The exhaust manifolds are installed. They were nearly as difficult to install as they were to remove. The fit was very tight with the new Allen-style bolts, and I had to slightly drill out the bolt holes in the manifolds to get everything to line up properly. If I were to do this again, I would pre ...

The cylinder head is back on the car. Leaving the head out in the sun and putting the dowel pins in the freezer worked perfectly. The pins slid in easily with thumb pressure, and a few light taps with a rubber mallet ensured they seated fully.

Both great ideas! Thanks, your help is always appreciated.

Had to order new dowel pins for head to cam tower. Is there a process to get them installed, or do they just slide in?

Finally done!

Hopefully I’ll have the car back together by next weekend

Not sure yet, head still at the machine shop. I don’t think much, though. Here’s a picture after the first pass, it already looked good. Hopefully I’ll get it back this week.

My test wasn’t the most scientific, but it should serve as a good reference point. I submerged both in hot water and observed their performance. As expected, the Porsche performed better, it opened and closed more quickly and had a larger, more even opening.

Edit: I believe they started opening ...

I have two thermostats made by Wahler, one OEM purchased from my local porsche dealer with about 200 miles on it, and one brand new aftermarket version. They’re essentially identical in design, but there are some noticeable differences, so I decided to compare them.

The OEM thermostat is ...

Thanks, will pickup a set and give it a try. This is definitely a job done with the water pump out. I would not do this correctly with it on the car.

Installing a new water pump and thermostat but not sure it’s fitting correctly. I have two seals, thin one is not snug, I can easily rotate the thermostat. With thick seal the snap ring doesn't go into the grove, even without the spacer. Any suggestions would be appreciated.