m sprank Posted November 8, 2017 Author Share Posted November 8, 2017 Yes. I was able to hand it back to the customer today. Its alive. This STi had a recent engine build done by another shop. It came in for a dyno tune and we could not complete the tune as the right side intake AVCS was not working. We tested the oil control valve, verified oil pressure, tested both cam angle sensors and are now down to the AVCS cam gear. I suspect the gear was installed by using the bolt to draw it onto the cam. This can cause 2 issues. One the pin in the cam can get driven in if the gear is not perfectly aligned when installed. Two, the oil galleys (holes) in the cam and or gear can be damaged. We should have time first thing in the morning to remove the cam gear and inspect. Lets hope it is not the cam as that would be the most labor intensive/expensive to repair. Stay tuned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 9, 2017 Author Share Posted November 9, 2017 Usually not a good day when your oil comes out of the pan looking like brains dusted with gold. In the words of the immortal Freddie Mercury, Another One Bites the Dust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabo Posted November 9, 2017 Share Posted November 9, 2017 Usually not a good day when your oil comes out of the pan looking like brains dusted with gold. In the words of the immortal Freddie Mercury, Another One Bites the Dust. Ouch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 10, 2017 Author Share Posted November 10, 2017 The STi is alive and running with the cams tracking in sync now. Thankfully the cam was not damaged. The sprocket and pins were actually properly aligned. However, removing the sprocket from the cam was the most difficult I have ever encountered without a damaged pin. Upon further inspection you can see that the bolts holding the sprocket halves together have tool marks from "slippage" at a minimum. So, someone tried to disassemble the sprocket and service it, but failed. On every engine we build with AVCS sprockets we have the sprockets serviced by the company that literally wrote the book on the process (Subaru says they can not be serviced). Thank you Outfront Motorsports for all the assistance over the years. We should have the car back on the dyno early next week to complete the tune. The car is being tuned by Steve Ge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 11, 2017 Author Share Posted November 11, 2017 Handed back this BRZ to the customer today. A VERY long story behind this car. This is the cars third shop it has been to in an attempt to get it built properly. In the beginning we were supposed to tune the car. But due to the AVCS camshafts not working, excessive knock and other internal issues we had to pull the engine and rebuild it. We found the culprits and repaired/replaced them. We also bumped up the compression from 9.0:1 to 12.5:1. We did all of this while re-using the existing crank and rods (FB20) and assembling our first stroked FA20. Being the first attempt, fingers crossed. This is not our normal build, but in the interest of saving the customer money and not starting all over again we went with trying to make the stroker work properly where the two other shops failed. After 100+ miles, the car is operating, driving and boosting properly. We shall complete the tune (with Delicious Tuning) once the engine has 1500 miles on it. More to follow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 Still working on the custom slip on exhaust for the Honda Rebel. For those of you interested in seeing the progress of a "mock up" and process for the first of a production run here are some pix. Fingers crossed the last bits of stainless pipe are here tomorrow so we can have at least 1 if not 2 of the exhausts fabbed up. Hope to have as many as 5 done by the end of the week and off for hi-temp ceramic coat. The seat has been re-upholstered in hi grade leather. First set of brake lines from Speigler are installed. These are clear with polished ends. A new set with black coated lines and black anodized fittings arrived today from Speigler. Looks like we will be swapping lines already. ASV just confirmed a set of C5 levers are on their way for us to try out. DEI supplied 50ft of Titanium exhaust wrap for the headers. AND... Ohlins has confirmed that they are now in production for our set of rear shocks. These should be the first delivered to the USA. Compression and rebound adjustable with reservoirs! Delivery is estimated to be after Nov 24th. They have to ship in from Sweden. We plan to have a full catalog of parts and accessories for the Honda Rebel 300/500 by Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 We are now set up (again) as AST/Moton dealers. Need REAL race proven coil over suspension for your car? AST/Moton is the answer. Contact us for more info if interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabo Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 We are now set up (again) as AST/Moton dealers. Need REAL race proven coil over suspension for your car? AST/Moton is the answer. Contact us for more info if interested. Congrats Mike! Check PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 Remember this car? It had the failed intake AVCS sprocket. Steve Gerhardt completed the tune today. 296WTQ and 297WHP on the Mustang dyno. There was more to be had but the customer requested a specific boost level and, well why try to break it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 17, 2017 Author Share Posted November 17, 2017 More progress made on the Rebel 500 today. Prototype slip on exhaust is complete and has over 100 miles in testing already. Mods/product development work so far: IP&T rear fender delete kit (Made in the USA) IP&T slip on exhaust (Made n the USA) LED lighting and relay (no hyper flash) Spiegler S/S brake lines (Made in the USA) ASV controls (Made in the USA) K&N filter (Made in the USA) License plate relo kit and brake/tail lamp (Made in the USA) DEI header wrap (Made in the USA) Custom leather upholstered seat (Made in the USA) CRG L/S bar end mirrors (Made in the USA) Ohlins rear shocks (compression and rebound adjustable with remote reservoir) and fork kit being custom made in Sweden now. Shipping ETA of 11/24. Parts/package deals and installs should all be ready by end of November. Most parts are Made in the USA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 18, 2017 Author Share Posted November 18, 2017 An old pic from 2013. I believe this to be the very first FA20 (BRZ/FRS) engine we built. Have a great weekend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 21, 2017 Author Share Posted November 21, 2017 Performed a 120k miles service, timing belt service and replaced the upper and lower rad hoses on this 2005 STi today.. Rare to find a completely stock and never modified, single owner 05 STi. Also decided the front fender on the Rebel 500 does not go with the "bobber" look we want. So, off came the front fender for some customization. Looks much better now that it is about 8 inches shorter. This project has come a LONG way in a SHORT time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 21, 2017 Author Share Posted November 21, 2017 For LOCALS only... Today through Monday we are offering INSANE prices on some in stock inventory. Prices listed are for cash sales (Credit Card add 3%). Local pick up only, no shipping. All items are new in box unless otherwise noted. Message or call the shop (760-781-1126) with any questions. KYB Shocks & Struts Excel-G SUBARU WRX 02-03 (all 4 corners)- $250 KYB Shocks & Struts Excel-G SUBARU Forester 2004-05 (all 4 corners) - $250 AEM Digital Wideband UEGO Gauge - $170 aFe MagnumFLOW Air Filter WRX 08-14/STI 8-17 H4-2.5L - $40 Turbosmart BOV Kompact Plumb Back - TS-0203-1215 - $110 Perrin 08-14 Subaru WRX / 05-09 Legacy GT/ 05-09 OBXT Red Turbo Inlet Hose - $170 Perrin 2015 Subaru WRX/STi Master Cylinder Brace - Black - $85 Hawk 03-05 WRX Rear HPS Brake Pads - $50 Torque Solution Billet TGV Delete Kit 2015-17 Subaru WRX - $60 Mishimoto 2 Inch X 35 Feet Heat Defensive Reflective Tape - $55 DeatschWerks 340lph DW300C Compact Fuel Pump 08-14 WRX/ 08-15 STI w/set Up Kit (w/ Mounting Clips) - $125 DeatschWerks 340lph DW300C Compact Fuel Pump 12+ Scion FR-S/BRZ / 15 WRX w/set Up Kit - $125 DeatschWerks 320 LPH In-Tank Fuel Pump 02-07 WRX/STi / 93-07 Impreza / 90-07 Legacy w/ set Up Kit - $115 DeatschWerks 02-14 WRX / 07-17 STi / 07-09 LGT EJ20/EJ25 850cc Top Feed Injectors - $410 DeatschWerks 12+ Subaru BRZ / 12+ Scion FR-S / 12+ Toyota 86 700CC/min (MPFI) Injectors - $280 DeatschWerks 12+ Subaru BRZ / 12+ Scion FR-S / 12+ Toyota 86 450CC/min (MPFI) Injectors - $240 Goodridge 13-17 Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ Brake Lines - $85 Goodridge 8/87-91 Toyota Corolla GTS Brake Lines - $85 ATi 13 Subaru BRZ / 13 Scion FR-S Vent Pod - $30 ATI 52/60mm Conversion Rings (Set of 2) - $17 Comp Clutch 06-14 WRX / 05-12 LGT Stage 2-Steelback Brass Plus Clutch Kit (Includes Steel Flywheel) - $600 Exedy OE 2006-2014 Subaru WRX/05-12 LGT/05-09 OBXT H4 Clutch Kit - $275 Exedy OE 2010-2016 Subaru Legacy/Outback H4 Clutch Kit - $175 Exedy OE 2013-2017 Scion FR-S/BRZ H4 Clutch Kit - $170 Radium Engineering 13+ Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ Master Cylinder Brace - Black - $58 Radium Engineering Fuel Pressure Regulator W/ 3 Bar Bosch Reg - $120 Radium Engineering Universal Short Competition Catch Can Kit (x2) - $180ea. Radium Engineering 13+ Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ Strut Bar Kit - New/Open Box - $200 Whiteline 12+ Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86/Toyota GT-86 Rear Crossmember-Mount Bushing - $100 Whiteline 12+ Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86/Toyota GT-86 Rear Diff-Mount in Cradle Bushing - $70 Whiteline 02-07 WRX F&R / 03-07 Impreza NA F&R / 04-07 STi F&R / 08+ WRX Hatch F Only / 08-09 STi Camber Adjustment Bolts (x2) - $20 ea Venair silicone vacuum line kit 05-09 LGT/05-09 OBXT/09-14 WRX (4 x blue and 1 x red avail) - $125ea - contains these OEM part numbers: 11861AA030= brake booster to manifold. 99071AC240= Drivers side valve cover breather to PCV pipe. 99071AC010= Passenger side valve cover breather to PCV pipe. 99071AD100= Passenger side valve cover breather. 99071AC230= Drivers side valve cover breather. Invidia 08+ STi Hatch Dual Q300 Stainless Steel Tip Cat-back Exhaust - $750 Invidia 15+ Subaru WRX/STI 4dr N1 Twin Outlet Single Layer Tip Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust - Used - $300 Cobb 02-07 Subaru Impreza WRX 5 speed Double Adjustable Shifter - wide body - Used for mock up - $90 KSTech 2008+ STI - StockMAF Cold Air Intake (type-2P for Perrin FMIC) - New/Open box - $200 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 22, 2017 Author Share Posted November 22, 2017 We will be closing shortly in order to enjoy some time with our families and observe the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be open for limited hours this Friday and back for a full day again on Monday. Thanks to all our loyal customers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabo Posted November 23, 2017 Share Posted November 23, 2017 We will be closing shortly in order to enjoy some time with our families and observe the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be open for limited hours this Friday and back for a full day again on Monday. Thanks to all our loyal customers! Happy Thanksgiving Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted November 29, 2017 Author Share Posted November 29, 2017 Performed a 30k service on this 2016 Forester XT today. Also installed a new Southbend Stage 3 clutch, Perrin engine mounts and Perrin pitch stop mount in this 2017 WRX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted December 1, 2017 Author Share Posted December 1, 2017 Completed a 200k miles service on this 2005 STi today. Original engine, original turbo. Only mod is an SPT intake. Yes, it can be done! Also replaced a failed power steering rack on this 2015 STi today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted December 2, 2017 Author Share Posted December 2, 2017 As many of our customers/followers love carnage pix, here are some more from today. We disassembled a failed EJ257 that had been previously built by another shop. The engine failed with approximately 15k miles on it. Surprisingly not all the pix are not of what actually destroyed the engine, but very well could/would have eventually. The things you find the more you look... The valves hit the pistons leaving metal from the pistons and valves behind. The metal scored the cylinder walls (which are already punched out to 100mm). This is the end of the block. Yes the valves and pistons are damaged. The cam caps are very scored, like a record. This appears to be preexisting and is BAD news. The cams are scored as well and you can clearly see tool marks (Channel Locks?) on the cams themselves. Cams are done. Heads are done. The intake AVCS cam gear was incorrectly installed which oval-ed the cam pin hole, collapsed an oil galley and mushroomed the cam pin. The gear and the cam are done. I can keep going... cam bolts rounded/stripped, tool marks on the drivers side intake cam gear (Channel Locks again?), cam seals held in with silicone, one ARP head stud not properly torqued/seated so it sticks up approx 1/2inch above the rest, timing belt and all pulleys obviously re-used and not replaced with the engine build, timing belt stretched so far it can be removed with zero tools (my bare hands) and the tensioner at full pressure. The list goes on. Hope your weekend is better than this engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabo Posted December 3, 2017 Share Posted December 3, 2017 As many of our customers/followers love carnage pix, here are some more from today. We disassembled a failed EJ257 that had been previously built by another shop. The engine failed with approximately 15k miles on it. Surprisingly not all the pix are not of what actually destroyed the engine, but very well could/would have eventually. The things you find the more you look... The valves hit the pistons leaving metal from the pistons and valves behind. The metal scored the cylinder walls (which are already punched out to 100mm). This is the end of the block. Yes the valves and pistons are damaged. The cam caps are very scored, like a record. This appears to be preexisting and is BAD news. The cams are scored as well and you can clearly see tool marks (Channel Locks?) on the cams themselves. Cams are done. Heads are done. The intake AVCS cam gear was incorrectly installed which oval-ed the cam pin hole, collapsed an oil galley and mushroomed the cam pin. The gear and the cam are done. I can keep going... cam bolts rounded/stripped, tool marks on the drivers side intake cam gear (Channel Locks again?), cam seals held in with silicone, one ARP head stud not properly torqued/seated so it sticks up approx 1/2inch above the rest, timing belt and all pulleys obviously re-used and not replaced with the engine build, timing belt stretched so far it can be removed with zero tools (my bare hands) and the tensioner at full pressure. The list goes on. Hope your weekend is better than this engines. And I thought mine was bad..... I still have my spare heads if your customer is looking for replacement ones. Let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted December 6, 2017 Author Share Posted December 6, 2017 Need W25 heads. I have a core set. Thanks! Bill Knose (owner of Delicious Tuning) working on our Mustang dyno tuning a Catfish (turbo charged Miata "kit" car). A very interesting car for the money, if you are in the market for a "toy" and not a daily driver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted December 7, 2017 Author Share Posted December 7, 2017 A project 04 STi... The build was started by the owner and dropped off half complete to be finished. Normally I do not want to get involved in attempting to complete someone else project, but I built this engine about 1.5 years ago so I wanted to assist a valued customer. It ended up being far more work than expected even though I tried to leave as much intact as possible to decrease cost (customer had already purchased a lot of parts that were not going to be used in the end). This one is going on the dyno tomorrow and Bill Knose (Delicious Tuning) will be providing the tuning magic and Flex Fuel tune. We will be able to compare the before and after dyno graphs on this build as it was previously tuned by Bill on the dyno after the original engine build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted December 8, 2017 Author Share Posted December 8, 2017 04 STi is "sleeping" on the dyno tonight. Pump gas tune is done and we will complete the e85 tune tomorrow. Had to quit early due to the fires. Packed the cars in 7 deep this evening trying to get as much inside and out of the falling ash as possible. Both myself and Dylans homes are in evacuation areas. Due to road closures, I might not be able to make it to my home/family tonight (I live 40 miles from the shop). Your life is worth more than any material belonging. Please BE SAFE!!! Bring the rain. Our firefighters need the help and a well earned break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted December 9, 2017 Author Share Posted December 9, 2017 Hope you have an Excellent weekend!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted December 12, 2017 Author Share Posted December 12, 2017 Its "raining" bad engine assemblies. Another brand new EJ255 engine that came in for a dyno tune and the AVCS was not working. This makes 3 in the past 6 weeks. Once again the AVCS cam gears were improperly installed destroying the gears and damaging the cams. I am fairly certain that is an Orbit oil pump I spy as well (note the timing belt guide is missing), I did not realize people were brave enough to trust those still. Crying shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabo Posted December 12, 2017 Share Posted December 12, 2017 Its "raining" bad engine assemblies. Another brand new EJ255 engine that came in for a dyno tune and the AVCS was not working. This makes 3 in the past 6 weeks. Once again the AVCS cam gears were improperly installed destroying the gears and damaging the cams. I am fairly certain that is an Orbit oil pump I spy as well (note the timing belt guide is missing), I did not realize people were brave enough to trust those still. Crying shame. Is it another present from we know who? How may car have you saved from there so far, including mine?:spin::spin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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