FULLY FORGED ENGINE 14/07/13.
Ok, so just got the car back after AKS Tuning having it for a couple weeks to forge it all up for me. Have to say i missed the old girl, and if im honest was wondering why i spent so much money on her when these cars are so damn cheap now...nevermind, the car has always had the best (to the laugh's and cusses of mates and family alike).
The actual waiting process of the rods was a long one to say the least, probably close to a year i would say haha, but im totally happy with how the car acts and responds these days.
From last time, Alex dialed back the boost to 5 (to prevent any damage with standard rods) and the car still pulled very well. Still holding 1.5 bar boost and higher sometimes. I have DEFI gauges so i know this is quite accurate. Well, the boost is still at 5 but the car pulls so much better.
I had read up on various horror stories with the V3 manifold, and so i asked Alex if he could do anymore welding on it to protect from cracks etc. Apparantly there were a few fitment issues around the bolt area, but everywhere else lined up perfectly which was a bonus. Not too sure if im gonna need any heat shielding atm but only time will tell.
I went the whole hog with the car:
- DM Forged H beam rods
- Headgasket kit
- Big End Bearings
- Head bolts
- Piston Rings
- Head Build
- Modify and fit Relentless Manifold
- High Temp K nuts & Studs
- Phenolic Inlet Manifold Gasket
- Pipercross CO187 Filter
- Full Cambelt Kit
- Millers CFS 5W40 NT Performance Oil and Filter Service
- Running in oil and filter.
On idle now i have a lovely new burble, and a slight prod of the throttle i get a sound that tells the world the car means business. 2nd gear? Oh my days, it revs so quick and nearer the top end of rev range i get a good roar. I would say the torque hasnt improved but the pull of the car is improved higher up the rev range.
It feels great knowing i can put my foot down and not worry anymore. Im still shocked at the gearbox still being ok and clutch too. I mean the car is 8 years old.
Will post build pics when i get them back from Alex and also a few videos if i have time. One things for sure the engine bay was filthy as fook, so that will need tidying up soon, alongside a paint repray and wheel refurb.