II Much Fabrication LS9-powered 69 Camaro

[parsonsj]

Thanks Wayne. I have to install the mechanical locks (both inside and out) before I can put the door panels on permanently. It'll be another week or two...

[jy211]

Door panels back from the interior shop, ready to install:

Attachment 114509

Jeff does nice work!

[OLDFLM]

Thanks Wayne. I have to install the mechanical locks (both inside and out) before I can put the door panels on permanently. It'll be another week or two...

I wish I'd left mine manual... power windows? What kit are you using?

[parsonsj]

Power locks are from Modo Innovations. A really sweet kit.

The power windows aren't a kit. I'm using Nu-Relics motors, InfinityBox controller, and Carling rocker switches, along with new glass, and all new window hardware. The only OEM part of the window setup are the channels, which I powder-coated for smoother operation. The windows go up and down unnaturally fast. I wish they'd move a bit slower, lol.

[parsonsj]

Jeff does nice work!

Yes, he does. His shop is called JR Auto (very creative, lol), and he's here in Winter Springs, less than 5 miles from my shop.

[parsonsj]

Here's what an LS9 oil transfusion looks like!







I ran 5 quarts in this way, and got 20 psi on the oil pressure gauge. It filled the oil cooler, oil filter, all the oil passages, lifters, etc. The remaining 4 quarts went in the oil tank and oil pan. I'm hoping to start the motor tomorrow or Saturday.

[CarlC]

Got fuel pressure? ;-)

[jy211]

Yes, he does. His shop is called JR Auto (very creative, lol), and he's here in Winter Springs, less than 5 miles from my shop.

He did my '55 a few months ago

[parsonsj]

Got fuel pressure? ;-)

Sure do! I had to fix the fuel sensor "branch" of the system -- I had a bad fitting (1/8 NPT to 3 AN) that wouldn't seal.

I'm hoping that HP Tuner will let me see fuel rail pressure from data logging or a "dashboard" so I can adjust the vaporworx controller before I put the back seat in.

[parsonsj]

He did my '55 a few months ago

I know. I've checked your '55 out several times. Beautiful car!!

[CarlC]

Sure do! I had to fix the fuel sensor "branch" of the system -- I had a bad fitting (1/8 NPT to 3 AN) that wouldn't seal.

I'm hoping that HP Tuner will let me see fuel rail pressure from data logging or a "dashboard" so I can adjust the vaporworx controller before I put the back seat in.

There is usually no fuel pressure feedback through HPT since the sensor is not tied into the PCM on GM computers. If there is a separate fuel pressure sensor that is tied into the PCM (Holley, Mast, etc.), then you're good. Here's how to "hot-wire" the controller to set fuel pressure:

NOTE: Have a minimum of 3-4" of liquid fuel level in the fuel tank to perform the following:
1) Put a small battery charger on the battery.
2) Disconnect the small blue wire from the plug the VaporWorx controller, the one that tells the system to turn on. Remove the wire from the plug not attached to the controller, but the one plug that attaches to the sensors. Apply 12v+ to the blue wire.
3) The pump should run with a soft whirring sound. Set the fuel pressure.
4) If the fuel pressure is too high, the controller will not function. Since the engine is not running there is no means to reduce the line pressure. So, you may need to bleed off some fuel from the engine diagnostics port / Schrader valve to reduce the pressure.
5) Disconnect the battery charger and 12v+ to the blue wire. Reassemble.

Fuel pressure data on the factory systems is provided via the CAN buss and the Fuel System Control Module. It's just a bit more complex than the VaporWorx setup ;-)

[jy211]

I know. I've checked your '55 out several times. Beautiful car!!

Ah OK. Didn't know

[parsonsj]

There is usually no fuel pressure feedback through HPT since the sensor is not tied into the PCM on GM computers.

Well, that sucks. Not even on the LS9, eh? I don't have a fuel pressure gauge or sensor. Guess I need to rig something up.

[CarlC]

Not unless there is a sensor and it is tied into the ECM somehow. Even on most C6's, which do not have pwm systems, the ECM assumes a rail pressure. On PWM systems, like that in the Camaro and CTS-V, fuel pressure data is provided to the ECM via the FSCM/CAN buss. On those systems fuel pressure data is available.

[parsonsj]

You're right. There's no sensor.

Do you know of any gauge that uses the Schrader valve? I wonder if my A/C gauge set would work?

[parsonsj]

Damn. I feel like I pushed the "Easy" button at Staples:

[snappytravis]

That's luck if I have ever seen,,

[Motown 454]

Nice idea. John what size radiator is that does it have an oil cooler ?

[parsonsj]

Yep, there's your tip of the day: old R12 gauge sets connect right up to late model LS fuel rails.

[parsonsj]

Wayne, the radiator is enormous, and it does have integrated engine oil and power steering coolers. It's from C&R Racing in North Carolina.