I've been meaning to post an update for quite a while, but just didn't get to it. My engine replacement project went pretty well. I ended up crossing my fingers and buying one of the JDM motors. I was reluctant to do that because of the unknown history, but it seems to have worked out ok. I had to replace the timing chain cover with the original because of differences in the motor mount boss. That meant replacing the crank seal and valve cover gasket too. While I had things apart, I had the flywheel turned and put in a new clutch.
When everything was back together and all the fluids filled she fired right up even on the old gas in the tank. Because of the Covid issues, I haven't been able to get current tabs for it yet, but I have been driving it a little.
There are still a few issues I have to work out. A couple of the TPMS sensors are not working so the low tire indicator is on all the time and I have a couple of intermittent codes I need to figure out. The VSC light comes on about half the time. Maybe an alignment will help that since I changed the front struts and the steering wheel is off about five degrees. I need to get the airbag recall done too.
I have a vent control cable on order because someone apparently was too rough with the knob or the dampers were jammed and the cable got messed up. Was going to change the rear struts a couple of days ago, but the KYB struts I bought do not have the right size bushing for the lower bolt. A 16mm bolt is a little sloppy in a 22mm bushing. I emailed their tech support to see what they have to say.
The adventure continues,
Jerry