Project "BLUE PEARL"

[GT500KR_Vert]

Looks awesome - are the headers going to clear the inner fenders and firewall?

[r.a.w.rods]

Looks awesome - are the headers going to clear the inner fenders and firewall?

Lots of room. I'll get some pictures up.

[r.a.w.rods]

Looks awesome - are the headers going to clear the inner fenders and firewall?

Its been so busy in the shop its been hard to get pictures but here are some updates. The Headers Clear really good. They are Sanderson Hugger Headers for LS Engines. I made my Inner fenders with the Headers on and the steering in place so that I would not have a problem after paint.




I decided to keep the front under the hood open for maximum airflow (this will be driven). I took the stock support bar and welded the seam up and boxed it in for a cleaner look. Then made welded tabs on the bar to hold the A/C condenser.




Because we don’t have room under the dash for the A/C unit I decided to hang it in the trunk. I went with the Super Gen II so I could get all the air to the front in this small car.

[Motown 454]

Its looking good. nice idea on the A/C.

[r.a.w.rods]

Its looking good. nice idea on the A/C.

Thanks Motown454, Im working on the Exhaust and brakes right now and hope to be done with it tomorrow.

[r.a.w.rods]

The brake lines are in so on ward with the exhaust.






The Exhaust is coming out pretty good. Im keeping to my 3/4" space around every thing and making my own brakets to keep it there.












My home made tool to keep it lined up.

[Motown 454]

The exhaust looks nice, good idea on the home made pipe jig.

[JEFFTATE]

This is a great build .
Do you have a color picture or rendering of the blue color you will be using ?

[r.a.w.rods]

This is a great build .
Do you have a color picture or rendering of the blue color you will be using ?

I dont have any renderings but I will have some color sample panels later.

[r.a.w.rods]

I've been out of town so now its time to get this thing done. I have started the Engine cover for the LS1 and I’m going to try and cover as much as I can.

I started with the two side covers first. I made legs that go down the side and bolt to the heads to keep it as firm as possible. I had to make two more legs for the middle as well.






From the side you can see what I’m going for. I’m trying get the pulleys hidden as well.


Next I made some end caps for the cover to help close things off.




Next was making a center cover. I rolled the metal of the center cover just so it would not look too flat. I’ve got some wire cloth mesh that will go in it later after I get the sides done, but for now you get the ideal.

[Motown 454]

It should look good when your done.

[r.a.w.rods]

I’m pretty much finished fabricating the engine cover other then Installing the wire mesh. I'll finish the rest of the welding and grinding tomorrow and then It time to body work the car. O and I'll have some test panels of some colors for the car tomorrow.

[Hotwhilz]

Great Fabbing, the covers looks nice!

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Looking good.... I cant wait to see some color....

[ONDSKAN]

Wow the engine cover is amazing! Great work!

[r.a.w.rods]

Thanks guys its been alot of work to get this thing to fit the ls. I decided to blot the center cover from the top to make it easier to get off if some thing happens on the road. This thing will be driven. I think the flush mounted screws look pretty good.


I also took the Sample panel of the blue we are using for this car. I tried to get diffrent angles outside for you all so enjoy.
Outside in sun




Inside with no flash and one with flash.

[ramrod]

i've been lurking for a couple of months and found this gem recently. you've got one incredible build here. the fabrication and execution is positively the best (not taking away from the other great cars on this forum). this is my absolute favorite.
i'm dying to see more updates.

[r.a.w.rods]

i've been lurking for a couple of months and found this gem recently. you've got one incredible build here. the fabrication and execution is positively the best (not taking away from the other great cars on this forum). this is my absolute favorite.
i'm dying to see more updates.

Thanks ramrod, This site and the people on it are great to talk to and learn from. Every time I check out other builds on here and see talent others have it really pushes me to do better.

Thanks again guys.

[Motown 454]

I like the color, it should look great on there.

[r.a.w.rods]

Not much going on other then body work but I did get a surprise when the wheels finally came in today. 17x7 on the front and 18x9 on the rear. I’m really glad we went with the narrowed rear end.