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removed the last vestiges of Optima 2023.... put the wing back where it belongs
https://i.imgur.com/v86aUN1h.jpg time to start considering what the front is going to look like - I don't think I'm getting enough air for cooling and adding more hp isn't going to help on that front (yes 511 ci is in sight) time to make the second baffle... https://i.imgur.com/GhXiy5Jh.jpg I'm going to fasten this differently - not sure how, yet, but it's important to get this all together https://i.imgur.com/MoVwKeQh.jpg because I dug all this stuff out https://i.imgur.com/u7YSew0h.jpg https://i.imgur.com/e2OTXEah.jpg Paul's C3 - its motor is about ready to come out and several bits from my C3 are going on his motor... my plan is to get the hard parts on the motor - though I may get dead stopped because I'm not 100% sure I have an intake gasket |
time to do this
https://i.imgur.com/GCYIsNlh.jpg pictures to give a reference for putting all this stuff in Paul's car https://i.imgur.com/KNwYPMwh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qEMTfl8h.jpg https://i.imgur.com/M2Wyzeuh.jpg I hope this fixes the oil pressure problem - it certainly looks like it might be too much lift... but there's another problem and that's they were just too tight in the bores. The Comp lifters are much smoother https://i.imgur.com/1xtIQRfh.jpg and I'm just going to pretend I didn't see the cam.... billet cam. It'll be fine. Or it won't. I'm not doing anything with it at the moment.... https://i.imgur.com/AjZNJp2h.jpg wow, even room under the hood https://i.imgur.com/GthQY6sh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/P7Mi42Bh.jpg |
One bite at a time... cooling
as much as I don't like chrome, it fits https://i.imgur.com/v2wbWhMh.jpg then fix the coolant bypass.... for whatever reason, the FiTech coolant hole is about 1" closer to the water pump https://i.imgur.com/S2R6qZzh.jpg rant ON I paid money for a throttle cable adapter for this manifold. It simply doesn't work.... hell, I'm not even sure the pieces bolt together.... I've been apologetic about FiTech but this is quite literally it. Never use them.* https://i.imgur.com/mEXV0Xyh.jpg the bracket needs to be 5/8" wider to clear the throttle body.... now I either have to make or buy something else... in an effort to calm down....I dropped the cam sensor in place - not the right place, but the place where the cat won't knock it off the bench... https://i.imgur.com/ADSvyeQh.jpg but that is progress.... but now I need another bracket, and the more I look at it, the more likely I'm going to re-engineer the cooling system. I'm tired of cooling problems... *I'll relate the story - but my first issue with them was faulty injectors on my FJ40 landcruiser. They did right by me and sent new injectors (which, to date, solve the problem). But now let's roll forward, I have had nothing but problems with their 800+ system. To the point that on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, I drove from Willow Springs to their office to pick up a new computer. Which, I wouldn't have needed to buy if their 'tech' had called me back when the phone disconnected at Willow Springs (took more then an hour to get through).... not 100% their fault, but the cost, time and missing my first Optima Challenge greatly annoyed me since I drove 1200 miles (a direction) to go play. Their response? "sorry"... Okay, don't trust their electronics, check, but they make the only intake that will fit under my hood (without the gyrations I had before).... the holley was a stop gap before what I'm doing now.... but those people can't even make a bracket without screwing it up. I'm done. RantOFF. |
2 Attachment(s)
Yours looks like a copy of the Holley bracket I was using before I swapped to drive by wire TB. Did you have it assembled like this? Mine had plenty of room around the TB. Wouldn't work if you had it swapped the opposite direction.
https://www.holley.com/products/fuel...saAuAwEALw_wcB |
Quote:
and I'm back because the first step is always, take it further apart https://i.imgur.com/FekAUxOh.jpg time to pull the radiator (the hood wasn't a lot of fun by myself...) https://i.imgur.com/j1ix9bNh.jpg there will be re-engineering - this bar causes cooling issues because it blocks the normal outlet port https://i.imgur.com/ebeG3IZh.jpg red light, it works https://i.imgur.com/21ss19fh.jpg and the crank trigger/wheel is in place https://i.imgur.com/S5syyCbh.jpg looks like alignment is my next trick https://i.imgur.com/Byyzl0Rh.jpg that said, it wasn't that great to begin with https://i.imgur.com/gSlL2ulh.jpg |
time to refit the Corvette radiator. well, the C3 Corvette radiator, the last was from a Z06 and it wasn't enough....
https://i.imgur.com/xXysD68h.jpg ain't going to win any award for the engine compartment... eff em. https://i.imgur.com/64gtVDxh.jpg I've spent WAY too much time on this.... there isn't a great spot and this has issues with its closeness to the alternator... but if I have to shield it, oh well... see the comment about show portion of life https://i.imgur.com/FTHVCWHh.jpg that said, I have a lot of respect for a clean engine bay builder... but not enough to spend another year or two on this https://i.imgur.com/SR41cHDh.jpg first is build brackets https://i.imgur.com/I3LYHs7h.jpg then tack them to the top of the frame... need to finish weld and paint... but time to move on https://i.imgur.com/gBHSJydh.jpg and the regulator is installed https://i.imgur.com/J6sTAB9h.jpg |
the $400 plug
FAST doesn't include the other half of this plug with their kit.... fyi. https://i.imgur.com/r8UP3xah.jpg reality is it's about $90 ($10 for plug, $70 for "should work" crimper, plus tax and transport).... but still, a little frustrating if you don't know |
As we all know, I LOVE wiring. Read that again. That is a lie. So what do I buy at SEMA? more wiring
https://i.imgur.com/fF28pTxh.jpg this isn't complaining, just explaining. I run by myself - no tire temp checkers, no pit crew, it's me. And at SEMA, I saw something that I think will be the utter cat's pjs for me. It gives me 120 degrees of temperature (real time). so with one sensor, I can monitor brake temp and tire temps. But wait, there's more. It also monitors tire pressure. https://i.imgur.com/8hUo4wih.jpg I really think it will be a game changer for me. display screen it also blue-tooth connects to apple or android. https://i.imgur.com/baYUkW3h.jpg basically, it mounts above the wheel (on the inside, vertically) and gives me a reading across 120 degrees. Did I mention that it also tells me how far the suspension is traveling? not cheap but invaluable for someone like me. https://i.imgur.com/anBW6Pyh.jpg and yes, I thought a bit about sharing - why help competitors? well, here's the reason, I like the Australians who make this. I want them to win (small, son and dad business).... so I'll wire a bit more. And mount it so that I can move it between cars... the tire pressure monitors screw onto the air fill.... which means I could use it on my 4x4 too forgot, it also has a can-bus plug so it will work with your existing track gear..... |
an update of the rest of the project
To get the larger radiator in, I need to remove this piece https://i.imgur.com/PHj4o77h.jpg it was useful for the original build, but I'm going to move where it lands and add to the area in front so I can install tow hooks https://i.imgur.com/J9fdvZbh.jpg amazing how much there is on my list.... but getting there https://i.imgur.com/WGavKpZh.jpg a reminder to call FiTech tomorrow. Apparently, this one won't work (so I was told)... replacement is supposed to be free - so hopefully I can put done on the throttle https://i.imgur.com/usP38oLh.jpg about the hardest part of this was soldering stuff together - most was pretty much plug and play but not this time... 4 into 1 wiring https://i.imgur.com/qV19whXh.jpg fine wiring... done https://i.imgur.com/eRyG2Rkh.jpg I don't get it, it's like I do wiring and everything blows up. I have a short in the shop, working on the welder on the '40, doing the Corvette, and the Blazer is just one large wiring project itself.... then this went down https://i.imgur.com/GWZ7EAhh.jpg bit of solder and it was fixed but those high impedance air gaps will get your every time |
oooo shiny baubles. I like shiny things
https://i.imgur.com/jAbje1W.jpg remove the old https://i.imgur.com/dzruv0vh.jpg seal some bolts https://i.imgur.com/PeqGOvOh.jpg spray some sealant https://i.imgur.com/rp4H3GXh.jpg and install https://i.imgur.com/GlFdDw7h.jpg the disaster that was the space behind the manifold is starting to look better https://i.imgur.com/veuq77t.jpg not perfect, but closer https://i.imgur.com/3LvOo5Fh.jpg talking to FiTech and holley - they suggested just doing deadhead runs to the rails. I can't do it. too many air locks on diesels so with a couple 45 degree fittings and some tube https://i.imgur.com/DoGV2JOh.jpg and the cross over is built https://i.imgur.com/4ST54yR.jpg radiator still fits, bonus https://i.imgur.com/8rkVk5Uh.jpg the next step is more wiring work - I'm going to move the 2nd fuse block and relay block. Apparently, someone thought the red strip on the back of the motor was how I wired.... so I'll make it go away and add a box where they can be assured it was done right then and now. That said, I hate the individual fuse holders - they were there for convenience, time for them to go |
tomorrow I'll power it up... not done, but I can make sure I'm not releasing smoke....
did I ever mention I hate wiring? https://i.imgur.com/7xp7MSKh.jpg case in point, I had to trace and find a wire so I have a tachometer signal. Then forgot I needed to have 2 wires connected https://i.imgur.com/QqKcdjeh.jpg I may now weld with brass often, but its welding rod works great for fishing wires https://i.imgur.com/UahIp6dh.jpg need to add another bank of relays and fuses... https://i.imgur.com/GmCoLJph.jpg what's left? power the water pump radiator system and fans brackets for PS pump and alternator oil pressure sender solve the MAP sensor dilemma... probably just a wiring choice but it needs to be done. |
onto new brackets
https://i.imgur.com/9thAFNCh.jpg which doesn't yet solve the problem - but it's a step https://i.imgur.com/1ndq0eLh.jpg when I do my next BBC, I'm going to either embed the magnets in the balancer or run a reluctor wheel like they did on the 8.1 and 632 motors.... |
so I did get FiTech's 'update' .... tried it tonight. I feel like sending them gold stars.
problem one, it doesn't actually clear https://i.imgur.com/ZTnXUsq.jpg problem 2, it's not square to the throttle https://i.imgur.com/YhahEAi.jpg problem 3, pretty sure it won't work in an optimal situation (e.g. one without an automatic) https://i.imgur.com/gOi0XrD.jpg not their problem but I also don't think it clears the hood... there has to be a better way, and it'll be me who builds it. As for FiTech, they're still in business even with all the negative publicity - good for them, poor suckers. |
a bit of wiring accomplished
how I wire... bare wire connectors covered by shrink tube https://i.imgur.com/WaVaNBN.jpg and wiring in a MSD solid state relay. runs 2 fans, water pump, and fuel pump https://i.imgur.com/v7LSMPC.jpg |
Sensors work, fuel line leaks (well, after I swapped the lines)
https://i.imgur.com/NoiNawwh.jpg remove sensor for now https://i.imgur.com/pmERZtCh.jpg start on accessories https://i.imgur.com/cWMSQpkh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Kdl7NM3h.jpg It does pop.... which means I have spark and fuel, just not at the right time. Add to this that I zero lashed the rockers - and I have a couple steps before it truly makes sweet noise (like putting a cooling system together and making the accessories work). I have questions about spark control... and I need to spend some quality time understanding what I need to do.... but still, it will run. is it enough that I'll do Optima this year? probably not. I might sign up for Portland - but I'm leaning strongly against it, I don't want to be in the same rush I was last year that resulted in not enough testing and too much breakage. Merry Christmas |
and now it runs... onto cooling
90% prep, 10% work.... tonight I got started by cutting down a knife die to use in my press. For those curious, I have FAR more money in dies then I do press.... https://i.imgur.com/ZaXA0kAh.jpg knife die is a die that will bend 135*... this is the bottom of the die I cut https://i.imgur.com/eWZdrA4h.jpg so here's a visual of why I'm doing this.... I now have 4" above the radiator to run the intake. The old piece is on https://i.imgur.com/NMbB59Eh.jpg what came out of the bending process - it'd be nice to have a CNC, hydraulic brake but for now I have a BFH https://i.imgur.com/LCISTw9h.jpg after cutting and bending and pounding https://i.imgur.com/SSj2ydwh.jpg lots of fitting... here, I made a mistake, I should have flattened the knife brakes before I bent the 90* front bend.... now it won't go into the brake https://i.imgur.com/iWdENXfh.jpg before I made the shroud fit https://i.imgur.com/hAcCqAch.jpg test fit https://i.imgur.com/HhTQm3Fh.jpg where I finished.... lots more to do such as blow holes to allow air into the bottom of the radiator https://i.imgur.com/cMP2xT7h.jpg |
I caved. I'm running Optima again this year in Portland. Love the track, hate the location but it's my home track. I wish I could run Thunderhill and/or Leguna Seca - but I won't be ready....
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two envisionings tonight. Hmm... spellchk doesn't like that
First.. where to put the reservoir https://i.imgur.com/Sz8y1qYh.jpg need to make a hole https://i.imgur.com/AZ8NfNUh.jpg here it will be https://i.imgur.com/WW3e7Evh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/cyTEBrVh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pxbCDWuh.jpg then onto the radiator - more specifically, the air intake https://i.imgur.com/lgxHedkh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/N1gRIEQh.jpg move it 30* then it works just fine https://i.imgur.com/IEDtNtNh.jpg still don't know what air cleaner, so this is back in play - my first C3 Corvette had this for an air cleaner because, even though it was a SBC, hood clearance was an issue. https://i.imgur.com/1vqvxQjh.jpg the first C3 I ground up built - and, since it's story time, it's the car I bought the flares for but couldn't convince myself to cut it up to put on the flares.... dumb dumb dumb dumb - except this car would eat that one's lunch - it had all the bolt ons that Optima seems so enamored with..... *shrug* https://i.imgur.com/fIf1RyBh.jpg |
forgot to mention - the problem I had with updating the turtles for the Team Plus sensors was I needed to update my USB driver.... I hate computers
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story time with FedUp.
To bring us up to speed, FedUp did a 20 mph driveby on Saturday - all while pressing the 'recipient rejected' button on their handheld.* According to FedUp, they saved me having to file a claim when they drove by my house. That I didn't reject it, rather, the package was damaged. When asked if they planned to add that 'reason' for the driver, their answer was "it's already there" alrighty then. So here it is, lesson learned. In talking to Jegs for the 4th time this morning, I found out that if I call my order in that they can send via UPS for the same price. That would be call-in Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm eastern time. That said, Summit needs the same thing - after all, unless you call in your order, they'll send it from Georgia just because the AI told them to - but if you call your order in, then you won't have a problem (yeah, right) It's a brave new world, folks. *out of professional courtesy, I wonder at what FedUp did on the truck to my house to damage 3 AN fittings... after all, it had to be on the truck rather then somewhere on the route because they would have 'caught' it before the 2 week late delivery.... ah, the mysteries of life. |
last night, issues
https://i.imgur.com/uJNOrwXh.jpg and now fixed https://i.imgur.com/CkzO7jWh.jpg new issue.... making the old upper hose work https://i.imgur.com/uJNOrwXh.jpg cut the offending angle off https://i.imgur.com/cEn0jroh.jpg then weld back on https://i.imgur.com/bawHvJTh.jpg and fit https://i.imgur.com/9irlFWMh.jpg still have to put a bleed valve on top but close https://i.imgur.com/Q8XDHOuh.jpg moved the temp sensor from the front to the top https://i.imgur.com/9irlFWMh.jpg I swear I should put a zipper to take the hood off... https://i.imgur.com/xhFWBLwh.jpg another view https://i.imgur.com/0VkVcLxh.jpg |
time to finish up the cooling system
https://i.imgur.com/OhnRb2qh.jpg plumb the tank https://i.imgur.com/tiLGaXFh.jpg first, paint the mount https://i.imgur.com/PeT6adBh.jpg then the layout https://i.imgur.com/Nh3I99uh.jpg Thursday, the stainless upper hose was in progress. Needed a bleeder as this is the highest point https://i.imgur.com/uFXAme8h.jpg because the metal is only 16 ga, I put a plug in the top then tapped it for the bleeder https://i.imgur.com/OtiR169h.jpg finished here https://i.imgur.com/PqsvM9zh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xlbFMCdh.jpg you know, I could have finished this all pretty, but f*** that - gotta give the haters something to hate on https://i.imgur.com/bOe6mcah.jpg then a solid aluminum tube for the lower hose https://i.imgur.com/ks7rVwIh.jpg once mounted time to connect the AN side https://i.imgur.com/fZUTOEsh.jpg on unfinished tasks.... painted the lower valence https://i.imgur.com/uk5xUB7h.jpg we end on my favorite task... wiring... it was comforting to read that my plan will void the warranty https://i.imgur.com/9Mk75qWh.jpg this isn't the void part... but I can't imagine putting the controller on the bumper support is a recommended procedure https://i.imgur.com/ZlRO287h.jpg grounding done (now we're voiding) https://i.imgur.com/6t8Zxh3h.jpg and the cooling system is holding fluid just fine... |
List to finish this round
1) finish fan system - that includes a switch to power the fan and the water pump while I'm sitting between rounds 2) attach the side pipes 3) wrap the sidepipes 4) make it so the gas tank can't slide in its straps (yeah, really) 5) tow hooks 6) reinstall interior 7) build air cleaner 8) tune.... 9) build rear cover/defuser 10) install front spoiler *eventually build an exhaust system that's side pipe but actually doesn't kill power and is tunable *put dual adjustable coilovers |
lower valence installed
https://i.imgur.com/O7a0k06h.jpg this removed. I don't need it. Called Derale today, we talked about what I was doing and cleared up a misconception..... that they are computer controlled motors. They're not in this case, it's a 2 speed motor thus I can control it with my Holley computer. Key here, if you're copying, is you MUST start the fan on low speed then double the speed by adding power to the high side of the motor. https://i.imgur.com/hFemfrbh.jpg and wired https://i.imgur.com/a78Zg8Ph.jpg With substantially tuning, it's drivable now but I still need an air cleaner https://i.imgur.com/bdaSrqph.jpg hmm https://i.imgur.com/2rEWiD0h.jpg probably this https://i.imgur.com/xWufxZhh.jpg all i have to do now is build it https://i.imgur.com/BwLYBDnh.jpg |
first... trim the tray to make more sense then do a first piece
https://i.imgur.com/K27PmTmh.jpg then a top piece https://i.imgur.com/V9UODnFh.jpg next side panels https://i.imgur.com/Zejb2Dhh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/o4tOdoch.jpg other side.... keep in mind the motor is off-centered from GM so steering and brakes can be in the engine compartment... not as noticeable until you do something like this https://i.imgur.com/bHGuH7Th.jpg finished product.... well, finished CAD https://i.imgur.com/xMLTNhuh.jpg tomorrow, make this out of aluminum |
time for a test fit
https://i.imgur.com/M2wLqodh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KpVIRNzh.jpg someone mentioned I don't know how to weld aluminum.... this wasn't me, it was magick https://i.imgur.com/GbcVqTnh.jpg then weld in the stand https://i.imgur.com/0lTgLohh.jpg then install the hood https://i.imgur.com/lz7RvCRh.jpg some say I don't learn - I say, see the hood and I'm checking clearance before I build the top piece? yeah, lurnin' https://i.imgur.com/vpCEEMuh.jpg and it clears... woo and hoo! https://i.imgur.com/hFcsWF0h.jpg time to cut out the top pieces https://i.imgur.com/ANoIlQnh.jpg then time to temper the metal https://i.imgur.com/YSf76pIh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zy2h0Efh.jpg soot https://i.imgur.com/6cNdproh.jpg and then I question why I didn't pick up 5152 or 3003 aluminum on Friday... https://i.imgur.com/unXxr9rh.jpg I'm going to try to bend this around but I give it about a 30% chance |
onward back to metal manipulation
https://i.imgur.com/Phcq9zxh.jpg key here is that this is hour 8 but only hour 2 of actual work. https://i.imgur.com/IW57ddVh.jpg you shall bend to my will https://i.imgur.com/8uTcy60h.jpg the hardest part was, of course, clamping. With aluminum, adding filler is almost mandatory - so you need at least 3 hands https://i.imgur.com/58Jdhrah.jpg and unlike steel, there is little memory to the metal, so you can distort it then tap it right back into shape https://i.imgur.com/AsZh4Kvh.jpg but lord knows there were some ugly welds to get it to stick together https://i.imgur.com/h0dKWRDh.jpg first fit https://i.imgur.com/1uGnSxRh.jpg then I needed to work on the pan portion and add flanges https://i.imgur.com/6RmJ5qXh.jpg and finish the bottom side https://i.imgur.com/EEKAmf7h.jpg it seems it worked https://i.imgur.com/IR5g6s0h.jpg well, would you look at that https://i.imgur.com/ZgV6nFmh.jpg but still, there is quite a bit more work, need to go square to round though I've found that preliminary-finish can help the process https://i.imgur.com/pZ1U41Fh.jpg all that work and I'm painting it black.. https://i.imgur.com/dDCbMjmh.jpg |
Well, hopefully this will be a final installment on the EFI change.
built a bracket for the solid state relay https://i.imgur.com/s5owDNP.jpg wired the cheat devices and reinstalled the passenger seat https://i.imgur.com/KbWAaWl.jpg and took a few pictures of my very dusty car https://i.imgur.com/lQ29XVl.jpg I do have to finish the aero stuff and do some paint repair - but for now.... https://i.imgur.com/lgl82u0.jpg it's done except for tuning. |
'merica baby
https://i.imgur.com/u2Jiv2bh.jpg communism... for some reason cylinder #8 isn't firing.... https://i.imgur.com/XMH3jECh.jpg ah well, it's either this or bodywork... I should say, it's this AND bodywork.... |
continuing from yesterday, I had to make a blanking plate so the air is forced through the radiator
https://i.imgur.com/OkkjLEXh.jpg this is me being lazy... I have a press brake that could put a nice kink in the metal to get the curve needed... or a BFH. The BFH, in its defense, was more fun https://i.imgur.com/hTI3YHjh.jpg installed... https://i.imgur.com/I2woHqUh.jpg and what it looks like now https://i.imgur.com/IFKDSLO.jpg still need to put braces on it because it does flex a bit then, maybe, canards.... but for now, I have to finish on the gas tank then tuning, oh and door latch.... finally narrowing in on just 'minor' changes... a diffuser will probably be it for now - oh and a 521 ci motor next year (because 600 hp is barely sufficient, almost embarrassing) and I'm trying to decide if I want to simulcast my next build... it's almost the antithesis to cone carving.... 54 Chev pickup on a Art Morrison chassis with a LS3 for a 16 year old kid who is a friend.... I think how I should say that is - I build him a truck that he wants but will be super capable then see how long it takes before the cone-carving bug gets him.... |
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