After much contemplation and research, I have finally decided to pull the trigger and open up my case. Given that my car is an amalgamation of components from several different tuners/sources, and my primary tuner, Speed Gallery, does not rebuild engines in house, planning this project took a considerable amount of time and effort. Fortunately, through a cooperative effort of many different people, this project is finally ready to commence this week.

First and foremost, I need to thank the people who are making this project possible. Dan from Speed Gallery has been at the eye of the hurricane, coordinating between the various participants, and bringing everything together. Stephen from Imagine Auto will be doing the actual rebuild, and he has provided invaluable input throughout the planning stages. Kevin from Ultimate Motorworks has also provided critical input regarding how to best accomplish this project. Todd from EVO MS has provided both important input and necessary components for the project. Garrett from GIAC will be providing the essential programming for the unique set up. I could not undertake this project without the assistance and cooperation of each of the above listed gentlemen and I am sincerely grateful to each of them for their invaluable contributions. THANK YOU DAN, STEPHEN, KEVIN, TODD AND GARRETT.

The following is a list of the parts/services comprising this project:

Carrillo rods
GT3R oil pump
Imagine Auto upgraded head studs
Imagine Auto upgraded, coated valve springs
EVO MS fuel kit, including larger injectors, high flow pump, billet rails and steel lines
EVO MS throttle body kit, including 996NA throttle body and modified Y-pipe
EVO MS V-Flow intake box
Custom GIAC programming (1.6+ bar, 100 octane)
Shuffle pin case
Ceramic coat piston tops
Dry lube rods and skirts
New OEM bearings, gaskets, seals and piston rings

The project is scheduled to start later this week when Speed Gallery (“SG”) pulls the engine. SG will ship the engine via Bax Global to Imagine Auto (“IA”). IA will be splitting the case and sending out various components of the engine to subcontractors for specialized services. For example, the case is being shuffle pinned, the Carrillo rods and piston skirts are being dry lubed, and the piston tops are being ceramic coated. Upon receiving the parts back from the subs, IA will rebuild the engine with the Carrillo rods, GT3R oil pump, IA upgraded head studs, IA upgraded (stronger), coated valve springs, and new OEM bearings, gaskets, seals and piston rings.

Upon receiving the engine back from IA, SG will install: (1) EVO MS’s fuel kit, including larger injectors, high flow pump, billet rails and steel lines, (2) EVO MS’s throttle body kit, including 996NA throttle body and modified Y-pipe, and (3) EVO MS’s V-Flow intake box. Then, GIAC will step in and, using an existing EVO MS program designed for the injectors (supplied by EVO MS) as a template, GIAC will create a custom 1.6+ bar, 100 octane program designed specifically for my Ultimate Motorworks Stage V turbos. This program will be created by GIAC on Dan’s shop car, using the same turbos, along with an EVO MS upgraded fuel kit.

If all goes smoothly, Ill have the car back by the end of April, just in time to break it in before summer.

This project requires the cooperation of many different tuners and I am genuinely grateful for their willingness to work together. Thank you Dan, Stephen, Kevin, Todd, Garrett and all the guys at Speed Gallery.

Craig

 

What is the HP/TQ goal with this car?

 

Craig,

Sounds like a very sound plan. The only other thing I would have added was steel liners with the 1.6 bar.

 

Craig you sick boy...cant wait too see how it turns out....sounds like a real undertaking..how long is the warranty

 

As much as possible!!! +/- 800 at the crank? Perhaps a tad more.

Craig

 

Judging from CJV's experiences, changing the heads is far from a simple task, and more of an undertaking than I am prepared for.

The Stage V ZCs run at 1.6 bar without a problem. How do I know? I've been running them at that level for a few months now (ergo, the reason I am rebuilding my engine before I ventilate it). Moreover, I haven't ruled out the possibility of switching to a Stage VII ZC, which is good for over 1,000 hp. My only concern is the increased lag.

Craig

 

I looked into the steel liners, but opted to go without them. That being said, if you have an extra set around (OEM sizes) that you are looking to unload, I'd buy them from you.

Craig

 

Wow. I want a ride when you get it back Craig

Long live the SoCal tiptronic warrior.

 

AWESOME- AWESOME-AWESOME

 

i cant wait to see this done craig...

TIPPY's RULE.. and who said that TIps were ghey...

 

Sounds awsome Craig. What about the potential for "barrels?" break down Chad was referring to. I believe he was saying over 700HP there could be issues?? I noticed you were involved in this conversation on Chad's thread. What are barrels?

Mike

 

The very best of luck Craig. Is the tip going to be built up to withstand all of this power?

 

Barrells are the cylinders/sleeves that the pistons move within. Some believe that the OEM Nikasil (coated with Nickel Silicon Carbide) barrells may be susceptable to cracking at higher hp levels and steel barrells are stronger. 9ff used steel barrells on its recent record breaking car (http://www.excellence-mag.com/art1/art1p2.html). On the other hand, many engine builders believe that Nikasil barrells are superior. Check out http://www.lnengineering.com/aircraft.html for info re: Nikasil. I am far from knowledgeable on such matters, but I have consulted with my engine builder and determined that my OEM Nikasil barrells will be fine for my application, just as they are working fine for EVO's 1000 hp car and IA's 900 HP car.

Craig

 

I sure hope so. Sharky's non-x50 Tip is handling similar (if not greater) power levels. My x50 Tip is stronger and should be fine. If not, TTP will rebuild and reinforce my Tip. Sharky may also have a US rebuilder if that becomes necessary.

Craig

 

Kevin, I'm still trying to decide between the Stage Vs and the Stage VIIs. I'm concerned about increased lag (particularly since I've become accustomed to nearly no lag with the Vs).

Craig