Thought I'd post a quick update; about a month ago my engine blew during a wheeling trip. The #3 piston broke in half around the oil control ring and pretty much destroyed the bottom end. I knew that cylinder was weak (see my original post), and based on the damage I saw when I removed it I believe it was unrealted to my other engine modifications. That engine was pulled from a car that had been underwater every year for 9 years, sitting in a swamp. Suprised it lasted that long. Anyway, The rest of the engine looked quite good. None of the other pistons showed any signs of melting, cracks, etc. The valves and rest of the head were perfect as well. I'm pretty sure that a stronger engine will hold up well to all of the mods. I'm including some pics that show some more detail on how I placed all of the accessories and the turbo.
I finished rebuilding and installing a 1.6 hydraulic motor out of a 1992 Golf this weekend; bored .040", all new pistons, rings, bearings, rebuilt head, etc (see pics). I'm running it at the stock fuel pump setting for the next few weeks, until the break-in is mostly done. Even at the stock setting, this engine has as much power as my old one did when it was turned up.




