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So awesome though, I'm very VERY happy to see you keep going at it. I've been on this forum a while and have seen hits like this end up in part-outs.

 

Yeah I'm talking about the head. Looks like the coating that is on top has been removed. Almost looks like it was sanded. So ill see what the machine shop says.

 

What CR were the pistons? If you are going full-time E85 it might be worth it to get new ones so you can run 10.5 or 11:1.

 

I forget the term now (on pain meds from root canal), but something about fatiguing the metal makes it much more prone to failure later. It can be fine now, but wait til you're at 400+, doing a long 140+ pull on the freeway, and run into some det. All of a sudden that nearly insignificant chip caused by previous damage that was deemed OK by the shop is the cause of yet a 3rd rebuild.

Maybe I'm just overly paranoid. I dunno. But with the boatloads of money you're spending I just don't see another 380 or whatever being a big deal.

 

I can't help but think any sharp points caused from the previous damage would make hot spots and be more prone to future detonation?

 

Good news. Just got off the phone with the machine shop - He said they look great. The coating was compromised but he said that's what it's for - he is going to take the coating down and clean them up then I'll take them over to dart for a serious coating.

On the note of metal fatigue - These pistons have not been dented, chipped or manipulated in any way, I have the feeling you're picturing something much more severe than they actually are. No chips at all. It actually just looks identical to the wear caused by piston slap on the outer edges in an engine built with large tolerances. I wish I took a picture of the other pistons, you'd probably ask why I'm even thinking about replacing them.

 

Just saw this. Thanks man. Honestly there was a moment when I was completely drained and contemplated just selling all of it. There are so many other platforms that I could get this performance out of more reliably.. But in the end it's so much cooler to rape face in a Miata. Nobody ever expects it.

 

yeah I guess I was picturing some pitting or tiny gouges in the metal

 

Yeah not quite. It looks like something I could have done with sand paper.

 

Well. You said it. I want to rape face with a Miata. Valve springs, and valves will be ordered. Which should be sooner than later here. Currently waiting on FM to send me some stuff.

 

Hell yes Dem keep at it! I feel the same way about the Miata, no one expects to get their *** beat by a little convertible, and when it's a freaking Miata it just makes it that much more demoralizing. Lol

 

Indeed! I am not yet at the point where I can go Vette hunting on the straightaways, but I can already destroy most of them in the corners. It's almost as good as sex. Edit: this thread keeps delivering for what to do with engine 2.0.

 

So my head was back from the machine shop freshly decked with my Supertech dual valve springs and valves installed. I cleaned up the cam caps polished the cam journals and installed them using Lucas engine assembly lube.



I was looking at the factory VVT setup and I’m actually annoyed by the hard line that runs to the solenoid on the valve cover, I never replace those copper crush washers and I’m pretty sure it was slightly leaking where it attaches to the block. So I decided to convert it to a braided line.

I basically tapped took off the fitting going to the solenoid and cut the line off, then drilled it out to install a -4 AN fitting.

I’ll likely use a banjo to AN fitting on the block to get rid of the rest of the factory setup. That way in order to remove the head it’s a simple -4AN fitting.

 

Looks awesome. Really like your attention to detail

 

Sweet dude. ETA on getting it back together? I really cannot wait to see this thing rape face and represent miataturbo.net.

 

I'd say 2 weeks. I'm at the mercy of my machine guys at this point. The actual assembly should take no time though. I have every thing setup to be really servicable at this point.

 

Sexiness continues as always with this car! Love it dude!

 

Aaaaand a small video of my car blowing up. No boom and he stopped the video too soon but you can absolutely hear the ticking on the way down.

 

It can only get better from here on! Still waiting for the machine shop?

 

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