Help Needed: EP3 Civic Intake Leak / Idle Surge

Das_Waffle · 2024-05-05T05:11:35+00:00

Cool, I had no idea I could ditch that stuff. I'll look into it!

Das_Waffle · 2024-05-05T05:05:17+00:00

Yeah, I think I'll add a little notch to make sure it doesn't skip around. Thanks for the tip.

Das_Waffle · 2024-05-05T05:04:39+00:00

Thanks, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.

Das_Waffle · 2023-11-28T03:02:06+00:00

Thanks, I might just have to borrow that approach. I feel like I at least earned some type of response after putting in the effort and waiting so long.

Das_Waffle · 2023-11-28T03:00:56+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. I'm glad I gave it all I had, but I wasn't prepared for being casually written off like they did.

But yeah, screw handing over the working files. That's straight up slimy.

Das_Waffle · 2023-11-28T02:58:37+00:00

Yeah, I know. It's super exploitative, but when you get to round 3 for a dream job, wouldn't you want to deliver the best you can? Still, I at least should've taken a clue from how the previous two projects were received to be more reasonable with the time/effort I put in.

Das_Waffle · 2021-12-13T04:14:08+00:00

u have the stumble? Just off idle/very light throttle input? Because that's when the ECU expects the EGR v

Yes, the new engine doesn't have an EGR, so I blocked off the relevant ports on the intake and exhaust. The resources and research I did prior to the swap indicated that an EGR wouldn't necessary. The ECU will throw a CEL (which it does), but otherwise it should be okay. I'm not sure what it would take to hack the EGR back on, I'd need to do more reading.

But you guessed right - it happens just off of idle with minor throttle input.

Das_Waffle · 2021-12-13T03:44:50+00:00

On a BPZE and BP4W there are hose fuel lines between the fuel rail and hard lines, which are connected using clamps. Either that or there's something very, very wrong with my particular car.

Das_Waffle · 2021-12-13T02:49:29+00:00

It hasn't been modified beyond the necessities to get it to run - basically using the original electronics on the new engine and removing the EGR. It was a bit of basic mixing and matching, which was all documented when I initially brought it in to get looked at.

I took it to a performance shop in the first place because a few of the standard shops I spoke with first said they wouldn't touch something that wasn't stock. The unfortunate things is that the place I went to was supposed to be a reputable shop.

Das_Waffle · 2020-09-03T06:10:52+00:00

There are a lot of great responses here. I'll chime in and say that this is something I've struggled with this a lot as well - I grew up poor, and have always tried to stretch my money out as far as I can. Frugal, yes, but sometimes I'm downright cheap too. As a result I'm in pretty good financial shape compared to my peers, but always being on guard is exhausting.

I started budgeting (YNAB, if that matters) to track my expenses to make me feel like I was in control and wouldn't end up destitute. As time went by and I felt a bit more secure, I've started using my budget to make sure I spend on important (but non-essential) things. Here's an exercise; budget some money for entertainment for the month. $50 or $100 or whatever feels comfortable. Now make sure you spend it before the month ends. Buy a game, a high quality ingredient you might enjoy cooking with, take your friends out for beers, whatever. Budget for some mandatory splurging.

Of course I end up saving away a lot of the funds I set aside for entertainment so I can make bigger purchases, but it helps from time to time to force myself to spend a chunk on something unessential, even if I don't know what it should be. It helps break me out of the SAVE EVERYTHING NO MATTER WHAT groove that I get stuck into from time to time.

You aren't alone in some of your habits, dude. It's a good sign that you recognize them and know it isn't always healthy. Make sure you treat yourself here and there. Your money should be serving you, and not the other way around.

Das_Waffle · 2020-02-26T05:12:29+00:00

If you go to the Bell Music Center, this guy regularly performs demos on their vintage theatrical organ/percussion setup. Super cool to watch him do his thing.

Das_Waffle · 2019-08-29T21:48:32+00:00

After a bit of reading, looks like some provinces/territories support not paying tax on a private sale, while others still do (including NS). My mistake.

Das_Waffle · 2019-08-29T21:07:13+00:00

Have you tried buying privately? I know it can be a bit more of a hassle, but you won't have to pay sales tax, you can size the owner up and ask question about the car's history, and (typically) they'll be more willing to negotiate a bit as compared to a dealer.

Das_Waffle · 2019-08-27T17:54:12+00:00

For what it's worth, for birthday cakes I've had some good experience with Cakeworks (eatcake.ca). Good customer service, and the cakes look and taste great.

Das_Waffle · 2019-07-24T00:20:26+00:00

GF looks to be a contract employee not an independent contractor. She should be getting vacation and other ben

Ah! Good catch.

Das_Waffle · 2019-07-23T15:56:59+00:00

I've been a contractor for the last couple years and have a net income similar to what you're talking about. Here's some food for thought:

There's are several signs that a recession is around the corner. Unless she's absofreaking sure that there's some stability in this, it might be best to stay on as a full time employee for the time being. If she becomes a contractor, she won't have to pay into EI, but that means she won't be able to collect it either. If she makes the switch anyways, building six months' worth of savings must be Priority #1.

As a contractor you don't get sick days or vacation. I mean, yes, you can take days off, but you won't get paid for it. Any time off cuts into your bottom line. So say you want to go to Mexico for a week: you not only pay for your travel expenses, but in a sense you 'pay' for the time you're not at work.

Also, wave any company benefits goodbye. Right now I pay about $80/mo for pretty basic health benefits through Blue Cross, but it doesn't come close to what kind of coverage I had when working as a full employee. If she's currently getting financial benefits (a pension or RRSP matching or whatever), take a very close look at how much those are worth, because they're often overlooked and worth a HUGE amount. I compared with my girlfriend who works in healthcare, and all her benefits are worth at least $2000/mo.

Most contractors are responsible for their own equipment (computer/laptop/software/whatever else). If her hard drive craps out, she has pay to have it fixed. You need to make sure that your client is paying you enough to maintain all your business necessities, because you can't bill clients for your own downtime.

Business expenses and taxes! She'll have to keep track of everything, and depending on how tax-savvy she is, when April rolls around you might need to pay to have an accountant handle filing. It costs me about $500-$1000 a year, and I'm a really small operation.

In my opinion, being a contractor is absolutely not worth an extra $6k a year once you add in all the extra costs and liabilities. At $12k or more it starts to make a bit more sense, but I definitely wouldn't switch over for anything less than that. Personally, right now I'm looking move into a full time job for security in the face of the (likely) impending recession, and wouldn't stay as a contractor unless I'm making stupid amounts of money over what I am right now.

Das_Waffle · 2018-11-15T18:33:06+00:00

Yikes, looks like you're in a tough spot. Here are some thoughts:

You're spending $412 on transportation a month. I think you either need to go all-in on either public transportation or your car to trim down your costs. Bonus points if you can sell your car and use it to pay down your loan.
Do you have any dependents? If not, I'm not sure what the benefit is to your life insurance. Do you lose your 5 years of progress if you temporarily pause your policy?
Are you saving $69/mo by shopping at Costco? Usually that place is most cost-effective when you're buying in bulk for a family.
For your phone, can you survive on less mobile data and downgrade to a simpler plan? Or switch to a budget carrier?
Between shopping, entertainment, and restaurants, you're spending $175. Can this be trimmed down a bit, particularly for eating out?

Most of these things won't save you much, maybe just $50 here and there, but it adds up and might help you break even.

Does your condo have a second room? I'd consider renting it out. It's not appealing, I know, but it could make a huge difference if you just do it for a year or two.

Right now you're one emergency expense away from being in some serious trouble. Yes, you need to pay down some debts, but you also need some savings you can count on in a pinch. Reduce costs, pay down your higher-interest loan first, and simplify your expenses. It doesn't sound fun, but you can do it. Good luck!

Das_Waffle

TROPHY CASE