Header Off and Looking At Next Steps

[TG924]

With some reading and member help we got the header off on our 99 GSX. A compression test and leak down test indicated a blown head gasket. This is the first time we have taken an engine apart this far and this is what we found. The gasket didn't look bad to me so I'm wonder if warp may be the issue. I'm going to take it to a machine shop. Number 2 cylinder had antifreeze in it and then there are the valves. I'm looking to see what the next steps are other than taking it to a machine shop. I'll post some pics.

 

[PrimerPLus]

Replace your headgasket even if it dont look bad. Have machine shop check your head for warpage, pressure test it, check for cracks etc. If the head is warped you probably have to get the block decked too. If I were you I would check your piston rings too while you are there.

 

[TG924]

Replace your headgasket even if it dont look bad. Have machine shop check your head for warpage, pressure test it, check for cracks etc. If the head is warped you probably have to get the block decked too. If I were you I would check your piston rings too while you are there.

Does it make sense to go the extra and just have the block decked to be sure? I'm in favor of doing a little more than necessary if it goes back together the right way. Thanks and I will check the rings also!

 

[PrimerPLus]

If you got the time. I would have it all checked out. Have them look at your cylinder walls see if it needs honed or bored. Have your crank polished.

Whats your HP goals? If its moderate I would just replace whats needed with oem parts. If you looking to make decent power think about upgrading pistons, rods, new bearings. If its out and you got the time to spare that is. That would be a great time to look into new clutch, arp headstuds,

 

[TG924]

If you got the time. I would have it all checked out. Have them look at your cylinder walls see if it needs honed or bored. Have your crank polished.

Whats your HP goals? If its moderate I would just replace whats needed with oem parts. If you looking to make decent power think about upgrading pistons, rods, new bearings. If its out and you got the time to spare that is. That would be a great time to look into new clutch, arp headstuds,

To be honest I haven't thought much about HP. It's been all about getting it running.

Definitely looking at a new clutch. I only drove it a couple times after buying it and second gear has a lot of grinding going on and fourth is almost impossible to downshift.

What would be a logical next step up in HP that's simply a little more than the current stock HP? You have me thinking maybe I should go ahead and take it up a notch!

 

[PrimerPLus]

Well I personally am going for 400hp. I believe this to be a great DD hp goal and have fun.

So if I were you I would look into the following:

DSMLINK V3 there are 2 options Lite and Full and you can always upgrade from lite to full if you wish. But this is basically a must buy.

Bigger fuel injectors. If you got link might as well go big. I like my FIC 1150cc injectors.

Upgraded Fuel pump - Walbro 255lph seems to be popular - I run Aeromotive stealth 340lph
Fuel pump rewire kit -STM has a nice kit.

AFPR (Aeromotive or Fuel lab) You need this if you run anything over a Walbro 190lph

For clutch I would go with a South Bend Clutch. Twicks69 on the forums sales them and can set you up with a great setup. He got my setup and its great.

If you are running the stock turbo I would upgrade that. I am using an Evo 3 16g turbo and everyone will tell you its a great street turbo. Of course there are lots of other options and if I were you I would look into them to see what meets your goals.

You will need a Boost controller (i use hallman pro mbc)
Boost guage, Wideband gauge, and maybe an oil pressure gauge.

If you got a stock exhaust think about upgrading that to a 3inch exhaust

Your BOV what do you have? If its stock I would replace that too.
You will need a FMIC if you upgrade to a bigger turbo. There are lots to choose from I use Punishment Racing FMIC but there others to choose from.

If you get your block checked out and head checked out and they need to have parts replaced I would personally go with upgraded parts. But its a personal choice it will cost a pretty penny but if you dont mind go all out get. There is a lot you can do to bottom end and your head.

Make sure to replace your timing belt and do general maintenance. There is a kit for the timing components you can get to replace it all. Everyone would recommend you replace all your timing components for peace of mind.


Just remember it does get expensive. So make sure you look at what you want to do.

Check out some of the build journals to see what people done and see if their goals are similar to yours. This would be a great way to find out everything you need.
I am probably missing some things so just ask.

 

[Green93Tsi]

Hey man, if you have the time. While it's apart, do rings and bearings. Its only going to help.

Looks like it could use a hone, can't really tell tho. When I had my head off, I did a valve job on it personally.

 

[trillatl]

I just went down this road... Take the head to a machine have they have it checked out for leaks and everything else, might as was get a valve job while the heads off. As far as the block goes... Its iron and a lot harder to warp. There are a lot of topic on this site that will show you how to check the bock for warp. I didn't get my block decked. I just did this about 3 months ago and no problems yet! Get some ARP head studs while the head is off... Depending on what head you have you might have to get the head bolt holds machined to fit the ARP bolts if you choose to get them! Please make sure you get all of that coolant out too! Also look up the oil port mod and have the machine shop do it for you... The hard part is over. Ziplock bags with labeled bolts help on the re install...

 

[TG924]

Great suggestions. I've been reading up a lot and I may have started the process a little backwards but then again the car hasn't gone anywhere and it's in my garage. I picked up a Walbro 255 and put that in, picked up an Aeromotive AFPR to put in, looking at a new fuel rail (not sure if that's necessary?) and will check out the bigger injectors.

I have to do the clutch and will look at the South bend. The turbo in it is a knock of EVO 3 TD05. I looked up the serial number and found it's a knock off.

I wasn't going to change exhaust manifold but thought about maybe going to steel but I read a lot of people saying the stock is probably the best.

I have a stock BOV and want to change that out.

I got the antifreeze out. The oil mod is a great suggestion. I'll check the FAQ on it to get that done.

I appreciate the suggestions and help. Looking at it in books, drawings and pictures then seeing it "live" for the first time leaves me wondering sometimes if I'm looking at it the right way and the help you guys provide is great. Thanks!

 

[PrimerPLus]

You do not need to upgrade your fuel rail. Stock is just fine.
Your stock exhaust manifold will be fine too. I use the FP exhaust manifold its a nice piece. I only got it because I didnt like the look of my stock one .
For your BoV I would go with a Tial QR
I say run your knock off turbo until it blows then get a different one.

 

[TG924]

When taking the head out I also noticed this hole in the case just below and to the right of the ID tag. I'm guessing that should have a plug of some sort there?

 

[PrimerPLus]

I am thinking that is a breather plug there.
Breather plug

 

[TG924]

You do not need to upgrade your fuel rail. Stock is just fine.
Your stock exhaust manifold will be fine too. I use the FP exhaust manifold its a nice piece. I only got it because I didnt like the look of my stock one .
For your BoV I would go with a Tial QR
I say run your knock off turbo until it blows then get a different one.

I was thinking the same way, just didn't like the look of the exhaust manifold so maybe I'll just get a heat shield or something to dress it up a bit.

Been reading on the Tial and like what I see. I'll be looking at that one closer.

I like the way you think! Just run it until she blows! After taking the head off, the turbo would be a walk in the park so I'm going to just run it until it gives out.

 

[PrimerPLus]

Sounds good to me!
You should start a build thread to keep track of what you do to your car!

 

[TG924]

I am thinking that is a breather plug there.
Breather plug

Thanks! I think that's the least expensive fix I've had all day!

Sounds good to me!
You should start a build thread to keep track of what you do to your car!

I might just do that....I currently have the inside of the car down to the bare metal.... I took pics along the way just so I could remember where everything went. I did the same for all that we've done for the engine side. The original intention was just to get it running but now it seems to have taken on a life of it's own!

 

[PrimerPLus]

Oh yah thus is the life of a DSM'er

 

[ronnievermilion]

You don't need to upgrade your fuel rail.

Since you already have the 255 pump and AFPR. All you will need is bigger injector's. 750's will be plenty big enough.

FP makes a killer stock manifold that bolts up to stock size turbo and I looks sexy. Plus very inexpensive.

Going with a FMIC is another must have. As well as bigger down pipe and cat-back.

Doing all of those things plus what you have done will put you close to 300 HP!!!

Tech Guide: 2G 4G63t Upgrades - DSMtuners

here is a link on the site to give you a better idea.

 

[BogusSVO]

Personally, I do not like the look of the valves in the head. They are some sort of replacement valve.

The head has been through a machine shop before. Good chance due to bent valves from a broken timing belt. From what little I can see of the pistons, the pistons do not look like they have been hit.

Most of the time when the valves bend, the guides crack. So I would inspect the guides, some shops will not change the valve guides and just leave the cracked ones in.

So the head may be a reman from somewhere.


I would find a good used set of factory 6T valves and have them installed, and a new set of valve springs would be good.

Some reading for you.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/341209-4g63t-valve-spring-info.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cyl...omparison-stock-hks-bc1100.html#post152945194

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/341028-4g63t-head-oil-port-mod.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cyl...0613-why-not-let-your-head-belt-surfaced.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/new...face-4g63t-cylinder-head-mls-head-gasket.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cyl...how-aluminum-head-pressure-tested-cracks.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/341218-how-change-valve-guides-4g63t-head.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cylinder-head-short-block/420045-how-have-4g63-head-rebuilt.html