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Changed out springs on the front today, tomorrow the rear gets some stiffer springs, hoping to get rid of the body roll I see in all the pictures. Also had some time to put on some more decals, They make you faster right? Improved Racing sent me some bigger decals for the 1/4 panel, apparently you can't read them at 165 mph! Improved makes some really cool goodies for oil control on the twisties, I have their crank scrapper, Oil pan baffle insert and Oil cooler thermostat on my car.
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psiz2jfldm.jpg My Buddy sent me this Capt. Ron sticker as a gag gift for Christmas, but since I still have hair and a boat at my age, I'm honored to add him as an co driver! LOL! http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psgk4o5teg.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psb8gqj97q.jpg |
Man the Daytona outing sure looks like fun!!
I also agree that the Tony Stark line is awesome. Is there a NASA class you can be competitive in with a 68 Camaro? Also, like the Improved Racing oil cooler adapter with thermostat on my car. I've read a lot about oil thermostats with a bypass still never letting the oil get warm on the street but mine works fantastic. |
Sorry Chad-1st gen for now answering your question about NASA. In the Mid Atlantic and Southeast we have a class called Outlaw Vintage, they run in the same group as the American Iron boys. I'm not really keen on going wheel to wheel yet (more like my wife said no) So I just run the car in Time Trials, I'm running in TTU which is unlimited and I'm not competitive there. The car may barely squeeze into TT2 if I add weight or reduce HP. but still, There's more areo vettes in that class and they would kill me from just the aero benefits.
Next winter project on the car is to add more gear to it. It currently has a 2:59 center section in it. At Daytona, I would get pulled at every corner exit, and even though I was gaining position at the end of the fast sections it wasn't enough to make up what I was loosing in the corners. Plus at 5500 RPM I was rolling about 165 mph! I think I can give up some gear and be just fine! I grabbed a center section with a 3:07 ratio in it. I'm going to go through it and clean it up and install new bearings and seals and through that in the car for this year to see how it does. http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps6zxrb4xu.jpg |
Finally got the Vette I've been working on sold and off my plate for a while. So now time to get back on the Camaro for all the Winter Projects! First order of business is the Oil Cooler Bypass thermostat from Improved Racing. Since several of my track events are in the colder months, I thought it would be a good idea to regulate the oil temp. Improved sent me an inline thermostat that recirculates the oil until it comes up to temp. It mounts in my #10 lines from the motor to the oil cooler in front of the car. Here's some pics of the install.
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pszry3eoui.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psasa5t6iy.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psmni2n9vc.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psnzkgoe7p.jpg Next up is the newly rebuilt 3.07 differential to replace the 2.59 that's in the car now. Also on tap is to add some of the interior back in the car and get the weight up to 3200lbs for the American Street Car Series this year. I think I have difference to make up to add 4 12" subwoofers, 3 amps, a flat screen TV and all the door panels and dash! I'd really like to make the Charlotte event with them, but it's at a really bad time for me to commit at this point. |
I'm thinking of getting on of the Improved Racing in thermostats. What temp setting did you get on the thermostat? I'm not sure what oil temperature is recommended. My motor is running a super charger, and I have an in radiator oil cooler.
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What Improved spec'd for me was 185 hi flow thermostat, call them and talk to them about you're application. They also have a really cool bypass/thermostat all built into one if you have room from your headers. They are the experts, call and ask.
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I'm using an Auto Kraft oil pan and I don't have the motor yet so I don't think I'll have room because the design moves the oil filter out towards the header. I'll have to see once I get it in my garage.
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Ok, so I worked on the car most of the weekend only keep running into roadblocks on each project. Now waiting for parts.
I wanted to put the original console back in the car but the new shifter was in the way, so I had to make an offset shifter handle bracket to move it over. Took a while, but it should work just fine, Still need to cut the top of the actual shifter back, but I think I'm gonna need to be drinking a lot to cut into this high dollar shifter. http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psxklzg9qk.jpg New Ididit column came in and all the top end stuff I had for the steering wheel and quick release fits just fine, but the steering shaft u-joint is different from the stock unit, so I had to put that on hold until the new U-joint comes in. http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psfdil9a9j.jpg Pulled the old Rear end out and pulled the Diff off of the Batwing, now just waiting for the other diff with the 3:08 gears in it to get done at the shop to bolt it all back together. http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psxvl8ikkz.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psbc3fdub0.jpg New Gauges are all ready to go into the car though! After all the interior gets painted it's just plug and play on the gauge pack! http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psqy2w2sop.jpg |
Looking good Mills. You'll enjoy getting in and out of your car more now with that tilt column.
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It's Cold! Like really Cold! But I've been trying to move ahead to get the interior back in shape. Put the new NRG wheel assembly together with the quick release, and I added a subtle touch with the "rs" emblem on the horn button, Just like the factory cars! and the horn will work with the quick release! (not that hitting the horn on the racetrack has any influence)
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psx4h5sdm5.jpg also, trying to clean up the dash and interior trim, tomorrow the dash gets all the attention, but at least now it's ready to be stripped. http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pseuprdns6.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psxovzw6cq.jpg |
Intense project
Kudos for the DIY IRS setup!
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According to my Equestrian Wife the "Hind End" is back in the Trackmaro, may be driving around next weekend for pre VIR shakedown runs. Hitting the Dyno on March 16 for NASA time trials certification for this year. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to add weight to the car to make TT2 specs.
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psgsjyijeq.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pstxoomlan.jpg |
I honk at the flaggers after the checker to show my appreciation. They work in the sun all day long. I give a more aggressive honk at the end of the last session.
I love your car and what you do with it. |
Keep the weight off and go TT1. Fast lap times FTW :thumbsup:
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I ran TTU last year, I was way outclassed there! I just can't keep up with a Daytona Prototype
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TTU is a joke. May as well call it TTDP(Deep Pockets). I run TT1. I should be in TTU but lets get real. No way anybody can run with the proto types. Either way we all run at the same time anyways so it doesn't really matter unless your in it for the contingencies. If that's the case then you have to run with a group that has like 7 or more cars in it? Cant remember but I don't pay attention to it anyways. I'm just in it for the lap times.
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I'm hitting the Dyno on March 16th, I'll know where I am power to weight at that point. I'm not going to be competitive in TT1 or TT2, the other cars have too much aero advantages over my brick, I'm just out there as field filler.
Anyway, I'm restoring the dash to go along with the new steering set up and gauges going in, So I decided to cut it up a bit to make room for a double Din Radio. I've seen some pretty cool ones that you can sync to your IPhone and run some of the apps from your phone. I'm hoping I can get my lap timer to display on the bigger screen, and at least be able to stream some 80's music from Pandora! This is what I got done yesterday, today final sanding and the black gets applied. http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psuunarkgb.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pssasiafgi.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psvf7jvnik.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psclzgtfwl.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pshjwc3fmt.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psjdqwmukr.jpg |
Everthing is restored and ready to go back into the car. And the Dash is a nice shade of Satin Black.
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psr3d6i0ot.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pskxen6dvj.jpg |
All back together and running strong! The new gear really makes this thing Quick! I went over to my buddies house to help him corner weight his Corvette Track car and I went on the scales to do mine. It was almost perfect from the beginning with a 51% cross weight, but we moved it down to 48% because most of our tracks are right handers. The car comes in at #3160 with me and 1/2 tank of gas and crossed out at 48% with adjustments. It's 54/46 front to rear! Hitting the Dyno tomorrow for TT2 classifications, I'm going to have to add weight or cut power I'm sure.
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psxhaymwjm.jpg |
Good stuff man. I love the use and attention you give this car!
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At the track flogging on the car this weekend, I'll post some action shots later on. I can't exactly take pictures of the car on the track while I'm driving it! Good news, I picked up a Beer Brewery as a sponsor! Best part of the deal they promised to give me a keg every time I go to the track! Beach Cruiser, Back Bay after party every Sat night I'm at the Track. I even figured out an easy way to transport the Keg!
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psjwprieul.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps7r75q92z.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psa0tm7nig.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pscfwz9jm8.jpg |
The keg riding shotgun is classic. Congrats on the new sponsor.
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I went through tech with it strapped in and told the officials that I needed the ballast to make weight! They didn't buy it....
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hahaha that's pretty awesome. Hey, a sponsors a sponsor. Congrats!
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[QUOTE=Beach Cruiser;599585] Beach Cruiser, Back Bay after party every Sat night I'm at the Track. I even figured out an easy way to transport the Keg!
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psjwprieul.jpg American ingenuity at its finest! |
Hmm....
Can you retro one of these to the helmet, and still clear a Hans device?
http://media.tumblr.com/7ed2ce890152...diM1rklcmf.jpg |
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Here is the Dyno sheet. first pull was with the old LS1 shortblock, where the higher pull was two years later with the LS6 shortblock. That's a big jump! Same heads, cam, head gaskets, Intake, Everything. Only the shortblock is different. I added the Improved Racing Crank scrapper and baffle, and the trans now has straight cut gears, that's the only difference. Improved says the scrapper is good for 8 HP on average, but in this case I picked up 33 hp! the weather was warmer too!
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pswfcdi7rg.jpg |
For the record, this is not the proper line to take going down the roller coaster. This ended as best it could, did spin out, but stayed mostly on track and didn't get hit by the three cars I had just passed. Kudos to those guys for being alert and avoiding me.
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psatgr2iyk.jpg |
Improved Racing just sent me some Easter goodies! I told them I had Ugly nuts and this is what they came up with!
http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psj9ts193n.jpg Since I had them off the car today, I weighed them for comparison. I was off by a little with 5 = 1 but it's not that far off. Here are the scale readings (in Ounces for us old school guys) http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psiuee8ah1.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps4vi5tic2.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pszyuawrae.jpg |
You keep saying that the guys with aero will have a distinct advantage over you, so...
Why don't you invest in some real aero? A new chin splitter, full belly pan, rear lower diffuser, rear window vortex generators, better spoiler or a wing... You were saying you will probably have to add weight, anyways. Just a thought. Amazing work, by the way. I love the garage built nature of this car. You have done very well taking this build to a new level with the ingenuity and track results all the way to sponsorship baller status... you get beer for showing up, that's pretty awesome. Anyways, great job, keep it up. |
Sweet!
Have you taken it back to see if it will pass tech with the aluminum lugs? I failed tech at an autocross for having them..luckily i had some cheap oem steelies to use
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I'm working on some more aero stuff now, I already have the rear diffuser mocked up in cardboard, all I have to do is make it, which may happen next weekend. I need to reset both my front and rear windshields up higher so they sit flush with the body, I'm also working on closing off the front grill area more. I'm also going to add more rear spoiler area similar to what Mark Stielow did on his last car, only in clear lexan and make it adjustable. All those things are secondary to keeping the car running! ie, they are on the nice to do list, not the must do list.
I'll ask at tech next time about the lugs, I've seen lots of other cars running them, I've never seen anything in the rules saying no. I also have NASA annual tech which is good for the year, but I'll run it by them to be sure. I also learned a long time ago to take a ziplock bag full of extra nuts and studs in my tool box. |
My concern over using aluminum lug nuts was having full thread engagement. If you're not using studs long enough for all the threads of the lug nut, you are not getting the full binding strength designed by having the extra threads. The length of the aluminum lug nut is not just to look cool or add extra strength but a requirement to have the same strength of a shorter steel nut.... Just my thoughts. Did the lugs come with a minimum thread engagement note?
From their website: Features and Benefits Lightweight at just 0.88 oz (25 grams) M12 x 1.50 threads 19mm hex wrench flats 50mm (1.97") overall length Machined from 7075-T6 billet aluminum True Type III hard anodized in gunmetal gray for excellent scratch resistance Open end design accommodates extended wheel studs and permits stud engagement inspection Sold in sets of 20 Lifetime warranty I wonder what minimum stud engagement is. On a side note. These are really nice. Unfortunately they do not come in 1/2x20. |
I'm all good in the nut department, I'm using ARP extended length wheel studs, the stud is actually threaded past the threads on the nut so it's 100% engaged.
Just got some pics back from VIR from two weeks ago. Headed back to VIR May 1-2 for Hyperfest! http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psvu37z4cp.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psusbrtery.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pseoplhnr0.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...pslkvatv5l.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...ps1bpox6m5.jpg http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/f...psavhqpy9n.jpg |
Just a bad ass car and build and story. Thanks for keeping us all up to date on everything.
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Thinking of you Mills at Holden Beach last week!
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/...pszpt41ywg.jpg |
Way to represent Payton! Bring that to VIR for Hyperfest and I'll give you a red solo cup and free beer from Back Bay Brewing to fill it up with! Your boys would enjoy Hyperfest, there is so much going on to keep them busy!
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