Reviving another Metro

[alohaspirit]

thats the stuff i need to learn

wish you were my neighbor

[Johnny Mullet]

Well, my parts from 3Tech Performance finally arrived...............



For the wife's ride, I got the 10 degree advanced timing gear and 3 stainless steel valves. I opted against the economy cam since she likes to drive at high RPM,s and is usually like any other woman, from the gas to the brake

I did not get the grooves cut yet because I am taking some advice from you guys and the guys on my site to use "precision" when cutting the grooves. I am going to make a template so the grooves are equal in all 3 cylinders. More updates soon!

[Johnny Mullet]

I opted against cutting the grooves in the head. I just wanted to get the car running and did not want any issues. I did learn a valuable lesson! Never re-use head bolts! I had no idea there would be any problems re-using them since I did on my 1998. So after torquing the used bolts here is what happened............



I spent a few hours with a small, sharp chisel and a hammer threading these 2 broken studs out, but luckily I did not have to drill! I had 2 new sets of head bolts to use. I have a set from 3Tech and another regular set. I forgot my 8MM, so I had to use the regular head bolts. I guess you get stupid after a few beers

Anyway, I got it all together and she fired right up! Just like on my Metro, I had to adjust the 3Tech cam gear since I was a tooth off to start with. I could hear it ping on load. After setting the gear properly, I was able to advance the ignition timing to max. Here is the engine all together............



While the engine was running, I let the coolant burp while I replaced the front pads and rotors. These brakes must have been original equipment! What a royal pain in the ass it was trying to get these brakes cleaned up and working properly again. I called the wife who was at work and told her the exciting news! She said...........

"Took you long enough."

If she only knew what I went through with the broken head bolts!
Anyway, I figured a good test run would be the 20 minute ride to her work. I drove it up there and showed her the car. The car ran perfectly! She really liked the painted valve cover. I also had to get the official finishing touch on the windows...........



Now I have to repair the exhaust and then work on the body and frame.

Parts list...........

Felpro head gasket kit
3Tech Stainless exhaust valves
3Tech 10 degree advanced gear
Alternator belt
Front pads & rotors
Plugs, wires, cap, rotor
Oil & filter

Total parts cost so far = $320.00

Total investment so far = $770.00

I got a quote from a local paint shop for matching paint and it looks like by time I get the body work and exhaust work done, I will be under my $1000.00 budget.

[Christ]

That's a beautiful example, Johnny...

The only thing I could have suggested is that if you had a drill handy, you drill the tops of the head bolts, blow them out with compressed air, and then thread in some self tapping screws with loc-tite on them. In about 10 minutes, you'd be able to put a socket on the self-tappers and pull the broken bolts out.

Regarding not reusing head bolts, I've done it, it's never recommended, but on any "Torque to yield" specified engine, it's never a good idea, and will almost always end like this.

Torque to yield, for those who don't know, means that you literally torque the bolts until they're ready to fail. You're actually stretching the bolt in the bore.

Lots of newer cars don't require a specific torque value anymore... they usually require something like "torque to 90 lbft in 2 steps, then turn another 1/2 turn in sequence." That means those bolts aren't suitable to use again.

[Johnny Mullet]

It's funny how my first Metro and this Metro all needed the same, similar work done. I still got a lot of time to invest in this second car, but just like the first car, the fuel savings will pay me back before winter.

[Funny]

I am a huge fan of your work, Johnny. Keep us posted on the bodywork.

[Christ]

Johnny, I showed my Father your car pictures... and tried to explain what you'd done with both cars.

He said: "Huh. Those are nice."

Which is a HUGE compliment, coming from my Father. Just though I'd point that out to you.

[Johnny Mullet]

Well, the body restoration has begun. I look at this poor car and think to my self..........

"What normal person would attempt to revive this old rusty Metro."



More photos and updates coming up.

[Johnny Mullet]

Car is coming in for a total rework on the body now. Here are the sisters in the yard...........

[Christ]

Jeez... That's a thing of beauty.