Jumbo's custom turbo build

I've been waiting patiently for the shop to finish up my FX. Once the blown head gasket was confirmed, the motor was inspected throuoghly and cylinder #3 was .002 out of round. The failure is covered by the machine shop that did the longblock package, so no cost to the shop and no cost to me - other than time.

So the end result is actually a brand new shortblock package. New short block, new pistons and rings, but we are re-using the rods & bearings. The machine shop finished the short block last week and is assembling this week - back to Powerfab this week or next.

I'm bummed I have to wait but I'm glad the shop is doing it right and making good on their warranty.
 
That's cool, not much longer and all this waiting will be behind you. I can't wait for Big Red to get out of the shop so we can have a meet!:tup:
 
Small block with new pistons arrived at the shop today. Should be back in the car tomorrow. Break in for the new motor begins. No boosting for 850 miles or so - to maintain the warranty from the machine shop that did the small block. The very same warranty I used to get my first motor from them replaced at no charge to me. Other than time, of course...

As an added bonus, Powerfab is upgrading my turbo exhaust housing to the 1.06AR. I had already gone up one side to the .84AR, but the shop thinks this will help the back side breathe better. They had it coated as well. That's a pretty nice apology for the delay if you ask me.

UNFORTUNATELY I am going out of town for a couple of weeks so I won't pick her up till the end of the month. But I will have my FX back before April 1st.
 
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Glad to hear everything got sorted out for you. I would also suggest you to ask for an extended warranty from the work they have performed, just to compensate the time you have been waiting for the FX.
 
jumbosrule said:
UNFORTUNATELY I am going out of town for a couple of weeks so I won't pick her up till the end of the month. But I will have my FX back before April 1st.
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Unfortunalty....?? I thought holidays supposed to be fun........especially when your going to see the dutchies....:laugh:
All ready for you here buddy.......day is fully planned :tup:
 
jumbosrule said:
No problem - don't mind at all. It might even be on the dyno by then. Good luck with the exhaust swap! That's a hike for you isn't it Riaz?
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I don't mind the drive. I may have to be on the road by 8:30am (possibly 8am because of traffic), which means waking up at 6-6:30am. No biggie. I get to pass something on to someone else to enjoy, which is why I priced everything I am selling lower than normal, to help other FXers out.

Plus a little cash in my pocket for mods for the E46 helps hahahaha.
 
SexualChocolate said:
I don't mind the drive. I may have to be on the road by 8:30am (possibly 8am because of traffic), which means waking up at 6-6:30am. No biggie. I get to pass something on to someone else to enjoy, which is why I priced everything I am selling lower than normal, to help other FXers out.

Plus a little cash in my pocket for mods for the E46 helps hahahaha.
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While we are waiting on the exhaust swap I'm gonna have to buy you lunch riaz, because i really appreciate what you are doing for me.
 
Didn't want to jinx the delivery but finally today, the FX came home. I pulled up in my Miata and saw her sitting. I still think that back end is sexy after all these years - especially on those coilovers.

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Driving home.

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A shot of the intercooler from the top:

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And the finished engine bay! I had them powdercoat the harness cover to match the oil catch can. There were too many different silvers in the bay.

FXhomecomming003.jpg

FXhomecomming004.jpg

FXhomecomming005.jpg

The end result of the blown head gasket was a new shortblock, including pistons. The shop took the hit on that. From the time Powerfab had the completed shortblock in house, it took about three weeks to completely reassemble everything. They also upgraded the turbo exhaust housing to the 1.06AR. Since we are back on a brand new motor, I have 500-800 miles to go limited to 5psi.

Just driving home I could feel the available power I wasn't even tapping into. I reached as high as 3.6 psi on the highway but traffic was too dense to accelerate for more than a few seconds. As for traffic light and stop and stand rush hour traffic, everything was smooth and I can tell the exhaust has been isolated better than before. Really happy with her so far. Can't wait to get a couple weeks of driving done so I can give her first oil change and increase boost to 12psi.
 
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Need to hear reports of what you think of the ride man! Little geeky but I like the way the bolts and breathers on the oil catch line up with the three bolts on the plenum.
Glad big red is back.......
 
I bet the ride home felt sooo good, she's lookin good and i like how the gauges turned out. well It's official we need to have a meet ASAP!
 
: Jumbo, those gauges are so sexy! I have to have them! Great call on the powder-coating in the engine bay, looks fantastic.

BIG congrats on your build my man, you beyond deserve it after how long you waited.

ENJOY!!!!!!!! get's some vid's posted....
 
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