I've torn my car down, had the block checked out and rehoned, and the heads rebuilt. There was no damage to the pistons, rings, etc., nothing visible anyway. So I had the heads rebuilt in case it was a weak spring or something allowing oil to get into the cylinder and causing the pinging, oil loss etc. I was going to put it back together this weekend but Summit sent me main bearing for the 4v.
Anyway, I've learned a few things about the build on the motor I though I'd share. Saleen rebuilt the motor using a Cobra forged crank, Manley h-beam rods, and Arias forged pistons. The heads are standard ford heads that Saleen rebuilt with new springs, valves, and cams of their own specs.
I'm reusing everything but the Arias pistons. I researched replacing the rings as there was no damage to the pistons, but they are almost impossible to get. It was a three week lead time from Saleen and expensive. Saleen didn't even want to tell me who made the pistons so I could go somewhere else, but a very knowledgeable former employee filled me in. But even from Arias it was difficult. The pistons were extremely noisy anyway so I'm going with Mahle pistons and dropping the compression just a little to handle more boost.
I am also installing a cobra pump/tank, billet fuel rails, 180 degree thermostat, new centerforce steel flywheel (dumping the aluminum), centerforce dual-friction clutch, BBK adjustable clutch cable, JBA headers, oil pressure and water temp gauge, and going back to a fluidyne radiator.
Hopefully I'll have it together in two weeks, but I'm going to miss the Knott's show this year.
Anyway, I've learned a few things about the build on the motor I though I'd share. Saleen rebuilt the motor using a Cobra forged crank, Manley h-beam rods, and Arias forged pistons. The heads are standard ford heads that Saleen rebuilt with new springs, valves, and cams of their own specs.
I'm reusing everything but the Arias pistons. I researched replacing the rings as there was no damage to the pistons, but they are almost impossible to get. It was a three week lead time from Saleen and expensive. Saleen didn't even want to tell me who made the pistons so I could go somewhere else, but a very knowledgeable former employee filled me in. But even from Arias it was difficult. The pistons were extremely noisy anyway so I'm going with Mahle pistons and dropping the compression just a little to handle more boost.
I am also installing a cobra pump/tank, billet fuel rails, 180 degree thermostat, new centerforce steel flywheel (dumping the aluminum), centerforce dual-friction clutch, BBK adjustable clutch cable, JBA headers, oil pressure and water temp gauge, and going back to a fluidyne radiator.
Hopefully I'll have it together in two weeks, but I'm going to miss the Knott's show this year.
But I know what you mean. The suspension is the next project but maybe I'll revisit the heads after that.
I watched him drive the course a few times, not knowing who he was at that time! He won an award from Saleen for running the course the fastest beating the other drivers out! So, yes I would say that judging by how he drove that day he's not afraid to drive the hell out of his Saleen! 
Aren't these cars made for that anyways??? Us California guys, we need to head up and hit Willow Springs Race Track, that would be fun with our cars! Last time I ran that track I was putting some fun laps in my 86 Saleen!! 
