been there done that, raged just like you.

I was able to get them out eventually though by applying constant pressure on the torx/wrench while tapping it with a hammer.

I'm sure the shop will get them out easy with a chisel, my dad's done that before took all of 5 min

Mine came right out. :giggle:

I had to use an easy-out on Oregonmon's VVT gear, they're loctited in there pretty well. Scared the shit out of me, but they all came out no problem. The torx hole makes lining up the drill pretty easy.

Also about the MSM mixing manifold: as an fyi to anyone else, you can NOT flip it without extensive modification, it'll hit the alternator belt. The modification involves cutting the heater core hard line section off, and welding it closed.

Progress.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1421027318
Attachment 130858

I was able to take the vvt cam gear to an engine shop close to my house on Friday. It took him all of 5 minutes to remove the 3 screws with an impact driver....and he didn't charge me anything. I think I found my local trustworthy mechanic if I am out of my element on something. Conclusion: I need an impact driver.

Timing set, easy peasy.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1421031647

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1421031647

I now know why people like to pull the tranny with the engine. Realigning it was a bit of a bitch but I got it in.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...pspwexxj0i.jpg

Then the motor mount on the passenger side would not align.

Attachment 184488

I just needed to remove two of the bolts on the block so that I could swing it into place and then bolt it back to the engine. Sixshooter decided to drop by and help me start bolting things back on. We noticed I forgot to attach the vvt oil hardline to the block. This became quite the challenge to put in place with the engine in and the intake manifold installed. Sixshooter so graciously took on this bitch of a project which seemed rather frustrating. Great success!

Attachment 184489

There is a lot of little stuff left. The only big parts left are bolting up the hotside, getting the vband flange welded onto my old exhaust to mate with the downpipe, and routing the intercooler piping. I am hoping to start the car next weekend and get the exhaust welded early the following week so the car is full streetable.

There was more progress this weekend but not as much as I would have liked. I spent both Saturday and Sunday morning looking at tow vehicles. Good news is that I found one! It is an 03' Toyota Sequoia.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1421640109

The rest of my time was spent test fitting everything on the car to make sure no further modifications would be necessary. I also painted the valve cover.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...psre7pwybi.jpg

Completed the coldside intercooler piping as well.

Attachment 184478

Attachment 184479

I would have completed the hot side piping as well but I am going to need to either modify the headlight housing or widen the hole behind it. I am not actually sure what the piece I need to remove from the housing does. It is pictured below:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1421640109

Can I cut that piece off without consequence or should I just make the hole bigger?

I am also having trouble getting my reroute radiator hose to fit over the kia thermostat outlet. The fitting seems to be very close to the outlet on the back of the head that routes to the factory oil cooler? Has anyone else had this problem? It is very frustrating because that whole assembly is a bitch to get to back there.

I'm guessing that white thing is a supporting/stabilising shaft that your headlight assembly slides into, in which case, DON'T remove it!

I thought the white thing was a vent for the head light.

This was Sixshooter's guess as well. I did not want to assume.

Blinker oil drain plug.

Cut it off. If you find out later you need it, use glue.

What are you going to do with all that built motor/tube mani/big exhaust/EFR power you didn't have before? Can you handle it?

just wanted to point out that you are literally carrying out everything I would ever do to a miata engine:

VVT - check
built bottom end - check
baller hotside parts - check
EFR - check

Now start participating in the transmission upgrades thread cause even the 6sp won't last long on your car now

Already working on something :party:

Oooh, do tell?

He's got plenty of disposable income right now for cool stuff. Good job, low overhead, no wife, no kids, no mortgage, no car payment. And he's currently between girlfriends. Seriously, he's probably snuggled up between two girlfriends right now.

All in good time...

sounds like soviet a couple years ago

and that resulted in a bunch of WIN

:party:

This last weekend I figured out my lower radiator hose path.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1422409668

Then I moved on to my hot side intercooler piping. Started by opening up the hole behind the headlight.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/...pslv7nchb4.jpg

Then I was able to cut and route the piping.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1422409668

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1422409668

There were some other little things accomplished but this is how it sat on Sunday evening.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1422409668

All that is really left is the reroute hose, mounting the catch can, exhaust, and air filter. I am really hoping one more weekend is all I need.

Seriously nice MSM. I just wish mine had the good seats.

Updates?? Hadn't realized you were going with a 7163 as well until someone mentioned it in my build thread. Going to be watching how things go together closely now! Excited to see another 7163 build going on at the same time.