Never ending quest of badassery

[Earl]

Aron's Shaved 1.8T Bay by aar0n., on Flickr

[mrkrinkle]

So that doesn't look terrible.

Thanks for the picture.

[Earl]

Looks way better than I thought it could=) You're welcome

[mrkrinkle]

So I got up to the shop about 3 PM today after running down to the local shop Further Performance in Minneapolis and then running to a buddies house to borrow his engine hoist. I was running late, I wanted to be down there at noonish to get started because I had a long day ahead of me. I disconnected a few various lines that hadn't already been, hooked the picker up, and yanked her out.. Studs on the downpipe took a little massaging and whatnot to get off the turbo, but eventually I got it... Satisfying feeling.


So then I did this for about a minute, then realized I still have a shit ton of work to do..


After about 5 cans of brake cleaner, and a few hours time I got ended up with this.. Monday the seam sealer starts to come off.

[mrkrinkle]

So here's my dilemma at the moment:

I'm currently waiting on funds to build the motor at a local VW shop. They quoted me at a little more than I was expecting for a full rebuild. They set 20 hours on the labor side of things for installation of the IE Tuscan rods I already have, new OEM rod and main bearings, new piston rings, new cam chain tensioner, new OEM oil pump, ARP head and main bolts, rebuilding of an AEB head with all new guides and seals, new timing belt with metal impeller water pump, and every single gasket, and seal being replaced. I may be forgetting a couple things as I don't have the estimate in front of me, but basically will be a new motor when I get it back. They want $5100 to do all that.

Now here is where my thinking got me..

Integrated Engineering sells a short block assembly already stroked out to 2.0L utilizing one of thier kits along with JE 9.5:1 stroker pistons with all the fancy coatings, calico rod and main bearings Ect Ect Ect.. They want $4500 for that with their "block upgrade kit" which has a new oil pump, chain and tensioner, ARP crank pulley bolt & dowel pin kit.

Link to said motor here:

http://www.performancebyie.com/ie-race-engines-vw-audi-1-8t-06a-street-550-stroker-short-block

Now what am I missing here? I realize that I need to get a timing belt kit, send the head out to get rebuilt, and purchase a head gasket and a few other odds and ends, but wouldn't it be a better idea to go with the IE block as they essentially wrote the book on 1.8T performance? Also I should add that the VW shop I'm talking about is probably one of the best in the nation, and have PLENTY of experience and knowledge on building a 1.8T. Also, The IE setup will be more expensive, but not by much (less than $1000) than going with the local shop. But to me it seems worth it as I feel like I'm getting more for less $$?

I donno, I could really use some advice here guys..

[mrkrinkle]

Got the abs module out tonight, halfway thinking about deleting ABS but it sounds like a big headache.. I haven't ran ABS in my car for like 3 years due to a snipped wire, so whatever.. I may have a need for it after this build is done though.. The module will hide the chassis and engine harness if I keep it, so yeah..

Had a buddy bring me a spot weld drill bit tonight to remove all the brackets, so I got all those out. Just need to grind down all the welds now. Got all the seam sealer out tonight too. Prep for paint starts early next week. Woot.

[mrkrinkle]

Double post.

[mrkrinkle]

Ordered an SPM front mount and black VF mount bushings tonight..

I finally decided on the route I'm taking motor wise. I'm buying a built 2.1 stroker motor from a buddy. Getting his FX400 and 12 LB steel flywheel, AWP head, catch can setup and he's throwing on a few new seals and a timing belt too. Should have it all by the end of the month. I so excite.

Really only things left to buy is the turbo, tune and injectors.

Was thinking either a PTE5858 or GT3076r. Motor I'm buying made 400whp on pump fuel and a t3/t4.. Should have no problem making say 450 whp with either of those two turbos..

[mrkrinkle]

Somebody really needs to buy these wheels.

http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49779

[mrkrinkle]

And this set too

http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45509

[mrkrinkle]

Decided to go a bit crazy.. Borrowed a welder from a buddy, and went to town welding up some of the spot welded seams and filled a majority of the unnecessary holes and whatnot. Prob have 15 hours into welding and grinding in the past few days alone.. Tomorrow I'll be boxing in the motor mount on the passenger side.

[Earl]

Great job=) working on my bay again. Painting it body color when youre done?

[mrkrinkle]

Thanks!

Yeah body color is the plan.

[MGW]

Looks great. Super stoked.

[mrkrinkle]

This seems never ending.. Spent another 8 hours tonight welding, grinding, and welding some more. I am almost done though! Only a few more holes to fill, and then it's on to filler.. I'm definitely not looking forward to that..

Few shots from tonight's progress:

Boxed the passenger side motor mount in.. Pretty satisfied with this as its really my first time making templates and welding them in..


Got this side as smooth as I can, not looking forward to using body filler here as its VERY tight area to work with..



Got this beautiful piece in the mail today from Matt @ Haggard Fab.. Just curious to how it mounts? It seems pretty loose just sitting on there. Maybe ill have to get new bushings?



So here's where I'm at so far.. Feels good man.