Jan. 10, 2008 - The Swap
Well, I have hinted and mentioned for a couple months now that an engine swap for my beloved car was in the works. I am happy to say that it is complete! The whole process started a couple months ago when Alex asked me if I wanted to go in with him on ordering an engine for our cars in the name of saving on shipping costs and the overall cost of the engines themselves. I whole-heartedly agreed and the engines were ordered. Not too long afterwards the engines arrived at his place, only to discover that one of them was full of water...needless to say it was toast. So after a little coercing by Alex to get them to ship a replacement engine, a new one arrived. Then began the process of freshening up the nice B18C sitting in his garage. Over the next few weeks, when we both had a free evening, I would head over to Alex's place and we would work on getting it ready to drop in my car. We had a few hiccups along the way, such as a dented oil sump, but we (mostly Alex) trucked though it and had it ready to go.
Then it finally came down to the actual swap process. I had a weekend day off and we got a good amount of the work done: old engine out, old steering rack out, new steering rack in, new engine in, etc. Alex was gracious enough to let me dive his hatch while my car was under the knife during the next week or so. We got everything else in shortly afterward, including new suspension bushings up front, and the car buttoned back up enough that I could drive it home. I'll tell you that first drive down the block was thrilling, but there were a couple of issues to work out such as a really annoying surging idle, a missing torque mount, and a radiator fan that did not want to kick on. I made it home that night (more like early morning) without issue other than a really crooked steering wheel, and drove it for a little over a week. After Christmas I was able to get back over to Alex's and finish up with the few loose ends. Idle fixed, fan problem sorted out, and torque mount on I headed home that night and finally got to confidently push the new engine. I had a grin the whole ride home....and still do.
I love the new engine, the LSD trans that went with it, and the overall feel of the car with all the little things we did while we were at it. I can't wait for the new autocross season. Street Modified here I come.
Alex, I can't thank you enough for everything you did for me and the car, without you this would not have been possible. Thank you.
And since this little story is worthless without pictures, here you go.
Before
During
Obligatory "stand in empty engine bay" picture
After
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A place to show off my futile attempt at autocross and the like. Lets just hope the car holds together.
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