Frank818 -1993 VW VR6 Turbo donor- Build Thread

[Frank818]

For the cool people watching this build, every month I challenge my estimated to-do list left, just to check about how long I still need to work on. Basic project management activity. Since Aug I'm working on the body. So easy... long but easy. In the last 3 months I've been working on every part of the body and today I re-challenged my to-do list based on the pace I've been putting in the last 3 months. Last spring or summer I said I would make it for spring/summer 2017.

Today, I listed my to-do list, so that I won't forget anything (that I'm thinking about) and also to re-estimate my time left. Turns out I seem to have another 275-300h to spend before all is done (wrap included), minus troubleshooting (alignment, leaks, tuning issues, desperate bumpsteer kit required, mechanical issues, breaks, etc.). That is 275-300h before I start the engine again and drive on a track (+ dyno).

275-300h at 15-20h/day shoots me up to... you guessed, March 2017. So in every way I estimate my time left, I always end up in spring 2017, even 3 months later the target still holds. I think it's a good target. Anyway before April I can't start the engine (weather-wise) and drive, so I should make it. Also at X-Mas I will spend probably 50h a week for 2 weeks, which will help as well.

I think I'm seeing the light at the end of that freakin long tunnel... or should I say "hearing the sound" at the end of the tunnel.


I'm waiting for a few things to complete to post videos and pix, they'll be cool I promise.


(Adam you might be interested in this for tuning)
Recently I viewed a youtube about people bench-testing a true American V8 (oh yeah! V8 rumble!! lolll) with 2.5" vs 3" exhaust. That video helped me understand why I was about 30-40% too lean when I first started my engine in June to Aug this year. Restriction... The more restriction you have, the less fuel the engine will burn cuz the less air comes in cuz less air go out due to restriction! (at least when the restriction comes from the exhaust). Since those guys were able to run the engine fine with both exhausts without changing the tune, that tells me my 30% off was huge (I had a part 2.5-3" exhaust before and now a full 3"). I believe I now have a very low restricted exhaust, compared to my Corrado one. Power and torque are probably going to be higher than I expected. I won't complain, for once.