Old bearing out and stripped:


Teacher was successful in reinstalling the parking brake apparatus...did take a few tries. Didn't want to disassemble the system, but the wheel bearing required it:


Another corner nearly complete:


We await some suspension arms and new boots on the axles. Should be a good old messy time...

 

Did get the last corner halfway done...lost a sway bar link nut (seized), otherwise pretty easy.

Warm enough to clean up some fasteners with the newly arrived Amazon.de wire brush! Much less effort:


New parts arrived including one more piece (bolt) to the puzzle...timing belt idler pulley installed!:


And shampooing the rear seat:

 

Some packages finally arrived...although 4 more stuck in UK to Germany BREXIT customs jail...

Full valvetrain finally sourced - Manley Race Master SS valves/locks, GSC beehives, and GSC Ti retainers. Now if businesses reopen to reclaim our cylinder head...just extended the lock down thru mid-Febuary!

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Summit took 8 weeks to finally cancel the exhaust valves - received thru STM.

We had a nice discussion on steel versus titanium and beehive dynamics. Also significance of the stresses on those tiny locks versus operation of 8000 engine rpms!

 

Took a good 60 days to get our valve cover and crossmember returned from the powder-coaters...great quality it seems.

Before:


After with near OEM color - will add some pop to the engine compartment!:


Engine/trans crossmember:


Now we just need a cylinder head to put it on...German lock down continues...

Also got word that our Brembos are ready for shipping...starting to feel like we are making progress.

 

Popped in new seals...perimeter and spark plug:


Also installed the OEM sealing washers (@ ~$3 each!) for the valve/rocker cover - at least the new finish won't be marred:


Test fitting the ARP studs - understand a common sense upgrade to minimize head gasket issues with elevated boost levels:


And assembling the front crossmember - fresh parts are a joy to work with:

 

With temps near 10 degrees...garage struggles to be habitable for some folks. Nonetheless, we ended up updating a tool we specifically ordered to hold the wheel hub to torque the axle nut. Pop didn't read the fine print so...we had a nice discussion on how to step drill metal and without torching the drill bits. Small success...once we service the axles...



Fits like a glove...


Got word 3 packages from UK are arriving Thursday...but they are coming with a 20% upcharge courtesy of brexit..hurts the pocket book a bit...

 

Some good news - previous owner called to say a few more parts were located...98 more fasteners!


Unfortunately, many we already purchased, but a few were gems - for instance - piston oil squirters!


Popped in new seals for the driveshaft and axle off the transfer case - little gal swings a 5 pound sledge with gusto! (although control was lacking!):


Preparing the fuel tank drop - vacuuming all the shells from another previous occupier (natural type):

 

More progress...excited to install the new piston squirters - pulled the 'plugs' and reinstalled the check valve bolt and director:


Comparison:


Pulled the remaining seat in preparation for removing the carpet for a power clean:


Some hoovering:


Decent shape overall:


And renewing the rear axle lube:


She actually enjoyed the fluid consistency..."Dad - feels like honey!":


Better her than I...

 

Customs jail finally relented for at least two shipments from the UK...

Few shots of the bigger items:

Fresh rear top control arms (with their 3 new joints):


An upgraded turbo outlet to gain a bit of efficiency:


3 inch outlet:


And matching downpipe since the current one is suspect - likely original with hose clamped heat shields and crusty connections:


We plan to install a wideband in this piece...

 

A bit like Christmas in the garage this weekend - more pieces of the puzzle...

One washer/one bolt at a time...satisfaction:


Likely one of the most expensive shift knobs arrived and installed - little gal enjoyed rowing the gears...she needs to work on the engine sounds though:


OEM Evo 5 model...definitely has some significant weight within:


Easy comparison crusty and new:


Even the simplest tasks can be challenging...took a few minutes to figure out how to finagle the oddly shaped arm:


Getting the hang of righty tighty:

 

Not sure what issue I have, but dislike torn up plastic mud guards...fortunately, still available new!:


Previous owner ran it pretty low and cut 3 holes from tire burn thru in each front liner...also red overspray paint from likely an on-car caliper refinish. Glad to clean that up.

 

Quite easy to pop in the new mud guards...certainly freshens up the area:


Next was a new rear main seal after scraping the RTV remnants...watch those fingers!:


Back to finishing up the final corner suspension - new upper arm:


Prepping the wheel bearing pocket...she loves those power tools:


Some fun with anti-corrosion application...managed not to get it on everything...:


And the bearing - first attempt was 180 out again...why they are not symetric hole spacing?!:


Productive weekend.

 

Small projects today...new side window seals - pretty easy swap out with a nice return on appearance. Of course the originals came off in pieces:

Little be of clean up prior to install:


I let her figure out the orientation:


Complete!


Then moved to popping off the turbo outlet to see what lies beneath:


Looks in pretty good shape, eh? Supposed a near-new turbo:


Nice comparison from OEM to new M2 model:


Unfortunately, we may have ordered the incorrect turbo elbow/O2 sensor housing...as we intended for a full 3 inch exhaust path. The ruler does not lie...this one is only 2.6 inches (.25 larger than OEM)...hmmm:


Fresh fuel filter arrived:

 

Been waiting just over 2 months for a package...


Rebuilt and refreshed OEM Brembos! More brake than we will ever need:


Looks to be a nice job and OEM colors...brake investment for little lady is a slam dunk!

 

Couldn't wait to see how they look...


Lots of pop!


Quite happy with the quality rework. We will see how the finish holds up to some heat:


Some discussion on stretching bolts and how we don't drop the most expensive tool in the tool box...


Also talked about cooling systems and the need for a thermostat...even tested the new 176 degree stat in the kitchen...it worked!


And into the Evo 6 thermostat assembly:


Wrapped up the turbo elbow install...


And an easy one...replacing those 22 year old wipers...