Project WidowMaker - The Build Thread

[dug]

It might seem like that big of a deal but I think I would hate filling through a -8 line

sorry, that is all I have to offer

[The WidowMaker]

i agree. it would probably take an hour and id spill a quart in the process.

[dug]

yup! nothing like getting on your hands and knees to soak up some oil on the shop floor. Don't ask me how I know

[The WidowMaker]

got the dry sump stuff in the mail today. pan is acutally a little smaller than what i had mocked up, so i see no reason it wont fit. the side walls really slope in towards the bottom giving it a lot more clearance than it would seem. peterson is working on a quote and im still debating the aviaid pan baffle. some guys say that a good tank is all thats necessary. not sure its worth the 250 bucks.

still working out ideas for the injectors. the plan right now is for the ls9 injectors which are 52lbs. but they use a bent cone spray and im unsure if these would be optimal. pretty nice that you can get new ones for 200 bucks.

block is close to getting done. i was told 3 weeks and that was a couple weeks ago.

i finished up the edges of the bumper. i never liked the large radius of the fender and the tight radius of the bumper. i cut the heck out of the bumper and my .180 flows across the top and wraps around the sides now. still debating on what im going to do for a spoiler. id like to add an inch or so to the rocker, so it may require something up front to match.

i bought new inner fenders and have already cut up the drivers side to get tire clearance. its not the nicest looking mod, but you cant see it from the engine compartment and the tire hides it from the outside unless youre on your knees and really looking.

[Ron in SoCal]

Nice update Tim! My opinion is get the pan baffle. It's cheap insurance...

[The WidowMaker]

i agree. without the pan baffle the two setups are only 50 bucks apart. but an extra 250 to not worry about it is worth it. im going to call tomorrow and order one.

thanks again for all your help ron. and let me know next time youre in the LB.

[Ron in SoCal]

You got it Tim. Maybe Monday, mid-day. I'll let you know

[The WidowMaker]

small update. i was able to get the drivers side inner fender done. welded in a notch in the top and had to relocate all the holes. i have the passenger side cut up and a template made for the notch. i still only have 3" of bump travel with the wheels straight. anyone think this isnt enough?

i also picked up an old style ls7 water pump for my wegner front drive, new ls coils on ebay for 128 bucks, new (dyno time only) FIC 60lb injectors for 150 bucks and the ls7 pan fittings for $35. im still working on the aviaid pan baffle, peterson tank and a few other small parts. block is now supposed to be done in 2 weeks.

for those interested in the ls9 injectors, they are also labeled as magnuson, edelbrock and lsa 52 lb. most guys yank them during the installation of their aftermarket supercharger.

more later.....

[The WidowMaker]

just another small update. both front wheel tubs are done and ive moved back to the bumper. ive finished machining the second part of the inserts and have now moved on to gettting them mounted. i have a few more small projects on the body, but i think my next plan is to start the interior. i want to get the trunk and rear package tray roughed in and start on a center console. i just want the mounts done and welded before i spray the coating on the bottom. im hoping that marquez is close to done with their interior. i called them the end of last year and they hadnt started yet but planned to have it by this time.

the block still isnt done, but ive now been told the end of this week. i started talking with wegner again, but they are a few grand more than hke. the plan is still to ship the block to erik at hke and get this thing done.

[dug]

slow/small progress is still progress nonetheless!