Battery mount/location mockup. I wanted something clean and as unobtrusive as possible in terms of the mount itself. I also wanted to incorporate a shut-off switch. It's crazy some of the seemingly minor things you agonize over as you go along. I debated putting the battery on top,of the coil over crossmember but at some point you're gonna have to change that thing and why torture yourself! Besides, put it where the extra weight can also serve a purpose. I welded nuts on the bottom side of the trunk floor so the battery mount can be removed without using two wrenches. Again, I try to think about things in terms of having to work on it by myself, always considering ways to make life easier when you have to turn wrenches on it.
When deciding component placement, I find myself envisioning being broken down on the side of the road on Power Tour, then I ask myself, is that where I'd want this thing in that situation? It's a delicate balance; form and function! At the end of the day, this car is meant to be driven to events, shows, etc., auto crossed and (hopefully) driven home again.
The Following User Says Thank You to Gmachine1911 For This Useful Post:
Here's the trans tunnel patch panel I got from Bowler. This piece is really nice! The front section is rather unusable in my case although it could be modified in any number of ways but at least it's something to build off of. I laid it on tape so I could determine how much I wanted it raised in the front and back. I wanted the front section to blend into the firewall and the rear section to blend into the rear portion of the tunnel. I have no intention of running a console so I determined where I wanted the break and where the shifter boot would be. If memory serves me correct, the front was raised 2 1/4" and the rear of the patch was raised 1 3/8". I made a rough template from cardboard for the forward section keeping in mind that when I did the LS swap in the future, I wanted to use the DSE 1.5" setback motor mounts for better weight distribution. The front section of the tunnel will be plenty spacious to accommodate the Quick Time bell housing and give access to all the bolts that attach it to the engine block.
One other item I wanted was that the tunnel be high enough to give the driver somewhat a feeling of being surrounded in the car while not looking blatantly non-factory.
The Following User Says Thank You to Gmachine1911 For This Useful Post:
Time to install the subframe connectors... At the risk of sounding like a paid DSE advertisement, I can't tell you how well all of their stuff fits! I mean, it just works. As someone who's had their fair share of buying "bolt-on" parts and having to spend half a day modifying them to fit, I can't say enough about how well the DSE stuff is engineered, produced and provided with excellent instructions.
When shopping for components I found myself often having to stop and think, "am I buying this part because it says DSE on it or am I truly buying because I think it's the best?" The answer is "Yes!" It's a little more pricey than some other brands but I just know I'm yet to be disappointed and, well, if it ain't broke....
The Following User Says Thank You to Gmachine1911 For This Useful Post:
I fabbed up some enclosures for the clutch /mc bracket. Got it fitted up pretty good and welded to the firewall. I also enclosed the holes on both sides of the lower firewall where the subframe bolts to the body. I wanted to be rid of any surplus holes.
The Following User Says Thank You to Gmachine1911 For This Useful Post:
It's gotta look worse before it looks better! I'm not the best welder so it's a good thing I'm not afraid of a grinder! Practice, practice, practice...
The Following User Says Thank You to Gmachine1911 For This Useful Post:
Trans tunnel patch is welded in. I'm really happy with the end result! It seems like such a shame to go cuttin' up all that new sheet metal but if there's one fear I've gotten over, it's the fear of taking a saw, welder or grinder to this thing! Once you've had to drill a couple of holes in a $9,000 subframe, everything else pales in comparison!
The Following User Says Thank You to Gmachine1911 For This Useful Post:
Firewall view of the forward trans tunnel mod...raised enough there should be plenty of room for engine setback and still have easy access to bell housing bolts and running the ECM harness down the back of the engine...
The Following User Says Thank You to Gmachine1911 For This Useful Post:
Trans tunnel patch is welded in. I'm really happy with the end result! It seems like such a shame to go cuttin' up all that new sheet metal but if there's one fear I've gotten over, it's the fear of taking a saw, welder or grinder to this thing! Once you've had to drill a couple of holes in a $9,000 subframe, everything else pales in comparison!
I just drilled mine with a few tears for the Holley Blackheart Mounts to work
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________ Nick's son was last seen finishing up his 1968 Pro Touring Camaro
1968 Pro touring Camaro
ALL DSE Suspension
2017 6.2L made of steel balls
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
Hybrid Mode
