there can be downfalls to it etc.

[70NYD]

i thoguht the comp ratio in the bpt ws 8.2:1 ish and stock is 9:1

edit i see it has been answered while i was reading other threads haha

[Fez323]

Havent updated much recently, mainly been playing around with my spray cans. The front bumper and rear reflector panel has been resprayed (pics too come soon) My rocker/cam cover turned out decent but only problem is that its a bit screwed up on some parts so I went to autobarn today and bought some sandpaper + paint.

Since I was there I had placed an order for the Racing Blue Gates timing belt kit + water pump. Total cost today: $430.

[project.r.racing]

dude, you need to shop around. the timing belt is $100 on ebay and a water pump is $150ish at best at any parts retailer.

[Fez323]

I got my water pump for $120, but the thing is with the timing belt on Ebay is that its just the timing belt doesnt come with the tensioner and seals.

[project.r.racing]

the idler and tensioner are worth $40 each. what $120 worth of seals did you get?

[Fez323]

the idler and tensioner are worth $40 each. what $120 worth of seals did you get?

Timing belt - $100
Idler - $40
Tensioner - $40

Total - $180
What I paid for the whole kit (not counting water pump) - $210. So thats only $30 worth off seals. I dont mind spending a bit more but at least I have the piece of mind what I'm getting is genuine and for the correct vehicle, also if there is the hassle of receving the wrong part at least its not as bad as Ebay where I'd have to return it to overseas etc.

[70NYD]

i thnk there is confusion as to the whole price u payed 2dai and the price of items themselfes. im sure there is tons of stuff u bought but i didnt list here that bought the total to 430

[Fez323]

Yeah I mentioned that I had bought paint + sandpaper in my post.

[NaughtyGT]

Guys I have to say this. This compression thing is either a little misunderstood or over-rated.

When building turbo engines to suit a particular application. Compression is always the platform from which you work. The compression ratio determines the boost you will be able to run without risk of engine damage. Even the head gasket has to be considered. Using a multi-layer SS gasket ensures it won't leak (fail).

If you keep boost limited. Then compression is not so much a concern. Manufacturers purposely keep compression down due to reliability issues @ the hands of doofases! They simply don't want the engines failing due to blockheads over boosting. Higher compression will aid in spool time & low-down power/acceleration. Quite important consideration when turboing any car.

P.S. Won't bore you with tech details. Anyone can google for info they want. Point is. You do not have to change pistons etc due to turbocharging. MX5's & MX6's are successfully turbocharged without opening engine.

The one main thing that should be considered over compression if you are seriously contemplating turboing a stock engine is AFM. Getting the tune right. Enough fuel. (HEAT is the killer with turbocharging).....Big enough/efficient enough fuel pump, lines. Again. This is where the stand alone ECU comes into play with proper Dyno. Well. The beginning anyway.

Research. Research. Research again. Consider 650HP from a stock 9.2 (I think?....I'll check & update later) compression 3.0L M103 engine that puts out 160 odd stock. That's 4 times the stock output (breaking tailshaft housings though:eek:) This from a 2nd hand engine 'unopened' due to tough internals. Especially the conrods. But. With stock pistons!

P.S. I apologise if this is outta line considering this is your project thread Fez323 (can delete if you wish?)

[70NYD]

i know from 2nd hand that stock mx5 engine will take 15psi no worries.. but reason y i want to drop compression and bore it and get forged internals is because i am planing to open the engine only once and still be able to run whatever the hell boost i want later ;) i know if i keep the comp stock the engine will be fine, but for how long? 40Kkm? 50Kkm?

[NaughtyGT]

i know from 2nd hand that stock mx5 engine will take 15psi no worries.. but reason y i want to drop compression and bore it and get forged internals is because i am planing to open the engine only once and still be able to run whatever the hell boost i want later ;) i know if i keep the comp stock the engine will be fine, but for how long? 40Kkm? 50Kkm?

Totally agree ;) Still. Wouldn't put that much boost through an MX5. From what I gather they have stock rods & pistons. Pretty ordinary bottom ends. Maybe with a stand alone? Who knows?

Was just some food for thought for arguments sake concerning what can & has been done. What's the more important issues with making HP without spending a fortune. Fuel & heat issues by far.

[mikey_something]

i always thought a turbo conversion was expensive because u had to strengthen the guts of the engine. but from what i'm reading, it doesn't have to be as long as ur running low boost? (thats not me saying its cheap though)

[marcs_sp20]

5-7psi would be fine on stock internals, but can be an expensive route to take ;)

[70NYD]

Totally agree ;) Still. Wouldn't put that much boost through an MX5. From what I gather they have stock rods & pistons. Pretty ordinary bottom ends. Maybe with a stand alone? Who knows?

Was just some food for thought for arguments sake concerning what can & has been done. What's the more important issues with making HP without spending a fortune. Fuel & heat issues by far.

one of my mates at uni is in the process of turboing his NA, he recons he will get 15 or so out of it stock.. i dunno if it will last long, but perhaps hes only doing it to blow it up, no idea ay. but as gav said 5 -7 is fine on stock, fine and reliable :) stronger internals is only if your aftr big power

[Fez323]

I feel this thread is now being spammed regarding turbo mods, where I am not doing it =P

[NaughtyGT]

Mainly because CP pistons were made at that ratio, and also its easier to have it turbo'd in future.

This is what may have sparked the FI conversation! ;)

P.S. I apologise if this is outta line considering this is your project thread Fez323 (can delete if you wish?)

As stated prior. Do you want me/us to delete my/our posts? Again. Sorry :o

[Fez323]

As stated prior. Do you want me/us to delete my/our posts? Again. Sorry :o

Oops missed it then :p Actually its ok really, theres useful info here that people might find handy :)

[NaughtyGT]

Mate. Cheers to you doing a mighty job with this engine. Very classy stuff don't worry about that. Can't wait to see this grunter up & @ em :cool:

[project.r.racing]

Mate. Cheers to you doing a mighty job with this engine. Very classy stuff don't worry about that. Can't wait to see this grunter up & @ em :cool:+1, nice to see it going. More updates asap.

[Fez323]

So an update on today, story is that since I dont have the space to remove my motor at home to give it to an engineer shop, I had to take it to my mates performance shop (mate just works there not the owner) to get the motor out to give it to the engineer shop which is right next to them. Reason I didnt have them to do the rebuild is that they are more interested in turbo etc and dont have the time for it which I understand perfectly.

So the guys at the performance shop will be removing/fitting my motor in and connecting the fuel pressure regulator.

The guys next door will do all engine work.

Few weeks ago with a bit of confusion between the shops about who is doing what, the performance shop said they will do the head work. Which honestly I dont mind anyways and since they had the head with them might as well let them do it.

So the story comes down to today where I had went there to drop off my rocker cover and see how things are going there.

Engine shop- They had told me that they have finished with the bloc and waiting for the head to finish assembling it. I'm like YAY!!!

Then I went to the performance shop, asked about it and the answer I found out was that they are waiting for the head from the engine shop, and I told them the engine shop said that the performance shop has it. So in other words they had forgotten about it. Bad thing is on top of that port/polishing takes around 20 hours so this might take some more time. Also at the same time I'm getting my engine rebuilt I had asked them to check my gearbox to make sure its all ok internally etc.

So I'm thinking tomorrow I'll go and see them, if they havent started on the head yet I'll just get the engine guys to do it while the performance shop checks my gearbox. Hopefully the car will be running soon... will update more tomorrow

[Fez323]

Also received my timing belt kit etc today, and got myself some black mesh for the front bar :)

[Fez323]

And the news is...... the engine will be ready at the end of the week and will be in the car running next week =)

[project.r.racing]

You doing any part of the build yourself? What ecu will you be using?

[Fez323]

I wont be tuning the car just yet, I'll be most likely to use a Haltech. Building wise I dont have time at all due to work and they are closed on the weekend.

[Fez323]

Engine is now complete and ready for installation, also rear reflector panel and front bumper are 100% complete, going to be cleaning the engine bay on sat before installing the engine.

[Fez323]

Sooo I saw my engine today all in 1 piece :D

Heres some pics of it:

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/P5310163.jpg


http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/P5310162.jpg

http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae192/fez323/P5310165.jpg

[project.r.racing]

What did the engine builder say about removing the harmonic balancer in the original drive pulley and replacing it with the light alloy one?

I love the cut out in the cam cover showing the cam gears. Awesome!

You kiiled the oil cap painting it. I reckon get a new one.

So jealous of your engine...

[Fez323]

He said you might feel the alternator wont be charging as well as normal, power steering wont be at peak etc, but I guess we'll see how it turns out later this week. The motor is going in the car tomorrow so that'll be good.

Wasn't cheap to get that cut out, but 200% worth it =)

Iono the oil cap looks madd irl, got a spare at home so its all good. =)

[Ice88]

Id be more worried about the oil pump tbh.

[70NYD]

oh may i suggest a oif liter relocation kit while u can, so u never have to get under the car and mess everything up again?? looks amazing man :)
is that a underdrive pulley or just a light weight one?
gonna b a beast :D

[Fez323]

oh may i suggest a oif liter relocation kit while u can, so u never have to get under the car and mess everything up again?? looks amazing man :)
is that a underdrive pulley or just a light weight one?
gonna b a beast :D

Yeah the relocation kit doesnt sound like a bad idea, but where the filter is now isnt too bad, also plus I can do my services on a proper hoist so I got the advantage there to make sure its nice a clean :D

Yeah its a underdrive pulley :)

[70NYD]

fair enough. i was refering to the oil dribbling down the side of the engine, its unavoidable. plus with the relocation kit u can use a oil cooler as well :)

[project.r.racing]

Id be more worried about the oil pump tbh.Why do you say that?

[Fez323]

Motor had its first breath of air today, idles perfectly, will be on the dyno tomorrow then ready for pickup :)

[Fez323]

Picked the car up today, response is awesome, car is excellent, words cant describe how it drives and how I feel right now :)

[mikey_something]

congratulations man :)

[zoolanda]

amazing job! no doubt i am very jealous of you right now...great work!

[Noble323]

congratz ! ! ! !

Excellent work .

Engine turned out awsome . But yes ryan is right about the oil cap ;)

[project.r.racing]

Picked the car up today, response is awesome, car is excellent, words cant describe how it drives and how I feel right now :)updates? how is it running? any funniness at certain rev ranges?

[Fez323]

Well some updates

I've already done more than 1,000km (main beddin in process). Just gave it the 1st oil change yesterday.

During the time though I had a few issues including weird sounds which turned out that my exhaust was bent by accident =/

There was also a oil leak at the time, which they said they had accidently spilled a bit, which isnt the issue as I just saw more oil leaking which seems to be from the crankshaft seal.

During the time there was an issue where the car died out of no where, which turned out to be the adj cam pulley bolts that were loose and threw out the timing. Luckily there was no damage internally.

So from the day till now I've only had the car 50% of the time =/

I'm going to check the oil leak again tomorrow to verify it and send it back for a what seems to be a warranty job =/

When that is all settled, I shall be getting my car tuned- oh also to add, I didnt install my bigger injectors and my FPR as too much fuel isnt doing any good to new piston rings until I get it tuned. I've decided to go with a Link G4 or a Haltech (whatever seems to be good). All decisions will probably be made tomorrow. Will update more then.

[Fez323]

So after 4 months (1 month wasted due to getting my time wasted by Autotech engineering), I've finally got my car tuned and the KW reading. As i am typing this up now the printer is scanning, so once that is done I shall upload it up here. So during the first 3 months after the previous post, I had just been running the motor in driving it around doing some mini fun wiring projects onto it (more for the sake of learning wiring).

Then when I finally decided to send my car to Autotech engineering at Granville (on Monday), they promised my car on that Wednesday, on that Wendesday they said they had to get an adaptor of some sort for the Adj fuel pressure reg so they delayed it till Friday then told me they received the wrong one. Then on that tuesday they said all is done with the fuel pressure reg and that they are having some problems with sensors in the car etc. So that delayed it to the following week (now week 3). So Wednesday on week 3 I had went there with the plan of taking my car back and they were apologising and told me about the track day they were gonna have a track day on the coming Monday (week 4).

The boss Spyro had then promised me they will work on my car as much as they can and it will be out on that week on Thursday latest. So waiting for them to still keep on working on it, I gave them till Week 5 as I found out they were still having troubles tuning it. I wanted to take it back so much but I've wasted so much time waiting for them to finish, it would've been all to waste if i took my car back.

So it came to week 5, where on that tuesday I went to check my car and asked them to see how my fuel pressure reg is etc (as i had not seen it when they had "installed" it) then they had told me they couldnt get an "adaptor" for it etc so they didnt bother with it. I asked them why was i told it was done, and they said that it was probably a misunderstanding. Absolute waste of time. So i went there on Wednesday morning and told them I will be picking my car as it was when I dropped it of and took my car back later that arvo.

My car however was not given back to me as it was, they had screwed up my wiring for my sound system somehow, and it was not earthed properly so after attemping many times to fix it I could just not find where the fault was. It was terrible as I kept on getting popping sounds on my speakers and subs as there was too much current flowing through. So then I got it all rewired at Xtreme car audio for $140 which they did a good job of. That was however only problem 1 out of 3.

The 2nd problem was my idle was at 1600 rpm (warm) and 2100 rpm (cold). Which wasnt too much of a hassle as I was able to put my idle down easily, but still.

The 3rd problem was I had I rattle in my exhaust. Faulty flexi joint. Which probably just was bad timing that it gave way but they could've at least notified my of it.

So after all that hassle I've finally ordered in my coilovers and I shall be fitting them on Monday :)

I took my car to V & E Rigoli Racing. Dropped it off on Wednesday and picked it up on Friday, with no hassles. Got my adj fuel pressure reg fitted and my intake piping remade, with a brilliant dyno result. And now that is all scanned I shall be uploading it after this post.

[Fez323]

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m315/Kabuzo01/AstinaDynoResults.gif

[Clean_Cookie]

cracked the 100kW well done! i was pleased mine made 70.1 stock so it must me alot more fun to drive!

[SLY 323]

How big of a hole did this put in your pocket?

and pics! :D

[Fez323]

How big of a hole did this put in your pocket?

and pics! :D

Quite big for a someone who started the project since he was 17 and now 18 :) But worth every dollar.

I'll get some pics up after tomorrow when I install my coilovers :D

[project.r.racing]

got torque figures?

[familiagtx]

very nice,

I dont make much more peak power with my sp20 turbo'd at the moment.
A old motor thats done stacks of k's with a turbo bolted to it ;)

[project.r.racing]

got torque figures?update?