Astroboy's reliability build (pic intensive)
#182
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I took those two pics of the cowl cover for you, pretty much I just winged it. The wipers will be going back on but the plastic piece needs some more work before I put the wipers back on.
#183
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Soooooo about two weeks ago we started to tune her, found there's a vacuum leak somewhere and while trying to get the idle down blew the freeze plug out of the front of the head (only moments after Dave walked away from the front of the car and I questioned if we should shut it down). The timing of this event was quite epic.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/27783-astroboys-reliability-build-pic-intensive-386848_258981644149182_100001120466954_735511_987687140_n.jpg?dateline=1320781611)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/27784-astroboys-reliability-build-pic-intensive-374075_258981524149194_100001120466954_735510_414251063_n.jpg?dateline=1320781611)
Then I installed the side splitters, they are quite ****. I was suprised to see they came out and din't look stupid with the rb rear flares (I was expecting to have to modify them to make them flow with the rest of the car)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/27785-astroboys-reliability-build-pic-intensive-6324607034_173d37caa1_b.jpg?dateline=1320781611)
Shameless plug:
Also I am in the calendar for 2012 so vote for this guy! http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/?page_id=406
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/27783-astroboys-reliability-build-pic-intensive-386848_258981644149182_100001120466954_735511_987687140_n.jpg?dateline=1320781611)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/27784-astroboys-reliability-build-pic-intensive-374075_258981524149194_100001120466954_735510_414251063_n.jpg?dateline=1320781611)
Then I installed the side splitters, they are quite ****. I was suprised to see they came out and din't look stupid with the rb rear flares (I was expecting to have to modify them to make them flow with the rest of the car)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/27785-astroboys-reliability-build-pic-intensive-6324607034_173d37caa1_b.jpg?dateline=1320781611)
Shameless plug:
Also I am in the calendar for 2012 so vote for this guy! http://www.r2-limited.com/blog/?page_id=406
#185
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I used the step ladder technique to get maximum vertical reach.
The freeze plug wasn't in quite perfect and what ended up happening is as the temps went up the pressure also did. The freeze plug was the weak point so it blasted out when the temp got too high.
The freeze plug wasn't in quite perfect and what ended up happening is as the temps went up the pressure also did. The freeze plug was the weak point so it blasted out when the temp got too high.
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LOL at the epic freeze plug. We could have been hurt pretty bad, so id say timing was epic too.
You fix the **** yet? We cant do any more tuning till you get that done. Sry I didnt call you back. I forgot :(
You fix the **** yet? We cant do any more tuning till you get that done. Sry I didnt call you back. I forgot :(
#187
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Nope, haven't gotten it done. Work has been pretty nuts along with shoots so I haven't had a chance. Also my Sentra needed a new wheel bearing, ball joint, axle, and all the seals. The water pump needs to be replaced so it is next on the chopping block along with timing chain guides, oil pump, and tensioners.
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Yeah, if you don't drive it in perfectly flush with respect to the face of the head (where your driving the freeze plug into) it will weep and eventually, as I found out, blast out of the head like a steam line rupture.
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Just finished taking apart my diverter to find the cause of the pressure leak . I was fully expecting to find a ripped diaphragm but actually what happened (no idea how though) is one side of it got pushed down and was allowing air to get by. Set it straight and reassembled it...going to give it a go tomorrow to see if it still leaks. Next I need to figure out what is going on with the idle adjustment screw on the throttle body. Then throw the coolant blockoff plate on (just need to punch holes in it for mounting purposes), refill the system, and try try again.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/build-threads-57/28396-astroboys-reliability-build-pic-intensive-6360732279_2e73dd0765_b.jpg?dateline=1321667677)
#197
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1/4" thick aluminum (should expand at about the same rate as the head). I am contemplating buying some hex head fasteners and countersinking the holes so the mount flush but part of me says that will introduce a couple failure points that I don't want in my life.
That's fine. My goal is a reliable 300whp car that I don't have to put a ton of boost into to achieve said power goal. If this setup doesn't get me close a little bw efr should get me the rest of the way there.
Sometimes people think I when I talk about this car
Sometimes people think I when I talk about this car
![Riaa](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/riaa.gif)
#200
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Thanks man.
EFR's are good things to have in your life. Hopefuly your build will be running this time next year ![wink](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/wink.gif)
The diverter still leaks by :( I'll have to take it apart again to see if I can pinpoint the source of the leak again.
![wink](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/smilies/wink.gif)
The diverter still leaks by :( I'll have to take it apart again to see if I can pinpoint the source of the leak again.