Joes 03 Evo 8 rebuild :)

[DrewPinoy85]

not sure what's going on with mine yet. The way this build has gone I'm hoping it starts w/out a hitch once we re assemble it. I don't think we are gonna have an issue but the cam sensor and the crank angle sensor worry me. I'm just glad I don't have Mivec or I wouldn't be doing this build at all. I've learned sooooo much though since I've been working on it and paid waaaayy more than I thought it would be cost wise to build it. and 1/17th of it was labor so the majority of it has gone into the motor itself.

Exactly. With Mivec tossed in the mix I didn't feel comfortable enough in my abilities to even attempt it... But it is a great learning experience. I took the miata apart and learned a lot that way too, but I figured if anything went south on that car I wouldn't take much of a loss on it when compared to the IX lol.

Financially though, I'm in the same boat, I'm just glad that Chris is willing to help out or I'd really be taking a hit.... Kirkwood Mitsu tried to squeeze 8k out of me only quoting the bottom end, and 4k was for 20hrs of labor.... if I let them touch it they probably would've tried to slap me in the face with a 15k bill.

[Joekapp]

^ yep youre right, it would be cheaper to have it professionally shipped to chicago, built, and shipped back with tons of money to spare as opposed to having the dealer do it in which they are only gonna do it one way and that's their way. Chris is a good builder, I'd rather have him do it in his garage than AMS or another shop based on the experience he's personally had with these cars and the attention he pays to detail, Boostin would be a good shop also but I just couldn't afford to even get it there lol. All in all I'll be broke but if it runs the way it should I'll be happy as hell once it's done and tuned.

[Joekapp]

That's for sure. It would be happening right now if I didn't just finish my Talon's motor and still have a million other things to buy and do to it.

Get some more updates. Ready to see it running again.

me too man, I'm ready to see it done already. It has taken the better half of my patients. I never wanna do an engine build again on this.

[Joekapp]

getting closer and closer. thought I would put up a few pics. my HKS 264 i/e cams and the JIC titanium catback are still up for sale

[DrewPinoy85]

Very Nice! So close man, bet you're excited!

[STLEvolution]

Man that setup is gonna be sweet!

[need2boost]

Get it in the car already man! Lol closer!

[Joekapp]

thanks guys, I am ready for it to be done for sure. I just keep reminding myself not to rush on it. I wanna make sure it's 100% when I finish it.

[STLEvolution]

How are things coming along Joe?

[Joekapp]

Engine is all together accessories and such. Just gotta get the trans bolted back up and get it up in the car.Other than that its been pretty slow coming together but hopefully will be running in 1 more month.

[STLEvolution]

Sweet man, I'm excited to see how it turns out!

[Joekapp]

me too for sure. Hope it's sound and stout

[Joekapp]

quick update. after only having about 7 hours a week to work on it as the only day me and my buddy are off sundays, we finally got the motor in this weekend. It's getting closer I just cannot wait for it to be finished. All that's left now is reconnect the center diff, wiring, pipes, fluids, and start it up (hopefully it does) ha. I'm crossing my fingers. Here are a couple pics from last wekend. The motor went in through the top and wasn't too bad getting it in there. Pretty much winging it and taking my time to make sure we get it 100% correct.

we wrapped a garbage bag around all the wiring to be safe.

[DrewPinoy85]

Nice! Good luck man! Hopefully she starts right up!

[Joekapp]

I hope so but my buddy that's been helping me his trans broke in his WRX so my car's on the back burner right now I need it running and it's soo close. Trying to consider other options to get this going and tuned asap.

[Joekapp]

drove the car yesterday. Runs like an evo with an AEM EMS and an outdated tune. that's about it to my build thread cause now I'm so broke I wont be modding it any further

[R1C]

what you looking power wise?

[Joekapp]

500hp on E85. But I'm stopping at 30psi so whatever that yeilds power wise I'll be happy with.

[R1C]

nice! i've been debating on building my block for some more powah. but eh... i'm not sure it's worth it. i migh save my money for a GTR later down the road. but nice car man i'm a big fan of your color of evo.

[Joekapp]

thanks man, It looks way better now than it did, I just changed a few small subtle things but it made a decent difference. yeah I'd opt for a GTR vs building your motor for sure

[Joekapp]

just picked up a set of these bad boys. Just my style. Wanted something with a higher bolster. They will match the interior as close as possible for stock look

JDM Evo 7 seats

[STLEvolution]

Thats awesome!

[Boost Addict]

Nice seats. Cant wait to see the car!

[Joekapp]

thanks guys, yeah I cant wait to get everything buttoned up and get it running normally. It runs fine right now, just leaks oil in a few places and needs a tune for the cams/compression/E85.

[Joekapp]

got em in the car. Side by side comparison the 7 seats are way more bolstered and they are for a bit of a slimmer waistline. All in all, they fit me perfectly.

[seanjohn291]

How'd you get 7 seats?

[Joekapp]

A ton of searching. Found them on a bimmer forum a guy was sellin em. We put my 8 seats in my buddies wrx

[Dirty_Evo]

Hey, I know a guy who wrenched on this car!

[Grip Master]

The 7 Seats are awesome!

I can recommend a great tuner for you

[Joekapp]

thanks man,

got it tuned at boostin 2 weekends ago, I'll be possibly looking for a good tuner for stock ECU dual tune speed density this spring if your guy happens to come down to st.L. Don't think I'll be able to drive up to chicago again for a while.

Hey, I know a guy who wrenched on this car!

yeah, I heard he was a real A-hole too haha