Another new '03 Evo

**Goat Blower** · 01-20-2011

Well, Brad beat me to it posting up about buying an Evo, although I wanted to keep it a secret until the DB meet, but I also picked up an Evo this week. Of course this changes my big plans of enjoying my GSX all summer, since this will now become my new toy and the GSX will be for sale soon. But I got some bad news tonight.

A little backround on the car, some of you might know about it since it's a local car. It's black with 75k miles, built 2.3 stroker, built head, FP Red, ACT clutch, blah blah. Nice shape overall and I'm very happy with it. But I bought it knowing it needed a headgasket. I was hoping that's all it was and I'd have it at DB on Saturday, but my luck dictates that it's never that simple. I pulled the head tonight and found this. Obviously the head is trashed and needs to be replaced, which sucks since it's got stainless valves and upgraded dual springs. The block has a bit of damage as well but is still useable as is.

I have to decide if I want to slap another head on it knowing that it's not 100%, which is definitely not my style, or do I pull the engine, deck the block and have it rehoned with a torque plate. The bad part of this is that I already have three other cars that also need work to be in running shape. Luckily my GSX is done except for cosmetics and runs like a champ. And I might need this as my only daily driver as early as next Monday. Oh well, it's going to be a lot of fun when it's done.

Kevin 1G Drummer · 01-20-2011

Are any of the valves bent? If not, why not just throw them and the springs in a good head? Also, congrats to both of you on the Evos! I love them in BBY

**Goat Blower** · 01-21-2011

The valves are in good shape, so yeah, a bare head would be even better, still need a valve job though. Or maybe a MIVEC conversion.

carltalon · 01-21-2011

Thats some pretty nasty damage. The car actually ran pretty good considering how messed up that head is. Do you have any pics of the block side? I guess I should have just pulled it to my house.

**Kracka** · 01-21-2011

Ouch! Welcome to the Evo game

...and welcome to the Evo game

**Tachyon** · 01-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kracka

Ouch! Welcome to the Evo game

...and welcome to the Evo game

LOL. I was going to say, same shit, different toilet...

But Congrats to you, Steve!

**cmspaz** · 01-21-2011

Congrats on the Evo, too bad on needing to tear into already.

**goodhart** · 01-21-2011

Well congrats on getting the Evo, but don't sell your GSX man, you are one of about 10 1g owners in the state that isn't a hack haha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tachyon

LOL. I was going to say, same shit, different toilet...

But Congrats to you, Steve!

LOL

C3L1CA · 01-21-2011

That sucks about the head!

Congrats on the new car though!! I'm sure you'll have no problem fixing it and fixing it right!

**Goat Blower** · 01-21-2011

Thanks guys. Yeah, the car actually ran pretty well considering how bad the head and gasket are. The block is almost perfect, shaving it a couple thou would take care of it completely. The damage isn't directly on the edge of the cylinder, so I'll probably leave it as is because I know I'll want to do some major upgrade on it in the future anyways, I can't ever leave well enough alone.

The nice thing is besides a lot of extra crap around the engine, the basics are very similar to the DSM's, so the learning curve is pretty light so far on doing a headgasket and timing belt. Overall, I'm very happy with the car, it's my favorite color, the mods are done well, and it looks completely stock except for the JdM yO exhaust, which will get replaced sooner than later.

If I get this job I interviewed for again yesterday, there's a possibility I'll keep the GSX as well. The Lotus is definitely going though, too many cars, not enough room.

Carl, you funny.

And thanks for the tow. If anybody needs cars trailered, Carl's your man!

**goodhart** · 01-21-2011

Buschur exhausts look the best on Evo's IMO, very mild looking I guess you could say.

**v8klla** · 01-21-2011

Congrats on the purchase, sorry to see the head situation. Cores aren't cheap, but we've got a few here I believe if need be just let me know.

awd-drifter · 01-21-2011

Very nice. hopefully you get it up and roaring soon

twack · 01-21-2011

is that damage from blowing the head gasket or from continued driving after it blew. it looks like 123abc's head on his 1g

**Halon** · 01-21-2011

Sweet!!! Lemme know if you ever need a hand!

Matt D. · 01-21-2011

Steve Hill with a car that isn't as old as he is, I never thought I'd see the day.

That's some crazy detonation. Any chance of it being welded up and milled down?

**Goat Blower** · 01-21-2011

Thanks d-bag, this car is just as old as my GSX was when I bought it.

Well, after some diagnosis at MAP, we've decided to start with a used core and transfer my springs, valves and such to that and give it a performance rebuild, so I should be back on the road by next weekend.

Wow, coming from the ultra cheap world of DSM parts, the sticker shock on Evo stuff stings a little, but you gotta pay to play. And it's still cheaper than Lotus stuff, so it's all good. Can't wait to get this baby on the road.

**goodhart** · 01-21-2011

Any pics of the outside of the car? Where did you find it anyways? Private sale? I don't recall seeing this on evomn or EvoM?

**Goat Blower** · 01-21-2011

Sure, here's it's current state, and as suggested by Carl, a full shot with my collection, all cleaned up ready for the show circuit.

**Goat Blower** · 01-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodhart

Any pics of the outside of the car? Where did you find it anyways? Private sale? I don't recall seeing this on evomn or EvoM?

It wasn't advertised that I know of. I found out about it and happened to be in the right place at the right time. I owned a black 2005 SSL for about two hours before this, but this will be my first chance to actually get to drive one.