This year I've removed the dead gearbox. The second failure at NHMS really did it in. Virtually every gear in the box was damaged. Luckily the front diff is good and I can save the ring and pinion for future use if need be.
This was the third season on the motor. It had a lot of miles and events on it at various high levels of boost (finishing at around 28lbs) I tore it down and sent the rods and crank to the machine shop for magnifluxing and measurement of the rod big-ends to make sure they were still round and in spec.
I rebuilt the engine once I got the block rehoned with new bearings and rings, new oil pump, ARP head studs and head gasket. This year I'll be using the original Evolution cylinder head instead of the Galant VR4 head. This will be somewhat of an experiment since the ports on the Evo head are shorter than the Galant.
I've also stepped into the prepared class by removing my heater core and HVAC system, removed the carpet and I'm also redoing the fuel system with both an in-tank Walbro 255 which will feed a Bosch Motorsport 044 pump. I've built a new surge tank as well.
ABS has been eliminated (it hasn't worked for years anyway) and now I will have about 20 less pounds of hardware on board after jettisoning the wires, computer, pump and rings from the axles.
Last week I ordered most of the fittings for the revised fuel system but I still need to save money for the Bosch pump, bracket and some other small bits for the plumbing.
on the suspension front I've bought some used Tein Super Racing 2 way adjustable struts (sold last year's Cusco's) this doesn't mean much for hillclimb but the damping rates are much more suited for heavier springs that we run at the track.
Lastly, I will be using a Ralliart dogbox for 2009, provided that I make it out in 2009. It's on the car, on loan until it's paid off. I'll post pictures of all this stuff once I get some good ones.
"how does he have time for all this; I just want to know!"
Alex
