Spare Engine Project

**jimnielsen** · 06-04-10, 21:21

yep, post the pics of the adjustable cam wheels and how to make them!

**jimnielsen** · 07-04-10, 05:22

I pulled the head off the 'spare engine' - a couple of interesting things - the engine has been fitted with ARP bolts, quite different to the stretch bolts that are standard, also an MLS headgasket of some type has been fitted, looks to have been operating well, From what I can see from a brief initial inspection all the valves etc look ok, and the two bores I can see look in fine condition as well.

**arjunior45** · 07-04-10, 10:53

my engine number, build in 23 Sept 1995, is 1679754 {if I recall it correct} or 1678754.
My parts cd does not give me the cars data with engine number only, sorry.

**arjunior45** · 07-04-10, 10:57

Originally Posted by Juan AR155Q4

I could post some pics if anybody wants.

yes please!!!

**SteveNZ** · 07-04-10, 11:42

Originally Posted by jimnielsen

I pulled the head off the 'spare engine' - a couple of interesting things - the engine has been fitted with ARP bolts, quite different to the stretch bolts that are standard, also an MLS headgasket of some type has been fitted, looks to have been operating well, From what I can see from a brief initial inspection all the valves etc look ok, and the two bores I can see look in fine condition as well.

The headgasket was sealing well and the bolts look mint. They don't look very old at all.

**Juan AR155Q4** · 07-04-10, 12:20

Originally Posted by arjunior45

yes please!!!

Will create a new thread so as not to pollute this one.

**Juan AR155Q4** · 08-04-10, 14:44

Originally Posted by jimnielsen

I pulled the head off the 'spare engine' - a couple of interesting things - the engine has been fitted with ARP bolts, quite different to the stretch bolts that are standard, also an MLS headgasket of some type has been fitted, looks to have been operating well, From what I can see from a brief initial inspection all the valves etc look ok, and the two bores I can see look in fine condition as well.

It seems you have a combo like this.

**jimnielsen** · 09-04-10, 06:38

Juan.. I bet you are correct - this is great info as it will help me find out what is the correct torque for these particular ARP bolts.

hmm.. but when i look at this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ARP-H...mZ310206203463

the bolts I have are 8.25mm in diameter - and the above ones are 10mm - are they referring to the shank diameter??

Anyone think I can reuse the Cometic MLS gasket??

jim.

**Juan AR155Q4** · 09-04-10, 12:07

OEM bolts are ?10mm and are measured in D as shown in this pic:

Regarding gasket, I certainly would re-use it. MLS allows reusing if the are not broken.

**SteveNZ** · 09-04-10, 12:10

The head bolts are "10mm" because they have 10mm threads. Not all bolt designs have wasted shanks.

I would look at using O rings in the block with a new gasket if you are planning a lot of power, maybe even 12mm bolts.

If you want lots of power there is no point trying to save money by reusing these items.

**1NRO** · 12-04-10, 06:08

Looks good Jim, a fault free unit to build up.

Cometic gaskets can be reused, several times with care. As Steve says though its not an item to risk reusing on a brand new build, not funny if you had to pull the head to replace. They will handle very strong power just as they come, the embossed surface around the various holes act in a very similar way to an o ring. If you ring it too the potential for leaks is high, they don't compress like normal gaskets. What thickness is the one you have?

The head bolts lack a few details I 'd want, no seating detail for instance. That and a lack of proper tightening data. This could be over come but spare studs for testing would be needed. 12mm would be the way I'd go if only to be sure I didn't regret it later. I've put some pics up of mine before, there's a guy on 124 who sourced some too, I've not seen them but they came from ARP. There are ARP 12 mm available on the net but be wary, they are meant for another engine completly and aren't suitable and there is a very strong suspicion that they aren't proper ARP. I'm a fan of the wasted detail, keeps the stretch in the shank rather than the stress riser haven that is the thread.

PM sent with CR data.

Nik

**jimnielsen** · 18-04-10, 06:14

some more disassembly..Really it looks in remarkably good condition internally. The pistons have very little scuffing, the bearings have a lot of life left in them yet! But the best news is that the components that I actually need.. the block, crank, head, sump sections are all in fine condition.

the cometic gasket that I have is 2.0mm - probably too thick to reuse anyway..

jim.

**wrinx** · 18-04-10, 06:36

Good news

wrinx

**1NRO** · 18-04-10, 10:56

Is it just me or does it look to of been apart before now? looks almost too clean. Good though eh! Whats the water jacket like?

2 mm cometic is a special order and done by people who build an engine to standard tolerance. No work being done hardly by the squench band/pads.

**jimnielsen** · 18-04-10, 11:53

yep, its a pretty thick gasket for a standard engine. I am in two minds as to whether the the bottom end has already been apart or not - there are no obvious signs. The oil squirters have never been removed, nor have the balance shafts. The front and rear main seals look like the original type to me. Hope to strip it complete next week so that I can get a better look at water jacket...

jim.