AndyGP

Ant this is yours I believe - hope you don't mind me using the pic - let me know and a mod will come along and slap me if required ;-))

Some more shiny stuff:

I will post some pics if anyone is interested...

Thanks MJ I should have the Lower Plenum Gaskets midweek, then I can start putting the jigsaw puzzle back together again!!!

Yes - the circlip that holds the return spring on is missing - I know ;-))

I have now got around to the throttle linkage and although I originally polished it, having seen Ant's colour scheme me thinks it's going to be all shine and no contrast so I have decided to paint/coat the throttle linkage and throttle bodies to match the balance bar. Cheers Ant ;-)) When I looked at the the throttle linkage I realised there was a cable control for the cruise that I did'ant need any more, and that the control 'bar/spindle' that everything sits on was not going to be paint'able, or chrome'able due to the tight fit of the bearing and the cable control wheels etc. So I stripped it all down and had it coated and when it came back I chucked out the cruise control cable control wheel and made a spacer to replace it, then I used 15mm chrome pipe to sheath the 10mm throttle spindle, utilising rubber o'rings to keep the pipe nicely seated and parallel. Then I put it all back together again (painful) - but it looks much better in my eyes anyway. Waddya think? Here you can see the spacer I made up: And how it looks with the single control pulley: And the full linkage:

Go on then Madmax - every little helps ;-)

Nope - not enough lip for me...

....or just swap them around and see if the problem moves with the plug ;-)

...After Dremelling and before removing the injector - remember to get the vacuum cleaner in there to remove all the swarf and generally clean the area before you pop that injector. ;-))

work paid off ^ (That's meant to say)!

Well done Tudor - good to hear your hard work off - you will get even MORE satisfaction now knowing that it is your own blood sweat and tears partly dual-fuelling your zed. ;-)) As my Zed is still in a million boxes and mainly 'in the post' - I look forward very much as my day of joy approaches. Jeez I hope it's this year!

Just went and had a quick look at this on my play/dev engine and it seems that Topless is right, I just did a mock up without bolting anything down properly and I would say that a thicker gasket would raise the cam timing idler pulley attached to the lower plenum and will therefore advance the cam timing on the right side of the engine for sure. So it would seem that to go with thicker bakelite gaskets you would have to compensate by machining the lower plenum first, and/or have adjustable cams I assume. So I am going OEM then.... Thanks for your help guys - it's good to talk ;-))

OK - Has anyone used/tried the UAS 'Bakelite' gaskets that insulate the upper from the lower plenum and eradicate the dreaded heat soak. I was almost going to make some of these myself a few months back but I think you guys talked me out of it ;-))

Thanks Shrek - I am contemplating getting the bakelite set from UAS but wondered because it is a multipart metal with rubber seals type of gasket what engine builders did generally. It looks in good condition but I assume it is the original one so... I have a pair that came in an ebay engine rebuild gasket set that have already fallen apart in the packet !!! So I won't be using them lol.

Guys, The Lower plenum gaskets (x2) - when should these be changed???... a:/ Always after the lower plenum has been removed b:/ Every 60K or whenever the Lower Plenum is off, or whatever comes first. c:/ Gaskets are reusable - go for it - if they look ok. d:/ Stop whinging about the £90.00 and just change them! Your guidance appreciated - as ever. :alucard: :helpsmilie:

Guys, stay calm - my car is at my Dorset place so not that simple at the mo. When it is 'allowed`out I will let you know as I probably owe you beer by now right ;-)

Thanks MJ :thumbup1:

Thanx Rubble - I agree - I am always inspired by the guys on here who take the time to share and educate people like me, and I am honoured you feel the same regarding my modest posts. Thanks again. :cool2:

One of the reasons I went for a high level rail mod - so I could convert to top feed injectors and get more choice/options regarding injectors. And much better prices. ;-)

Pixas - they won't fit in your standard ZED - they are top-feed not side feed.

Managed to complete the balance bar modifications today and get stuff coated. I have done [many] test fits and this all works out great now. For those who have not been watching, my custom high level fuel rail sits above the plenum and in order for the rails to exit correctly at the rear of the engine - the balance bar had to get some surgery. Here is a stock balance bar with the new modified one above it in RED. As you can see there is quite a difference!! Have adopted -8AN fittings (x3) on the bar, same as the stock 1/2" bore. Here is the passenger side: And the centre take off's: This section had to be cut out and rotated, then the bungs were welded in. That's my only update for now - tooo much work - not enough play ;-(

Yaeh ebay dude - cheaper - and the standard shroud does fit ok.

or maybe

.... Well almost. Looks very cool - until you turn the sound up and can hear the horrible transformer like sound they make. :lol: Also not sure if they can offer any side impact protection, or a safe exit in the event of even a slight side impact, let a lone a role!! But cool non the less I feel!! :wink: