[MoHo]

Yeah injectors weren't seated in that pic I pulled them out to assess. I reassembled and got to idle.. badly again and then began pulling the injector clips. 2 of the 4 had now change. I then disconnected them completely from the rail and still no go. Volt meter says they are getting a signal. I think the injectors are trash.

I am running a check valve on the brake booster. The balancer runs dead nuts true. It's not that.

I ordered some rsx injectors and pigtails. I spoke with local tuner and he recommended those based on other mods. I think the injectors that are in there are from an srt4... either way new ones are on the way. I think something with the two injectors just went bad... waiting on more parts.

I was kinda teasing about the balancer? Life is serious enough,all will be well. Sounds like you inherited somebody else's problems. But you have a solid fondation, and your making progress. I believe you meant MDX 440 cc,s Make sure you check the box in Kpro to denote this. There is going to be a A/F change with the RBC. Do you have cams?

 

[Hndakd]

No worries. It's hard to get inflection from some random yahoo on the internet. I wasn't meaning anything by anything, and didn't take any offense to anything you have said. It's all good. Just want to get it running again lol.

When I picked the car up I knew it was a project. This one has had several challenges but I keep muddling through.

I have RDX injectors not mdx. These are 410cc. I have a set of cams that I haven't been able to id I believe they are out of a 2007-2008 tsx. I haven't installed them yet because I need to change the vtc, and more importantly I don't know what they are.

I saw in kpro there's a couple of basemaps that have injector parameters. I have talked with tuner and he has told me we get closer to date he can mess with the map a little so I have better drive ability to at least get up there.

 

[MoHo]

No worries. It's hard to get inflection from some random yahoo on the internet. I wasn't meaning anything by anything, and didn't take any offense to anything you have said. It's all good. Just want to get it running again lol.

When I picked the car up I knew it was a project. This one has had several challenges but I keep muddling through.

I have RDX injectors not mdx. These are 410cc. I have a set of cams that I haven't been able to id I believe they are out of a 2007-2008 tsx. I haven't installed them yet because I need to change the vtc, and more importantly I don't know what they are.

I saw in kpro there's a couple of basemaps that have injector parameters. I have talked with tuner and he has told me we get closer to date he can mess with the map a little so I have better drive ability to at least get up there.

I didn't mean to quote your whole damn post. My father used to call me a yahoo....You might be right on the RDX thing. I got so many accromins running in my head, I need a reboot. I have a couple good 50* VTC's and some 06-08 TSX cams. If in need. One must be careful NOT to have 05' or 04's. You should have two rings. I won't expand as there is a ton of debate/ info on this. You keep muddling, personaly watching you struggle makes me feel better about myself, Thank You So whatta we got next!

 

[Hndakd]

I know the block I have is an 04. I thought the biggest difference was more aggressive cams and relief in the piston? Is the clearance that bad with the 04-05? I have a modded 45 degree vtc now. I grab some pics of the cams that I have asap.

I'm good at muddling, I will continue. If one of us getting entertainment then at least there's that. In the in-between time, I'll get these fenders fitted lol.

 

[MoHo]

I know the block I have is an 04. I thought the biggest difference was more aggressive cams and relief in the piston? Is the clearance that bad with the 04-05? I have a modded 45 degree vtc now. I grab some pics of the cams that I have asap.

I'm good at muddling, I will continue. If one of us getting entertainment then at least there's that. In the in-between time, I'll get these fenders fitted lol.

No, the 04-05 are weak compaired to the 06-08. Your clearance will be more than fine with the 45*. I have a set here let me grab um. (tic tok,tic tok) OK. On the intake, mine is marked R8. these marks have been considered earrelevant. Iv'e seen R5, R3 blah blah. the ring is 3 lobes in and right behond the saddle.
On the exhaust mines marked R1 (2) rings three lobes in from the pulse plate on each cam. One ring on each side of the saddle Again you can search this and one would think after all these years of debate somebody can tell you better than I. You have the wrong ones. If theres any confusion I'll sell you these.
Your positive attitude and sense of humor will carry you through.
Come to the dark side. We have candy and chocolate.

 

[Hndakd]

Lol I'm a diabetic so no candy.ill definitely hang out though ha ha ha ha.

On to today's events. Maybe I just post here for build...anyways

I installed new injectors. No change. So, I began to trace wires thinking maybe I messed up somewhere. This. Is. Dumb. I went to the ecu to trace and come to find out one of the plugs was half way out. So, plugged that in and boom!!!! Idle out perfect no problems at all. I couldn't believe I was that dumb. I'm glad it was something dumb and easy.... I need to get a little break here. I'm making foolish mistakes because of the pressure to get it tuned.

I'm still waiting on radiator which should be here sometime before Fri.

I haven't pulled the valve cover again to verify cams. At this point even though I'll have to go again I want to drive this thing!!! So I'm going to hold on cams and check them out when I install the vtc. My buddy is telling me he has some drag cartel cams idk anything about cam selection for this car so I'm open. To suggestions.

 

[MoHo]

Lol I'm a diabetic so no candy.ill definitely hang out though ha ha ha ha.

On to today's events. Maybe I just post here for build...anyways

I installed new injectors. No change. So, I began to trace wires thinking maybe I messed up somewhere. This. Is. Dumb. I went to the ecu to trace and come to find out one of the plugs was half way out. So, plugged that in and boom!!!! Idle out perfect no problems at all. I couldn't believe I was that dumb. I'm glad it was something dumb and easy.... I need to get a little break here. I'm making foolish mistakes because of the pressure to get it tuned.

I'm still waiting on radiator which should be here sometime before Fri.

I haven't pulled the valve cover again to verify cams. At this point even though I'll have to go again I want to drive this thing!!! So I'm going to hold on cams and check them out when I install the vtc. My buddy is telling me he has some drag cartel cams idk anything about cam selection for this car so I'm open. To suggestions.

Your knocking it down pretty good and your doing it systematic. Drag Cartel puts out some good stuff more on the race side and would take more supportive mods. But yes, it can wait. So radiator is up next squeeze the hose's and check for cracks replace if needed flush and fill. So what else ya got! We on the dark side are equal opportunity so there's plenty of room to all those that are not perfect.

 

[Hndakd]

Welp. Got it all buttoned up. New radiator in. Bleeding was a chore for sure. I had relocated the temp sensor for the gauge to the rbc top port. That actually helped because I was able to warm the car up and then crack that sensor and get most of the air out. The lisle funnel I have want able to get all the bubbles out. So I squeezed the pipes and cracked that sensor. Ect reports 198 at idle and stays there. Let it run for over 30 min. So I have my fingers crossed that it's good now.

I did drive it. Which was definitely rewarding. Except... 2nd, 4th, and 6th all have problems.

When I first got the car the input shaft bearing was going out. I had that replaced and drove it home. On the way home I noticed that 6th sounded like a super charger whine under load. Like 2k at 60ish mph. No pop outs or anything drove smooth. I haven't touched anything on the transmission. Now under normal driving 2nd comes out and 4th pops out. It goes in smooth but pops as soon as you touch the gas. Not a hammer down thing, like normal cruising. I'm extremely frustrated now. Idk what could be causing this, especially after all the work that was just done to the trans.

And.. I noticed that my brake booster check valve is cracked and leaking a bit. Brand new lol... awesome.

 

[MoHo]

Welp. Got it all buttoned up. New radiator in. Bleeding was a chore for sure. I had relocated the temp sensor for the gauge to the rbc top port. That actually helped because I was able to warm the car up and then crack that sensor and get most of the air out. The lisle funnel I have want able to get all the bubbles out. So I squeezed the pipes and cracked that sensor. Ect reports 198 at idle and stays there. Let it run for over 30 min. So I have my fingers crossed that it's good now.

I did drive it. Which was definitely rewarding. Except... 2nd, 4th, and 6th all have problems.

When I first got the car the input shaft bearing was going out. I had that replaced and drove it home. On the way home I noticed that 6th sounded like a super charger whine under load. Like 2k at 60ish mph. No pop outs or anything drove smooth. I haven't touched anything on the transmission. Now under normal driving 2nd comes out and 4th pops out. It goes in smooth but pops as soon as you touch the gas. Not a hammer down thing, like normal cruising. I'm extremely frustrated now. Idk what could be causing this, especially after all the work that was just done to the trans.

And.. I noticed that my brake booster check valve is cracked and leaking a bit. Brand new lol... awesome.

Shit, I only meant to quote you a lil bit! Okay, you did not mention flushing the system, we can let that go but you would be surprised at the rusty dank ass crap that will come out of there. Moving on. I believe you got a good deal on this "needs work" has extra's type of ride? I would think that the trans was serviced as in fresh honda specific fluid? Check the basics, as in 2-4-6 are all DOWN in the shift pattern. Cables comes to mind. The factory ones are not cheap I'll leave this to your judgement as there are options out there for any budget. Bushings are all up in there. None of this would hurt anyway. There common wear items. Cables stretch, bushings wear. I don't want to see you spend cubic dollars on things you don't need,yet? But I am sure not wanting you to get a rebuild if not need be. I would say it's up to you on how much is to much. Wiggle things around, I just find it odd that it's every other gear and there all on the six? (o clock) BLEED IT! real good, replace if any leaks that should be obvious? My 3rd gear was "tricky" I had a procedure as to driving it even. Under the gun it would straight up grab the next gear, like throw itself into it. Under normal I would skip it (3rd) and go to forth for cruising as 3rd would grind a bit. Start by bleeding and with help observe the action of the system as to master and slave cylinders. This took care of mine. Get a hold of whoever did the work. If it needed more you should have been notified of this. They should have seen if your syncro's were worn and as long as there in there. OFFER to replace them. Coolant work sounds like it came out well for you. Don't be disparaged. You may also contact the previous owner and say "Hey, I already bought it and I'm not coming back on you.... but...Do you know what's up with this tranny?" Keep me posted it's not the end of the world. That break booster is one vacume leak you know about and is an easy fix all things considered? Keep the faith brother.

 

[Hndakd]

Lol I have hit a wall. Frustrated to say the least. I'm ok with the broken/repairing of stuff. Just under the gun for tuning. I have tried to release myself from that commitment. If it works out ok. If not welp, I'll do something else.

The transmission is going to be looked at when I get the alignment. Idk what is up with it.. although I have a new discovery. 1, the stupid hybrid thermostat housing leaks. It's literally a drop over night but it is annoying. 2, the slave cylinder is leaking. I noticed it when I was looking for coolant leak. I ordered a new one. I'm hopeful that fixes my problem. I had already bled the system with my daughters help. That made it much better. No pop outs. I had to roll the fenders and took it around the block and it started doing the popping again and I noticed significant amount of juice around the boot.

When I had the bearings replaced in the trans, I went down there and looked at it all opened up. Unfortunately I didn't take pics. There was some small wear on one synchro I don't know which one it was. At the time my thought was it ain't broke and shifts fine except for the whirling noise. I also have a small crack in the housing near the front bolt that doesn't go anywhere. Also, I had to put a helicoil in one bolt for the mount. Ultimately I'm on the look out for a 6 speed with lsd to swap in it. K20z I think idk but whatever came in the civic si.

The brake booster leak is weird. I used some braided line I had laying around to be fancy and for some reason the only side of the fitting that leaks is around the check valve. I can move the tube around and fix it. So I might just snip the end and try again. When I get the leak gone, the car is a little "chuggy" at 600 rpms. It perks right up when you give it gas but it doesn't like being that low. It needs tuning....

I'm hopeful to be motivated to post the vtc in some time this week. I need a break lol.

Here's some engine pics for prosperity.. and the thermostat leak

 

[MoHo]

Lol I have hit a wall. Frustrated to say the least. I'm ok with the broken/repairing of stuff. Just under the gun for tuning. I have tried to release myself from that commitment. If it works out ok. If not welp, I'll do something else.

The transmission is going to be looked at when I get the alignment. Idk what is up with it.. although I have a new discovery. 1, the stupid hybrid thermostat housing leaks. It's literally a drop over night but it is annoying. 2, the slave cylinder is leaking. I noticed it when I was looking for coolant leak. I ordered a new one. I'm hopeful that fixes my problem. I had already bled the system with my daughters help. That made it much better. No pop outs. I had to roll the fenders and took it around the block and it started doing the popping again and I noticed significant amount of juice around the boot.

When I had the bearings replaced in the trans, I went down there and looked at it all opened up. Unfortunately I didn't take pics. There was some small wear on one synchro I don't know which one it was. At the time my thought was it ain't broke and shifts fine except for the whirling noise. I also have a small crack in the housing near the front bolt that doesn't go anywhere. Also, I had to put a helicoil in one bolt for the mount. Ultimately I'm on the look out for a 6 speed with lsd to swap in it. K20z I think idk but whatever came in the civic si.

The brake booster leak is weird. I used some braided line I had laying around to be fancy and for some reason the only side of the fitting that leaks is around the check valve. I can move the tube around and fix it. So I might just snip the end and try again. When I get the leak gone, the car is a little "chuggy" at 600 rpms. It perks right up when you give it gas but it doesn't like being that low. It needs tuning....

I'm hopeful to be motivated to post the vtc in some time this week. I need a break lol.

Here's some engine pics for prosperity.. and the thermostat leak

OMG so it's a fixer upper? Quite whining and don't drag your daughter into it. I got three and they are harder to raise than boy's? lol Your coming outta this pretty good so far. Fix the damn clutch that witch you failed to update me on, I'm gone a couple day's and look at the progress you've made?
The car looks pretty sano as to tucked an good mounts and all that. Just do a straight up fix on the vacume line, whatever that takes. It's a "main vein" you might find that helps your idle? Have you tried to manually adjust your idle? like turn the screw to set it about 750rpm. You don't need the best shifting tranny to get the engine tuned. I wouldn't eat it, I'd get there. That bolts called a blind hole BTW. One of the reasons I got so many kids. Don't worry about it, put in whatever fits?The thermostat must be dealt with? A leak is a leak. It looks like the plastic factory part of the housing to me? Perhaps an o-ring or a crack or warped. You can sand it down on a flat surfice a bit.
On the whole I wouldn't run out and compound anything with the tranny right yet. Fix what you know needs fixing keep biting away at it. Nothing is behond reasonable quite yet. A little of this a little of that. I think getting the clutch sorted out, that and the trans falling in place because of it. ( were talking cause and effect here) will give you the needed boost in morale. You know what it is.....and it's really no biggy. If there were something else about it the shop woulda said " Oh and by the way". They woulda told you because it's to there advantage. If not lash out at them!

 

[Hndakd]

Lol, I only got so many hands. Any more with them driving now I'll take what time I can get with them. Even if they don't like it. I don't know if they are harder than boys lol. They definitely tell me where to stick it ha.

In my defense of the clutch.. I just had no idea. I had to take it out because it's been up on jacks for awhile now. The shop said something about the wear. I looked at it, and while it was there it was on 2 teeth of the synchro and not an immediate fix that in my mind because I didn't want to drop 800 more bucks at the time, with the understanding that all this coming out for paint. I think that the slave is what's messing it up, if not making all of it worse.

Man... I really don't want to take all the cooling stuff apart again. That was an absolute bitch to get bled. I would have stuck a hose in it to flush it but the weather has been going from 70 to 14. Didn't want a bunch of ice everywhere.

Blind hole... lol yeah I know that. I'm a machinist by trade. I also have brain damage I get stuff mixed up.

Thanks for noticing the wires. Nobody around my house cares lol. I cleaned that up a bit but the real kicker was under the dash. Wow, that was a lot. I burned up 2 batteries on my volt gauge tracing stuff. Only thing I haven't gotten working as far as oem is concerned is the abs. The wires were cut and there is a poor man's type r setup on the front. I haven't messed with it yet because it works. The car stops. It will lock the tires up.

I looked around for the idle screw.. I didn't see any adjustments on it. I have several throttle bodies. I believe, that the idle is funky because the weather is a bit cold and I haven't hooked up the iacv. I'm going to just gotta find the right pipe that runs under the manifold. A different one came with the car and when I went to the junk yard awhile ago I pulled another. None of them really line up right.

I have sent hybrid an email. The other thermostat I had in there didn't leak.. there. I'm hopeful it's an o ring... idk hopefully tomorrow I get the slave and I'll put that in.

And some more progress pics.

 

[MoHo]

And some more progress pics.

Uhhh I'd say your doing pretty good? Quit beating yourself up, already you've overcome almost everything thus far. Yeah the IACV might be key here to your "chugging" idle. IDK? The idle bolt/screw will be towards the firewall. Feel free to vent but I think it's going pretty well for a seemingly fixer upper. Lets take this a paragraph at a time. Fix the leaking slave cylinder, as discussed. 800 is a little steep in my opinion for what? hopefully they were talking complete rebuild. That I don't think you need. As for your girls whatta ya want me to tell ya? They get more expensive the older they get?
What new paint? I was kidding about kicking it. Have it buffed out maybe and cut a deal with the headlight guy? If he can buff the headlight he should be able to do the whole car.
Clutch! Get back with me on that after you go over the obvious. I think you'll be plesantly surprised?
Letting rubber sit falls under use it or lose it. You did right by putting it on jack stands but I wouldn't be surprised if your tires still got some dry rot. I'm looking here and that shifter is a piece of work. You might consider going back to stock on that? The T/B does not look stock either. just take one thing at a time. I understand the whole two arms thing. Just concentrate on getting the trans to shift right. fix the headlight it's sacraledge. One thing at a time, your overwhelming yourself and me! lol What kinda clutch is in it as we're on it? Please don't say it's a double disc puck. lol I've been down this road, your putting a "race car" on the street. You need to de-tune it a bit to make it livable. First concentrate on the day to day mechanics of it. Hold off on the tune. If you don't have a decent idle yet what do you expect out of that?
Don't mess with the abs anymore for now, it stops. Your trans and general drivability is what's important? You can stop later. I'd say you need a motivational speaker but more likely will your family fit in the trunk? I could go on but as far as the cooling, It is what it is. A pressure bleeder would help your cause IDK but "loan a tool" might have one? It needs to be fixed and drain and reuse the coolant. I still suspect the factory plastic housing on that. By all means it's easier for me to say this. I think your on a mission and you will not fail.

 

[Hndakd]

Kinda slow at work lol.


800 for the set of syncros. They wouldn't touch the trans if I pulled it out of the car. I had them replace all of the bearings in it and leave the syncros alone. The trans shifted fine smooth no pop outs or grinds before the work was done. I drove it home the day it was completed and heard a weird supercharger noise in 6th on the highway. I have not touched anything at all on the trans after the fix.

As you said, one at a time. I know the slave is leaking. I am supposed to get that today so maybe I'll get that installed later

The tires on the car are brand new. I replaced them the day I bought it so I could get home.

Paint... story time. My really good friend is a paint amd body guy. He has offered to paint my "next" car at cost. I had a crx years ago now that was totalled. I built the car after my mom died and had a really hard time. Poured a lot into that one. Once again, I'm dealing with some stuff so I build another car lol. Sorry if that's a bit heavy ha.

Plan is still to get the car running and driving for summer time and then tear it all apart and paint it over the winter. This car was a difficult find. There hasn't been much around here that isn't crazy expensive or rusted out.

What's wrong with the headlights? They are brand new. I left the plastic on them so I would scratch them up when I was fitting the fenders.... my wife said the same thing about the "weird lines"

 

[Hndakd]

Oops. Hit reply to quick.

The clutch is oem, throw out bearing and clutch fork are new.

Go to stock shifter..... no way. I love that thing best mod I did. Makes me feel like it's a race car ha ha ha ha.

 

[MoHo]

They are brand new.

Yeah aren't we all? See, I just whiypted out a whole paragraph. lol Ok so your telling me that you listen to your wife? I shoulda done that? So yeah your fenders are crooked but I didn't notice it. Look your withholding pertanent information isn't helping you. I would get my ex a puppy every time she mentioned kids. It worked to a point.
It's to early to go after the tranny shop. There just gonna say "we didn't touch that!" If it was fine before why did it end up there? Fix the slave cylinder and get it back to them. If this didn't happen to me once I wouldn't know. IS THERE OIL IN IT? Don't take anything for granted on this. Fine keep your damn shifter. Just make sure it's adjusted properly.
That car doesn't need painted? Have him fix the headlight, buff it out, whatever....Do you think maybe that when you were "hangin' out with the fenders you mighta knocked the headlight out of wack? You can't hide what happens when this ones done?
I understand slim pickins on these. I still don't understand the back story? With one breath it's like you know this car and the next it's like you just bought it? I've had mine 20 years, I still can't get it to cuddle.

 

[Hndakd]

Ok ok.

I'm not with holding anything lol.

I don't know what you mean when you say I don't know the car, and then I do.

I bought it in December. Umm, I took it apart. Put a lot of stuff back together and have been fixing the things I find as I go. Good backstop? Idk ask and I shall tell. No reason for me to hide anything. I appreciate the help!

It's going to shop that did work on trans because I do trust them. They are doing an alignment. That needs to happen, something is off and I don't know what it is.

So, I got new slave installed. It's much better!! Definitely drivable now. I did check oil in it. It's in there. Engine and trans. I took it around the block and had a slight buzz going in 4th and 6th. It did go into gear and stayed there though.

Before I put in the slave I started poking around the thermostat. I think I figured it out.. time will tell. I ended up loosening the bolts on the housing and cleaning everything and tightening it back up. After driving it around for 20min or so and hitting 190° there isn't a drop on ground. Hopefully something was just messing with the o rings idk. I'll take the win.

After 20 years... yes I do listen to my wife. It's easier for me at this point and she is pretty good at being right. I'm also done with puppies. Ignore my slop, I don't know what your talking about with the headlights.

 

[MoHo]

I'm not with holding anything lol.

Know that I see these new pics already I have a clearer picture? The ones you sent before the drivers light was as bad as it gets. Now I see reason for paint also. This is helping to clear up a couple things. So glad your shifting better. Not dissing the shop but 800 seemed steep to put in sycro's when your already getting the bearings done. I had to have the cases repaired on a cr250 dirt bike years ago and I just assumed all was well. They didn't add oil and I didn't think to check. I was lucky all I did was torch the clutch.
I would ask them to explain the whirring because that denotes a possable bearing issue? Glad your shifting better that was a major issue in my book. Coolant leak, hey alright! I wasn't trying to put you on the defense It's not like your trying to sell me the car? lol I just wanted a little more background so it's all pretty new to you. Here I am going over bumper removal and unless you pulled it yesterday....I was peeing on a spark plug. I have a K-tuned style shifter that's yet to be installed. It is not nearly as adjustable as to what your running. Threre should be no whirring. It's something that needs to be addressed, and they should have an answer? In the interest of things you've managed to nail a lot of what I consider to be high priority? What's next on your list as to what's most important to you?
I know you felt you had a janky front end "type R kinda set up". I hope that doesn't turn into a money pit. Bushing's, tie rod ends, all that can add up. Could you send pics of that and do you know how to check it before you have an alignment done. If anything needs replaced the alignment would be mute at this point. Were you able to get out of your tuning apt.? If it's shifting and your set on what intake and T/B and all that you will be running.....Why do you think it needs to be tuned?
Your wife and kids must be alright look at the way your hogging that garage! With a couple of decals that RSX would pass for a squad car? So are you leaning towards wht. or blk?

 

[Hndakd]

Here's some pics of the brake setup I have now. I'm trying to do part references on what is actually there... and I just don't know. The calipers are huge and the rotors appear to be redrilled prelude rotors. I did something similar on my old civic... like 20 years ago. I'm almost certain all the front lcas a d bushings are out of an integra. I would rather not swap all of it out because your definitely right it will be a money pit.

Yeah, 800 for the syncros. While I trust there work and know the owner that doesn't mean I will take the bs. That's why they are "supposed to look at it" while it's there. I'm in for 1k for the repair to the trans as it stands. Which is all new bearings new clutch and new throw out bearing and slave cylinder. At this point it shifts decently but the whirring noise and grind in 4th and 6th is a concern. With the housing being not great I'm on the look out for a different one. When it comes it comes. I will make sure it's good before I put it in.

I was under the impression I needed to get this tuned for a couple of reasons. The basemaps from hondata don't not run it perfectly. The idle is off. I'm not familiar enough with it to change maps little intimidating for me. I did get the car to idle right at 900 so there's that. With the mods that are on it I kinda see what it will do just to kinda have a base. As it stands.. rbc, 68mm throttle body idk where that's from, 3in exhaust, ktuned header, 45 vtc.

Paint is a whole other topic. I love purple. I keep flopping between honda pirate black pearl and a color by tamco called violent violet. My old crx was r34 midnight purple and I like that a lot just want to do it a little different this time.

As for what's next. Welp get it back from the shop and fingers crossed alignment is good to go along with transmission. Should be back early next week. Then I will take it to exhaust shop. There is a hole in the header to midpipe flange with no flex pipe, gotta fix that. Then tuner.... then I get to beat on it for a bit and find some stupid cosmetic mods. I'm open to suggestions lol.

 

[MoHo]

I'm open to suggestions lol.

Top O' the morning to ya! I would suggest you get rid of your wife and kids? There a drag on your economy? How's this car ever gonna get done?
If the vtec was pulled back then your running some cams. Everything about this is fun. The brake pics didn't go through BTW. If it stops and locks...why F with it? I would venture to guess the abs was intentionaly disabled? Somebody went to a lot of effort to mod / improve (?) this car. Then they drove the piss out of it and sold it to you. it doesn't suck. It, just needs some love?
YOUR all up in that tranny. Hold firm at this dollar amount it should be butter? Silky smooth, along for the ride and cooperating with you and so should the shop......Your doing right in the fact that untill you know what you got, it's kinda hard to deal with it?
Good job on the stabilization of your idle! That's a biggy? Stick with the 68mm it's been proven that anymore than that will not get you much if anything except a soggy bottom end. When tuning this beast all out H.P numbers is not it. You want it driveable and fun? Bragging rights as to the latter won't do you much as to day to day? I'm vested in this as I am in the middle of a "high end" but resonable build. Mostly some added performance and dead ass reliable the way a Honda should be? I hydro locked my engine and I'm on a mission now. So there in lay's are vested interest? I know my car like the back of my hand. Your running it down and doing a good job of prioritizing. You must remain hands on so you don't lose the rabbit. Ask questions, give me answers, color is your choice. I almost bought a 92 camaro that had a purple that the hue almost looked black at night. It was a stock color but like "hunter green" or a double breasted suit it is what you want.
If it's not broke don't fix it. If it's not safe, you better. If it's not reliable I'd look at it twice as to how much trouble/cost it will give you later on. When your done with this one something tells me you will be on to the next. There's worse habits you could have. The more you do on your own the least it will cost. It seems like your on your 3rd build? Make some mistakes....Just not twice.