Project White Lightning

[psyguy]

I'd like to log here the list of things I need to do before my car is track ready. The "list" is currently jumbled up in my mind so hopefully some words and pics here can help me organise things and monitor progress. Any input from you guys most welcome
The target date is the Nationals in November... but the list is loong!

The "White Lightning" name courtesy of Charlie who casually named the car so after a run. Thanks Charlie, I'm adopting the name! Even if it sounds really ambitious...

1. Put the manifold, turbo, exhaust, etc, back on the car. Includes installing EGT probe into manifold.
3. Install new clutch/flywheel (have the parts). May use the opportunity to fit new rear wheel bearings.
4. Get a professional tune (currently running on the base map)
5. Install front mounted oil cooler (parts on order)
6. Test run on street
7. Install EGT and AFR gauges
8. Test run on track (paying particular attention to EGTs and water/meth setup)
9. If the test above fails then a water-to-air front mounted intercooler is in order
? A rear brake was binding a little during the last track day. Need to monitor this at the next track day. (It's fine on the street.)
? Fit adjustable rear toe arms (not sure at what stage I do this)
? Panelbeating (not essential but the sooner done the better)

As it stands now:

thumbnail_20190715_112343.jpg (211.06 KiB) Viewed 5574 times

thumbnail_20190720_210134.jpg (177.65 KiB) Viewed 5574 times

[psyguy]

heat range suitable "Loctite"???

You could use some "needle nose" Vise grips on the unthreaded section on the studs. Just the right amount of tension on the grips can provide phenomenal torque power to set them home & stay home ( this time )

How do your valves look, seens as you've now got suitable "viewing windows" exposed!!

I don't know of a Loctite that comes near being able to withstand the temps involved with a turbo so, not sure if it would help?

I use counter-locked pair of nuts to set the studs. I think it's the "quality" of those particular studs that saw them stretch and loose tension

Will try to put my camera to the exhaust ports see if I can take a pic of the valves. Can't see them by naked eye.

[mknz]

IMO quality fasteners and wire locking

[psyguy]

IMO quality fasteners and wire locking

Quite like that idea but don't think there's enough room for the wire locking or at least I haven't come across a system that I could use.

[Benckj]

Google Nord locks for turbo bolt/stud issues.

Liking the look and specs on the car. Should go like a rocket and hopefully handle like a go-cart.

[GDII]

There are Stage8 locking fasteners too but I don't know the cost of them vs other systems.

Question is, why are we seeing all these turbo stud/nut failures where OEM never have issues when they bolt them on at the factory. Correct torque on these should hold it in place.

Nordlocks should work well if installed properly. To undo them you have to really give it a good go. As the metal expands from heat it should lock more.
https://www.nord-lock.com/insights/vide ... sher-work/

[Benckj]

From what I've experienced the OEM turbo studs & nuts stay in place until they are removed. Saying that, two of the four I removed were only finger tight as the studs backed off. The others were corroded into place and it was difficult to break free. After I re-installed with new nuts the studs kept backing off even after using various grades of Locktight. Combination of Nord locks along with double nuts where possible worked for me.

[psyguy]

I've had the (Nord Lock type) serated washers and lock nuts installed but that wasn't the problem, but the studs themselves came undone (together with the nuts). I believe most likely just poor material the studs were made of. But the turbo housing / treads are also of unknown quality. The threaded portion of the studs is also somewhat short. I actually had a fleeting thought about this but went the proverbial "Nah, she'll be right" kinda way
Plus, I haven't checked and re-tightened things after a heat cycle or two which I should have done and it would have alerted me to the problem

thumbnail_20190726_182731.jpg (78.08 KiB) Viewed 5529 times

[psyguy]

While (even the Hi Temp) Loctite is no good for the turbo applicable temps, this product certainly is:
https://store.034motorsport.com/extreme ... rated.html

But the price

[mickeyduck]

If it actually works Ivor, it will be money well spent.

Trust me, few things more frustrating than turbo fastenings constantly undoing...!

[mickeyduck]

In fact if you buy a bottle I'll go halves with you. Flick me a PM or a txt if you get one.

[psyguy]

In fact if you buy a bottle I'll go halves with you.

Nice, Charlie!

The smallest bottle available is aprox. 118ml which should be sufficient for like a few dozen turbo setups, I reckon.
However, the liquid has an expiry period of six months.

Maybe someone else would like to pinch in for a part-bottle (since you can't store it for too long)?

I've been reading on Miata Turbo forums and there's good reviews for this product

Manufacturer's data sheet here:
"Cotronics Resbond 907TS"
http://www.cotronics.com/vo/cotr/pdf/907ts.pdf

[psyguy]

While waiting for parts I drilled and tapped the manifold for the EGT probe:

thumbnail_20190803_172411.jpg (112.83 KiB) Viewed 5461 times

[mknz]

While waiting for parts I drilled and tapped the manifold for the EGT probe:

thumbnail_20190803_172411.jpg

You know this isn't the 90s right? Jokes aside, what are you doing planning to do with the EGT?

[psyguy]

Don't really get the "90's" joke, Michael ...

I want to monitor the EGTs to fine tune water/meth injection and decide if I may need an intercooler.