Well here it goes...... It has taken almost 1 1/2 year to complete this project, and there is still more I'd like to do. But, i thought I'd share what i have done thus far and create a build thread, for everyone if they have the urge to follow. With all the controversy on this topic that is out there aside, no oil issues, no spun bearings it just simply works when done right. Following is a list of parts used.
Engine : 1998 Kia Sportage
Connecting Rods : Kia Sportage
Crankshaft : Mazda F2
Pistons : Probe Industries SRS Forged 87.5mm
Nissan VG30DETT -4.1 Reverse Dome 1.25CH
Piston Rings : Nissan VG30DETT Over Bore 87.5mm
Head Fastener : ARP Head Studs, Nuts & Washers
Part #AU4.800-1LUB / 300-8307 / 200-8516
Cylinder Head : Kia Sportage
Head Gasket : Kia Sportage
Valve Springs : Vw VR6 Springs
Turbo Manifold : Modified T25 Miata BP18 Tubular
Turbo : GT3076R 14.5psi Intake :4 inch
Outlet: 2.5 inch
Compressor trim: 70 ar
Compressor Wheel diameter: 59.00 / 73.05
Turbine wheel diameter : 47.05 / 54.50
Exhaust trim: .86ar
Turbine flange type: t25 flange
Downpipe flange type : 2.5 v band
Cooling type: oil and water cool
Engine Accessories : All Mazda B2200
Engine Management : MegaSquirt
Injectors : Supra 440cc
Fuel Rail : Modified Kia Sportage
Intake : Kia Sportage Upper with modified Kia Lower
Ignition : 2 GM Coil Packs (w) Crank Trigger
Clutch : Modified F2T Flywheel and Pressure Plate with B2200 Ring Gear Installed. Custom Clutch Disk all from South Bend.
And i still maybe forgetting somethings but i should remember as i go..................... NOW ..........
The Machine Work :
I wanted to do these as cheaply as possible, but i made a few mistakes along the way which cost me more. So with this info hopefully it wont happen to anyone else. I started with an acceptable Kia Block, had line bore checked, deck checked and everything checked for cracks. One of the biggest reason i used these particular pistons mentioned above is because of cost. Probe was and has since discontinued their line of import pistons. So i got those pistons rated to well over 800hp in a set of 6 for $100 Shipped. NO SHIZZLE ! They are 1.5mm bigger than the Fe3 bore, so obviously i had to have the engine bored. Even with that much machining, there is still allot of meat left and can still use factory head gasket. Now for a few pictures :
The Piston :
The Block With F2 Crank and after machining :
Now, Kia/FE3 connecting rods in their present form will NOT fit the VG30DETT pistons.
You will have to have them machined to fit as they are wider than the piston is. Wrist
pin diameter is the same and still full floating.
(NOTE):I was sure to have everything checked before assembly to make sure the tolerance were
correct and the rotating assembly was balanced. I had the block decked, head decked and crank machine as well. As for the bearings, I used F2 main bearings, but you cannot use F2 rod bearings in a KIA/FE3 rod. Will not fit, one of my other $$ mistakes.