1998 Evolution V GSR: Classroom

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 12:21 pm

Brian - thanks. We have a long ways to go...

Took a look at the rear...

This fuel filler shield is in surprisingly good shape according to the internet - usually full of dirt and rots the fuel filler pipe:

We ordered new upper arms for the rear - still available new.

Postby **Loren** » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:05 pm

Did you ever find out what that weird hole in the trunk was for?

AScoda · Postby **AScoda** » Tue Jan 12, 2021 6:36 pm

Surprised to se drum brakes. Not much left on those shoes.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 2:33 pm

Loren: confident the hole was impact damage of some sort. Telltale signs work was done to correct it around the brake light...and the gap was a bondo plug that fell out after a bit. We will eventually stitch it up.

Drew: I didn't look too closely how worn the parking brake shoes were - but good point. Brake force is a significant test for the Germans...overall, split, front, rear, and parking brake. Interesting tidbit is the Brembos on this car (1998) to 2006 are very similar and actually use the same pad/rotor thru the years. Even my Subaru uses same parts. Love the interchangeability.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Sat Jan 16, 2021 1:48 pm

Warmed the garage a bit to do some more education...

The assistant installed fresh suspension arm, wheel bearing, and rotor...all by herself:

The rotor was a bit of a struggle - rather hefty:

Then moved to the 'bullet'...checked ring gaps on the Mahle provided rings:

She was a bit put off at the tedious process of gap checking 16 rings (2 compression/2 oil scrapers per piston). She should count her blessings compared to a V8...

With the results:

Researching if we need to buy a ring grinder...good fun though with 29 degree temps and no skiing allowed!

AScoda · Postby **AScoda** » Sat Jan 16, 2021 9:07 pm

No skiing cuz Covid?

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:00 am

Affirm...and German rules.

Solar · Postby **Solar** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:08 am

Wow, seeing to guys check the ring gap brings back memories, from the numbers they looks to be in very good spec, all nice and even too. That is probably one of the best things for new mechanics to learn, gives them a really good understanding of how they work. I remember some older GM and Ford blocks were really bad, and we had to get oversized rings and trim gap them or get the blocks bored .010 over. Performance blocks were easier because most were bored .030 over.

Our trip to Colorado was canceled this year, we were lucky enough to make it to Winter Park last January just before the Covid hit. Most resorts in Colorado are requiring reservations now and none of them are selling season passes this year.[/quote]

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:20 pm

The block already came bored .5 mm over so some concern on the quality. The local shop gave it a grade A for workmanship and as you mentioned, pretty consistent readings - of course the Mahle ring set is another variable. Happy with the results. But we will likely buy a grinder to open up the top and 2nd compression ring to .018 inch...hate buying tools...twice.

Started disassembly of the rear...bit more complicated with 4 suspension arms per side and the fun parking drum brake setup. The wheel bearings are known to fuse into the housing too...cross our fingers.

We did use a ball joint press to free the top arm...boy did it make a pop - bit startling:

And the parking brake fun - always fun figuring out where all the springs/bar/'nails' fit:

Solar · Postby **Solar** » Sun Jan 17, 2021 2:09 pm

I’m not familiar at all with Mitsubishi, so is opening up the ring gap .002 really necessary ? That’s a pretty small amount of gap. Those parking brakes are a pain, the older Corvette had those and most everyone I repaired was froze up. You’re really going through that car, very cool you have a willing and learning helper

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 3:26 pm

Brian: .002 might be the difference between low oil consumption and butted ring ends/popped piston. We expect this engine (in mild form) to make 100 hp per cylinder...Mahle's specs (generically though) is .020, which seems excessive. And .015 seems a bit tight... and considering the autobahn is likely... Hate to spend the money, but then again - good training, eh?

Old bearing out and stripped:

Teacher was successful in reinstalling the parking brake apparatus...did take a few tries. Didn't want to disassemble the system, but the wheel bearing required it:

Another corner nearly complete:

We await some suspension arms and new boots on the axles. Should be a good old messy time...

Solar · Postby **Solar** » Thu Jan 21, 2021 8:08 am

I forget where you’re located, and that you’re making that much power from a 4 pot engine. I’m use to dealing with 30 year old sloppy v8 engine technology where you gapped points with a match book cover, and used a vacuum gauge and a screw driver to tune your fuel mixture. 400hp from a 4 cylinder was unheard of back in my day of wrenching, back then we were blown away from the power the Olds Quad 4 would make.

That rear hub assembly looks nice, glad you god the e-brake installed, those can be a rear pain. Is the rear hub bearing unit a press in type ? Trying to get my head around how that all comes together

Oh wait, I forget that car is AWD.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Sat Jan 23, 2021 3:40 pm

Olds Quad 4 - kind of a neat engine. Set the world record for closed circuit top speed, no?

The wheel bearings are actually a bolt in, but they have a close tolerance so some persuasion is required for installation/removal. Many times better than the Subaru STI which requires a full on press and follow on wheel alignment - terrible system. Especially for the weak front bearings...

We are planning on new boots for the axles...something I've never done so should be fun and messy.

Did get the last corner halfway done...lost a sway bar link nut (seized), otherwise pretty easy.

Warm enough to clean up some fasteners with the newly arrived Amazon.de wire brush! Much less effort:

New parts arrived including one more piece (bolt) to the puzzle...timing belt idler pulley installed!:

And shampooing the rear seat:

Solar · Postby **Solar** » Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:22 am

Are you just replacing the boots or are you tearing down and repacking the CV joints ? Just replacing the boots is pretty easy, and yeah it can be a bit messy. Better make sure to cover up those pretty clean seats

Most of what I remember with the Quad 4 was when they first came out they were noisy and vibrated under certain loads. It took GM a while to install balance shafts and make them more refined, by then I was one foot out of the trade. Going to have to look up the speed record you mentioned.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Sun Jan 24, 2021 11:31 am

We are mainly replacing the boots so they don't crack on us before inspection...

Olds Quad 4...this was the record I recall - 257 mph!:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_Aerotech

Dave-ROR · Postby **Dave-ROR** » Tue Jan 26, 2021 10:04 pm

Tim, glad to see you are still wrenching on cars over there!

*Might* make it over this year.. depends on the whole COVID thing. My buddy's tour ends next March but I'd rather not visit in winter

If I make it I'll help wrench for a day if needed.

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Thu Jan 28, 2021 2:32 pm

Dave! Been a year it seems! Stars did align to find a car worthy of time and effort to consume resourses. So glad we added the blower to the Camaro...I've got you to thank! We can only hope Germany opens up as the temps warm...currently full lock down - zero. Good time to stay in the garage...

Dave-ROR · Postby **Dave-ROR** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 5:22 pm

Tim_M wrote:Dave! Been a year it seems! Stars did align to find a car worthy of time and effort to consume resourses. So glad we added the blower to the Camaro...I've got you to thank! We can only hope Germany opens up as the temps warm...currently full lock down - zero. Good time to stay in the garage...

haha glad I could help encourage you to add a blower to the SS!

Yeah I'm hoping to head over right after Octoberfest ends. Skip the crowds but still enjoy the seasonal brews!

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 5:52 pm

We will cross our fingers things will return to normal by then. We'll have to go for a couple of rides...

Some packages finally arrived...although 4 more stuck in UK to Germany BREXIT customs jail...

Full valvetrain finally sourced - Manley Race Master SS valves/locks, GSC beehives, and GSC Ti retainers. Now if businesses reopen to reclaim our cylinder head...just extended the lock down thru mid-Febuary!

Summit took 8 weeks to finally cancel the exhaust valves - received thru STM.

We had a nice discussion on steel versus titanium and beehive dynamics. Also significance of the stresses on those tiny locks versus operation of 8000 engine rpms!

Tim_M · Postby **Tim_M** » Fri Feb 05, 2021 12:30 pm

Took over 60 days to get our valve cover and crossmember returned from the powder-coaters...great quality it seems.

Before:

After with near OEM color - will add some pop to the engine compartment!:

Engine/trans crossmember:

Now we just need a cylinder head to put it on...German lock down continues...

Also got word that our Brembos are ready for shipping...starting to feel like we are making progress.

Who is online