Jun 20, 2020 14:41
As of a few weeks ago, I have a complete smog legal exhaust on the Mr2. I've also called and scheduled for my Mr2 to be CARB certified, so that will be nerve racking until I hear that it passed and is considered 100% legal. I might redo the coolant system prior, if time allows, to make the task of checking/filling the coolant easier on myself - that will be a pain in the ass. The alternator would need to come off along with its tensioner bracket - then the existing coolant output neck would need to be removed, the sensors I have moved over to the new coolant output neck, then mount the new filler port - then fill & bleed the whole system.
Thankfully, I was able to re-route all of the cables from the front and rear dash cameras - the lines are as hidden as I could get them to be. I also re-seated the arm rest cover - it was loose. Next up will be re-running the cables for the rear speaker wires. After that, the last big task is getting the air conditioning working. Once all of that is done, then I can finally give the suspension a bit of an overhaul & alignment.
The WRX is at the shop as the head gaskets are going - I'd rather it not overheat while I'm driving around. Annoyed to say the least as I had only intended on replacing the exhaust gaskets and the nuts/bolts for the exhaust system. But, shit happens. While the engine is going back together, I've requested that all of the fasteners on the exhaust be replaced with ARP equipment (that I supplied). I did the extra step of buying a thermal blanket for the up-pipe, to limit the heat from it going into the engine bay. It has the side benefit of making boost occur sooner, which will be nice as I absolutely hate any turbo lag (I'd prefer a flat 6 NA over a 4 cylinder turbo). I'll look into getting a thermal blanket for the cross pipe later on - that is a super easy install that I can do without any help.
I cannot overstate how tired I am of rusting/rounding nuts & bolts. I also bought enough washers so that both ends of the fasteners will get a washer. Reading on the ARP site, all of their hardware is rust resistant (more so than stock bits).
I need to replace the exhaust gaskets on my wife's Outback. I should have enough leftover ARP parts to completely redo all of the fasteners on it as well - already got the new/upgraded gaskets too. Then I get to replace both front axles - the driver side axle boot is basically gone. Then I get to fully bleed out the clutch system (clutch line is already braided steel). And finally I get to replace all of the brake lines with braided steel lines.
The list seems pretty long, but if I had a solid 3 days, I could take care of all of it.