What I did today

[dbest671]

Originally Posted by DCIV

Yup, when you made that post giving your offer, I PM'ed him more for just the plenum. I paid more then fair for it if it makes you feel any better.


Coop

Yes it does. I refuse to pay more than $100 for any plenum, but don't actually need one for my car to function with a flashed ECU. Well that, and I already have one with a map port untapped, well two actually

[DCIV]

I wanted to PM you and say something but USPS lost it for 10 days more and he was a new seller so I was a little worried. No need though.


Coop

[dbest671]

I take it was parcel post? If so, that service can take FOREVER. Why would you contact me, you have access to his phone number

[DCIV]

USPS, no not his phone number to be worried about my package. He kept in contact. Contact you to let you know what I did. haha.


Coop

[dbest671]

USPS has first class, parcel post, priority, express... since a plenum is heavy the cheapest way to send it from Cali to TN from USPS is parcel post.

Actually I was wondering who bought it when he said it was sold, but I figured they probably offered more than me and I wasn't willing to pay more.

Did somebody start sanding/polishing it?

[DCIV]

yeah looks like they were started sanding on it, with a grinder. I was going to get all the bumps off anyways as I am going to redo all my stuff in black chrome powder coat.


Coop

[dbest671]

Originally Posted by DCIV

yeah looks like they were started sanding on it, with a grinder. I was going to get all the bumps off anyways as I am going to redo all my stuff in black chrome powder coat.


Coop

Now I'm glad I didn't buy it... I hate when people think a grinder is a good idea LOL. I have bought three plenums that were an aborted polishing project... and they took longer to fix than if I started from scratch.

Getting the bumps off is the hard part ... and the holes. The 96/97 usually have the worse casting out of all the plenums.

[DCIV]

Got any tips that might make it easier?


Coop

[dbest671]

TBH, if you really want that "black chrome" look it's best to get it as smooth as possible. I would probably go up to 400 grit, smooth enough to get that chrome reflection yet gritting enough for the powder to stick. The smoother the casting is the better the finish will be.

Don't know what kind of tools you have... but simple drill with a 5-6" backing pad and some PSA disc will get you very far on the runners. I start with 120 grit.

[sergechronos]

Got the pressure tester onto the car today. Couple minor leaks from the rear turbo pipe (new o ring and reseating fixed it) and some leaks going into the y pipe (the hoses are old and seem to be fairly shot at this point) but was able to tighten it down to get it to stop (mostly)

The biggest leak I found is coming from the intake manifold area. Either where the upper meets the lower or where the lower meets the heads, hard to tell. There was a stripped bolt hole that I helicoiled, but doesn't seem to have fixed it. Sounds mainly like it's coming from the passenger side. Perhaps needs a new gasket, but I may just wait until Spring when I do all the other maintenance to replace the upper and the lower gaskets.

Adding to the list of things to do this spring: EGR delete as well. That pipe is a pain in the ass to get on and off.