Alright, well after being sick for a few days I got around to working on my freshly built engine. Got the IM installed along with some miscellaneous hoses. Also, got the new oil pickup and oil pan put back on as well, no pics of that though. I got a chance to bolt up all the turbo manifold, turbo, and downpipe to get some test fittings. I got the turbo clocked to where I like and tested out the oil return fitting. I’m hoping it’s steep enough 
Anyways, I got some time off of work and the engine swap and wire tuck is now scheduled for Memorial Day weekend in just a few weeks! Keep an eye out for the dirty work is about to get started 
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
I picked up my engine from the shop yesterday. Bottom end is all built and head installed. Got it up on my engine stand at home and will slowly start to put the rest of the parts on so it’s ready for the swap into the car. I’m hoping to get started on the swap in 2-3 weeks, we’ll see how things go.
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
Alright, well little update in my turbo project. I switched my setup away from the Vitara pistons and went with forged Wiseco 75.5mm pistons. I also got my Eagle rods in as well. I made the change because it was taking entirely too long to get the custom length rods for the Vitara pistons and I am tired of waiting. So, tomorrow I am taking all my engine parts and pieces into the shop for assembly. Hopefully next week I’ll have the motor on my engine stand so I can start getting it ready for the swap. In other news, I’m just about finished with my trim painting, I just need to polish the clearcoat with rubbing compound and put everything back on the car. Once I get some more paint in I’ll be doing the sideskirts as well to match the rest of the car.
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
Got around to installing all my new Skunk2 suspension pieces this past weekend, Skunk2 sport shocks, Skunk2 coil overs, and Skunk2 front camber kit. The install went easy, other then a hassle with my SS front brake lines, which I also put on while I had everything apart. Initial ride height was a bit low and had to do some adjustments to get it just a little lower then stock height. I have yet to drive the car because I have it apart for other modifications which I’ll do when I get back from vacation. Erik and I also knocked out the install of my NRG hub and quick release. Topped it off with my new Momo steering wheel. Check out the pics in the gallery by following the images below. When I get back from vacation I’ll be painting up my trim and molding pieces as well as replacing the door window molding on the outside that is faded and crummy.
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
Got my parts back from the shop last week, LSD is installed in the tranny, and I got my ceramic coated parts back. Looks really nice. I also had them powder coat my bov horn black so I have a little red/black theme going on. Some other parts arrived in the mail as well, including my Tial wastegate, NRG parts, and a bunch of fuel system parts and pieces. Actual work has begun on the car too. This past week I have been installing my alarm slowly but surely when I have time, and I also prepped my suspension before it gets installed this weekend. Should have some installation updates in a few days with some real progress. Enjoy the pictures.
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
Getting close to having everything I need to get started on the motor swap. My y8 transmission is in the shop getting the LSD installed and my turbine, downpipe, and manifold are getting ceramic coating. I got my Hondata s300, and some more things have arrived in the mail as well, including Skunk2 sport shocks, Skunk2 front camber kit, IC piping, and some Greddy electronics (TT and Profec-B). Should have another shipment of things arriving in the next day or two also. Oh, also got my powder coated valve cover back, check out the link for the vc to see all the refreshed/cleaned up parts.
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
Got some new parts in and was able to get some work done after being sick the last few days. First, my Treadstone intercooler came in, along with a d16y8 intake manifold that has a b16 throttle body already setup on it. Think that’s it as far as parts go. I also cleaned up the intake manifold and the y8 transmission that I got. The cylinder head is now assembled as well minus a couple little things, like the vtec solenoid, because I mistakenly ordered the wrong gasket for it. Few pics below:
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
Block, crank, and cylinder head all done. I had the block bored and honed to fit 75.5mm Vitara pistons, the head rebuilt, a valve job, and resurfaced. Also, the crank was polished and everything looks good. I decided I am going to wait for the custom I-beam connecting rods that fjt is offering through turbod16.com and d-series.org. So, the motor will not be assembled probably for another 6-8 weeks 
In the mean time I’ll update with other things going on with the hatch such as painting the trims and side skirts and replacing some old window trims that have deteriorated on the outside.
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
New arrivals! I received my turbo, exhaust manifold, 3″ downpipe, and Greddy bov today. Parts look good and everything is new, except the bov (slightly used). I picked up a Master Power t3/to4e turbo, part 810021 if you’re interested in the specifics, mini ram manifold and nice 3″ downpipe. I’m hoping my block and head will be ready this week but I have not heard from the machine shop since last Friday. Another dilemma I am in is I don’t know what rods to get the engine…Wait a couple more months for the fjt custom I-beam rods or just pickup some Eagles/Scat rods and go with those? What to do…
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
Few more things have arrived lately and I expect a few more throughout the week. Got my Competition stage 4 clutch as well as a couple Autometer gauges and Walbro fuel pump. The machine shop should have my block and head all ready this week as well, they called last Friday and were beginning to bore/hone for the new 75.5mm pistons. Anyways, few pics here and I’ll update later this week.
Justin Justin's Hatch Log
