Rebuilding my 7M Cylinder head, part 1: Cleaning and Preparing to Straighten, featuring Danny Soliz!

To get caught up, watch part 1 here: • Lessons Learned !! Sup...
In this video, I bring some new parts to the machine shop and discuss cylinder head preparation with Danny Soliz as we prepare to straighten the cylinder head. I also get the opportunity to ask some questions and get some pro tips on porting and polishing a cylinder head, how to NOT clean a block, and how ARP bolts are designed . This is part of my Supra series where I begin to fix a major problem that has been plaguing me for YEARS (five years to be exact).
Stay tuned as I process my hours of footage from my time at Hill Country Performance and create multiple 10-15 minute videos full of GOLD.
Next up: head straightening - the special way!
HUGE THANKS to Danny Soliz of Hill Country Performance for coming in on a Saturday and giving me 4 hours of his time to make this video, and many more to come!
For more information, and to bring your engine to HCP, check them out on Facebook here: / hillcountryperformance
And special thanks to subscriber @LurkMoar101 for sharing your experiences working for 15 years as a machinist - your comment was seen by Danny and encouraged him to let me film the entire process!
Parts seen here:
Brian Crower 7M Stage 2 Camshafts: www.driftmotion.com/BC0321-p/...
Brian Crower Spring kit: www.driftmotion.com/BC-7M-GTE...
Background music is "Tropic" by Joakim Karud. Find it here: theartistunion.com/tracks/8b4eca
Equipment I use for filming:
Camera: amzn.to/3EAuhyp
Tripod: amzn.to/3EBYtJr
Drone: amzn.to/38DgR8P
www.pistonsandpixiedust.com
IG: @pistonsandpixiedust
FB: @pistonsandpixiedust
TikTok: @FayeHadleyOfficial
Twitter: @SupraFaye

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

He is a dying breed. I hope he passes his knowledge to the younger generation. These skills took decades to learn and master.

[@quadpit]

You really are one of the most enjoyable "build" contributors out there because your personality and positive attitude. Thanks for your time and making us smile.

[@areid1440]

Lol her giggles make me smile lol

[@toolmanlance]

I really enjoy learning from Danny. You can tell he cares about his work. Thanks Faye and Danny for doing these videos.

[@hippydude1606]

His reaction to the titanium retainers is going to make me feel a lot more comfortable being amazed at small things.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you for all of your support and positivity, Lance! Makes it so worth it to put it out there for the world to see rather than hogging the experience for myself haha :)

[@toolmanlance]

@@FayeHadley I can tell you are working hard and helping others along the way. I have a feeling its going to pay off for you in a big way.

[@michaelbennett6416]

I am a retired machinist with many years of experience. But I never did automotive work. I find this stuff fascinating about head bolts and seat profiles etc. I have no idea about how to straighten a head. I own a 1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup and am now a Toyota forever fan. I rebuilt the engine but I found myself a little lost on some of the details. I also found out most of the builders in the bay area are full of BS about builder basics. Danny is fantastic. If I had to do a critical performance rebuild I would probably ship the engine to someone like Danny rather than deal with the shops I have in the past. Good on you for saving the engine on that classic machine. That says more about you and your passions than anything else. Sincerely, Micheal

[@grundyb]

I purchased a 1985 Cressida from the original owner who drove it a lot in two years but it was in mint condition. Dark blue and around 40,000 miles. That car was so fun to drive it would squat down in the back when you stomped on the gas pedal. So smooth going through the gears. It had those crazy seat belts that automatically buckled when you closed the door. The videos with your Supra are so much fun. Danny is so nice and knowledgeable with engines. PS I also had a 1983 Celica GTS in red! I’ve had all of the 4Runners from the beginning and am driving my 1995 1/2 Tacoma now.

[@LurkMoar101]

No need to thank me Faye! I should be thanking you for letting me live vicariously through your channel and for introducing us to Danny. So a huge thank you to you both. I'm keen to see Danny's method and how different/similar they are to how I was taught here. Would love to sit and swap stories from the other side of the world with him one day.

[@vincescalise4821]

Wow that is one smart machinist I could listen to him talk machinery all day ,thanks Faye great video

[@FayeHadley]

Oh my gosh so could I!!!! He is so fascinating and I was so much footage to share I cannot wait to continue this series!

[@cartman668222]

Rare to find these guys who have genuine knowledge

[@crowmancaveman2gen-xer280]

A machinist/cnc/lathe is a Mechanics, Gunsmiths and a Engineers best friend!

[@yogib37]

Holy cow Danny is a walking encyclopedia of Knowledge and he is entertaining also. :D Love your videos Faye and you. Keep it up.. Your chickens are punk rockers LOL

[@Schmitty71]

Love this guy! Any aspiring machinists/engine builders would be lucky to apprentice under somebody like him. Have a feeling he's going to have a lot of new customers thanks to you Faye! Just take your parts, give him as long as he needs, this is the guy for the job.

[@Brad-lt6mr]

This is great. 25 years in the trade and I learned something new from this.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you so much people like you make this so worthwhile to me when I get comments like this!!

[@Brad-lt6mr]

@@FayeHadley The best mechanics always prove what the problem is before firing the parts cannon. However, this takes some understanding of physics and chemistry, which many don't have.

[@rockroll9513]

Head straightening techniques + Faye + Shop chickens = Winning!

[@FayeHadley]

I almost published this video much earlier in the day but I forgot to add chickens at the end 🤦🏻‍♀️ so glad my effort is noticed and appreciated by the diehards!!😂😂😂

[@guyconnell2250]

I like Danny. He really knows his stuff it seems. And I love his enthusiasm.

[@titof.2970]

The passion this guy has for engines!

[@DomManInT1]

Based on my 40 years of mechanical repair, you are handling your education just fine.

[@joubess]

I will have to watch these videos a few times at least. There is so much packed in to learn! Honestly, when you work with your hands, you can read about it, watch someone else do it, but you don't really learn it until you do it yourself. Any education is expensive whether in cash or opportunity cost (time spent doing one thing at the expense of something else). Time has to be invested in learning and on-the-job learning can be more valuable than classroom time. When you invest in parts and take the time to learn as you go, you get an education and a concrete thing at the end -- your car fixed properly and ready to rock!

[@FayeHadley]

Sherri - I ALSO have to watch these videos over to take it all in, and I was there! You're so right about this - this has been an expensive learning experience in both time and money, but I wouldn't have changed one bit of it knowing everything that I know now. Thanks for the comment!!

[@mr.anderson70]

Now, I want to move to Texas, start a build, and have Danny do the machining.

[@flubyux2]

So glad to see someone still keeping the 7m alive. I admire your dedication to it!

[@JDK73772]

Danny is the man. Wont charge you for something that you don't need.

[@FayeHadley]

That's a real honest guy who cares about repeat customers and doing the right thing.

[@JDK73772]

@@FayeHadley Those types of business men are getting harder and harder to find. You lucked out big time in having him available and willing to not only explain to you but allow you to film him explaining it.

[@byrondallas4676]

My favorite lady mechanic!!!

[@FayeHadley]

Aww thank you!!

[@xcross8537]

This guy is really knowledgeable

[@kutlee2009]

Ton of knowledge. He has no hesitation in sharing it

[@TLC-Customs]

I love that dudes energy you can tell he's really passionate about his work and that's nice to see!

[@areid1440]

WOW!!!!! Just simply wow he was spot on, hear that CAM rocking

[@moisto_o3036]

It's so hard lately to find stuff on 7m supras. I think you are the most helpful and high quality 7m builder I have ever seen. THANK YOU you're doing god work lol

[@802Garage]

OMG the amount that head was uneven when he set the cam in! This is so fascinating. He seems like he is having a great time. Awesome video series. :)

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you so much and yeah I couldn't believe it either and it also makes me wonder how the heck I didn't notice?!? I was just explaining to a mechanic friend of mine how one of the biggest errors that I make over and over and over again is assuming that someone else's work is good and that I'm the one at fault if I can't figure something out. I will double and triple and quadruple check my own work yet I failed to do a thorough job of inspecting other people's work......

[@802Garage]

@@FayeHadley That's part of why we learn to do our own work and learn as much of the process as possible, eh? It's nice to trust other people's work, but better to verify! This is specialized knowledge even if it seems obvious after learning. Highly doubt I or most people would have caught it. I'm really happy you made these videos because now I know something important to watch for as I get into building engines.

[@randyperfecto7468]

Danny is like my grandfather so much knowledge and passion. Awesome primo

[@rallymanize]

Danny's awesome. Faye's awesome. Video's awesome. So much info that even i can understand with my little car knowledge. You make the video and all it's content easy to follow and keeps you glued right to the end with even more critical info from Danny about what really happens in the car world. Love the chickens at the end and how interested they looked when you were asking what they digging for! Sounded like they were talking to you Faye :)

[@fuelinjectedduck2964]

I could listen to that guy talk all day. Lol. Love the videos faye.

[@hawkl6662]

Now I'm really hooked. I had an '89 Toyota Cressida with the 7M. Can't wait for the next part. Showing love for the 7M

[@FayeHadley]

Oh hell yeah 🙌🏻

[@echoes7MGTE]

I just recently bought a 89' Supra Turbo with a 7MGTE with 275k on it, and my brother has one but it's a hardtop manual, this whole series has been amazing. Thank you for giving this knowledge out, I want this engine to last as long as it possibly can.

[@chrisboyd4433]

This is sooo fascinating for an engineer/amateur mechanic. You could make a relaxation audio track with the sound of the "chicks".

[@FayeHadley]

HAHAHAHAHAHA ASMR chickens and me talking to them !?? lol

[@chrisboyd4433]

@@FayeHadley Yeah! ASMR chicken scratching! A new side business.

[@bullshitstomper9417]

I learned something. I have decided not to machine a warped head for similar reasons and it worked out fine. Yes the head will bend flat

[@meancoyote1066]

Respect to keeping the 7M in the supra. I’m part of a Toyota car club in Sydney, Australia. I have a supra 88 turbo with 7M-GTE. The amount of times people crap on about the head gasket and that I should re torque the head bolts. I’ve had this car in my family since new and it has always been taken care of never had any issues with the car whatsoever. It’s all original never boosted it just regular servicing and having it in original stock spec.

[@user-kw5ze5ky5q]

I went to automotive school for a very short time. You learn very little useful skills there. I learned most of what I know at the school of Bill Snethkamp’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat from 08-18. Saab was hanging out for the first few years, it was like a better version of Fiat. Working next to an old guy is the best automotive education. Still learning though. You’ll never stop in this business.

[@VWdude278]

I went went to the School of Haynes and Chilton manuals back in the late 80's and 90's. I love your Video's. keep them coming.

[@arnoldaguirre8424]

Danny is amazing my dude. Best explanation I've heard for aligning

[@jakeaustin9894]

I absolutely love videos like this. Learning from the people who really know what they are doing is pretty inspiring! Thanks Faye for making these videos ans showing us into the world of precision engine building! May your 7M be the best running 7M on earth!

[@wyattoneable]

I've never been to an automotive school either but I sure have learned a lot by "doing it". You're going to be fine Faye. :) Danny has a lot to share.

[@dmorris9268]

Faye , I love your energy and passion for what you do . Keep listening to your heart , it's your 30,000 days to decide what you want to do !

[@zerkermond]

This channel is a wealth of knowledge super glad I found this build channel and the cute mechanic is alot softer on the eyes than most 😋

[@johnklaus4776]

Awesome stuff about staying off the floor and turblence and bolts as rubber bands! My heart melted a little when I saw the shift pattern tattooed on your wrist Faye! 😁 Can't wait to see the rest of the series, it's great you're capturing his knowledge. Its nice to see someone passionate about what they do. Chickens had a lot to say!! Chickens!!!

[@FayeHadley]

Yes!!! I'm so glad you appreciated all of those little things - Danny is such a gem!!!

[@TeonCyndi]

awsome awsome awsome 7M are so under rated good luck with the rebuild

[@jimzivny1554]

Knowledge is good, no one can take it from you.

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

I'm glad to hear that there is someone out there like my self who never went to fancy automotive school and still learned most of the craft and still learning by actually doing that trade day in and day out by the way love the content you put out and love that MK1 VW you got that is sweet little ride.

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Great video, Faye. Your machinist is amazing! He's a straight-shooter who really knows his business. I'm looking forward to see the next chapters about getting your cylinder head 100% right. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.

[@phillippearce9680]

Great video! Stay on the path for the build Faye, YOUR path, and have fun!

[@randomocity6252]

Good on ya for sticking with the 7M. My S31 will always have an L28. Will other engines make more power easier? Yep, but it's my car and I'm gonna do what I want. Keep up the great content.

[@dsmcraig]

Great video, I'm glad you had a follow up from the first video. Your machine shop guy is awesome.

[@miguelgalicia9180]

Such a good video. Danny is a bad ass that knows his craft and shoots it straight. Thanks for the vid , Faye :D

[@MrMccurley]

Watching what you guys go through making sure the cam rides properly in the head makes me pine for the 650 Yamahas I used to ride. That cam rides in ball bearings at each end...

[@jayinmi3706]

I was watching another channel and his guide for porting was "Raise the roof, don't lower the floor."

[@gilmello8296]

Thank you to you and Danny for sharing

[@hornet7288]

I agree with you about the 7m vs 2j. A 7m can be reliable if built right. That's why i went 7mgte in my 89 instead of 2j or 1j

[@ricktharp1]

This little lady is all about it. Very cool🤗

[@kellywren9215]

Quality yet again. The fact that you are always looking to learn I find gratifying, I've seen too many people who just seem to reach a point where they "already know" everything they think they need to. Love that guys explanations too. Not being as much of a Toyota fan as you yourself seem to be, I'm learning quite a bit through these. Looking forward to more.

[@FayeHadley]

Thank you so much for the feedback, that's so true, I find that a lot as well.

[@loz11968]

Awesome video so good to find a machine shop doing a proper job and thanks for sharing the information

[@Wayne_Nero]

What a great guy to have in your corner!

[@lockjawjak]

For the past 6 months the A70 has been getting a lot more love on the internet, especially reddit and youtube, I love it! I have owned mine for 5 years and have never thought of selling it. 7M powa!

[@lockjawjak]

also I am looking forward to part 3 of danny talking about the head's straightness!

[@brandonscott791]

Love the enthusiasm you have for the trade! Feels great when you take something apart and learn how things work and fix it.

[@BeardedSeabee82]

This has been hella little series, you and the hill country really put together awesome vid!. Those ole straight 6 7ms were some badass engines.

[@BeardedSeabee82]

And of course attack chickn footage at end lol

[@FayeHadley]

Thanks so much, Brandon!! And thanks for your support since the beginning of my channel!!

[@alexmohamed4068]

7m, mk3, toyota tech, fellow small business owner. subbed.

[@FayeHadley]

😃😃😃😃😃

[@on-site4094]

The knowledge you can get from the guy would take 20 years to learn on your own 👍

[@FayeHadley]

That is so true that's why I had to take the time to record all of it even if it means I take a couple weeks to get everything back and on the car. Makes it all worth it and then I get to share Danny's genius with all of you!

[@pandamoniumone3713]

Thank you for posting videos I’m not only learning but It helps pass time that is very boring

[@stephengillan8601]

I'm restoring an 88 supra, this is very helpful, thanks!

[@brakedd]

dude your machine shop is awesome

[@FayeHadley]

You have no idea how amazing this machine shop is and what a blessing they have been for me. Not only have they helped me with my Supra, but when I first started my business they sent me work so that I would not fail. I owe them so much. I owe them everything.

[@MS-hd8yq]

Good stuff as usual. Looking forward to the next one

[@thepittsstop4540]

Oh Faye, that dude's awesome! Brings back memories of my childhood watching the engine gurus work! Thank you! 🌷

[@mikeholt3545]

Really good information I think a lot of experienced mechanics are learning something.

[@TYOUNG0168]

Awesome... Looking forward to the finished build.... Grace & Peace from NJ

[@desolatemetro]

I use pricier microfiber towels for detailing, but I keep some cheap ones around to use as shop towels. They don't leave lint like regular shop towels and will actually tend to pick up lint.

[@kevincampbell8298]

This is an awesome series! Stuff you don’t learn in school! This is all very experienced information. My late uncle was an engineer for Yamaha. He then had his own business and did a lot of racing and mods. It was amazing to hang out at his shop!

[@p3te2jz]

Looking gd faye, nice to see some more supra content 🤙

[@loganwolfe7926]

So informative. Very good video

[@1996turbocamaro]

Nice video !! I look forward to the engine head series !!

[@FayeHadley]

I am so excited to share part 3! I just been so much time editing everything so that I do Danny and the job Justice! Thank you so much for your positive feedback!!

[@forzaviola9512]

I like your attitude about trying something something new and difficult. Subscribed 👍

[@mikeaho4143]

Great job on the vid Faye. Patiently waiting for the next one 😀

[@Duaneoca]

New subscriber, super glad I found you. I love your videos!

[@rogerjohnson2515]

Thanks Faye, I really enjoy learning little nuances of the trade, Danny is very knowledgeable and entertaining, your channel is the best, keep the videos coming.

[@FayeHadley]

this means the world to me thank you so much for the feedback and thank you for your subscription I'm so glad that I earned it:)

[@mkIIIsupras]

All the people that tell you to swap in a 2jz are too incompetent to build the 7m properly. For the price of a stock 2jz swap you could have a reliable 500hp 7m beast! Plus the torque the 7m makes over the 2jz makes for a fun ride. I got a cylinder head at the machine shop myself for one of my 7m's. I just recently picked up a boss JR bolt on turbo kit from a buddy for $250! He gave me an ECU, harness, intake manifold, throttle body, coils, ported exhaust manifold, turbo, 3" bellmouth downpipe, full 3" straight pipe exhaust, practically everything I need to go NA-T. Just need to pick up innercooler kit, MAF, and few other odds and ends before I get it together. I'm scared for my w58 haha. My buddy has killed marlin crawler r154's with this setup haha.Cheers can't wait for the rest of the series.

[@Ausblack]

What do you mean NA-T?

[@FayeHadley]

@@Ausblack He means taking his NA (naturally aspirated) engine (which on the 7ms, the difference is mainly in the block) and converting it to T - turbocharged.

[@FayeHadley]

AHHH! That's so rad, I have a lot of similar mods to mine! I have put so much love and research and positive energy into this build, I can't wait to see what the end result will be if I keep it up! Thanks for your comment, and I am excited about your build!

[@TyphoonVstrom]

7M's are built like a rock, especially the bottom end. The off boost torque they have with the long stroke crank makes them nice and driveable as well. Even a non turbo Mk 3 Supra is a nice car, my old auto 86 would spin both rears a little from a standing start. In my opinion the non turbo suits the personality of the Mk 3's better, it is a GT, not a sports car. The only thing Toyota did wrong with them was changing the head gasket materials very late pre-production and not amending the service manuals and assembly torques for them. The head gasket failure is all too real but very avoidable these days.

[@sotopr7]

Great vids love them keep up the good work

[@booneautomotive4174]

Nice vid Faye thanks for sharing

[@WildMride]

Great video! I have really enjoyed your channel.

[@randyperfecto7468]

Danno spot on

[@jeremyanthony9300]

love your channel Faye. very good video.

[@sallylewis8932]

Greatness connecting with Greatness.. Its universal freal

[@tonyjohnson1840]

You and Danny rock!

[@johnthornton6650]

Awesome that you are keeping the stock engine and not selling out for another 🤠

[@therealmccoy8310]

Hello Faye, love your vlogs, I have a 2JZ engine in my 02 Lexus with 150K trouble free miles. I think it may be a younger sister engine to yours. When I was younger in the 80's I wanted a Supra but we don't always get what we want.

[@ihguy2113]

subbed love your videos Faye thanks for sharing what you do btw love the chickens

[@Adrian_Supra]

Awesome, my brother (who is a mechanic) and I rebuilt my 7M-GTE in my 90 Supra a little over a year ago. I always enjoy seeing a quality build. If you are using a metal headgasket I would try to find a way to ensure the block is 100% flat as well. We decked my block with the timing cover on, as well as decked the head because I went with a metal headgasket 🤙

[@FayeHadley]

Yep! Freshly decked with cover 5k miles ago👍🏻 will re-check in a future video when I clean the block!

[@Adrian_Supra]

Awesome, cant wait to see this fresh new built head go back on. Followed you on IG and subscribed here 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@TyphoonVstrom]

Iron blocks don't typically move after they've been decked after 20-30 years of use. They tend to warp early on in life when they are heat cycled after being fresh castings. I bet it's still very, very flat.

[@dadtype2339]

Hi Faye, sorry I'm late to this video, but you are so right, whenever we can learn take it. A great example which goes in alignment with your thoughts, my 96' Ram transmission finally died, a good transmission if maintained, which the two previous owners didn't, it's a 46RE, so instead of spending 2k-4k on a rebuild or new, the rebuild kit is 300 bucks or so, and my thinking is I'm going to try and rebuild it myself, if it works great of not I'll have what I have now minus 300 bucks, a broken transmission. BUT I'll have gained a great experience I'd otherwise not have if I just do what many of us normally do. I got the master mechanic repair manual for it, and the 46RE is a fairly easy transmission to work on (AT), so I'm looking forward to it when I'm able, right now other projects take the lead in terms of importance and a couple of transmission tools I need, and most importantly I don't have a clean environment or place to open it up and do it, but I will, it will be interesting, and to see how it failed, and having been a mechanic for 34 years, we got this! Hope this finds you well!

[@michaelparker6412]

Interesting videos series learning a lot, can you please do a video on how to degree in the bc cam shafts as I have the same ones on my 7m and can not get them to match the cam card and would love to see how you do it

[@georgevaldez1449]

Awesome vid.

[@jasongannon7676]

Must see more.

[@oggarage3459]

You have a contagious laugh, I love it faye.

[@BP-fx3qc]

7M is a great engine, I'd love to own one.

[@johncook3265]

Always wanted that gen Supra Turbo. Never got around to it. Distracted with Fox mustang and LS F bodies, then vettes etc... Respect.

[@TyphoonVstrom]

Scratch that itch. If you have a bent for those Supras and V8's, 1UZ's fit into those engine bays like they were designed for it. They even came with the same A340 transmission (but a different bellhousing), meaning all the controls etc bolt on.

[@johncook3265]

well, Thanks to Faye! My next project is a 4 runner :). Looking at a 4th gen now, something to bang around and use for hauling and coyote hunting ;p. Once my kids get out of the house, I may find a supra, but in IL they are all rusted :/ For now I'll make due with my 15' Ecoboost Mustang. May have to mod that eventually. Miss going fast though. Had an 07' Z06 with ported heads/headers/tune made 503 at the wheels and 3200lbs dry ;p.

[@hondacivic199091]

All ways an amazing video