jonbill

are there sparks and do the plugs get wet with fuel?

I have rods from Maxspeeding rods in my current and previous engine. I have very close tolerances between piston and head and no contact and no problems at all. I'd recommend them.

I think a short stroke engine is cool, but even the LD crankshaft isn't super long stroke and will rev. I'm revving mine to 7700, and my previous engine with l28 crank went well past 8. (in the end it was valve train that limited the rpm)

Thanks. I like the weather TBH. Brexit is... hard to explain This pic is of the piston in situ - you can see where the proximity of the head squish area has kept the piston clean. This is my previous engine with 0.6mm head to piston clearance.

my gearbox makes noises like that.

I've got 11.8:1 on normal fuel, but I believe our fuel is better in UK than yours. I run it on 99 ron, although I didn't hear any pinging on 95 either. 0.8mm clearance and lots of squish.

you've either been incredibly unlucky or its not the diff. anything unusual about the suspension or gearbox setup? whats the noise like coasting out of gear? in gear with the clutch in?

This thing. It can be screwed in and out a bit to adjust height. (photo borrowed from jdmcarparts.com)

if you can get it low enough at the front but its too high at the bulkhead, the height can be adjusted by screwing in the catch bolt in the bonnet. if that doesnt make any difference, check if the bonnet is resting on the rad core support at the front. if it is, you'll have to take the bumper off z loosen all the wing bolts and raise it a bit and start again.

cold start isn't what happens when its cold outside and you start your car. ANY outside temperature is a lot colder than the running temperature of the engine, and it needs fuel and timing adjustments while it warms up. so suspect a temp sensor somewhere.

I don't think you're engine is running lean.

Yes, just lowered. Its a diesel block, 20mm taller, and I wanted it to still fit under my strut brace.

Fwiw, I lowered my engine 20mm and had to grind a little off the oil pan edge and rack mount. so 2" lowering would need some work.

I think the LD28 oil pump is the same as the NA petrol oil pump. the LD28 water pump is higher capacity than NA petrol and the petrol Turbo oil pump is higher capacity than NA petrol. you can buy the Hitachi turbo zx oil pump from rockauto.

the hose is probably for the MAP sensor in the MS. it measures the air pressure in the manifold. (high with the throttle shut , low with it wide open). It needs to connect to the inlet manifold between throttle and engine. the place you bought it must have some instructions.