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Project Superman: '90 Talon - building my first drag race car

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The ARP studs would not thread in all the way so I had to chaser the threads. Block surface cleaned. I installed the ARP studs dry only finger tight per ARP instructions.
Then I installed the Felpro gasket dry (no copper spray) per felpro instructions. installed head. Installed kiggly oil restrictor.
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Cam gears installed. (Cleaned cams and head thoroughly). Lubed cams and oil seal, installed cams and then cam tower caps. Torqued caps to spec and in sequence. Used red loctite on cam gear bolts, torqued to factory specs.
Followed the VFAQ timing belt instructions and installed my first timing belt. aligned all timing marks (you have to move things around to
get everything to line up after the belt was installed.)
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Superman Update

Ok guys ran into a little issue. After putting on the timing belt and timing everything, I tried to turn the motor over. It was very difficult to turn. The crank spun like butter when I assembled the bottom end, but now it is hard to turn. So I took off the timing belt. Removed the lifters, reinstalled the cams and tried to spin it. It would not turn by hand. I had to put a wrench on it to get it to turn. Took out the cams and put them in another head I had and I can turn them with my hand. I check the cam caps to make sure I put them in right. It looks like the head is warped. I don't know how this could have happened. This engine came out of a running car. I'll just have to get it fixed. I'll keep you guys posted
 
Superman Update
Ok guys, I got the head back. I put the cams in without rockers and spun the cams by hand. Everything spun good. Then I put everything back together and timed the engine. I just have a few issues. I have never built a motor before so I am not sure what to look for. When I spin the motor I can feel the springs resisting me turning the engine. Is that normal? Also how would I tell if the valves are hitting anything. Would I hear something or would I not be able to turn the engine? Also when timing the engine the crank sprocket moved ever so slightly (please see pics below). I don't feel like it is timed correctly because of that slight movement; am I over thinking this. Please let me know if everything looks good.
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This is how the crank sprocket looks before I tension it.
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This is how it looks after the timing belt has been tensioned properly. Notice how the crank has rotated slightly clockwise. Is this normal, or do I need to redo things and have everything spot on?

Crank1.jpe
 
Still looks spot on to me. I always test it by rotating it several times, usually six as that is what is required to re-align the rear balance shaft sprocket, and then re-checking the marks and ensuring the grenade pin will go back in the tensioner easily . If they all align properly you've done it right. Of course, if there is no balance shaft then you don't have to worry about that mark, or it re-aligning.
 
Did you ever figure out your turning by hand issue? From my previous expierience once you put the timinig belt on and try to turn the motor by hand it will provide resistance and putting a wrench on the crank is the only way to get it to spin. Also a way to find out if the valves are hitting the pistons is to measure the height of the head and see if it is within spec.
 
Oh wow, I just noticed that you had issues turning over the engine. I really hope you bled your lifters before installing them. If you don't bleed your lifters they will stay open and keep your valves open which will bend valves.
 
I just did my timing for the first time too, and I had similar questions. Once tensioned my crank sprocket was slightly before the mark, but I was told by multiple people that it was close enough (yours looks damn close too). If you don't have spark plugs in, the motor should rotate with a 1/2" ratchet without using any major force. I noticed on mine that it would consistently build resistance and then rotate freely for about 1/2 rotation of the cam sprocket. If the valves are hitting the pistons you will feel a serious amount of binding and it would be extremely difficult to continue rotating. Awesome build btw! I just stumbled across it and its truly amazing the amount of high quality parts you are using.
 
Superman Update

Sorry for the lack of updates. This car has been driving me crazy, but still love the ride. Progress has been slow. There is just so much that goes into building this car, nothing fits properly. You have to massage everything so that it all works. So here is where I am.

Finally installed the engine in the car. The aluminum motor mount inserts made things a little difficult, but it all worked out.
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Installed Knock sensor
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Installed clutch
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Installed transmission. (You have to wiggle it.)
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So I started mocking everything up so I can figure out the routing of all the lines. This is the hard part in my opinion. You want everything to fit and look good. Still trying to figure things out. It finally started to look like a car.

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You also have to be a master fabricator, or something like that. I modified Jeff Bush's transfer case brace to work with Magnus' brace. Came out pretty good. Should be super strong. Not bad for a rookie, but When I put it on the car the down pipe would not fit. I need to learn how to weld quick. Will modify the downpipe to fit.

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the springs are shimmed so they provide a good amount of resistance. But it spins.
 
damn, I just read this whole thread only to find almost a whole year with no updates :(

please tell me you didn't give up on this?such an awesome build!
 
Hey guys haven't posted in a long time. Been busy with work, got married, had to buy a ring, pay for a wedding, bought a house, you know the routine. So money was tight. Have not had any time for racing. But I have not given up. I plan on starting back in october. Just Need some money for fuel parts and spark. Should be ready to go. Updates soon. I promise.
 
that's awesome!!!what a sick build so glad you didn't give up. I feel you on the whole getting married thing!i also bought her a ring mid build and let me just say I could of been running now LOL.
 
I give you credit for sticking with it man. I remember when you were first starting and years later the build is still going. I hope you get her done and get to enjoy her. Can't wait to see how she turns out
 
Hey guys haven't posted in a long time. Been busy with work, got married, had to buy a ring, pay for a wedding, bought a house, you know the routine. So money was tight. Have not had any time for racing. But I have not given up. I plan on starting back in october. Just Need some money for fuel parts and spark. Should be ready to go. Updates soon. I promise.

Glad you aren't giving up yet, but you gotta get your priorities straight! LOL

I like to look at it like this... (just don't tell my wife) :D

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Superman Update

Ok guys just a quick update. Decided to go mechanical when it came to fuel. So I picked up the Magnus mount. Next is the Pump. Aeromotive seems to be the move. I took this route because I wanted something simple with less wiring. Plus I am still not sure what fuel I want to go with, so this gives me all the room to play. I had my heart set on E98, But it is hard to get in NYC. I feel like I want to mess with Meth , just don't want to go blind or insane. I doubt it, plenty people run it without any issues. Not sure what I want so I am playing it safe with my setup. What do you guys think?

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