2005 Chevy Corvette build & upgrades & Nova parts donater thread

[bonecrrusher]

I've been on hear for a while now, and drooling over these muscle cars, so I pm'd Larry to see if my Vette build up thread would be appropriate and he said yeah... so here we are.

Also note - the OEM parts that I'm ripping off, I'll be saving for a 68-74 Nova build that I have going on in my head. Might as well save money right? The brakes, part of the exhaust, intake manifold will all find its way onto my project car that I'll be getting eventually.

I picked up the Car July 4th 2007 - down in Atlanta GA, and it was fun as hell celebrating the red white and blue holiday driving this car w/ the top out on the 3 hr drive home.

I picked up the car with 7,000 miles on it and have put almost 30k on it now. Its a Z51 equipped car with all options except OnStar and Nav. Its got a T56 and heads up display.

Heres some pics of the day I got it... bone stock!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/vette3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/vette2-1.jpg

Yes the dealer sticker is long gone!

About 2 months after I owned the car, I ordered a Vararam Intake, and a CAGS! delete... stupidest system ever put on a Stick shift car!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/modday-1.jpg

Fast foward to Spring of '08.. entered my first car show... yeah didnt win anything, oh well.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/cmm3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/cmm5-1.jpg

I joined a Charlotte Corvette club in 2008, I've gone to many car shows, cruised all around NC and SC, and raced on LMS, and enjoyed a few mountain runs.

Misc pics..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/01/fallrun-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/fallrun4-1.jpg

Lowes Motor Speedway - Dec 2008
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/lms1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/lms4-1.jpg
100 mph+ ON LMS, it was a freaking blast, I definitely recommend it to anyone!

So my Runcraps where kinda worn in the back from all the driving around, and then I got a flat on I485 near Charlotte so I was lucky to drive on the flat runcrap and got home. This started a chain reaction.

Since I needed new rear tires, I got some BF Goordrich KDW2's, not only did they handle a hell of a lot better, they where a lot quieter!

New Rears....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/101_1566-1.jpg

Feb 2009...
There was a local car club going to a dyno shop, so I put it on the rollers and see what she put down.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/vettefun-1.jpg
Car put down 375 rwhp & 374 rwtq... Not bad for being on stock tune and just an intake!

Fast forward to Spring 2009....
I ran the mismatched tires for awhile, and was cleaning up my car when I noticed the fronts where corded!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/SSPX0048-1.jpg

So I ordered some wheels from a Vette vendor, ordered new front tires from Discount tire... and off to the tire shop I go!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/SSPX0051-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/wheels3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/wheels-1.jpg

I ordered some Repo ZR1 style wheels that fit flush with the fender... and they just happen to clear these....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/DSC03142JPG-1.jpg

So with 8 weeks before the 2009 Hot Rod Power Tour - which btw I registered at the last minute and still got decent rooms.... I ordered the C6 Z06 brakes... well West Coast Corvettes had them on backorder for 6 weeks... I literally bolted them on the Week before the Power Tour... I guess a 4k mile road trip is the proper way to bed in the pads..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/brakes3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/brakes2-1.jpg
& finished product...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/brakes8-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Power Tour '09...
Entering WI
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/DSC03254-1.jpg
Madison
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/DSC03258-1.jpg
Seated Pads in Madison...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/DSC03259-1.jpg
Highway between Somerset KY & Bristol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/DSC03742-1.jpg
Bristol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC03774-1.jpg

Fast fwd to Summer 2009...
After going on the Power Tour, and hearing all these badass V8's I was ?ber jealous of the nasty exhaust systems that I heard, and too be honest GM really boned the exhaust system on the LS2. 2.5" exhaust? Come on now... I researched a lot of different exhausts for the Vettes, and the prices are sky high! $2000 for 6 feet of pipe (Corsa, Borla, etc) well I say F that! Someone at a car show said look into the LS7 exhaust... so after piecing together a full z06 exhaust kit off ebay, Corvetteforums, and other places... I finally had a complete setup.
LS7 kit...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/exhaust-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/exhaust2-1.jpg

If you look at the LS7 manifolds, they are brand new! Never fired, I found them for $100 shipped off ebay from a first gen Camaro LS7 swap! Also the setup gives about ~30 rwhp on the Dyno, and sounds badass. I ordered the Mild2Wild kit and I can open up the LS7 exhaust butterfly valves at any time... They drone on the highway like a B, so thank god I can quiet it down. Especially with my pending 5k mile trip for Power Tour '10! Oh forgot to add.. only paid $750 for Z06 exhaust from manifold to tips, and yes I installed them myself... I think the pics are on facebook, I'll add later!

& this is the car back in October on the top of Beech Mountain north of Banner Elk, NC... its 5000' up!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/Vette2009080-1.jpg

So thats all I've got done so far... Ive got the a lot more stuff to bolt on, but I'm in the middle of buying a house so parts are sitting in storage....

LS7 Crate engine delivery...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/SSPX0243-1.jpg
HAH, I wish... z06 rear fenders I got for CHEAP from ebay.

Frageeeelaayyyyyyyy.... Must be Italian or something...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/SSPX0340-1.jpg
Nah... Z06 front Carbon fiber fender...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/SSPX0341-1.jpg

I''ll be upgrading to a Full Z06 body kit... No I will not be adding the damn z06 badges, I hate the stock coupe look!

Z06 Competition Grey wheels - I have these shipping from Cleveland Pick A Part today!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/SSPX0355-1.jpg

Hopefully next year, want to get a Edelbrock E-force Supercharger for the LS3, I'll be upgrading to L92/LS3 heads with that swap!

[scogin918]

Nice progress. Keep up the good work.

[TA219]

Good work! I agree with the ZO6 upgrades, those cars look much more aggressive!

[CruizinKev]

nice project!

[bonecrrusher]

Thanks - I just bought a house on Wednesday, so the z06 projects will be put on hold for awhile, plus I dont want to send the car to paint jail until I'm done with the ECTA Maxton mile event in April, and the Hot Rod Power Tour in June!

BTW.. heres my idea for the nova... and yes it a bad chop! Like I said parts donater....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/novarough1-1.jpg

[Nessumsar]

Nice tasteful upgrades to the Vette. I have a buddy who is really into Vettes, I am amazed at how well they perform with such little upgrades.

And the Nova looks nice with those wheels. Have you thought about powder coating them black?

[1970 TT Rustang]

nice comeing along well

[MISLEAD NOTCH]

I love those Z06 wheels! Nice Vette buy the way

[bonecrrusher]

Something arrived from those guys in the big brown trucks today...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/02/img1266600533215-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Lets see - no update for a few weeks... its been a very busy and crazy expensive month...

I packed/moved/unpacked - and finally got the Vette over to my new house. I found a 4 bedroom house here in Charlotte for very cheap, and couldnt pass up the deal. Plus I qualifed for the first home owner tax credit, so I'm expecting that in a few weeks.

Pic of the house
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

After I got moved in and mostly unpacked, I wanted to finish up a few projects on the Corvette. First was a set of 4LT package leather door handles that I bought off of CorvetteForum for real cheap.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/img1268592945265-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/img1268588243499-1.jpg

Let me say this.... removing C6 Corvette door panels are a pain in the ass!

Second project was - well more creature comfort then anything - I'll be on the Hot Rod Power Tour this summer, and using my phone as a GPS well just sucks because its on the Sprint network, and driving through the midwest and south, I wont have full coverage - I guarantee it. So I installed a factory Navigation unit that I got out of a 2009 Z06.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/img1269118155177-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/img1269059524072-1.jpg

The last thing that happened just this weekend - was that I got into an accident in my daily beater - I had a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. It had the supercharged L67 v6 in it - and well a guy blew a red light and hit the front of my car. He trashed my hood, and that was the nail in the coffin in that car. I've been wanting to get rid of it for a long time. So I got a new hood from a junkyard, and well color didnt match. I installed the hood at the yard, drove home and washed and waxed the car, then I went to the dealership and traded it in...

So I drove home in this...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/img1269751790422-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/img1269751915336-1.jpg

Picked up an 08 G8 GT - has the L76 v8 w/ 6 speed automatic.

It has a CAI, SLP long tube headers, and full Corsa exhaust on it. I got a really good deal on it - and I have no complaints! I'm not planning on modifying the G8 anytime soon.

[jy211]

did you sell the repo zr1 wheels?

[bonecrrusher]

No I still have them - Im going to roll on those till I get the funds to complete z06 kit and wheels.

[jy211]

when you wanna sell them, let me know.

[94SNGLTURBO]

sounds like you have been having fun with this car/house.. all the new parts. the car looks great

[bonecrrusher]

New parts will be on hold until at least after the Power Tour, at least my projects are mostly done until then.

[z0sicks07]

cool project, some z51 badges would look cool on the fenders that way you don't have to worry about filling in the badge holes.

[bonecrrusher]

People will give me a ton of **** for those Z51 badges... so I'm going to pass on that....

Just went to a dyno day this morning:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/SSPX0515-1.jpg
Vette Dyno'd 370/370 hp/tq

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/SSPX0509-1.jpg

G8 GT dyno'd 360/370 hp/tq

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/SSPX0513-1.jpg

& My cars w/ a friends 170 mile Z06

[bonecrrusher]

Not a car update - but car storage update? Haha...

I've been in my house for 2 months now, and its about time I tackled my garage project.

The floor was nasty with oil stains, spilled paint, Spackle and gum! So I joined the garage-forums and looked through different products and options for taking care of the floor. I settled on Griots Garage Non Lifting industrial epoxy. It was in my price range and has great reviews. The Lowes/Home Depot stuff is just garbage IMHO.

It took about 4 hrs of cleaning/acid etching/washing off the floor and about 2 hrs per coat for 3 days to get this project done. I'll say it looks a hell of a lot better then before. I've got some gladiator shelving to put up, and of course the car posters and stuff.

Its not perfect, but not bad for for my first garage of my own. The Griots garage epoxy went down real easy with no big issues or complaints.

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage2-1.jpg

After:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage002-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage003-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage006-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage007-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage013-1.jpg

[turbo kid]

So how do you like the G8?

[Happyfunballs]

Vette and G8 have almost the same hp/tq numbers?! I guess I didn't expect that.

[dusterbd13]

so, QCCC or generations vette club?

nice to see a local guy. if you want to start getting into HPDE, let me know. my father is an instructor, and im the local tech station.

[John Wright]

Vette and G8 have almost the same hp/tq numbers?! I guess I didn't expect that.
and...lost a couple HP and TQ from earlier?
(better numbers before LS7 exhaust?????forget to open the damper?)


Nice garage update!...I love the floors, they will clean up easily and will be nice if you have to crawl around under the cars. I have garage and car envy after reading this thread...LOL

[bonecrrusher]

and...lost a couple HP and TQ from earlier?
(better numbers before LS7 exhaust?????forget to open the damper?)

Nice garage update!...I love the floors, they will clean up easily and will be nice if you have to crawl around under the cars. I have garage and car envy after reading this thread...LOL

No - they where open, car really needs a tune. It was 15* hotter when I re-dyno'd and I did upgrade to the Z06 brakes, and heavier Zr1 wheels. So I'm thinking the hotter day, lack of tune, and heavier rolling stock cost me some power.



so, QCCC or generations vette club?

nice to see a local guy. if you want to start getting into HPDE, let me know. my father is an instructor, and im the local tech station.

I'm not in QC... Im not 65+ and don't like to get dinner ever week. :bsjerk: I'm actually in Metrolina Corvettes, we do car shows, open track days, mountain runs, etc. Best thing - I pay no dues, and I'm not "obligated" to go to club events. I work 60+ hr weeks & choose to spend my free time as I see. You go to CMP a lot?


Vette and G8 have almost the same hp/tq numbers?! I guess I didn't expect that.

I was surprised as hell to see the G8 put those numbers down. I'm convinced it has a tune on it. I had the car only a week before I dyno'd it. The SLP headers, exhaust and CAI sound good on the car. The Vette has similiar mods.

[dusterbd13]

im at cmp a fair bit. not as much lately, family comes first.

[bonecrrusher]

im at cmp a fair bit. not as much lately, family comes first.

I understand that... got a lot of stuff coming up, mostly working, getting ready for the Power Tour, and trying to relax.. haha.

[shortrack]

garage is looking good.....where did you get the Griot's stuff???

[John Wright]

garage is looking good.....where did you get the Griot's stuff???

Try here:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/in+your+garage/garage+flooring/gray+floor+paint%2C+1+gallon.do

[bonecrrusher]

Yeah John posted where I bought it from. I could have used 3 gallons, but I bought 4 and used the last one since shipping it back would have been a pain in the ass.

[Tig]

Everything looks great, especially your garage. How smooth was the Griots to put down? Is it self leveling?
What part of Charlotte? I was going to move there but ended up in Raleigh.

[bonecrrusher]

As long as the surface is clean its easy to put down.

Self leveling - not really i mean it is like paint - you put down a lot it will have a thick spot, but after 2-3 layers it levels out pretty much.

[bonecrrusher]

Had a Vette filled weekend, ended up driving about 200 miles up around the western NC mountains. I hit up part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and some mountain roads along the Pisgah National Forrest. I do have to say, I'm really glad I have the KDW2s and the Z06 brakes, they performed flawlessly!

& now my last mod before Power Tour...

Got in on group buy for a set of HID foglights, so I spent an hour or so putting them in. I have to say the look a lot better then the hallogens that I had in there...

Before..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img1273444868061-1.jpg

After..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img1273444868310-1.jpg

Both installed, and car finally back on the ground.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img1273444867724-1.jpg

[78 Type-LT]

sweet..night shots needed please..

[bonecrrusher]

It'll be end of week earliest before I can get some night pics.

The car at the GM dealership getting some recall and TSB bulletins fixed. Gotta love delaminating roof's and what not...

Just hope I get it back before the Power Tour.

[blown9746]

What part of Charlotte are you in? I'm down in Fort Mill, but work in southpark

Did you do the maxton event? Just wondering how the car did?

[bonecrrusher]

I lived in South Park for 3 years, I just moved out to Steel Creek.

I moved the weekend before the Maxton event, so no I didn't make it out there, I was too busy unpacking, you know how it goes. I hate moving.

I'm just looking fwd to the Power Tour in a few weeks.

[OLDFLM]

Wish I could find an already modded G8 like that for daily driver!

[bonecrrusher]

Wish I could find an already modded G8 like that for daily driver!

Having another car payment sucks... haha.

The G8 GT value's have plumeted w/ Pontiac going under.

I actually bought the car through a Pontiac dealership thats getting the Axe, so that may be the reason I got a really good deal on it.

[bonecrrusher]

Introducing: project I'm a moron...

So I bought a new shift knob off a member of the CorvetteForum from DSvettes for real cheap, got it and went to install it and results w/ this..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/DSC07195-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/DSC07198-1.jpg

Yeah knob doesn't fit - apparently in 2008 they changed the shifter design, as well as the shifter arm design so I kinda got screwed.

So fast forward, a quick search on fleabay, and I found full shifter assembly out of a 2008 Z06, placed buy, and got a great deal on it.

I installed the full z06 shifter assembly tonight, had no issues and it bolted right in. Heres some finished pics.

The throw is a little bit shorter, and shifted really nice on the freeway tonight.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img1274499888038-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img1274499887205-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/img1274499886959-1.jpg

PS... the car is done for Power Tour!

[bonecrrusher]

Not really an update... but I changed my oil and clutch fluid tonight using my Power Tour swag from last year, and I got the car all packed up...

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

I leave for the Power Tour in 8 hrs, yeah definitely not going to sleep tonight...

[seventy8]

Have fun on the Power Tour! Drive safe.

[bonecrrusher]

Got back from the Power Tour this week, put 3400 miles on the car, and had a hell of a time.

Heres me sucking it up on the Autox. It was cool meeting some people from the board, and seeing Finch and Bill Howell tear it up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzEAVbEAAdk

First thing I did when I got back... ordered a new padded center console lid from DS Vettes, the GM stock unit is basically plastic with no give, and yeah after 2 Long Hauls on the Power Tour, I'm going to chuck it in the trash. The new one should be here in a few weeks.

I've got some more crap I'm going to order, but it'll be awhile. Got to buy a lawn mower for the new house, haha.

[bonecrrusher]

Quick update - so I found this on fleabay the day before I left for the PT, I got it for a steal, and well didnt think of it till I got back. Ended up sitting at the loading dock for a week. I finally got it today.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1276879763322-1.jpg

Its actually the last body panel I need for the widebody conversion, I need to get all the trim and misc plastic pieces, but I have all the major expensive things.

[bonecrrusher]

So - like I mentioned earlier the GM stock arm rest sucks!

There was a fathers day sale for the lid, and well I just happened to be waiting for a good deal - so I bought the lid and it came with a matching ebrake handle.

I was expecting 2 weeks to get these, but I got them in a week!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277502139774-1.jpg

I'll be hopefully installing these this weekend.

Cant wait to trash the stock rubermaid center console lid!

[bonecrrusher]

Introducing: Project hangover....

I woke up early for work, had to work for about 2 hrs... then I started projects pimp my car, then pimp my garage.

Pimp my car....

I installed the console lid, as well as the ebrake handle today, took all of about 15 mins.

Heres a comparison pic of the stock lid on the right, DS Vettes on the left... look at the diff!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277576068718-1.jpg

Heres the installed lid, and ebrake handle.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277575958222-1.jpg

I have more pics, but the quality sucks. I need a real camera, or an 8 megapixel camera phone... lol.

Project pimp my garage...

I found some Gladiator garage shelves for sale at Sears for 90 a piece, these retail for 190 a pop. So I picked up 2 of them like 2 months ago. Now that the PT is over, I finally had time to put these up.

I got the racks a couple weeks ago, and I've had a Corvette racing banner for awhile now.

Heres some pics.

Measure once.... laying out the design w/ painters tape.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277575958049-1.jpg

Laying out the left edge
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277575956874-1.jpg

Layed out the right side, installed the racks, then put up the shelf.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277575956490-1.jpg

Installed the left side.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277575956189-1.jpg

Alll done. Banner up, I think I might get another part of the track and cut it put it between the shelves.
Also, the blue tape below is where my work bench will go.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277575955923-1.jpg

All finished up:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/img1277589595553-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Not sure if this counts as an update or not...

FedEx dropped off this huge box...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1279048388718-1.jpg



Wonder whats in it....


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1279048388357-1.jpg

I need to change the oil in the G8 soon, and well kind of getting sick of changing oil in the driveway - so I ordered these, I got these damn cheap off the net, and can't wait to test them out.

Oh and before someone says I'm being lazy - it takes 20 mins just to jack up the Corvette - that sumbitch is so low its a PITA to get it high enough to get jackstands under. So - to save time, and well also not screwing up the floor, I went w/ these.

(I feel like Chris Farley talking about warranties in Tommy Boy) LOL! :woot:

[Neil B]

Not sure if this counts as an update or not...

Oh and before someone says I'm being lazy - it takes 20 mins just to jack up the Corvette - that sumbitch is so low its a PITA to get it high enough to get jackstands under. So - to save time, and well also not screwing up the floor, I went w/ these.
:woot:


Fun, isn't it? Plus, once you get the front up in the air, you've got to level the back out so the oil will drain.

[bonecrrusher]

Project: Needs more Aero...

Found a group by for some Corvette ZR1 spoilers - I've been looking at these for a long time, and finally made a purchase.

After 6 weeks of waiting - its finally here....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280016159681-1.jpg

Here its installed..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280016159011-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280016158829-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280016158414-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I hate the pics from last night - so I took some in the daylight... I love how the sun pops on this dark blue.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280079810229-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280079808853-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280079810544-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/img1280079809798-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Kind of a bump - nothing new to the car - just finally got my parts in from Australia that I ordered after the Power Tour. Can thank the Aussies for a recommendation for an HSV parts hookup that will ship to the states.

So I ordered some stuff for the garage - got my V8 Supercar series supporting the HRT team, and an HSV flag.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/377a6870-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/62856c1b-1.jpg

I need to wash the car tonight - I am leaving for RTTH in the morning!

Anyone have a recommendation on a good tool box? I am looking at that gargantuan Kobalt toolbox at lowes with the fridge and speakers in it - its come down in price and well I wouldn't mind a fridge and stereo in the garage....

[bonecrrusher]

A bit of an update - been driving the car pretty hard the last couple of weeks - first I was up at RTTH's event in Pigeon Forge, TN - and I had a blast there. Was nice seeing a lot of cars that I've been watching being built on the web.

Probably my favorite shot of the car so far...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/Photo1-1.jpg

Also - I participated in my second Autocross, in the Corvette, this weekend - this one was at Zmax dragway - of course that dragstrip is never open for T&T - so we where out in the parking lot.

Heres my times:
21 ASP 427 Craig 05 Chevrolet Corvette Blue: 106.302+DNF 100.310 97.996+1 95.035 96.571

Not bad - I got 5 runs in and shaved off 11 seconds from my first run. Also - the last run I almost DNF'd but I spun the car completely around, slammed my helmet against the roof and still only added 1.5 second off my best run of the day.

Some pics from the paddock:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0089-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0088-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0092-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0091-1.jpg

Edit - found an action shot!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_1032-1.jpg

[chaz75]

so you come to my town and drive around alot i see. thats cool, nice places to drive around here.

[woody80z28]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/garage013-1.jpg

Geoff's Beretta is the nicest car in this thread! haha:firefire:

[bonecrrusher]

Bah... LOL!

[bonecrrusher]

Came home and saw FedEx dropped off a package....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMAG0097-1.jpg

Found this front wheel on egay - I had no idea it was Competition Grey, the pictures the guy had posted sucked... that saves me $$ from painting it! Score!!

Woot - only one more wheel to go, lol!

[Ron S]

Wow Craig, you sound as bad as me. Upgrades show up one peice at a time, buying wheels one at a time can sometimes be half price. My Mustangs C5 front subframe was bought one control arm at a time, I think one or two of them I got for under $10.Bargin shopping is the best.

Nice meeting you at RTTH, cool Vette. Ron

[nvmyss]

Craig, your a ebay whore :fingersx:
Reminds me of the Beretta days.... when I was single and had more $$ than I knew what to do with.

The Vette is looking good can't wait to see the body kit on it.

[bonecrrusher]

Ron - yeah this would be project Wide body kit for a hell of a lot less then the $10k the GM dealership guys try to charge...

Z06 rear wheels w/ tires - $275 each WITH tires
Z06 front wheel - that was was $185 shipped
Z06 front bumper - 300 something
Z06 front fender 325
Z06 front fender ~400
Z06 rear fenders - 250 each

Not bad so far - of course the body shop guy will kill me by being the most expensive part... LOL!

Adam - yeah sad to say some parts do have the Vette tax - and where more expensive then my Beretta days - but I can remember spending 600 for forged pistons for a 3400 - 600 for headers that where uncoated - then another 200 for coating - I can remember Spec Stage 3+ clutch being $375 & fidanza flywheel being 300+ - so like 700 total - when a Z06 clutch is low $400's w/ flywheel... and there good to 600 hp or so...

Is it bad that I sold all my Beretta crap - was able to move 1000 miles off of it, pay a few months rent, and still have enough left for a down payment on the Vette? LOL!

[nvmyss]

Is it bad that I sold all my Beretta crap - was able to move 1000 miles off of it, pay a few months rent, and still have enough left for a down payment on the Vette? LOL!

I say well worth it. You having more fun with the "grown up" car than you would with the Beretta. But I do miss the friends from Bnet.

If you ever make a run out this way you'll have to hit me up.

[dropit69]

lol ..i love ebay hunting for parts people have no idea what they are.. great hanging out at RTTH...i will have a Vette someday for a fun non winter driver..lol..too much White stuff up here..

[woody80z28]

Adam - yeah sad to say some parts do have the Vette tax - and where more expensive then my Beretta days - but I can remember spending 600 for forged pistons for a 3400 - 600 for headers that where uncoated - then another 200 for coating - I can remember Spec Stage 3+ clutch being $375 & fidanza flywheel being 300+ - so like 700 total - when a Z06 clutch is low $400's w/ flywheel... and there good to 600 hp or so...

It is funny how some of the Beretta stuff is dirt cheap, and some of it is crazy expensive. Like $800 for axles on the Beretta when my $250 Mosers for the Camaro are rated for twice the power!

[bonecrrusher]

Darrin - your car was looking awesome @ RTTH's..

Eric - yeah its sad how much one off parts can be...

[bonecrrusher]

Well - been a long time since I've had an update so - heres a few updates:

Corvette - I have all of the body panels now, I still need 1 wheel and the plastic liner crap - I went to my body guy and got a quote for front bumper, 4 panels, and repainting both doors - and well - that project will be on hold for a while, lol!

G8 - really been looking into a brake upgrade - but that requires new wheels and tires - ugh.... Oh and I got door dinged pretty bad in the rear quarter panel on black Friday - pretty sweet eh! So I visited my body guy AGAIN... this time I'm giving him my business and getting the rear quarter fixed and the c-piller repainted since its all one piece - damn Zeta chassis, lol! Should be going in the week before Christmas.

Garage - picked up a tool box on Black Friday - set that up and have some of my tools properly put away now. I also picked up some a Corvette racing Jake flag - The ALMS team's marketing/promotional company had a blowout on last seasons items - that and I had a nice pro-touring poster to put up on the wall from DSE's open shop a few months back.

Everyone loves pics - so heres the garage again... LOL!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/IMAG0275-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/IMAG0326-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/IMAG0327-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Not much of an update - the G8 goes in for paint tomorrow - sucks blowing that cash during the holidays.

I FINALLY had time to mess around with my new camera - heres a Daytime test vid I did today, mounted it to the dash inside the G8.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8xFFaIcIBo

You can really hear the exhaust at 1:30 and 4:30 - still sounds way muffled from how loud it really is. Can't wait till I get a 32 gig SD card for this - I'm just using a 1gig card I had laying around in an old camera - so I'm limited to time length due to file size right now. I asked for one from the gf for Christmas - guess I'll see if I get it. I really look forward to using this on some Autocrosses, the Power Tour, and at least the RTTH's next year....

[madmax]

How do you like the G8? I have a GTO and have had the itch to move to something else, but there's nothing really out there that gets me all tingly... maybe I'll just mod the **** out of it...

[bonecrrusher]

I really like the G8 - I have had a Pontiac for a DD for the last 10 years - had a 99 Grand Am GT, a 2001 Grand Prix GTP, and a sad to admit - 91 Pontiac Sunbird LE back in High School - lol!

My GTP was my DD for 3 years - and I was looking to replace it with something, and back in March a truck pulled out in front of me and I ended up under his truck and it totalled my car. So timing worked out - I was going to look at the G8 that I bought the weekend of my accident - so I had the accident then I drove G8 home.

Quality - no issues so far - have about 40k miles on it now.
Gas milage - honestly gets better gas then my GTP - and you can run 87 in it. I had to use premium with my Supercharged GTP. Around 19 City and 28ish highway.
Performance - puts down 10 less whp then my Corvette, but its like 700 lbs heavier...
Interior - leaps and bounds better then my interior in the GTP, and I like it better then the interior of the 2010+ Camaro.
Exterior - darker color is a PITA to keep clean. Looks a hell of a lot better then the GTO/GTP...
Sedan - honestly I prefer a sedan over a coupe - its much easier putting things in the rear seat, and well that just sucks with coupes.

Compliants - no HID's, no fold down rear seat, no bluetooth, no homelink - the radio is very generic.

Resolution - get an HID kit @ $40 shipped, nothing can be done about seat, bluetooth - get a kit, homelink - I already bought a sunvisor out of an Audi and tore the guts out of it and put it in spare visor I got off egay. So for $100 bucks I've made the car up to my standards of what it should have had. Easy and cheap fixes, really.

Theres my honest opinion.

[woody80z28]

I was looking at those same cameras...let me know how you like it once you use it some more. I'd want to mount mine on the inside and the outside for 1/4 runs and other stupid driving. haha

[bonecrrusher]

Will do... plan on ordering that 32 gig card in February.

I think I am headed to the 12 Hrs of Sebring race in south Florida in March.

[bonecrrusher]

Its been awhile since I've updated - been a long couple of months... nothing really new project wise. I'm not feeling all that great today - went out last night for my birthday celebration and well had a few too many beers. But I shot some vids and pictures from an Autocross that I participated in on Saturday up at Zmax Dragway in Concord, NC.

Getting the car ready - changing the oil and swiping out the clutch fluid - I FINALLY had the time to use my race ramps... and lifting a lowered car is a PITA. I used them on the G8 and while that was decent - it really cut down on the oil change time on the Vette.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/IMAG0459-1.jpg

Some pics from the AutoX:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/IMAG0472-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/IMAG0476-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/IMAG0480-1.jpg

More pics can be found here:
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Zmax%20Dragway%20Autocross%202_19_2011/

Now for the vids:
These videos are unedited, and the sound sucks - I dont know why the sound is so terrible...
YkGRc2AE6Yo
W4DfDxn8YKM
n3aEmUj3I7s
E7PQZNB2McM

My results of the AutoX:

427 Craig 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Blue 91.778 87.170 85.025+3 84.366 85.606+1

So I did fairly decent I managed to drop my times, and I killed a few cones.

I probably won't be modifying the car anymore until after the Power Tour is over.

I've got the 12 Hrs of Sebring coming up, the Land Speed racing event @ Maxton NC, and the Food Lion Autofair car show @ Charlotte Motor Speedway.

[bonecrrusher]

This past weekend was a very interesting weekend...

I headed down to West Palm Beach for a bit of vacation, and to get away from the Carolinas.

The weather was awesome and made it down there in about 9.5 hrs. If you go there - I highly recommend checking out CityPlace... lots of bars/shopping/clubs/food. Plus it was 2 miles from my Hotel, and well they had a free shuttle service - definitely needed after going to some of the clubs there, lol.

Saturday we got up extra early and headed out to Sebring, FL - thats about 2 hrs from West Palm Beach.

We attended the 12 Hrs of Sebring, which was a lot of fun - but man that is a dirty/nasty/grimey/dusty track. My car and I where very nasty by the end of the day, lol.

Link to all of my pics:
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Sebring%202011/

The Corvette corral was cool, and it was pretty cool seeing the factory Corvette ALMS racing team do there thing.

My only complaint about Sebring - it's not really spectator friendly - it was hard to find a good seat w/out being on bleachers, a motor home, etc.

Heres some pics and vids from Sebring:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC05894-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC05912-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC05931-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC05959-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC05950-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC05974-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06027-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06032-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06165-1.jpg

Some race footage:
fhe75_P-kfQ

The race was fun and all - we left about 6pm and headed back to West Palm Beach after a slight detour due to my factory Nav unit.

We slept in Sunday a bit, and got on the road about 9am.

After about an hour outside West Palm Beach my rear tire decided to get punctured and explode @ 80mph. I tried the Green Slim fix a tire crap, and well the hole is so big - it didnt help! Awesome!

It being a Sunday, and no one having a Corvette tire in stock anywhere - I was stranded in Florida, 700 miles from home!

So after about 30 mins of calling around, I had a flat bed tow truck on the way, a truck rented - and a 4 wheel auto transport trailer as well.

14 hrs later... $200 bucks in gas... and I don't want to say how much for the rental - we got the car unloaded at 1am, and I had to be up at 5am for work the next day... so I'm still pissed off about Sunday so the car its sitting in the garage w/ a cover on it..... I'll get to it this weekend.

I will say this - I am glad I have my race ramps - they let me angle the steel ramps from the trailer good enough to back them off w/ no issue and no scraping the front bumper.

Pics of my PAIN from Sunday.... lol.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMAG0561-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMAG0562-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMAG0563-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMAG0566-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/IMAG0571-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Ouch! That's a b*tch. I've been there before though...broken & towed home from the drag strip.

[bonecrrusher]

Yeah that tow/U-haul/truck fuel about trippled my budget for that trip... LOL!

At least I have towing on the Vette - so I sent that claim in today.

[bonecrrusher]

So - I need to make a decision on the whole wheel thing - I've shopped around the cheapest I'm going to get a new KDW will be 300 minimum w/out install or taxes or anything.

So I decided to pull the rear Z06 wheels that I've had in storage out and bolt them onto the car. First I just wanted to see how it would look, second I wanted to make the car moveable, and third - get the car of floor jack and jackstands.

I bought a set of rear Competition Grey z06 wheels probably 2 years ago now, RPO code Q44, and they had some stock runflats on them. They are in decent shape and I'll probably get a summer of driving out of them. So this solves my popped rear tire issue, but now I have mismatching wheels - I found a front wheel for 100 bucks on ebay last year, so I decided to put that on the front as mockup and see how it will look. I like the look - plus this puts me 1 step closer to putting the z06 wide body kit on finally.

Oh - and I have a line on the last front wheel - I am going to call and order it Monday. Last time the guy quoted me $150 for the wheel shipped, while thats not bad I may have to get it painted to get matched - I'll find out when I get the wheel.

Now for the pics:

Screwed rear KDW:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06189-1.jpg

325 width vs 285 width
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06187-1.jpg

Both wheels for mockup:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06193-1.jpg

Rear mockup:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06195-1.jpg

Front Mockup:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06202-1.jpg

Side shot of both wheels:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06203-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I ordered rims - and I got this dub box this afternoon when I got home from work, pretty sweet!

24's baby!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06213-1.jpg
.
.
.
.

Not!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06211-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06209-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC06210-1.jpg

I got this wheel - brand new for stupid cheap. It is polished - so its going to go to my body man sometime this week for paint. I ordered this Monday afternoon, and it was at my house when I came home from work. Not bad for 2 days shipping from South Florida! I also ordered Q44 painted center caps from GM on Monday - since finding used competition grey center caps are near impossible. Plus they where only $9.50 each!

So hopefully this will all be done painted and swapped before the Food Lion Autofair at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2 weekends.

[bonecrrusher]

Got the front wheel mounted, still need to get that last wheel to my paint guy on Monday. I'm digging the new wheel direction.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0601-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0604-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0603-1.jpg

[formula]

Man I can't decide which wheels I like better. Both sets look great but the comp grey z's really look awesome on that color.

PS I bought a c5z today :D still got those repro zr1s? hahaha

[bonecrrusher]

They will be for sale shortly.

[bonecrrusher]

Not much of an update - partstaxi finally shipped my center caps, so those should be here in a few days, and I dropped my wheel off to my paint guy. He should get it painted tomorrow, and I plan on taking my current wheel over there Wed night so that he can move over the TPMS sensor and the tire to the newly painted front wheel.

My 90 pound box from Sears finally showed up today - 4 days after it was going to get here! I ordered this cabinent almost 10 days ago! So I spent a few hours assembling my last Gladiator brand cabinet - then put the top on it that I picked up at Lowe's - who price matched an internet deal, they had it for $129, I found it on the web for $79, score! Also - not to self - I ordered this shelf from the Sears store, and they shipped it to my house for free. That was all fine and dandy, but there was a nice sized hole in the box, and both rear panels where dented. If it was the front panel I'd be pissed - but it was the rear. So 10 mins with a hammer and a nice sized piece of wood I knocked the panels back into shape. Besides that it went together pretty smoothly.

I have some florescent recessed lights to put up, I'll put those up some time later. After that I think my garage will be done for awhile.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0619-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

One of the toolboxes Sears shipped me was dented, too. Their shipping company must be tools.

My Camaro needs to be that color blue with my new 18s installed ASAP!

[bonecrrusher]

GM Paint Code - WA9243 was also a body color for 87-92 Oldsmobiles and it was called Gunmetal Metallic.

Duplicolor has this as GM 396.

Competition Grey Center cap: GM Part #9597193

[bonecrrusher]

Well - after running back and forth to my wheel guy like 4 different times this week.. and washing/claybaring/polishing/waxing the car - the car is finally ready for Charlotte Food Lion Autofair...

I'm just glad the car has 4 wheels the same color. I dropped the wheel off on Monday - I picked it up today. My new center caps arrived on Wednesday and I put them on right away... I'll have better pics from the show at the end of the weekend. :thumbsup:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0627-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0628-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0629-1.jpg

[nvmyss]

Lookin' good!:twothumbs

[bonecrrusher]

Well - I finally have had time to relax and catch up on sleep - that and download the pics from my camera.

This weekend was the Spring Food Lion Auto Fair @ Charlotte Motor Speedway. I've been showing my various cars there for 4 years now - and the show is twice a year - so I think I've been to 8 of them now!

It was a lot of work to get to this point - and I am glad the weather was cool and not too hot this time - its been stupid hot at the track in the past.

I saw some cool cars, vendors, and a good mix of different cars there.

Heres the link to all my pics:
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Auto%20Fair%20Spring%202011/

Some select pics:
Z07 packaged 2011 Z06 sans Zr1 Carbon Fiber bits:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06320-1.jpg

Really clean Camaro:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06301-1.jpg

Best car @ Auto Fair! Road race setup and swapped LS1 into a 944 wearing 911 GT3RS color!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06287-1.jpg

Porsche 911 GT3RS:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06269-1.jpg

AutoRad - apparently there in GA - note to self for Nova project:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06257-1.jpg

Year One's aging Camaro - looks like they updated it with and E-Force kit...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06253-1.jpg

Finally - day time shots of the new wheels and clean car and photos from a real camera!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06226-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06225-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06221-1.jpg

Heres how I ended my weekend - got my first car show trophy, lol! I won the Best Modified category for my car club.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/DSC06326-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Well - after doing some research and finding a smoking deal on the next part... heres a video:

twcK2T6aeXY

LOL!

I picked up this GM LS9 cam - it should work very well with the Edelbrock SC kit I plan on getting over the next year. I didn't plan on putting a cam in the car - but since I'll have the entire top half of the engine off the car anyway - I thought what the hell. Plus I got the cam, new crank bolt, the cam sprocket and the new bolts for STUPID cheap - plus the guy was in NC so I got it next day. Gotta love trolling CorvetteForums for good deals, lol.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/IMAG0718-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

After a few months hard work decided to go out of town this weekend - I'll call it Grand Touring NC/TN 2011!

The GF and I headed out to the western part of NC and eastern part of of TN. I've previously been out there when I went to the Run the the Hills event last year - but this time I got to stop and take in the sights. I hit the Tail of the Dragon again, and then took the extra time and went to the Cherohala Skyway. I will say this they have simply clamped down on the Dragon - 30 mph for the entire road! Come now now it was more fun last year! We spent 2 nights in Robbinsville, NC. There is really nothing in this town - at least it had a Microtel to stay in. I suppose I could have driven back to Charlotte - but we spent 6 hrs driving the Dragon and the Skyway - and stopping for a few waterfalls and for lunch. It took us over 3 hrs just to get out there and that makes for a long crappy day, it was nice being able to not have to worry about rushing back home. Of the 2 roads - the Cherohala Skyway is much nicer. There was a lot less traffic - nice areas to pull off to take pictures, and well a lot less cops around too. I highly suggest the Skyway if you are ever in the area. I took this week off work, and I head out to the Power Tour next week - so I'll be cleaning up the G8 from this trip and washing/waxing the Vette again.

Some footage from the Dragon, my GoPro HD stopped recording after 13 mins - I need to read the damn owners manual for that thing.

k-bVIdfv47M

Here are the obligatory pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/g8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/IMG00156201105291315-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/IMAG0870-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/IMAG0861-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/05/IMAG0763-1.jpg

Rest of my pics:
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Grand%20Touring%20NC-TN%202011/

[bonecrrusher]

Power Tour 2011: Got back on Saturday at midnight- just now getting the pics and videos uploaded. The tour started in Cocoa Beach FL and ended in Detroit MI.

Overall it was a good time - except Georgia and Alabama where hot as balls, and well we weren't at the venue very long. Ended up going back to the hotel and swimming/drinking.... lol. Ended up driving about 3,600 miles, consumed around 104 beers, and went thru 15 states.

Highlights of the trip.... Before the trip started - went up to Mt Mitchell, NC. Its the highest peak on the eastern seaboard, and its about 2 hrs from Charlotte. Alabama and Georgia have crap freeways - lets say big bumps don't agree with my car... more on that later. Michigan actually had decent interstate - but the local roads where terrible. Ended up staying in 4 hotels... not bad for an 8 day road trip. Spent the rest with friends and family. We stopped at the Jim Beam distillery in Kentucky - lets say the tasting of 128 proof whiskey when its 95* outside is not recommended - it burned all the way down, lol. We also stopped at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit - unfortunately there car display is in pieces and currently being rebuilt, but they had an awesome Civil War display with tons of documents on loan from the National Archives - learned some stories about the Civil War and spent nearly 2 hrs in that display alone. Also the end of the Power Tour was the best. We went to the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, and on the way out got to hit some of the test courses. There was a huge straightaway that I got up to 125 mph on, and there was a bit of a road course as well. It really was a great way to end the trip.

Next year the Power Tour is going from Detroit MI to Arlington Texas.... so far that 1,050 mile and 17 hr trip back sounds terrible. So as of right now I wont be going.

GM Proving Grounds vid:
CrBw9bamjJ0
The straight-a-way is about 8 mins in - Road course is about 15 mins in. I think the GoPro has a lot better sound - its not whistling anymore. I googled out some ways to solve that, and swapping out the water proof case for the one with holes in it made it sound 70% better.

Pictures:
I took 874 pictures link is below:
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Power%20Tour%202011/?start=all

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0872-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0871-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC06978-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC07090-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC07088-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC06774-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC06829-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSC06456-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Introducing - Project Fat Ass: :lol:

So going thru the fine state of Alabama on the Power Tour - and hitting some nasty construction zones - I hit really bad bump - and cracked a rear fender.

325x19's + stock C6 rear fenders and big ass bumps dont mix...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0913-1.jpg

So when I cracked the rear fender on the tour, I was a bit pissed - but I look at it this way - I was going to get the wide body kit on anyway, so why not start now with this motivation of fixing the cars rear end.

So the day I got back from the Power Tour I ordered the liners, the brake ducts, the seals, and some push pins. They came today - not bad for being home just over a week and having the rest of the parts from GM sitting at my door when I got home.

I already had the rear fenders, the brake scoops, and the rear splash guards.

I plan on tearing into the rear end over the next couple of weekends - I need to get the car to paint jail, and hopefully be done with this project by August. I got a big car show to go to, and well the RTTH's event is in September as well.

Everyone likes pics, and the last pic is my car in front of the bus at the GM Proving Grounds - it show the wheel gap in the back - mind you I had a couple hundred pounds of clothes, tools, jack and jackstands all sitting in the hatch of the Vette as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0940-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0942-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0941-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/hrpt1106longhaulerphotos2021JPG-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Project Fatass = complete.

Probably took 5 hrs to get everything done, I think i spent more time cleaning up the garage and putting crap away then it did for me to do this swap.

Btw it was really easy. Only needed a 7/8/10mm sockets for the ship, and a t15 for the fender screws.

Now that I got the car done, I will contact my body guy and see what we can work out and when.

Now for the pics....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0946-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0947-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0948-1.jpg
"JOHNNY FIVE IS ALIVE NO DISASSEMBLE!"
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0949-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0954-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0958-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0961-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0964-1.jpg
F'd fender:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0959-1.jpg

[FRENCHBLUE72]

The vette has really come along ways nice ride man...

[bonecrrusher]

Thanks - car mods has been in a holding pattern since I put the rear fenders on.

I plan on sending the car to paint jail sometime this winter.

Heck I really only need the car to be done before next spring for a car show.

Only real update - I sold the ZR1 reproduction rims finally - thanks Craigslist!

I need to get the rear splash guards on - and wash the car since I'm headed to the RTTH's event on Friday.

[bonecrrusher]

OMG - an update!

Finally took the time to install the rear splash guards - figured I'd get them on before I go my next road trip up to TN for the RTTH event this upcoming weekend.

Pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1127-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1129-1.jpg

[sixfivepost]

Wow, I didn't know Corvettes were like erector sets! :-) Its nice that you can bolt on new fenders like that instead of the fiasco we have to go through with quarter panels on typical old muscle cars... Cool

[bonecrrusher]

I went to the 7th Annual Run thru the Hills event and had an absolute blast.

I can't wait to go next year.

We showed up Friday about 45 mins before the cruise to Tail of the Dragon was going to leave from the hotel - luckily they let us check in early and we where able to empty the Vette out with all the crap we had packed.

The Tail of the Dragon was fun - but the rain/fog was absolute crap on the Foothills parkway over to the US 129 - we noticed a few people turned back, but we got over there and the weather cleared up.

Fri night we went to bills shop - and had some apple pie and some Canadian molson - good times all around.

Payton's Camaro was up on the lift - the torque arm slid back into the Axle - something like that and various people spent a good chunk of the night working on it and got it fixed.

Saturday was the Autocross - having to much adult beverages above led to someone feeling like crap - oh well - we got up in time and got to the Autox.

I worked and ran in the first group on Saturday - we got 6 runs in with the first group, then we had to get back to Charlotte because my friend had to get to work. I have no idea what my times where - I'll look in the RTTH thread for those later.

Now for the multimedia portion of this post:

Vids from the Autox:


Dash cam from my cell phone - mount is a POS - need to work on that - and the vid setting was on 480 instead of HD - damnit!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVG05t_lAIc

Go Pro vids - At least I've found a good video 'trimmer' and shorted the 40 min vid that I shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47FoCOmvXFY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QZxkfppq4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgZZzy75mrI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfzwhCXrcsI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAOn6qWuXSE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P94gF2xMHa8

Link to all 455 pics:
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Run%20thru%20the%20Hills%202011/

Select pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01283-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1132-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1143-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01256-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1167-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01346-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01341-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1208-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1211-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01625-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01605-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01604-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01560-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01555-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/DSC01524-1.jpg

[Bjkadron]

I was wondering where you went. I didn't have a chance to talk to you after Tech. But it looked really good on the Autocross.

[bonecrrusher]

Well - not a Vette updated - but a G8 update!

I ordered these Tuesday before I left for RTTH's - I was worried they'd get delivered over the weekend and that I wouldn't be home.

Luckily they arrived today - and the UPS guy actually read my sign to not leave them on the front door!

I know your not supposed to mod the DD - but after getting dark wheels on the Vette - and finding one hell of a deal on these - I couldn't help myself.

Specs:

2011 CTS-V Satin Graphite wheels
19x9 front
19x9.5 rear (sedan) - the coupe uses a 19x10 out back.

I plan on using BF Goodrich KDW2's on these - I already have a set of 285 35 19 that I had mounted on the Vette. I will be ordering fronts through the BF Goodrich representatives that I talked to at RTTH's - hopefully I get a great deal with them.

Pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1216-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1218-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

G8 update...

I finally got the time to order the tires and put them on - went with 285 35 19's in the rear and 245 40 19's in the front - tiires are BF Goodrich KDW's.

Since these are summer tires - the wheels will be coming off in the next few weeks - not that it gets that cold in the Carolinas - but it does drop in Dec/January.

Centercaps are off an 04-05 Pontiac Bonneville GXP - I think I am going to pain them SEM trim black - just not sure at this point.

Now for the pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMAG1499-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMAG1492-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMAG1489-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMAG1502-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

Argh, blocked out of pics at work. Can't wait to see them tonight when I get home. I really want a G8 for a family vehicle.

[36couper]

Fantastic pics! Yo've taken a great car and have made it even better!

[bonecrrusher]

Thanks! Plan on paint in the spring - Feb/March - I guess thats still winter in most places - but it'll be warm down here by then.

Vette update - I have been riding on 5+ year old Runcraps out back - mileage is unknown and have 3 different autocross days on them and at least 5k miles on them from just the Power Tour. Needless to say they are terrible in the rain and might be a bit bald, lol.

So after doing some research and being thrifty - I found a set of - new to me - Michelin Pilot Sport cup tires for the back - I can't complain for $200 shipped - sure they are used but for this deal - I should be able to get a year out of them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMAG1506-1.jpg

G8 update - I am not a fan of the polished aluminum center caps on the satin graphite wheels.

So I placed an order with Eastwood - ordered a can of SEM trim black, and some fine line masking tape. I really can't complain about there service - I got the products in 2 days, I googled Eastwood coupon and found a 20% off coupon code, and best of all shipping was free.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMAG1509-1.jpg

Now my question - does any a good suggestion on a degreaser? I haven't rattle canned anything in a long time, but what should I use to clean off these center caps before I spray bomb them?

[bonecrrusher]

Thanksgiving update - Hope everyone had a great Turkey day!

On Black Friday, Charlotte Motor Speedway is open for laps if you donate $25 to the local Speedway Charity. The local Corvette club that I am in went to the track and there where 13 Corvettes in our group.

Hanging in the back - you can really get up some good speed - I topped out at 130mph. Here are some GoPro vids.

rEmurCNhfCY

nUabPcEFOiQ

After having a great time around the speedway, I ordered some stuff online and picked it up at the store...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMAG1523-1.jpg

I picked up a set of air tools, drilling bits, a new shop light, and detailing stool.

Time to get an air compressor, it never ends! LOL!

[bonecrrusher]

Back to the Pontiac - I've been rolling around with out any center caps for awhile now, I finally got a chance to paint the caps with the SEM trim paint that I ordered a few weeks back.

I cleaned all the caps, then masked them off using fine line masking tape, then spray bombed them:

Results below:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1558-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1561-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1563-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1565-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1566-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1571-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1573-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1578-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/IMAG1579-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I hope everyone will have a great happy holiday season!

Thought I would help spread the Christmas Spirit - my local Corvette club participates in a parade every year and throw candy to the kids. This year we threw out 40 pounds a candy and a few Power Tour hats this year.

I filmed it this year with the GoPro - not very exciting stuff but should get you into the Christmas spirit.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZw0weP44B8

Also - went to a local "Cars and Coffee" event here in Charlotte and had a photographer taking pictures - he snapped this one of the G8.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/DSC6309X3-1.jpg

Not bad if I may say so myself...

Everyone be safe and have a happy holidays!

[bonecrrusher]

Well I havent fallen off the planet - just been busy with life and what not.

I finally have a few minutes to throw some pics up on showing the updates around here.

First - the Corvette is currently at the body shop getting the rear end and the doors painted - so no more 2 tone rolling bruise for me!

In preperations of sending the Vette off to paint jail - I removed the rear GM 'chicklet' badges that the black z06 fenders had on them - they are not going back on the car.

Obligatory pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2133-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2134-1.jpg


Second - since the Vette is in paint jail - I have one open bay in the shop and figured it would be a good time to start to fix up the ceiling in the shop without having to deal with 2 cars.

I bought 4 48" T8 recessed lighting from Home Depot well over a year ago. They've been sitting on the shop floor taking up space and collecting dust.

The only lights I had in the garage where two CFL bulbs - needless to say the lighting was pretty piss poor.

Since its been 10 years since I last worked on any house electrical - I took this very slowly and had to figure it out on the fly as I was not familiar with how the builders ran the electrical wires in the ceiling above my garage. So I cut out the drywall around the socket - turned off the breaker of course - and eventually cut a 4' x 12" hole in the cieling to hang the light in.

What I didn't know at the time - was that the studs above the garage where 22.5" on center - so the plan to hang the lights using the legs that kick out went out the door and I had to re-engineer how I was going to mount the lights.

So I bought some 2x1 in 8' lengths from Lowes and cut them to fit between the studs. I then screwed them into the studs and used these as the mounting points for the lights.

I put in a junction box for the lights on each side and ran new electrical cable to the other end of the garage for the second set of lights to work.

After I got the first light done - the overall time to hang the lights dropped dramatically.

I have hung the lights, patched the drywall - and I am currently doing the mud and sanding.

I have patched up all the holes in the cieling and where they used drywall screws and finished the sanding up for that.

I am currently working on the seams - the builders did a rushed/piss poor job on the seams so its going to be a lot of work - but my plan is to get those smooth and eventually paint the ceiling white.

Now for the pics:

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2157-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2145-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2147-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2155-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2202-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2206-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2218-1.jpg

Third - my Girlfriends father bought a new air compressor so he ended up selling me his old one - now since I do not own a truck I ended borrowing a co-workers '99 7.4L Big Block dualie and trailer to get it home. I'm lucky if I got 10 mpg in this beast.

So now I've got a 80 gallon 5 hp air compressor - I need to run the 220 wire for it - but thats a project for a later date.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2232-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/IMAG2233-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

An update!

I finally finished up sanding all of the seams in the garage.

I am very close to finishing this project - I can almost taste it!

I picked up a 5 gallon bucket of Drywall primer/sealer - and got one full coat on.

I will finish up the spots I couldnt get with a roller, and put one more coat on - then I will decide to paint it or not.

Pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2244-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2245-1.jpg

Also - I picked this up today - it was gone for just over a month. I guess thats what I get for saying no rush.

I am glad that it took that long - it gave me time to get motivated and do this ceiling project. I look forward to not working on the ceiling for 3-4 hrs every night after I work a 10 our day. Seriously - the ceiling project felt like a part time job that I wasn't getting paid for.

My painter did an awesome job on the car like always - it is very weird having a single color car. The Vette was 2 colors for damn near 10 months. Seeing it all blue really changed the car - for the better I think.

I'll probably do the front end next winter - its car show/autocross season!

Pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2250-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2251-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2252-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I've had the Corvette back for a week - and on to the next project...

I've had a set or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rear tires sitting in storage for a long time - so I finally got those mounted today.

It's nice having tires that dont howl and suck anymore! Those Runflats where terrible!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2268-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2269-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2271-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2272-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

So down here in Charlotte - there is the Food Lion Autofair car show that occurred this weekend.

I got the car back from the body shop about 2 weeks ago and got the new rear tires mounted.

So I spend the last week getting the car all cleaned up - wash/wax/full detail/etc.

I wanted to make the car stand out - so I ended up making a display for it.

After shopping around on the internet - I wasn't going to sped 200 bucks for a flimsy piece of crap plastic unit that wouldn't fit my needs.

I wanted something that I could mount my 10" Motorola Xoom tablet too. I created a video with some of the screen caps of my build - and some of the videos that I've shot with the GoPro over the last couple of years.

So after some thought an design - I tracked down some diamond plate sheet @ Lowe's.

I picked up a jig saw, some metal cutting blades, some aluminum c-channel, and some cap screws and got to work:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2262-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2263-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2267-1.jpg

Not shown in the pics is the 2x4 that I mounted in the middle of the back of the display to reinforce it.

Sad thing is that I took so much time cleaning up the car and taking pictures of other peoples cars - that I never got a picture of it @ the show this weekend!

Heres the link to the rest of my pics, and a select few chosen pics:

http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Autofair%20Spring%202012/

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2311-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2304-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2306-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2323-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2290-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2292-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/IMAG2293-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Needs moar L-bodies!

[woody80z28]

I don't see any parts donating going on in this thread. And I do know of another 400hp/6spd Chevy that needs those 13.4" front brakes...

[bonecrrusher]

I might have a set of G8 brakes for sale - I am looking at some 15" rotors up front for that car.

[bonecrrusher]

Its been a crazy couple of weeks here.

I've traveled to Chicago, I just got back from the Hot Rod Power Tour - and life/work has been crazy.

A few weeks back I started on an upgrade project on the Vette - and boy did that snowball.

Every time I get into the Vette - it really pissed me off that I didn't have steering wheel controls - I have them on the G8 - and I use them daily.

So I've been shopping around for steering wheels for awhile now, and found a user selling a 2008 C6 Z06 steering wheel for $100 shipped - so I bought it.

Next I was looking around for the proper airbag- and I have seen some sell on ebay for like 400 plus - I refused to pay that. I found one of the vendors selling new airbags from GM for $180 shipped - so I bought one of those.

Now the airbag and 2007+ steering wheel bolt right to my 05, just I needed to swap out the steering wheel clock spring - and the steering column harness with units out of a newer Corvette.

I again shopped around - and bought both the clock spring and the harness from GM for the best price I found them.

Everything is plug and play with this swap - except for the radio control signals themselves. I pulled the 3 wires out of the steering column to firewall connector and put in a new connector so the steering column harness can still be removed like stock. I chose a weatherpack connector for this, so I had to buy a crimper and wire kit - I actually found a good deal on ebay. Then I ran some 18 gauge wire through the dashboard and over into the radio bay.

2 of the connectors go into the back of the radio, and the other line goes to a dash indicator line - I tied into the hazard switch which is right above the radio - so the steering wheel controls glow at night.

I put everything back together and went for a test drive - and you'd think I'd be done at this point - but no.

The steering wheels controlled the radio just fine, and even light up... the problem was that I was hearing a binding/grinding noise when I turned the wheel.

At this point I think its the clock spring - so I tore everything apart (again) and find the clock spring is sitting just fine - I position it a bit differently and put everything back together, go for a test drive - and still binding!

So I tear it apart again - to discover that the plastic shroud that goes between the steering wheel and the dash board - it surrounds the turn signal stalk and what not, was not perfectly circular - it was kind of oval shaped. I end up hitting it a few times with angry fists, put the wheel back on, and everything else back together - and what do you know, it works!

So I take it for a test drive and everything is fine and dandy - then I notice that the Nav system is not getting a GPS signal, I'm like WTF. I am out in the middle of the road - no trees/tall buildings/mountain valleys to block the signal.

So I tear the center console, the arm rest, and then the radio out - and find out I didn't push the GPS connector in the back of radio all the way in - damnit!

I put it all back together and everything works - luckily I got everything fixed up and working the weekend before I left on the HRPT.

Here are some pics - I didn't take many as I was diagnosing the stupid grinding noise. I have wayyy too many hours into this project then I want to admit that I have in it...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2720-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2224-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG1972-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2755-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2757-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2758-1.jpg

As I mentioned that I was on the HRPT - I did not long haul this one. There is no way in hell I am driving back from Texas to NC - and then go back to work on Monday. So I did the Detroit, Muskegon, and Champaign IL stops. Since I was only 3 hrs from my parents house - I drove up to Chicago and spent the night and saw the family.

Here is my video from the Milford Road Course where they tested out the ZL1 - sorry there is no sound GoPro didn't record any (damnit):

gbda--cpmO0

A select few pics below:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG3067-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG3033-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG3017-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2906-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2800-1.jpg

Here are my ALL of pics from the HRPT.

http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Power%20Tour%202012/

Last but not least: Time for a G8 update...

The front brakes have been squeaking on the G8 for awhile now - and I know the pads are shot, and the front rotors are bedded in pretty deeply.

I have been mulling over what to do about these for a few weeks - I priced out upgrading the pads, and getting some DBA rotors - vs getting some upgraded GM rotors.

The pads are about the same cost - but the GM rotors are cheaper.

Now this is where this brake job cost jumps:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMAG2786-1.jpg

This is a Brembo 2009+ CTS-V 6 piston front brake caliper.

I already have the V-wheels on the car so I know that they will fit. I said to hell with it - I found everything on line and saved myself $400 over what I had priced out earlier this year.

So I'll be upgrading the G8 to these:
2009+ CTS-V Brembo 6 piston calipers
2009+ CTS-V dual cast 15" front rotors
Hawk HPS pads

So I got that project to finish up in a few weeks.

[Simmo]

Cool brakes :) Really want to see someone throw some on an A body to see whats involved.

I havnt heard if the Commodore guys over here have caught onto these yet...if you dont mind me asking, what was the total cost in USD? Could always buy them and if it proves to be a PITA flog'm off to the Holden crowd.

[bonecrrusher]

Total cost was $1200 and change for everything.

I got the rotors and calipers on Ebay.

The pads I ordered off the internet - used google.com/shopping - typed in the part number and bought it off the cheapest internet vendor I found on there.

Last time I had priced out this swap - it was going to be $1600+ - I think prices have dropped a bit now.

If you need instructions on how to install them - I have some links bookmarked.

Also - I found out about this swap from Hot Rod Magazine where they did a Mustang vs Camaro test and the Camaro had this swap done.

Did some searching - found it on the net - then found more people had done this on the G8 considering both cars are Zeta chassis.

[ryeguy2006a]

That is a great looking Vette! I like all of the work that you have done to it.

[bonecrrusher]

Found this on Hot Rod Magazine's website - guess thats the closest thing I'll ever get into being in that mag, haha:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/hrdp1206072602012HRPTDay1MilfordProvingG-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Not really a project update - but some new video footage!

I just got back from vacation up in Somerset Kentucky - its a pretty nice area and has a lot to offer. I previously had been through there on the Power Tour a few years ago. Plus its pretty close to Bowling Green - so one day we went over to Mammoth Caves and stopped by the Corvette Museum.

On the way home - Interstate 75 southbound is down to 1 lane just over the TN border - since we drove up this way and saw that traffic was backed up for an hour - we took the back roads to head home.

So I looked at the map - found out the Cumberland Gap tunnel was on the way - so I pulled over, strapped the GoPro onto the car - and let her rip.

On to the vid:
HROYhLwmXQw

[bonecrrusher]

Here is another Pontiac update...

I finally got around to putting the 2009+ CTS-V front brakes on the car.

I swear - every time I work on one of my cars - the installs never go smoothly! I ended up running to the parts store a few times, and Lowes a couple times too.

I managed to kill my drill half way though the install - I had to enlarge the holes in the spindles to 9/16's so that the V caliper bolts would fit. My old drill that I was used when I got it from my dad bit the dust. The internal gears got all screwed up - so I added a new 7 amp power drill to my tool box. The new drill had a handle attachment for it - I'm like yeah I won't need that. I started drilling the spindle again - and about half way through the bit got caught and the drill spun and smacked me right in the jaw - that hurt like a SOB. Luckily it didn't break anything - and then I proceeded to put the handle on.

This quick swap took something like 13 hrs to complete - I really don't want to think how many hours it took, plus having to bleed all the brakes - it took WAYYYY longer then it should have.

In the end - the upgrade was well worth it. The car stops awesome now. Is it sad that my DD has bigger brakes on it then my sports car?

Time for the pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMAG0401-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMAG0402-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMAG0407-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMAG0410-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMAG0411-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMAG0412-1.jpg

[nvmyss]

Nice.
I like the steering wheel upgrade, its the little things that make a car enjoyable.

[woody80z28]

Looks good. Amanda was probably controlling the drill with some voodoo. haha

[bonecrrusher]

Another shop update...

So I've had my eyes on a new toolbox for a while now. My old Craftsman unit was a good starter unit, but I've filled it up with a bunch of different tool's that I've collected over the years.

Also I noticed when I was opening and closing my Craftsman unit - it was top heavy and well not exactly trying to tip over - it wasn't cool closing that and have to worry about it moving around.

I wanted something a bit larger, and well - I sprung for the bells and whistles on it too.

I was walking past my local Lowes - and noticed that there big bad ass Kobalt toolbox was on Clearance.

The one with the fridge, the radio, and built in stereo. While I don't really need the fridge - the built in speakers take care of my lack of sound system in the garage.

Plus the fact that I it was clearance, they took my 10% off coupon from the moving form you get from the post office, and another 5% for using a Lowe's card - I got the box for almost half off what the original price was.

I have also sold my old toolbox - and offset the cost even more.

Lowe's also had some of the Gladiator Garage Works items on clearance - there castors for my toolchest where $9 vs the $39 they were originally, and there towel holder got knocked down to 11 bucks!

Now for the pics.

I know the other side of the garage has a bunch of plastic - I am still cleaning up from doing the cieling project and have since tossed those out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMAG31811-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMAG3184-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

It's starting to look like a shop now! You need a bigger work bench though...

[bonecrrusher]

I am still alive - havent worked on any car projects lately... lol.

I refinished one of my bathrooms - new paint, hardware, faucets, etc... That took up way too much of my time.

This weekend I finished upsome projects in garage.

First I bought another Gladiator shelving unit from Lowes - they price matched a competitor that had it online -and they beat that price by 10% - saved me $80 bucks off.

Also - I went on vacation to Pigeon Forge TN a few weeks back and stopped by some antique stores - and noticed a lot of them had reproduction vintage signs - so I picked up a Texaco one, as well as a cool Pontiac service one. The Chevrolet ones had crappy colors/ I just didn't like them.

Third - I picked up an portable AC unit for my garage about a month ago - Newegg.com had them on clearence - so I said what the hell, why not. I tested it out first by opening up the garage door first and letting it run the exhaust tube out to make sure it worked - it cooled off the work area by a few degrees. That made me happy - so I ponied up and got a metal dryer vent off the internet, and got some dryer vent ducting from Lowes, and plenty of caulk - and cut a hole in my house! Now to get to the ducting - I trimmed the think plywood that is up in my garage covering the walls - this lead me to discovering that the entire wall has insulation in it - bonus! I finished up this project tonight and now have the portable ac unit.

Fourth - I have had an air compressor sitting in my garage for the last 7 months or so - and my parents where in town visiting on vacation. My father is an electrician/maintenance supervisor in his work life - so I asked him to help me run 220 for the Compressor - and after a few hours, and a few sparks flying - we got the AC compressor fully wired up properly and building pressure! We also ran another 110 outlet on the wall - since my garage only had 2 separate outlets in it! My next project will be to get a retractable air hose reel - and mount that on the back wall.

Now for teh pics!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3392-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3502-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3510-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3509-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3512-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3513-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3522-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3523-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3524-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3525-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMAG3529-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Looks good! I couldn't tell what that pic was on my phone. Congrats...you have an AC unit just in time for winter. haha

[bonecrrusher]

Been awhile since I've made any updates here.

Life's been busy - between work, car mods, working on the shop, and going to car events - its been a crazy month or too.

First - shop updates - I got the air compressor wired up a few weeks back - but I never got a hose reel for it.

After a few trips to Harbor Freight/Lowes - I got the fittings all straightened up. I learned that they sell automotive size hose fittings as well as industrial size!

This led to more trips that I want to admit to the air hose sections of Lowes and Harbor Freight. I bought/returned so many fittings - male/female adapters - that I actually bought an entire set of wrong size fittings and didn't even realize it.

After I finally got all of the fittings straigtened out - I went to Harbor Freight and bought a 50' section of 3/8" air hose reel setup. After talking it over with Eric (woody80z28) above - I got a 2"x10"x8" from Lowes - and cut it the size that I needed. Mounted it to the studs in the wall - then drilled pilot holes into the 2x10 - and into the wall behind behind the board - painted it - then mounted the Air Hose reel with 3"x1/2" lag bolts - getting the holes and everything lined up was a bit tricky - but I got everything mounted:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG3985-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG4074-1.jpg


Second - Car update.

After hearing my GF's father's 07 Z06 with a Corsa Exhaust - I got really jealous of that system.

I already own a Corsa exhaust system on my G8 GT - and man I thought that car sounded good, hearing in on that Z06 made me really want to upgrade.

So I scoured corvettefourm.com, and ebay for awhile - I found one exhaust kit - but the owner sold it, I found another set on ebay for $550 shipped! Now these exhaust kits retail for $1800+ shipping!

So after the SLOWEST shipping ever - the guy shipped it from NYC to Charlotte via USPS snail mail - I received the exhaust 3 weeks after I ordered it!

Install pics - then vid:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG3992-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG3991-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG4077-1.jpg

c370_s2_uhU

Third - car events:

I have been to a few car events in the Charlotte area in the last couple of weeks.

First I went to the Open House up @ DSE on the Friday of Good Guys Charlotte - I saw some very cool projects at there shop and a few cool cars in the parking lot.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG3867-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG3875-1.jpg

Rest of my DSE Shop pics here: http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/DSE%20Open%20House%202012/

Then I went to Good Guys Charlotte on Sunday as part of there Super Sunday package.

I saw some friends and some cool cars out on the Autox

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG4022-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG3999-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMAG4016-1.jpg

Rest of the Good Guys pics Here: http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Good%20Guys%20Charlotte%202012/

Last - I participated in the local SCCA autocross event @ Zmax Dragway this past weekend.

I saw Mike with his Duster there - he did pretty good as he beat my times.

This has been the first time that I autocrossed in over a year - and I have a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cups on the back that are very worn - I was having a hell of a time getting traction out back when I was gassing it through the corners - it basically felt like a drift car and I was steering the car with the throttle. My times dropped throughout the day - and I manged to kill a few cones.

I actually finished second in Super Stock - Street Prepared at the event - I supposedly got a trophy but I had to leave when the last group was running due to other plans.

Pics and Vids below:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/DSC_0192X3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/DSC_0092X3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/DSC_0083X3-1.jpg

Rest of my pics from the Autocross: http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/bonecrrusher/Autox%20Zmax%202012/

zBZNy0GIuhs
8lquZ2lsfhY
vxHN7-ixLA8

[dusterbd13]

my car sounds pretty good!! thanks for the pics.

and yes, i wound up breaking the tranny. had to drive it home in what was left of second.

[bonecrrusher]

You break it doing gratuitous burnouts leaving the strip?

[dusterbd13]

nope. she was howling for trhe fun runs, and grenaded on the drive home.

ill do an update in my own thread in a couple of days.

thanks for the pics.

[woody80z28]

Looks like fun. Isn't it about time you broke something, Craig?

I just started playing with my GoPro. That's gonna be addicting.

[srh3trinity]

What are your real world MPG's with the g8. I am thinking about one for a daily. I drive interstate about 40 miles four times a month and then 5-30 miles city per day about half the month.

[bonecrrusher]

The best MPG on the freeway that I have seen is 29 mpg on open flat roads.

I'm probably getting mid 20's on the interstate.

As for city driving - I honestly couldnt tell you since nearly all of my driving is interstate.

Plus my car has an intake, long tube headers, and full exhaust, and most likely an aftermarket tune.

[bonecrrusher]

Happy holidays everyone!

I had a great Thanksgiving - and of course did some Black Friday shopping.

I think the secret for guys to go shopping on Black Friday.... is to go shopping for tools!

There where no lines at Lowes/Home Depot/Harbor Freight - and the Craftsman deep well impact sockets that I ordered - I ordered on line!

It made for a very easy BF for me.

As part of BF - Charlotte Motor Speedway has a big blowout event selling all the left over Nascar gear. They also offer you to go paced laps around the track.

The trick of it is - if you hang back you pretty much can go wide open. I went with my Corvette club again - and went for 2 sessions.

The max speed that I got this year was 133 mph that I verified with my GPS.

Of course - heres the vid:

GoCpCQp_CXQ

[Pinto5.0]

That's a beautiful 'Vette. If only I didn't need a backseat for my kids lol. I wasn't sure my '07 Stang would be welcome here but after reading your thread a couple days ago I realized there was room for modern muscle. Good luck with your future mods.

[bonecrrusher]

The video below too wayyy to long to figure out how to get working correctly!

Now for the details:

I have an OBDII bluetooth scanner that I bought on ebay - it was like 10 bucks shipped from China (of course).

I have an Android phone running ICS - there is an app thought I bought on the Play store called Torque - it was 5 bucks.

I actually data logged the entire run - and finally got the data to import into video software correctly.

I logged the RPM, Speedo, G force, and various other gauges that you want. The app saves it as a .CSV file that you can open up in Excel.

I used the pc application Race Render 2 - and it will compile the go pro video - and sync up with the Excel .CSV file - and allow you to throw gauges onto your video.

After 2 days of screwing around with the video - I finally got it working!

Now for the same video above w/ gauges!

IzaboevDT_g

[dusterbd13]

how do you like the diagnostic side of torque? im actually looking at it as a replaement for my missing obd2 scanner/code reader/diagnostic tool. just need to read sensor data and be able to check/clear codes.

[bonecrrusher]

I have used it to clear codes on my buddies 99 GTP - it works just fine.

Its pretty simple to setup - and the data logging is decent for 5 bucks.

Only problem I have seen is that it doesnt really read any Auto transmission information.

[woody80z28]

That's ok...torque converters are for girls!

[bonecrrusher]

Still keeping busy around here.

I ended up selling the z06 exhaust mufflers and the wireless vacuum kit I had on the car on Craigslist. I listed them as soon as I put the Corsa's on.

I used that money to buy new set of rear tires.

The set of Pilot Sport Cups that I had put on previously where used - and well they are down to the wear bars after the Power Tour and a few Autocrosses this year.

Tirerack had a deal with these being over half off.

Talking about steam rollers - I ended up getting a set of 345x30x19's that will fit onto the stock z06 rear wheels.

Pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4243-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4244-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4245-1.jpg


Also another shop update:

I ended up needing some more storage in the garage - so I shopped around on Cyber Monday and saw some competing storage units and sizes from Gladiator Garageworks - I ended up shopping at Sears and buying there 30x30x12 units for about $90 a piece. I had to buy some more of there wall track system - but I bought that at Lowe's since they have a cheaper price there.

I have probably 3 free feet on the the track system - I might pick up another overhead box - not really sure.

I also picked up a beer bottle opener @ Sears when I ordered the shelving units - pic of the first beer opened up w/ it.

I also shopped around for a retractable electric cord real - and found this one at Home Depot - well, initially.

I had gone to there store to check it out and buy it - but I didnt realize that they only sold it online! Ugh!

So I went home and tried to order it - and ended up being out of stock.

After a big of shopping using Google - I found it cheaper and w/ free shipping from a hardware store out in Oregon.

I ended up attaching it to the wall next to where I had mounted the air hose reel. Now I've got 30' feet of electrical cord as well.

Pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4226-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4227-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4228-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4231-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/IMAG4233-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Its been a crazy holiday season - I worked a ton, traveled to Chicago for Christmas - came back to Charlotte and had been slammed ever since.

I got a Porter Cable buffer for Christmas - I will be trying that out on the G8 and the Vette in the spring.

A couple weeks before Christmas - I got a line on a Maxjax Lift that was NIB and had never been installed.

So through a buddy I contacted the owner and asked more details about it.

He had bought the lift - let it sit for a year, and never installed it.

He was buying some Forged 360 wheels - and was willing to part with the lift.

After negotiating a price. and waiting for my buddy to be free with his pickup - we headed up to the guys house and came home with a lift in the bed.

I plan on installing this before spring - right now its stupid cold and I need to figure out where I am going to put the bolting holes in the floor.

Some pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4423_zpsc5921ea8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4416_zps0a40a3e7-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I have a few updates here - to the shop, the G8, and the Vette!

First of all - the week of Christmas my garage door opener was having some issues - the door would only open about a foot - and would not go any higher. So I called my local garage door company and they where going to send a guy out. The Door tech called me - and since it was a really cold and rainy day - and it was late in the evening he asked me what was going on - told him the problem and he said just turn up the force adjuster knob on the opener to one mark higher. Did that and bam - the door started working again. Since it was crappy weather and late out - the guy didn't want to come out, that saved me the $90
for the service call.

A couple weeks later the plastic gear inside the opener ground itself into oblivion and covered the garage in plastic dust - and the garage door stopped opening again. At the point I wasn't comfortable working on openers - I looked up the part - that plastic gear was $30 plus another $90 service call.

So at this point I would have been $210 in fixing an old 13 year old crap Craftsman opener - the original one to the house. So I started looking up the Liftmaster 3800 online. I called 2 companies about that model and to see how much it would be installed - cheapest quote I got was $900. I said screw that and started to read the instructions several times and started thinking to myself - hey, I can install that on my own. I first found the opener on Amazon for $350+ shipping - I thought that wasnt a bad deal. Then I checked on Ebay and found it for $270 - and free shipping.

I bought it on a Monday - and it arrived here on Thursday from CT - not a bad shipping time at all.

So one LONG Saturday with the help of a buddy - we installed the new opener. The opener install itself probably took 30 minutes - the long part was running all new electrical wires for the 2 sensors, the lock that bolts to the track, the opener button on the wall - and for the remote power source kit that they sell.

I compared running more conduit, the wire, another electrical box, the outlet itself - and the l brackets and condiut adapters - my price was $40 from the hardware store.

I looked up there remote power unit - and got that on ebay for $22 with free shipping.

So for around $300 I got the garage door working again - and well just happen to be installing a lift - so I gained another foot in room from the ceiling!

I took the old opener down the following weekend - and well you can see my thought there.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4460-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4432-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4436-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4461-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4462-1.jpg

G8 Update - the Doorman TPMS sensors that I ordered and installed just over a year ago - I had 2 of them crap out on me in one week! They started reading 180psi - or just nothing at all! RockAuto had a limited lifetime warranty on them - and I contacted the manufacturer about them - I unfortunately couldn't get them refunded - just a replacment unit - I wasnt going to put there crap product on my car since its $32 to dismount each tire - I just had Discount Tire replace them with there units.

So yeah - I do not reccomend Dorman TPMS units...

Pic:

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

Corvette update - when I attended the Run thru the Hills event 2 years ago - I promised myself that I was going to buy new rear tires, and new swaybars - well as you can scroll back I already got the tires. I almost bought these on Black Friday - they where $150 off retail price - well I am glad that I didnt since I used that money for the purchase of the lift.

I just happened to look on Ebay for these Pfadt heavy duty racing swaybars - I found them for $300 cheaper then that Black Friday deal!

Yes they are used - but they are in great shape!

These have 3 levels of adjustablity per swaybar - and have those splined Nascar ends that DSE uses.

I plan on installing these after the lift.

Pic:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMAG4471-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Lets see that lift in action. Might be a good solution for my garage, too.

[srh3trinity]

I picked up a G8 in white with 22K on the clock and a Solo Catback. It has the X and J pipes but no mufflers. I am loving it. Will probably get an intake and a tuner and call it done. I find the brakes to be lacking. It looks like you have done CTS brakes from the picture above?? I may try some new pads first.

[bonecrrusher]

After having the lift for about 2 months - I finally got time to install it!

I started at about noon yesterday - and finished up after midnight last night. I didn't run into any huge issues - after drilling out one of the holes - I found that my pad was on average 5-5.5" thick which was one of the reasons I wasn't rushing to install the lift - I had no idea how thick the pad as. The instructions say you need 4" minimum.

After drilling out the holes, I hammered in the Wej-it anchors - they give you a sacrifical bolt - and boy did it get sacrified. After hammering in about half of the anchors - I needed to go to Lowes and buy another threaded bolt to put into the the remaining anchors.

After I got the columns in place - I had to finish setting up the hoses and hydraulic fittings.

After bleeding the hydraulic system once - I tested out the lift a few times - I have yet to lift the Vette yet, I am going to wait till Wednsday - I need to tighten up one of the hoses, as well as find some hockey pucks or cut up some wood to put under the car.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4573_zps02b936e2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4575_zps8b207237-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4577_zps3925d3fd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4578_zps3aff641e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4580_zps6f30aea0-1.jpg

[Jon69RagTop]

I can understand the convenience of a lift, but you just reduced the number of parking spaces from 2 - 1. I'm assuming you've weighed that into your decision, be careful.

Jonathan

[Bryce]

awesome! I think you can un bolt, move the lifts and park two cars.

[bonecrrusher]

As Bryce said - the lift is moveable - you take out the 10 bolts, take the arms off, and wheel the columns away.

I got the fittings straightened out, found some hockey pucks - which BTW is a total pain in the a## to find in the south! Its February and the NHL is in season! Ugh. I had to go to 4 stores including an ice rink just to find some!

Yesterday i got the Vette lifted up with no issues, and had my first customer - buddy came by and changed his oil.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4582_zpsc133bf53-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4584_zps0efa1c91-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4586_zps33d6d8c2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMAG4587_zpsdae33eaa-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

That is awesome. The lift - not David's car! haha

Looks like it might be a good solution for my garage. It looks a little tipsy with those small mounting feet on the floor, but I'm sure it has been engineered to work. Just looks like a lot of leverage on a small base if it was loaded unevenly with, oh, let's say a FWD car. lol

[bonecrrusher]

Hahah - we had no problem working on David's car.

The risk with all 2 posts lift -if you take a bunch of weight out of the front - you need to add weight back in - so dropping the front cradle with motor/trans on a FWD car might suck.

The lift is solid and level across the arms - I can see it being a bit tipsy front to back but havent noticed any huge movement with the work I've done on it.

Guess I'll find out more tomorrow when I install the swaybars.

[Sneke_Eyez]

Man, what an awesome garage setup you have! Color me jealous!
How high are you able to put the cars up? High enough to actually get under there? Must be high enough if you're going to do a swaybar changeover under the Corvette tomorrow.

What'd you coat the concrete floor in, if you don't mind me asking?

[woody80z28]

What's the ceiling in there, 8 foot?

[bonecrrusher]

The ceiling is 8'5".

The floor is epoxy coated in this:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/gray+floor+paint,+1+gallon.do

The car gets between 4 or 5 feet in the air - you can work on the car sitting on a rolling stool - or for the lower setting sit under the car on the floor.

[bonecrrusher]

This lift is getting some use!

I got the Pfadt adjustable swaybars installed over the weekend. They went in with no real huge issue. I had to grind out the holes on the front swaybar as they would not fit the new endlink bolts - not a big deal.

I also changed the oil in the Vette last night - I wish I had a lift years ago - I got the oil change done in about 20 minutes, no more laying on my back under my car for me!

Now for the pics!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4591_zps85e5f55d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4599_zpscf722abf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4600_zpsbf274b47-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4598_zps13aa7e67-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4597_zpse0377ed2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4602_zps9f38c4c5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4595_zps40b512ad-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Get a truck. You don't need to get it off the ground to change the oil. haha

[bonecrrusher]

Sierra or Silverado - that's next on my list.

[woody80z28]

6.0L NV4500 or bust.

[bonecrrusher]

Thursday night I spent removing the front swaybar, and then re-adjusting the endlinks - as I was heaving some nasty binding in the bars driving around and turning at lower speeds.

I have resolved the noise issues with the front bar - but I have not resolved the rear. There is still a bit of what sounds like is binding when I go over bumps. I adjusted the rear endlinks 3 times and fixed a good bit of the sounds - but its still there. I think I am going to take the rear bar off and move the orange arms more inward - and see what that does.

Since I got the car driveable - I went to a test and tune here @ Zmax Dragway.

This is the first time that I have run down the 1/4 mile in over 7 years - and first time in a RWD car, and only the second time I have ever drag raced a manual trans car.

My best past of the night was a 13.8 @ 104 mph - needless to say I was less then impressed, haha.

The rear Pilot Sport Cup tires would not hook at all - they just spun through first and second and into third gear. These tires are shot - and I have a set of 345 30 19 tires to go on, plus the 45* temperatures outside probably didn't help either.

I didn't break anything - so thats always a bonus, lol.

Now for the pics and videos!

iWFrCuzDRnQ
TRLpcppCSHk

Pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/CRW_93271_zps7b10e90c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/CRW_93431_zps805f90f2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/CRW_93391_zpsb87fd8fe-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4611_zps20130a28-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4612_zpsbb2ace5b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4617_zps37b3e518-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4623_zps5bcea8da-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/IMAG4634_zps1e327f3d-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

6Yoqg_KBAiA
rkaNRS3w_W4

Got the gauges figured out - so same vids as above - but now w/ gauge data.

[Peder]

Eric, I think my car was a true test of that lift. If the lift was going to collapse, it probably would have with my car. I'm still nervous, but I trust it. Balance doesn't seem like too huge of an issue either. I mean, the garage door won't close when my car is on the lift, but the Vette fits just fine.

[bonecrrusher]

Time for some updates to this thread - its been a crazy couple of weeks.

This past weekend I particpated with my local SCCA club - and autocrossed @ Zmax dragway again.

I got 4 runs in on Saturday - and my first run was an 84.xx, and my last run was a 76.xx - not a bad way to drop almost 10 seconds.

I do not think there where any photographers there - but I got a couple pics - and vids.

Run 1:
qFSb6TzyqpI

Run 2:
TK98SnQlwbE

Run 3:
6DO0kzxLsFw

Run 4:
kdYIR_43zXo

Some pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4737_zpse6e8f6d5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4731_zps170ee58e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4727_zps66452e65-1.jpg


Second update - since I have the Hot Rod Power Tour coming up - and I am long hauling to Dallas TX and back to Charlotte - I have decided to rebuild the seats in the Vette.

They only have 40k miles on them - but after 5 Power Tours - they are showing there age and trust me after 8 hours the padding starts to suck horribly and gets uncomfortable.

So I ordered new 2013 seat leather skins, and foam from GM. I also ordered a seat rebuild foam kit that I am going to put in that adds a bit more padding as well.

The seat skins are black leather with Alacanta black suede inserts - also these have titanium stitching to match the rest of the interior - and have the C6 flags on them.

Pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4704_zps4bbd58d7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4708_zps72c1087b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4710_zpsb7cb7f0c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4712_zps7079b587-1.jpg

Third update - I have decided that this car will not be see boost in the immediate future - those Edelbrock blowers are in no way affordable - and are too rich for my blood.

So I am going to build up the LS2 that I have with the following:

CNC ported L92 heads.
LS9 camshaft.
GM LS3 intake manifold.
Lunati upgraded trunion bearings on brand new LS3 intake/exhaust rockers - on order.
LS3 intake valves - still need to order these.

The intake just came in - I ended up ordering it from Amazon - and got it for about 200 to my door.

More pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4761_zps90dabfd6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4766_zps4bd12795-1.jpg

I also ordered this - not sure where I will use it - but this is the new Chevrolet Performance badge that comes on the new 2013 Camaro ZL1.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4759_zpsac19ce00-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

It has been a very very BUSY spring!

I actually found a guy that took some pics of the Auto-x @ Zmax Dragway:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/36579_10101154436497109_138365484_n_zps2-1.jpg

A few weeks back was the Food Lion Autofair @ Charlotte Motor Speedway - its a huge car show that encompasses the entire speedway.

I entered my car with the Corvette club that I am in - and brought home some bling.

A few select pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4695_zps6d69d016-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4664_zps166e5209-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4674_zpsfbffcb34-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4671_zps4fbd0f6c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4919_zps290fe235-1.jpg

Link to the rest of my pics:
http://s305.photobucket.com/user/bonecrrusher/library/Autofair Spring 2013

I also went to the Detroit Speed Southern Slam last week - and talked to a number of folks on here at the event. I had a blast hanging out with everyone and seeing all of the cars hit the road course.

Some select pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4880_zps340913a1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4884_zpsa3a23ae7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4864_zpsb5932ad2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4797_zpsd8e9ec3c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4911_zpsf9e06034-1.jpg

Rest of my pics are here:
http://s305.photobucket.com/user/bonecrrusher/library/DSE Southern Slam 2013/

As for the Vette - the interior is currently in pieces.

I am 50% done with the seat swap - and doing upholstry work is a total PITA! Between the airbags, the heated seat element, lumbar support - these seats are stupid complicated - and it doesnt help that I am putting in upgrade/rebuild kit all in at the same time making it even more complex.

I am probably 40% done on the second seat - but I am going to have to take a break for awhile as I am going out of town this weekend and headed up to Nashville TN for some vacation time.

Seat pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4925_zpsc6b9594e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4780_zps6a246db3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4783_zpsd1abda1e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4922_zps54a2ff07-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMAG4928_zps74b13c2b-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Looks like a blast at Kershaw. You never see that many PT cars around here.

[bonecrrusher]

So after starting on this seat project for what seems to have been a month ago - I finally got the last seat installed tonight.

I picked up some 3M 90 adhesive from my local Lowes to glue the seat heating elements to the new foam.

I also used it to glue the fabric and new extra cushion pads to the bottom of the seat foam as well.

Overall I would rate this project an 8 just because I have never torn apart seats before - and getting everything back together was kind of a pain.

Now for teh pics!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5165_zps11db47aa-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5161_zps634a31ff-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5159_zps73d97f30-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5158_zps044ee453-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5171_zps4127f7a9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5173_zpsa138f640-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5178_zps02e46f4f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5180_zpsf85ecc23-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5176_zps1d1b139f-1.jpg

[keithq69]

Looks great.
Thinking of a lift in my garage, my ceiling height is 9' 2". I thought it may have been too low.
Any interest in a brand new set of Bilstein double adjustable coil overs?

[bonecrrusher]

Keith - your in the same boat as I as.

If your going to go for a 2 post lift - I suggest the Maxjax - and when your done with it you roll it away to the corners and its out of the way.

You can always do these crazy lifts that come out of the floor - but that requires digging into the ground, new cement, etc.

As for the coilovers - are they LG brand?

I'm not really in the market for coils - as I'll be doing the engine upgrade next.

[bonecrrusher]

One last update before the Power Tour:

I finally got those 345's mounted last night.

I'll tell you what - these tires are much beefier then even the 325's and not having bald a## tires is nice!

Now for the pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5181_zps32d0f964-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5182_zpsa2326d4b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5186_zps27a925b1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5185_zpsf2c2107a-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

A few updates here - I was in Austin TX a few weeks back for the V8 Supercar race.

It was pretty cool seeing the Holden race cars drive around the track.

COTA is a real nice facility - only problem was the heat - the weekend we went to Austin it was the first weekend it got hot and it was 100+ degrees the entire weekend.

Here are a few pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5389_zps6c5a591a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5484_zpsdec6745e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5454_zpse75993ce-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5490_zpse1c3dbac-1.jpg

One video that I shot:

xY2mh5rzIRI

Rest of my pics are here:

http://s305.photobucket.com/user/bonecrrusher/library/Austin%202013?sort=3&page=1


Last week they had a festival in uptown Charlotte called 'Speed Street' its to celebrate Nascar and all that jazz - they had a new Chevy SS in person, and the 2014 new Silverado.

Here are a few pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5581_zps533091c5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5577_zps084843e7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5573_zpscc635929-1.jpg

Rest of the pics: http://s305.photobucket.com/user/bonecrrusher/library/Speedstreet 2013

Car updates:

The roller rockers that I ordered like 2 months ago FINALLY arrived!

These are LS3 units that I need with the new CNC ported L92 heads that I have. They are have the upgraded trunion bearings since I have seen multiple posts with messed up rockers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMAG5595_zpse29b0c25-1.jpg

I had the car re-aligned and man was that thing off - took them over an hour to get it corrected. The swaybar install might have had something to do with that.

Also I leave for the Power Tour in the morning - so look for updates and pics next week!

[woody80z28]

SS looks sweet. Was the blue Cruze in the background the Diesel?

Text me some pics from PTour. I'm trying to get the "SS" finished up for the trip to Denver...

[bonecrrusher]

Testing something out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9117389472_100c7556f7-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Power Tour update....

Power Tour was awesome - had a great time - lots of miles, lots of beers, lots of rain, and lots of cars!

We drove out to Dallas TX - and back to Charlotte where it ended.

I had no breakdowns - but my buddy Matt ended up with a steel lag bolt in the back tire of his grand sport - after some real redneck patching at a near by service station - we got back on the road to Birmingham AL.

Overall it was a good time.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9117389472_100c7556f7_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9114070856_0cb425f651_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9114080994_f1fa2fa5f5_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9114218266_3d443b2898_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9114253202_86347b6796_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9114306018_43da82d852_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9114308626_9422df4d52_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9113747912_892e0aea25_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9111648871_471db1fc65_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/9113999644_7c389c167c_b-1.jpg

Link to the rest:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/97903423@N06/sets/72157634277187722/

Vids from my runs @ Zmax Dragway - no times as the timing system was f'd.

qc0fIWjra0k
SPC2k24GP8w

[bonecrrusher]

Bump since editing the post and adding pics just buried it back down in the thread, lol.

[NvrDun71]

What ever happened to the Nova?

[woody80z28]

What ever happened to the Nova?

Never got one. So he is gonna sell me his Z51 front brakes. haha

[bonecrrusher]

Not really much of a car update - I really haven't had the time to drive the car. I have been swamped with work and I am regularly pulling 80 hour weeks here the last few months. I won't be making the RTTH's event this year - as I will be working all that weekend. Which really sucks - I wanted to go back up to the dragon and drink some apple pie. I am glad that I made it out to the DSE event down at Carolina Motorsports Park at least this year.

Time for a shop update - I have been looking for an oil can catcher that would work with my mid rise 2 post Max Jax lift.

I picked up this unit for 50 bucks @ Harbor Freight - pretty cheap - but I know what I paid for - the construction honestly isn't all that great - but I will have no problems cutting this thing down since my lift only goes up to 44" or so in height and the lowest setting of this thing is around 38" - I will adapt it to fit my needs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/9641053220_bf41d8f317_h-1.jpg

This is only my second time uploading pic's to Flickr - let me know if you think its too big. I am on dual 24" monitors at home so its not all that huge for me. I used to use Photobucket - but after 5 years of taking pics - I hit their storage limit - and I refuse to pay those morons for cropped pics and degraded resolution.

The one thing i will say about PB is that there sharing is super simple - flickr - not so much - but I work in technology so its no big deal for me to figure it out.

[woody80z28]

Pic no worky.

[bonecrrusher]

Not much of an update around here - went to the Fall Autofair event here at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Saw some cool stuff - including a new C7 - about time I saw that car!

One of the vendors selling parts at the show was Kooks Long Tube Headers - they are pretty well known in the Vette community.

They had a 30% discount on there long tubes/X-pipes if you bought them at the show.

After thinking about it for a night - I went back to there trailer on Sunday and decided to buy a set.

Unfortunately they didn't have a set on there trailer - but that didn't bother me. They are based here in Statesville NC which is about 40 mins north of Charlotte. So on Tuesday this week - they called me back and said they had a set in stock - so I headed up there after work.

There shop is bigger then I thought it would be - I didn't really get a chance to get to tour there shop - but I know they are working on a set of Long Tubes for the new C7 - they where supposed to get it in this week. That car should be done for SEMA in a few weeks.

I really wasn't in the market for a set of these - but with the discount they gave me - I saved almost $500 off there list price. Plus this will help me with my power goals when I tear into the LS2 this fall/winter.

These are stainless steel, American made - and most importantly they are a local business - so I am more then happy with this purchase.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9926859893_c09d07d6cc_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9926707476_84bcf04830_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9926849503_2a8e312cd6_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9926682255_d7a25682ab_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/9926713256_86d852b247_b-1.jpg

You wont see me online for a few weeks as I fly across the pond for a well deserved vacation - so if I don't reply here - track my shenanigans on FB.

Thanks.

[bonecrrusher]

Well, I am home back from my 10 day trip across the pond.

I started off my trip off my trip by flying to Frankfurt - renting an Opel Insignia (Buick Regal Turbo) - and driving out to Nurburg.

I rented a race car RSR - it was pretty pricey - but I paid for 4 laps around the 'Ring - and man that track is scarey as hell. My best session was my third lap - I passed 3 cars, and held off an e36 3 series Bimmer.

We then went to Stuttgart and went on a tour of the 911 plant - man those Germans know how to engineer a car and assemble it.

We saw the engine shop, the interior shop, and final assembly - there plant was spotless and pretty nice. It was a 2+ hour tour - and cost was best of all... Free.

We then went to Munich and had a number of Liters @ Oktoberfest, then to Salzburg for some back packing in the Alps, and then ended our trip in Prague.

No videos from the 'ring as video cameras are banned.

No pics from Porsche factory as they collected and held onto our phones/cameras.

My GF did capture a couple in car shots, and found some exterior - as well as picked up a new flag for my shop:


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10301100633_44254e95d0_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10301071194_7a076b7bd3_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10301153706_6df6f41e89_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10301144415_6458a5e350_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10300957836_b67574d1b9_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Shop update time...

I happened to get an email from Home Depot telling me they where starting to carry the Gladiator Garageworks brand. I looked at what they had and liked there dual wall units that come in a kit. There price was 30% off which wasn't bad - but being the thrifty guy that I am - I took the part number and cross shopped on Ebay, Google Shopping, Craigslist.

I happened to find a Sears outlet selling a set on Craiglist locally - which I'm not sure if its against Sears corporate policy to be posting on there - so I kind of questioned the whole deal.

I drove up there and sure enough - the dual unit was on the floor - marked down to what the Craiglist ad had said.

So I bought the set - and came back home.

I assembled them on Thursday and hung them up on the wall.

I also hung a Gladiator shelf unit that my GF had bought me for my birthday (which was back in Februrary and yeah I've been procrastinating a bit) - LOL.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10516891676_51bc627cf8_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10516876495_fa95e3b8e1_b-1.jpg

My other update....

So I've been looking for a vehicle that I can tool around in towing stuff, throw stuff in the back - and not worry about screwing up my leather seats. I had to borrow 6 trucks last year on separate occasions - so I started searching for a good affordable rig.

I started off looking at 2000+ Silverado/Sierras with the 4.8L V8 and 5 speed/4WD combo - but after talking to my friends with trucks the group consensus was to get something bigger as that 5 speed trans is pretty damn weak, and the 4.8L would struggle carrying anything including the Vette.

So I started looking at 2500 HD Silverado/Sierras. I wasn't sure if I wanted the 6.0L V8 Gas burner, or the Duramax.

I ended up finding a 2005 Sierra 2500 HD SLT here in Charlotte not far from my house at a GMC dealership.

We negotiated the price down - and I drove it home the next day.

So welcome my newest edition to the fleet.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10516951176_5e0d0fdb50_o-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/10517152973_925c9da8c6_o-1.jpg

[gordonr1973]

This is an awesome car & build up!!

[bonecrrusher]

It has been a long time since I've had an update.

First update - the G8 had a bad clunk in the front suspension - I ended up finding that I had a bad lower front control arm on the passenger side.

The balljoint was loose and clunking when hitting bumps on the road - this is a well known issue with the G8/Caprice PPV.

So after a bit or research I ordered a new control arm set for the front.

If you order the 1 GM part number - you get all 4 front control arms and all the hardware for about $240 shipped.

So I setup the Maxjax - took the wheels off, tore into the front suspension and got the control arms out, and put in the new units.

After an alignment - the car drives straight and true with no clunks anymore.

Lifting up the beast:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190511555_4c332fb0a1_b-1.jpg

Second update - Truck updates.

I've been driving my truck almost on a daily basis - must be the new vehicle thing.

First thing that I did was buy a new leather wrapped steering wheel on ebay for 60 bucks - and swap mine out - as mine had a nasty tear in the leather.

I also bought all new switches from Dorman as mine all had missing paint/blown out bulbs as well.

Old wheel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190663323_85584847b2_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190822876_8a532f6d62_b-1.jpg

New wheel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190818584_6fc957c9e1_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190569944_d9d85c7085_b-1.jpg

Another project that I've added to the truck is a factory overhead console with Homelink installed. My GMC did not come with the option - you had to order a sunroof in the 2500 to get that option.

I looked on Ebay and found a seller that had a tan interior overhead console for a Suburban/Tahoe with Homelink on it. The seller had it listed for $40 - I offered $30 shipped and they took it.

Now the Suburban/Tahoe overhead console have a rear hvac controller for the middle seats - and well my Sierra doesn't have that option - so a bit of surgery is required.

I drilled out the plastic spot welds holding the hvac controller in - and did the same to the cubby hole in my console - I swapped them over and used small screws to attach cubby hole into the console. I tied into the ground harness for the Homelink, and ran 2 wires for the Homelink switched power, and the other for the lights to glow at night when I have the headlights on.

Now I have factory installed Homelink - all for $30 bucks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190526755_d0d1ecc312_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190514465_5310bb6380_b-1.jpg

Update #3 - shop updates!

I've been wanting a real workbench for a while now, and while I had the Gladiator composite top holding my rolling storage units together - it was not sturdy enough to do any work on it, and I couldn't attach a vise to it.

So after waiting/searching for Black Friday - I found that sears had a Gladiator 6' adjustable height maple top work bench for half off. So while I was in Detroit for the holiday - I ordered it online, and picked it up in the local NC store on Saturday after I flew back home.

Assembly took an hour or so - and I highly recommend you have a buddy to help you offload it from your truck, and lift it up when you are ready to flip it upright.

I adjusted the height to be 1 notch above my rolling storage units and now I have a good work surface finally.

I know the wall decorations are behind the bench, that will be dealt with later, haha.

Bench:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190652603_a06a3f8c82_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11190542486_9780eeb1a9_b-1.jpg

Last update - I also picked up a new set of jackstands for the truck, as the 2 ton jack stands I have now will barely reach the frame. HF had there aluminum 3 ton jack-stands marked down to $39 instead of $50, I used there 25% Cyber Monday coupon on the stands and got them for $29 - can't complain about that.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/11191374203_f9cc75f34c_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

It's been awhile since I've posted an update here.

Back in November I was laid off from my job - so all of my car projects came to a halt.

I was out of work for 6 weeks - but I was getting paid as part of my severance package. I found a new job here in Charlotte with the same company - so I can't complain - the 18% raise in my base pay doesn't hurt either.

So about half way into my "paid vacation" I had run out of things to do on the truck, G8, and around the house. So I made the decision to buy the last parts that I needed for my LS2 build up. I only had to spend a few hundred bucks to get the gaskets, timing chain, and other parts to finish up my parts list for the motor project.

The good/bad thing is that all my parts finally arrived - just in time for me to start my new job - so all my free time has disappeared and this will be a night and weekend kind of project.

As a project refresh - several years ago I had bought a set of CNC machined L92 heads from GM. When I had received the heads - one of them was not properly packaged and had been dropped - it dinged up the edges of the mounting surface that bolts to the block. I tried to file a claim with paypal but the guy disappeared from the forum that I bought them from and got stuck with 1 jacked up head.

After reading some forums - and having no money for a machine shop - I decided to get some files, file down the part was dinged and get some sand paper and WD40. I used the file to flatten the one corner and used sand paper to take out the grooves in the gasket surface - after a few hours of work I fixed the head - I have checked with a straight edge and the head is straight as can be.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11442754143_35998206d2_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11442752423_3c488f7738_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11442642314_79d9317e58_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11442679376_0dee633141_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11442676396_e470972d16_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11442634064_660c0bb8d3_b-1.jpg

My next project was to swap out the L92 intake valves for a set of LS3 intake valves - the LS3 intake valves are several grams lighter per valve - I don't have the exact number - but you can feel the difference holding the valves up next to each other.

After a few hours of work - the cylinder heads are now ready to be swapped onto the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11718357584_e31281e65c_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11718244803_aa21ec5aa5_b-1.jpg

So now I am in the middle of tearing down the Corvette - I have gotten the intake, the exhaust off the car, and thats when I hit a snag.

I got the manifold bolts out of the heads with no problem but one of the bolts holding the manifold to the cat/collector pipe rounded off last night.

So that ended my night as I didn't have the proper size Bolt Out tool. I went to Sears tonight and got the whole set - so I should get that manifold off tonight.

I plan on pulling the radiator and the front end of the motor off this weekend.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11718331034_4eb7c064fc_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11718189503_923ac1282e_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Another Vette LSx Update....

After working on the car on and off for the last couple of weeks - I finally got all the crap out of the engine bay that allows you to get to the block and start pulling parts off of it!

I pulled the radiator, the shroud, the fans, the steering rack, the water pump, the crank pulley, and all the other misc crap from the front end there.

They truely do stick 10 pounds of crap in a 5 lb bag on this car.

Now for some misc pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11970729864_9eb0d2008d_b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11971153396_280be209cb_b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11970735654_84b985eb58_b-1.jpg

I also did some shopping last weekend and picked up some supplies.

That crank bolt torques down to 240 ft/lbs - my cheap $9 1/2" torque wrench from HF only goes to 150 ft/lbs - so I picked upa new one from Lowes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11970336215_d5448394a9_b-1.jpg

And here is what I am left with - the cam is out, the heads are off, and the lifters are out too:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/11971147296_3cb790b46c_b-1.jpg

Boy what a pain in the ass this project has been - I see why shops charge so much to do these.

Right now I am waiting for parts - I ordered a set of LS7 lifters as I dropped one of the LS2 lifters on the concrete floor - and lets say the roller looks like crap now.

I decided to replace them all - because I am this far tore down, I might as well.

Hopefully by next week I will be starting to put everything back together.

[bonecrrusher]

Been a little while since I last updated.

I had to wait for some parts for the car - so I took about a week off from working on it.

I managed to get the LS9 cam installed, the new LS7 lifters installed and there new plastic trays all put into the motor.

Next steps will be to drop the front suspension - drop the oil pan, change out the oil pan gasket - and make sure the new oil pump seats properly.

Then I can put the oil pan back on, timing chain and get the bottom end of the motor buttoned up.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12111590776_b7295444ab_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12111336234_93611ba445_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12111237143_5928886e12_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12110776875_e2f47e9267_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12129441936_c8a5fa122e_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12129440076_0f36b0b9c5_b-1.jpg

I also picked up some push pin remover and panel popper pliers from Harbor Freight while they where on sale.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12044677886_2bdd34c92a_b-1.jpg

[FLYNAVY53]

cool project! I just sold my 2003 Z06 that I had done very similar mods to.

[bonecrrusher]

This weekend I got the front cradle lowered, got the oil pan out - and removed the windage tray.

I had dropped a few lifters down into the block when I was pulling out the cam.

I fished them out of the bottom end - most of them where sitting on the windage tray.

I put the windage tray back on - put in a new seal on the oil pickup tube, new oil pump, and new timing chain as well as new oil pan gasket.

I had the motor this far apart - might as well replace all the parts.

I put everything back together - got the cradle raised back up and the engine back off the hoist and the mounts back in.

I'll be putting on the cam sprocket and and the timing cover - then it'll be time for the heads.

Slowly but surely - finally getting closer!

Some pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12163586975_bb6db09795_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12163583625_5ea2a28a5a_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12163595865_fdeba58779_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/12163591265_9b180efc43_b-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Whoa that garage is a mess!

[bonecrrusher]

Why yes - yes it is.

Woody - I broke something....

I stripped a bolt in my oil pump cover - stupid torx bits.

Ended up getting it out with a Grab-it from Lowe's.

[bonecrrusher]

First update - Truck:

My father in law has these tie down hooks in his 2010 GMC 1500 - and really liked them. So I cross shopped them and found out they will fit in the stake holes in the bed of my '05 - so found the best deal online and ordered them - not bad for 50 bucks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12352161343_d2708eb741_b-1.jpg

Second update - Corvette:

Since I have had the front suspension dropped to get the oil pan in and out - I was decided to shop around for some coilovers - since everything was already torn apart. Plus I had to get an alignment anyways - so might as well only pay for an alignment once.

I happened to find a set of Pfadt Coilovers for over half off.

So a deal was made - and I got these in about a week. These are single adjustable and have 16 different settings from soft until stiff - and ride height adjustable.

I have installed the front since everything was apart - I haven't put the back on yet.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12352157583_d8c0f764cc_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12352415584_d48ed43577_b-1.jpg

Back to the engine project:

I got everything buttoned up on the bottom end except for the crank pulley - I attempted to put it on last week with the old heat it up a bit and push it on - I got it onto the snout a good way and then it started not move - so I tapped it with a hammer a few times - and I must have it on the wrong spot and I completely broke the a 2" chunk of the lip off of the front lip.

Mind you there is a TSB out there specifically for my year Corvette for crank pulleys going bad - but online research shows that usually happens with 60-80k miles on the car - my car only has 42k miles on it and was trying to save some $$.

After I broke the lip off the pulley - I ordered a new Powebond crank pulley from O'Reilys - and the proper install tool!

It took about a week - but the pulley got here, and with the proper install tool it went on with no big problems:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12363009063_caa7833c45_b-1.jpg

While I was waiting for the install tool - and the crank pulley to come in - I finished up the top end of the motor.

I cleaned off the block one more time - put on the GMPP CNC LS3 Heads, the pushrods, the Lunatti LS3 rockers with the trunion upgrade, valve covers, and the LS3 intake.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12351953585_c25b10fb64_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12352388604_37b6ab0453_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12351921735_e62a993a5e_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12351915195_5b2a75a192_b-1.jpg

So that wraps up the engine assembly - I just need to put in the headers, steering rack, radiator, fans, hoses, Varram intake - and all the other misc crap.

So hopefully I get the car finished up in the next few weeks - it will need an alignment - as well as a tune.

[bonecrrusher]

Time for an update!

I've been super busy around here - I got the headers on, the front suspension all bolted back up, and some more of the engine bay assembled.

The Kooks headers went in with absolutely no problem - I wish the LS7 parts went in this easy!

I did end up fighting the power steering hoses that go to the reservoir for a couple nights, I ended up taking the power steering pulley and the reservoir off the car tonight to get to the hose fittings on the rack - and that made enough room to get good access to them. After I finished up with the hoses, I put in the EBCM bracket, the tie rod ends, and bolted the swaybar back up.

Won't be too much longer until I am done - I still need to put in the radiator and the fans - and the rear coil overs - after that its time to fire this SOB up and get an alignment - and schedule the car to get tuned.

Now for some pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12472875813_80b4acf5a4_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12472717825_bce4852be4_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12473213444_03d5b6ac3c_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12472771015_79e9ab7f3d_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12472836095_52ca7b3f71_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12473266104_5032a576b1_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

So this past weekend I got the radiator and fans in, the intake, and the rear coilovers in.

This week I drained the transmission fluid relatively easy and couldn't figure out a way to refill the t56 still up in the car.

I ended up using a really old cheap fluid pump that I bought like 10 years ago to drain a fuel tank - I didn't think it would work - but it got the ATF into the trans with no problem.

I then installed the Kooks X-pipe, reconnected the Corsa axle back - and tightened everything up.

I tried to fire up the car last night - but the battery is dead - so by tonight I expect to get it up and running!

I still need to adjust the coilover ride height - and then reattach the rear swaybar as the rear is lowered and the endlinks won't line up anymore.

Now for some pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12661764915_7cce714d06_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12662219404_474ebdb89c_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12662224964_daf5e7c611_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12661751085_5968c86388_b-1.jpg

[MC Si]

Nice Vette!

[bonecrrusher]

Well I tried to fire up the car last week - and I got it running for a couple minutes and it was running like absolute garbage.

With the 60 lb injectors nearly being double the stuck LS2 injectors - it was throwing a ton of gas into the and out the exhaust.

So I decided to have the car towed up to the tuner as I didn't want to risk messing up the motor. They are tuning it now - and I should get it back next week - I really am looking forward to finally driving this thing!

Also before having it towed - I lowered the car down onto my race ramps and was able to get the rear swaybar attached - I will have to fine tune and readjust it after I get the car back.

Here are some pics of the car on the lift - and of the 3" Kooks long tubes and X pipe.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12802711414_63ea123247_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12802304155_6f795bdece_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12802739764_095883cdbc_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12802284245_a01c373363_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12802356885_b29b7202e1_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12803308163_831af816ba_b-1.jpg

Also for my birthday - my girlfriend got a set of 2" tripod stands that I will be able to use under the lift - they are from Greg Smith Equipment.

They are made in China - and some of the hardware is pure garbage - I stripped one of the bolts putting it together - so I got some better hardware from Lowe's.

I have seen some people support entire cars on these - I know that I wouldn't - but I would have no issue putting a rear axle or hold up an exhaust pipe or two with them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/02/12802156435_6fbd660213_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I picked up the car last Friday from the PCM of NC - they had no problem tuning the motor with all the parts that I had added.

They did a dyno tune, and tweaked it on the street as well.

Here are the final dyno numbers - I have to say that I am more than happy.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/12948463175_c198c603c9_b-1.jpg

For 6 weeks of work and doing it all by myself - I can't complain about picking up ~120 hp at the crank.

I previously dyno'd my car and it made 375 at the rear wheel - now its making 450!

Also - here is a video of the LS9 cam idling - it has a bit more lope than stock:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqKc8zQXZOw

PCM filmed the last dyno run - so I should be able to post that in a few days.

[bonecrrusher]

Here is the chassis dyno video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jaxx1pZ9kZ8

[rchaskin]

Sounds awesome. Nice HP.

Are these guys the ones that used to be with Tick?

[bonecrrusher]

Yeah they got there own shop down off exit 36 in Mooresville.

I believe Tick moved up to Mt Airy.

[rchaskin]

Thanks. Good to know.

Yeah, I found out tick moved about a month after they built my T56......

[bonecrrusher]

I finally got the Corvette all finished up - the Kooks midpipe was rubbing against a heat shield on the gas tank.

I had to loosen the shield - move it over just a tad - and also bent the tab a bit upward to make room - no more rattling when I first fire the car up!

I finally got the first fire up video off of my GoPro - mind you the car wasn't tuned yet and was on the stock LS2 tune:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FERgoTRgio

I finally took down the lift - and put all my tools/parts away - two get 2 cars parked back in my garage.

A few weeks back my G8 got backed into by my neighbor - she managed to crush both doors on the drivers side.

I took the car to the body shop and it got repaired.

Ever since I got the car back the front suspension was making a creaking noise when I turn the wheel - and I took the car to the dealership for an alignment - and the tech couldn't get the wheel straight.

So at that point - still having a car payment for 2 more years - and having no more warranty - I decided to talk to the sales guys and see what they would offer me for the G8.

After going over this purchase in my head for a few hours - they gave me a good deal, and my rate on the new car was lower then my g8 was!

I ended up lowering my monthly car payment by a hundred bucks - so I ended up taking my car in for an alignment - and went home in a new car.

Here is what is in my garage now:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13231745855_42f808b85e_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13157822875_daacc1e98d_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13231755345_d94a85fd75_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13231271234_4e5dd94616_b-1.jpg

Some pics of the G8 next to the SS:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13231849753_5e29ab0536_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13231872963_4b7d4f4f77_b-1.jpg

If you notice - I kept the CTS-V wheels and brakes - I haven't decided if I am going to put them on the SS yet - we'll see.

First thing I need to do is add Homelink to the car - I actually removed the visor that I modified in the G8 - and I am going to put it in the SS.

Yes the colors are different - but it should plug right in.

[rchaskin]

Vette sounds awesome!!

I love the new SS.
Is it a ton stronger than the G8?

[bonecrrusher]

I would say the interior - and the gadgets are far better then the G8 ever offered.

The electric steering is more precise then my G8 - my alignment was off and needed new struts.

Motor - my modified G8 put down 360 to the tires - an I saw Hennessy dyno a stock SS and it put down 370 to the tire - so thats not too bad of a difference.

I will say the updated tuning on the 6L80 is far better in the SS then it was in my G8.

[woody80z28]

Whoa! Good thing they both clear parking blocks...don't try that with the Vette. haha

[bonecrrusher]

Another shop update - now that I have gotten the Vette fixed up, and the lift torn down.

I finally had time to assemble my last Gladiator purchase - this time I got there foot locker/bench assembly and I got it on sale through Lowes.

So far I have put my floor jacks in there, and some shop shoes - its nice getting stuff up off the floor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13451452905_9b4b3096d4_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/03/13451579423_8c82ff3f19_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

SS update:

I through on my set of V2 rims that I have laying around - sorry for the rainy pics but the weather sucked her last weekend - they fit with on the SS with no issue.

As far as the TPMS sensors - haven't driven the car to know if they work or not. I know the part numbers are different.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/13568347975_2b432de4d1_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/13568363885_755fe0a772_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/13568368485_9beaf94320_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/13568351665_ba07e0e82e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/13568339885_48f15c6128_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/13568405993_3f15758edc_b-1.jpg

So if I decide to go with these I will have to buy new sensors and swap them out.

[bonecrrusher]

Long time no update...

Truck update!

I got one of those Meguiars Heavy Duty Headlight polishing kits for Christmas - I finally had the time to use it.

The kit comes with a buffing wheel, Plastix polishing compound, and a UV protectant sealant - and 2 sanding disks - 1000 grit and 3000 grit.

Since I had 7 lights to do on my truck - I quickly blew through the 1000 grit sanding disk - luckily I had a sheet of 1000 grit sand paper in my shop - and ended up using that for the rest of the lights.

I think its a decent kit - just wish it had more sanding disks with it.

The best part I noticed that it helped was on the fog lights - the headlights had some hazing and yellowing - and it took care of that as well.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/14082047301_df12fae4b7_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/14082050201_b58e4602ca_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13898632050_91ce34e22c_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/14082090402_8af02a08a4_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/14105308103_f64fd9bcfd_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13898614687_40f4a2d8af_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Vette update!

Finally after hoarding car parts for 4 years - I finally got all of the bits and pieces for the Z06 front fender swap!

If you look back I think I got the first z06 fender back in like 2009.

I ordered the hardware and all the plastic crap for front end swap from Gmpartshouse - they worked with me on all the pieces that needed to be ordered and everything came in 4 big boxes.

I took the fenders and bumper to my body guy - and he painted everything and put it all together.

I also had a decision to make for the front splitter - either go with the GM plastic piece for the z06 - or go with a set of aftermarket RPI ZR1 style front and side skirts.

I went with the RPI pieces as they are way cheaper then GM's - and if I ever smack the front end up - it wont be that expensive to replace compared to a $1400 CF splitter from GM.

Also - to not piss off the purist - I had my body guy shave the Z06 fender badge holes in the CF fenders.

I got the car back last night - and I installed the zr1 side skirts.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13918094387_f75dd71036_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13918130760_daf1417c7e_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13918128618_201ccd6080_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/14124802073_72aacbe561_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/14104724275_a9567cb839_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13918073349_12ec933be8_b-1.jpg

[TRANSAMERICAN 79]

Man I love it, good work!

[srh3trinity]

The Corvette looks awesome. I think the C6 Z06/Gran Sport is one of the prettiest Corvettes ever built so adding the Z06 panels really takes yours to the next level.

[bonecrrusher]

Thanks everyone!

I got some daytime shots outside:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/14123623372_103780b9cd_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13940008620_f2263773f3_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/13939960727_e5a316fbfc_b-1.jpg

As you can see the ZR1 splitter is stupid low - I put some boards out in my gutter/curb - and I actually ended up hitting the board with the side skirt - so in trying to prevent the car from hitting - I hit my board.

So needless to say I got ride of the boards and pulled out of my driveway with no problem.

I guess thats what I get for trying to prevent some damage!

Thankfully I was going slowly and the side skirt is fine.

[bonecrrusher]

Time for a truck update:

So I have been stupid busy working on my truck over the last month or so.

First I really wanted an OEM bluetooth to work - I have it in my SS and I love that feature.

So I found a VCIM out of a Trailblazer - put it in - and it works with the steering wheel controls.

Pic of it showing up on the radio:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14217365015_5a6f2c34ea_b-1.jpg

Second - I also had ordered a replacement HVAC door actuator to replace the one that has been acting up on my truck - well the one I ordered has only 3 pins in - and all of the actuator doors on my truck are 5 pins - and verified this by pulling the dash apart enough to get to all of them. I couldn't return the one that I had ordered as it was opened, and I had ordered it more then 30 days ago.

Third - since I had the dashboard out - and the paint was chipping up - I asked my neighbor to borrow his power washer. I used his power washer to blow all of the paint off the dash. It did a great job at removing the paint.

So I had to find some paint to match the interior - after taking a gamble I had ordered the SEM paint code that matched the Very Dark Grey Pewter interior - but when I brought in my fuse panel cover - it didnt match at all.

Turns out that I have the Medium Dark Grey Pewter Interior.

So I ordered SEM 17163 from my local O'reillys. They where able to get it next day.

I used SEM's cleaining and prep system steps.

So I ordered there SEM Soap, SEM plastic and leather prep spray, and finally there SEM Adhesion Promoter.

The paint went easily - and I am pretty impressed with the final product.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14322553526_503a2a5572_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14344090342_e81e15001e_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14159054049_06495d13b5_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14159211317_0623a592f3_b-1.jpg

Fourth - since I had everything torn apart - I decided to improve the factory radio - looking on Ebay - the price for the upgraded Bose amp and the factory touch screen navigation has fallen a bunch - I got both the amp and the Nav radio for less then $300 - and they are factory pieces not to this truck but within the GM Truck/SUV family.

So after repinning the Bose harness - I got everything put back together and finally finished up my interior mods/upgrades!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14345683085_efce7c34cc_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14159118300_5993b87d2b_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14314097546_c68ef65747_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14342349141_577a3cc2fd_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

So I had a new clear bra on the Vette last week right before the Power Tour - went with a different installer this time and they did a really good job.

The PT had an event at Hotchkis Performance East. Lou Santiago was there and I got to meet him - hes pretty cool. The shop they have up there is pretty nice.

We then went to Zmax Dragway in Concord, NC - and saw some cool cars there. Saw Ken's LSA powered Chevelle and Mark Stielow's old project car that he built a year or two ago.

My last day of the Power Tour was driving up to Knoxville TN and got to meet Rutledge Wood again, and also saw Bad Penny - such a cool car.

Here are a few select pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14403763382_aa18d43ce2_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14381934706_b7884bf199_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14218546379_50033c5d0d_b-1.jpg


Here is my gas Mileage average - not bad for 500+ hp:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14404087334_21390227d8_b-1.jpg

The rest of my pics:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/97903423@N06/sets/72157645127595831/

[bonecrrusher]

This was the first extended road trip for my built up LSx motor in the Vette - the car got over 32 mpg on the highway when I was easy on it.

The car drove fine except for that after driving 500+ miles this weekend - and 5 mins from home the Check Engine Light came on.

The car threw a P0430 code - complaining about the exhaust catalyst being to low efficiency - its weird because it only happens when I'm idling.

Talked it over with friends, the CF, and all said to take it back to the tuner.

So I contacted PCM of NC - and they are going to take a look at it.

Also - the alignment is out of whack on the front end - I took the car to the clear bra shop and the wheel was off a bit - got back in the car after they where done with it and it was really off.

I need to checkout the coilovers on the front/rack to see what's going on.

I just had an alignment done right after I got the engine all back together.

So either the lift needs to go back up - or I get to figure out how to raise the front end of my car with the ZR1 splitters there in the way, ugh!

[bonecrrusher]

First off - shop update:

I picked up a Gladiator stand up cabinet that is 36x72x18. It is there RTA series and was pretty easy to put together.

I got this on sale for Fathers Day - put it together, and got some tools, and other junk up off of the floor/my work bench!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14464900062_37cd908111_b-1.jpg

Second - I went autocrossing with the local SCCA chapter down at the Michelin Tire Proving Grounds in Laurens SC.

It kind of sucked getting up at 5am for the 2 hour drive to get out there - there proving grounds are in the middle of no where, but it was well worth it and had a ton of fun.

We autocrossed on there "Black Lake" - its a flat perfectly paved facility that had very little elevation change.

Here where my runs:

Run 1 - I DNF'd and got lost - I somehow convienetly lost the footage :p

Run 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At462B6-6bI

Run 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-I2ZZacbG0

Run 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb-GAeJxhXc

Overall I had a fun time - and dropped times on each run.


Here are some pics that I snapped:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14470846196_4f54c8fda8_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14307361649_47d47a5f89_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14470931296_9d0a644a7d_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14307558667_2c9d4c4838_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/14307409830_78205dbe5d_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

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

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

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

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

Now for the pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14663210734_2db7362518_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14642488676_345b0c5f4f_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14642502746_c51b56a589_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14665502775_c2fedce5b0_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14663217394_7ed62390ac_b-1.jpg

[David LaBuda]

Did the upgraded Bose amp make any difference?

[bonecrrusher]

The Bose amp is required with the particular nav unit that I have - they did sell a Non Lux TNR.

As for sound - it does sound a lot better as the speakers are the same in the Denali as the the trucks.

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

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

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

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14547790189_89315c10ef_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14711416566_83c25902a9_b-1.jpg

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14547735010_aa59ffe6cd_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/07/14547770929_cd9d522fc6_b-1.jpg

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

[bonecrrusher]

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

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

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

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

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14798968131_b147dc8f6f_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14779082376_730b825c56_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14798961131_2f3e7453cb_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/GladiatorGW/photos/a.256817098971.139204.52058828971/10152554726453972/?type=1

-Craig

[bonecrrusher]

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

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

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

Now for the pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14653588690_6998be908b_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14653636599_d6f2608ba0_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14653573690_2631052200_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14817300326_9d45a76007_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

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

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

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14738644480_e0cc224574_b-1.jpg

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

Corvette update:

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

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

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/14902338286_9977309d46_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Long time no update - been working alot, getting my house ready to sell, and been replacing the suspension on my truck.

I got under the front end and found both upper balljoints have torn boots, one of the outer tie rod ends has a born boot, and both of the inner tie rods are missing the clamp around the dust boot that looks like a CV joint.

So I ordered all new Moog front end pieces, as well as Bilstein shocks all around.

I did the easiest project first - I installed the rear shocks:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15090480588_a296866b8c_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15254050656_4304743744_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15254049036_d54d1abaeb_b-1.jpg

I decided just to replace the entire upper control arms as the prices weren't that much more then the pressed in balljoint - plus I installed a set of Bilsteins up front.

Overall the front end replacement was too terrible - it just took freaking forever.

Pressing out and pressing in the lower balljoints really is what took the longest as I've never had to press them out before. I usually just have to unbolt them/cut the rivets for them.

So I took it for a very quick test drive - everything seemed okay - going over bumps there is no more squishy sounds. As the stock shocks with 194k on them where completely shot!

Now for some pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15300865146_c336955c46_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15137146089_d2733269cc_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15137280628_87bedcd681_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15300842886_ca9d5d74e0_b-1.jpg

When I finished up installing the front end - I was really tired and lowered the truck down.

I ended up snapping one of the adjuster screws on the torsion keys clean off the thread.

So I ended up ordering a new screw and the retaining nut as well.

Since I don't have a welder - I ended up ordering the OEM tool brand Torsion arm loading/unloading tool - I got it for $62 off ebay - so I can't really complain about that.

I spent last Friday under the truck. I used the tool to compress the Torsion arm key upward and got the snapped bolt assembly loosened up enough to use a dremel to try and cut through the bolt.

I got half way through it before I ran out of room for the dremel - I then used a jig saw with metal cutting blades and got another 1/3rd of the way though it - but then snapped both blades that I had.

At that point I decided to get out the big gun - my angle grinder with a grinding wheel and decided to cut the end off of the retaining nut assembly and almost got it out - I ended up having to round off 2 of the edges of the retaining nut and finally it dropped out of the frame - I got the new nut/bolt installed.

Some pics of the carnage:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15214611107_f24356a344_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15400801512_dbcd5af482_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/15378102386_1ab67d55d1_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I am still around - just been a long time for an update.

A bit of an update on the truck - after finishing up the suspension project and getting everything fixed up - I wanted to replace the front headlights.

I had polished them up earlier this year - but they yellowed and started to look like crap again.

So I ordered a set of Denali headlights, as well as new turn signal housings. I also ordered a set of DDM Tuning HID's to throw in as well.

The lights all snapped right into place - the DDM kit required some wire removal from the kit - otherwise those where plug and play as well.

Install took about 2 hours - but not too bad. I still need to adjust the headlights - I plan on doing that tonight.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15463399679_d88a6bc3f1_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15652504072_0aa60657bb_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15652510442_a5e416d74c_b-1.jpg

Also - I took apart my drivers side mirror because it was flopping around on the highway - and was driving me nuts. Come to find out that someone had broken the original glass and replaced it with the wrong glass/element! My truck has the DL3 - heated/auto dimming/power fold in option - and the glass that was in it wasn't heated or auto dimming.

So after pricing out the correct replacement glass - it was going to be cheaper to get an entire replacement used mirror. So I found an Escalade mirror with the bottom light on it cheaper then a DL3 Sierra/Silverado mirror. I found another lighted DL3 mirror for the passenger side and ordered that as well.

The drivers side color didnt match my truck, and the passenger side was the black textured plastic - so I was going to have to do some painting.

So I picked up some Duplicolor perfect match rattle can primer, base coat, and clear coat and got to work.

The pre-painted mirror was easy to wet sand and prep - the black plastic cap I ended up sanding with 220, 320, 400, then 600 to get it smooth enough for primer.

I have finished painting both mirror caps - I am waiting for the clear coat to harden up. I am going to wet sand it and buff it before I install them.

I have already installed the mirrors themselves - and confirm everything is working correctly.

Here are my pics with the finished clear coat - I will get installed pics after I wet sand and buff everything next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15602258460_77b6ff6b4f_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15787210285_ab8cc4acbd_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15788649822_f29f8bd928_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15602243920_b046945494_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15761420585_79a3ee0566_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15601899847_91b4f51301_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15601893627_4e2fe05857_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I gave the Duplicolor clear a week to dry - today I sanded it with 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 grit.

I then used Meguiars Ultimate compound, Scatch X 2.0, Meguiars Cleaner Wax, Polish, and then some Carnuba wax.

I finally attached the caps to the mirrors with some 3M double sided tape - here are the results:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15226686543_aa68cdecb4_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15660333879_009f289394_b-1.jpg

Overall - I am pretty happy with the results, I wish I could have buffed it with my DA Porter Cable - but I really couldn't put much pressure on the caps not being attached to the truck. I'll probably buff in a few months with the PC, and use my much better quality Adam's Polishes and Sealants next time. The color match is spot on with the rest of the truck and look way better then the crappy black plastic that was there before on the old mirrors.

I forgot to post about puddle mirror from the Escalade mirrors - plugged right in and gained an extra light at night:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15845806892_4d324edfb3_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Another truck update:

So I found a thread on here about a backup camera that tied into an edge tuner, well since I had already swapped to an Escalade Lux touch screen nav, I figured that I would tie into the nav screen that I had.

So I picked up a PAC-VCI-X adapter, a backup camera, and 25' of RCA cable.

I also picked up the 1500 style spoiler to put the backup camera in.

I split the nave unit open, installed the screen ribbon adapter, and ran the VGA cable out the bottom of the Nav unit.

I then tied into the light green harness wire in the trailer plugin box in the interior under the dash for the backup signal for the PAC unit.

I then removed the factory rear tail gate lid, put on the 1500 lid and drilled a hole for the camera. I ran the power supply for the camera to the reverse light harness under the bed.

I then ran the 25' of RCA cable and accessed the interior by the grommit holding the e-brake cable.

I plugged everything in, adjusted the camera, and boom - here is a pic of the camera working, the spoiler, and how I installed the camera.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/16096511136_562f3f59e9_b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/16121566772_58dfb22a04_b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/15502598603_9ec04cc8a6_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Hey everyone, longtime no update..

Life has been crazy around here. I sold my house the week of Christmas, and closing was a couple weeks ago. So I had to pack all my stuff up - and get out of the house.

I moved all of my big furniture and garage/shop stuff into a storage unit.

Back during the week of Thanksgiving, we signed a contract on our new house - it will have 5 bedrooms and a 3+ car garage.

For more info and pics - head on over to Garage Journal for the latest and greatest:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=276996

As for the Corvette - it is up in storage until the house gets finished - we simply didn't have enough room to store the car at my gf's house.

I have a few parts to bolt onto the Vette - but will have to wait for the house to be built - and for me to install the lift.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

bump for another charlotte gearhead...the Commodore looks great in White!

[bonecrrusher]

Like I had mentioned earlier - I had some updates waiting to come in - well here is one of them:

Last year when I built my engine - I used an LS9 cam in my build - while it produced an extra 20 hp or so - it shifted the power band up and made 6th gear in my car an absolute dog - it made absolutely no power and I would have to drop 2 gears just to pass someone on the highway.

I chose that cam for a reason - I found a very good deal on a used Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger for an LS3 motor.

With my motor being an LS2 block with an LS3 top end - I ended up with the LS3 blower.

Since the Vette is in storage - and my new house/garage aren't built yet I will have to wait to install this.

Reading the install instructions - I'm going to be using my lift for this install - so for now here are some pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/16594295242_67612900a2_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/16594931675_bbe8652dbc_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/15975169733_64ed212d5d_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/16407734608_066c25b70c_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/02/15972794964_5a0757fbe7_b-1.jpg

[sixgunsuperman99]

Dang... all sorts of things happened since I last saw this thread. That E-Force is going to look mean! Almost surprised you didn't put it on the SS :evil: Every time I see one I desperately miss my G8 GT.

Jealous of the 3 car garage around Charlotte! We had a struggle finding our 2 car.

Whenever I finally get the Nova finished and down here I might have to come see how the 'vette is coming along. Looking good with the side skirts on there!

[bonecrrusher]

Edelbrock doesnt offer a kit for the SS/G8 - yet they shipped a kit to Australia for the Commodore over there.....

If I were too boost the SS - it would be an LSA setup off the Camaro. There are cheap blowers all over Ebay.

We couldn't find a 3 car that met our needs - and we looked for over 6 months. So that is how we ended up looking at builders and finding a neighborhood that we liked enough to build in.

Hurry up and get that Nova down here!

[bonecrrusher]

Not much of an update - but I did manage to go up to where I am storing the Corvette and work on it a bit.

I ordered a steering wheel from a 2012-2013 C6 Corvette a few months back and finally got that installed. The 2012+ has leather grips built into the leather - as well as a different finish on the steering wheel control surrounds. The airbag that I had used in my older steering wheel clipped right in, and the steering wheel controls all work!

I also started swapping out the factory interior bulbs for LED's - I did this on my truck awhile back and really love the look.

Also - the house is moving along - the footers are done and perimeter walls are done as well. They are starting on the underground water piping - will lay down the insulation - then start on the slabs - after that its framing time!

Now for some pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/16588102467_42ec051b73_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/16769533746_437f5847fc_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Happened to stop by where the Vette is being stored this weekend - I finished up the LED install:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/16810456486_11a385774f_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/16216361193_3bace29e5c_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/16213968714_93d9352e45_b-1.jpg

Thats about it for now - I have to wait for the house to get finished being built, move, install the lift then tear into the motor again.

[bonecrrusher]

SS update:

I happened to be looking on the Chevy SS Facebook group - and happened to see a guy selling a GM blackout kit for the SS.

I had looked at the kit - but importing it from Australia was going to be around $600 - to get rid of the chrome on the front end of the car.

The seller lived in Atlanta but was driving up to Charlotte for the NHRA 4 Wide race at Zmax - we met up and I bought the front end parts off of him.

I installed them this weekend - the side vents where easy, but the front bumper had to be entirely removed to get to the trim rings.

I really like the front end without all the chrome - it fits better with my personal taste.

Here are some before and after pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16356484264_8634416f13_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16978852385_b3c4208501_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16791394900_9af0165e7e_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16356486624_20142282a8_b-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Much better.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

On the fence about it

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

I like the black out look on your car. It makes it a lot less busy looking. Gives it a meaner look also.

[bonecrrusher]

As I updated earlier - to continue the black theme - I installed my 2009-2014 CTS-V sedan wheels that I had on my G8. I didn't install them for a year because I wasn't sure if the wheel sensors would match up with the SS.

So I stopped by Discount Tire last weekend and asked if they had the SS sensors in stock - and they did. So yesterday after work I drove other there to have them break down the wheels, install the sensors, and program them.

Before they broke them down - I asked them to verify the sensors where indeed different between the G8 - and the SS. According to there system they where the same! GM changed the part number between the 2 cars - and no one could verify if they would work. So they just swapped the wheels - programmed the sensors and I was on my way!

If I had known they would work - I would have swapped over a long time ago!

Now for some installed pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16818485970_aeb4a77214_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/17004574592_3f2db53b87_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Last update on my SS - I got some vinyl overlays for the front and rear bowties and installed them - really hated the factory gold:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16404730563_4c05c5a69e_b-1.jpg

That's about it for now!

[bonecrrusher]

Took my SS down to Zmax Dragway to the only Test n Tune that they have scheduled for the entire YEAR!

The car is bone stock minus wheels and tires - here are my results below:

Run 1 - 13.824 @ 105.44
Run 2 - 13.729 @ 103.92.
Run 3 - 13.6 @ 99.25 mph
Run 4 - 14.314 @ 101.95 mph
Run 5 - 13.735 @ 106 mph
Run 6 - 13.696 @ 104.95 mph

Not bad for a first time in this car - the guys at M/T ran 13.3 @ 107 MPH when they tested the SS last year.

Here are a few pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16481068353_5575c2b089_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16915071469_c8291da1a7_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16913467508_bcacc3f26d_b-1.jpg

Few of the runs filmed from my GoPro:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=295uJOfnJSU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoWBDODIM0c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEKiHHkudQ8

[pist0lpete]

Nice runs! Any idea why the trap speed varied so much?

[bonecrrusher]

First run was in normal street mode.
Second run was in Sport Mode/Competition handling.
Third run was in Sport Mode/Competition handling - and using the paddle shifter - hit the rev limiter.
Fourth run was in Sport Mode/Competition handling - and using the paddle shifters - hit the rev limiter.
Fifth run was in Sport Mode/Competition handling.
Sixth run was in Sport Mode/Competition handling.

Hitting the rev limiter screwed up those 2 runs.

[srh3trinity]

How much "faster" does the SS seem compared to the G8? I had thought about upgrading, but I like the looks of the G8 better, but the interior on the SS seems nicer and seeing yours with the trim blacked out really cleans the look of the car up a lot.

[bonecrrusher]

My G8 was modified with SLP long tube headers, Corsa catback, Rotofab intake - and some kind of tune.

It put down 360RWHP - which is ~430 crank HP - that is 15 hp more then my SS makes stock.

So my G8 actually felt just a tad bit faster - and sure as hell sounded better. The stock exhaust on the SS is too damn quiet.

I will say this - whoever tuned my G8 did a terrible job on the transmission - the SS tuning on the 6L80e is significantly better.

I will agree with you I think the G8 did have a better look - but with the mod's I'm making I am starting to like my SS more and more. My next mod will be to blackout the rear spoiler - just going to plastidip it and if I don't like it - I will just peel it back off.

The SS interior sure beats the G8 interior any day of the week.

[bonecrrusher]

Quick update on the SS - I really like the look of the blacked out spoiler on the 1LE Camaro - so I got a couple cans of Plastidip - and rattle canned my factory spoiler.

This project was kind of a PITA - as I had to spray it out twice as I goofed up the first time.

A few quick pics until it stops raining here:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/16638009124_34758f553b_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/17072920530_a95c591461_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

SS update - I haven't liked the factory fuel rail cover on the SS since I got the car.

I shopped around - GM sells a painted "Accessory" fuel rail cover for $600 something. Stupid that its just a painted factory unit.

So I picked up a set of LS3 FRCs off a Corvette for $60!

Here they are installed:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/17701118571_8192b69282_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/17701099971_4f47c8e824_b-1.jpg

[woody80z28]

Not a fan of the fantastic plastic... but the LS is pretty ugly without them too. Will a Camaro cover fit? IIRC they just say "Chevrolet" so you wouldn't be so ricer with "Corvette" on your non-Corvette. haha

[bonecrrusher]

I haven't seen the Camaro ones on an SS - there just as ugly as the SS one was.

So Corvette rice it is!

[bonecrrusher]

Last update before the Power Tour - the last thing the car needed was a better exhaust.

My G8 had a set of SLP long tube headers - and a Corsa catback.

When I traded it in - I left those mods on there as I had not paid for them - they came on the car when I bought them.

Had I known that the G8 catback is the same as the SS - I would have tried to find some OEM mufflers.

So I've been looking for a used set for 6+ months - with such a lower production car (G8) - people just don't sell them second hand.

So I bought a set new for the best prices that I could find. They where backordered and took a month - but I finally got them last week.

I installed the Corsa catback with no huge issue - the flanges on the Corsa are pretty cheap and I couldn't get the nuts started onto the catback flange.

I am loving the sound - and cant wait for the Power Tour!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/17603792740_055d032199_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/17168831154_02b9b4c336_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/17791259815_8891275934_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/17605024719_b4af67a6a6_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

It has been a long while - I ran the Power Tour a few weeks back and had a good time - I saw a lot of friends and family. I went on the first 4 stops then headed home.

First big update - is that my new house/shop is almost ready to get moved in - I move in 3 weeks - so everything is a mess around here - boxes and stuff everywhere. Then the move - and setting up my new shop. After the move is done - I'll finally get the Corvette back in my own garage - its been in storage for the last 6 months - it'll be nice to have it at home. After I get the shop setup - I plan on installing the blower.

I have a few things I need to do when I'm in there - replacing the leaking from timing cover gasket, and the gasket behind the crank pulley, install my new ARP crank pulley bolt - and pin that setup - then add boost.

I was up at my father in laws shop where the Vette is being stored - and I had some time during Fathers Day to sneak away and get some mods installed - a few years back I had installed an aftermarket leather shifter and ebrake handle - but never upgrade the shift boots. I got the shift boots from the same company that made the knobs - the ebrake boot was a bolt in, I had to take apart the shifter boot and adhere the new one to the stock plastic ring - overall it only took a couple hours and everything went in relatively smoothly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/19132479795_6309276da8_b-1.jpg

While doing some research on the CNC l92 heads that I have - I found out that the valve springs on those heads are the truck valve springs - and not the LS3 springs. The max lift on this springs is not high enough for my LS9 cam - so I decided to go aftermarket and upgrade my springs to the Comp Cams 918's. I got a 10% off coupon on the Power Tour - and used that by ordering form the trailer - they came in a week after I got home.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/19089758359_d813bdddd2_b-1.jpg



Also - after seeing a few 15 SS sedans on the Power Tour - and seeing a FB post about a Brembo rear disk swap - I started doing research. The 2015+ come with 4 piston rear Brembos - the G8 and 14 SS have a crappy single piston rear caliper and the rotors they used are super cheap and are already rusting. Since I have a set of 2009-2014 CTSV2 - front 6 piston caliper Brembos sitting in moving boxes - I figured I would get the rears. The CTS, Camaro, SS all use the same rear brake pads and pin kit - the calipers are for the most part the same as well. So using a set of 2015 Chevy SS rear rotors - CTSV calipers - I'll have a full Brembo set on my car.

Some may ask why not stick with the Chevy stuff - well the SS just says Brembo on it - no Chevy badges or anything - and then there is the price.

I got BRAND NEW both passenger and drivers side rear CTS-V calipers for $240 shipped from Amazon - the 2015 Chevy SS rear Brembo is $360 a piece!

So - I will soon have V brakes all the way around - also Hawk HPS pads, and Goodridge SS brake lines:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/18653439124_05fe69a4a3_b-1.jpg

With the pending move / new shop build - look for these to get installed in at least another month!

[bonecrrusher]

Wow - my last update was 4 months ago...

A lot has happened since then.

First - I moved into our new house/shop. We closed on 7/28 - and I spent a solid month painting, installing lighting, and getting my air compressor setup.

If you want to see my house and shop build - check here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=276996

Second - I have been waiting to work on any car projects until I get my lift setup - I got it all measured up and finally got my anchors today. I plan on getting that setup this weekend.

Third - The first project I plan on starting will be the CTS-V front and rear brake swap on the SS. I had the Front 6 piston brembos on my G8 - now that swap involved drilling out the iron spindles to make the brake to caliper bolts fit. I had been waiting to do this on the SS because I didn't want to do any big projects until I got the lift setup. Well I just found out the SS has the bigger holes in the aluminum spindles already - so its just a bolt on, ugh if I had only known! So I masked up the fronts and will paint them this weekend:

Brakes by 3M:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22028551166_7d731535b0_b-1.jpg

Fourth - I have been tracking these on ebay for 4+ months and finally bought one:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22064718301_cd8269b331_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22064720491_1db16db032_b-1.jpg

This is an LSA blower from a ZL1 / CTS-V. I got this lower blower half for a really good price. These blowers have coupling go bad inside the blower. GM doesn't want to spend the time to tear into them and replace a $40 part. Replace the OEM coupling with a CNC Delrin one - and boom you got a blower at a really good price.

Now this is going to be a long term project of collecting parts - as I still have a warranty on the SS for a few more years. I still need to get the intercooler/top lid - the pulleys and fuel rails and rest of the parts for this to be a complete bolt on.

Plus I need to get the E-Force installed on the Vette first!

[bonecrrusher]

So I got the fronts painted up - and have started on the rears. I will start those tonight.

Once I finish my MaxJax lift install - I will get started on this brake project.

I got 99% of the way finished with my lift install - but cant finish it because I ran out of epoxy for the anchors - I was on my second to last anchor when I used up the last of it. So I ordered some from a place in NY - and hopefully they get here soon.

Now for teh pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/21475588373_d88c39d855_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22120383835_9b5dbfce43_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I got the 15 SS rear rotors painted up - now its time to flip the bleeder screws and the brake fluid passage tubes around on my rear V calipers - will ride on the back side of the rotors - vs on the CTS-V they ran on the front side of them - this will keep the smaller brake piston on the bottom.

My epoxy for that last anchor will be here tomorrow so I should be able to finish the anchor install tomorrow night - and be able to lift one of the cars up by the weekend!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22181449821_409b9632be_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

I got the rears fixed up tonight - and everything together for the swap - now I'm just waiting to finish up the lift install!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/21991152828_06c9921f1c_b-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

So the epoxy came in on Thursday - and I got the last anchor epoxied into the ground that night. I let it cure for 24 hrs and torqued it down - it held with no issue.

So I bolted down the other post - and tested out the lift a few times and then lifted this:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22238546221_df12f2b5e2_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22238461111_158233eb02_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/21605341744_db707665a0_b-1.jpg

Now that the lift is in - I will get started on the SS brake upgrade this weekend!

[bonecrrusher]

So I have started breaking in the lift - I started on my first car project today!

I got the SS up in the air and got the CTS-V 6 piston brembos bolted on - along with Stainless lines.

Unlike the G8 - these where a complete bolt on and I didn't have to mod the car in anyway. I think Holden designed the SS for big brakes - I didn't have to trim the dust shield at all - unlike how I did on the G8.

I have finished up the front end - I am waiting for 2 bolts on the back end but I should be able to get one of the sides complete.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22099851639_a645f814a4_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22286656985_7d00f0ba1d_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22273791382_72acd81bfd_b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/22286646395_8550e4de4b_b-1.jpg