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Well, I guess it's time to start posting some pictures and begin the swap process. I have been cleaning and replacing gaskets on the LS1. It's been a dirty girl and she needs to be cleaned up in order to be presentable (power steering puked all over bank 1). The goal is a good dependable cruiser that maintains the power steering and air conditioning.
Swap details/plans are as follows:
2001 Camaro LS1, T56 transmission (Stock for now)
S4 Turbo II rear
LS-7 Clutch
Pez engine mounts
Pez transmission mount (If they are ready in time)
Hinson cooling
Power Steering (Turn One) and A/C will be kept
The rotary was run for the last time today. It's officially in the process of being pulled so I can start prepping for the LS1.
Here is the car (aka "the other woman").
(http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9963/rx7009.jpg) (http://img512.imageshack.us/i/rx7009.jpg/)
Here is the rotary.
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4849/13bno.jpg)
Here is the dirty LS1 set up for a test run on the stand.
(http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9666/pb080019.jpg) (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/pb080019.jpg/)
Test run went very well and the motor started up immediately. I have to give props to my buddy/co-worker Brian for setting up the wiring box and CPU. Lucky for me that I work with some gearheads that happen to be electrical engineers too. He actually made the start/run box from scratch. Just plugged in a few wires, hooked up a battery, plumbed fuel, and cranked it right up. It went without any issues or drama, so I guess the fire extinguishers were not necessary after all. I was a happy camper. I can only hope I have the same luck once the engine is installed.
Also I really like to thank everyone at SNS2010. You guys provided tons of motivation. The rides from Don, Pete, and Berg made me realize how much more fun my car can be. I hope everything is done and ready for SNS2011.
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Intake manifold before
(http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/3200/intakebefore.jpg) (http://img842.imageshack.us/i/intakebefore.jpg/)
Intake manifold after
(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/7650/intakeaftera.jpg) (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/intakeaftera.jpg/)
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Hinson cooling isnt bad but I would personally pick the JTR setup. I think it is a nicer kit.
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Engine test run video
Test Run.AVI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVqb3my08oM#)
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Hinson cooling isnt bad but I would personally pick the JTR setup. I think it is a nicer kit.
I already picked up the Hinson premium cooling setup from surubasi on the forum here, so that's what I will use. I think that Pez will have a sweet kit when he starts selling them. I would like to have the intake come over the radiator like an FD, but that ain't gonna happen for me this time. What I have should take care of me.
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Very nice Rick.
Glad to see you started on it. Can't wait to see it on the road.
I might be riding with you at SNS11. :D
From the startup video I'll bet you won't have any problems getting it going in the car.
Nice to have your own wiring expert. LOL
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Nice another vert - clean one too. Best of luck to you. Keep the pictures coming.
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JUST KEEP WORKING ON THAT THING RICK, WE WILL CARAVAN TO INDY!
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Sounds good Berg.
Progress has been slow lately because of the weather. The car is in an unheated steel building, and I am too much of a wimp to wrench in 10 degree temps. Most of the work lately has been cleaning up pieces/parts from the LS1.
There is however a large pile of crap building up while pulling the rotary.
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Its good to see your progress on your car Rick. ;)
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Rick.......spend a few bucks on a heater, or work twice as fast when it is cold out. You will be done in no time!
How many miles on your vert?
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Thats a badass 320hp engine hoist...
FD wheels always look good on FC's. Nice looking car youve got.
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Wow clean vert!
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Thanks for the comments guys.
Pete, good to hear from you.
Ray, the building is well ventilated, so heat doesn't stick around. Maybe working faster will help, I will try that today. The chassis has 106k on it. Rotary is not original (big surprise), but a lot of suspension has been replaced.
I hope to get some work done today and possibly post some obligatory rotary-pull pictures.
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nice another vert!! i love the test stand..lol keep up the great work!
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Looks great!!!
I had a vert but it was no where near as clean as yours.
Good luck with the build and double your budget LOL!!!
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The rotary is out!
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=2628)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=2629)
Engine bay looks like it will clean up pretty easy. Not as many rotary droppings as I was expecting. Most of it is pretty much dirt/dust.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=2631)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=2630)
Now it is off to bed with visions of LS goodness in the future.
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Getting the LS1 back together with new gaskets in the heated shop since while the car freezes in the steel building.
(http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/6955/ls1028.jpg) (http://img843.imageshack.us/i/ls1028.jpg/)
Pulled the oil pressure and temperature sensors from the rotary. Does that temperature sensor look right? It was wired with a bullet connector and a couple splices in the harness. I never looked at it before because it appeared to work.
(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7798/ls1031.jpg) (http://img502.imageshack.us/i/ls1031.jpg/)
TII differential is all cleaned up, painted, and just waiting for it's turn when the temperature rises.
(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7972/differential003.jpg) (http://img819.imageshack.us/i/differential003.jpg/)
(http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6598/differential002.jpg) (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/differential002.jpg/)
Scoggin-Dickey delivered some new goodies today (clutch). That was fast, I think the order was placed on Thursday.
(http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/8316/ls1030.jpg) (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/ls1030.jpg/)
Just doing a little dreaming...
(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/280/intake001.jpg) (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/intake001.jpg/)
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That Red and black is going to look nice in the engine bay. Looking forward to see the vert together.
Quick question. How's your rag top? Are you going to replace it? Mine is completely ripped.
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That Red and black is going to look nice in the engine bay. Looking forward to see the vert together.
Thanks, I am anxious to turn the key for that first time.
Quick question. How's your rag top? Are you going to replace it? Mine is completely ripped.
Not great. It has the two small tears you always see, plus a little one on a corner of the rear glass. I plan to replace it this summer.
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The rotary was carted off today. It is slated to be installed in an MG. I thought it was funny how I am switching to pistons and he is switching to a rotary. It's like the world is balancing out. I hope he gets it done. I just know a few more bills are in my pocket, but they are pretty much going right to Pez anyway.
Well, a quick shot of the LS1 with some more accessories installed.
(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3469/ls1035web.jpg) (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/ls1035web.jpg/)
The weather is supposed to be decent the next couple of days, so I will continue work on cleaning up the engine bay. Man, there is a lot of crap that comes out. My car had all the factory stuff, so tons of brackets and excess lines are coming out.
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+1 for Scoggin-Dickey as well. Did you get a new pilot bearing?
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Did you get a new pilot bearing?
Absolutely. I have always believed that when you change a clutch, change the pilot bearing too.
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This brace needs to be removed, doesn't it? Otherwise it looks like the bell housing would hit this. Just checking before I spend too much time cleaning up stuff that won't be used.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=2835)
Also, what is thread size on the stock water temperature sending unit?
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It's been a while since I have posted anything. I just figure that the small things that have been happening are nothing to post about. Plus, I took a couple weeks off to get married and have a honeymoon.
I have been working on the car, but just cleaning and prepping for the new motor. Rotary transmission mounts are removed, metal cut for new radiator, holes punched for heater line re-route, interior stripped and getting cleaned up.
(http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2117/enginetransmissionweb.jpg) (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/enginetransmissionweb.jpg/)
Motor and transmission anxiously awaiting mounts from Pez to make sure all fabrication is done before painting.
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4397/heateroutlet.jpg) (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/heateroutlet.jpg/)
Holes punched for new location of heater hoses.
I hope to finish up the heater lines in the next few days, and start putting the interior back together after that. The Florida sun did a nice fade job on the carpet, so I have it cleaned up and ready to try and dye it back to a more consistent black. I have never used a dye on carpet, but I picked up some stuff from Detail King to try out. I will let everyone know how it works out.
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Heater core is ready to be re-installed. I went the new soldered tubing route. It wasn't too difficult, but I have to admit that I wasted a couple feet of tubing on mistakes. First I tried to bend tubes to fit, but that looked like crap. Using actual elbows just made for a cleaner fit and aesthtics.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3038)
I added some insulation around the tubes. Not that it really needs it, but I thought it might help control heat transfer to where you really want it directed. Otherwise the passenger will always have warm feet when it's turned on. I suppose my wife wouldn't mind. The insulation helps support the lines between the heater core housing and firewall too.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3039)
I notched and bent down a 10" section of the firewall lip. That appears to be enough room to provide access to the back of the intake manifold. I will check the fit before everything is painted.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3040)
As soon as my mounts arrive from Pez, I will fit the engine/transmission before paint touch-ups on the engine bay. Then it's ASSEMBLY TIME!
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Waiting for my Pez mounts.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3124)
Greg's swamped as usual, but I know his stuff is worth the wait.
Made an adapter for the temperature sender in the passenger head.
Started with an M12 x 1.5 Hex Head Plug I picked up from Discount Hydraulic Hose.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3123)
Drilled it out and tapped it to fit my temperature sender.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3125)
The sender is not screwed in all the way, but should extend past the plug a few millimeters.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3126)
I think this will be a little stronger and therefore more trustworthy than the brass adapter from Autometer. I was unsure if the brass fitting would hold up after I drilled it out to fit my sender (it's not an Autometer gauge, so I couldn't use the stubby sender like Berto). Also, machining down the sender didn't work out to well as the sender wall is paper thin and I hit white goo (probably some sort of temperature conductive grease). Oh well, whats another $10...
Well, just doing minor things until the motor/transmission can be test fit. I still want to paint some of the engine bay and will wait until I know all the cutting and firewall massaging is done. I have my Integra speedometer in the garage, so I will start getting that fit into the cluster.
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I told those bastards at work that it would fit!
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3140)
This is just a test fit to see what needs a little extra clearance before painting.
It's a little tight at the MAP sensor.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3141)
There are a few other spots, but nothing a little "Hammer-Time" won't fix.
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Things are starting to look better in the engine bay.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3150)
There is a little touching up to do after making clearances on the firewall.
The heater core relocation should look good when everything is installed. The electrical guys at work had some sweet knockout plugs from Hoffman. After painting them, they work great for plugging the old heater core outlets and speedometer cable hole. I can always unscrew the retainer to remove them and have an access hole through the firewall if necessary.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3151)
This seems to be pretty common with everyone's swap. I am guessing both the brake and clutch master cylinder leaked in the past. This will take a little more work to strip and get painted.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3152)
Pez said the harness is almost done, so I plan to be ready for it when it arrives. The Integra speedometer swap is coming along nicely. The wife is definitely ready for me to get it up and running so I spend a little less time in the garage.
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Paint touch-ups done.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3161)
I need to bug Pez about the harness. He said all the wiring was done, it just needed to be loomed.
Is it easier to install the harness on the engine before dropping it in, or hooking it up after it's in the chassis? I would think it's easier when it's on a stand, but will it really be that difficult to plug it with the engine installed? It's tempting to go ahead and install the engine/transmission and start assembling. If waiting for the harness will make life easier, then I can hold out for a little longer.
As assembly progresses, pictures will also be posted more often.
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Man you doing a great job keep at it before you know it will all be finished so worth it
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Man you doing a great job keep at it before you know it will all be finished so worth it
Thanks Sean. I definitely did more than I planned for the swap. But you know how it goes. While I am at it, I might as well do this now...
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Mother-Fucker
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3163)
I thought that making my temperature adapter from a steel plug was the shit. It twisted off at 10 lbs-ft. I guess that I drilled it out just a little more than necessary. I can't imagine what a brass fitting would have failed at.
Well, I had another adapter sitting around, but it is longer and doesn't allow the sensor to go as deep.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3168)
It's for the stock gauge, so I am not too worried. I have my aftermarket gauge set up for the JTR radiator hose vent.
Stock sensor installed.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3166)
Motor installed (hopefully last time for a while).
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3167)
Plenty of room for the MAP sensor.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3165)
Power steering fittings are much easier to get to than with the rotary.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3164)
I changed the rack with the old rotary and those fittings were hell to work on. I don't think these will give any grief at all.
Well, dropping the motor in went real smooth. I did a little clearance making after the initial fit test. That really helped things move into place much easier. Not that the first time was difficult, but the second time around, it just went right in. The Pez mounts absolutely rock.
I still have quite a bit to do, but most of it should just be assembly now. Probably get some of the wiring taped up and radiator installed this week.
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Don't sweat the passenger head temp probe depth. Mine barely stuck out the adapter. My temps are always off at idle(40° difference at times) but once I drive it evens out perfect with my GM Coolant sensor I monitor from my OBD2 Port. I use that Torque app on my android phone to watch all my PIDs
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Don't sweat the passenger head temp probe depth. Mine barely stuck out the adapter. My temps are always off at idle(40° difference at times) but once I drive it evens out perfect with my GM Coolant sensor I monitor from my OBD2 Port. I use that Torque app on my android phone to watch all my PIDs
Yeah, I think the stock sender is just a vague switch anyway. It pretty much went cold, normal, and replace engine.
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Haha....replace engine lol. So true.
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Been working on the Integra speedometer swap.
Here's some parts.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3188)
I did the odometer a little different to maintain the use of the original Mazda holes in the bezel.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3191)
The wiring needs to be done, and the needle still needs to be painted, but when it's all together it looks original.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3192)
I posted this up in the Integra speedometer sticky with some more details. It's pretty straightforward though.
It looks like this week I will focus on the electrical aspects. Pez should have my harness in the mail. Maybe by the weekend I will start putting the interior back together.
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Worked out great man. I have noticed about a 4mph differance between what the integra speedo displays, the pcm vss obd2 pid and my gps. This is with the 4000ppm programmed in the pcm.
Not bad considering
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Harness came in from Pez
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3216)
This is how I left things tonight.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3214)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3215)
I also had the condensor brackets welded to the radiator.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3217)
Yes, the condensor is upside down. It will be easy to flip over before installation. Greg informed me of the correct orientation while we were talking AC lines.
I hope to get a lot more done this week and over the weekend. My last goal was start-up in May, but it looks like early June now.
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Out with the old, in with the new.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3247)
Swapped out the N/A differential to my S4 TII today. Props to Don for his differential swap sticky.
CPU harness is routed and CPU is placed in the passenger footwell. I still need to finish up a little wiring with that before buttoning it all up. Radiator is also mounted.
It's getting closer to start-up time...
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I need to revise that sticky a little. I now drop the entire cradle assembly. It's faster and easier.
Rick,
You should look at this sticky as well...
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=3659.0 (http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=3659.0)
With the added torque you might have the same problem I did and bust the pinion tab. If you wanted to get elaborate with it you could go Heim joint or maybe urethane bushing at the joint. I haven't had any problems with the bolt but there is a slight gear whine due to it being semi solid.
It's negligible and I don't really notice it but you could be the judge of that.
With the cradle assembly out it's a piece of cake..................
Doh! :poke: I just realized I sent you the spare "Ray Device" never mind. I'll leave this diatribe for future members builds. :bacon:
BTW, I hope to have my car done by SNS with the stroker but if I don't then I might ride with you. (I might ride with you anyhow because you have a convertible :D)
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I need to revise that sticky a little. I now drop the entire cradle assembly. It's faster and easier.
Rick,
You should look at this sticky as well...
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=3659.0 (http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=3659.0)
With the added torque you might have the same problem I did and bust the pinion tab. If you wanted to get elaborate with it you could go Heim joint or maybe urethane bushing at the joint. I haven't had any problems with the bolt but there is a slight gear whine due to it being semi solid.
It's negligible and I don't really notice it but you could be the judge of that.
With the cradle assembly out it's a piece of cake..................
Doh! :poke: I just realized I sent you the spare "Ray Device" never mind. I'll leave this diatribe for future members builds. :bacon:
BTW, I hope to have my car done by SNS with the stroker but if I don't then I might ride with you. (I might ride with you anyhow because you have a convertible :D)
Don,
I looked at that thread and I was kind of thinking about modifying the Ray Device to address the vibration. I was thinking about using the hole in the front differential mount that is used for the counter-balance for mounting an adjustable link. The other end of the link would drop down vertically and connect through a urethane bushing (like a lower shock eyelet) to a weldment on the subframe. The bushing would isolate some of the vibration to the subframe. I thought that I would leave the front differential mount alone and not box it in like yours. That might be asking for trouble down the road, but I could always go with a Mazdaspeed mount in the future. Getting the car up and running has to happen first.
I hope to see you at SNS. Of course you can ride with me, but if you have the stroker done, I might have to get a ride with you too.
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Certain things have given me grief on the car lately, but I did get some positives done this week.
Made a transmission brace to allow better routing for exhaust.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3268)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3269)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3270)
I had a granny's mount installed, but wasn't looking forward to the exhaust end of it. This seemed like an easy alternative for me.
I managed to get the radiator mounted, accelerator pedal extended, and complete some wiring. I was hoping for a start-up tomorrow, but it just ain't happening. Bleeding the clutch is being a pain and I still can't get one half shaft out. I will read up on the clutch bleeding as I know a lot of people have had issues. The damn half shaft will probably need to come apart and being taken into work and be pressed out. Oh well, changing the bearing would be a good idea anyway.
There is still some wiring to do, and I need to mount the battery. I am not sure of the trunk, or behind the seats. Since it's a convertible, there is plenty of space behind the seats with the spare tire, but access would be a pain. I don't really want to give up trunk space either, so I am undecided at the moment. Suggestions???
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Long day today, actually it's been a pretty long week. Wiring has been the main subject all week. The harness is wired into the Mazda circuits. I have to give credit to Pez for answering my questions with plenty of patience.
Here is where I left things today.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3279)
Harness through the firewall.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3280)
I am not a big fan of the airbag harness routing, but I didn't want to mess with it too much either.
CPU wiring.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3281)
Here it is all tucked away under the cover.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3282)
Tomorrow I plan on switching out the fuel pump and finishing the wiring for it. Then carpet and heater/AC can be bolted back in. The start up is getting pretty close, so I am getting extra motivated.
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This is how the engine is sitting on 6/15/11.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3377)
It seems like a bunch of small stuff needs to be done before starting it up, but I think that I will actually plan for cranking it on Saturday.
The heater hose seems a little close to the header (~1"). I will brace it out of the way and keep an eye on it.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3378)
I hope to have a start video posted Saturday night or Sunday morning.
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Connected battery tonight to check if anything melts. Interior lights came on and warning beeped when I put the key in. I don't have the dash installed, but I did hook up the Integra speedometer. It jumped up to about 60 mph, so I was able to push the needle back on at zero.
It sounded like the pump ran for a couple seconds and then shut off. Is that right? It's an Aeromotive in-tank pump with a relay and signal from the CPU.
I did press in the clutch and bump the starter. It responded, so the first start-up should be a go for tomorrow!
Wish me luck...
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Exciting shit bro!!!! The pump is priming, that is normal.
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Congrats man!
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Can you guess what my mood is right now?
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3379)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3380)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3381)
Both fans indented the core. One fan has obviously run at some time and bore a hole into the radiator. Water started pouring out of this hole after I poured in 3/4 of a gallon. Did this radiator come from Hinson in need of spacers, or did the guy I buy it from take the spacers out? I guess it's a good question, but I will have to try and get it repaired on my own.
Fuck it, I am going to try and start this thing up dry. At least that will tell me if everything else is working. It's too bad that I won't be able to let it run for a while.
Crap...
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aghhh shitty man. I too had cooling issues when i was about to start....my radiator was missing a water level sensor.
Anyway dont let run too long man...would suck to fuck the heads up just because of impatience.
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Minor setback. Take it to a radiator shop and they can patch it up quick.
Sucks though.
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Riddle me this Batman...
No spark, so no start.
Pez is giving me things to check, but nothing is jumping out so far. We have 12 volts on the pink wires at ignition on, and close to 10 volts when cranking. Pez is very patient, because he must feel like he is talking theoretical physics with a three-year-old. Damn, I knew that I should have paid more attention in that stupid EE class in college. My electrical guru/CPU programmer doesn't see any codes. He said the CPU is set up for an automatic (I have a T56). The harness is from a manual car, would that be an issue? He didn't have the file available to switch the CPU to a manual, but will get that loaded in his laptop tonight. We might try to mess with it tomorrow some more.
Minor setback. Take it to a radiator shop and they can patch it up quick.
Sucks though.
No radiator shops are open today, or the ones that are open won't repair an aluminum radiator. Looks like that will have to wait until Monday. I also need to hear back from Hinson about the radiator. It is something that should be able to be repaired, so minor setback or not, it still bites.
aghhh shitty man. I too had cooling issues when i was about to start....my radiator was missing a water level sensor.
Anyway dont let run too long man...would suck to fuck the heads up just because of impatience.
If the engine does get started, it will be short so things don't get hot. Like Sean said, it would suck to mess things up because of being impatient.
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Welp, radiator was finished today and was able to start it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=044zK6j51I8# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=044zK6j51I8#)
Now it's time to get the interior back together and get some exhaust on this thing so it can be driven!
What are good fan temperatures to use? The stock ones seem really high, but I have the stock thermostat.
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Stock are pretty high. I think I ran on at 205 and off at 195 on a stock thermostat and it worked well.
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rick - congrats...its going to be a sweet car- See ya in Oct., Berg
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Wow... congrats dude...! Another one running on the road! Everyone is coming along! That tranny brace looks awesome btw! How did you mock it up? Use the grannys brace as a outline to hold the tranny in place then just mock up the custom one accordingly?
-groovin
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Wow... congrats dude...! Another one running on the road! Everyone is coming along! That tranny brace looks awesome btw! How did you mock it up? Use the grannys brace as a outline to hold the tranny in place then just mock up the custom one accordingly?
-groovin
Thanks.
The Granny's brace was used for placement. It was what I originally intended to use, but decided the exhaust routing would be easier with a brace similar to what I saw atli126 was using as picture in the exhast thread http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1399.105 (http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=1399.105). So I cut and drilled a couple of angle iron pieces and use a small length of metal banding to form a mock-up member. Then I was able to take measurements of the banding for the actual brace. It ended up fitting pretty good right out of the chute. If I was to do it again, I might try to get it a little closer to the transmission.
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First Impressions...
I actually drove the car for the first time today. Only 2/10ths of a mile to just see how if the car still rolled. Plus, it is still open exhaust. Holy crap this car is going to be a lot of fun. I imagine new tires will be needed by SNS. Damn I have to get this exhaust done quick so I can really start driving it.
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Did you use the same mounting points as grannys?
Also, would you be willing to mock up another mount and sell me either or sell me the granny mount?
-groovin
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Did you use the same mounting points as grannys?
-groovin
Mounting point on the body is the stock location for a brace. Transmission location is the same as the Granny's brace would provide.
Also, would you be willing to mock up another mount and sell me either or sell me the granny mount?
-groovin
I won't be making anything for other people. I can be responsible for myself, but don't want to be liable for anyone else. I suggest you talk to Pez or possibly Ronin for this style brace. The Granny's mount will be for sale, so I will PM you about it.
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Put the hood back on and pretty much finished putting the interior back together.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3405)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3406)
I bought some cheapo short stick for the stock shifter. I really like the location, but will wait to pass judgement on the stock shifter. Stock boot fits great. The stock shift knob had the leather worn off, so I will look to replace that soon.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3404)
I am undecided about the Corvette covers. I thought that I would try them out for a while.
Lots of exhaust stuff to order tonight!
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Hell yeah man! Looks great...i like the covers too
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I have been running mine without covers. I purchased covers for it and it looks a lot cleaner that way.
Car looks great man! Go have some fun!
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Looks great, Rick! Can't wait to see it!
Jesse
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This was a little gift to myself.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3424)
Corvette shift knob tapped to fit the Fbody threads. I liked the one on a coworkers Z06 and thought it would work great in the 7. I am not sure about the shifter height, but I will give it some time before I think about making it shorter.
Still wrestling with exhaust. Taking in more parts to be tacked at work tomorrow. Hopefully everything but the tips will be done on Thursday. I should have just bought a welder to do this crap at home. Oh well, maybe next time when I have a good welding project.
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Shift knob looks good, matches the interior well. :)
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Looks great, Rick! Can't wait to see it!
Jesse
Shift knob looks good, matches the interior well. :)
Thanks guys.
I had my first actual drive today since the exhaust is installed. It's a little louder than I expected, but to me it sounds awesome. My wife was the first to ride in it with me, which is only right since she has been a car widow for quite a while. She thought it purred pretty good, so I pushed in the clutch and revved it. So much for the purr...
It's time to work out some minor kinks and adjustments. The motor feels great, but I will give it a little time checking things over before really running it hard.
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My wife likes how it shakes hehehe
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My wife likes how it shakes hehehe
Just another benefit from the swap!
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Ordered a new top today. The old one has the typical holes in the corner, plus one by the rear window. The new top will be cloth instead of vinyl. I don't expect to see a lot of rain, but what are the odds weather will cooperate the entire time at SNS?
Now that the exhaust is on and the car is driving, I will have to get another video made and posted. I drove it to work for the first time to show it off. Everyone was full of compliments. The couple of guys that were lucky enough to score a ride thought it could definitely get me in trouble.
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Right on man! My buddies at work always fight who gets to go to lunch with me when I bring the FC up.
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Ordered a new top today. The old one has the typical holes in the corner, plus one by the rear window. The new top will be cloth instead of vinyl. I don't expect to see a lot of rain, but what are the odds weather will cooperate the entire time at SNS?
Can you give some details please. Where did you buy it from? How much? Why cloth over vinyl, is that water proof? Are you going to install it by yourself ? - (Make sure you post all the details).
Anyways i figured that's enough questions for now. Car looks great tho. As you may not know I have a convertible too. I remember when you started this and I have so much to do still. Great job.
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Ordered a new top today. The old one has the typical holes in the corner, plus one by the rear window. The new top will be cloth instead of vinyl. I don't expect to see a lot of rain, but what are the odds weather will cooperate the entire time at SNS?
Can you give some details please. Where did you buy it from? How much? Why cloth over vinyl, is that water proof? Are you going to install it by yourself ? - (Make sure you post all the details).
Anyways i figured that's enough questions for now. Car looks great tho. As you may not know I have a convertible too. I remember when you started this and I have so much to do still. Great job.
Thanks. The top is from Robbins, just about the only place you can get a cloth top for the RX-7. Shops will charge you a fortune for them, but they all know you can get them cheaper online (eBay). Every shop I talked to had no problem installing it with me bringing it in. This is one thing that I just don't want to dick with, and plan on taking to a shop.
I just like the more expensive look of the cloth over vinyl. You see examples all over on Corvettes, BMW's, etc. They are water proof, so that won't be an issue. I will definitely post some before and after pictures.
I check your build thread too. My car is tame, and yours is pretty balls out. I am definitely looking forward to when you get it running.
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:cheers: I'm pretty sure I'll do the same. You got the right idea.
I am going to google Robbins right now...
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Finished corner weighing the car today. I am not thrilled about the final numbers, but it is a convertible with A/C and all the amenities. Here are the before and after numbers with around 1/4 of a tank.
Before: 3022 lbs total, 53.7% Front, 46.3% Rear.
After: 3173 lbs total, 53.3% Front, 46.7% Rear.
I think there is a lot of weight in the larger transmission. Also, I put in a TII rear end. The battery was moved from the front to behind the seats. It was more weight added than expected, but nearly doubling the horsepower makes one hell of a difference. Well any other power improvements I decide to do in the future will probably not add significant weight.
Now it's time to go out and dick with the clutch. It grabs high off the floor and cannot be adjusted anymore. I think the adapter threads welded on by Hinson it a little long. It is hitting the clutch pedal arm and preventing further adjustment. Probably go hack off about 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch to get everything happy.
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Very interesting. Even though 150lbs were added your ratios remained nearly identical. Perhaps relocating the battery further back may help a bit but would probably negligible. I'm sure it still feels plenty lighter compared to before, at least throttle wise. :drive:
-groovin
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New top is installed!
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3613)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3614)
This is how it looked before.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3612)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3611)
I think the cloth looks pretty nice, especially compared to the old vinyl top. The installer said to wait a couple of weeks before putting it down. The fit is supposed to improve over the next 30 days or so while it forms itself to the frame. It kind of sucks not being able to put the top down for a while, especially since the weather is nice. The car is still a blast to drive with it up though...
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It looks beautiful man. I will sure follow your lead. Do you mind sharing what was the whole cost, parts + labor, of the new top?
And the cloth looks so much better the stock vinyl or whatever it was. Much more contemporary. Congrats and thank you.
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It looks beautiful man. I will sure follow your lead. Do you mind sharing what was the whole cost, parts + labor, of the new top?
And the cloth looks so much better the stock vinyl or whatever it was. Much more contemporary. Congrats and thank you.
The top itself was right around 8 bills, and I found a local shop to install it for 3 bills. Top was from Robbins (Ebay). All of my frame and associated hardware was in good shape. Some of the plastic cracked and had to be epoxied. Kind of expected from a 20 year old convertible.
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New top looks great, makes a big difference having a clean top on a 'vert.
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New top looks great, makes a big difference having a clean top on a 'vert.
I never had the car in the rain much, mostly because of the holes in the top. Maybe with a decent top I won't be so obsessed with avoiding rain.
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Damn that looks fresh! :o Weather does seem to be really nice yesterday and today. At least over in SoCal.
-groovin
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Picked up some new wheels (Thanks Berg).
BBS RGII, 17x8 front and 17x9 rear. Both have a +35 offset. A couple of the wheels had some minor curb rash, so I sent them to a place in town called Wheel Tech www.wheeltechinc.com (http://www.wheeltechinc.com). They welded new metal where the curb rash was, bead blasted the entire rim, repainted the center, and machined the lip.
Now they look brand new.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4420)
Also, they powder coated the back of the rim to help on cleaning off the brake dust.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4421)
All 4 corners are shoed with Nitto NT555's. I am looking to rolling around on these, but the car is on stands because I didn't get my "winter list" done. A couple more weeks and I should have some installed pictures.
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Nice, those look sharp.
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they look like a larger vison of the factory 15" ones .
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they look like a larger vison of the factory 15" ones .
Exactly what I was thinking. They look great! Ya cant beat BBS qaulity.
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Baby's got some new shoes!
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4483)
The car needs some cleaning, but I wanted to take a quick picture. I think the wheels look sharp, and they fit great. Now my brakes will definitely need some attention.
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The car looks great man.
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yes indeed, those wheels are PERFECT for that car...LOOKS FANTASTIC Rick!!
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Looks great Rick!
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Yummy...
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The car looks great man.
yes indeed, those wheels are PERFECT for that car...LOOKS FANTASTIC Rick!!
Looks great Rick!
Yummy...
Thanks guys. It is always a work in progress. The whole idea of the car was just a fun driver, but it keeps getting stuff done to make it cleaner. Eventually it will have bodywork done so it looks nice from less than 20' away.
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just noticed that you are in Nebraska! Im down in Lincoln, and guessing you are in Omaha since thats where that wheel place is. Are you on any local boards?
www.starcityracing.com (http://www.starcityracing.com)
Iv got a sbc swapped 79, roomate has a sbc 81, couple swapped FD's around, and a guy in GI with a nasty FC (built ls, port nitrous).
Car looks amazing though, great job on the swap.
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just noticed that you are in Nebraska! Im down in Lincoln, and guessing you are in Omaha since thats where that wheel place is. Are you on any local boards?
www.starcityracing.com (http://www.starcityracing.com)
Iv got a sbc swapped 79, roomate has a sbc 81, couple swapped FD's around, and a guy in GI with a nasty FC (built ls, port nitrous).
Car looks amazing though, great job on the swap.
I am actually just west of Omaha in Gretna. I grew up in Lincoln, so I am down there often. I will probably be at a couple shows or cruises this summer. Otherwise I hit the main cruise in Omaha at Flashback's during the week. Some of the Mazda guys are pushing me to autocross the car in Lincoln so I can get my clock cleaned by a heavily modified Porsche that would be in my class. I plan on doing at least one race this summer for the hell of it. Who knows, maybe we will run into each other at one of the local events.
I talk to a couple of guys on the Mazda forum in Omaha, but most of my lurking is on norotors.
Thanks for the compliment.
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Have you seen the finalized details for the Ice Cream Cruise? http://starcityracing.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=48290 (http://starcityracing.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=48290)
Iv been through Gretna often. A good friend of mine Kyle Nutter grew up there. I also lived in Omaha for a couple years when I was 16-17. Went to Morton/Burke for awhile.
Next time you plan to come out to Lincoln throw me a PM. Im sure more then a couple of guys around here would like to run ya.
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Have you seen the finalized details for the Ice Cream Cruise? http://starcityracing.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=48290 (http://starcityracing.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=48290)
Iv been through Gretna often. A good friend of mine Kyle Nutter grew up there. I also lived in Omaha for a couple years when I was 16-17. Went to Morton/Burke for awhile.
Next time you plan to come out to Lincoln throw me a PM. Im sure more then a couple of guys around here would like to run ya.
I don't know if the "Ice Cream Cruise" is my thing. Is there really Ice Cream? If there is, then maybe it is my thing...
I am an old guy, so hanging out with the street racing crowd is in my past. My car is more for fun cruising (hence the convertible). Watching some of the guys race at MAM might be pretty cool though. I am sure there are some crazy fast cars that will show up.
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People of all ages show up. Its more of just a giant cruise. Of course there will be douchebag kids there, but ideally some really fast cars should show up. The ricers tend to either go home after or watch, and the faster cars are the ones who go from what I've heard. This will be the first year I make it.
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Always something to do.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=5007)
Also working on getting the A/C installed.
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Had my seats recovered. I am still a little Gimpy, so my wife helped with the heavy lifting. :-[
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=6065)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=6066)
I know most people don't go for the tan interiors, but I love the contrast on a dark car. To me, I think it looks classy. Plus, the black cloth is a lot grippier than the leather. I couldn't part with the headrest speakers, so the stock seats seemed to be a keeper.
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looks nice man! I am glad to hear that you are getting close to be 100% physically :cheers:
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looks nice man! I am glad to hear that you are getting close to be 100% physically :cheers:
Thanks Sean.
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A couple pictures from the local Coffee Cruise.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=6075)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=6076)
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I enjoyed reading this thread. Thanks for the write up, and corresponding pics!!!!!
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Car looks fantastic! Hope we can meet up some time when I go to Hastings for a NASA event.
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Car looks fantastic! Hope we can meet up some time when I go to Hastings for a NASA event.
Thanks, it is a fun cruiser.
Let me know about Hastings, it would be great to see your car blast around the track.
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Just a little update on some playing around the last couple of months.
This is how the engine was sitting the last couple of years. Stock 2001 LS1 (picture from SNS13).
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7198)
I have been planning an LS3 swap for quite some time, but finally started pulling the LS1 in September.
Pulled LS1
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7195)
New hot cam LS3 (LS376/480) ready to drop in.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7194)
Updated the radiator from the Hinson unit to a custom-mount Summit radiator (Thanks to Mazcare for tips).
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7196)
Fan saved from the Hinson setup, and new shroud made.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7192)
New LS3, old LS1 computer... Used the Lingenfelter adapter box to match the reluctor wheel/cam sensors.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7193)
Picture after initial start-up. New Corvette intake setup to finally pull in some cool air.
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7197)
Car idles pretty smooth. The cam is pretty mild, but Charlie said to expect 430 hp to the wheels. From the initial driving, I think he is right on the nose. It is going to be a great package.
Still need to trim the hood and install hood pins. Wiring and detailing will just have to wait until spring as the car is heading for storage. 8.8 upgrade is planned for next year. Spring can't come soon enough. :drive:
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looks good Rick!
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Awesome Rick! We will have to see about meeting up when I am at MAM May 16/17 :cheers:
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Its beautiful.
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looks good Rick!
Thanks, I hope to have it looking pretty keen for SNS. I missed not having a car there last time.
Awesome Rick! We will have to see about meeting up when I am at MAM May 16/17 :cheers:
Hell ya we will have to meet up. I will put that on my calendar right now!
Its beautiful.
Thanks. There is still a lot of little items to do, but that will wait until the warm weather returns.
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That looks factory
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looks great Rick! :cheers:
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That looks factory
That was my original intent, but I will add a little bling here and there in the future. Probably polish some of the aluminum this spring, and add some custom coil covers down the road.
looks great Rick! :cheers:
Thanks Don. I will watch to see how your 8.8 swap goes. Mine is in the basement, so I hope to install that this spring or early summer.
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Definitely wouldn't mind cruising next to this sexy car.
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Definitely wouldn't mind cruising next to this sexy car.
Not much for cruising time left. I drove it to work on Monday, and even had the top down on the way home. It will be going into storage soon, but I hope to have a lot more miles on it next year. This year it spent a lot of time down while I installed the 8.8, and had the LS3 tuned. On the Mustang dyno, it put out 392hp/380tq. It is known as a pretty stingy dyno, but I will run it on a different dyno someday. Car runs great, and I hope we get people together for a norotors meet next year.
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Wish I spent less time working on cars, and more time driving them. Aside from the 8.8 swap, I was busy working on my other toy (1970 GTO Judge).
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7864)
(http://www.norotors.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=7863)
Rebuilt and installed the motor for the GTO, and upgraded the suspension to modern pieces. Motor was stroked and built with forged components. On the engine dyno it made 460hp/560tq. Makes for a fun driver, and receives a lot of attention.
Sometimes it is tough to decide what car to drive, but I am happy to have that issue.
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Ls swapped Rx7 or 450 hp GTO Judge... shit that must be nice haha.
I'm thinking the rx7 needs 150shot through a plate system.
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Hey Rick, I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and the wife went "WOW! That's a nice car" when your GTO popped up. She never notices anything but Aston Martins, so consider that a compliment. ;)
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Ls swapped Rx7 or 450 hp GTO Judge... shit that must be nice haha.
I am a happy man. :)
I'm thinking the rx7 needs 150shot through a plate system.
I keep getting ribbed to boost the 7, but I am pretty happy with the current power level. It was always intended for just being a cruising machine, not a racecar. I don't see going much further on the engine with that one.
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Hey Rick, I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and the wife went "WOW! That's a nice car" when your GTO popped up. She never notices anything but Aston Martins, so consider that a compliment. ;)
That is awesome to hear Blake, thank you for telling me that. I am amazed how many women notice that car. When I took it to a GoodGuys event this summer, one of the registration girls said it was her favorite.
My wife thinks it is too stinky :scratch: (smells like gas).
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It must be the eyebrows. ;)
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Hey Rick, I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and the wife went "WOW! That's a nice car" when your GTO popped up. She never notices anything but Aston Martins, so consider that a compliment. ;)
That is awesome to hear Blake, thank you for telling me that. I am amazed how many women notice that car. When I took it to a GoodGuys event this summer, one of the registration girls said it was her favorite.
My wife thinks it is too stinky :scratch: (smells like gas).
Uhm, are you sure it's not you? :poke: Everyone always blames the car or dog, cat, horse,.... :D
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Hey Rick, I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and the wife went "WOW! That's a nice car" when your GTO popped up. She never notices anything but Aston Martins, so consider that a compliment. ;)
That is awesome to hear Blake, thank you for telling me that. I am amazed how many women notice that car. When I took it to a GoodGuys event this summer, one of the registration girls said it was her favorite.
My wife thinks it is too stinky :scratch: (smells like gas).
Uhm, are you sure it's not you? :poke: Everyone always blames the car or dog, cat, horse,.... :D
Ha, barking spiders...
The real secret to a successful marriage is air fresheners.