You need to get a boost gauge installed. First thing you should install on this car. That's the only way to know what you're running. Mine had a Prosport peak/hold installed when I bought it. It's "fine", but I'm a little tired of the noise.

My stock boost control solenoid was damaged at some point and I don't have the stock boost lines with restrictor pills so I'm running a Perrin MBC set at around 17psi.

Got the oil return line off. I guess I goofed and didn't scrape the old gasket very well, there was still some on there. Got it pretty well resurfaced and the gasket is on with a little RTV. I'll put the other end on and get everything buttoned up soon.

 

So far, so good. Took her for a quick spin. I'll get on it a bit more next time and see.

 

A friend told me that my updates were boring. Sooooo sorry!

I did several logs yesterday. Things look pretty good. A little knock, but nothing I'm worried about.

I installed TephraMod V7. Ordered an Apexi drop-in since I'm currently running a dirty stock filter. Should be here early next week.

Also adjusted my TPS this morning. I was hitting around 95-96%. and 4% at idle. It's at 100% WOT and 13ish at idle, now. I believe that's more like it.

I also found the hoses for my IC sprayer. Not that I need it since it decided to be 40 today. But still, nice to have. Filled my reservoir.

I'm going to try to get her cleaned up for Cars & Coffee in the morning. She still needs a lot of love, but it's all moving in the right direction.

On a sad note, I JUST realized that the PO rolled the fenders, and pretty poorly. I'm going to need to mask them off, wire brush, and get some paint on them.

My other weekend project is to change the rear differential fluid and to top off my transfer case. I keep neglecting to do that...

 

Spent a bit of time claying the car today. Got the roof, ABC pillars, hood, front fenders, wing, and trunk. I'll try to finish tomorrow. Poor car is in need of a polish and some good wax. Pictures to follow!

 

brogan, i'm currently deployed and missing my evo every day. it is a build that i am so close to start up on. but i just read this entire thread and it was like a sad but happy ending movie. lol i'm pumped for you that you're able to enjoy it!

 

Thanks, man! I'm definitely enjoying it. I think the polishing is going to be worth it. Super annoying to do, but very rewarding.

Got 2 pieces of the puzzle in today:

New Apexi drop-in to replace the old stock filter:


Used upper heatshield. It does the job, just need some correct hardware:


Found a lower head shield locally to pick up soon. Also planning to order some T-bolt clamps shortly. I have mish-mashed stock clamps in various condition that I don't really trust. I've read that the eBay kit is a pretty okay buy on these.

 

I've been spending a lot of time on the detailing lately, and I've decided it's just not something I have the patience for. I've switched to M205 and a white pad to finish the car. I've never had much patience for 12 hours with a rotary to do endless paint correction.

The car will look great with just the polish and some good wax or sealant.

Finally got my STM tie-down in today. Gets the job done:

 

Well, there went all my money.

Placed an order with Detailed Image to get in some different polish and some lighter pads. Going to try to beat those swirls. A little microfiber on the way, too.

JNZ is shipping me new fender liners for the front and one of the rears. Also getting some hardware to replace a few zip ties under the hood.

Discount Tire price matched TreadDepot with a sweet deal on some Cooper RS3-S. Excited to try these out.

Pics to come when I have them!

 

Drove her to work today. Detailing went pretty well. I'll try to snap a few pictures later.

One thing that kills me... One of the POs put Brembo and Enkei stickers on the door... Yeah, like all Evos didn't come with Brembos and Enkeis...

 

Good to be driving her again. Out of curiosity, I logged my fuel trims today to make sure the rewired fuel pump wasn't throwing them off. Corrections were within 2%, so I'm all good there.

Finally have a few pictures. I prevent my almost 100% stock VIII

 

Just ordered the shim kit for my AC. Should be here tomorrow so I can have some cold!!!

 

AC is fixed. Re-shimmed the compressor clutch. Did the trick.

UPS brought these today!:

 

Nice, man! Glad to see you're enjoying the car.

 

I certainly am, thanks!

Now for more old-car maintenance. Front wheel bearing is bad. Doing that tonight. Tie rod ends are shot, too, but that's not happening right now. I'll probably bite the bullet and do the Whiteline roll-center kit to be ready for coilovers at some point.

 

Glad to see it back together, good work man. Any plans to make it faster?