Operation Bad Penny version 2.1T (track edition)

[Steve1968LS2]

Since our cars are never really done I've decided to do some upgrades to Penny.

Actually what set this in motion was the driving event set for the day after SEMA. Some super exotic stuff is showing up, so I decided to give Penny some enhancements.

The engine on Penny has always been simple. Just a crate LS2 with heads, cam, intake and tuning. I thought of going with a blower but it's more fun and simple to just go NA and have less problems.

With this in mind I decided to pull the LS2 and stroke it to a 408. I really don't care about making more top end horsepower, but I'm doing this more for low end torque. I have the before dyno numbers so it should make for a good story on what gains there are from the extra displacement and a SLIGHTLY larger cam (due to the larger displacement being able to suck it up without hurting drivability).

Here's the kit:
http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=383&gid=187

I will also be having the LS1 T56 trans rebuilt by Rockland Standard Gear. Their three-cone deal will make the shifts smoother and some of the parts will be upgraded. But, the most important change will be to the gearing (I hate the .50 sixth gear.. useless). New gearing will be:

2.97, 2.07, 1.43, 1.00, .80, .62

To knock a bit of weight off the car the hood will be switched over to a Carbon Fiber one from Anvil Auto. The 17 pound hood (which will be painted) will knock off almost 30 pounds from the front of the car.

We will also be installing a set of higher end Bilstein shocks to the car. There's nothing really wrong with what I have, but I need more travel so they are going to help me pick the RIGHT size for the car with the right valving. Chasing tenths gets expensive. This will be done at Race Car Dynamics in SoCal, hopefully next week.

I will also finally installing my Safecraft fire system and have my hardlines done by BENT fabrication. I think Tyler at ATS is working on a front tow hook that will work with my screens.

I'm also thinking of picking up a set of ultra light track wheels in 17-inch from Forgeline. They would only weigh about 18lbs each.
So that's the plan so far.


New forged Lunati Pro-Series non-twist crank (4340, 45lbs):


Wiseco flat top pistons (-13cc) forged from 2618 aluminum and CNC profiled. The rods are Lunati H-beam made from 4340 steel:


I guess I can put that nitrous system in now :unibrow: