err no. they ran a 7 with a standard (albeit modified) crank and standard non filled block. rods, pistons, rings, bearings, pins etc were all aftermarket
one example doesnt set the standard. ive had one tank of bp ultimate that needed 8 degrees of timing pulled out under load to stop it pinging its nut off, fuel was obviously stale and shit. but in general bp ultimate is better than the other 98s in perth
depends where you are. over here (WA) BP ultimate is the best pump fuel we get, but its by far the most expensive even though BP own the only refinery here....
the 25 isnt stronger at all, they're just generally not stressed as much as 26s. you could use a awd 25 block but i dont really see any point, if your gonna go to all the effort you might aswell just build a 30
if you can find a bolt the right size, cut the threaded part off and belt the machined section in with some grease in there. i've had one before that even that didnt work so ended up welding a chain to it and ripping it out
iirc standard 25 setup (r33 25 anyway) has a single boost line from the elbow going into the solenoid, then one line to the actuator and the bleed line back to the intake, no need for restrictors anywhere
cam gear should come off once you undo the bolt, it just needs some convincing. but no it doesnt have to come off to get the head off unless you wanna leave it attached to the belt on the right tooth
what engine? 25 shouldnt have a T piece and restrictor at all. 26 should have the restrictor between the T piece and the bov return, not sure about before or after solenoid though.
i've done it heaps of times, aslong as your not tryna make huge changes while your driving its fine. just use the logs after the drive to make adjustments. best thing to teach the mrs is to let you know is theres anything out of the ordinary (too lean, knock etc).
welcome to sau.....
are you running a boost controller? if so what sort?
if you can get hold of a bike pump or even a compressor at really low pressure try feeding some pressure into the gate and see what it does, preferably with a gauge in the line to see what boost it opens at etc.