289 USRRC - vspeeds - #9180 Build Thread

[Vspeeds]

Heres an update. Im still in the process of getting the car registered. I had my CHP appointment and they assigned my VIN. Then i immediately went to DMV and they issued me my SB100 sequence number and a temporary operating permit. Now i have to wait for the physical certificate in the mail from DMV. When i receive that certificate i could go to the CARB referee for an inspection and that should finalize my CA DMV registration process.

I have about 1300 miles on it now. Unfortunatelly last week while driving on the freeway, my engine just died. I had to get the car towed home. Turns out my MSD ignition box went out and i have to replace/repair it.

[Vspeeds]

My apologies to my relatives that have been bugging me asking for an update. Well here it is. Back in August 17, 2019, I had a bad coil and I replaced it. Everything ran fine until later that day when a backfire occurred and the engine stopped running. I couldn't start the car. Had it towed home, again. Turns out the camshaft gear stripped! AND IT WAS 2 DAYS PRIOR TO MY APPOINTMENT AT THE CALIFORNIA BAR! So I had to pull the engine , again, and sent it to TEM Machine Shop in Napa, CA. Rich at TEM's tore the engine apart and for the most part there was minimal damage to the engine and components. The camshaft which was a proprietary cam from Roush did not have an over the counter replacement with the same specs. Since I liked the cam when it was running, we decided to have Schneider Racing Cams out of San Diego duplicate a billet cam for me. So I got the engine back and installed it back in the car on January 17, 2020. Everything seems fine. So I'm back into the CA registration process. I have an appointment to the CA BAR on January 22, 2020. Hopefully everything passes and I'm planning on going to DMV immediately after the inspection to finally get this car registered. I'm so close and I can't wait!

[Mark Eaton]

Holy crap Eddie! You've got to be kidding me! First your throw out bearing thing and now this?! All I can say is "Hang in there Brother" !!

Mark

[Vspeeds]

Holy crap Eddie! You've got to be kidding me! First your throw out bearing thing and now this?! All I can say is "Hang in there Brother" !!

Mark

Mark
The hydraulic release bearing failure was 100% my mistake. I let the bleed line rub up against the rotating clutch. This camshaft from Roush is a mystery. Roush did admit back in the era my engine was built (2009) there was a bad batch of Twisted Wedge cams. However, since I installed the engine 9 years after it was built, it was no longer under warranty. I had the engine repaired locally and its all good now.

[Vspeeds]

FINALLY GOT MY LICENSE PLATES AND THE CAR IS LEGAL TO DRIVE! Went to DMV on January 23, 2020 and now its fully registered under CA SB100, smog exemption!

[cnutting]

congratulations Eddie!

[Vspeeds]

I've been practicing social distancing by commuting to work and taking the backroads. I have over 3500 miles on it so far. Besides having to still fine tune the Fitech EFI (after start rough idle for 10 seconds), everything. is running great. I love driving this car! I added a luggage rack and plan to use it this summer when this whole Covid-19 craziness dies down. I also added a quick release removable steering wheel. If anybody wants to add a quick release removable steering wheel and are using the Russ Thompson turn signal, here is a great thread:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...on-turn-signal

[Mark Eaton]

Eddie, good job on the social distancing and it is awesome that you are using your 289 for your long commute! I too am loving driving my MK4. I've got 500 miles on it so far.

[Yolo]

How did the build go. I am new to this and appreciated your words. Considering the 289 also. Thanks Rich

[Vspeeds]

How did the build go. I am new to this and appreciated your words. Considering the 289 also. Thanks Rich

Rich
The build was fun. I sent you a private message.

[OttawaFFRer]

Here is a drool-worthy 289FIA from Unique:







I like wires, but I also like these FIA wheels.

I'd delete the roll bar and rear bumper, opting for just overrriders, but I suspect registration required it. IMO, it's mounted wat too far off the body.

The color? Cosmic, and the tan interior is excellent!

This is the first car I've noticed the drivers side dash is cut higher than the passenger. I wonder if it's unique to unique cars.
Currently working on the dash so pouring through the build threads yet again.

[Vspeeds]

Thats a sweet car.

[Vspeeds]

Here is a YouTube video that Travis D made of my car:

https://youtu.be/UYypZiWWUJQ

[edtbjon]

Excellent build thread, with a lot of "nitty gritty detail" things to learn. Thank you for all the updates and your hard work!!!

[jolsen42]

I see that you didn't finish the grill, Any reason? or do you just like the look without?

John O

[Vspeeds]

I see that you didn't finish the grill, Any reason? or do you just like the look without?

John O

I drive the car a lot and the grill would be a pain to clean. I can barely keep the brake dust off the wheels.