Road Race Build (Sold but not forgotten) Solomon's 2GNT Build ('98 RS)

[BLACK'98DSM]

Made some progress today. First I painted the block. Then got the main bearings installed, crankshaft installed, bedplate installed, sealed and torqued.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I had to go to 5 different autoparts stores before I found some assembly lube. Today I started filing the pistons rings to proper specs... it won't be long before I'm yanking my old engine out and swapping parts over, like the headers and tb.

 

[dsmcrzy]

Are you going to turbo it in the future or leaving it NA?

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Are you going to turbo it in the future or leaving it NA?

I'm running a high compression ratio. So for now I'm keeping it N/A. I'm going to squeeze every last horsepower out of this engine, and then I'll see about going turbo.

 

[dsmcrzy]

I am sure you have come across him, but Bullett (I believe still holds) the record for the highest HP NA 420a. The link below is to what parts he used in that engine.

https://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=bullettdsm

good luck with the build man.

 

[hughes_22]

Hey man, love the backstory and progress! My car was a similar find, just needed some quick fixes to get it running and driving, but then I started to hit the issues of lack of maintenance by the previous owner(s). After reading every post of this build, you've pretty much inspired me to get my own build thread done. Had the car two years now, and a lot of changes. My direction is more stock building for a daily driver, with very modest mods.

One question I had is what paint are you using? I know a similar question was asked, but it was just about the "how" and not the "with". My engine is currently at a machine shop, so I'm trying to get all the dress up done while the car is up on stands.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

One question I had is what paint are you using?

Are you asking about what paint I used on the exterior of the car? I just used some generic Rustoluem Jet Black. It's not the best stuff but it got the job done. At some point I'd like to get a higher quality paint job.

 

[hughes_22]

Yes, correct. I had to do some minor fixes on the body of mine, and the paint I used as a temp fix has faded to a very very dull, almost colorless paint. I actually have the same paint gun you do, did you thin the paint with anything specific?

Also, do you have seat covers? They look like they fit extremely well.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Yes, correct. I had to do some minor fixes on the body of mine, and the paint I used as a temp fix has faded to a very very dull, almost colorless paint. I actually have the same paint gun you do, did you thin the paint with anything specific?

Also, do you have seat covers? They look like they fit extremely well.

I used mineral spirits to thin the paint.

Yea I have some $20 seat covers. They fit extremely well and look great for the price.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I decided to do some port work on the cylinder head. Trying to squeeze every last horsepower out of this engine. Also I made some progress on the engine. New water and oil pump is installed. Also got the piston rings properly gapped and the pistons dropped in. Oil pan and head should go on tomorrow.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I'm ordering a set of PT Cruiser lifters. They have a much larger hole, so the top end will be lubricated much better. Just a matter of time before I rip the old engine out.

 

[dsmcrzy]

Did you also look at getting the 2.7L rockers? Those also have oil holes that are aimed at the roller.

https://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=Rockers

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Did you also look at getting the 2.7L rockers? Those also have oil holes that are aimed at the roller.

https://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=Rockers

Sounds good to me. I'd hate to starve a freshly built head.

 

[midwestmopar]

Sup man, I also took a small hiatus as well, looks live you've began a nice stock pile of parts while I have neglected my eclipse in that time haha. I didn't see any updates on autocross stuff. did you run this year at all? I'm excited to see what this new engine has instore for you.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Make sure to "dress" the return oil holes in your block for optimum return of the oil in the top end. I don't know if you have thought of it, but on my Small Block Chevy motors, I try to smooth the casting area for good oil return and I also paint the lifter galley (it is slanted on a SBC) so the oil rolls right back into the pan as soon as possible. I have never had any paint flake or any issues internally as long as it is prepped just like a good paint job and using engine enamel. On the 420 I don't know if paint internally is needed but it is some of the stuff I do to other engines.
Good luck and good progress Solomon!

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

did you run this year at all?

I did not. There were no local events at a decent price, and there's no way I would spend hundreds of dollars on an event when I knew I would just slide all over the place because I need softer tires.

 

[midwestmopar]

I did not. There were no local events at a decent price, and there's no way I would spend hundreds of dollars on an event when I knew I would just slide all over the place because I need softer tires.

that's a shame, indy and cinci is trying to get all there runs in late in the year now, but I have no car to go with. hopefully next year for both of us haha

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

More engine goodies arrived.

Modern Performance (mpx) underdrive pulley, ARP rod bolts, PT lifters...

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I made room in the garage and started tearing her down tonight. After pulling my heavy hood and heavy battery, my back told me it was time to quit. I need an easy day at work so I can spend 6 hours on the car and have the engine out.

EDIT: I've been asked about the cardboard sheet underneath the front of the car. It's good practice if you don't like scrubbing the floor from various fluid spills...

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

The engine and trans will be out this weekend. All that's left is pulling the axles and mounts.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I must say, pulling this engine/trans together was harder than most others I have done. There just isn't enough clearance. Not stressing though, I'm very glad to have made this much progress today.

 

[dsmcrzy]

I have found it to be much easier to drop both out the bottom.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I have found it to be much easier to drop both out the bottom.

That's the plan if I ever have to do it again. It almost looks like it was designed to be done that way.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

I removed a bunch of extra junk from the engine bay and cleaned it up a lot and saved weight. Got the engine bay and a few of the accesories painted. Look at how clean the strut towers came out!
The engine is almost completely back together.

 

[dsmcrzy]

Perfect time to do a wire tuck.... just sayin. Looks great man!