I installed the refurbished injectors and tested them using the TunerStudio diagnostics. I tested fuel pump operation in TunerStudio and checked the fuel system for leaks. According to the pressure gauge, the static fuel pressure is 60lbs which is higher than expected but explains how the undersized injectors are able to produce 300hp. I don’t have the idle air valve installed so I shimmed open the throttle slightly to set a fast idle. With nothing left to check I tried starting the engine. The engine started almost immediately and ran smoothly at about 2000 rpm. I don’t have any water in the cooling system since I am waiting for the Moroso expansion tank to arrive so I didn’t run it long.

A couple observations: The engine doesn’t idle without the IAC valve which is no surprise so I need to get a valve installed in the system as top priority. I need to plumb the crankcase and valve cover breathers into a vented container. I had them looped back which was creating a lot of internal pressure and causing oil to seep from the valve cover gaskets and drip on the exhaust manifolds. I opened the throttle a couple times and it seems like the engine was missing slightly in the mid range. Next time I start the engine I will start a data logging session and see what is happening—maybe the crank position sensor is losing sync. I only added two gallons of gas to the tank so it’s possible the tank is almost dry after filling all the fuel lines—I didn’t get a chance to watch the fuel pressure gauge as the engine was running. I need to install the coolant expansion tank once it arrives so I can fill the system and run the engine longer for tuning.

The exhaust is a FlowMaster 2in-2out muffler to act as crossover and two Magnaflow straight through mufflers. It’s a large diameter exhaust and not very long so there is definitely some noise from the pipes. The exhaust sound has that FlowMaster tone more than the mellow Magnaflow sound but it doesn’t quite sound like muscle car V8s I’ve heard with FlowMaster exhausts. The sound isn’t harsh or overly loud at the engine speed I was running but that remains to be seen at WOT with the engine under load.

Next Steps:
Cooling system: Install coolant expansion tank, safety wire hose clamps, fill coolant system
Fuel injection: Install AIC valve
Engine: Make throttle cable bracket, install catch can or breather filters
Transmission: Add transaxle fluid