Project "Payback"

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by syborg tt

As you know I've already started the next project and the I have been going back and 4th on body mounts. I already know that i am going poly on the engine and Ride Tech's suspension. My concern has been the solid mounts for a daily driver.

My question is would you still do the solid mounts on the body ?

Once you weld the subframe connectors to the body, you really have no choice. (DSE) That being said, I'd take a completely different approach to a daily driver than I have with a cross breed.

[Matt@BOS]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

Once you weld the subframe connectors to the body, you really have no choice. (DSE) That being said, I'd take a completely different approach to a daily driver than I have with a cross breed.

Todd, what are the primary things that you'd change? I just picked up a project I want to be able to drive almost daily so I'm all ears for advice too. I know your engine shakes the earth and could probably open up fault lines, which depending on your likes might not make it ideal, but what else would you not put on a driver, solid mounts, a 4pt cage, etc?

Other than the engine combo our cars are fairly similar and I think the only thing that would keep me from driving it everyday (aside from worrying about leaving it in parking lots) would be the noise. I feel like I've stepped off an eight our flight after driving it for a couple hours.

Matt

[DOOM]

Todd whats your rear tire size?

[skatinjay27]

yeah yeah yeah just keep it on the stands a few more day... i'll be there sunday evening.haha

marty i really dont think solid body mounts affect ride quality at all they just prevent flex between the frame and body.
just think of all the unibody cars they have no sort of bushing as thier are "one with the car" lol just make the sure the suspension is doing its job correctly
i think for a DD poly trans and motor mounts would still give enough to not transmit the vibrations to much but still give you the strength need for a high TQ car.

[Vegas69]

Good, I'll put your ass to work. Keep in mind that modern cars are designed for no body mounts. They have rubber mounted everything and engineering to cut down on frequency and vibrations.

Mario, they are 335's.

For a daily driver:

As many GM parts as possible.
Less rowdy engine 400-500hp/fuel injection
Fairly quiet exhaust
Well engineered fuel tank with reliable fuel sender down to empty
Rubber mounted everywhere possible
NO roll bar so the back seat is usable
Power brakes
Automatic(GM 6 speed)
Softer spring rates(just like I HAD)
Dynamat everywhere/Heat wave pro(Doors,Roof, Firewall, Floor, Trunk)
Electric Windows/Locks
PCV system
Xenon lights
Collapsable steering column
Modern 3 point belts
Navigation
Light paint color(Decent driver paint)
Easy to maintain finishes(Chrome wheels or powdercoated)
Floating rear caliper
LED tail lights
Side marker lights
Keep everything servicable(No hiding wiper motors in fenders, ecms under the front seat, etc...)


With all that being said, you will never achieve the level a modern car can achieve in function, noise, and reliability. There is a reason modern cars don't have metal dashes, fenders, flat windshields, wall for a front end.... I would NEVER attemp to please myself on a daily driver basis. It's hard enough to do on a weekend warrior. I've been spoiled with my daily drivers over the last decade. It all comes down to what your ideal daily driver is... Mine is dropping it off at the dealership for anthing but a car wash.

[Stuart Adams]

They are never done, i.e. the future LS, JK, kinda like Janet Reno in a makeup shop.

[Vegas69]

Is there a better way to spend a day off than to hail mary the car on some lonely desert roads? It's cold(40ish) and very windy. Heater works great so it made for a nice ride.

I got the new engine mount and steering shaft knuckle installed along with shimming the rear axle bearings to tighten them up. I have the ride height roughly dialed in and will wait until the springs settle to finalize. That will likely also include corner weighting the car.

The car feels great The spring changes made it feel more like a sports car should. Firmer but still with a nice ride. I put almost 100 miles on the car today on some lonely desert roads. That afforded me the chance to do some high speed slalom, 0-100, 0-60, slow speed sharp corners. Car is a rocket! To my surprise I met a state trooper way off the beaten path. At nearly twice the posted speed limit he just sounded his siren and kept going. Good thing, I was just at the court house last week! The engine mount and steering knuckle definitely took some of the harmonics out of the car. I can't wait to get it back on the track.

[tones2SS]

Sounds like you got it all tuned out. Good deal. Watch out for those State Troopers.
One of my favorite cars on this forum for sure.