its coming along....slowly.

[phoenix arsenal]

So I purchased this gst last month and started working into it almost immediately. Im posting to make sure im going about this right.

Here's the new:
Seafoamed (the fun!)
Oil & oil filter
cone air filter and adapter plate
Battery
Rotors and brake pads (front for now, rears are next)
grey leather front seats, hopefully i can find the rear one day
spark plugs, wires are next

heres the existing known problems:
1. slight shake after 80mph
2. complete power drop off just before 6k rpm
3. cracked exhaust manifold, valve cover, suspected: turbo exhaust
4. shitty RTV gasket maker for valve cover instead of actual gasket
5. weird grind noise that can be heard inside of car, doesnt sound like it can be heard outside car

corresponding fixes or ideas for fixes:
1. replacing all bushings, mounts, etc. I believe this should correct the issue.
2. needs new hoses? FPR? BOV (i was told the stock one can cause this)? I would love to do a leak test, however issue #3 maybe make this ineffective.
3. simple: just replace. suggestions on the exhaust mani? im not planning on doing much with this vehicle, 300whp absolute MAX mid to high 200's more likely.
4. again, replace.
5. im not certain if this is the transmission or the motor, either way it worries the piss outta me. nothing on this car has been an in-depth fix as you can see above, however, im really worried about the condition of both.

If anyone has any helpful help/tips when considering these things, i'd greatly appreciate it. I really want to get this car on the right track before i start doing major upgrades i.e. turbo, fuel pump, etc.

 

[CrawlinZX14]

Grinding how?
80mph shake could be a simple balance issue in your tires.
replace cracked and broken parts.

2g exhaust mani is a standard and good upgrade.
Replace the valve cover
and use a proper gasket. Sounds like you already know what needs to be done.

 

[Rsawd95dsm]

Balance tires that should fix the shake at 80

 

[phoenix arsenal]

i know i havent replied to this in a while, but i'll be doing the tire balance today, and as far as the grinding noise heres more info:

can only be heard at a stop when idling. doesnt matter what gear its in. also, i park it in a parking garage and when in 1st gear as i descend through the garage, it will just pop out of 1st. buddy rode with me the other day and said it could be my throwout bearing. sounds logical as im not sure when the last time it was changed (if at all). I would like to verify with you guys in here as to if it sounds probable.