Got car to workshop finally and not inspected too closely yet, but doesnt look too good.
Long story: at winton, oil pressure was very low but increased with speed (which says oil pump was functioning), oil/water temps were nothing unusual, oil volume was ok (according to dipstick and looking under oil cap), no blow-by, no leaks. Something wasnt right, and as pulling into the pits (giving away to Porsches hooning around) the car stalled hard when releasing clutch at over 1.5krpm.
concerned, some SAU guys kindly helped push the car back to the shed. After a fair bit of snooping around, seemed safe to start car, it ran ok, took for a putt around the car park and heard one tick from the engine bay. A few of the exhaust studs were spinning but this was a known issue. Passenger heard it too and we concluded it could be a small exhaust leak developing, so kept the car off the track until a dedicated 80% passenger session during lunch was held. Took is extremely easy on the track (took 2 degrees off timing, watched knock sensor and oil pressure excessively). after 2-3 laps temps started to increase marginally, then noise became regular, then suddenly loud noises + engine light. Immediately turned off engine and pulled over.
Short story:
My thoughts? sounded like bottom end bearings and theyre the first thing to go with oil issues, but cant know for sure until engine is opened up.
What puzzles me the most is that the new engine has done ~2500kms including a proper run-in and a track day in December where it performed flawlessly. So need to look into:
parts failure (new or old)
oil system, particularly oil filter relocation kit and oil cooler (being the only parts of the oil system we didnt change (but were thoroughly cleaned))
oil total volume
Re-inspect head for damage and clearances (which should give us an indication of the tune, shims and general head performance)
One thing that puzzles me is this:
oil filter then back to block / to cooler and then back to block. I have no idea what it does or if it works.
Anyway, so engine is going to be pulled out and I will keep the shell at home where I can hopefully work on it.
Things to do:
Remove remaining A/C gear out of the engine bay.
Inspect existing front sway bar and if it matches a Sentra will be upgrading to this: http://www.progressauto.com/products/sfID1/12/sfID2/47/sfID3/70/productID/416
New oil filter relocation kit: http://www.gktech.com/index.php/oil-filter-relocation-block-clearance.html
probably a new Setrab oil cooler.
Fit new bonnet & bonnet latches.
suss out car wiring and alternator to figure out why the car has killed a 2 yro odyssey PC680.
remove/replace immobiliser/alarm system as its shitting me to no end.
I really really want to re-do the engine loom from scratch. currently it has no slack on it, making it a bitch to work on and there are plugs that arent used sitting in the bay as well as plugs missing for auxiliary stuff.
As much as I hate auto elec work, i reckon I could suss out the circuits pretty quickly but would get it professionally fitted/earthed because im not very tidy (and lacking in time due to upcoming interstate work). any suggestions or advice on this? i think the only fiddly parts for SR20DE loom to GTiR motor is some plugs for fuse boxes, but will have to find out.
So im trying my best to be patient and do a proper job but getting this on the road with evidence it runs + makes skids would make me very happy.