[Anchorman]

Thanks, Dave. Front seals, which had some seepage, were done with the water pump replacement about 45k miles ago. Hadn't thought about it quite that way, but "new engine" sounds like a nice result.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Anchorman]

The work is underway. Here's a photo taken at the dismantled phase, prior to starting the replacement of the rod bearings. Pete noted that the oil pickup looks equivalent to be in roughly brand new condition.

   

Thanks to 94SilverCab (Jay) for the photo(s).

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Brian]

are you getting his new cams installed, too?

i'm dying to hear if he has them ready and if anyone's volunteered to be the guinea pig yet.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Anchorman]

Not yet. What I'm currently doing is what I'm calling "Phase I", dealing with stuff under the car (although not the exhaust). Phase II will deal with top end stuff, which I expect will include an RS Barn head and cams. If all goes well, that'll be more towards the end of summer or fall.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Brian]

that's very wise.

i've got a sweet rs exhuast and a problematic start/stall issue! hopefully mr. dme relay will rescue me on monday.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Anchorman]

Spoke to Pete a little while ago, and I'll be picking up my mechanically upgraded and refurbished car tomorrow. Can't wait - although I'm not sure I want to get rid of the Ford Focus I've been enjoying (?) for the last week. Stay tuned, I'll post my impressions of the results.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Anchorman]

The car is back. Almost didn't look the same. We went for a test ride, first with Pete driving, then me. We approached a ninety degree left, and Pete told me to downshift to second. Somehow or other, my mind heard "downshift to second and power through the corner". Right rear off the road, lots of stuff flying, noise - then back on the road not knowing how much damage had been done to the bodywork. At the next stop sign, Pete gets out to look and sees pretty much just mud, leaves, and dirt - nothing dented, thankfully. A good spray with a hose took care of it!



Why did this happen?



The car has more power! I wasn't expecting the acceleration I got! (I also think I really wasn't concentrating properly - I just completed an unpleasant business call that was still on my mind.)



Anyway, back to the important stuff. Cornering power is much improved (despite what happened) and there's notably more energy. Can't tell about the brakes yet, they needed to be broken in (I think I accomplished that last night - after the incident).



Overall, I'm delighted with the results. Pete, sorry if I scared you - but a big THANKS.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.