91 Eagle Talon TSi Lessons learned Build

[weldtuner]

This build is the result of lessons learned over the last 6 years. I bought my TSi while attending school at Wyotech. I started having every common issue DSM’s usually have, from transmission problems, head gasket issues (twice) and even an entire engine wire harness that had its ground wires corroded inside the insulation! After replacing the head gasket twice and destroying an eBay Big 16G (make sure the oiling port has plenty of clearance on the head after milling it) I decided to wait until I could afford to fix my car the right way.
Fast forward to present day, now married with 3 children, I have decided to pick up where I left off. I have made this project into a family project my 3 boys are almost always in the garage with me, constantly asking questions. What started off as just a “Rebuild” has turned into a full blown complete vehicle build.
Some Highlights or plans are:
2.3 Stroker (Eagle crank, Wiseco 8.8Cr pistons, Eagle rods)
Mostly stock head with simple cast flaw clean-up
HX35
ECM Link V3 (speed density)
Transmission rebuild by myself
Shaved engine bay
Relocated battery.
These are just barely scratching the surface, I already have begun the teardown process and I will be posting pictures very soon. I have been inspired greatly by everyone else’s build journals, so I thought I would share as well. Stay “Tuned”

 

[talonlaforce]

I am in the same kind of situation where i need to save up some money to do my rebuild. My 91 runs and drives fine but it burns oil and has lower compression, so i would like to rebuild the motor befor i do any more damage. I also need some body work but that can wait. It sound like you may be going for more hp than what i am looking for (Im look to get around 300 to 350hp) but keep me posted on how the build turns out and if you have and tips on parts or things to look for let me know

 

[weldtuner]

Part 1 Tear Down/Disassembly
These are some pictures from when I started taking my TSi apart. I plan on taking many more pictures, with more detail for each step( Sometimes I just start working and get carried away)

First picture with car in Arizona, we took front valance off to load on and off trailer.

Engine shots with about 3 years worth of grime!

Very dirty shot of the Greddy Type S BOV

My shelled out eBay Big 16G. This is something I really should have read more about 4years ago when I bought it. Although I think it was a lack of oil from the head oil port that caused the catastrophic failure

This shot is from the head I installed after burning up my 2nd head gasket. The head was milled down and thus made my oil port very shallow, from what I later read on this site, this can also cause terrible lifter tick.

Engine block view of oil port

3 year old grime mostly removed now

Engine pulled with some help(I know, he is not wearing safety toe shoes)

Traded the 2.0 for 2 stooges

Start of stripping/removing engine bay components

I have since removed my interior and removed/cleaned up the left-over sound deadening material using Goo-Gone. I have also removed the dash and all related wiring harness'. I plan on doing an engine bay wire tuck to go with the shave.
I was at a stand still for awhile because I used a little of the old gasoline in my pressure washer(bad idea). I finally got around to disassembling and thoroughly cleaded the carburetor for it. Glad to say it is up and running again!

Stay "Tuned"

 

[turbotalon1g]

None of those issues you have had, seem like common DSM issues to me.

 

[greekgodchaos]

None of those issues you have had, seem like common DSM issues to me.

Disagree. Transmission issues have plauged me too and currently are...I think.

Can't wait to see the end result of this build BTW for heavy grime and stuff, try that Heavy Duty Engine Gel Cleaner by GUNK, just found it the other day, that cleans like no other, even better than Simple Green

On the Oil port on your head, make sure you do the porting mod if you are going to get a fresh head. Its on the site somewhere but that will help aleviate the high oil pressure/lack thereof.

 

[driftingalong1]

nice write up. I like how you have commented on whats happening in the pictures. Looking forward to see some more progress!!!