1. On warm up I get smoke that rises out from under the sixth exhaust port (basically from the back of the head area). It intensifies if I remove my expansion tank (coolant) cap and also when I put the cap back on.

2. I get about 16 In Hg of vacuum for the first 15 minutes of driving, but after that time and after I have driven the car hard the vacuum raises to about 18.5-19 In Hg.

I don't have your answer....but, I do recall reading someone describing this exact symtom a few months back,..... in the summer if I remember right...sorry I can't help more.

1. Sounds like a cracked head or fubared headgasket. :(

1. Sounds like a cracked head or fubared headgasket. :(

That is what I though, but did not want to jump to conclusions.

The car does not run hot and I am keeping a close eye on my coolant. Also, I seem to run slightly lean, which also points to the former. :(

Wanna help with taking my head off if that is the issue? :D

1. On warm up I get smoke that rises out from under the sixth exhaust port (basically from the back of the head area). It intensifies if I remove my expansion tank (coolant) cap and also when I put the cap back on.

2. I get about 16 In Hg of vacuum for the first 15 minutes of driving, but after that time and after I have driven the car hard the vacuum raises to about 18.5-19 In Hg.

having around 16hg of vacuum is usually normal on startup and the first 2 minutes of warmup before you drive.. but should go to 18.5-21ish

your first problem does sound like a head or headgasket problem though

Did you ever get your oil tested? I think I suggested that in one of your previous threads. Time for a thicker HG/studs and more boost:cool

JMC

1. On warm up I get smoke that rises out from under the sixth exhaust port (basically from the back of the head area). It intensifies if I remove my expansion tank (coolant) cap and also when I put the cap back on.

2. I get about 16 In Hg of vacuum for the first 15 minutes of driving, but after that time and after I have driven the car hard the vacuum raises to about 18.5-19 In Hg.

More than likely the gasket. I'm just recovering from the same issue. My car was leaking coolant back by #6 directly onto the o2 sensor and throwing a chk eng light. The car would also run very rough.

2. I get about 16 In Hg of vacuum for the first 15 minutes of driving, but after that time and after I have driven the car hard the vacuum raises to about 18.5-19 In Hg.

I experience the same thing, afaik...this is normal.

I experience the same thing, afaik...this is normal.


Same here...16 in/hg on cold start with Schrick cams..and 18-19 ~ 5 minutes later.....

15 in/hg startup....18-19 vac warmed up..cammed also