Sadly Top Gun left an impression on me I'm not sure I'll be able to shake. I can rock off some pretty fantastic Family Guy one liners as well...

I'm thinking first week / second week of June at this rate just because of the way work is going to be and competition season is starting soon as well.

So on one hand I'm just aghast at how long it'll be- on the other hand I realize very little of that would be driving time anyway.

A couple new parts are coming into the fray on this build- one more FI related than the other.

Another cooling solution was suggested which I thought was a great idea. Apparently the Pathfinder cooling kit adds an additional coolant passage to the rear of the block. This comes stock on the "tow" version of the VQ but Intec reports it's just dead space on the G and from what I'm reading the 350 as well. Sounds like the perfect time to do such an upgrade given the 200 bucks in parts and the fact that the engine is already out.

Also I finally just accepted that to complete this build without a brake upgrade would be like making a cake without icing or an occasion. It's just not quite right. So I think we're settled on the Wilwood 14" 6 pot... red of course. Yes, yes I know. I'm that way.

Tranny hasn't been sent yet- still waiting on getting the funding squared away. I'm going to move enough money over so that they can stockpile some parts to prevent holdups- but getting that much money over there at once takes time.

Ah well- I blame Gord for making me a parts addict. Dustin too.

Wow do you have any seeds from your money tree?

Glad to see you got some quality brakes.

Gotta love Alberta Oil I guess... you know how that works considering your parts list!

I'm currently hunting around for more information on exhausts. Currently with the Stillen HFCs and Catback exhaust I think I should be okay. Most of the guys following this thread know the build and the direction it's going... Exhaust is probably the only component I haven't included in the upgrade.

Should I be expecting this exhaust to hold up its end of the bargain or is this going to be an area I will have to upgrade later on?

As for the build progress the Transmission has been sent so it is currently either being received by IPT or is at least inbound to them. I think it's a 3-5 day turn around once it gets there and then about a week back. Frick I hate waiting but as many of you can see from the 20 pages of thread length waiting is the name of the game with a lot of these things.

The rods arrived and some other equipment is expected shortly.

Thanks guys.

I run the Stillen exhaust, I have heard mixed reviews on hi flow cats with FI. i did run stock cats for awhile when i was first FI never gave me any issues.

i run stillen as well and de-cat. the sound is awesome when in boost and quiet at idle.

I'm reading from certain folks that the smell is pretty offensive. Are you guys talking going the TP route? I suppose with there being less exhaust because of FI that would negate some of the smell of fumes? TPs are also quite reasonably priced- especially in the states anyway...

ya it stinks pretty bad and the exhaust moves faster with boost. my kit comes with a turbo back that doesnt use cats (at least the option i got).

I dont really like the smell either but look into if the cats you have stand up to FI i have heard the increased heat of FI can melt the cells I dont have experience with it myself but I thought I read that somewhere, just giving you something to look into thats all.

Wonder how it would work if they further back, towards the rear of the car. I bet the EGT's are low enogh not to have issues.

Eh guys... thanks for the exhaust feedback. I wouldn't be opposed to going with straight pipes- maybe resonated? The exhaust sounds so absolutely disgusting right now I don't want to change it.

Like I was saying in 350z... I don't anticipate really heavy use like guys on the track might so I wonder if it'll be less of a problem for me? I suspect if there's varied reports of melting cells that it's user dependent and I have my eyes open to learn more about whether or not it's guys who are on the track experiencing the melting cells or just everyday users.

As for an update on the car so far I haven't heard anything recently but one of the guys from 350z says he sees the car whenever he is over there and says it still looks good

I suspect at some point here all the parts are going to be sent in for polishing so I'm hoping we'll get some pics of that sooner than later. I'm heading in for another 3 week stint on Monday between teaching and taking some courses. I won't be out on the coast again for another few weeks Hoping I'll be picking up the car! Also, might be bringing it back to Alberta... we'll see how things work out! I'd like to bring the car to LSI and get their stamp of approval and maybe even make this Alberta meet that is brewing!

No matter what brand they are, high flow cats will fail at some point, especially with FI. Its just a matter of time before they do. Some last longer than others, its pretty hit and miss. If you don't mind the smell I'd say straight pipes all the way, there's no possibility of them breaking down the road and nothing to go wrong, along with the increased HP gains

My stock cats didnt last 3 months before they burnt up.

Has anybody tried installing a catalytic converter in the middle or towards the rear of the car? I don't mind the smell from test pipes but its very noticeable to anyone driving behind me, which is not always good.

They need heat to function properly, but FI is too much heat so maybe if they were moved back they will still function correctly. It dosent bother me when i am driving but when I get out of the car I can smell it on my clothing it makes me wonder if everyone else can as well