Trexthe3rd

Damn internet explorer, take 2.

I wanted to run a poll to see the longevity of modified FDs (>400whp) so this way everyone can get an idea how long a modified engine will last.

cptpain

iTrader: (1)

depends on how your drive and how much care you take into maintaining it.

rusty's_silver_bullet-7

"How long is a piece of string" Too many variables to list. Like many on this forum, I have had to learn some pretty expensive lessons on my quest for a reliable 400rwhp FD. I believe I'm there now...for at least the last 12 months or so, anyway.

A few lessons I've learned...

1) Use a reputable engine builder and make sure the builder can tune as well. You want the same person doing both - if possible.
2) Do all the reliability mods before you go after the big horsepower
3) Set-up your car to perform well within the parameters of your upgrades (tweeking every last ounce of hp out of your set-up will end in tears - quickly)
4) Be paranoid about routine maintenance & use the best meterials
5) I run mix as well
6) Be paranoid about the quality of your gas
7) Don't run high boost below a quarter tank of gas
8) Gauges - cannot have too many. Minimum is boost. I run EGT, Fuel press and A/F as well.
9) Heat - plan for cooling and monitor engine temp

This should help keep you smiling for many miles...

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

^^That's a pretty good list.

I'm going on 10k miles on this motor with no problems whatsoever. I think my water/meth setup will keep me boosting detonation-free for quite some time

Xcentric

I'd like to emphatically add - 11.5 plugs all around. I think this is the single most important
mod aside from enough fuel.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

How do plugs affect engine life?

Dave

BobfisH

the only thing i can think is from pre-ignition due to plugs being too warm.

My last piston engine blew up because of it, well - melted a couple of valves. It was a 1.4 4 pot OHC engine, running 150bhp of nitrous. I melted 4 valves- then switched to colder iridium plugs and ran trouble free for 5000 miles of nitrous fuelled stupidity.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Those plugs are necessary (at least on my car) at about 17 psi. I run standards 9s all around at 15-16 psi. I have a jacobs old school ignition amp on an fc leading coil.

I think for those that don't drive their cars that often and don't mind the price, the colder race plugs do make sense from an anti-detonation perspective. The damn things foul out pretty quickly though.