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I had Robert (RW-7) inspect the housings and irons and rotors and they are in much better shape than i was expecting. I won't have to spend as much on the rebuild kit as I thought so that is good news. All of the side seals and apex seals are within factory spec which is where I am saving the most. Here is the kit I will be ordering along with the 6-port banked sleeves.
I will be working on cleaning the engine bay and and all of the other external parts in the next few weeks so more updates to come.
I'd buy new apex seals... Its worth the $300 to not have to re-pull your engine and re-buy the coolant seals. Its only 300 bucks and it saves you HEAD ACHE; especially if you are going to DD this thing.
Nice car though. Amazing how these S3 interiors hold up to time.
I have decided to keep the commuter and take my time. That said, there has been lots of cleaning and cleaning...
I have finished all the messy stuff and all the greasy filth is gone. I spent so much time scraping off old gaskets, but that should be done for now. I am cleaning out the engine bay and it really is in good shape. Just minor cleaning considering the age.
Items Clean:
Irons/Housings/Internals
Intake tubing/Air Box
Throttle Body
Upper Intake Manifold
Oil Pan
Alternator
Radiator
Items left to clean/Rebuild:
Driver Side Engine Bay
OMP (Need Gasket rebuild kit)
Transmission
Lower Intake Manifold
Clean/Polish Wheels
Inspect Brakes
Change Trans/Diff Fluid
If you're going to keep it stock, you might consider having the OEM wheels refinished. They are a very unique design. I had mine refinished and I get more compliments with them than when I had 15" aftermarket wheels on it.
Yes I am keeping the exterior stock with some minor engine enhancements. What did you pay for the refinishing? I would try myself, but depending on how much, I might just have them done somewhere.
Yes I am keeping the exterior stock with some minor engine enhancements. What did you pay for the refinishing? I would try myself, but depending on how much, I might just have them done somewhere.
I tried doing it myself, they were too heavily damaged. It cost about $100 per wheel to have them re-machined to look like new.
I will be ordering the rebuild kit next week. It officially has been over a year since I got the car so it's time to get this baby going!
I have mostly been cleaning engine parts and getting the engine bay cleaned up so I can be ready for the rebuild. I will post next week once the parts arrive and get this engine back together!
I also have been working on cleaning up the wheels. I made some progress but I have some flaking clear coat so I am thinking if I should sand them down to bare metal and polish or just live with the spots for now
Had a productive evening and got the side seals clearanced. Used an air drill with a stone bit to grind down the bulk and then finish off with a sharpening stone. All measure .035mm clearance.
I am hoping to get the front plate mounted to the engine stand so I can hopefully get the block finished this week.
Started the day with a pile of parts and ended with and engine and transmission installed. The rebuild went together fairly easy. My friend came over and helped get the flywheel and clutch/trans installed which was a blessing to get done.
All that's left is the small stuff which considering I got the car with a pile of parts in boxes, I'm sure I'll have my work cut out for me.
Everything is hooked up and attempted to fire it up. Dry fired it without plugs and fuel and got solid oil pressure. Added the plugs and fuel and got a fuel leak. I am thinking it's the pulse regulator so I am testing the cheaper washers and gaskets first before replacing the FPR all together.
Will provide an update once parts are in and make a 2nd attempt in firing it up!
So close yet so far. Had a couple things slow us down. We got everything back together and started filling up the radiator and found out I have a bad water pump. I also got the fuel pulsation dampener eliminator for or now until I get it running. Didn't feel like paying for a new one right now. Got that installed and now the starter gave up after a few cranks. Got that in today so will be giving it another go shortly.
I also get some new speakers so those are going in shortly but of course I need to get this thing running first!
After a cold harsh winter, I am ready to get going in this project again. Got stumped by having the wrong plugs and possibly bad fuel injectors, I was limping along on one rotor for the summer and then lost compression on the front rotor. Have been soaking the rotor in oil and hoping to give things another go this weekend.
Hoping I don't need to pull the motor again but am making plans anyways. Soft seal kits and new injectors and plugs are cheap so not too worried about needing to rebuild again, just more time! More to come this weekend.
Pulling the motor on Saturday. Couldn't get compression in the front rotor after losing it last summer.
Now that everything is clean and rebuilt, it should be much easier to rebuild the second time. I'll post pictures of the culprit once I disassemble everything.
Pulling the motor on Saturday. Couldn't get compression in the front rotor after losing it last summer.
Now that everything is clean and rebuilt, it should be much easier to rebuild the second time. I'll post pictures of the culprit once I disassemble everything.
It happens to the best of us. That's why pro's cost sooo damn much. You'll lick it this time.
When does the restomod start though? 
