The problem with public forums like this is I have no option but to accept how utterly horrible I am at finishing projects. I'm forced to see the dates when I started some 18 months ago or so. But here we are again, I've picked it back up and made some progress.
Just received a big package containing full upper and lower gasket sets, new crank bearings and new rod bearings. The engine girdle was just drilled and tapped tonight for the turbo oil return line which is 5/8" hose into 1/2npt into girdle. I installed the ARP head stud kit, sure is pricey but **** they make some nice hardwear.
The new Wiseco piston rings are getting fitted to the individual cylinders. Gapping the top rings to .017 and bottom to .018. The new rods and pistons sure are pretty, and have about a 900hp rating!
I have no clue why the main crankshaft bearings are so extremely expensive from parts places, they are over $100 from Rockauto (which I've always found to be extremely competitive price-wise) and only about $40 from ZZP (which is typically quite high!).
The balance shafts have been removed and the OTTP plugs are about to be ordered. I called the guy and asked about front plugs as they only offered the rear plugs because most people keep the idlers for the water pump chain. But it turns out they do make front plugs too, and they are now on the website.
Next up on the order list is the ZZP 82# valve springs and LNF valves. Once again parts place is 2x-3x times the price for the valves compared to ZZP.
I'm still on the fence about buying an aluminum flywheel. I think I'll end up going for it, my concern is the tune will retard the derivative of the acceleration curve possibly making the expensive mod pointless. I'm going to go with the Exedy stage 2 three puck clutch. More cleaning and painting of the engine this weekend if it doesn't rain, I'll try and get some pics up then.