Mk3runner said:
well got my kit in the mail yesterday, man talk about beefy looking. now is there any suggestions on what to do or just drill and tap?
-------EdIteD several times.
beefy? whats beefy.
i like beef.
AHhh sorry....ok...umm how are you doing the tap, in car or out? i did it in car, and yes i did the ones all the way in the back. it isnt too difficult. i might have time to post help on in-car tapping tomorrow once i hear back to see which you're doing. unless when i review the thread the answer presents itself.
ok...so i'm not sure. i'm tired though.
and just to let you know, it is true that just about every 7m will or has had exaust stud problems. aluminum is a soft metal, and that side of our engines simply runs hot. if you've seen the head off of an engine that gets hot enough to soften the metal, it will show the affected areas even after surfacing. heli-coiling the holes isnt a huge deal, it is annoying...but think of it this way...the studs you helicoil will NEVER strip again. ever. (thats what i've been told...and mine havent stripped that i know of). and from another POV...anybody building a 7m, all out build or a rebuild...will heli-coil their studs. at the very least it offers peace of mind.
if you're the type that goes at it without actually waiting for a good responce, make sure you check the depth of the existing hole and put tape on your bit to make SURE you do not drill deeper than the hole that is already there. if you do, and go too far (which isnt actually that far when you're drilling through aluminum) you will drill into the cooling jacket of your engine, which is not good, to say the least. i think i checked the depth, then looked at the helicoil and drilled just enough for the helicoil to go in, as per the directions i believe. since the stud is no longer threading into the head you dont need to drill much deeper than the helicoil's depth, if at all - i am no longer sure how far the directions say. your kit should tell you, if it doesnt i'll look at my kit.