help needed

[grandmaster]

I decided that I was going to do a mhg install before I blew the stock gasket. However, due to inexperience and lack of knowledge/skill I have ran into some issues that I need help with. perhaps you guys can lend some insight

1. I was just going to have the head machined, but reading on Supraforums, lots of people recommend getting the block done as well. How important is getting the block done? I have the engine half apart, so I can't exactly drive it to the machine shop. Has anyone else put in a mhg? If so, what did you do for yours?

2. is there a trick to getting the nuts off that connect the turbo elbow to the exhaust? i have 2 of the 3 off, but the third is not cooperating and a bitch to get at

3. Does anyone have the bit to remove the stock head bolts?


Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Deep_Blue]

1. You shouldn't have to get the block done unless the HG already blew on you, and even then it's not really necessary. Remember, these beasts are made of cast-iron! I'm doing mine in the sprind, but I decided to wit for you to do yours first so you could lend me a hand :D

2. There's a trick for it, and it should be posted online somewhere. Go to supraforums and check out the BHG thread in the MKIII FAQ, should be somewhere there, and might answer some of your other questions.

3. I don't know what tool it is.

You could have always asked one of us to come over there and give you a hand personally, no need to bear the burden alone (unless you're Marc I guess, he knows what I'm talking about...).

Hope that helps you out! Good luck with your plans Simon, I'm confidant my car will still slap your's around in the spring, but you're definitely giving me a run for my money :)

Don't forget to come out next Sunday for our meet at BPs downtown!

Cheers,

Tim

[Supra_devil]

its a good idea to get the block done too, but you could just get a really good straight edge and make sure its straight, so this at the minumum.
the reason they recomend getting the block done to is that the MHG needs a better mating surface than your average HG does. so the surface ussually isn't good enough for it to seal.
I did one, i wasn't very happy with the surface prep but it turned out well and hasn't BHG yet, however its not pushing boost.
For the bit for the head, are you referring to the 10mm hex bolt or whatever it is? or did it change on the mk3. anyways, i probably have it.

[Supra_devil]

i looked and yes it is the 10mm hexagon bit. I have one, don't know where your at but i could probably stop by some day and help you remove the head.

[GOT_BOOST]

I decided that I was going to do a mhg install before I blew the stock gasket. However, due to inexperience and lack of knowledge/skill I have ran into some issues that I need help with. perhaps you guys can lend some insight

1. I was just going to have the head machined, but reading on Supraforums, lots of people recommend getting the block done as well. How important is getting the block done? I have the engine half apart, so I can't exactly drive it to the machine shop. Has anyone else put in a mhg? If so, what did you do for yours?

2. is there a trick to getting the nuts off that connect the turbo elbow to the exhaust? i have 2 of the 3 off, but the third is not cooperating and a bitch to get at

3. Does anyone have the bit to remove the stock head bolts?


Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi Simon,

Great questions,

Here are my replies.

1) As for machining the block, if it is straight with no warpage, nor any other forms of mung or corrosion on it, then I would leave it as it is. I did not machine my block when I did my HG. So far no problems. The only thing I blew were two turbos! =) The most important bit above all is to machine your head! Also check your cams for scoring. When the 7m's warp the head, sometimes the cams will score (become damaged)

2) Try to loosen the exhaust pipe underneath the car to give you more room to play and for flexibility. Try using fluid film. Spray it on, let it sit for a day then re attempt. The fluid film will penetrate the rust and help you out. This is by far the best penetrant I have used in my life.

3) The bit is a size 10 Hex bit. If you have an Allen Key that can help. Otherwise you can just run to the store and pick one up. If you have not removed your cams, I would suggest using a 3/8 socket wrench with an extension to loosen it. The 1/2 drive will not fit in the small spots!

I have a torque wrench which you can borrow when you need to retighten. If you need help, let me know and I can lend you my services!

Hope this helps man!

Mike Nikolai

[grandmaster]

Thanks for the advice.
This weekend hopefully I'll get that nut off, so that I can remove the turbo and get that out of the way, then Supradevil I'll message you regarding the bit and maybe a little help pulling the head off.

And Tim;
we'll see what happens in the spring. Hopefully mine will be running smooth by then.