Anyone who frequents this section knows that I had a problem with a broke off bolt in the block where the water pump bolts on...well the problem only worsened and it seemed as if nothing was going to get it out...and we finally came to the conclusion that we probably needed to take it to a machine shop...so we removed the motor and since we did that I went ahead and bought a lower mileage shortblock and replaced it. As for the replacement, it has 41k miles on it, came as shortblock. I am in the process of throwing new cam/springs in it, 1.6 rr's, hardened pushrods, new timing chain set, oil pump and among other little things to help make the motor last as long as possible. Also ditched the shorties off the old motor and going with some long tubes. Currently the motor is sitting on fade2blk500's motor stand in his garage and its coming along nicely. I predict it to crank within a weeks time. I cannot wait until then as this car has been down over 6 months all starting with a failed opti And when the motor is back together we decided to go ahead and paint it to go along with the new motor install.....wish me luck!

 

Good luck. It always starts with something small and ends up being a huge project. Sounds like youve got it all under control.

 

yeah im trying to keep it that way .....but the empty pockets make it a bit hard to keep it that way