No go - assuming there was nothing wrong with the original block except a blown head gasket proved the axiom wrt assumptions. It started and ran pretty well, but the pressurized sump issue is still there - likely a broken ring and/or piston ring land.

So, it's time to build the next engine.

I keep doodling the numbers on the 3000GT TT engine and am intrigued by the final CR achieved at the higher factory boost level of 12psi - somewhere between 12.41:1 and 12.86:1. I've considered building a test engine with cheap 10:1 pistons to see if I could get away with going that high on the static CR with a boost limit of 7 psi which would give me a final dynamic CR of 12.22:1 - discussed the idea with Charlie a bit. We both think the only way to find out is to try it, but I keep reminding myself that:

1) The 3000GT TT has dual intercoolers and I don't have any at all.
2) Custom engines are expensive.

So - I'll keep it on the conservative side for now until I find out what the cams will do for a 9.1:1 static CR when set at 59? intake closing.

I'm still waiting for a Diamante SOHC block and a DOHC crankshaft, but have started collecting parts for the next build. Here's the first parts selection arrival of what I hope will be an engine that will last for a while:





Those are from 3SX (for the 24v DOHC TT engines) and probably not worth what they charge, but I did get a small discount.... and by the time I have the necessary machine work done to a stock set, I would spend more than half the price and still not have the nice ARP bolt style. I'm hoping I don't have to have them rebushed for full-floating pins, but I might.

In the pictures, you can see the main differences - the drilled hole at the small end to improve wrist pin oiling and the lack of the bleed hole in the big end. I always thought the OE rods used the bleed hole for oil mist to lubricate the wrist pins, so before I use these I need to make sure that the next pistons can accomplish the same to a sufficient degree through the oil scraper ring ports.

Frank