My KLZE swap begins!

[nightfire]

Hey guys!

It's been a while. Over this crappy winter I haven't really done much to my MX-3.. just the odd maintenance. My stereo got stolen in December.. so I've started a carputer project.

But anyway, aside from that, I just bought a 2.5L KLZE with an LSD equipped transmission! I'll be mounting it up on an engine stand in a few days to start a minor overhaul. It's got ~50k miles on it (apparently) and looks to be in excellent condition.

I'm replacing the timing belts, accessory belts, water/oil pumps, wiring and vacuum lines. I'm contemplating having the valve covers blue-powdercoated, and replacing the valve cover seals.

Any suggestions of other things I should look into?

I'll probably be doing the actual swap in about a month so I've got lots of time to clean it up.

[Jepha]

Sounds awesome man, looking forward to seeing the final product. Post up some pics .

[fowljesse]

That's great! I would replace the valve retainers, put in phenolic spacers (and match port), headers... well, it depends on how much you want to spend. I would do those three at least. I'd suggest also upgrading the clutch.
We'd like to see a worklog!

[infiniGTR]

Read this thread:

http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701245892" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[JoshVK]

where'd you get the motor?

[nightfire]

That's great! I would replace the valve retainers, put in phenolic spacers (and match port), headers... well, it depends on how much you want to spend. I would do those three at least. I'd suggest also upgrading the clutch.
We'd like to see a worklog!

Hmm... well, I'm definitely going with headers. I've been searching around and it looks like the only problem using probe headers is the cat needs to be moved back a few inches. I was thinking of ordering the SSA's:

http://www.ssautochrome.com/level.itml/icOid/1427" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

$349 seems a little steep.. but I'm assuming those are ceramic coated. I'll give them a call. I also found a bunch on ebay for like $150 shipped:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Performa ... enameZWDVW" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Any suggestions?

Also, I'm totally new to engine internals.. Would upgraded valve retainers push up my redline or just increase reliability? What are phenolic spacers?

Here's what the engine is going into:



I'll be keeping my worklog updated for sure.

where'd you get the motor?

I got it from Sunrise JDM motors in Montreal. It looks very clean, but not suspiciously so. I'll know for sure when I pull the valve covers I guess.

[stereoking15]

yeah the retainers themselves only increase the durability not the rev limit. also, if you plan on revving past 8 i would recommend shimming the oil pump for some added oil pressure and upgrading your springs and valves and having bronze guides installed to minimize valve wear and resistance. you can go to importperfomanceparts.net to get a handle on engine upgrading also try a few searches on valvetrain reliability in these and everone will tell you they are weak in the top end. just do your homework and you will come out ok there is a lot of knowledge in this forum and in the search option

[nsklzemx3]

I picked up headers off eBay a few weeks ago. Here's the thread with pics:
http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... 7&start=15

[Kirk95gs]

I have had the ss autochrome headers for 4 or 5 years. Had them on my k8 and put them on my DE. No complaints, other then the price now LOL. My next set I will get off ebay.

[nightfire]

I picked up headers off eBay a few weeks ago. Here's the thread with pics:
http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... 7&start=15

Sweet... that looks like the same one I just ordered. Can't wait.