And that's me done. Connected last pipe to the intercooler and fitted some air filters to the boost guage and boost controller vacuum lines. Tomorrow I'm going to put in some oil and hope I don't see any leaks.

Unlocked a few achievements with this project. Here are some of the things I have never done before.

• Remove exhaust manifold
• Install injectors
• Cut and bead pipes
• Change petrol pump motor
• Fit a sump
• Install a turbo and intercooler

Next update will be the first start after the downpipe has been fitted. Wish me luck 🙏🏻







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Just a heads up .... everyone thinks those band style clamps are better ............. but they definitely are not as good as a simple hose clip for sealing. If you have beads on all the joins you will probably be ok though.

 

+1. It's the beads on the pipe ends the ones that do 80% of the work.

 

Moved the car out of the garage and gave it a much-needed clean. I also installed the original bumper to protect the intercooler while it's transported to the fabricator. I would have preferred to install my Mazdaspeed bumper, but it doesn't have a tow hook hole.

Collection is confirmed for Tuesday and I should have the car back by next weekend if everything goes smoothly 🤞🏻










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Where did you get the tactteix open port? They all seem to be out of stock due to the 3.0 being released.

 

From the Tactrix website. I think it took about 2 days to ship to the UK

https://www.tactrix.com/index.php?op...ed=1&Itemid=53

 

Still waiting for the transporter. He had brake issues on Tuesday and is stuck in traffic today. Looks like I'm only getting the car back next weekend now

 

Looks so nice in the sun 🌞

 

Thank you. The body shop that resprayed it mixed more pearl in the paint.

This is what it looks like with the MS bumper on

 

FIrst of all, I want to say thank you for chronicling this build--this will undoubtedly be helpful when/if the time comes for me to do the same. This might be a big ask, but is there any way you could provide a purchase link or two (and/or part numbers) for each component needed? Some of these parts take a ton of hunting to find exactly what you need and it could simplify that greatly. Thanks either way!

 

Thanks FastNLouder. I'm going to list all the parts after a successful test drive. I did waste a bit of money on unnecessary things, so I'll only list the parts that are essential for those planning to go the same route.

 

Finally!! What a painful experience. The original driver let me down FOUR times!!! Booked with another group yesterday and they collected today.

I had a few questions for the fabricator, so I drove there to discuss the downpipe and other bits. Apparently I'm missing the 3" V Band exhaust flange, so I'll need to order one this week. This means I'll probably only get the car back in about 2 weeks time.

I also need to take the turbo off and readjust the position because the drain pipe is touching one of the bolts. The V clamp bolt is tucked behind so the turbo has to come off. Oh well, it is what it is.

 

Received some updates from the fabricator. He had to massage another section of the firewall to make the downpipe fit without adding any restrictive bends. He also completed the midpipe with 5" 100 cell racing cat, and converted the back pipe to make it a full 3 inch system. The downpipe will be completed this weekend.

 

Downpipe done and I'm getting the car back today! ​​​​​​

 

Looking saweeeeeet!

 

Received my new exhaust manifold and backbox gasket today - just in time for the weekend reinstall. The downpipe was dropped off Tuesday evening for some heatshield treatment.



First start should be next Thursday if I get the downpipe back and everything else goes smoothly 🤞🏻

 

I love the way your build is coming along especially the color theme and attention to detail 🤯

I'm curious what your plan is with your IAT sensor. I see that you're using what looks like a draw through MAF/IAT setup and unless I missed it I'm thinking wouldn't you want to run a separate IAT sensor post IC so your ecu is reading accurate charge air temps? I'm not an expert on that subject though so if there's a different or better approach I'd love to learn.

Can't wait to see the finished build zoom!

 

Thanks FruitBat. I honestly haven't thought about it. I just want to finish the build and go for a drive 😀

Some other installers split the MAF wiring and connect a temp sensor near the intake, so I'll probably do that 👍🏻

 

Saturday's update. Removed the UIM, turbo coolant and oil lines, piping, engine mounts, and the turbo and manifold - Such a painful experience undoing everything I tried to install correctly.



Found the best tool to remove the rear UIM bolts. It's a 45 degree gearless drive socket adapter - soooo much better than those wonky ones.



After removing everything, I reclocked the Turbo again using Brett's instructions, but this time I tested with the drain pipe while the turbo was off the car.





Turbo and manifold back on. I would like to say it gets easier, but unfortunately it doesn't. I'm convinced that the heatwrap doesn't help with the limited space. Something else I noticed when jacking up the engine is that the right angled adapter on the oil sandwich plate touches the firewall, so that might be the reason why I couldn't get the engine up high enough.

Drain pipe looking much better.



Today I'm going to reconnect the pipes and install the UIM and engine mounts.

 

Connected all the pipes, reinstalled the UIM and engine mounts, and put some more heatshielding where the fabricator cut and massaged the firewall. Just need to put some oil and coolant, and connect the exhaust.



The gearless drive adapter is amazing. I highly recommend it for working in tight spaces.


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Downpipe heatshielding done. Collecting it tomorrow

 

Quick test fit. It's really happening 😁

 

Looking badass! Can't wait for the fire up!

 

Losing the battle with the v clamps at the moment. Hopefully not much longer 😁

 

First start