dugums build - need a ton of help!!!

starscream5000

Senior VIP Member
Aug 23, 2006
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Hot and Humid, KY
It's not as big of a deal as most think. You can install the studs after the head is on the block perfectly straight, just make sure to place the washers for the studs into the head before you put it back on the block. Unhooking the struts to the hood and laying a towel on your windsheild, and then the hood on that will help get that out of your way when putting the head back on. Get some help when putting it back on, you don't want to bust a nut when you are bent over the engine laying it down ;).
 

dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
So, are the studs considered better because it easier to torque them accurately? Or are there other reasons?
 

dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
So, finally an update!

I decided to get a couple extra things done, so not much progress.

I got the head back - resurfaced, 3 angle valve job, valve seals, shims, etc... I also decided, since I had the time, to pull the injectors and get them flow-tested and cleaned.

I sent them to WitchHunter Performance and they seemed to have done a great job. At $17 per injector they are a bit more than some places, but they came highly recommended - so I used them. They also did the work VERY fast. The injectors got to them on a Monday night and they were back in my hands Thursday morning!

My turbo and exhaust manifold are at Driftmotion right now. The turbo is getting rebuilt and upgraded to a 57 trim. Both the manifold and turbo are being coated to keep the heat moving and keep the engine bay cooler. I also ordered a 935 motorsports recirculated DDP (looks like a ZW). The downpipe is on its way to JET HOT coatings to receive the same treatment as the turbo and manifold.

I had the opportunity to see how effective these coatings were recently - if you're wondering why I went so crazy with it!

Other than that, I am still waiting for the wideband. I haven't yet purchased a NEO - but that is the plan. I would love to go with a MAFT PRO - but I don't have enough experience (or time to learn) tuning with something like that and I can't find anybody in my area who I can pay to do it. If anybody knows a shop who has tuned with MAFT PRO in the area, please let me know!

I am in the process of uploading some photos (finally!) - so those should be up shortly.
 

dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
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16
Chicago, IL
Finally a few pics to make this thread a little better:

Here is the car when I purchased it. HATED the wheels and they were in terrible shape. I actually ordered new wheels 2 weeks before I bought the car!:
61mk853.jpg

Interior pretty much perfect - the silver shift knob has been replaced by a TRD black leather knob from the GB:
6bdt1j9.jpg

This is how she sits now, w/ OZ ultraleggera's. They will eventually be powder-coated graphite w/ a slight hint of bronze:
4kd2yhh.jpg

4ml3xfl.jpg


These are 17" wheels and hopefully by next year will be relegated to winter duty. I plan on getting some 18" (or possibly 19") inch wheels for summer. Deep dish black with a polished rim is sounding good, Work Meisters if I can find them!
 
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dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
Here is a shot of the teardown for HG replacement in progress:
6atadkh.jpg

Here is how it has been sitting for about a month now - awaiting the return of my turbo and some other items!:
5y98sup.jpg

Kevin M Headlight Covers - I think I like 'em - they will look that much better when my new lip arrives!:
4qh0kcl.jpg

Weezl's last WeezlWing! Came to me already powdercoated black! Man this thing tightens up the ride so much - it's even better than when the top is on!:
6fovfjs.jpg
 
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dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
Injectors Back from WitchHunter Performance:
4mmxn37.jpg

Head back from machine shop:
4lekk7q.jpg


Should I store the head a different way? This is how I had to transport it in my car, it's on a soft block of wood. I will not be putting it on until next week - would it be better if I put it on end?
 
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dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
Mini-update:

I am very excited, all of the following parts are due on Friday:

57-trim CT26 rebuilt by Driftmotion (coated)
Coated stock exhaust manifold
Coated recirculated DDP
Spearco Intercooler
Coated Hardpipes
Apexi Neo
Zeitronix Wideband w/ EGT probe and boost sensor
Coated valve covers

Even more stuff scheduled to be in next week!

I hope to start getting this back together ASAP so I can try out all these new toys!

I have been thinking about a BOV, but have been leaning towards just doing a Bosch BPV. Factory one is working fine, but it's probably tired and I'll be running more boost.

I think I am going to find somebody familiar with tuning the mk3 to tune it properly. That said, I am going to be on the factory 440 injectors for now. I think I'll get it back together and running (after all, it's been down for about 6 weeks now), and get a AFPR and fuel pump shortly. That should put me in the power range I'm looking for, if not a bit more. If I am not satisfied, I can just pop in a lex afm and 550's when the time comes.
 

dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
starscream5000 said:
If you plan on recirculating the air from a BOV, a SSQV with a recir. fitting is a nice way to go ;).

I was thinking about that option, but have had MANY people tell me the Bosch does the job. We'll see.

I am going to get it running first, and see how everything is looking. If the Bosch isn't protecting my turbo, I'll have to go with something better.

God, I can't believe how much money I've spent in the last couple weeks. Hopefully taking care of the little things (like ceramic coating all the hot parts) will pay dividends. I'd sure love to drive this thing some day soon, lol...:3d_frown:
 

dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
mini-update, not that anybody looks at this anyway :sarcasm:

I am just waiting on a few last items to finish this up!

I ordered a 3" high flow cat, HKS type II BOV, AFPR, Walbro and Tanabe SHM cat back.

I think I'll run on my freshly cleaned stock injectors to break everything in, and do the switch to 550's and a Lex AFM early next spring.

I actually got the Tanabe Exhaust in today and it was so gorgeous I hung it on the car right away. I can't wait to hear it. I'm hoping next weekend it'll be ready to start up!

Brian (DaSuprawolf) has been doing all the heavy lifting on this, so, as always, a BIG thank you to him!!!
 

dugums

Better, Faster, Stronger
Apr 10, 2007
699
0
16
Chicago, IL
Alright, she's finally coming together.

I had one quick issue, please help:

I installed the coil packs today and I could swear there was a small ground wire that came off the intake side of it. I could not find a good pic in the TSRM, and searching here has confirmed that there is indeed supposed to be a ground. Despite labeling everything that came off the car, I cannot find this ground wire.

In reading some threads here on SM, it was suggested that improving the coil pack ground was recommended.

My questions are as follows:

Where on the coil pack do I attach the ground? Is one of the bolts that secures the bracket to the valve covers acceptable?

Where is the best place to ground it? The bolt hole in the head (IIRC this is where the small wire was attached)? Or should I run it to the intake manifold grounding point where the other stuff is grounded? Suggestions?

I know not many are subscribed to the thread, but please help... Otherwise I will have to commit the dreaded double-post...:sarcasm:
 

marlonvip

Supra -only way to fly
Sep 2, 2006
189
0
0
Denmark
I also plan on removing the HKS FCD, because I believe it is not a good thing to have and explore other electronic solutions to make sure everything is running as it should.


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