i think this thread has graduated to the tech forum now.. =) mine had the same problem. it was a used jdm motor, put it in.. 800 miles later.. boom, smoke out the back.. turned out to be pistin rings on #6... #6 is on the driver side closest to the firewall. luckily, i have warranty on the motor.. so i'm just waiting for my mechanic pal to finish up on some other things.. can't wait!! =P