:excited: :woot: :woot: :excited:

:thumbsup:

I have a 67 Firebird. I stopped by AC and talked to him about rebuilding a 69 Pontiac block that I have. He had a couple of fully rebuilt al LS long blocks sitting on stands, and said for the same money of rebuilding the Pontiac, I can have one of those. I was restoring the Firebird back to stock, and wanted old school motor. A month ago, I sold the Pontiac motor and began an LS swap. Should have gone LS with AC back then, and could have saved me boat load of $$$.

Tu

One quick question. Who makes your roll bar? I'm thinking of doing the same to my Firebird.

Hey Rick, I just met another local guy here that is doing a 67 Firebird project with an LS engine swap. He just picked up an LS2 out of a GTO a few weeks ago. You’ll be really happy going with the LS engine… you just can’t beat the new technology with computer control, and fuel injection. Also the lighter weight with the aluminum block is nice. I know that I will never go back to a gen 1 carburated engine.

I bought the 4-point roll bar kit from Detroit Speed. It’s a nice design and all of the parts fit perfectly.

Thanks Dale.

Hey Dale,

Back to your clutch set up: I've got a question/caution for you. D&D tells me that their spacer is designed for the LS1 (Camaro) slave, not the ZR1 slave, and that Mark S. used LS1 slaves in his similar setups.

It might be a good idea to compare the sizes of the LS1 and ZR1 slaves to make sure you don't have a problem down the road.

If it works fine now, how could it be a problem down the road? I am just asking because I am new to all of this. I am only in the mock up stages but I have already purchased the complete set up Dale has. Wondering if this is something I should change now.

Good question. A couple of things come to mind:
1. Too much or or not enough release bearing to clutch finger clearance could lead to premature bearing failure, or
2. Too much or not enough wear adjustment could lead to shortened clutch life.

Or it might be just fine as is. Does anybody know of the dimensional differences (if any) between the LS1 and the LS9 slaves? I think that's what we need to know.

I don’t know the dimensional difference is between the LS1 slave and the ZR1 slave, and I’m not sure which bell housing Mark Stielow used on his build. I am using a QT bell part#RM-8020… D&D “ZR1 Clutch Spacer” Part#BC40… GM ZR1 throw out bearing part#24237569… GM pilot bearing part#12557583… GM ZR1 twin disc clutch, and a Katech (Fidanza) aluminum flywheel.

I was very careful to check all the critical dimensions when installing the new transmission and clutch, including the free play on the slave… and the fit of the transmission input shaft to the pilot bearing. Using the parts listed above, everything fit correctly and the clearance between the clutch fingers and slave face was ~0.12”. I did not have to use any shims on the ZR1 slave.

When I called D&D and told them I was installing a ZR1 twin disc clutch and ZR1 slave they asked which bell I was using. They knew exactly which spacer I needed to use with the QT bell. They had the spacer I needed on the shelf. I’ve been driving the car for a couple of months now and everything works great.

I do appreciate the word of caution though… it’s good to have discussions like this. When you mix and match parts things can go wrong.

:lateral:

John, I found out some info on the dimensions for the for the LS1 and LS9 slaves. I contacted Katech and they said the ZR1 LS9 slave is 2-3/8” when compressed. I went to an auto parts store and measured an LS1 slave for a 2002 camaro (AC Delco #386433, Summit #24264182) and it was about 2-1/2” when compressed.

It looks like either the LS1 or LS9 slave would work. The plumbing is slightly different on the two slaves, and the ZR1 slave has a rubber boot covering the spring and the LS1 slave did not… I’m not sure what other differences there might be.

Dale,

I was working on the exact same information. I agree that either should work fine, and I am resting easier myself since my project's drivetrain is all bolted up and installed in the car.

Thanks!

Good news! Thanks for the update Dale. Pretty cool that you took the time to find out this info even though your ride is done. Much appreciated.

No problem guys...

Be sure to report back how you like the clutches... I'm sold on the set up. It's hard to beat the OEM stuff. Super smooth engagement and firm grip.

:lateral:

I'm running the same ZR1 clutch in my Z06. I've got about 300 miles on it, and it's great. Smooth, easy on the leg, etc. No hint of chatter or anything like that. I'm a big fan of OEM clutches too.

track day prep
 

This week I registered for a track day out at Portland International Raceway at the end of June… can’t wait to get back out on the track with the new engine and transmission.

I made a few other mods to the car recently to get ready. New wider front rims and tires... replaced the Bilstein shocks with Hotchkis Tuned Fox shocks... and I modified the exhaust system with new mufflers and larger diameter tailpipes.


Here is a shot of the new 9" wide rims. The old rims were 8".

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...psb89cbbc6.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps973e5ccc.jpg


I went with Nitto NT01's 255/40/ZR17 which is 10.35 inches wide (about 5/8" wider than what I had before). I added some adjustable stops on the Global West A-arms so I could prevent the inside of the tire from rubbing on the sub frame rail.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps17a5fafb.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0e12ee00.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6009eb6b.jpg


I took about 60 LBS off the front off the car with the new engine and increased the footprint of the front tire... this should help to balance out the handling and reduce the push some.

One other thing I want to do is mount a fire extinguisher to the DSE 4 point roll bar on the upright. Not sure what most guys are using... open to ideas.

:lateral:

Dale, I'm using a mount from Scott Drake (bought it from CJ pony parts).

http://www.cjponyparts.com/scott-dra...r-mount/p/FEM/

Tu

fine tuning and tweaking
 

Over the past few weeks I have been doing some fine tuning on the car since I have finished the main job of installing the new LS engine, dry sump pump system, GM ECM, new fuel system, T56 magnum trans, and LS9 ZR1 twin disc hydraulic clutch set up.


Here is some of the stuff I have been working on… I changed out the 2-1/2” tailpipes for 3”. There was a noticeable difference... the engine breathes better now and the exhaust tone is deeper.


http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7c781e41.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9690cc08.jpg


http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9adae11a.jpg


I replaced the Bilstein shocks with the new Hotchkis Tuned Fox Shocks

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2aebea1a.jpg


http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps34f3c7b5.jpg


The shafts on the Fox shocks are larger diameter than the Bilsteins

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps839976ec.jpg


The new shocks feel good on the street... not sure how they will work on the track yet... we'll see this Friday.


I brought the car in to have the camber, caster, and toe set up. I went with 1.5 degrees negative camber, 5.5 degrees caster, and zero on the toe

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps344e5dc6.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps04eef96c.jpg


Next... I installed some new bling!... Katech carbon fiber valves covers :cool:

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9f67b686.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps92aa9cc2.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...psd7d5454a.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps63da7402.jpg


Next up... the new Halon fire extinguisher set up, and new digital tach with shift light. It's nice to have all the hard work behind me now so I can finally enjoy the car...

:relax:

Dale - Absolutely beautiful! :thumbsup:

Way to go Dale! Looking forward to your impression of the shocks and if the valve covers meet your expectations.

X2! :thumbsup:

motor is looking good Dale,nice car

Great job Dale! I love all the detail in your posts. This will be a good blue print for any one wanting todo this kind of upgrades :thumbsup: thanks for taking the time to post up for everyone!

Very nice, thanx for the detailed write up. Everything looks first rate and very reliable...

Mike

Thank you Sieg... appreciate the compliment!

Thanks Ron, I have had some problems with the T&D shaft rockers hitting on the aluminum flanges on the new carbon fiber valve covers... I had to do some grinding to get clearance... I'll post up more details of the fix later on. It's really hard to find valve covers that will clear the T&D rockers. Yeah I'm looking forward to testing out the shocks tomorrow... and the other stuff!

Thanks Skip!

Thanks guys... appreciate all the kind words!

:thankyou:

Dale, just wondering what kind of a pain it was on the those valve covers. I have the Katech covers also and I will be running Comp Cams shaft rockers which I think are made by T&D. All my engine components just arrived to Wegner Motorsports this week. Casey Wegner warned me they were having trouble finding valve covers to clear shaft rockers on another build they were doing. I just got the valve covers so I have not shipped them to Wegner yet. Wondering what the work was to make them work so I can let Casey know.

Thanks Rick.... I ended up getting a mount from HalGuard that clamped onto my DSE roll bar. This worked out good.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4565716d.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...pse92c6e2f.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3780b4ec.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...psbd05c3bb.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7d92e9ce.jpg

The fire extinguisher is an H3R HalGuard clean agent 2-1/2 lb Halon filled unit, and HalGuard brand mounts. Nice quality parts.


In prep for the track day tomorrow I also installed a digital tach with shift light. The stock tach built into the dash is difficult to see through the steering wheel. I programmed the shift light to come on at 6,900 rpm. The ECM controlled rev limiter is set at 7,200. The shift light is at the upper left side of the tach

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...pscc4f8ea9.jpg

The big red light on the far left is a warning light that will come on if my oil pressure drops below 18 psi. The gauge to the right of the light is my wideband A/F gauge. I can pretty much keep an eye on all the important stuff with a glance now.



I'm packed up now and ready to get the car back out on the track tomorrow... :cool:

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...psdcda9070.jpg


New Contour action camera set up with remote Zoom mic.

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps23577651.jpg

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/...ps384724c2.jpg

I found a nice spot on my helmet for my new Lat-G decal :thumbsup:

Greg... I'll post up some pics tomorrow to show how I modified the covers...

Awesome, thanks Dale!

You go Dale... have a blast and be safe.

Post 186, FTW! Have fun and be safe Dale :thumbsup:

Dale,

I've really enjoyed your thread except I've come down with serious engine envy now. :)

Is the HalGuard fire extinguisher mount part # BB250P? I wanted to make sure before I ordered one.

Thanks

Bryan

Thanks Guys :thumbsup: Wow... what a fun day!


The car ran great... the new engine is awesome on the track :D. Accelerates hard... rev's way up and runs super smooth. This was a whole new experience for me with the new engine and T56 trans. I will be running on adrenaline all weekend after this!

I have been doing this for several years now and this is the first time I have gone out on a track day and had zero leaks... no engine oil leaks ... no trans oil leaks... coolant leaks... or power steering fluid leaks. The engine ran at 180 degrees with no heating issues... I think having the dry sump system and extra volume of oil may play a part in this.

I took some video out on the track today and will post up tomorrow.

:lateral: :cheers:

Thanks Bryan!

Here is the info on the fire extinguisher and mounts thatI used...
part number for fire extinguisher: HTR-HG250B
part number for billet sleeve that fits fire extinguisher: HTR-BMR01B
Part number for 1-5/8" band clamp that fits DSE roll bar: HTR-BB250B

:thumbsup:

Awesome! How was the trans? Shifting a little balky? Mine has just over 1.5K miles now and it's shifting noticeably smoother. Great job of wrenching to have a no incident first track day. :thumbsup:

Can't wait to see the video and number of NRE victims. :thumbsup:

Isn't it great when you pull off the track with no drama? That's attention to detail in all respects. Nicely done.

How was your front tire wear?

I may get in touch with you about the LS9 clutch. I may have to go that route.

Nice to hear you had a successful outing! It's a little nerve wracking to the build up.... so good to know everything went even better than planned.

I swear every time I wipe a little oil drip from under the rear seal area of the '32.... I'm going to rip it out and stick a LS motor in there! Maybe that's why the '33 is being built with one... ya think?

:lol:

Thanks Sieg :thumbsup: I was happy not to have any mechanical issues. The trans shifted great...I had to get used to shifting down from 4th to 3rd... a couple times I almost went into 5th. I think I broke in the trans pretty good out at PIR, I gave it a good test for sure!

Thank you Carl, I appreciate the compliment.... The front end was set up pretty well, I had even temps and across the face of the tire. I was running NT01's at 34 psi cold on the front tires. The tires did show some wear but not excessive. The car is very close to being balanced now with the lighter weight on the front end with the aluminum LS engine. The lighter weight on the front was very noticeable.

Give me a call anytime to talk clutches... the LS9 clutch has great grip... is very quiet... and will take lots of abuse :thumbsup:

Thanks Greg! ... you are absolutely right on, it is very nerve wracking getting out on the track for the first time after making lots of changes to the car... I couldn't be happier now... it all worked out great.

It's tough to beat the LS engines... I'm glad I don't have to fight the oil leaks anymore!

track day video part 1
 

Here is a 9 minute video segment from one of the HPDE sessions I ran on Friday. I used my new contour camera mounted on the passenger window with a remote mic laying on the floor. Peak speeds on the front and back straights was 120 - 125 mph on a good lap.

The video starts after everyone has spread out and I have some open space... I was trying to catch the yellow Lotus!



:lateral:

That Lotus didn't stand a chance.

Looked like you had a blast out there. Very nice looking track as well.

nice video Dale,looks like alot of fun