Hey guys! Threw a rod on my stock 2000 motor (too much boost, I knew it was coming)

Now I've got a VVT with

• APR Head Studs
• Forged Pistons (CP Forged Pistons)
• Forged Rods ( MAHLE)
• Rod Bearings (ACL)
• 630 CC Flowforce injectors
• TB2541 Turbo
• Supertech MLS headgasket
• eBay Intercooler
• MS3X

This motor should be installed tomorrow (sunday) assuming everything goes together easily...

Anyway. Any speculation on what power I can safely make without blowing the engine? Boost levels? I've also got a 6 speed since the car is an SE. Also, I have the FM Stage 2 clutch (from my blown motor) but I also have a brand new stage 4 clutch works kit with a lightweight flywheel. Which would you guys run?

 

How well it is put together is a factor. I believe you mean how much power you can make reliably with a descent service life. Assuming the rods are Manley, not Mahle, there are no studs on the mains and its professionally assembled. I would say the trans being a used 6spd might be your limiting factor for strength at 300whp. I don’t know about the capability of the turbo. Maybe others know better.

 

That turbo won't break the gearbox or engine. In my mind it's a bad choice for a built motor, does it even have a T25 flange?

 

Yes its a 25 flange. Unfortunately the turbo was also blown. Go figure. It was smoking up a storm leaking oil past the seals. Just ordered a China GT28 to replace it with. That little turbo did put in some work though, it did really well on the little 1.8 and blew the stock motor! I have a vid of acceleration if I can figure out how to post it.

What really sucks is I must not have seated the main pulley properly (harmonic balancer or whatever) because it wobbles a tiny bit. There doesnt seem to be an easy way to get to it unless I yank the engine again.
Edit: Actually, I bet I could put it in gear, take radiator out, belts off and get it set right

 

You may have to drop the frame mounts of the sway bar and pull the radiator but an impact should be able to get in there.