Frank's 818R build

[Pearldrummer7]

Stage 1 IAG block is coming soon, dropping the heads off for re-machining, pressure check, cleaning, etc. at a local shop today. Should be ready to order a bunch of parts and slap an engine together pretty soon

[Pearldrummer7]

well, those are cracked heads. Any suggestions for me?

Call IAG and have them send heads too?
Find used ones?
2.5 vs 2.0?

[Sgt.Gator]

Hairline cracks from the spark plugs to the valves are super common. Many builders think at least 50% of Subbies have them after a few years and the owners just don't know it! The cracks get discovered only because the head gaskets are being replaced and during the cleaning process they become visible. Some say to replace the heads, many say that if you pass a compression and leak down test, and are throwing no codes, to just re-use them. Especially if you are running stock levels of boost.

However in your case your block and heads were full of crap, it had a leak down issue, and the engine wasn't running right! And one of your pics looks like a crack that runs radially around part of the sparkplug hole. That is more concerning, I haven't seen that before. All the ones I've had in my heads or seen in NASIOC posts run from the plug hole to the valve in a mostly straight line. So in your case I'd replace the heads.

And if it were me, I'd ask IAG to build new ones spec'd for their short block with the valves, buckets and cams installed as a long block assembly. That way if there is an issue there's no finger pointing about it. Their Stage I longblock is only $8,500, what a bargain.

[roadrashrob]

I agree with Gator. When I had my heads done at HeadGames in NJ, they claimed much higher than 50%. They went as far as to say "almost all" Subies have them, and mine did. From experience they said it was nothing to be concerned about, so we re-did the heads and compression and leak down have been spot on. All depends on the degree of the cracks.

[Pearldrummer7]

Appreciate the advice. I had a nice long call with IAG talking about this and took away a few things:

1) with my low ish power goals (like 300 wheel or so), 2.0 heads with nice valves will be fine, nothing fancy (like stage 1 or higher)
2) if I use 2.0 heads I can get away with no wiring harness changes (which would be mighty nice)
3) a lot of them have cracks, and depending on severity it's fine or it's not


So I found a set of uncracked 2.0 heads on ebay for $1,000 with supertech valves (great seller, tons of detailed photos upon request). It's not as cool as an IAG long block but the budget to put the motor back in the car didn't really allow for that right now. Here's to hoping this build will be sufficient for some track time to help me re-fall in love with the car


edit: and I'll get them chamber matched when I bring them to be cleaned/pressure checked/remachined

[Pearldrummer7]

Engine is all built and installed. Transmission puked all its fluid out one of the axle seals while not moving (after sitting overnight).

Then I noticed the axles were in pretty different depths. I think my Quaife isn't quite centered, the right axle is significantly father out than the left.


I think this might be the straw the breaks the camel's back. I more so want a car I can drive than one I can build at this point in my life, and am very seriously considering parting out/selling the 818. I know a good few of you have done so, not sure if anyone has sold one in non-running order, but I'd love any advice that comes my way. My thoughts were that the new motor + 818 as rolling chassis will be worth more than the nonrunning 818.

[J R Jones]

Frank, I agree, rolling chassis better than non-running.
Bad news this week on BaT and 818. Complete running car bid to $12500 and did not meet reserve.
https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=factory+five+818

Last year I paid more than that for an incomplete kit, my bad?
jim

[Pearldrummer7]

Frank, I agree, rolling chassis better than non-running.
Bad news this week on BaT and 818. Complete running car bid to $12500 and did not meet reserve.
https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=factory+five+818

Last year I paid more than that for an incomplete kit, my bad?
jim

wow, that's rough to see. These have not appreciated well

[Pearldrummer7]

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...-818R-part-out


and here it is! let me know if you've got any interest in anything

[Sgt.Gator]

Sorry to see this, but completely understand.

[Pearldrummer7]

Thanks Gator. You've been a super strong pillar in this community throughout and have been super helpful. No doubt with you and a few others I'd have never put this thing on the track or road.

[Frank818]

Very disappointing! When I first read your post on April 1st, I thought it was an April Fool!
But god damn it it's not!!

Very sad to see how this adventure ends up for you. But then, what's your next adventure? What will replace the 818?