While the inlet manifold is out I decided to clean it up
 
Before:

 
Wire wheeled and spray paint the plate:

 
Polished the metal (that will be seen when its back in) and a dodge attempt at painting the writing on:

 
It's good from far but far from good. Will do though.

Looks good. Was this done with alloy polish and steel wool? 

I ran over it with wire wheels in the drill. This type of thing: https://www.bunnings.com.au/josco-50mm-wheel-wire-brush_p6315241
 
Then metal polish on a rag. This stuff: http://www.supercheapauto...onus-Cloth-75mL/532558

And now we go down the rabbit hole... starting work on doing a major service.
 

Quick update:
 
Having a nightmare of a time trying to get the harmonic balancer pulley bolt out.
 
Tried my 500nm of torque impact driver and it didn't budge. Did the old breaker bar against the control are and turning it over trick with no luck. Hired a impact driver, that turned out to only be 580nm of torque, which didn't get it to move.
 
I've charged up the battery so will give that a crack again tonight with the rattle gun at the same time. Failing that I will hire another impact driver (1000nm of torque) which should get it done.
 
Until then most things have stalled.
 
I did receive my new JDM mirrors in the mail on Friday so if anyone is looking to buy ADM mirrors I will be offloading mine soon enough (one white one primed)

Thinking about leaving the mirrors black for now:

 
Got my timing belt kit to (although I won't be using this belt):

Harmonic balancer off:
 

 
Also pulled off the front intrusion bar (Going to wire wheel and paint it with rust paint):

Few parts have arrived:
- Engine mount inserts
- Adjustable camgears
- Gen3 cams (using the exhaust)
- 3sge intake cam
- Gates racing timing belt
- Kangaru wastegate actuator
- ARP head studs
- Injectors
 

 
Harmonic Balanced gone:

 
Spent my weekend cursing at the cams. Exhaust cam cam off with little effort. Inlet on the other hand...

Good to see you're making progress. Yea my harmonic balancer would not come off with ease. Ended up needing air powered impact driver to get it off. If you get the opportunity throw some draft stopper behind the JDM side mirrors as they let an annoying air noise get into the cabin. Also great idea with the intake manifold. I might do the same to mine if it comes off easy haha.

Thanks for the tip on the mirrors, I will do that for sure.
 
 Finished wire wheeling and repainting the front intrusion bar:
 

 
Also got the oil pump and sump off:
 

 
Had a box of gear arrive from Partsouq yesterday as well. Well priced compared to other options and super quick shipping from UAE. Definitely worth a look if you need genuine gear.