| First, I'd like to introduce myself (I'm aware the Tech forum is not the best place to do this :S). I recently bought a '90 TT out here in Kansas from a nice young man who loved blow-off valves and undercarriage lighting.
The engine ran strong, nearly as good as it did originally--- [ http://www.youtube.com/user/FeverRacing1#p/u/8/A3yScRPjpvE ] As you can see she puts out 420whp and I was told this was with upgraded turbos, a K&N style filter, 550 Injectors and a ZFever ECU. Unfortunately, no receipts were available.
Needless to say, I should have seen the red flags, but my judgment was clouded by the sheer beauty of the Z (It's been my dream car since the 8th grade) So I bought it!
Today, while driving it on the highway (I've had it for a month now and this is only my 10th time or so driving it) I downshifted to pass, accelerated, got back in the right lane and came to a halt for an exit. At this point I could see a white/blue cloud of smoke coming from the left tailpipe and after the stop sign my engine ran rough and boost would stagnate at 3psi or so. I almost immediately suspected a blown turbo. Once at home, smoke kept coming from the bottom of my car and everything below the car seems to be covered in oil. After some moderate searching I suspect a bad seal. Now comes my question: I have little automotive experience, but am readily willing to learn and, without betraying too much humility, consider myself intelligent. Living in mid-Kansas I am entirely isolated from experienced Z Mechanics and have heard the horror stories of paying $80/hr for a generic ASE tech to scratch his head. How hard of a job am I looking at here? Would you recommend a greenhorn like myself attempt it?
If and when I pull the engine, what would you recommend I start replacing/improving on a car this age? How can I identify the Turbos and other modifications on the car? Thanks for your time, and if I get my baby running again, I hope to see some of you in Branson this June!
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