thought id dig this post from the grave to give another progress report.
good news: after being fart assed around for the past 8 months i can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
bad news: need new pistons, another expense to add to the list.
so basically the mechanic (hopefully if he remembered) order me 6 new pistons, new piston rings and a big end bearing today. they should be here within the next 3 weeks or so and as soon as they get here it will be full steam ahead.
so it's gone form a simple "replace the engine" to "complete engine rebuild and upgrade"
updated list of new engines components:
Reconditioned heads - ported
Manifold - ported
New pistons
New piston rings
NGK iridium spark plugs - all round
All new gaskets and filters
New timing belt
New head bolts
Custom Air intake with K&N Pod filter and new CAI
Exedy Heavy duty 'Sports Tuff' clutch
2.5" custom mandrel bent exhaust with high flow metal cat and dual 4" canons (already installed)
RPW Extractors
RPW rally spec short shift Kit
Greddy E-manage Ultimate piggybck ECU