So, quick update on the X. Been driving it daily since January and VDR shows 580whp dynojet at 29psi and 600whp at 30 so the head is healthy and the motor is strong, but if you recall last fall I found this:
and when I pulled the head off for the rebuild I found this:
After getting the head rebuild and the car running again, the car has continued to burn more and more oil. Let'R buck has been my motto for a while but its gotten to 1 quart every 300 miles, even with driving nice. There's been several times that I'm getting ignition cutout from what I can only assume is excess oil in the cylinder and crank case pressure. I added a recirculation nipple on my intake for crank case vacuum but it made no difference.
Talked to MAP over the last few weeks and decided to just pull the trigger on getting this thing fixed: Ordered an 100% new OEM Shortblock that will keep the stock crank, receive MAP Ultimate duty rods, and wiseco standard bore pistons. This will basically be identical to my existing engine but no overbore and Wiseco's instead of JE's.
In May I plan on doing is yanking the longblock/trans and swapping everything over to the new shortblock, and drop it back in with fresh gaskets and a fresh clutch disc. What I'll have leftover will be an epic deal for someone: a sleevable core with a good crank, strong rods, and good pistons. One piston does have a small pit in it but I plan on disassembling the whole thing so the buyer knows exactly what they're getting into. A sleeved 2.0 setup is a solid $6k with core and if I can get $2k for mine someone will have one for more like $4k.
Side story, I'm tired of the Rotas. LOVE them, but when I put my OEM wheels on for winter I just really like how the car sits with them, very simple looking. KISS. Mine are beat to hell from the previous owner, so I found a clean set and will be rocking these this summer.
My plan is to have the motor broken-in and issues all sorted by June and ready for kicking arse at Proving Grounds. No stupid wastegate or clutch issues this year, just going fast. As excited as I am for this, I am laid-up out in Montana after a 46-mph (thank you gps) ski crash and a trashed ACL in my left knee. Shifting or even leaving from a stop is not going to be my strong suit for a while, so...who knows what the eff will happen.
Word to your moms.