Finally, an update! The Z is alive and running strong! The guys at
Real Auto Dynamics did an amazing job. Big big big shout out to the crew there: Alex, Rodney and Josh took care of my car like it was their own. The entire engine building process is incredibly nerve wracking, having a team that really knows the VQ made me much more confident about pulling the trigger. I was really impressed with their attention to detail on the install, I installed the TT kit myself and I am extremely anal about people working on my car (thanks for putting up with me guys).
For startup the shop recommended using amsoil engine break-in oil and a pre-luber (pressurized tank that shoots oil inside the engine coating everything). We started the car and ran it at 2000-2500rpm for 20 minutes while monitoring water and oil temps. After that we drained the oil and changed the filter, filled it with non-synthetic 5w30 and I took her home for the rest of the break in. Right now I'm at about 330miles and she runs incredibly smooth, for the first 300 miles she saw no boost, light load at various rpms letting the engine decel. I finally started boosting a bit tonight, still staying under 5krpm for now and I can't stop smiling. You can't tell this engine is built at all, it sounds and drives smoother than stock (this is why balancing the full rotating assembly is key!).
A small side note about the Z1 motormounts, theres a slight vibration felt in the cabin but it is extremely minimal and WELL worth the benefit of these stiffer mounts. I highly recommend them.
Heres just a few pictures from the last few days:
Squeeze stopped by to show off his racelogic traction control (sh!ts no joke), built and boosted brothers!
