So got a call from the engine shop today. Head is bent like a banana, almost a good 2mil between cylinders 2+3 and 3+4. Isnt this car just the best? So much for the previous 'reputable' engine shop the previous owner took it to. Least now i can move forward. Needed a head asap, logical solution was to put a sonata head on from work. Got the head down to Wynnum Engine Reconditioners at around 230. Grinded, tested and all ready to go by 430, and stayed back specifically for me because they knew i needed it back as soon as possible so i could fit it for the weekend. (highly recommend them for any brisbane folk)
Couple less water jackets. Different ports - although bigger so ill be taking advantage of that and getting my manifold ported out soon enough, and one 10mm hole in head thats not on the sonata....ill find out soon enough what it was for but cant be anything important by the look. And ill have to use the sonata thermostat housing so bit of fiddling but can make it all work hopefully. Just need to get it back together later tonight and get this damn thing running again before next weeks deadline.
Engine mount and tailshaft rubbers are coming early next week express out of japan. Just need to take these sample bolts down to a shop and get this transfer/slave in correctly. Apart from that its all just putting it together now so light at the end of the tunnel...touch wood