Vip's Celica All-Trac Project

[Vip09]

March 24th 2009 - I got the rest of my engine back from the machine shop. Block decked and bored to 87.5mm. Head decked. Balanced rotating assembly.

Adjusted the valve lash and the head is pretty much ready to go. I'll be working on the block this weekend.

[Vip09]

March 28th 2009 - Ground the back of the block so that it will clear the transfer case. Fits like a glove!

[Vip09]

March 29th 2009 - Assembled the shortblock. I am now officially stroked!

[Vip09]

March 31st 2009 - Installed water pump and oil pump. Got the head on and torqued it down.

Here's a teaser.

[Vip09]

April 3rd 2009 - Engine is back in the car. Thanks to my lovely girlfriend for helping me get the tranny bolted to the engine and dropping in the car. Not much more to go!

Still waiting to get my rear diff back from Weir Performance Engineering. Should be back tuesday. Hopefully I should have the engine up and running my then. Maybe on the road next weekend if all goes smooth.

[Vip09]

April 7th 2009 - Everything is pretty much finished. I got my differential back yesterday and installed it. The car needs tuning really bad. I got the exhaust on tonight. Got ready to crank it up and listen to the new exhaust.. but the key was locked inside the car in the ignition.. FAIL!

[Vip09]

April 20th 2009 - Got the car running finally. Did some tuning. It even got to go on a vacation!

[Vip09]

May 7th 2009 - My car has been down for a couple weeks due to a cracked exhaust manifold. I took it off, did some grinding where the cracks were, and got it welded. I also put a stiffer spring in the wastegate so I can push more than 17psi. I'm also in the process of adjusting my valve clearances. Just need to get more shims and swap them out.

I also ordered a couple exhaust hanger mounts from Toyota that I was missing. My exhaust pipe was banging against one of the crossmembers which lead to the exhaust manifold prematurely cracking. Can't have that happening again!