Re. Car Work: IT IS DONE!

at least as the motor is concerned. The last and final piece to the puzzle was a massive boost pressure leak located at the driver's side up-pipe. Here's the damage:



Apparently, the uprated silicone throttle body boot is a bit too big and doesn't allow enough clearance for the cooling fan. Over time the blades ground a hole right into it. I've pulled the boot and shaved 5 mm on intake and 5 mm on exit. That did it. As for obtaining a new up-pipe, one could buy one new for $185 but I tapped into the Audiworld brotherhood, posted a thread about my situation and several people stepped up to offer me some spares...awesome fellows. One enthusiast contacted me and said he'll go ahead and mail me a new one for free! WOOHOO! Here's a comparo.



Big difference indeed. With this done, the motor is quite possibly running better than it did when it rolled off the assembly line! Absolutely perfect...after 13 weekends and hundreds of hours under the hood, on-line research, parts purchases, I'm completely relieved.

Also tackling sprucing up the Y-Pipe. It's new but has become grimy with all the car work. I'm giving it a complete makeover and have all the tools on hand so it'll be another cost-free upgrade. Here's the process:
1. Remove and clean



2. Sand with 320 then 400 and a final 1000 wet-sand.
3. Wipe with mineral spirits and air dry.
4. Spray a coat of Duplicolor Automotive sandable primer. With the amount of heat in the engine bay the paint will need it or it'll turn a golden hue over time.



5. Spray 4 coats of Duplicolor Ultra Silver T191 allowing the requisite 15 minutes of cure in between.



6. Spray 4 coats of Duplicolor Engine Enamel DE1636 again allowing for the requisite 15 minutes of cure.
7. A light wet sand with 2000 grit and BAM, it's done.




Also have a couple of NON engine projects on the near horizon. I'll keep you posted cause I know you'll be soo interested.

Later