I agree, pretty much why I sold my old MS2.

Someone will pay you the cost of a new ms3x kit for your DIYPNP. Then all you need is an ecu connector, I think everything but the 2001+ are pretty easy to order for less than $30.

I understand the stand alone + ms2 is a clunky option, but I already ordered the VVT box. The thought of trying to sort out another home made ECU at the same time as the engine bay rewire seemed risky. I'm considering the jump straight to 3pro when I have a little coin.

Aaaagh! You guys are right. I'm calling this morning to see if I can upgrade my order to the PNP pro3. Maybe they'll even throw in some popsicle sticks so I can make my family some Xmas presents too...

This is the correct thing to do. You have made a good choice. Shoot me an email once you get it in and I can share 2 of my tunes for you. I have 2 94's running VVT motors, and have a good starting point for lots of things.

Awesome. That will be a big help.

Since I'm adding LS2 coils and the PNP pro at the same time, I'm wondering if I should wire the coil harness to add sequential spark. Seems like a pretty simple change to make?

I will try to look the next night or two how I wired my LS coils for sequential. I believe I ended up using one of the tach wires for one coil, then ran a separate wire for the other coil, or maybe I routed it through one of the egr wires.

OK, MSPNP-PRO purchased. I also picked up a set of supertech valve seals & a set of ARP head studs. I know the factory studs aren't TTF, but the prospect of never again having to worry about how crusty the block threads are was too tempting.

Started tearing into my junkyard VVT head. Torx fasteners on the actuator plate came right out, so that was nice.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...a4d84c7a3e.jpg


I'm not sure how smooth the head deck needs to be. I'm working to clean it up, but I don't know if this degree of light surface scratching is a concern. I basically just used a plastic scraper and a razor to lift remnants of the old MLS gasket coating. The head checks out as flush down to .0015" with a .001" accurate straight edge at every point on the head I could get a measurement. Obviously I have a bunch more work to do regardless of whether i get the head decked or not .

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e7a9177111.jpg

What's it cost to put the right surface on it? Mine were either $40 or $60 bucks, and it was for a composite gasket too.

Have it decked, it's not flat enough nor the right surface finish for a MLS gasket any other way. I'd just have them skim it flat, no more than necessary.

So I just pulled a good solid bonehead move. I tipped the head over after pulling cams & spilled out about half a dozen lifters. Now I figure I can measure valve clearances & get a good estimate of what goes where, but... I always hear bad things about mixing used lifters. What should i do?

Get new lifters or mixed used lifters. What else could you possibly do other than that?

Right. I guess my question is whether i need to buy new lifters now that I've mixed them up, or if it's not a big enough deal to justify the purchase.

How many miles on the lifters and how do they look?

Unknown miles. I'll take some pics when I get home.

All pics of the same lifter in different light & different angles. They all look about the same.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...105fd8d41c.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...da9a6047f0.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...df23cd578c.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...031af836a7.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...730fc14c62.jpg

I would run them if you are on a budget. If you going full baller then replace them. I bet you will be ok. Maybe mic them just in case.

Turbo kitteh approves of VICS manifold.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...5df1222d23.jpg

Good things happening here...

I got the handy VVT refurb kit from Miata Roadster. I've replaced everything except the o-rings that go inside the actuator. I hear nothing but mixed results when people crack open the actuator. If anyone has a recommendation either way, I'm all ears.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...dadc3d5f1f.jpg

Pulled & cleaned the intake side valve train last night. I'll do the exhaust side tonight. I used this compressor tool Greg recommended on TCPC:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009G...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found a local shop that charges $70 for a low RA head decking for MLS HG heads. Same day pickup FTW.