I should finally have some more frequent updates starting now! Engine is taken down to the point where I can clean most of it.
The rear pipe insert for the block breather doesn't seat well anymore, so it leaks all over the rear of the block. I'm actually going to design and get made an Aluminum fitting with o-rings here that will have threads so I can put an AN hose on it. This will allow me to run nice AN lines from the block to my PCV setup as well as prevent leaks. Should be pretty trick.
Here you can see the oil leak from the head gasket on the front cover. I plan on taking the head off to install a fresh head gasket and upgrade to mazworx head studs over the old style "off the shelf" ARP studs. Haven't had any issues, but since I'll be putting more power down now, I would like the little extra insurance.
I actually got ahead of myself and cleaned a little on the intake side before I remembered to take pictures, ha ha. I purchased a new oil block to replace the old one, since it's pretty beat up.
After it's all cleaned up, I will finish removing the rest of the parts needed to remove the cylinder head and start the process of putting everything back together. All the brackets for accessories and engine mounts are at powder coat at the moment, as well as the S13.4 hybrid valve cover (which is why my original S13 VC is on the engine atm to keep bugs and debris out). I've been thinking of painting the block with high temp silver paint (ceramic if I can), but haven't decided yet. I want this thing to look amazing in the S14!
I also took this opportunity to check valve shim clearances and ordered the needed shims/guides to get everything back in check. The #4 exhaust side had the most change and had .21mm of gap! I try to put everything around .15mm give or take .1mm. I'll be checking the rocker arms and other parts for wear and replace if needed. If too many rocker arms need to be replaced, I may replace the whole set and do the dual guide conversion. But we shall see. Since I don't bounce my engine off the rev limiter like a noob drifter, I've never had any issues with throwing a rocker arm (and I've spun this engine to 9k, lol).
That's it for now, I plan on doing more work today, mainly on the chassis side of things. I need to prep the car to go and get a cage done. It's a lot of work!