'05 Vette build thread

[rickpaw]

Thanks for the pics. The widebody BMW is gorgeous.

[bonecrrusher]

I've been having some trans overheating / running warm issues with the Allison in my truck.

So I ordered an aftermarket transmission cooler that bolts to the OEM lines - its a Setrab unit from Ingleside Transmissions in CA. I got it today (one week shipping from CA to NC) - and got it installed.

I got everything buttoned up and went for a quick 15 mile drive and it never went over 175*.

I need to drive it more to see how much it cools it down.

Now for the pics:

[bonecrrusher]

So I lowered my C6 on a set of a coilovers - and then added a set of ZR1 side skirts and front splitter - so this made ground clearance even more of a problem to deal with.

I have had a set of Race Ramps for a long time - and still use them to do oil changes, tightening down swaybars, etc - and with the lowered Vette - I couldn't use them anymore as the front splitter would beach itself on the front part of the ramp and wouldn't let you pull the car up.

I did some research and found that they sell a set of extenders that decreases the angle of approach and allows you to get up on the ramps.

Yes - the front lip hits the wheel stoppers at the end - but now I can at least drive up on them - and then get a jack under the car and lift it up a ton easier then having to jack up one side of the car, jack up the front, move the other jack - just making a huge PITA.




Also - with lowering the car - I couldn't get the arms for the Maxjax lift under the car - so I ordered 2 pairs of the Race Ramps scale ramps - and it provides the perfect height of getting the car up in the air to get the arms under the car with no issue.




Some of you might say why don't i just use some 2x4's, etc - I tried that with the race ramps and all I did was pushed the 2x4s against the floor and scuffed up the epoxy - so after doing that once I said never again. I got these from Summit Racing - with free shipping, a $20 mail in rebate, and I used some Summit Bucks that I had saved up.

[bonecrrusher]

As you know - I bought those small race ramps to get the car up on the lift.

Well the oil pan gasket has been leaking on my LS2 - seeping from the bolts - and been covering the bottom of the pan in a mist of oil.

Previously - I took out the bolts that I could reach and put some RTV on the end of the bolt and torqued them back down - this didn't really fix the problem, so I ordered a new oil pan from GM.

The old felpro gasket that I used I had to take the oil pan off 3x when I was building the the motor back in Jan/Feb - I am not sure if taking it off those times screwed up the gasket or what - so this weekend I am going to drop the front suspension, raise the motor up, and replace the gasket. I went with a GM gasket this time - hopefully it seals up!

Those ramps worked exactly as planned and gave me the height that I needed to get under the lowered car:

[bonecrrusher]

Not sure if this is appropriate here - but here goes:

I entered into a Gladiator GarageWorks Makeover contest - and I have made it to the second round.

If you could please help me out - click on the link below - and comment on the Gladiator Page with "A" as your comment - it would greatly be appreciated.

Again - please click the link and comment on that page - not mine.

Please share/vote - and thanks for all of your help!

https://www.facebook.com/GladiatorGW...453972/?type=1

-Craig

[bonecrrusher]

So I dropped the oil pan this weekend - and got a new GM gasket in it. Wasn't to terrible of a job - I used the low rise jack stands that I got and it made the job a lot easier.

This sealed up the oil pan - but now the front timing cover is seeping a bit - to get to that timing cover, I have to pull a lot of crap out of the motor bay - and well this isn't that bad - I'll just deal with it for now.

I also modified my MaxJax - I added 90* fittings to all quick disconnect fittings to get the hoses pointed more toward the ground - and reduces the chances of tripping over the hoses - which has happened in the past.

Now for the pics:

[bonecrrusher]

Quick update - picked up a transmission jack for the MaxJax.

This is a Torin Big Red transmission jack that I got at Northern Tool.

I will have to modify the the base that bolts to the hydraulic pump - basically cut it down - redrill the 3 holes for the legs and move it closer to the ground.



I'll take measurements next time I get the lift out and modify it then. Oh and this trans jack was only $120 on sale/with extra coupon - so no I have no problem taking an angle grinder it to make it work for my application.

Corvette update:

I've had the z06 front clip on the car for a while now - and I've noticed a few extra rock chips in the rear fenders as I lost the front splash guards that I had with the old front end.

GM doesn't sell a front set as an accessory - so I picked up a set from RPI - same company I got the ZR1 spoiler, splitter, and side skirts from.

I got the passenger side installed with no huge issue - doing the drivers side today:

[syborg tt]

Man I love this car !!!

[byndbad914]

I have been looking at those MaxJax for about a year now and am wondering what your overall feedback is of them after owning them and using them as much as you do. If you had to do it over again, would you get them a second time or consider something else like a permanent 2-post lift?

They seem really handy and the only drawback I am thinking of is the max height they go to. Seems like it should be plenty for ease of working under the car but I have only had one of two worlds in terms of experience - either laying on my back with the car up on stands, or a full lift that I could walk under the car, nothing in between. Thoughts?

BTW, great work on the car!

[bonecrrusher]

Marty - thanks - that means a lot!

Tim - I've had the MaxJax for probably around 2 years now.

I've used it to do a complete engine build in the Vette, and the suspension swap.

I've also used it to swap out the control arms in my G8 with the updated design.

So I've used it for some fairly involved car projects - and I have absolutely no regrets buying it. It has saved me from laying on my back multiple times. To be honest - I'd never go back to working under a car on jackstands.

For my low 8.5' ceiling - it works out perfectly as I can lift both my cars - but not my 2500 HD to the full height with no issue.

Does it suck that it makes the car a 1 car garage when in use - yeah sort of but I usually have so much other crap laying around the garage that I wouldn't be able to pull in a second car anyways.

I would recommend this lift in a heartbeat.

I would also recommend 2 mods to the lift.

1) Get the 90* Hydraulic hose fittings that I put on the hoses in the post above - it will save you from tripping over the hose and busting your ass.

2) Drill 2 more sets of holes in the main towers - I haven't done that yet but it will allow you to put the car at 2 more different heights - and use the safety poles that you place through the posts. Currently - when I am done working on the car - but leaving it on the lift - I place 4 jackstands under the arms to rest the car/lift - as you never know when a pump might fail. If you had another set of holes - you wouldn't need to use the jackstands in a lower position.

Also - I kind of need to make an announcement. My GF and I have been together for 4 years, and after losing my job earlier this year it made us look at our finances. It is really stupid of us to both be paying mortgages and maintaining 2 houses, lawns, all the misc bills that goes along with both.

So I am putting my house up for sale. Right now I am fixing up some things that I've neglected and getting ready to list it.

We have been looking for some houses in Lincoln county - this is one county west of Charlotte and simply more rural. Where not trying to get away from it all - just move to an area that is a bit smaller and has a cheaper taxes. We did our pre-approval process and I am looking for a house with some land - and at least a 3 car garage. Preferably a 4 car - between the 2 of us we have the SS, Vette, IS350, and my truck. The truck will stay outside.

I plan on leaving the AC system, and the lighting upgrade - but I am bringing all the Gladiator products, air compressor, lift, and all my tools.

I haven't decided what I am going to do with the peeling up Epoxy - I'll probably leave it as is.