so absolutely no chance for the valves to fall down with the compressed air method?

the conventional method is painfull if you do it with engine in the car and i have yet to find a suitable, swiveling wrench to turn the engine. so i want to make an addapter out of a spark plug and try compressed air, but am a bit frightened.

 

From what I've read online, if done correctly you shouldn't have anything to worry about. The adapter piece wasn't too expensive and worked very well. It may be worth investing in one

 

Update. I started getting the A&A dual fuel pump and lines installed. I still need to tap the fuel tank but have run the lines from the rear to the front.








I also removed the intake manifold to install the new 2 bar MAP sensor. I decided to swap in some new gaskets and foam since I was in there.





New 80# injectors swapped onto the rail and reinstalled the manifold





Also cleaned up the valve covers and installed new gaskets.





Then got the coils back on, reinstalled the plug wires / alternator and ran the belt.



I am still waiting on the radiator and fan to come in from Dewitts, but hopefully it will arrive in another week or so. Other than modifying the power steering cooler lines, I just need to finish the fuel system and install the Alky meth kit. Then I'll send the PCM for a base tune to get the car running. I feel like it's getting close...finally lol

 

Progress feels good!

 

Still waiting on Dewitts. They said the radiator is done but they are waiting on the shroud for the fans before it will ship. They said maybe mid next week but we'll see.

I spent some time with the fuel and meth systems in the meantime. I went ahead and mounted the FPR and ran the return line to the back of the car.



Then I tried to clean up the dual fuel pump relays / hobbs switches in the wheel well.



I started adding up all of the lines that would need to be tied in to the brake booster hose and realized I needed a vacuum block to keep it clean. I ended up going with a Vibrant block that seems like a quality piece. It took a minute to research all of the NPT fittings that would be needed for each line but I found most of the parts in stock at Summit. Here is what I ended up with:



I tied into the brake booster hose and ran the hose to the wheel well



I was able to secure the meth pump and vacuum block after trying multiple different layouts. It's not show car tidy, but it's secure and will get the job done.



Also ran the meth pump light to the A-pillar pod



My other 2 items to finish are the PS cooler relocation and modify the AA charge pipe. I moved the entire cooler to the drivers side, drilled and tapped new bolts and mounted the cooler. I purchased new PS hose and think I will probably just cut the hard lines and install some hose in between.



And the AA charge pipe / MAF girdle ended up being a bit too long since I opted for the extended version for the meth nozzle and IAT sensor. When the radiator / fans arrive and I get them installed, I will plan to measure the pipe then and send it to AA for modification and bead rolling.



That's it for now...so ready to get this car back on the road and headed for tuning.

 

That's a solid amount of work. I'm sure you're good, but I didn't see any teflon on those npt ends. Great location for the block. You're like me: don't threaten me with a good time with those self tappers. The 99 has them everywhere. For light attachments on the 03 i went with riv nuts secured with 3m body panel adhesive. Don't buy the tool. You will start using it all over. Lol

 

Thanks, it feels like slow progress but I think we’re close. The first pic was just a test fit but I Teflon wrapped all of the fittings before installing them in the next pic. Hopefully won’t have any leaks! Glad I went with the block, I would’ve had multiple T and Y fittings all over the place.

 

Finally arrived! This is one well done piece, definitely worth the wait.



I decided to keep the cradle at stock height and run the cutdown Dewitts with the stock AA dongle. It's close but it fits.





Also ran the AA dual pump system return line in some thermal wrap and tied it up high away from the tunnel plate. Then I tapped the tank. I had to order the bits and NPT taps since I didn't have the larger sizes. It looks a little messy, but should get the job done.





I also wired up the Alky meth kit and ran a quick test with the controller. So far so good.



I just need to get new fluids in the car...coolant, oil, PS fluid, etc. Also have to send the A&A charge pipe to be shortened a bit and bead rolled...it's a bit too long with the extended MAF girdle. Will also send the PCM for a base tune so I can get it on the road and make sure everything will be good for the dyno.

Been saying this for a while, but it's close to being done lol.

 

It all looks good!

I also went with the cut down radiator with intent to be rid of the cradle spacers, but I have also used 3/8" shorter engine mounts. This likely negates the radiator reduction or prompts a compromise where i can shave the spacers to fit.

Redhorse -an fittings?

 

Yeah glad I went this route. I'm able to keep my ground clearance the same which is good since I occasionally scrape the front around town. You might be cutting if close at 3/8" shorter mounts, but should definitely be able to shave a good bit off the spacers.

Not sure about the -an fittings, A&A supplied everything in the kit. Seems like some quality pieces though.

 

Still tying up some loose ends today. I fought the radiator clamps on the new radiator for the better part of an hour. It was a tight fit, especially around the SC bracket.

Also spent a fair amount of time trimming the rear brake duct and wheel well lining to accommodate the new fuel pump and line. Forgive the numerous drill attempts lol, the fuel line was originally very close to the rear tire.











Also will send the charge pipe to A&A tomorrow. I spent some time to make sure I marked it correctly.

 

PCM with the base tune arrived from Vengeance yesterday. First start up!

 

 

That's a good day right there. Wicked!

 

You have done a great job! Thanks for sharing.

 

Sorry if I missed it but what are you planning to do for tires/wheels? Are those 19" CCWs?

 

Thanks guys, feels good to be able to drive it again.

I'm currently running an 18/19 setup with the SP500s. Right now I just have a 305/30/19 street tire on the back but am trying to decide which direction to go. There are very little options for a sticky tire in 305/30. There seem to be more options in a 35 profile, but it doesn't look good on this rear wheel IMO.

I've also though about just getting a set of Welds for the rear in a smaller diameter for a bigger tire with more options. Just not sure yet.

 

I intend to see what I can achieve on the same wheels and tire size as a normal street setup with the traction control and torque management. I'm also of the mind to find out what I can fit over the rear C6Z calipers in what Im guessing would be an 18" wheel, but crossing my fingers if it can fit under a 17" so I can run something with meat in the sidewall for straight line pulls. Overall, the suspension remains the undiscovered country on my build. I've got bushings and a set of coilovers which I am familiar with and will be advancing suspension setup and parts likely next year once I've got the car running and sorted out.

 

And while I already have a second set of rear tires on deck to burn through, my eyes are on the Nankangs as a future street option.
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I'm also running 305/30/19s. Slim pickins for sure. I do okay with the Toyo R888Rs but I don't have anywhere near the power you do.