I wanted to do a vertical flow IC in a side-by-side setup with a narrow radiator, but when I got into the mock-up I realized I would need to get rid of the A/C. And at this point I'm not into loosing the A/C because I still drive the car on the street alot. So for now I'm just sticking with my stock radiator and looking for a typical aftermarket IC to replace my stock one.

I'd like a radiator like yours that has the line exiting in a place where it doesn't hit the manifold. BUT, I still have a few small items to grab and I'm LOW on funds, I'm on the fence already for upgraded:

- Intercooler
- Cams (to replace my HKS 264's)

 

^ETS 3.5" w/ GSC S2's

 

Thanks for the explanation re the plugs mate - much appreciated, and good decision to replace them btw.

 

A few notes on the freeze plug install from tonight.

- The plugs at the end of the block are really tough to get out because there isn't enough room inside the block for them to rotate. It was a bear.

- The new plugs were pretty tough to get in. I slammed the living **** out of them to get them seated.



More parts came. Some bends for lower intercooler piping, I still have a 180 degree bend coming as well along with some couplers and a stiffer wastegate spring.

 

I cant wait to see what fmic you decide to go w/ and cams.

 

Whatever is cheap, used and available when I feel like buying them I'm talking to a guy about a Buschur IC that has slight damage. I'll take a Buschur, AMS or ETS for the right deal.

Cams are a little harder. There are a set of revolvers out there right now - but those have such mixed reviews. The good reviews/dyno graphs are wicked awesome with crap loads of torque. The bad ones are marginal with no top end.

It's so easy for me to make the change right now when everything is apart. But cams were not in the budget or planned... So it's a tough one.

 

Jared we have been seeing good gains with the Brian Crower cams and for the money I think they rock. I will prob be throwing a set in the IX track car.

Prob would have thrown them in the 8 but I had the Cossi M2s in stock when I was slapping the head on so I just had to splurge.

I am hoping to pull away from studying this weekend long enough to build my dump tube, LICP, and run the oil lines.

I wonder who will finish their project first? Probably you

 

Whatever, you've got the motor in the car and running - you just need to fab a few things for the new turbo. My motor is down to the block still.

So you upgraded from the HKS's in your car too. I hate you. Making me want to go buy cams. I need the good ol' super hommie hook-up like when Scott got his HKS 272's for $250 when they WERE the hot cam at the moment (2003).

 

Those were the days back when the USD was still good and parts from Japan weren't so dang expensive

You make me fell like a old timer :P

P.S Buy some cams foo

 

I've seen the BC cam, spring, and retainer kits for $550 from a vendor. Hard to beat that on any budget. Similar for Forced Performance kit is under $600 as well. Although with a 2.3 you may not NEED upgraded valves and retainers if your cams don't have a ton of lift.

 

Id rather put great cams in once, rather than finding great deals and keep swapping them out, unless you like to do it all the time.

 

just make sure you degree your BC cams. They are known not to be made correctly. they do perform fairly well tho.

 

I already have upgraded springs and retainers (BC singles, which are pretty stiff) - pay attention guys!

Damn all of you with your "upgrade the cams now", I know it's easier. I just hate paying full price for new cams when used ones are just as good and cost half that.

I'd lean towards Kelford 272's, GSC S2's or FP 4R's. I'm not feeling the results of the BC's from the AMS cam test - I like DATA yo!

 

I wasnt saying get them now, but it would make sense w/ the car apart, but you can find good deals on good used cams on here rather than buying them new.

 

Sorry, there was simply too much awesomeness in your project for me to take it all in!

Link this thread in your sig, and also that you are looking for a good deal on those cams in there too. Then be a post ***** all over the place. Maybe you could trade for some brackets.
Dammit even if you have to start a donation fund, this build needs to have the right cams so there are no buts or ifs about the results .