Day 2 of the build went pretty good. I made a call to the local Mazda dealer and ordered all the gaskets I need. They should be here tomorrow with any luck. I then started making my block off plates for the ACV valve and the cat air pipe. They were pretty simple. Just trace, cut, and sand. Pretty straight forward. Here's a few pics of that. There's also a pic of some of my left over parts.

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I then turned my attention to getting my rad and fan setup sorted out. I swapped the factory rad mounts over to my koyo rad and then roughly figured out where I wanted to mount my scrap yard ford fan. I had to trim the fan shroud a bit to make it fit the way I wanted. I then started making mounts that would bolt the fan to the factory fan shroud holes. I did some measuring and grabbed some scrap angle iron we had at the shop. After lots of cutting and welding I had some mounts! I also installed new solid engine mounts while I was waiting for the paint to dry.

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Sorry for the lack of updates on this. I realized I bit off a bit more than I could chew on this so I focused all my attention to just getting things done. I did take some pictures that I'll post for you guys. In the last days of my staycation I installed the rtek 2.1 and routed the palm wiring. I also installed the Apexi AVC-R boost controller and wired it all in. That took a good chunk of time to do. I swapped out my bald rear tires with some fresh ones and I installed the RevTII exhaust. I also installed the rad and wired up the electric fan. I used the factory coolant temp fan switch to trigger the relay for the new fan. I've been picking away at a few small things on my spare time this week too. I got the ABS unit put back in and bled the brakes. I also got my intake piping and AFM mounting all looked after. Just have to get the intake piping welded, sanded, and polished!

Oh, I also forgot. I welded another bung on my downpipe and installed my NGK AFX wideband setup. I want to swap it out for a different one later so I just put it in quick for some peace of mind until I get the new setup.

Picture time!
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I finally received the last Earl's fittings that I was waiting on to make my oil cooler lines, so tonight I went to work. I removed the old oil cooler lines and and installed the new fittings and then made the lines to fit. I also put the rad back in and plumbed it all up. I bought an Areomotive fuel pressure regulator this week too so the fuel system will be getting done shortly.

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I got back at this project today. I filled it with coolant, put the wheels and undertray back on, and put on my welded intake. I then took it for the maiden voyage! All I have to say is I couldn't be happier!!! It works awesome! Now I really need to get my fuel system upgraded. The stock injectors start to run out just as the turbo really starts to spool up and pull hard. This car is the ultimate! Still runs like stock, drives like stock, almost even as quiet as stock, but it can really pull!!!

More goodies arrived the other day! My Prothane bushing kit arrived and I'm told my Aeromotive FPR has also arrived! I just have to pick it up.

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And...? did you get'r dun??
(update please)

The car is under the knife as we speak actually. Finally getting all of the things done that I've been planning for a few years. All of the suspension is done and installed already. Poly bushings, KYB AGX shocks, eibach springs, racing beat mounts, adjustable sub link. The intake manifold is off of it right now and I'm mocking up my aeromotive fpr and braided stainless lines etc. I have to send the 720cc and 800cc injectors that I have out to be cleaned and tested. I also have to install the walbro 255 fuel pump, banzia dual egt gauge, boost gauge, and A pillar pod. I'll have to take some pictures and post them up.

It's all back together and running, but having a bit of an issue idling when up to temp. I believe I have a tiny vacuum leak somewhere so hopefully I can track that down this weekend and get this beast out on the road again.

Turns out I had a few issues. The alternator wasn't charging at idle so I replaced it and the battery. That helped a bit, but also my tps sensor had taken a crap. I tried a used one that I had and it was much better, but still not perfect. I have a new one coming from Mazda this week. Hopefully that will solve the last of my issues and I can start playing with it on the dyno. It works good otherwise though. Hits 12psi of boost no problem on a cool day.