Hi guys, been away from the forum a bit. Work has been absolutely insane for what seems like a while.
Random update for whoever gives a crap. X5 and I achieved flight at the crest of a sharply ascending onramp. Was at top of RPM range and when the wheels lifted off the ground, the inertia spun the engine up past the usual 7.2k-7.3k limit. I let off before we came in for a landing, and limped it home. Results from my idiocy:
- cylinder 5 tested at 140psi, cylinder 6 tested at 160psi, all other cylinders tested at 185-190psi.
- piston height on 5 and 6 matches other cylinders
- leakdown on 5 and 6 observed at tailpipe
- with heads removed, alcohol did not flow from the intake ports past the intake valves
- with heads removed, alcohol did flow from the exhaust ports past the exhaust valves on 5, 6, 2, and 3.
- no apparent valve damage, could not view seat
- some valve guides show wear, on the portion that could be viewed
- no burn marks on cylinder walls
- no contact was made from any valve to any piston
- piston crown appears normal, unable to view ring lands
- all cams and their cam bolts spun about the cam gears. Roughly 15 degrees on 1-4, and 10 degrees on 5-8.
- no apparent catastrophic failure
She just wasn't meant to fly.
So, heads are off to VAC for a Stage I deal. The option of stock size S/S intake & Inconel exhaust valves was added. A new OEM oil pump is being sent up there as well for VAC's oil pump "fix".
Meanwhile, I'm bored, and not about to dig in to my other project / garage ornament. That can wait until the X5 is back online.
When I get bored I end up buying crap that I really don't need. In example:
Poor Tubi, the tips are going to be hacked off and replaced with the stock 4.6iS tips.
Can't just leave well enough alone...
Dr. Gas X-pipe (2.25in/2.50out) & Magnaflow 14379 (2.50 DIDO no-x). I have no idea how this will sound, and very likely will revert back to stock. But if.... IF at full load it sounds like I just ran over a Ferrari and am now dragging it along underneath, well... I might deal with the noise for a bit.
TL;DR - It might get loud.