AE86 Tech #86-10: Street port

Porting is something most do it yourselfers rarely tackle. Most seem to think it's a daunting task to take on themselves. While others want a professional to do it, but don't have the $$$ to shell out.


Since I'm already redoing my oil puking cylinder head, it's time I did a little port work. I'm not a pro, but i've experimented enough to take on this project myself. It's what I call a street port, since it'll be nothing close to what a full race port should be. If you want that you should give Hasselgren a call for the ultimate in 4AGE porting jobs. The street port entails the smoothing of the imperfections in the ports so that airflow is not greatly increased, but has more of streamlined flow into the cylinders.

You maybe thinking since i'm turbo i don't really need to do this, just crank up the boost and bam more power. Think of it this way, by adding a wedge in front of a brick like the battle wagon (Volvo 740 wagon) to streamline the airflow, you can increase the top speed and fuel efficiency of the car without upping the power output.

Anyways here's some areas that do it yourselfers can work on.

There's the traditional port match to the intake. Use the stock intake gasket as a template for the cylinder head and intake manifold. I believe certain racing groups like SCCA allow this type of porting to 1 in. from the flange surface. This should be a no brainer on how to do so we'll just move on.


The areas behind the valve seat usually have ridges that should be removed. If you have a cylinder head apart, run your finger around that area, and you'll know what I mean. It's a speed bump for air molecules, bumping into each other as they enter the combustion chamber. Clean up the area by removing the ridges until you can't feel the ridge.


Another area to look into is around the valve stem guide. You can see there's 2 little bumps on either side of the valve guide. Some maybe a bit sqeamish about entering this part of the port, so just leave this area as optional if you're not comfortable.

As you notice the areas I have previously mentioned are now cleaned up resulting in a more efficient flow of air into the cylinder head. I didn't take too much material to alter the port velocity of the cylinder head. Not too bad for a nights work. Now it's off to the machine shop to get the rest of head machined and ready for installation.


Well that's about it, at least for me. Anything beyond that we're taking about changing port velocities and flow rates. A steady hand and eye to is needed to keep the ports equal. A flow bench to make sure that flow rates are consistent between cylinders.

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Little intercooled turbo kei cars, narrow canyon roads, and torrential down pour. When the eye of the tiger gets in you there's nothing that will stop you from enjoying passions.

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Nascar all star showdown

Just watched the Nascar All Star race, definitely one of the most exciting race i've seen in a while. The format was different for the all star race since it's taking Nascar's top drivers and splitting the racing in 4-5 sessions. With last session setup for everyone to bring out the big guns. At first it was a bit on the laggy side like most typical Nascar events, but the last 10 laps was really something to see. Nascar should really start doing these type of Sprint races instead of the 500 milers they normally do. Definitely brings out alot of hard racing from the drivers.

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Head work

At the last drift day, I had thought that my turbo went south, making my drifts more smokey. But after furthur evaluation, I concluded that my little 4AGE cylinder head is the cultprit. So now I've decided to rebuild the head. While i'm at it do a little bit of porting. Nothing crazy since i don't have a flow bench nor cnc machine to assist me.

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Take it from the pro

Pro+Driver+Racing+Tips+from+Redline+Time+Attack+Dr

If you're new to driving or even had a couple of track days under your belt. Here's a video providing tips on improving you driving experience. Very nicely done, taking many things I picked up from many track day questions, into a nutshell. From grip to drift and maybe some drag it's a good watch.

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Fender

Got myself another pair of stock fenders thanks to good friend D. The other fenders were borrowed so I could roll out to Drift Day a few weeks back.

Rather than rework the fenders like last time, I decided to keep them "stock". I just cut and ground down the inside edge.


This took only a few minutes to accomplish. Whereas rolling them will take about an hour each side. Though I still think rolling them out looks much better.

Bringing back sexy.

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Mother's Day Weekend Extravaganza

This weekend was really busy, being the good son that I am you'd think I'll doing the mother's day thing this weekend. Oh hell no, this weekend was spent at the Queen Mary at Long Beach for Toyota Fest 2009. Yes some of the nicest Toyotas you'll ever see were on display here. This year I didn't participate, I was was just a spectator. I was hired to bring a couple cars to the show for the shop I worked at. Here's a bunch of photos I took that day.


In the morning, while dropping off a car, I spotted this super beautiful Crown Masterline, japan only vehicle, brought to you from the guys at Mooneyes. Very cool to see up close.


A bunch of Scion's enough said.

Is this Tera Patrick's car, I heard she's really into Hello Kitty.


Lots of VIP cars on display.


If you remember Back to the Future this should bring back childhood memories. Hello McFly.
Even Hoshino makes a special appearance.

It's days like this I miss showing my show car off.


But I had to prepare for the next day's action.

Sunday was spent in the Balcony at Willow Springs. A me and a few ringers decided it was time to get some practice before next month's competition.

Dingo8mybaby

Markx

Chohdog



Even J-Mac made a special appearance. He hurt Steve C's car.

And we indeed practiced quite a bit. Hope the rest will be up to the task.


My day was done early due to broke turbo flange bolts, but I got in enough seat time. Don't worry I'm bringing the A game next month so watch out.


But the best part of the day was some cool cat trying to drift on the balcony handed me the keys go his Porsche GT3 RS to take for a spin. I'm definitely one not to say no. Giggling like a little school girl as I fired up this beast from the fatherland. After a breathtaking lap, i definitely need a smoke and someone to pinch me to make sure this wasn't a dream. The chance to drive a 6 figure Porsche doesn't come around very often.

What's funny is after watching us drift around the balcony, he wanted to buy a corolla. He even had the nerve to ask to buy the Yam. But I'd feel guilty if I sold my car to him. But if we traded I would feel as bad.

Well that's about it, I am still tired from yesterday and need some rest. For pics of the show click here. For pics of the track day will be here.

If you wanna drift with Speedventures please visit their site, maybe i'll see you there.

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Nascar vs F1 engine tech

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Weather you are a fan of either or both here's something for you tech heads out there. It's good reading and fascinating at how close they are. So for some of you who very ignorant in good'ol boy tech may want to take a gander at this. Note: it's quite a read so if you hate reading it may not be for you. But reading is a good thing so let's enjoy.

The Definitive V8

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New hanger

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AAA: Making automobile life a bit easier

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American Automobile Association has been around for a long time and I've been a member for over 10 years now. I'd have to say it's an awesome experience. From days where I used to drive the track car to and from events, they've been able to take me home. To getting discounts for rental cars and hotels. Also having DMV services available. If you've ever been to the DMV you'll know the lines you have to deal with and I hate lines especially when you're juggling other things, like what to eat for lunch.


Anyways I had to swing by to get a new plate for the trailer. It seems that some one has swiped mine for what ever reason.

I guess I shouldn't be leaving my trailer at the boss's shop. But i'm not too worried at least they didn't take the trailer.


From check in to getting the plates took less than 10 minutes. Let's see if the DMV can do that for you.

And I did spot this clean Ford Mustang SVO, very 80's icon. Back when the domestic manufacturers wanted to make turbo's cool. They should've kept at cause now were seeing turbo scoobies and evos everywhere.

For more info on how to join visit their site www.aaa.com

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World challenge Skyline on the chopping block

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The old auction is here

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If Rambo needed to get away...

he'd drive a Volbo Volvo 740 built by these guys. Though he'll need to get a turbo put installed for that extra oomph. I tell ya Volvo Wagons are getting cooler every day.

To read more about this wagon visit jalopnik

And its for sale, if you're man enough for it visit here.

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Project 740 #7: Ja mata ne?

See you later? Didn't know how to say it in Swedish, so I threw out some Japanese. But what is this you're wondering, is this the end for our Swedish hero. Not quite internet trolls, for now i'll have to put it on hiatus to make room for something else. So it's at top secret facility awaiting for it's marching orders.


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AE86 Tip #86-9: Useful rag

Need to remove the door panel? These three items pictured above can be used to remove the window crank. Where's the 3rd tool? Well it's the red thing under the tools. Here's a fool proof way at getting a window crank clip. Why spend money on the uber cool Snap On pick set or needle nose pliers when all you need is a rag.


Wrap the rag around the window handle like so, and pull on each end like you were polishing a shoe. You'll get the clip hung up on the rag and it'll pull away from the handle. I guarantee you it's much faster than using a needle nose pliers or a pick. Best of all it'll works on most vehicles out there and not just Corollas.

Now you can wipe the sweat from all the hard work and head out to Alberto's from all the money you saved from not buying them picks.

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