------------- Project Update -------------
It is March 2008 which is the month I scheduled to start working on this car again for the next race reason (tax refund comes in the mail in March).
Plans:
Getting new head (naturally)
Kevlar cord timing belt
Perhaps getting rid of the coilpacks and going wired
Getting rid of OEM wires/tubes under the hood that aren't needed as I have stand-alone.
Electronic booster controller (controlled by 034EFI ECU)
Dyno tune with two maps (high HP and moderate for the rainy days)
That is it for March (I think).
Big brakes planned for later.
After running 100% with bigger brakes, I don't think I will be doing anything with the car for a while. I want to change the suspension to lower it more without changing the suspension geometry (read as "lowering the car with shorter springs or coilovers is not the best way to make a car handle"... I need re-engineering). For example, my other Rabbit (a 1980 Rabbit) is lowered in the front using heightened strut towers and modified mounting points for the front and rear spindles... the rear is independent suspension to boot!
Progress (and therefore photos) will start in a couple of weeks as I am busy right now shopping for parts and weighing options.
Steve
------------- Project Update -------------
I'm still waiting for my website to come back online, so for now, enjoy the little red x's.
------------- Project Update -------------
May, 27, 2008
Progress.... picked up a complete 1.8t engine with transmission.... unfortunately it is an automatic with front end damage. (free auto tranny to anyone who wants it... it is just weight at the scrap yard to me... want to practice working on auto transmissions? Here is your chance. But wait... order the FREE transmission now and get a free under the hood wiring harness.)
Picture of disassembling "new" engine... and taking stock wiring harness out of the car so just the 034EFI will be there plus the 6 or so stock wires needed for sensors, etc. I will be working very fast on this in the next couple of weeks as I have a track event on July 14, 2008 that the Golf would be better than the Rabbit (5 hours of driving at the event).
------------- Project Update -------------
June 20, 2008
Progress.
Turbo/exhaust manifold is bolted to the new head. The broken valve damaged one of the pistons. I had two options: 1. get one piston and have it balanced to the weights of the other three, or 2. get a new set of pistons for now (JE pistions) and do the "get one piston to complete the set" for later engine builds. Anyway, new pistons will be here on Monday.
Right now I have all the pistons/rods out of the car waiting for the new pistons. Everything should be together by Saturday.
Now, time to work on the new Rabbit and the water pump on the Cabriolet. I need a vacation.
Steve
------------- Project Update -------------
June 27, 2008
Well, I have been away in MI for a week (Sun-Fri). New pistons were in this AM and I started installing them around 3:00 PM or so. I bolted the head on around 10PM and ran into a little snag (one with two solutions). The 5mm x 50mm stud that is needed to compress the timing belt tensioner is way too short when the tensioner is already fully extended (i.e. the belt is not longer on the car). I plan to head down to SAC in Williston on Saturday morning to get a 5mm x 70, 80, 90, 100 (hopefully they have it). I could get a bunch of 100mm and cut them down, but they should be cheap enough to just buy the different lengths.
Plans are to fire this up on Sunday..... Saturday is busy with a BBQ at our place so time is limited on Saturday.
Boring photos to follow on Saturday.
Steve
------------- Project Update -------------
June 29, 2008
Some progress today. It was a little slow since I took soooo much time just to get the timing belt on the engine.
Big thanks to Jodi Doyle for some help with the intake today (added some nipples for vacuum lines)
Anyway, new JE pistons are installed (still using Scat rods).
And them purty?
The turbo setup on yet another head.
Those hard to get to nuts on the exhaust manifold.
I bought a 10mm flex wrench years ago to be able to get those nuts in between the oil pan and transmission on my Rabbit. Well, it is the same tool that is needed for the Golf, but thankfully, only two bolts need this tool on the Golf.
Close up of the end....
In between oil pan and transmission....
Close up of the bolt....
5mm x 50mm bolt with head cut off + standard thread connector + 5mm x 50mm bolt cut to 10mm + (nut+washer+washer) + brad (nail) = "tool" to compress the timing belt tensioner.
I had a hard time getting my hands into the tight spot so Julie gave it a go....
Next project is to replace the bearing on Julie's Jetta (and do the brakes also... it still has my track compound pads on the front).
Then finish fixing the Cabbie....
Then.... get the turbo Rabbit read for the next hillclimb.
Of course, around 11PM tonight I started to notice water coming under the garage door while it was raining.... so, I was outside in the rain cleaning the gutters over the front and back of the garage.
Steve