Project Bad Penny - more changes because done is boring

[cmraman]

Thanks for the installer advice :)

Today Chris at BOS worked on wiring. The STACK stuff is really nice, all the wires are labeled and the instructions seem to be very clear.

Chris built the loom and then hooked up some 12V power to it to check functions.

The center section is off at powder and we're waiting for the Covans dash to arrive. Once we have that everything can be mounted and secured (including the audio stuff).

The red warning light in the picture is telling me I have low oil pressure. The other light is to warn of low fuel. The dash can also display data logger stuff but I already have a Racepack so I didn't get that STACK option.

Also noticed the the new senders are VERY nice as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/akgavp-1.jpg

Hey Steve, you know that Autometer bought Stack? I

[Steve1968LS2]

Quick Update as we get the car ready to defend her title at the Optima Challenge..

Lots of work done in the last tow weeks up at Pozzi Racing. New longer shocks were added which meant we had to punch through the floor to add new mounts. We also checked our alignment and then tested the car at a crazy tight autocross set up more for imports.. but it was a good test and the handling was perfect.

Here's Penny at Marina Autox:
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[Steve1968LS2]

Hmm.. don't know why the link isn't working...

[Gandalf]

Try: http://www.facebook.com/v/166933222369

G.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

you forgot the ---[ yt] ---[ /yt]--- on the ends..

[Steve1968LS2]

Some images from the last couple of weeks..

Larger Baer brakes installed. Ditched the parking brake which meant the 14-inch rotors actually weigh less than the 13-inch with the integrated drum.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/7130b4-1.jpg

Front brakes fit like they were machined for these wheels. We are running a new pad from Hawk that they developed for circle track cars. They come on at 100 and last to well over 1000-degrees.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/3ef5h-1.jpg

Since this is the Optima Invitational we decided to move to an Optima battery.. In this case thier 26-lb Group 51 unit. The battery tray came from www.eddiemotorsports.com and they even etched in the BP logo.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/2l8eykx-1.jpg

Bigger on the list was that David thought we needed more shock travel. Seems that were were on the stops durring hard turns and even on acceleration. We worked with Steve Duck over at RaceCar Dynamics and came up with a shock that's over two inches longer. The new Bilsteins are also revalved for the car. The extra length meant that we had to punch holes in the trunk floor so that this mount extender could be welded to the top of the existing brace. The top hole is for future changes if necessary. Dave sure lays down some nice welds!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/2zegzmw-1.jpg

Here Dave slides the new rear Bilstein shock into place. Later we scaled the car. The weight was 3290 with half a tank of gas. With a driver our cross weights are at 50/50 and the front rear are 52/48.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/a0dxck-1.jpg

Here's proof that cars are never really ever "done"...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/296bw9h-1.jpg

[Damn True]

Longer shocks? Por que?

Is this something that was a factor because of the previous configuration of the car?

[Gandalf]

Nice!

[Steve1968LS2]

Last Sunday we bolted on the race tires and took Penny to the autocross at Marina. The course was tight for the imports but it was a good handling test. Myself, Dave and Mary all took turns. All I can say is that the changes really helped the car, we actually be fast now. lol

Racepak data shows were doing sustained 1.3+g turns and my iPod deal recorded peaks of:

Acceleration 1.10g
Braking: 1.41g
Left: 1.42
Right: 1.41

Car felt great but we found that due to the increased size of the front calipers we need a 1-inch bore master rather than the 7/8" one we have now. That part is going on tomorrow.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/wrzv9t-1.jpg

[Steve1968LS2]

Longer shocks? Por que?

Is this something that was a factor because of the previous configuration of the car?

What we found was that the car was bottoming out the shock on really fast auto-x tracks or on road tracks. Remember that my static ride heigth is pretty low.

[Damn True]

Hmmm.

James too?

Aren't your rear frame rails in an appreciably different location that mine and James?

[baggins]

what guages are used in the center console?

[olds87]

Nice updates.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hmmm.

James too?

Aren't your rear frame rails in an appreciably different location that mine and James?

My frame rails are moved in and parralel.. they are also full of extra steel. lol

Also, my trunk floor is lower.. all things that conspire to make shock real estate lacking.

[Steve1968LS2]

what guages are used in the center console?

Stack stuff.. they are owned by Autometer. The main dash unit is from England but the smaller ones seem to be reworked Autometer Elite series gauges. Nice stuff and I really like the warning features.

[RSX302]

That's a cool shot. All I can say is "CONTACT" tower is cleared for takeoff! LOL
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/906fpj-1.jpg

[RSX302]

Last Sunday we bolted on the race tires and took Penny to the autocross at Marina. The course was tight for the imports but it was a good handling test. Myself, Dave and Mary all took turns. All I can say is that the changes really helped the car, we actually be fast now. lol

Racepak data shows were doing sustained 1.3+g turns and my iPod deal recorded peaks of:

Acceleration 1.10g
Braking: 1.41g
Left: 1.42
Right: 1.41

Car felt great but we found that due to the increased size of the front calipers we need a 1-inch bore master rather than the 7/8" one we have now. That part is going on tomorrow.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/wrzv9t-1.jpg


1.4g's! Damn...That's with the R1's? What were you doing on the R888's?

I'm sustaining 1.1g's with 1.2 peaks on the R888's

Amazing how much it takes to get that last bit of g's

[T_Raven]

Dang them brakes look good.

[CarlC]

Very nice Steve. Hopefully the hippy-hop'ing it was doing at BW will be cured as well.

[Steve1968LS2]

Very nice Steve. Hopefully the hippy-hop'ing it was doing at BW will be cured as well.

Were pretty sure it has been.. it was a condition that did show up on the fast autocross courses and it was not felt last sunday.

We put o-rings on the shock shafts and after the autocross we found that we still had an inch of travel left before bottoming out.

After Optima we're going to mess with the front a bit and maybe soften the springs on the car (right now they are 500/310) for a better ride and more weight transfer.

I'm also considering a floater rear end to get rid of the rear pad knockback. But that would be a BIG and expensive project.. but hey, I can dream right?

[6'9"Witha69]

I'm also considering a floater rear end to get rid of the rear pad knockback. But that would be a BIG and expensive project.. but hey, I can dream right?
Yeah, let's not get into any long duration high dollar tasks here, right?

Damn Penny is a sexy girl. That shot above from marina is a perfect action shot and really shows her color. Man am I jealous.

[Steve1968LS2]

Yeah, let's not get into any long duration high dollar tasks here, right?

Damn Penny is a sexy girl. That shot above from marina is a perfect action shot and really shows her color. Man am I jealous.

I like how you can see Dave's head being pulled to the left.. he needs to do them F1 driver neck exercises.. lol

The pain with the floater is that I would have to re-weld all the three link brackets onto the new housing. Or do I just need to change the ends of the housing I have?

Anyways, I hate "done" projects so I will keep going until I run out of stuff to fix or improve.

[larknut]

Since you have "ditched the parking brake" and I assume you will still be driving on the street, what are the plans? Park on flat areas only? Bring along wheel chocks? Put it in gear and hope for the best? I ask because I have no e-brake provisions with my rear disc setup. I know there are some options but I would like to know what you are doing.

I was trying but am unable to make it out to watch the Optima event. Good luck and I look forward to seeing the results.

[Bow Tie 67]

The pain with the floater is that I would have to re-weld all the three link brackets onto the new housing. Or do I just need to change the ends of the housing I have?


I think you can just change the ends, I started preliminary research on this but have been sidetracked by life.

[Steve1968LS2]

Since you have "ditched the parking brake" and I assume you will still be driving on the street, what are the plans? Park on flat areas only? Bring along wheel chocks? Put it in gear and hope for the best? I ask because I have no e-brake provisions with my rear disc setup. I know there are some options but I would like to know what you are doing.

I was trying but am unable to make it out to watch the Optima event. Good luck and I look forward to seeing the results.

Well, I've driven on the street for two years without it being hooked up so the parts were just dead weight.

I have a small chock (rubber) for when I need it but it really hasn't been an issue. Then again, I don't live in San Francisco.. ;)


I think you can just change the ends, I started preliminary research on this but have been sidetracked by life.

Thanks, and yea, that life stuff can certainly get in the way.

[ProBell]

I changed mine over to a floater last winter. Just changed the ends of my tubes. This will let you put camber and tow into the rear as well as making a pumpkin change simple. ( PS I have the 9" axles and ends I took out for sale)

[torino420]

Love the car and the color. I looked everywhere but haven't found it, what color is that?

[Nuke1]

Wow, i just read through the entire version 2.2 of Bad Penny, all i can say is Wow, i want your car Badly. You have something to be proud of there. Hopefully i will see it in Vegas when i am there. Or at the Diner. Congrats. James

[Steve1968LS2]

Wow, i just read through the entire version 2.2 of Bad Penny, all i can say is Wow, i want your car Badly. You have something to be proud of there. Hopefully i will see it in Vegas when i am there. Or at the Diner. Congrats. James

Thanks.. the car will be there somewhere indoors.. when I know I will post.. and of course she will be at the race on Saturday.


Love the car and the color. I looked everywhere but haven't found it, what color is that?

2002 Plymouth Prowler Orange.. OEM color mix by PPG


I changed mine over to a floater last winter. Just changed the ends of my tubes. This will let you put camber and tow into the rear as well as making a pumpkin change simple. ( PS I have the 9" axles and ends I took out for sale)

Cool.. I really think this is my next step.. any downsides on the street or otherwise?

[Steve1968LS2]

Working on changing the master cylinder today and giving Penny a new look for SEMA.. we stole all the Anvil CF parts off the shelf for the Track Rat. lol

We were going to run the sheetmetal spoiler from Jakes, but even though it was said to have shipped it never arrived. Anvil was nice enough to save our bacon and send us over one of their CF units.

We couldn't mod the parts or the car since the old parts needed to go back on and the Anvil parts needed to go onto the Rat, so fitment is what it is, but I will say thier stuff fits REALLY GOOD right out of the box.

Thanks to Larry we also got the right hood struts for the CF hood. We will weigh the whole car when done. I'm hoping for under 3300 with gas.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/25iuplf-1.jpg

[MuscleRodz]

Working on changing the master cylinder today and giving Penny a new look for SEMA.. we stole all the Anvil CF parts off the shelf for the Track Rat. lol

We were going to run the sheetmetal spoiler from Jakes, but even though it was said to have shipped it never arrived. Anvil was nice enough to save our bacon and send us over one of their CF units.

We couldn't mod the parts or the car since the old parts needed to go back on and the Anvil parts needed to go onto the Rat, so fitment is what it is, but I will say thier stuff fits REALLY GOOD right out of the box.

Thanks to Larry we also got the right hood struts for the CF hood. We will weigh the whole car when done. I'm hoping for under 3300 with gas.



Whatever it takes to win, right?:1st:

[muthstryker]

Working on changing the master cylinder today and giving Penny a new look for SEMA.. we stole all the Anvil CF parts off the shelf for the Track Rat. lol

We were going to run the sheetmetal spoiler from Jakes, but even though it was said to have shipped it never arrived. Anvil was nice enough to save our bacon and send us over one of their CF units.

We couldn't mod the parts or the car since the old parts needed to go back on and the Anvil parts needed to go onto the Rat, so fitment is what it is, but I will say thier stuff fits REALLY GOOD right out of the box.

Thanks to Larry we also got the right hood struts for the CF hood. We will weigh the whole car when done. I'm hoping for under 3300 with gas.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/25iuplf-1.jpg



Thats a Badass picture!

[David Pozzi]

I'll tell you one thing, that car get's a lot of TLC! I don't think it will ever be "done".

[Steve1968LS2]

I'll tell you one thing, that car get's a lot of TLC! I don't think it will ever be "done".

As long as you have a mill and I have "ideas" she won't ever be done.. lol

A floater rear.. more front extension.. mess with the slotted inserts for more camber gain.. oh, the list just goes on and on.

I think we will be able to knock off 60 lbs with the Anvil CF stuff. I will do weights tomorrow.

[Steve1968LS2]

Whatever it takes to win, right?:1st:

No, it's more like "whatever it takes to do the best we can"

There's always someone faster.. or luckier.. we just want to field the best car we can come up with. After the race we will look at the car and decide where to make improvements.

Do we want to win? yes.. Do we NEED to win? no..

I think we have shown the car is a performer, but hopefully we will at least make this year's winner work for the title a bit. lol

[ProBell]

I have had no issues with the floater. Put 5000 + miles on it this year. Tires wear is fine. Both street and slicks, Even with all the laps at the Motor State Challenge on the street tires. I like running the inner seals and keeping the oil in the pumpkin. No more problems with the breather I was having before.
What Hawk pads did you go with? They sound like a good pad you can drive to the track on? Randy

[Steve1968LS2]

I have had no issues with the floater. Put 5000 + miles on it this year. Tires wear is fine. Both street and slicks, Even with all the laps at the Motor State Challenge on the street tires. I like running the inner seals and keeping the oil in the pumpkin. No more problems with the breather I was having before.
What Hawk pads did you go with? They sound like a good pad you can drive to the track on? Randy

A new deal they developed for circle track applications. They come on at 100-degrees and stay around until well over 1000. The problem with running the DTC-70 or 60 is that they don't start digging in until 400 degrees. The only braking in this event is the 0-60-0 and the brakes will be fairly cold.

[Gandalf]

You planning to run on all 8 cylinders this year Steve, or just tease us again? :smoke:

[Steve1968LS2]

You planning to run on all 8 cylinders this year Steve, or just tease us again? :smoke:

Heck, given who's showing up I'm trying to run 9 this time...

[preston]

I have had no issues with the floater. Put 5000 + miles on it this year. Tires wear is fine.

How much camber are you running ?

I really like your gauge setup Steve, great job. I'm a little challenged on making interiors look nice, just doesn't excite me like the rest of the car.

[ProBell]

1 Deg with a 1/16 tow in. Randy

[Bjkadron]

What do you mean by floater?

A floater rear..

[Damn True]

What do you mean by floater?

A witch?

[Vegas69]

1 Deg with a 1/16 tow in. Randy

I have a feeling that my be my destiiny eventually as well.

[ProBell]

The only concern I have is the crowed drive end of the axles are showing more were than I would like. We used steal drive plates and it looks like the axles may need to be replaced every 10 to 15,000 miles?
A floater rear is one that the rear wheel is mounted to a hub that spins on a spindle mounted to the rear end housing. The axle does not support the wheel in any way, It just drives it. The axle has splines on both ends and their is a drive plate that mounts to the hub to drive the hub and wheel. The axle can be removed without taking the wheel off. Just take off a retainer cover and slide it out.

[Steve1968LS2]

Two days until we leave for SEMA.

All the Anvil CF stuff is on the car.. I must say that it fits REALLY good right out of the box. We have a gap between the hood and the front valance, but since these parts are only on the car temporarily we don't want to do modifications that will make putting the steel parts back on later.

Total weight savings was over 40 lbs.. closer to 50.

New weight, with 15 gallons of gas, is 3286. So the dry weight is about 3196. For optima the car will be another 16 pounds lighter since the race tires weight quite a bit less than the PS2s.

Front to rear weight bias is 52/48.. and a little better with a driver.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/2mzihzs-1.jpg

Here are all the CF pieces in place and stickered up for Optima. Jimi Day asked me to run last years door sticker. I like the GS stripes more than I thought I would.

Anyways, I drove the car 80 miles home last night so I could do the Speedvision deal today and then I drive it back this afternoon. Everything is A-Ok so far.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/jh3q4w-1.jpg

[ProdigyCustoms]

So won't your left rear get heavier with you in it?

[dogz67chevelle]

Penny looks great with all the CF on it. So different from last weekend. Good luck to you and Dave, and everyone else!

deanna

[TitoJones]

A witch?

Build a bridge out of her!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/HolyGrail027-1.jpg

Tyler

[Damn True]

Build a bridge out of her!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/HolyGrail027-1.jpg

Tyler

I was hoping someone would get that.

[Bow Tie 67]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/jh3q4w-1.jpg

Steve now it looks the part of race car, I love it.

[Steve1968LS2]

So won't your left rear get heavier with you in it?

What's funny is that it wasn't that way when we scaled it at Daves.. checked the floor today at BOS and it's not quite level. In any event we will have a passenger.

It really takes almost nothing to effect the corner weights..

[Bjkadron]

So like they use on dirt track cars. Right?
The only concern I have is the crowed drive end of the axles are showing more were than I would like. We used steal drive plates and it looks like the axles may need to be replaced every 10 to 15,000 miles?
A floater rear is one that the rear wheel is mounted to a hub that spins on a spindle mounted to the rear end housing. The axle does not support the wheel in any way, It just drives it. The axle has splines on both ends and their is a drive plate that mounts to the hub to drive the hub and wheel. The axle can be removed without taking the wheel off. Just take off a retainer cover and slide it out.

[Tucks69]

Penny looks great Steve!! I didn,t think it could look any better, but it can!! Good Luck at the Challenge.

[Young Gun]

DONT change a thing! That looks NASTY!

[JohnC]

Steve,

Is there an upper control arm shim kit available from Pfadt?

Also, did you find the smallest amount of more play in the body of the upright when inserting the SKF hubs compared to the original hubs you replaced?

Not an issue I guess once you bolt them to the upright...

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,

Is there an upper control arm shim kit available from Pfadt?

Also, did you find the smallest amount of more play in the body of the upright when inserting the SKF hubs compared to the original hubs you replaced?

Not an issue I guess once you bolt them to the upright...

I'm sure they can get you the parts you need.. ask for Jordan when you call. They sold me just the front stuff so they can break up "kits"

I didn't notice on the uprights.. must not of been a big deal.

[Steve1968LS2]

Today we started tearing down.. Also decided to try out this Autorad radiator and core support. I doubt it saves weight since the radiator is WAY bigger, but it's nice and I was curious to see what's up.

As you can see the opening is much much bigger than that stock core support. This should provide extra cooling capacity.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/1o69oi-1.jpg

Gotta break some eggs to make an omlette.. This is really just a dry run since it will all come apart, engine out and fenders off so we can do some mods to the inner fenders.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/aaji3m-1.jpg

Here you can see the new radiator in place. There were some fitment "challenges", but nothing insurmountable. I want to talk with the company on Monday to get thier take before going into detail. I love how the radiator fits to the new core support.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/10rk5ro-1.jpg

Another view... we're going metalwork the DSE closeout panel to work with this system since I like how it comes "into" the engine bay.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/k4jhv6-1.jpg

Oh what the hell, let's take the whole car apart.. lol.. Next to come out will be the trans, engine and all the brake plumbing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/2d14kfl-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

That Auto Rad is an awesome looking setup, and the carbon fiber stuff is pretty trick too. It looks good on there.

[67SSDan]

That looks pretty sweet! I caught a glimpse of those at RTTH, nice stuff.

P.S. PM sent

Dan

[bonecrrusher]

What the retail on that autorad setup? I havent seen any prices listed.

[trapin]

My favorite Camaro of all time.

When does the kitchen sink get installed? ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

My favorite Camaro of all time.

When does the kitchen sink get installed? ;)

We're trying to get one made from carbon fiber and Unobtanium... hopefully soon!

[Steve1968LS2]

What the retail on that autorad setup? I havent seen any prices listed.

I think the radiator and core support run about $1200/1300 and the fans/shroud runs another $400. They also offer a set of closeout panels.

This is just off memory so give them a call to confirm.

[Bad94]

Steve you still have my addy to ship all the rear suspension stuff to?



Do you change tires when you change the oil?


That rad support looks really nice, might be on the list for my nova.

[Steve1968LS2]

Do you change tires when you change the oil?


Actually It seems that I change my oil every 2,000 miles and my engines every 3,000 miles. lol

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Hey Steve did you get those questions i sent you for the interview?

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve did you get those questions i sent you for the interview?

DOH!!! I f'd up and forgot about that.. my appologies. I would blame it on the holidays, but that's lame.

Will get on it tonight. :)

[JEFFTATE]

Yep, but this year she is getting an SS hood and I might try to make the "ice cube trays" functional.

BOS had a real GM SS hood out back so I thought "what the heck".

That sounds good .
It will let some underhood heat out.
I've always contemplated an electro-vacuum operated sliding door system that was functional for the hood louvers..

[David Pozzi]

Steve,
I've seen vintage trans am cars where they raised the inner fenders up for clearance, so much that they had to put a notch in where the hood hinges were hitting.
David
Check this photo and notice the fender attachment flanges are bend inward towards the engine. The inner fenders look more like a second gen. See the notches near the hinges?

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,
I've seen vintage trans am cars where they raised the inner fenders up for clearance, so much that they had to put a notch in where the hood hinges were hitting.
David
Check this photo and notice the fender attachment flanges are bend inward towards the engine. The inner fenders look more like a second gen. See the notches near the hinges?

Tires going "up" isn't really a problem.. we get a bit of rubbing when at full lock and compressed in a turn. That's what we'll be fixing.

and maybe a 440 cui LS (alum) engine just for fun...

[JEFFTATE]

Steve,
I've seen vintage trans am cars where they raised the inner fenders up for clearance, so much that they had to put a notch in where the hood hinges were hitting.
David
Check this photo and notice the fender attachment flanges are bend inward towards the engine. The inner fenders look more like a second gen. See the notches near the hinges?

It seems like that idea could be taken even further , by removing material from the fender flange and moving the mount way upward..
Kinda' completely remove the crease that's up by the hood and hinges..

As for the functional louvers , the doors on them may have to slide rather than swing to open and close . Because of air cleaner clearance....

[wmhjr]

Steve, that thing is magnificent. Makes my fingers itch wanting to get behind the wheel of it. A word of advice - if you ever hear I'm out on the west coast in your area, make sure the car is hermetically sealed and locked somewhere I cannot find it. I'm not sure any real car guy could resist.

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, that thing is magnificent. Makes my fingers itch wanting to get behind the wheel of it. A word of advice - if you ever hear I'm out on the west coast in your area, make sure the car is hermetically sealed and locked somewhere I cannot find it. I'm not sure any real car guy could resist.

Hey, come out to an event and you can take her for a spin.. just ask Jeff Tate.. lol

[David Pozzi]

I think we're going to have to put a longer throw gas pedal in Penny.:drive2:

[Steve1968LS2]

I think we're going to have to put a longer throw gas pedal in Penny.:drive2:

Didn't you tell me you wanted another 100 hp for Gingerman???

and I have this nitrous kit just sitting in my garage... :smoke:

[Young Gun]

Didn't you tell me you wanted another 100 hp for Gingerman???

and I have this nitrous kit just sitting in my garage... :smoke:

So Steve... Looking to adopt any time soon, I would be happy to drive you around all day in penny, Im sure that can get stressful and what not... lol She looks awesome as usual, jealous is a gross understatement i think

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

DOH!!! I f'd up and forgot about that.. my appologies. I would blame it on the holidays, but that's lame.

Will get on it tonight. :)


thanks my man!!

[Steve1968LS2]

So Steve... Looking to adopt any time soon, I would be happy to drive you around all day in penny, Im sure that can get stressful and what not... lol She looks awesome as usual, jealous is a gross understatement i think

Thanks... I'm just really fortunate that my job helps me make my "visions" happen..

Of course I'm just as broke.. but I have nicer stuff to show for it. lol

You need to come out here for the Del Mar autocross or something..

[trapin]

The carbon fiber with that Prowler Orange paint is just too much. Just when you think a car can't get any prettier...boom! I know you borrowed that stuff from Track Rat but I would definitely make carbon fiber a permanent addition to Penny.

Any plans to bring it back out to the mid-west for Gingerman and Pigeon Forge again?

[JEFFTATE]

Hey, come out to an event and you can take her for a spin.. just ask Jeff Tate.. lol

I done drove Penny !!

[srh3trinity]

Now you are talking about a 440 LS? It is always fun to see scope creep (unless you are paying the bills I guess), especially when we are talking about Penny. Upgrades to Penny keep the winter months interesting, so it is money well spent.

[preston]

Tires going "up" isn't really a problem.. we get a bit of rubbing when at full lock and compressed in a turn. That's what we'll be fixing.

If you don't have to be careful to keep the tires from hitting the tops of the fenders during jounce, your car is not lowered enough :)

[steelerguy]

Hey Steve, how do you like that AutoRad radiator? Curious to hear about the fitment challenges. I am very close to ordering one but wanted to get the opinion of someone who has already installed one.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve, how do you like that AutoRad radiator? Curious to hear about the fitment challenges. I am very close to ordering one but wanted to get the opinion of someone who has already installed one.

We really like it... there were a couple of issues that found. The nice part is that I spoke with the owner and he's making changes to future kits base on my suggestions. It's nice to see responses like this from companies.

Problem on was that the core support mount sat 3/4 or and inch too high. This means we needed a thicker spacer or a "stepped" mount. Future kits will have a way to step the mount. Not a big deal, but a PITA to fab on the spot.

Problem two was that on the LS style radiator the fill cap should be on the driver's side. In this configuration you would have a hard time running the car with the cap off (to fill, etc) since it would splash from the water pump inlet.

Like I said future ones will be changed. Other than that I love the kit. If you look at the earlier pics I posted you can really see how much bigger the opening is. When I mount my huge Setrab 925 cooler it's only going to shroud a small percent of the radiator and the increased cooling capacity should be really nice to have.

In my case we're going to move the cap ourselves. Here it is with thier optional core support closeout. I think it's pretty sweet looking, but I've gotten use to the DSE version, so we're going to fab it to work.

Also, the Autorad deal gives more clearance between the radiator fans and the water pump, so people would have an easier time with packaging an air induction system.

Here's a shot with their closeout...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/29w4i0m-1.jpg

Finalized the Oil Cooler system:

Canton high-flow t-stat
Setrab 925 oil cooler

Cooler is like this one:
http://www.patrickmotorsports.com/part/1574/

The cooler will me mountd to bosses on the pass side of the radiator. The 10 AN lines will pass through the core support via bulkhead fitttings and go to the t-stat mounted to front side of the core support. All the lines on the front will be hard lines. This way the cooling system will be integral to the core support.

Also finalized the new engine:

440 cui LS engine
Darton MID sleeves in an LS2 block
Lunati Pro Crank = 4" stroke
4.185 Bore
Wiseco -8cc pistons
Compression should be 11.2:1 with 70 cc heads
K1 lightweght H-beam rods (6.125")
Canton oil pan

Either
235 Trick flow heads with Fast 92mm intake
or
Mast 12-degree Black Lable LS3 style heads with FAST 102mm intake

We're guessing 660 hp and right at 600 ft-lbs or torque.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

damn,... that looks great!

[dlouie87]

Hi steve,
can you give me more info on the 90 degree elbow on throttle body? is it custom?

-Dan

[Steve1968LS2]

Hi steve,
can you give me more info on the 90 degree elbow on throttle body? is it custom?

-Dan

It's a cast aluminum part from Street and Performance ( www.hotrodlane.cc (http://www.hotrodlane.cc) )

The MAF is special from them as well and holds to one side using a set screw. If you call them they should know what it is by the description. I need to call them soon and order one for the Track Rat engine.

[dlouie87]

Thanks!

I'm not looking forward in replacing my stock MAF.. maybe I can get a aluminum welder to make one.

BTW, your car on speedhunters was my inspiration to start a classic car project from a Subaru :D

[Steve1968LS2]

Thanks!

I'm not looking forward in replacing my stock MAF.. maybe I can get a aluminum welder to make one.

BTW, your car on speedhunters was my inspiration to start a classic car project from a Subaru :D

You can use a stock MAF with that elbow.. you just need to connect it with a piece of hose. This way is a bit cleaner. The elbow itself make the intake fab process MUCH easier.

[dlouie87]

You can use a stock MAF with that elbow.. you just need to connect it with a piece of hose. This way is a bit cleaner. The elbow itself make the intake fab process MUCH easier.

ok. I will give them a call tomorrow.

[steelerguy]

We really like it... there were a couple of issues that found. The nice part is that I spoke with the owner and he's making changes to future kits base on my suggestions. It's nice to see responses like this from companies.

Problem on was that the core support mount sat 3/4 or and inch too high. This means we needed a thicker spacer or a "stepped" mount. Future kits will have a way to step the mount. Not a big deal, but a PITA to fab on the spot.

Problem two was that on the LS style radiator the fill cap should be on the driver's side. In this configuration you would have a hard time running the car with the cap off (to fill, etc) since it would splash from the water pump inlet.

Like I said future ones will be changed. Other than that I love the kit. If you look at the earlier pics I posted you can really see how much bigger the opening is. When I mount my huge Setrab 925 cooler it's only going to shroud a small percent of the radiator and the increased cooling capacity should be really nice to have.

In my case we're going to move the cap ourselves. Here it is with thier optional core support closeout. I think it's pretty sweet looking, but I've gotten use to the DSE version, so we're going to fab it to work.

Also, the Autorad deal gives more clearance between the radiator fans and the water pump, so people would have an easier time with packaging an air induction system.

Here's a shot with their closeout...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/29w4i0m-1.jpg

Finalized the Oil Cooler system:

Canton high-flow t-stat
Setrab 925 oil cooler

Cooler is like this one:
http://www.patrickmotorsports.com/part/1574/

The cooler will me mountd to bosses on the pass side of the radiator. The 10 AN lines will pass through the core support via bulkhead fitttings and go to the t-stat mounted to front side of the core support. All the lines on the front will be hard lines. This way the cooling system will be integral to the core support.

Also finalized the new engine:

440 cui LS engine
Darton MID sleeves in an LS2 block
Lunati Pro Crank = 4" stroke
4.185 Bore
Wiseco -8cc pistons
Compression should be 11.2:1 with 70 cc heads
K1 lightweght H-beam rods (6.125")
Canton oil pan

Either
235 Trick flow heads with Fast 92mm intake
or
Mast 12-degree Black Lable LS3 style heads with FAST 102mm intake

We're guessing 660 hp and right at 600 ft-lbs or torque.

Thanks for the info. Going to talk with them again and place the order with those fixes in place. I really like that closeout, looks nice and clean.

Why not an LS7 block with the new motor and go with a 4.125" stroke to get a 441? Not that it is a better solution, just curious.

[CruizinKev]

wow looks awesome :drool:

[Steve1968LS2]

Thanks for the info. Going to talk with them again and place the order with those fixes in place. I really like that closeout, looks nice and clean.

Why not an LS7 block with the new motor and go with a 4.125" stroke to get a 441? Not that it is a better solution, just curious.

A couple of reasons..

1. I would rather have a bigger bore and a shorter stroke.

2. I was already having pan clearance problems with the 4" stroke, the 4.125 stroke would have been even worse and might of necessitated doing some weird windage tray mods. (I HAVE to run the f-body style pan)

3. If I could have done a 4.125 stroke then I would have also done the 4.185 bore and had a 454. But, that extra wasn't worth the hassle of the longer stroke

4. LS7 blocks are expensive, then again so is the MID sleeve deal. BUT, the MID sleeve is much better than the sleeve installed by GM. It's rounder, stays round and gives much better ring seal. This stops pressure loss past the rings and gives better power output. Besides, it's fun to try new stuff.

[zbugger]

Proof that a finished car can only get better. I love the way you're refining Penny. She just keeps getting better.

[trapin]

Proof that a finished car can only get better. I love the way you're refining Penny. She just keeps getting better.
One day I imagine this thing actually becoming a space ship.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

"load the spaceship..."
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/mike_sdwarrior_warrior-1.jpg

[Jims78elky]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


481 Street LS engine War Hawk From World Products...:yum:

http://www.worldcastings.com/products/warhawk-short-blocks.html

Wow..now that would be SICK!!



-Jim

[PhillipM]

A couple of reasons..

1. I would rather have a bigger bore and a shorter stroke.

2. I was already having pan clearance problems with the 4" stroke, the 4.125 stroke would have been even worse and might of necessitated doing some weird windage tray mods. (I HAVE to run the f-body style pan)

3. If I could have done a 4.125 stroke then I would have also done the 4.185 bore and had a 454. But, that extra wasn't worth the hassle of the longer stroke

4. LS7 blocks are expensive, then again so is the MID sleeve deal. BUT, the MID sleeve is much better than the sleeve installed by GM. It's rounder, stays round and gives much better ring seal. This stops pressure loss past the rings and gives better power output. Besides, it's fun to try new stuff.

Also, then he would have to change his name to Steve1968LS7, And thats just a lot of work.

:enguard:

[JohnC]

Also, then he would have to change his name to Steve1968LS7, And thats just a lot of work.

:enguard:


By that logic, he still needs to change it anyway to Steve1968LS3...:machine:

[JEFFTATE]

By that logic, he still needs to change it anyway to Steve1968LS3...:machine:


That will probably happen ...

[Bow Tie 67]

Just make it BadSteve and be done with it. Shame on you, I'll never catch up.

[Steve1968LS2]

Also, then he would have to change his name to Steve1968LS7, And thats just a lot of work.

:enguard:

That's why we're sleeving an LS2 block.. so the name can stay the same. lol

[Steve1968LS2]

Just make it BadSteve and be done with it. Shame on you, I'll never catch up.

Except I'm not bad.. my car is.. :)

Tomorrow the 402 comes out so we can re-undercoat the car. Next week I should have the engine finalized.

Here's what we have so far:

Sleeved LS2 block (Darton MID)
Mast Motorsport 12-degree LS3 style heads
4.185 bore
4.125 stroke - Lunati Pro Series crank
6.125 K1 lightweight (614g) H-beam rods
FAST 102mm LSXr intake
Ported TBW throttle body
Canton oiling system
ARP everything

That would make this a 454 aluminum small-block LS engine. Conservative estimates are 670hp and over 600 lb-ft of torque.

Weight gain, due to the sleeves, should be around 6-lbs

[JohnC]

Congrats, Steve. That is awesome...

[Pagani]

Awesome project

[Finch]

You guys here that click....It was the bar going up a notch yet again due to Steve.

My wife feels you owe me money Steve. She says you need to pay back every dime I am spending trying to keep up with you.

[showa]

Drool !!!!!

[progoat]

Man Steve after seen Penny in Columbus last year and now the mods your doing this year:headbang: I will say however I almost cried when I seen the 402 in the forsale section and didn't have the money to buy it:banghead: Keep up the sweet work.

[colt zantop]

wow...that core support and closeout is SICK!

[tazzz25906112]

Dam Steve she sure is coming together "sweet",,,,,, you know right after I learn how to drive I'm gonna have to come after ya in WarPath ;-) ....

I can't wait for the season to begin and see all the new improvements on Penny first hand,,,, see you in LA when I fly in next week bud.. Feel like doing a little blasting in the cars on Saturday???? I sent one of my TA's down for the Gala...

[Steve1968LS2]

Dam Steve she sure is coming together "sweet",,,,,, you know right after I learn how to drive I'm gonna have to come after ya in WarPath ;-) ....

I can't wait for the season to begin and see all the new improvements on Penny first hand,,,, see you in LA when I fly in next week bud.. Feel like doing a little blasting in the cars on Saturday???? I sent one of my TA's down for the Gala...

Maybe by then I will know how to drive.. lol

The drive sounds good.. we could abuse Yancy's car ;)

[67SSDan]

My wife feels you owe me money Steve. She says you need to pay back every dime I am spending trying to keep up with you.

LMAO That's exactly what mine says too... well... in not so many words.

Dan

[Matt@BOS]

D!ck asked me to take a couple pictures when I dropped stuff off today. He said he finally had a chance to do a little "spring cleaning" on the Penny car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/IMG00010201001161523-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/IMG00011201001161523-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/IMG00012201001161524-1.jpg

Matt

[wicked68]

/Steve - what is the setup you are running on the wilwood master cylinder and brakes?

[YancyJohns]

we could abuse Yancy's car ;)
Hey Now! I seem to recall a new 4th gen. in the stable that needs some abuse now...

[tazzz25906112]

Yancy,,,, we just need to come out early and keep this Rupp and Melchior flying strait now buddy ;-)

[Jim Nilsen]

Just make it BadSteve and be done with it. Shame on you, I'll never catch up.

Just stage yourself in the lineup so your in front and he has to pass you, then it is as much about driving as it is the car. You already know you drive better on the road coarse unless some driving lessons have changed things,lol.

If 2 Camaros can hold back a Vibe there is a strategy lesson to be learned there somewhere!

[Steve1968LS2]

Just stage yourself in the lineup so your in front and he has to pass you, then it is as much about driving as it is the car. You already know you drive better on the road coarse unless some driving lessons have changed things,lol.

If 2 Camaros can hold back a Vibe there is a strategy lesson to be learned there somewhere!

I'm not bad on a road course.. just haven't had enough practice. The classes at Spring Mountain sure helped a lot. Now in the autox I'm much better.. not Mary Pozzi good, but certainly more proficiant than the big tracks.

Gaining racecraft skills is a process, just gotta keep plugging away at it.

Gotta watch out for them Vibes.. ;)

The rear end housing has been modified and is almost ready to go to power paint. Thanks to the Bradster for doing the wicked welds on my sway bar pads. In addition to ditching the U-bolt deal we cut off the brake line tabs and will be using some sweet billet pieces made by Cris over at JCG Restorations. Going to swing by Currie and have then check the tollerances on the ends since on one side the bearing feels a bit loose and leaks a touch.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/nzqgcx-1.jpg

And here's the JCG brake line clamp, I don't think I'll ever weld on tabs again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/2nb94wx-1.jpg

[brans72]

pretty sweet tabs there there steve!

[626alex15]

looks awsome

[Motown 454]

I got to see the pads for the sway bar. Those are some nice welds. I'm glad I got to see Penny in person. Awesome car Steve, Sorry I missed you.
Wayne

[wicked68]

steve - what master cylineder setup are you running. I dont recognize that wilwood unit

[ls6monte]

I have loved this car since I first read about it! Good luck with it!

[Steve1968LS2]

steve - what master cylineder setup are you running. I dont recognize that wilwood unit

That's a Wilwood 1" bore dual tandem MC... nothing special, been VERY happy with it.

[Bjkadron]

Hey Steve! Just wanted to congratulate you on your finish in the Optima invitational! it would have been a great to finish first but that cobra was pretty mean (not to mention a lot lighter). and I was really impressed with your sportsmanlike attitude about being demoted!!! Major Kudos!

And if your that worried about your name you could just change it to "Stevesbadpenny".

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve! Just wanted to congratulate you on your finish in the Optima invitational! it would have been a great to finish first but that cobra was pretty mean (not to mention a lot lighter). and I was really impressed with your sportsmanlike attitude about being demoted!!! Major Kudos!

And if your that worried about your name you could just change it to "Stevesbadpenny".

lol.. I didn't see it as a demotion.. just a correction of a bad math mistake. You win some and you lose some, we'll just try to make up for it next year. I was more bummed about the bad PS pump, that sucked since I would have had second place in that event. Like I said, there's always next year.

Or maybe I should just change my name to Brad Penny.. ;)

[wicked68]

That's a Wilwood 1" bore dual tandem MC... nothing special, been VERY happy with it.

what is the little round silver billet looking piece sitting to the right of the proportioning valve? I dont recongnize what that is.

[wicked68]

what rear pumpkin are you going to run in the car now?

[rossmacd]

I've been through 4 engines, 3 transmissions, 2 suspensions and 2 interiors, though I've never had my car painted. I often think to myself; "Man I should have just built 3 cars."


Carry on.

[CliffS]

I'm not bad on a road course.. just haven't had enough practice. The classes at Spring Mountain sure helped a lot. Now in the autox I'm much better.. not Mary Pozzi good, but certainly more proficiant than the big tracks.

Gaining racecraft skills is a process, just gotta keep plugging away at it.

Gotta watch out for them Vibes.. ;)

The rear end housing has been modified and is almost ready to go to power paint. Thanks to the Bradster for doing the wicked welds on my sway bar pads. In addition to ditching the U-bolt deal we cut off the brake line tabs and will be using some sweet billet pieces made by Cris over at JCG Restorations. Going to swing by Currie and have then check the tollerances on the ends since on one side the bearing feels a bit loose and leaks a touch.


And here's the JCG brake line clamp, I don't think I'll ever weld on tabs again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/2nb94wx-1.jpg

Steve are the brake clambs one off or are they available for the public?

[dipren443]

Steve are the brake clambs one off or are they available for the public?


Second that, I will order a set right now...

[Steve1968LS2]

Second that, I will order a set right now...

Call Cris over at JCG Restorations, he is selling them. In fact I'm buying a set for my Track Rat project.

www.jcgrestorationandcustoms.com (http://www.jcgrestorationandcustoms.com)

[dipren443]

Call Cris over at JCG Restorations, he is selling them. In fact I'm buying a set for my Track Rat project.

www.jcgrestorationandcustoms.com (http://www.jcgrestorationandcustoms.com)

Thanks Steve!

[Steve1968LS2]

I've been through 4 engines, 3 transmissions, 2 suspensions and 2 interiors, though I've never had my car painted. I often think to myself; "Man I should have just built 3 cars."

Carry on.

Yea.. this is the third engine (4th if you count where I had a bearing failure).. third trans.. second set of gauges, same interior though but three sets of shocks.

It's a process to get everything just how you want it. Besides, it's fun trying out new parts to see how they work/fit.


what rear pumpkin are you going to run in the car now?

Same one as before. Aluminum Strage case, billet pinion support, TruTrak posi and lightened/polished 3.90 gears.


what is the little round silver billet looking piece sitting to the right of the proportioning valve? I dont recongnize what that is.

Ahh.. billet clutch reservoir from Right Brothers.

[dipren443]

Ahh.. billet clutch reservoir from Right Brothers.



Should that be Ring Bros.?

[Steve1968LS2]

Should that be Ring Bros.?

I guess I need a another cup of coffee... yea, RING Brothers... :)

[dipren443]

I guess I need a another cup of coffee... yea, RING Brothers... :)


LOL. I think I will be ordering that reservoir for my TKO swap. Nice piece. :)

[19sixtynine]

Just ordered a set of the JCG brake line clamps! Cris is really nice to deal with, can't wait to get these installed!

sure as heck beats hose clamps :hammer:

[Cris@JCG]

We are looking @ trying to get one of these installed on Penny but might have clearence issues due to the DSE close out panels.

Steve, If we can't get the complete assembly on we can do the stainless pin with cup & spring

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/P1150024-1.jpg

[rwhite_692]

Steve those brake line fitting clamps are trick... make sure to loctite those clamp threads...I could see that thing loosening up pretty easily with thermal cycling, vibration...What are those allen head cap screws, 10/24? Plain Stainless?

I prefer the welded on tabs, but if you are the type to make frequent changes with your brake setup, or if the weld-on tabs are not easily do-able with the rearend still under a car, etc, I guess I can see the value.

[dipren443]

Just ordered a set of the JCG brake line clamps! Cris is really nice to deal with, can't wait to get these installed!

sure as heck beats hose clamps :hammer:

Hahahaha. I just ordered a set as well. And they will also be replacing a pair of hose clamps....

:firefire:

[Frankenstine]

nice looking race car, how much $$clams you got in her, or do you cal guys even keep up with that? what you guys do? sell your souls to buy some of those unobtainium parts.( just tricking) nice to know those who can do, getting ready to go pick up my first 69, I have plans making it look kinda like Vance Wheelers(Enduring Dreams and Endura Bumpers Febuary 2009) Any idea on how or where to get more info on his car as the article was short n sweet,such as wheel size,tire size was it tubed, subframe, what kind of rear suspension, ect,

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve those brake line fitting clamps are trick... make sure to loctite those clamp threads...I could see that thing loosening up pretty easily with thermal cycling, vibration...What are those allen head cap screws, 10/24? Plain Stainless?

I prefer the welded on tabs, but if you are the type to make frequent changes with your brake setup, or if the weld-on tabs are not easily do-able with the rearend still under a car, etc, I guess I can see the value.

The allens look stainless.. and they are not super tiny. I plan on dabbing some blue loctite on there.

The problem with the welded tabs is that they sometimes end up being right in the way. This happened to us and we had to move them which made the rear end look like crap. I like how flexable these are and with some loctite I don't see them comming apart.

[Steve1968LS2]

nice looking race car, how much $$clams you got in her, or do you cal guys even keep up with that? what you guys do? sell your souls to buy some of those unobtainium parts.( just tricking) nice to know those who can do, getting ready to go pick up my first 69, I have plans making it look kinda like Vance Wheelers(Enduring Dreams and Endura Bumpers Febuary 2009) Any idea on how or where to get more info on his car as the article was short n sweet,such as wheel size,tire size was it tubed, subframe, what kind of rear suspension, ect,

I shutter to think how much of my own $$ I have in the car.. and I had a job where I get smoking deals on parts for builds. Together I end up with a car that's nicer than I deserve. :)

email me at [email protected] and I will see if I have more info on that car.

[BuzzKillian]

Yep, but this year she is getting an SS hood and I might try to make the "ice cube trays" functional.

BOS had a real GM SS hood out back so I thought "what the heck".

Have you had any ideas on making the " ice cube trays " functioonal? I have a few ideas, but I'm not sure what to do in case of a down pour...

[steelerguy]

We really like it... there were a couple of issues that found. The nice part is that I spoke with the owner and he's making changes to future kits base on my suggestions. It's nice to see responses like this from companies.

Problem on was that the core support mount sat 3/4 or and inch too high. This means we needed a thicker spacer or a "stepped" mount. Future kits will have a way to step the mount. Not a big deal, but a PITA to fab on the spot.

Problem two was that on the LS style radiator the fill cap should be on the driver's side. In this configuration you would have a hard time running the car with the cap off (to fill, etc) since it would splash from the water pump inlet.

Like I said future ones will be changed. Other than that I love the kit. If you look at the earlier pics I posted you can really see how much bigger the opening is. When I mount my huge Setrab 925 cooler it's only going to shroud a small percent of the radiator and the increased cooling capacity should be really nice to have.

In my case we're going to move the cap ourselves. Here it is with thier optional core support closeout. I think it's pretty sweet looking, but I've gotten use to the DSE version, so we're going to fab it to work.

Also, the Autorad deal gives more clearance between the radiator fans and the water pump, so people would have an easier time with packaging an air induction system.

Here's a shot with their closeout...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/29w4i0m-1.jpg



Thanks for the info! Placed my order last week for the support/radiator with fan, A/C condenser, trans cooler, and closeouts. They had already put the fixes in place.

[Steve1968LS2]

Have you had any ideas on making the " ice cube trays " functioonal? I have a few ideas, but I'm not sure what to do in case of a down pour...

Well, water on the engine wouldn't be a HUGE problem with EFI.. You could fab some block offs to use in bad weather.

Maybe they could even be magnetic

[Steve1968LS2]

Thanks for the info! Placed my order last week for the support/radiator with fan, A/C condenser, trans cooler, and closeouts. They had already put the fixes in place.

Good deal.. that's the real benefit of doing these stories and it's great when companies listen to feedback from us editors.

When you do the install let me know if you have any questions on alignment.

[Frankenstine]

hey stve it's frankenstine know you guys are busy, were you able to find anymore info on Vance Wheelers camaro, sent you an email. thanks

[Steve1968LS2]

hey stve it's frankenstine know you guys are busy, were you able to find anymore info on Vance Wheelers camaro, sent you an email. thanks

I'm trying to track down his tech sheet with his contact number.. you would think we would be more organized. lol

[Steve1968LS2]

Got a couple of Best Of Show spy shots today of the new inner fender wells..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/55hvmp-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/2eclymx-1.jpg

[Nessumsar]

mmmm, beefy!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

trying to get more innerspace?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/innerspace-1.jpeg

[Steve1968LS2]

I have all my oil cooler stuff now. The main player is a Setrab 925 cooler.

The larger radiator opening will let me mount this without blocking most of the radiator. All the stuff will be hardlined from the Canton t-stat to the cooler and then to the bulkheads.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/2j0bngp-1.jpg

[Steve1968LS2]

Funny.. this just started out as a simple project.. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/5fi620-1.jpg

Right now all the old undercoating is being stripped off so the new WURTH Stoneguard can be shot on.

The rear was gone over by Currie and new ends were welded on. I also had the third member rebuilt since it was out of the car.

I'm also making progress on the new engine. It's a RHS standard deck race block with 4.155 bore and a 4.25 stroke. The rotating guts will Lunati and the heads will Mast Motorsports LS3 12-degree big bore pieces. I call it a 454+ (the plus is because it's really a 461)

The inner fenders are now ready to be final welded and then bodyworked. I held them up there and there's TONS more tire space where it's needed. Brad (the Bradenator) at BOS did a great job making my vision a reality on these.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/21jbyao-1.jpg

[Rod]

Funny.. this just started out as a simple project.. lol


don't they all :cheers:

[MuscleRodz]

and too think most people don't remember or know you were known for your sissy blue car........

Penny just keeps getting better. Nice to see there are a few cars now being tuned to show what PT really means.

[Steve1968LS2]

and too think most people don't remember or know you were known for your sissy blue car........

Penny just keeps getting better. Nice to see there are a few cars now being tuned to show what PT really means.

lol.. i still get paint code requests for that car.. even in it's sissy blue color. ;)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/2u47m6h-1.jpg

I have too much ADD to have Penny be done.. although after this I'm going to have to dig to figure out what to do next.

Or you could say that if I was brighter I would have built it right the first time. lol

[Jim Nilsen]

Well, water on the engine wouldn't be a HUGE problem with EFI.. You could fab some block offs to use in bad weather.

Maybe they could even be magnetic

Buick GS air cleaners has some routing and there were drainholes to make sure that not much water ever got to the carb. There might be some ideas to be picked up from them engineering wise. The right size perforated metal can be used to open and block passages with a slide and a simple cable.

Just a few thoughts

[Mark Antrim]

does that car have zippers installed on it? your always taking it apart and doing something to it.

[Jim Nilsen]

Buick GS air cleaners has some routing and there were drainholes to make sure that not much water ever got to the carb. There might be some ideas to be picked up from them engineering wise. The right size perforated metal can be used to open and block passages with a slide and a simple cable.

Just a few thoughts

Another thought on the subject: with the sensors they have now to automatically turn on your wipers you could make a tray/box out of perforated material that would be open on the top and closed on the sides and when it would slide it would alternate.You would then be getting air from the engine bay when it is raining. Since you are running the intake like you have, the throttle body wouldn't care as long as it was getting enough cfm and it is filtered somewhere before it. When it rains, gets wet or the car is off it could close the tray/box and the solenoid that moves it would be automatic. All of this could be done with a cable as said earlier. I can see this being done in carbon fiber also. I do believe you have more than enough hood clearance and it could be mounted to the top of the engine and use just a foam seal that closes it up when the hood is closed.

I have put a lot of thought into doing this with a carb setup years ago and with the LS engines it is so much more easy to do.

[David Pozzi]

Looks great Steve! Give Brad a pat on the back for me.
David

[Bjkadron]

WOW! finally Got to see the optima coverage today! PENNY IS SWEETTTTT!

[colt zantop]

that "sissy blue car" is what made up my mind when I chose to do the
LS1 in my 68. that was and still is one of the cleanest engine compartments I have ever seen! where is that car now????

[Steve1968LS2]

that "sissy blue car" is what made up my mind when I chose to do the
LS1 in my 68. that was and still is one of the cleanest engine compartments I have ever seen! where is that car now????

Sequestered away in some guy's garage.. I've seen it maybe twice at local events.

I had a really nice cloth Recaro interior in it (and that material is EXPENSIVE). The buy had it changed to leather. Made me almost shed a tear since I would have taken the pieced and let him recover stock stuff. Oh well, that's what happens when you sell stuff.

The car drove real nice with the LS1 and 4L60 trans.

[LowBuckX]

What fuel tank is this?? Where did it come from

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/qns506-1.jpg

[Steve1968LS2]

What fuel tank is this?? Where did it come from



18-gallon FUEL SAFE unit with aluminum can. On a regular Camaro you can go as large as 22-gallons.

I went with a "hat" design so that the tank wouldn't hang down in back.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/spkpi1-1.jpg

[Dalamar]

your car is absolutely gorgeous, and bad ass!

[Ron S]

As always Steve, your going to be the kid with the coolest bike on the playground. How many HP's you hoping to get out of the new setup? I was hoping to be alittle more competitive this year, but it looks like everybody is just going to be that much faster for this season, always playing catch up. Should be a good year though. Ron

[jro183]

Nice car for sure. All the right bits.

[ssx]

Man, I still can't get over how wicked that Autorad Support/Radiator and closeout looks...Pure Art right there!!!

[JohnC]

18-gallon FUEL SAFE unit with aluminum can. On a regular Camaro you can go as large as 22-gallons.

I went with a "hat" design so that the tank wouldn't hang down in back.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/spkpi1-1.jpg



Hey Steve,

What's the pros and cons on taking the FUEL SAFE route vs. Rick's "unique baffle system" tanks (like in Shipka's car)???

Thanks
John

[John Wright]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/qns506-1.jpg


Drool.......:1st:

[1968Maro]

Hey Steve,

finally caught up on my DVR'd shows and watched bad penny on the Ultima Street Cars Series.

Very cool! I have been looking at pictures of the car for years but it was really alot of fun to see it in motion.

Did you start these mods just as soon as you got back from Ultima?

[Steve1968LS2]

Well, it doesn't feel like it but progress is being made.

The underside is scraped and the new Wurth stuff should be on there by tomorrow.

With any luck I should be picking up the rearend housing from powder this week as well, then we can put the rear back together and get her rolling again. Found that he axle tubes were pretty warped from the 3-link brackets so Currie cut off the ends and welded on new ones.. straight.

Parts are moving for the 460 cube RHS LS engine, biggest delay will be the 4.250 Lunati crank which is two weeks out. That's the only delayed part though.

Cam selected is a 247/261 .624 114 LSA stick.. Any guess as to power? :)

Should be good to go for having the car done by April.. knock on wood.

The LM clutch is over at Centerforce getting refubed (figured I might as well since it's out)

The oil cooler system is also in progress getting all hard lined up. The Setrab 925 fits perfect. This is being done at Fast Eddies Fabrication in Orange, CA.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/14trero-1.jpg

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve,

finally caught up on my DVR'd shows and watched bad penny on the Ultima Street Cars Series.

Very cool! I have been looking at pictures of the car for years but it was really alot of fun to see it in motion.

Did you start these mods just as soon as you got back from Ultima?

Yep... started tearing the car down a couple weeks after the event.. there's always room for improvement and I wanted to fix a few things that had been bugging me.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve,

What's the pros and cons on taking the FUEL SAFE route vs. Rick's "unique baffle system" tanks (like in Shipka's car)???

Thanks
John

The number one advantage of a bladdered fuel cell is safety since the bladder can deform and not rupture in an accident. I also holds less gas vapor in the tank, so less chance of explosion.

I don't know if the baffleing is "better" than Ricks, but it's damn good since we run 1.3+ g with zero fuel problems.. heck, after Optima we only had about two gallons left in the tank.

[Jim Nilsen]

Hi Steve, I am wondering if you are going to try and make the Road America events? It sure would be nice to see Penny nice and new before the Motorstate. I can only imagine how much faster she will be!!!! The new gearing will certainly make a big difference too on that track.

If you don't make it out in April or May I know I will be seeing you in Michigan for sure. The Cormaro will be there if I have to trailer it in so you can see it. But I know it will be running and ready for fun completely done or not.

They are never really done Penny is the proof.:)

:cheers:

[formula]

Do you ever think about BP and think back to your blue car, and think "my god, how far I've come"?

I'm not trying to be mean and hope it doesn't come off that way--the blue car was awesome, but I feel like you keep pushing the bar further and further.

[cheapthrillz]

Do you ever think about BP and think back to your blue car, and think "my god, how far I've come"?

I'm not trying to be mean and hope it doesn't come off that way--the blue car was awesome, but I feel like you keep pushing the bar further and further.

I was thinking about that '69 with the gassers the other day too. It was my background on my desktop when I was in high school.

I agree.... Steve doesn't stop! Every change he makes to Penny impresses me more and more. Every time I see a new picture I think "Man that car is perfect... you couldn't do anything to make it better", but then he does!

[Motown 454]

Thats some nice duration on the cam, with all those cubes it should make some nice power.

[jake72ss]

Steve, what type of coating has been applied to the exhaust?

[6'9"Witha69]

All I know is, rappers are goping to start bragging about having $$$ like Steve Rupp!!!:poke:

[jknight16]

Looking good Steve. One question for ya. Prior to this latest revision to raise the rear upper shock mounting, how exactly were the shocks mounted on the inside of the frame rail? I'm considering going a similar route with mine and the info could be very useful.

[ZZ430]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/29w4i0m-1.jpg

That core support/radiator/closeout is the coolest thing I have ever seen!

Wow...:smoke:

[Ron S]

Well, it doesn't feel like it but progress is being made.

The underside is scraped and the new Wurth stuff should be on there by tomorrow.

With any luck I should be picking up the rearend housing from powder this week as well, then we can put the rear back together and get her rolling again. Found that he axle tubes were pretty warped from the 3-link brackets so Currie cut off the ends and welded on new ones.. straight.

Parts are moving for the 460 cube RHS LS engine, biggest delay will be the 4.250 Lunati crank which is two weeks out. That's the only delayed part though.

Cam selected is a 247/261 .624 114 LSA stick.. Any guess as to power? :)

Should be good to go for having the car done by April.. knock on wood.

The LM clutch is over at Centerforce getting refubed (figured I might as well since it's out)

The oil cooler system is also in progress getting all hard lined up. The Setrab 925 fits perfect. This is being done at Fast Eddies Fabrication in Orange, CA.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/14trero-1.jpg
Wow,I was just talking to Payton about building a new core support for my Mustang because the the one I originally built was 1x1 .125 wall, and heeeeavy.This is exactly what I had pictured in my head to replace it,that is a beautiful peice. I need to get to work!! Ron

[Steve1968LS2]

Hi Steve, I am wondering if you are going to try and make the Road America events? It sure would be nice to see Penny nice and new before the Motorstate. I can only imagine how much faster she will be!!!! The new gearing will certainly make a big difference too on that track.

If you don't make it out in April or May I know I will be seeing you in Michigan for sure. The Cormaro will be there if I have to trailer it in so you can see it. But I know it will be running and ready for fun completely done or not.

They are never really done Penny is the proof.


Too many events.. not enough time.

The car for sure won't be there.. I decided that I really want my car at the Goodguys Costa Mesa event.. yea, it's a piddly tiny and slow autocross course, but it's my hometown and giving rides to all my neighbors and friends last year was a blast. Plus I need to defend my editors challenge win. :)

But, I will for be at that Gingerman event with Penny.. and I look forward to checking out your car then. And you're right.. never done because frankly done isn't nearly as much fun.

Although my list is getting awfully short..


Do you ever think about BP and think back to your blue car, and think "my god, how far I've come"?

I'm not trying to be mean and hope it doesn't come off that way--the blue car was awesome, but I feel like you keep pushing the bar further and further.

Yea, generally I think back and wonder what good deed I did to end up in the job I have now... I mean, I'm just a car guy like you guys that someone pulled that golden ticket.

Because of that I was able to build what had been rolling around in my cranium.. I really liked the blue '69, at the time I thought is was great. But, I found PT the same time I started that car and by the time I was done it wasn't what I wanted anymore. It was more street rod/cruiser and I wanted it all a bit more hard core.

Penny has turned out better than I could have imagined, but that was thanks in large part to pro-touring.com, lateral-g.net and all the great people who've let me pick thier brains and helped me flesh out ideas. I like to think that BP is a big ass group project.

There's always someone faster or better, but I hope to keep pushing and at least making them work for it. lol

Thanks for the comments :)


Steve, what type of coating has been applied to the exhaust?

It's a thermal coating called "titanium" by my coater Embee Performance in Santa Ana, CA.. has a nice look and works well for the exhaust.

www.embeeperformance.com


All I know is, rappers are goping to start bragging about having $$$ like Steve Rupp!!!

lol.. maybe broke rappers.

Now don't get me wrong.. I have a TON of cash tied up in Penny.. the thought of adding it all up scares me.. maybe $90k.. more than likely more.

BUT, my job lets me build a nicer car than I could normally afford on my working stiffs income. Maybe I spend $10k on an engine that would normally be $15k.. but every bit helps.

Penny is certainly no riddler car.. or even SMOTY quality.. but she's pretty nice and she's all mine.. well mostly all mine. lol


Looking good Steve. One question for ya. Prior to this latest revision to raise the rear upper shock mounting, how exactly were the shocks mounted on the inside of the frame rail? I'm considering going a similar route with mine and the info could be very useful.

The shocks were mounted to the crossmember for the Watt's link. If you look in the January issue you can see the old holes in the crossmember.

In a stock Camaro this would have been fine but Penny's rear frame rails aren't stock. As such the bar was a bit lower so we needed to add the new attachment points.

Email me at [email protected] and I will shoot you a picture of the original crossmember. Might help.

[Steve1968LS2]

Wow,I was just talking to Payton about building a new core support for my Mustang because the the one I originally built was 1x1 .125 wall, and heeeeavy.This is exactly what I had pictured in my head to replace it,that is a beautiful peice. I need to get to work!! Ron

That's a benefit of owning a first gen Camaro.. lots of cool crap on the market.

I should weigh the core support.. my guess is that is weighs less than a stocker but the larger radiator weighs more. But I bet this one is stronger than the stock steel unit.

Get that LS7 in place yet?

[Ron S]

Not yet Steve, everthing is here except the head gaskets (back ordered).Hoping to have the rest of the shortblock together this weekend,and set in next. Had these big plans for the car this winter and didn't do any of it.Starting to get that paniced feeling. Ron

[jknight16]

The shocks were mounted to the crossmember for the Watt's link. If you look in the January issue you can see the old holes in the crossmember.

In a stock Camaro this would have been fine but Penny's rear frame rails aren't stock. As such the bar was a bit lower so we needed to add the new attachment points.

Email me at [email protected] and I will shoot you a picture of the original crossmember. Might help.

Thanks Steve, I'll email you this evening. For now I'm going to mount shocks in the stock location but down the road when a narrower rear end and minitub come into play I may employ a similar mounting solution to use the watt's link crossmember to mount them inboard.

[Jasons72]

Is there anywhere i can get a tank that mounts like that without the high price tag?

[Jim Nilsen]

Is there anywhere i can get a tank that mounts like that without the high price tag?

At a swap meet for race cars used, or someones aborted dream.

Good fuel cells cost money and are never cheap.

[Steve1968LS2]

Is there anywhere i can get a tank that mounts like that without the high price tag?

I guess you could have one made.. but anything custom is going to run you near a grand.. which is only a little less than what I paid for this one.

I suppose you could mount the plastic type you see at Summit, but the baffling is iffy at best.


Not yet Steve, everthing is here except the head gaskets (back ordered).Hoping to have the rest of the shortblock together this weekend,and set in next. Had these big plans for the car this winter and didn't do any of it.Starting to get that paniced feeling. Ron

I know that paniced feeling.. lol


At a swap meet for race cars used, or someones aborted dream.

Good fuel cells cost money and are never cheap.

It is a safety item so you're right it best to save money in other areas.

[Steve1968LS2]

Update time:

Front valance has been welded up.. ditched the license plate holes and closed up all the spoiler holes since I'm going to be running a new gizmo from bottomfeeder air that pushes the spoiler back, like on Jackass.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/u6jw1-1.jpg

The oil cooler plumbing was finished over at Fast Eddies. It's all stainless tubing and XRP fittings. I will have to paint the blue ones black since that's all they had. Now the core support can go off to power paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/11vlkzc-1.jpg

The bottom side has been scraped, seam sealed and re-shot with Wurth Stoneguard.. came out nice and should be easier to clean. The newly powerpainted, rebuilt and STRAIGHT housing is back under the car. Had new bearings put on the axles so everything is fresh and new.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/nm1btv-1.jpg

Working on the engines as we speak.. been so swamped between this and work that I hardly have time to come online.. add in that our office is moving and it's been nuts.

Now to get her done by March 31st.. :nilly:

[Rick Dorion]

So very nice!

What's the web addr for bottomfeedair? It used to be bottomfeedair.com but it won't load. Thanks.

[lower90xcab]

such a cool car...i hope i can see her in action this fall.....

[406 Q-ship]

What fuel tank is this?? Where did it come from

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/qns506-1.jpg


Steve......crush bent exhaust pipes? For shame!

Well now I want to do a fuel cell in my Chevelle then build a aluminum core support.....thanks alot you can spend my money better than anyone.

[monza]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/qns506-1.jpg

Ya that is a dope shot! Can I please get a high res. version of that so I can make some garage art. (please and thank you if you get a chance) I'll make you one of what ever I come up with.....

[trapin]

I wouldn't paint that core support.

[lower90xcab]

I wouldn't paint that core support.

i agree......

[Steve1968LS2]

So very nice!

What's the web addr for bottomfeedair? It used to be bottomfeedair.com but it won't load. Thanks.

http://www.techafx.com/backgrounder.php

:)

[Steve1968LS2]

I wouldn't paint that core support.

Several reasons for this.

1. I don't like the light color behind the grill
2. It's a hard area to clean
3. bare aluminum is hard to maintain
4. raw aluminum doesn't age well

By the time I put the closeout on you wont' be able to see much of it anyways.

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve......crush bent exhaust pipes? For shame!

Well now I want to do a fuel cell in my Chevelle then build a aluminum core support.....thanks alot you can spend my money better than anyone.

To be honest I don't know of a shop with a mandrel bender.. beside, contrary to how it might seem, this isn't a show car.

maybe someday I will redo it, right now I have bigger fish to fry up.

[Steve1968LS2]

Got a little carried away boring out the LS2 block.. DOH!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/116rna1-1.jpg

[HectorM52]

To be honest I don't know of a shop with a mandrel bender.. beside, contrary to how it might seem, this isn't a show car.

maybe someday I will redo it, right now I have bigger fish to fry up.
Plan an extra week when you're in the southeast again. Less than 4 hours from Pigeon Forge (in Dallas, GA) is one of the best mandrel guys in the country. Tommy Parker (user PARKERRS) uses him too. He did my exhaust and it's immaculate. Reasonably priced too.

Let me know if you want his info and I'll see if I can find it...

[DarkoNova]

http://www.techafx.com/backgrounder.php

:)

I don't get it. What's so special about these spoilers? :squint:

Matt

[holschen]

got a little carried away boring out the ls2 block.. Doh!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/116rna1-1.jpg


lol

[Ron S]

Got a little carried away boring out the LS2 block.. DOH!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/116rna1-1.jpg

Its a damn miracle that these blocks hold up to the HP that they do. I am still amazed how this process is done, the 4 sleeves are one peice per bank on my LS7 block, looks like they will be on this block too. How do they make those sleeve assemblies? I'm sure the production of the monosleeves has got to be a costly one.

Coming along beautiflly as always Steve. Ron

[trapin]

The boys in Powertrain were doing their homework when they developed the Gen III.

[tazzz25906112]

Hummm I do like that, I never learn to leave anything alone either LOL..... Congratulations buddy this is going to be a sick motor your building there bud...

[Steve1968LS2]

I don't get it. What's so special about these spoilers? :squint:

Matt

Nothing.. just stock spoiler.

BUT, where they are located is special.. by being farther back air is directed up into the area in front of the radiator. This promotes better cooling and they claim other aero benefits. Jackass uses the same principal.

[Steve1968LS2]

Its a damn miracle that these blocks hold up to the HP that they do. I am still amazed how this process is done, the 4 sleeves are one peice per bank on my LS7 block, looks like they will be on this block too. How do they make those sleeve assemblies? I'm sure the production of the monosleeves has got to be a costly one.

Coming along beautiflly as always Steve. Ron

No, each sleeve is independent, but they fit together to essentially become one unit. The nice part is that there are now water passages between the cylinders. Bore will be 4.185, but we could have gone 4.200.

[Cdog]

Steve,

Can you tell me about that rear sway bar? I just bought a LD rear suspension and it doesn't appear to have been set up for the rear sway bar. Is it an off the shelf part or custom made?

Thanks!

[monza]

http://www.techafx.com/backgrounder.php

:)

Bottom Feeder? What material is it made out of? Did not see that on the web site.

[Steve1968LS2]

Bottom Feeder? What material is it made out of? Did not see that on the web site.

The plate is made of steel.. the spoiler is just like factory but a heavier grade plastic (stronger)

It just showed up yesterday.. I will snap a shot later

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,

Can you tell me about that rear sway bar? I just bought a LD rear suspension and it doesn't appear to have been set up for the rear sway bar. Is it an off the shelf part or custom made?

Thanks!

It's a modified 2nd gen camaro bar.. but since they David Pozzi has had one made by Helwig that would most likely be better for you.

PM him and he should be able to get you the info. I weld on my pads so I don't have to use U-bolts.. you might want to consider doing the same if you haven't painted/coated your housing yet.

[James OLC]

It's a modified 2nd gen camaro bar.. but since they David Pozzi has had one made by Helwig that would most likely be better for you.

PM him and he should be able to get you the info. I weld on my pads so I don't have to use U-bolts.. you might want to consider doing the same if you haven't painted/coated your housing yet.

You can call David Wheeler at Hellwig and ask for the rear bar... the part number is "The OneLapCamaro Sway Bar"... really.... it is!

[Cdog]

Thanks guy's. I'll check it out.:cheers:

[MoparCar]

Steve,

Can you tell me about that rear sway bar? I just bought a LD rear suspension and it doesn't appear to have been set up for the rear sway bar. Is it an off the shelf part or custom made?

Thanks!

Sorry if I'm out of the loop but how did you just buy a LD rear suspension? I thought they weren't available?

Thanks, Wes

[trapin]

Several reasons for this.

1. I don't like the light color behind the grill
2. It's a hard area to clean
3. bare aluminum is hard to maintain
4. raw aluminum doesn't age well

By the time I put the closeout on you wont' be able to see much of it anyways.
And I stand corrected.

You would think by now I would know not to question your actions. LOL!!!

[Cdog]

Sorry if I'm out of the loop but how did you just buy a LD rear suspension? I thought they weren't available?

Thanks, Wes


I was lucky to pick one up from a forum member.

Thanks Mike!:)

[Matt@BOS]

Is Penny going to be ready for El Toro?

[nicks67camaro]

http://www.techafx.com/backgrounder.php

:)

Any feed back on this system would be appreciated, curious if the areo claims are legit.

No repeats of this
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45411&highlight=spoiler

[shortrack]

its cool that you want to take the time to and effort to fine tune the car to its max potential....thats cool.....people make comments to me about all the work required to get my car running and driving......Im like...."running and driving will just be the start".....I want to learn the set ups do home alignments and how "doing this or that" to the set up translates to the feel and performance of the car......I wish the car was done haha

[Bjkadron]

its cool that you want to take the time to and effort to fine tune the car to its max potential....thats cool.....people make comments to me about all the work required to get my car running and driving......Im like...."running and driving will just be the start".....I want to learn the set ups do home alignments and how "doing this or that" to the set up translates to the feel and performance of the car......I wish the car was done haha

Same here! That is why I have two cars.. Build one... tune one!

[Steve1968LS2]

Any feed back on this system would be appreciated, curious if the areo claims are legit.

No repeats of this
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45411&highlight=spoiler

Will report back.. the parts look very nice. I can see from a theoretical standpoint how it should work.. and Stielow seems to be a believer.

[Steve1968LS2]

Is Penny going to be ready for El Toro?

If everything goes right.. hell I have 9 whole days to build the engine, tune, install, and put the car back together.. piece 'o cake! lol

If not it will be a Del Mar, but we are sure trying for El Toro. Engine build is set for Wednesday with dyno on Thursday and install start on Friday.

It takes a few times to get stuff right.. and even though this was a pain the car will be better because of it.

[Kenova]

It takes a few times to get stuff right.. and even though this was a pain the car will be better because of it.

:hmm: Didn't you say that this time last year? :poke:

Can't wait to see her back on the track Steve. Maybe we could get a gratuitous dyno video?

Ken

[Ron S]

Its a damn miracle that these blocks hold up to the HP that they do. I am still amazed how this process is done, the 4 sleeves are one peice per bank on my LS7 block, looks like they will be on this block too. How do they make those sleeve assemblies? I'm sure the production of the monosleeves has got to be a costly one.

Coming along beautiflly as always Steve. Ron

After tearing into my LS7, it also has interlocking cylinders, I thought I read somewhere, or saw somewhere that it used a single peice of metal for each bank of cylinders, I guess this isn't the first time I was wrong about something. I know I've seen a picture of a one peice 4 cylinder sleeve somewhere, I thought it was in the write up on the LS7, but I guess not. Ron

[Gitter Dun]

Hi Steve, New to the forum but not to site, I just watched your run through the cones vid and was flabbergasted. That was a flawless run and the rear of the car followed the front like they were connected at the hip. Cant imagine wanting to change that.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Will report back.. the parts look very nice. I can see from a theoretical standpoint how it should work.. and Stielow seems to be a believer.


Spoke to Larry @ Techafx yesterday. Good man guy doing what he can to support our hobby. He told me testing showed 8 - 10 degree reduction at the intake and he's still working on areo effect testing. He and Stielow are friends and talk first gen theory all the time. He also shared his observation of Jackass running it @ Optima high speed on the track. Obviously, it didn't fall off.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hi Steve, New to the forum but not to site, I just watched your run through the cones vid and was flabbergasted. That was a flawless run and the rear of the car followed the front like they were connected at the hip. Cant imagine wanting to change that.

Thanks.. Penny is one of the top autocrossing PT cars out there.. of that I'm pretty certain... The changes are more for the road course where a bit more power is helpful. Other changes relate to oil cooling (again, road course) and larger front tires (both)... the rest are just clean up/cosmetic stuff.

There's always room for improvement and if you're not making a car better you will eventually be outclassed by other competitors..

Which video did you see? Oh, and thanks for the compliment.

[Steve1968LS2]

Spoke to Larry @ Techafx yesterday. Good man guy doing what he can to support our hobby. He told me testing showed 8 - 10 degree reduction at the intake and he's still working on areo effect testing. He and Stielow are friends and talk first gen theory all the time. He also shared his observation of Jackass running it @ Optima high speed on the track. Obviously, it didn't fall off.

Yea, falling off would be bad.. lol

I certainly don't see how it could hurt and in theory it should do as they say.. at this point I hunt around for any small advantage I can find.

[Gitter Dun]

I watched the video attatched to your signature posting, did you time that run, and I think I counted 7 cones, how far apart was the cone spacing? Im interested in trying a timed run in my car just to see how I compare to your most likely more up to date set up. Last time I did anything to my car was 2002, lol. I would really love to compare times and talk suspension tunes.

[Steve1968LS2]

I watched the video attatched to your signature posting, did you time that run, and I think I counted 7 cones, how far apart was the cone spacing? Im interested in trying a timed run in my car just to see how I compare to your most likely more up to date set up. Last time I did anything to my car was 2002, lol. I would really love to compare times and talk suspension tunes.

It's 420 feet.. 7 cones 70 feet apart.. we time it and then plug it into a formula. That was a long time ago and she only managed 49.7 mph.. since then we've gotten faster. I think my current best time is 5.72 seconds.

I haven't been through since I got the sway bar and stuff.. maybe in a week or two when we test again (if the car is ready)

feel free to email me at [email protected] :)

[Gitter Dun]

E-Mail Sent!!

[craigs73]

since yours is "done" and your bored with it you can bring your self and your check book over here to my place and help me out:fingersx::poke:

[DJW32]

I haven't been through since I got the sway bar and stuff.. maybe in a week or two when we test again (if the car is ready)


"If the car is ready"...Come on bud, El Toro is going to be a great event. Penny really needs to make an appearance.

[Vegas69]

Easy for you to say. These things don't come to together very easy. I hope to see Steve and Penny there.

[Bow Tie 67]

Easy for you to say. These things don't come to together very easy. I hope to see Steve and Penny there.

I hope so also, that a match up I want to see.

[Steve1968LS2]

Easy for you to say. These things don't come to together very easy. I hope to see Steve and Penny there.

It just get's frustrating when you have these looming deadlines.. was supposed to build the engine today but the shop just realized they they done have big enough deck plates for the hone.. I found some at a friends shop to borrow but now we'er a day behind (build engine tomorrow)..

I don't have room for too much more ball dropping.. I'm still hopefull though.

[DJW32]

Easy for you to say. These things don't come to together very easy. I hope to see Steve and Penny there.

Yes, it is easy for me to say. In a perfect world, I would be going over every nut and bolt on my Camaro before the El Toro event. Right now, I'm not at that point. Hopefully soon I will be racing with you guys at a great event.

I'm a huge fan of Penny, and I hope to see that car stretch its legs on the road course. Steve was kind enough to give me a ride at the Costa Mesa GG event...that was one hell of a ride.

Steve,
Good luck with getting the car back together.

[wicked68]

steve - you going to put a dry sump on or a diff fluid cooler?

[Ron.in.SoCal]

It just get's frustrating when you have these looming deadlines.. was supposed to build the engine today but the shop just realized they they done have big enough deck plates for the hone.. I found some at a friends shop to borrow but now we'er a day behind (build engine tomorrow)..

I don't have room for too much more ball dropping.. I'm still hopefull though.

Do - stay hopeful.
Do not - put pressure on yourself to 'giter-done'

It only leads to dissapointment or worse. Like Todd said, these things take time. I remember building a 1000hp blower boat motor and rushing instead of planning on motor jail. Ruined my season...

[Steve1968LS2]

steve - you going to put a dry sump on or a diff fluid cooler?

Wet sump.. no need for a diff cooler.. least not yet.

[Steve1968LS2]

Do - stay hopeful.
Do not - put pressure on yourself to 'giter-done'

It only leads to dissapointment or worse. Like Todd said, these things take time. I remember building a 1000hp blower boat motor and rushing instead of planning on motor jail. Ruined my season...

Yea, one too many delays.. was supposed to have the cluth this week.. it's not shipping until Monday.

Engine was supposed to be built today.. needed a bigger deck plate so that is Monday.

Rather than thrash it together we will shoot to have her done by Del Mar Goodguys. That gives us anohter week.

I would rather have it built right than fast. Oh the core support is done and it came out stunning! ..

[1badchevelle]

Yea, one too many delays.. was supposed to have the cluth this week.. it's not shipping until Monday.

Engine was supposed to be built today.. needed a bigger deck plate so that is Monday.

Rather than thrash it together we will shoot to have her done by Del Mar Goodguys. That gives us anohter week.

I would rather have it built right than fast. Oh the core support is done and it came out stunning! ..

Will you have another car at RTTH?

on the core support post some pics and let us be the judge:yeah:

[craigs73]

steve you going to tak me up on my offer ^^^^:idea:

[Steve1968LS2]

Yes, it is easy for me to say. In a perfect world, I would be going over every nut and bolt on my Camaro before the El Toro event. Right now, I'm not at that point. Hopefully soon I will be racing with you guys at a great event.

I'm a huge fan of Penny, and I hope to see that car stretch its legs on the road course. Steve was kind enough to give me a ride at the Costa Mesa GG event...that was one hell of a ride.

Steve,
Good luck with getting the car back together.

Come for a ride at Del Mar.. or Costa Mesa.. :)