My 89 Turbo Plan

[benk777]

I pick her up this Saturday, and she's got 160k on the clock. I'm wanting to use it as a daily driver (weather permitting) for the next few years. During that time, I do want to mod her lightly. I'm thinking downpipe, exhaust, and intake. Down the line, when she retires as a daily driver, I'd like to swap in a 2JZ.

What do you think of my plan? If she is and was well maintained, should she be able to handle the light mods I have planned? What gains should I expect? The previous owner replaced the head gasket 25k ago, but not with the HKS metal variety. Should I be safe retorqueing to 72?

Thanks.

Ben

 

[benk777]

If I do replace the HG with an HKS, what is the ballpark that a shop would charge for that?

Ben

 

[Guyana00]

I don't have all the answers for what you asked, but I think your plan is simple and straightforward. As for the 2JZ, I think that it's more work and money than necessary unless you're planning to run with the big boys.

I also think the mods will be fine, but I somehow think that she might get more mods than that over the next few years. As for the mhg job I'm not sure of the ballpark figure.

 

[ViR2]

depends, it should be something from 300usd for it. (mhg job)

 

[IwantMKIII]

it will handle those light mods for its lifetime. However this depends on previous owner's maintenence habits. Retorque the head.

 

[benk777]

The previous owner's maintenance habits were quite involved. He is the kind of person that has to have everything perfect, and oftentimes had the maintenance performed before it was necessary.

As for retorqueing the HG, will I be able to handle something like that? I mean, I change my own oil and such, but the most involved maintenance I have performed was installing a cold air intake on a civic eight years ago. I viewed the following video on youtube about changing a head gasket, and it seems a bit daunting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bpyVMyBUAg&feature=related

Is there a step by step pictorial of changing the HG on the 7M? If I did have a shop do it, are you saying it should only cost me $300, besides the actual cost of the MHG of course?

Thanks.

Ben

 

[IwantMKIII]

i never said change as that would be quite involved, but retorqueing should be sufficient. Of course MHG would be most reliable

 

[MOTOWNMKIII]

I've changed the headgasket to the HKS variety. it's a good idea but just ask IwantMKIII, I had a hell of a time with it. mostly because of procrastination though. if you've never done any major work on an engine before, go to a shop or get a more experienced mechanic to help you when you do it. as for the re-torque, it's super easy. just remove your pcv lines, 3000 pipe, throttle linkage, and valve covers. the head bolts are right there. you have to rotate the engine to clear the cams in order to get to some of the bolts.

 

[foreverpsycotic]

Have a machine shop prep the head and block for a Cometic headgasket, and if you want, have them install it, use ARP bolts or studs. Then you will be good till ~400 or so reliable whp.

 

[7MGTEsup]

A retorque after 25K is a bit hit or miss, you could disturb the gasket and cause problems or it could be fine its a gamble at this stage.