February 19, 2025, 06:40:19 PM

Author Topic: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread  (Read 252058 times)

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #540 on: February 27, 2020, 05:19:30 PM »
Finally got into rebuilding the diff and it's fighting me all the way.

The carrier bearings war on super tight. It took heat and a lot of grunt to get those off but managed to replace them with the new ones. The ones on there had been replaced before (made by bower IIRC) but the pinion bearings looked original.

The pinion bearings were in pretty good condition except for the fact that you can see where someone has hit them on with a punch instead of pressing them on.

The pinion shim was a little scored so I swapped it out with the new ones from Ford. Here's where the second problem occurred. The Ford shims had too small an internal diameter and although they fit on the shaft, the were resting on the chamfer rather than the flat face so I had to file them down. I pressed the bearing on and set about sorting the spacer. Enter problem 3. I got a Ratech spacer kit so I didn't have to worry about crush sleeves and the bloody thing didn't fit. Like with the shims, the spacer sat on the chamfer rather than the flat surface. This meant it was giving really bad (or none) pinion pre-load. So after at least 10 assembles and reassembles we ended up using the thinnest shim and putting the spacer in the lathe (it wasn't even flat) to put an inner bevel on it and also took some it down a little as the smallest shim wasn't small enough.

Well, all of that took nearly all day (at least 12 hours) so I have to go back to the workshop and spend another day making the case spreader and fitting the carrier and shims.

On the good side it's clear to see that the carrier bearing was shot.


http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline MPbdy

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #541 on: February 27, 2020, 05:45:40 PM »
I had to cut the bearings off my last 8.8, and then the pinion bearing was near impossible to install. Took sketchy levels of force on the harbor freight press to get on.

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #542 on: August 25, 2020, 01:03:23 PM »
Long time no posts but I have been going through a shit storm with this diff. got it all back together after struggling to find new c lips, only to realise that the bearings have been spinning so I need to take it out again.

I primed the pump today just to check the fuel pressure, but strangely, even after fitting a check valve, the fuel pressure doesn't hold once it's primed. There is also a very strong fuel smell.

I did manage to make so new brackets for the bonnet struts.

I also finished building the new shroud with dual spal fans. This gave me better clearance to the water pump which was rubbing against the old fan.
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline MPbdy

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #543 on: August 25, 2020, 01:34:44 PM »
So this tripped me out a bit too - my magnafuel regulator doesn’t show pressure against it after priming. I guess the check valves don’t necessarily hold pressure, but they do prevent all the fuel from leaking down.

Fuel smell is usually a bad sign, but can linger if you recently broke the lines.

I just went through your same worry.

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #544 on: August 25, 2020, 02:12:49 PM »
I've not broke the lines. It's been stood for a few months. I didn't start it up either.

Interesting about the check valve though.

The fuel smell could well be the way I have the an fittings going through the bulkhead. They are sealed with teflon washera. And I. Not 100% happy with that.
« Last Edit: August 25, 2020, 02:34:26 PM by Gunnytron »
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline MPbdy

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #545 on: August 25, 2020, 02:33:50 PM »
If it builds pressure right away when you prime it you know the check valve is working for you.

If you've removed the charcoal canister, fuel smell can be the tank vent but it would be a good idea to go around and check all the clamps/fittings after you've had pressure against it.

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #546 on: August 25, 2020, 02:35:19 PM »
If it builds pressure right away when you prime it you know the check valve is working for you.

If you've removed the charcoal canister, fuel smell can be the tank vent but it would be a good idea to go around and check all the clamps/fittings after you've had pressure against it.

Instill have the cannister but will have a check around.
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #547 on: August 26, 2020, 12:13:48 PM »
So this tripped me out a bit too - my magnafuel regulator doesn’t show pressure against it after priming. I guess the check valves don’t necessarily hold pressure, but they do prevent all the fuel from leaking down.

Fuel smell is usually a bad sign, but can linger if you recently broke the lines.

I just went through your same worry.

Interestingly I primed the car again today and it didn't smell of fuel.

Also the fuel rail is now holding pressure steadily at 58psi once i turn the ignition off. Perhaps there was air in the system?
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #548 on: August 31, 2020, 05:02:22 PM »




http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline tai-lun

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #549 on: August 31, 2020, 06:23:55 PM »
Wrinkle black looks good, what else have you done in the bay?
Tai - 93 LS2 Ronin Widebody FD
Build Thread: https://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=9172.210

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #550 on: August 31, 2020, 06:56:54 PM »
Wrinkle black looks good, what else have you done in the bay?

It's great for covering up dodgy fabrication work too (the hinge brackets).

The ticket covers are wrinkle black as is the throttle cable bracket. Most other things are satin black.
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #551 on: September 24, 2020, 02:21:16 PM »
I've been spending way too long trying to figure out the wiring for my cooling fans. If you feel like laughing at my lack of understanding the thread that documents it is here: https://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=27524.0

Here is the final wiring diagram I used


The fan controllers are from a Jeep. I didn't realise that they needed to be mounted to the chassis so that the heat gets drawn away. My solution for that was to mount the first SSR directly to the fan shroud. I used thermal paste.

The second one is mounted above it on an ali plate. I riveted a motherboard heatsink using thermal paste on that and the SSR. Hopefully that is enough to keep it cool.











I've also got the diff back in and the car back on it's wheels. Just need to finish filling the diff then I should be able to take it out for testing, breaking in.

http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.

Offline digitalsolo

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #552 on: September 24, 2020, 06:23:53 PM »
I don't know how much that north bridge sink will do, but it can't hurt!   Install looks good.
Blake MF'ing McBride
1988 Mazda RX7 - Turbo LS1/T56/ProEFI/8.8/Not Slow...   sold.
1965 Mustang Coupe - TT Coyote, TR6060, modern brakes/suspension...
2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - Gen V LT4/TR6060, upper/lower pullies, headers, tune.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance - Stock...ish.

Offline Exidous

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #553 on: September 25, 2020, 11:37:35 PM »
Most solid state electronics are not a big fan of 100°C. 100°C is pretty much exactly where that plate will sit.
94 BB Sleeved gen IV LS7, MS3ProU with TC, RONIN 8.8 and LT's with custom 3.5"single to VAREX muffler.

Offline Gunnytron

Re: UK RHD LS1 8.8 FD Gunnytron's build thread
« Reply #554 on: September 26, 2020, 01:24:23 AM »
Most solid state electronics are not a big fan of 100°C. 100°C is pretty much exactly where that plate will sit.

How did you come to that conclusion?

Any suggestions for improvement?
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=12880.0
FD, LS1 running 220 3.90 Trickflow heads, Comp Ultra-gold Arc 1.72 Rockers, 7.550 BTR Pushrods, BTR Stage II NA Cam 227/234 .614"/.576" 113+2, ARP Head Bolts, BTR Platinum Springs, Ported FAST 90, NW 90mm TB, FAST 60lb Injectors, Textralia Clutch/Flywheel, T56, Cobra 8.8, 31 spline, trac-loc 3.55 Diff, Holley HP EFI, Racelogic TC.