Tom's '99 Version R

[TomHenman]

Spacers arrived today so put them on the rear. They're only 15mm, so bring it out nicely to the guard but not too much poke.
sh*tty photo's but they give a bit of a comparison.

[bjk]

Nice! Might want to get your guards rolled.

[Technikhaus]

Nice! Will need to get your guards rolled.

FTFY

Looks great though!

[TomHenman]

Thought I might have to

Rears looks so much better now so I've bought another set for the front. Then hopefully play around with the coilovers and get it sitting nicely

[bjk]

If you're on coilovers, depending on your spring rate it may be OK. Give it a run around and see if you hear any noises or see any marks on the ture lol.

[TomHenman]

So... Pulled into the driveway last night and the engine began to splutter then developed a knock

A mechanic came over and narrowed it down to the top end, also mentioning that the timing belt needs to be replaced, despite being done ~25,000 kms ago...

Does anyone have much experience with rebuilding FTO engines around sydney? Heard Suzitech in Thornleigh has done a few, anyone had any experiences?

[Daniel2019]

Suzitech only did a major service to Lawso's car and charged quite a lot. I got my whole engine and gearbox rebuilt for less than they charged and that included bottom end and chemical clean of everything + machining + labor. I got mine done at Thornleigh Cylinder Heads, but wouldn't recommend them.

Best place to go would be Fineline automotive in Botany. Mike will give you a detailed run down of everything that's required and a detailed report of everything completed.

He will outsource machine work to his guy. They are very fair with labor prices and mark up on parts too, and the guy is a mechanical genius.

http://www.finelineauto.com.au/

I'll probably be going down there in the next few weeks too.

[TomHenman]

Suzitech only did a major service to Lawso's car and charged quite a lot. I got my whole engine and gearbox rebuilt for less than they charged and that included bottom end and chemical clean of everything + machining + labor. I got mine done at Thornleigh Cylinder Heads, but wouldn't recommend them.

Best place to go would be Fineline automotive in Botany. Mike will give you a detailed run down of everything that's required and a detailed report of everything completed.

He will outsource machine work to his guy. They are very fair with labor prices and mark up on parts too, and the guy is a mechanical genius.

http://www.finelineauto.com.au/

I'll probably be going down there in the next few weeks too.

Thanks for that!

I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if they've got any time available

Anything else that may be worthwhile getting done at the same time?

[Daniel2019]

Are you doing the timing belt or rebuilding the engine?

[TomHenman]

At this stage it seems like I'll be doing both. Will chat to the mechanic at fineline and get a better diagnoses of what's actually broken/ needs replaced

[Daniel2019]

Would have to bring it in for proper diagnosis.

Don't be that guy that calls and asks what's wrong then never actually goes there

[TomHenman]

I'll just put it on loud speaker and turn the engine on? Surely he will know

Nah I'll definitely take it to him for diagnoses just want to make sure they aren't backed up until like New Years or something and I just arrive with a car on a trailer with no where to go

[TomHenman]

Been forever since I've updated this so thought I'd let you all know what's been going on

Here's how it stands today


So, I ended up finding a healthy engine with ~100,000km on it, replaced the timing belt, water pump etc and had it put in the car
Also replaced the clutch with an Exedy Heavy Duty Clutch and Radiator hoses with Blue Samco silicone ones



Was a relatively slow process with getting parts and having work done over the New Years/ Christmas period, but was rather problem free.
The only thing that had to be addressed was a pin-hole leak in the power steering hose, so we had a set custom made to replace them.

Had all four tyres replaced with Bridgestone Potenza RE002's (215/45R17) too and they're perfect, especially for the price I snagged them at

Also replaced the speakers with Kenwood 6x9 360w in the rear and Clarion 6x6 350w in the front and Installed spacers in the front

[Daniel2019]

Nice, looks good man. Did you end up taking it to my guy?

Nice to have a fresh engine hey.. good feeling!

[Strkszone]

Looks great Tom! New Engine must feel pretty good!

[mezje]

That thing is beautiful, loving the wheel choice. New engine must be a great feeling, putting many more years of life back in to her.

[Scorpionwally8]

That engine bay looks clean nice ride mate

[TomHenman]

Nice, looks good man. Did you end up taking it to my guy?

Nice to have a fresh engine hey.. good feeling!

Nah didn't end up going to them because they were backed up for a while over the holidays.

Ended up taking it to Thornleigh Cylinder Heads, because that was within my 5km of free towing and its right next to where my dad works so he could easily be in contact with them while I was in Wollongong. Didn't have any problems with them and they were pretty good with there work, been back a few times and they've helped out on a bunch of little things for free, so no complaints there.

[Daniel2019]

Yeah Nas built my engine. Took them ages and was a bit expensive but meh, did a good job I spose.