Hi all,

First off, the reason for the rebuild: the engine was burning coolant and it was getting worse daily. Also I think the OMP and/or oil inj. nozzels are not working and therefore I've had to premix for the last summer.

The engine is a s4 na that I put a stock s4 t2 turbo on about 2 winters ago, boosted to about 5psi. I think I overheated the engine and that is what caused the water seal failure. The thing is, it happened while I was simply cruising on the highway, so I'm still not sure what caused the overheat in the first place. The overheat happend before it was turbo'd.

Anyhow, onto my questions...

1. Coolant seals:

I am trying to decide between OEM mazda (or OEM style) seals and Pineapple Racing HD water seals. I know they are both good options, I'm just wondering if the PR ones worth the extra money. Also I've heard of guys using sealant (IIRC it was called the Right Stuff or something like that) in addition to the water seals, is this a good idea? I just don't want to blow another coolant seal.

2. Aux ports

Most of the time I hear "just pull it all off, sleeves, rods, actuators, everything", but I think that there may be a better option...

--1 Remove everything, sleeves, rods, actuators. (my current setup)

--2 Keep everything installed and functional and use PR sleeve inserts. This will require a creative exhaust manifold design.

--3 Install JUST the sleeves and PR inserts. Now you may be wondering how I propose to keep the sleeves from moving about with no rods to hold them in place...well I'll tell you.

My plan is to remove the "wrist pins" in the sleeves (better flow and they wont be needed) and to cut 2 slits in that end of the sleeve to form a tab. I will then orient the sleeve in the iron so it is in the open position, and mark the slits on the iron, and then cut a keyway of sorts out of the iron. Now the tab on the sleeve is bent into the keyway, preventing it from rotating and, once the LIM is in place, keeping it from sliding around.

What do you think?

-Devan

 

Well, I d say us the Pineapple seals, and just run the pre mix, i usually run 1 oz per gallon!