The mechaninc told me that the most likely cause of my overheating was the copper gasket I was using. Not that the gasket is bad. The stock stretch head bolts aren't compatible with a copper head gasket.
A stock head gasket is made up of 3 layers. With stretch bolts, the gasket can move with the head when it heats up and pressurizes. A copper gasket just expands. When the stock head bolts stretch, basically the head comes up off the gasket.
To use the copper gasket, I'll need head studs. Which I'm hoping to be able to order tomorrow.
I hope this is a good translation from what the mechanic told me. It made sense when he explained it to me. He has a lot of experience when it comes to building engines, he has built several race cars, including a formula car.

 

Just waiting for a few parts to come in and the mechanic will be putting it all back together.

 

Well, I know it has been a long trip for you...but it looks like it's almost ready! So the combo of not having head studs and a copper HG caused your issues huh? Thus the reason all turbo Civic owners recommend / mandate that you use ARPs and a OEM 3-layer gasket (plus copper spray is good to use too).

Good luck!

 

Thanks dude

 

Any updates?

 

yeah, parts are in and the car should be ready by friday. I say it will be ready, I might not be able to pick it up cause I won't have all the funds to pay for it. The dealership said that leaving the car there till the balance is paid off would be fine. I just hate to think I have to leave the car there for another couple of weeks.

 

That sucks man! But I'm sure you'll be happy when it's all finished and done with...

 

Alrighty the car is finally fixed!!
It took so long because they tried to use the copper head gasket and it just wasn't sealing, so the mechanic changed the gasket to a stock one and now it works like a champ. I even have better compression. The car is so much more responsive now. It drives like a whole new car. You guys should have seen me when I got the call saying the car was good to go. I was bursting at the seams.
I just need to get a new set of plugs and start tuning. DAMN, am I happy!
The mechanic did a great job on the whole repair. I was very glad I took the Lancer to him.
Anyway, I'll keep yall posted on anything new. Hopefully, I will now get to dyno it soon. Thanks for all those who gave me advice.

 

Hey Dark, great news! Ever come up through G'ville? You've gotta stop in! I'd love to see the results!

BTW, for everyone in the area that needs a good mechanic, who did the work? Who is going to tune it?

 

I actually had the work done at a dealership. The guy's name was Micheal, all the EVO guys in the area go to him. He has years of experience
I have to ask at work again, where the shop that can tune is, cause I forgot exactly. I hope to do it sometime in June, I have to wait cause I have to save up the money for that.