Rare Ara S3 Vortex XL build

[Rare Ara S3]

What size pistons did you go with and what's your P2W clearance?

Sorry to leave you hanging. Theyre 83mm but I don’t know the p2w specs as it hasn’t come back from the machine shop. This place has built several so I trust they know what they’re doing. Between machining and waiting an eternity on parts I’m not one to keep bugging them.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Just realized it’s been 2 months since I last updated. I finally got the assembled engine back yesterday. I got right to putting it back in. Mated with the trans and installed the wire harness.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Today it pretty much looks the same but I checked off several items. Axles. Driveshaft. Heat shields. Water pump. AC and alternator. Most of the electrical connectors. MST inlet is on along with the EQT turbo muffler delete and discharge piping.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Manifold with MPI is in. Need to make some fuel line and decide where I want the ethanol sensor.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

So before I fire this thing I have a question that no doubt has been asked before. Since I’ve completely removed the engine I’m trying to reduce the number of variables that could go wrong. Obviously it was easier to bolt up the XL while the engine was out. Before I flash the EQT tune that’s set up for MPI and the RS3 pump, I’d like to make sure it runs so I’m not swapping the pump and I’m leaving the IE stage 2 tune. Does anyone see any issue with idle or driving the car around the shop like that ? At least I’ll know it runs before I dig into the fuel pump.

 

[Diggs24]

Go for it.

 

[jimlloyd40]

Are there any first start procedures?

 

[Acadia18]

Are there any first start procedures?

Foot on the brake, press the 'Start Engine' button

 

[jimlloyd40]

Foot on the brake, press the 'Start Engine' button

I meant like holding the engine at a certain RPM level.

 

[JerseyDrew77]

I meant like holding the engine at a certain RPM level.

Yes, there is a break in procedure and it varies depending on which brand of pistons you have.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Well it’s running. No errors there. I primed it by cranking several times. Checked the oil filter and it was full. Fire it up and it runs smooth but there is rocker or lifter noise that sounds bad.

 

[PowerDemon]

Good news is EA888s don't have rockers or lifters so I don't think it's that. Is it a tick? Got a video?

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Good news is EA888s don't have rockers or lifters so I don't think it's that. Is it a tick? Got a video?

Yes. Will a video post directly to this forum?

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Good news is EA888s don't have rockers or lifters so I don't think it's that. Is it a tick? Got a video?

this doesn’t quite get the noise on video

 

[JerseyDrew77]

What are your piston rings gap measurements? Mainly the top and second rings.