Whoops, I double posted, see the previous post lol.
It’s so nice getting rid of some cancer haha. Goes to show how much damage that damn cowl leak can do!
- Brandon
So some minor setbacks guys, I’m pretty bummed out.
Turns out I accidentally ordered the 208-4302 ARP Studs instead of the 4303 studs. Thus having two studs longer than they should be. We tried torquing them down, but they stuck up to far and the threads stopped before the torquing surface. So, i need to order two smaller studs separate now to mate the head.
The second being the distributor that came with my head is pretty much junk I believe. I didn’t notice at the time, but yesterday I pulled the cap off to inspect everything. It seems the rotor set screw backed out as it was running previously and damaged half the internals. Kinda sucks because I had another head I was looking at that didn’t come with a distributor. Had the ITR cover and everything. So now I had a lesser value head that NEEDS a distributor.
Can this be replaced? Or am I looking at a new §§§§§?
- Brandon
Good news! Sam over at ARP is gonna send me some replacement studs my way free of charge 
I explained to him my situation and he was generous enough to float me two short studs and a replacement nut from the one we had to cut off. Still waiting on parts at this time, but it’s starting to cut close to my deadline. I had planned to have it running by the 15th of June. I still think we can get it.
Things needed to get done:
Finish the rear interior with the newer panels I bought.
Pull seats and old carpet.
Clean up rust on seat rails if I can.
Button up dash.
Swap brake sensor on pedals.
Swap VIN plate (gotta call DOT and make sure I won’t get in trouble).
Syphon old gas out of tank.
As far as motor I need to:
Mate the head with new studs when they get here.
Set valve lash.
Paint and install valve cover.
Check bottom end torque.
Install pick up tube.
Install oil pan and magnetic drain plug.
Install flywheel, clutch and bearings.
Mate and paint entire assembly.
Install VTEC conversion kit.
Probably some other stuff.
Tranny:
Modify stock mount for the time being.
Weld patch panel off manual exhaust housing, self etch prime.
Install linkages, new shifter, new bushings.
Then simple things like wiring up ecu, vtec wires.
A lot of work, but something me and my buddy can bang out in a weekend lol. Perks of being extremely motivated with alot of downtime 
Sorry this isn’t exciting for anyone haha, just keeping a personal log
Look what I bought today:
I bought a cheap eBay polished stainless cat back exhaust and he gave be a never used same model axle back version with it, all for 80 bucks! I didn’t wanna do N1 style, but I need an exhaust for the time being for the dyno, especially since my exhaust is rotting at every joint and turn! I’ll end up selling the axle back and hopefully make my money back, or at least some of it lol.
I got the new rear interior trim and panels put in today. It’s fuckin hot right now. 95 degrees and a buttload of humidity. I buttoned up the dash a little more, but I need to do it carefully so I don’t miss any wiring.
I also ordered a Megan short throw shifter and ES shifter bushings
Still debating on a cheap cold air intake, might as well get one for the dyno!
- Brandon