[Facusan]

Addendum to the last post, if you are doing this modification and do not intend to replace your dust shields, you will need to modify the old dust shield by removing the curved "ears" and the two extrusions at the top and bottom of the shield so that they don't contact the rotor and caliper.

Yeah, i had to do the same in mine because I only got one 320mm dust shield with the calipers. Ordering new one would cost me $45 (couple years ago), but I had an extra 300mm shield in my parts stash:

 

[CYB3RBYTE]

Hey everyone. Wanted to give an update. The car is doing well, and I plan to finally have the exhaust gasket replaced after St.Patrick's day. Can't wait to not have the annoying startup squeal / exhaust leak. I'm having someone with access to a right angle drill (and former Volvo specialist) take a crack at it, because I fear I'd break a stud.

I've been largely focused on my other recent project that I picked up in January. 1982 Passport C70, originally was not running but all the parts came with. Very fun bike, it's my learner and I plan to take it on short trips in the neighborhood with the gf when done.

 

[CYB3RBYTE]

With the recent "heart attack" snow storm the rear wiper arm finally bit the dust after 12 years. Have a new one on the way from FCP but for now I'll be going wiper-less until then.

 

[CYB3RBYTE]

Finally fixed the exhaust gasket leak. Ended up taking it to a local shop I trust, since my indy does not have shop space at the moment. I provided the updated Volvo 5 layer gasket, along with stainless steel studs, washers, and nuts for a Focus RS MK2.

They found three broken studs and got through them with little drama. 5 hours of labor later (and a new rear O2 as well due to fraying wiring), success! I was anxious at first after paying and jumping in to drive home, but I found several things got fixed as a result of replacing the gasket and hardware:

1.) Obviously, no longer a screech at startup and no exhaust smell in cabin.
2.) High Idle takes less time due to engine warming up slightly quicker.
3.) Engine gets to full temperature sooner.
4.) More low end torque, due to all the exhaust actually spooling the turbo now.
5.) Due to more low end torque, better 1st and 2nd gear engagement for starting from a stop.
6.) Whirring noise that only occurred in 2nd gear is gone (my guess is that again, it was leaking exhaust and spooling for boost limit from ECU).

All they did was replace that gasket, hardware, and O2 sensor. If you're reading this, and your car has this issue, do it as soon as you can. I'm really enjoying the car again and now my neighbors don't hate me .

Sourced and replaced the hood support strut as well, STABILUS part number below.