Chad's 68 Camaro V3.0 build. LS3 & TCI goodies [Archive] - Page 2

Mkelcy

08-27-2012, 10:10 AM

Mini update from work over the weekend.

I got the oil pan off the motor. Decided it was easier to take the hood off and hoist the motor up a few inches than drop the rack. However, my confidence in the cheap/easy fix is shaken. The oil pump pick up tube o-ring looked to be in perfect shape and installed correctly. Just to be on the safe side I picked up two new o-rings from the dealer on the way to work this morning.

GM makes 3 different sized o-rings. My online reading has shown that all of the oil pumps are the same size but that the pick up tube itself has different sizes and you match the o-ring to the pick up.

Stolen from a 2009 Ls1tech.com post:

The green I believe is even thicker than the red design but can't find those specs right now.

My Autokraft pan came with the blue o-ring but I bought both a blue and red o-ring today at the dealer. The fit with the blue o-ring that came with my pan just doesn't feel that snug when playing around with it this weekend. So tonight I will try both the red and blue o-ring. My online research showed some folks and shops/dealers using the red o-ring even in fbody/corvette applications with better success rates.

Copied and saved in my LS Info file. Thanks.

Mkelcy

09-07-2012, 08:36 PM

So, no posts because fabulous progress :yes:; or no posts because in the abyss of depression?

Vince@Meanstreets

09-07-2012, 10:31 PM

just going back to the thread thing, we used these at the dealership for thread repair damaged stuff on Vipers. Easy to use and work like a charm.

http://www.timesert.com/

Hang in there Chad!!!

Chad-1stGen

09-09-2012, 05:39 PM

So, no posts because fabulous progress :yes:; or no posts because in the abyss of depression?

Ha ha. More of the latter sadly. I did get the flywheel and PP combo back from the shop. Flywheel was off 12 grams and PP 7 grams so that could cause some vibration. Ran the motor with just the rebalanced flywheel and it does feel a bit better but not 100% what I was/am expecting. I need to get everything back together to really tell.

The oil o-ring looked perfect. I tried the larger red o-ring and it was a no go. I did notice that the bracket off the pick up tube to the main stud was not perfectly aligned so I drilled it out. Maybe that will have been the difference.

Still fighting a few gremlins. I'm having trouble getting the transmission back in with the exhaust there. I also, managed to somehow ruin my brand new braided power steering pressure hose. Hoping I can figure something out other than a new $200 kit.

Will post a real update once it is back together.

boostin05blacks

10-02-2012, 07:04 AM

Any update on this Chad? This is one of my favorite threads...Hope all is back together and well..:thumbsup:

randy

10-08-2012, 12:07 PM

sorry to ask again but what size rims are you running 18x11 or 18x12 and what about the front?

Chad-1stGen

10-21-2012, 06:56 AM

Any update on this Chad? This is one of my favorite threads...Hope all is back together and well..:thumbsup:

I will be posting an update later today. I need to at least take a pic to make it interesting ha ha.

sorry to ask again but what size rims are you running 18x11 or 18x12 and what about the front?

I'm currently running 18x11 in the rear with a 315 tire. Fronts I'm planning for 18x9 with a 275 though for now its an 18x8 with a 245 until I fix the clearance for the 18x9 with 275...

Ron in SoCal

10-21-2012, 09:03 AM

I will be posting an update later today. I need to at least take a pic to make it interesting ha ha.
...

Car's looking great Chad! You'll be on the road in no time :cheers:

randy

10-21-2012, 10:35 AM

I will be posting an update later today. I need to at least take a pic to make it interesting ha ha.

I'm currently running 18x11 in the rear with a 315 tire. Fronts I'm planning for 18x9 with a 275 though for now its an 18x8 with a 245 until I fix the clearance for the 18x9 with 275...

mine are ordered. 18x11 and 18x9.5. ill let you know what needs to be done to put a 18x9.5 on the front. 9.5 is perfect for a 275 tire

67zo6Camaro

10-21-2012, 01:26 PM

I just gotta say..... Loved it. Mucho power and pulled strong even with just 1/8th to 1/2 throttle roll on to 4,500 rpms.

I can't even imagine what a full 1/4th throttle to a full WOT roll-on would feel like. I was just being easy on this thing and it felt goooood.

Damn, I'm reminded once again why my.... well only 400 hp at the flywheel is just not enough!

Thanks Chad for stopping by and letting me work on your project again.

DFRESH

10-21-2012, 01:33 PM

Glad to hear you are working on it bro! Looking forward to having all of our cars at the RTTC in March---keeping fingers crossed that it will actually happen.

D

Chad-1stGen

10-21-2012, 05:55 PM

Thanks Brett & Doug. And Brett, thanks for continuing to clean up my own and other shops mistakes lol. Also, thanks for letting me in on some of the top secret Fab53 skunkworks stuff. Very very cool.

Yeah I've been working on this thing. Hit a major road block in reassembly after dropping the trans and oil pan. I had to replace the power steering hose and it took FOREVER to get the parts. On the plus side I got rid of the shiny braided stainless hoses and replaced with black braided pressure and black push on return/cooler lines. XRP stuff.

Vibration issue is much much better now. There is still some vibration at 2k rpms, more than I'd like, but nothing like before. So you can't trust the brand new RAM and LS7 clutch to be balanced.

Oil pressure issue... I'm sad to report it still FUBAR. New oil ring didn't do a damn thing. bybpassed the ECU oil pressure and ran a new sending unit directly to my autometer gauge and the read the same. Its either somehow still a pickup problem or a main bearing problem I guess.

Speedometer... I can't get my damn speedo to work. I've checked the wires half a dozen times with the ohm meter, replaced the VSS, rewired it both ways (2 wire VSS), checked the voltage at the speedo signal post and confirmed with autometer that it is supposedly in spec. Anyone in socal have a spare electronic speedo I can try?

In liu of a pic to make this post interesting here is a quick vid of what the car sounds like with the 3" Magnaflow exhaust (tail pipes all the way back). I really like this system! I took the car on the freeway and zero drone! I'm now putting some breakin miles on the car & motor waiting for an appointment to have TCI massage a few things.

kSiG9oGxFNk

Payton King

10-22-2012, 05:16 AM

It happens every now and them to LS motors, but the cam bearing will walk out and uncover the oil hole. This caused my oil pressure to drop to 5lbs at idle and 15lbs max. My rear cam bearing walked back. I pulled the motor and check all the bearings and they were fine, replaced oil pump and o-ring, still the same problem. Pulled the rear cover and my cam bearing was hanging out the back. Checked the rest and it was only the one. Put and new bearing in and fixed my problem.

May not be your issue, but something to check.

Payton King

10-22-2012, 05:18 AM

There is also a dumbell looking piece that goes behind the rear cover, if it is left out it will do the same thing.

Chad-1stGen

09-06-2013, 11:53 AM

Well after almost a year I have something like an update...

I shipped the motor back to Mast Motorsports. They inspected it and said it still looked brand new inside and the only thing they didn't like was the oil pick up tube height from the pan. Mast said too tall at close to 1" and according to Champ should it should be about 3/8".

Despite the pick up tube height issue they ran it on their dyno under 70 load cycles for 1.5 hours with and without and oil cooler with both a mechanical and the ECU oil pressure sensor and pressure never dropped below 35 psi at idle and 60+ at 3.5k RPM. With oil cooler the oil temps were 170-180 and without oil cooler they used a temp gun showing 230* (dyno temp gauge uses the cooler)

So I'm totally lost. I also tried a mechanical gauge and verified the low oil pressure not to mention the same ECU they are using is what I used and it showed the low oil pressure too.

Mast is pretty convinced that the motor is fine but is open to any suggestion I have that they should of tried on the Dyno that they didn't but I can't think of anything. I also can't think of a plausible explanation for why they get good oil pressure and I didn't.

Anyone have any ideas?

Nessumsar

09-06-2013, 03:34 PM

Clogged oil cooler/line? Only variable I can think of between the two setups. Glad to hear the engine is healthy at least...

glassman

09-07-2013, 09:24 AM

Chad, what are you using to measure the oil pressure?

If your relying on your guage, and have used more that one guage, i've seen guage defects, in other words, same guage used but manufactoring defects in design or production giving you a false read. Also, having just done an LS conversion in my 70, the computer does alot of weird stuff....but iirc, you had a mechanical read with low op?

been waitin for an update from you, love your car, Mike

GregWeld

09-07-2013, 09:39 AM

No way I'd run an oil pick up 1" off the bottom of the pan....Way too high!

What fitting sizes and hose sizes are you running because that could be a FLOW issue...

Flash68

09-07-2013, 04:23 PM

Regardless Chad this is at least some positive news that the motor is in healthy shape. That's progress at least. Thinking positive for you.

So are they shipping the motor back to you now or in a holding pattern?

Chad-1stGen

09-08-2013, 08:20 AM

Clogged oil cooler/line? Only variable I can think of between the two setups. Glad to hear the engine is healthy at least...

I didn't have an oil cooler installed in the car so it's not that.

Chad, what are you using to measure the oil pressure?

If your relying on your guage, and have used more that one guage, i've seen guage defects, in other words, same guage used but manufactoring defects in design or production giving you a false read. Also, having just done an LS conversion in my 70, the computer does alot of weird stuff....but iirc, you had a mechanical read with low op?

been waitin for an update from you, love your car, Mike

Mike, I used the ECU with its own sending unit and a proven autometer gauge and both read the same. Besides reading the same they both read a huge pressure drop as the engine oil reached operating temp n

No way I'd run an oil pick up 1" off the bottom of the pan....Way too high!

What fitting sizes and hose sizes are you running because that could be a FLOW issue...

Yeah I agree 1" is too high. I measured the pick up back when exploring the problem and don't recall it being so far off from the recommended 3/8". No oil cooler so don't think tht is impeding the flow. Also I tried a different pan and pick up that was shipped on the motor and had the same symptoms.

Regardless Chad this is at least some positive news that the motor is in healthy shape. That's progress at least. Thinking positive for you.

So are they shipping the motor back to you now or in a holding pattern?

Mast will ship it back but gave me the weekend to think about it in case there is anything else I could think for them to check. It doesn't make sense to me. I can't think of anything that explains this.

Mkelcy

09-08-2013, 09:02 AM

Chad-1stGen

09-09-2013, 10:41 AM

As I understand it, you have no external oil system plumbing, but Mast plumbed in an oil cooler on the dyno. How did they run the engine without the oil cooler - an external cutoff with the oil cooler plumbing still attached to the engine, or did they uninstall the oil cooler plumbing and run the engine they way you had it in the car? If they used an external cutoff to take the oil cooler out of the loop, I'd ask them to run it on the dyno exactly as you had it in the car.

A few other thoughts:

I will have to ask but they did mention connecting the manual oil pressure sensor to the port I created in the oil block off plate at the oil filter adapter location for my oil temp sensor.

Did Mast run the engine using the installed sensors for their oil pressure readings?

Yes, they ran using the oil pressure sending unit behind the intake that I shipped them the motor back with. The also ran a mechanical gauge to verify the sending unit.

Did they use your ECM or a similar ECM?

They requested I send the ECU back with the motor so I assumed they used my ECU but I will ask.

Did they do anything about the oil pickup, even a remove and replace?

I'm not clear on if they modified the pick up but they did remove it to both inspect the o ring (which they said looked find and installed correctly) as well as to pull the caps on the mains.

Did they change the oil?

Yes they changed the oil using rotella 15-40 which happens to be exactly what I used on my last oil change (one of their recommended break in oils). Though I did verify they used the existing oil filter I shipped the motor with.

Thanks. Will let you know if I hear back on the plumbing and ECU questions.

U-turn

02-17-2014, 06:39 AM

Any updates Chad?

67XR7

02-17-2014, 09:38 AM

Are those the GS3 forgelines on your car?

Looking great btw!!

Chad-1stGen

03-22-2014, 09:13 PM

Any updates Chad?

Progress has been veeeerrrry slow. Its the classic 3 steps forward 2 steps back.

Mast has continued to be unresponsive and uncooperative. I've been slowly piecing together an oil cooler kit and then I'm not going to worry about the oil pressure.

I had a high RPM shifting issue with the stock 4th gen GM clutch hydraulics and LS7 clutch. Plus the Pomona Valley Customs install caused the master to leak from day 1. I finally finished modifying the tick master cylinder to work. Tested the car today and high RPM shifting is FIXED!

I've made enough progress that I can finally get the car over to Sal at TCI and get this thing truly road worthy.

Are those the GS3 forgelines on your car?

Looking great btw!!

They are the DS3 Forgelines.

Penny

03-22-2014, 09:21 PM

Chad, this is great to hear. Look forward to reading future posts.

Mkelcy

03-23-2014, 08:44 AM

Chad, this is great to hear. Look forward to reading future posts.

x2. This has been a real slog for you. It's good to hear that there may be a track day in your near future.

72Z/28

03-23-2014, 09:11 AM

Chad I know it is frustrating that the the progress is very slow, however at least you are figuring out the problems and sorting them out accordingly. I am on the same boat as you are.

I remember you had an issue with your alignment and the front wheels were sitting too close towards the back of the fender. I am having the sMe problem so just wondering if you have sorted out this issue with caster adjustment and was the caster that ended up with?

Flash68

03-24-2014, 12:15 AM

x2. This has been a real slog for you. It's good to hear that there may be a track day in your near future.

Roger this!

Chad-1stGen

03-24-2014, 11:01 AM

Thanks guys.

This weekend felt good. Its always good when the car becomes driveable again!

Chad I know it is frustrating that the the progress is very slow, however at least you are figuring out the problems and sorting them out accordingly. I am on the same boat as you are.

I remember you had an issue with your alignment and the front wheels were sitting too close towards the back of the fender. I am having the sMe problem so just wondering if you have sorted out this issue with caster adjustment and was the caster that ended up with?

Are you running the TCI setup with wider than 245 front tires? I believe they have since updated their design to eliminate the problem I had. I'm currently running my old 245 front tires and the setup up works perfectly with 5* of caster. Its the mixing of 5*+ and a 275 front tire that I started having problems. A solution for which has been back burnered until now.

72Z/28

03-24-2014, 02:51 PM

Thanks guys.

This weekend felt good. Its always good when the car becomes driveable again!

Are you running the TCI setup with wider than 245 front tires? I believe they have since updated their design to eliminate the problem I had. I'm currently running my old 245 front tires and the setup up works perfectly with 5* of caster. Its the mixing of 5*+ and a 275 front tire that I started having problems. A solution for which has been back burnered until now.

Glad you got everthing taken care of. I have the Speedtech complete front clip with 245/40/18s. The tire gets very close to the back fender during steering but does not. However, not sure if it is going to rub while driving. I am going to check my alignment specs. I have read in one of the forums that you will run into rubbing issue if the caster is more than 5*

Chad-1stGen

03-24-2014, 03:17 PM

Glad you got everthing taken care of. I have the Speedtech complete front clip with 245/40/18s. The tire gets very close to the back fender during steering but does not. However, not sure if it is going to rub while driving. I am going to check my alignment specs. I have read in one of the forums that you will run into rubbing issue if the caster is more than 5*

Ah ok, I don't know anything about the Speedtech setup. Perhaps you won't have any issue during driving. For me the rubbing only occurred at close to full lock, so those conditions are usually at low speeds so not like there is a ton of extra stress driving except maybe a super tight autocross course.

My fix will involve modification to the lower control arm. I've heard of mods done to clock the inner fender to create some more room.

Track Junky

03-24-2014, 05:56 PM

Great news Chad. Were having a little get together at T-Hill May 3rd and 4th. Might be a good idea for you to stop by even if you don't bring the car.

72Z/28

03-24-2014, 10:14 PM

Ah ok, I don't know anything about the Speedtech setup. Perhaps you won't have any issue during driving. For me the rubbing only occurred at close to full lock, so those conditions are usually at low speeds so not like there is a ton of extra stress driving except maybe a super tight autocross course.

My fix will involve modification to the lower control arm. I've heard of mods done to clock the inner fender to create some more room.

The good thing about Speedtech LCA is that it has adjustable steering stop which prevents tire to frame contact.

Gambit

04-10-2014, 05:12 PM

Chad-1stGen

04-28-2014, 07:32 PM

wow dude, just read this over the last few days while I've been sick in bed. Hope you're on the track to getting it all sorted!!

Never been a big fan of red cars but the pic of post 208 could easily sway me.
Can't wait to see an update where you're back out on the track!

Cheers

Thanks Gambit!! LoL about the red car comment. I've thought that if I ever need to assign my car a name for some reason I'd call it "Just Another Red Camaro" ha ha.

I too can't wait for an update back on the track!

The car is getting closer. The car is currently undergoing some mods to bring it up to current spec for the TCI front subframe which should make fitting my 275 front tires a done deal.

Also may be adding some new suspension goodies. Will update once complete. And man I really want to hit the track!

LM7_67

04-29-2014, 05:16 AM

Also may be adding some new suspension goodies. Will update once complete. And man I really want to hit the track!
Going to be ready in time for AutoClub this Saturday with SpeedVentures? :D

Chad-1stGen

04-29-2014, 11:33 AM

Going to be ready in time for AutoClub this Saturday with SpeedVentures? :D

Ha ha I wish!! Sadly, it will not. Are you going? Are you just doing Saturday or are they running Sunday too?

Saturday I'm going to the Chino air show but if you are running Sunday I might be able to stop by and watch.

LM7_67

04-29-2014, 07:23 PM

Ha ha I wish!! Sadly, it will not. Are you going? Are you just doing Saturday or are they running Sunday too?

Saturday I'm going to the Chino air show but if you are running Sunday I might be able to stop by and watch.
They'll be running both days, but I'll just be there on Saturday.

Chad-1stGen

07-15-2014, 12:36 PM

The car is back and ready for some fun!

I got the car back recently from TCI. While at their shop they made some changes to the Camaro Subframe and Torque arm setup to bring up to their current specs. I'm now able to stuff my R888 275 front tire with 6* of caster and -1* of camber with full turning radius!

With the updates to the suspension done it was time to focus on tuning the suspension for track day fun! The first step was upgrading to the Ridetech triple adjustable coil over shocks on all four corners. The car was then corner weighted and final ride height set, which you can see in this pic.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/23/23/19063232.jpg

The front ended up in about the same place and the rear was raised slightly. The Ridetech shocks plus ride height adjustments completely transformed the car. With my old coil overs even at soft setting the car was still very stiff feeling for regular street driving and rough pavement transitions or bumps in the pavement were very unpleasant. Now even with the shocks tuned for baseline track setting the car is awesome on the street.

I left the spec sheet at home but I will post up my corner weights when I get a chance.

I still have some small work left to do on the car such as installing an oil cooler (first one I ordered and had waiting for me all this time was a hair too big) resealing the firewall where the new wiring harness and A/C lines pass through, etc.

I'm planning on doing some maiden testing out at Adams Motorsports Park. Next week for sure and I am trying to leave work early today to get out there too. So if anyone local wants to join me....

Musclerodz

07-15-2014, 01:15 PM

Can never go wrong with a red Camaro, looks awesome.

Ron in SoCal

07-15-2014, 06:29 PM

The car is back and ready for some fun!

I'm planning on doing some maiden testing out at Adams Motorsports Park. Next week for sure and I am trying to leave work early today to get out there too. So if anyone local wants to join me....

Way to go Chad!! I've been waiting a year for this post :thumbsup:

Can't make Adams till Aug, but I'll see you out there soon!

:cheers:

glassman

07-15-2014, 07:14 PM

Yeah, way to go!! Been following your build for quite a while and was wondering what happened?

Now glide her slideways!!!!

BTW, what happened to the engine and/or what was the fix?

Track Junky

07-15-2014, 09:53 PM

Congrats Chad :thumbsup:

Richio1

07-15-2014, 10:28 PM

Yeah great to hear Chad. We know its been a long bumpy road for ya. Glad to see it all coming together and ready to go. Looking forward to more updates.

She looks awesome!

Flash68

07-16-2014, 12:04 AM

Chad you get your butt back out to Willow so she can stretch her legs again. Pronto. :stirthepot:

Hope to see ya again soon. :cheers:

WSSix

07-16-2014, 05:55 AM

car looks great, Chad! Congrats on getting it back on the road.

Chad-1stGen

07-16-2014, 09:49 AM

Can never go wrong with a red Camaro, looks awesome.

Ha! Damn red Camaros. I've thought more than once that if I "name" my car I will call it JARC which will stand for Just Another Red Camaro :)

Way to go Chad!! I've been waiting a year for this post :thumbsup:

Can't make Adams till Aug, but I'll see you out there soon!

:cheers:

Thanks Ron. I've been waiting a long time too, a very long time!! First half of August is packed for me but if you go in the 2nd half I hope I can join you!

Yeah, way to go!! Been following your build for quite a while and was wondering what happened?

Now glide her slideways!!!!

BTW, what happened to the engine and/or what was the fix?

Does a spin count as slideways because that did happen last night.

Engine... well lets just say Mast Motorsports and I are no longer on speaking terms. No my choice but after promising to resolve the issue they just randomly dropped off the map and don't return my phone calls. The last exchange I had with them was that while my oil pressure is lower than they typically expect in a Mast Motorsports motor it is still sufficient and to just run an oil cooler... I'm leaning towards the run it until it breaks mindset.

Congrats Chad :thumbsup:

Thanks Gaetano!

Yeah great to hear Chad. We know its been a long bumpy road for ya. Glad to see it all coming together and ready to go. Looking forward to more updates.

She looks awesome!

Bumpy road for sure. I hit a few more "bumps" last night too. I will post about my maiden voyage in a separate post.

Chad you get your butt back out to Willow so she can stretch her legs again. Pronto. :stirthepot:

Hope to see ya again soon. :cheers:

Yeah I can't wait to hit a full road course track! Yeah Dave I can't believe I've been out of the scene for basically 3 years. Last night reminded me how much fun this stuff is!

car looks great, Chad! Congrats on getting it back on the road.

Thanks!

Chad-1stGen

07-16-2014, 09:58 AM

I did in fact make it out to Adams Motorsports Park last night for my maiden flogging of the V3.0 Camaro. I haven't been that nervous in years. It was awesome ha ha.

I was so focused on paying attention to what was going on and trying to get my car ready and monitoring engine vitals that I didn't take any pictures of some of the other bad ass rides out there. The Black Widow truck was there, The Tapout Nova, Don's hotrod and at least 3 other muscle cars/trucks.

I haven't run Adam's since 2010 and while the track hasn't changed they have changed the placement of the artifical chicane on the long straight. In 2010 it was placed near the middle of the straight which kept speeds lower, now it is placed 3/4 of the way down the straight so you can get a longer run at it.

My best time in 2010 under that set up was a 48.25 based on some forum posts I made back then. Last night I ran a best of 44.78. The car is completely different in every way. The handling is far far better balanced, much more HP, and better brakes. I was pleased with a 44.78 given this is the first seat time I've gotten in 3 years and first time on this track in 4 years.

I've got to run to a meeting so I will throw up the vid of my two fastest laps. Official time sheets listed them both at 44.78 though my timing equipment showed slightly different as you will see.

http://youtu.be/gicVzHKFLos

gicVzHKFLos

Will come back and finish some info about that night later.

slow4dr

07-16-2014, 12:32 PM

It was great seeing the Camaro out there last night Chad! I see the dialogue is already opened up with Sal so hopefully we can go back out next Tuesday.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4274_zpsde45fe4f.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4274_zpsde45fe4f.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4273_zps9c78d863.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4273_zps9c78d863.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4272_zps4e4b420d.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4272_zps4e4b420d.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4230_zpsea816134.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4230_zpsea816134.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4227_zps25d8e5db.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4227_zps25d8e5db.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4226_zps8d6e7911.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4226_zps8d6e7911.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4224_zps346293d9.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4224_zps346293d9.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4198_zps89995531.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4198_zps89995531.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_4197_zps565b3a35.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_4197_zps565b3a35.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/Customers%20cars/IMG_3002_zps3a511974.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/Customers%20cars/IMG_3002_zps3a511974.jpg.html)

-J

Chad-1stGen

07-16-2014, 02:42 PM

It was great seeing the Camaro out there last night Chad!
-J

Thanks again for the help Jason. Also, thanks for the sweet pics! Very cool!

I don't think next Tuesday will happen given scheduling but I will be back as soon as I can.

Flash68

07-16-2014, 04:59 PM

Chad from what I've seen your 44.xx is a very good time for first time out there in the new setup. Atta boy.

Car looks and sounds great. Just beat on her til there's no oil pressure I say. :sieg:

Vegas69

07-16-2014, 06:33 PM

Your car is working great and it looks like you are doing a damn good job behind the wheel.

DFRESH

07-16-2014, 06:37 PM

I know we spoke today--but this is a great moment and I had to say it again.

Way to persevere and stay in it to win it. Very happy for you bro!

I will plan to Adam's with you in the next couple of months for sure.

D

Chad-1stGen

07-16-2014, 10:10 PM

Chad from what I've seen your 44.xx is a very good time for first time out there in the new setup. Atta boy.

Car looks and sounds great. Just beat on her til there's no oil pressure I say. :sieg:

haha is that the advice your 377 received? :D Yeah my car is certainly sounding a wee bit better than the old zz4 motor.

Your car is working great and it looks like you are doing a damn good job behind the wheel.

Thanks Todd. It felt good to beat my old time by so much and I was seeing consistent improvement in each timed session (did 5 sessions before part failure) so I think there is a lot more left in the car on this particular track. I hope so anyways.

I know we spoke today--but this is a great moment and I had to say it again.

Way to persevere and stay in it to win it. Very happy for you bro!

I will plan to Adam's with you in the next couple of months for sure.

D

Thanks Doug. I look forward to do some events together again and hanging out.

Flash68

07-16-2014, 10:47 PM

I know we spoke today

Well look at you.... out having real world conversations and stuff instead of just typing crap onto the internet. :computer:

haha is that the advice your 377 received? :D Yeah my car is certainly sounding a wee bit better than the old zz4 motor.

It sounds great on the puter.. :)

And the 377 and I are no longer on speaking terms. And that was my fault.

We gotta get back to Willow and destroy our previous times.

Chad-1stGen

07-16-2014, 10:54 PM

Continuing my recap of last night at Adams...

The track at Adams is so tight that my data overlay is hard to read but here is another illustration of one of my 44 second laps. Each yellow bar represents G's greater than 0.75 and less than 1.0. Each red bar represents G's greater than 1.0.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/33/87/19063378.jpg

Unfortunately my night was cut short. A bolt came lose on one of the pinion down bars which caused the other hiem joint to snap. I was able to make it home by reconnecting the first pinion down bar. I had virtually no tools or equipment at the track so it was through the generosity of fellow car guys that I got the car drivable and drove it home. Special thanks to Don with the 38 Ford hotrod and Jason from TCI who helped me get it back together. Don even offered to trailer me home which wasn't a short distance if I couldn't get the car drivable again. Way very cool.

GregWeld

07-17-2014, 05:25 AM

Continuing my recap of last night at Adams...

Unfortunately my night was cut short. A bolt came lose on one of the pinion down bars which caused the other hiem joint to snap. I was able to make it home by reconnecting the first pinion down bar. I had virtually no tools or equipment at the track so it was through the generosity of fellow car guys that I got the car drivable and drove it home. Special thanks to Don with the 32 Ford hotrod and Jason from TCI who helped me get it back together. Don even offered to trailer me home which wasn't a short distance if I couldn't get the car drivable again. Way very cool.

What a fantastic thing to do!!

Car and driver look awesome. Sorry to hear about the MAST motor. I won't be ordering anything from them for my projects after learning of your treatment. I was offered their motors in another project I'm planning and now - that will just be a Hell NO!

slow4dr

07-17-2014, 09:34 AM

That was a very generous offer from Don. Especially since he lives 30 miles in the opposite direction. He's a pretty cool old goat.

07-28-2014, 06:09 PM

Chad,
What radiator and headers are you running?

Chad-1stGen

08-20-2014, 04:41 PM

Chad,
What radiator and headers are you running?

Hi Jr.

I'm running the AFCO LS1 radiator with a Mark VIII fan.

Headers are Headman Heder PN 45106. The fit on these are pretty much perfect with the TCI subframe. The big downside is the "race" style collector which slip fits over the individual tubes rather than being welded so they are noisy. I am considering swapping them.

Also, I've been out of town for the past 3 weeks. 2 weeks of vacation vagabond style on motorcycles and 1 week for work.

But exciting thing that I haven't been able to think about much for 3 weeks is:

Please accept this as your formal invitation to the seventh annual Super Chevy Suspension & Handling Challenge on August 25 and 26. This year’s event will once again be held at The Streets of Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California. Our event consists of three track-type tests (slalom, skidpad and autocross) and an on-the-road evaluation for comfort and roadability.

Should be interesting! Its coming down to the wire on finding 200tw tires since I have the R888's right now.

08-20-2014, 04:50 PM

Sounds good.

Which header will you try next?

Chad-1stGen

08-20-2014, 06:05 PM

Sounds good.

Which header will you try next?

No idea and it is not a very high priority item so unless I find out it is messing with my O2 sensors it will be a long time from now.

Chad-1stGen

08-29-2014, 09:49 AM

Here are a couple of fun teaser pics from a trip out to Streets of Willow Springs earlier this week for the Super Chevy Handling Challenge.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10606478_669615443120290_5478558939350207456_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xfa1/10655030_1486938688213268_1537493839_n.jpg

http://scontent-b-sea.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10643829_716656008400935_48805835_n.jpg

I like the middle pic with both Streets and Big Willow in the background :)

efs69

08-29-2014, 02:43 PM

Chad,

Good meeting you at Willow. The car looked really good out there.

Efrain

Chad-1stGen

08-29-2014, 04:10 PM

Chad,

Good meeting you at Willow. The car looked really good out there.

Efrain

Efrain, thanks for stopping by the thread. It was good meeting you too. I was impressed with your dedication on day 2!!! Your car is pretty baddass!

tubbed69

08-29-2014, 06:50 PM

Chad your camaro looks great,nice job:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Flash68

08-29-2014, 07:17 PM

Awesome Chad... can't wait to see some "results" :)

Ron in SoCal

08-29-2014, 08:46 PM

Chad pics look great! How was the two days?

Sorry I missed it...:getout:

Chad-1stGen

08-30-2014, 09:01 AM

Chad your camaro looks great,nice job:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thank you! Still more wrenching to do but hoping to get that ratio as close to 100% driving and 0% wrenching as I can :)

Awesome Chad... can't wait to see some "results" :)

Yeah, well sadly you have to wait until the January issue of the Super Chevy magazine.

I've been comparing my own data to the last time I was at SOWS and except for two high speed turns that are more of a car comfort / balls thing the car went around a lot faster with a lot higher G's than the last time I was there. Turn 1 and turn 10 which are both at the end of a high speed section, neither myself or Marry P. came close to the speeds I was carrying back in 2011. Seems I was either fearless or maybe a few hundred laps on the old setup gave me a high level of confidence on the high speed stuff :p

Chad pics look great! How was the two days?

Sorry I missed it...:getout:

I'm sorry you missed it too Ron. IMO you didn't miss anything Monday. Monday was the slalom and skid pad and running the cars through those for the magazine was pretty boring as a spectator. Tuesday was a lot of fun though. Much more fun as a spectator to see these cars out on the course. Also, more fun to be able to take your own car out there.

It was fun to compare my track data against Marry Pozzi's driving too.

The first time I got to hear my own car come down the straight redlining second gear I about jizzed my pants!!! lol. I didn't have the coolest engine their and there were folks making more power, but damn did my car sound good coming down the straight!!

Ron in SoCal

08-30-2014, 09:54 AM

The first time I got to hear my own car come down the straight redlining second gear I about jizzed my pants!!! lol. I didn't have the coolest engine their and there were folks making more power, but damn did my car sound good coming down the straight!!

That's gold right there Bro! Glad you had fun :cheers:

Chad-1stGen

08-30-2014, 07:22 PM

I've had my oil cooler setup planned out for a while now and in order to fit a bigger cooler I've planned to mount it sideways. I had also read that this is good as it allows you to change more of your oil during an oil change.

The one thing I didn't think about was filling the oil system. So if my oil pan is a 5.5 quart pan and the cooler and lines add another 2.75 quarts is it ok that the pan will have ~8 quarts at start up until the oil cooler is refilled?

Vegas69

08-30-2014, 07:36 PM

Chad-1stGen

08-30-2014, 08:07 PM

You are over thinking it. With an oil t stat(Which you should run on the pressure side), 90% of the oil should be bypassed back to your engine filling your cooler slowly. This will build oil pressure faster and avoid thermal shock. The windage experienced isn't worth debating at start up.

If you oversize your oil cooler, it can cause low oil temperature during street operation. Not a huge problem if you are running a real street oil with detergents. The oil t stat will still flow enough to cool your oil. My temps dropped substantially with my oil t stat and cooler. (Vs. my heat exchanger which you may consider?)I had way more metal flying around and likely put in a bigger cooler than you are planning. Moral of the story, you either need to install the right size cooler, or build a shroud. Rely on experience, there are plenty of LS engines in a dual purpose application, find out what size cooler at t stat they are running and the results.

Thanks Todd. I am using the Improved Racing adapter with built in 180* thermostat. Though it doesn't block the cooler so I'm expecting it to fill the cooler shortly after start.

I also used the Setrab documents to pick my cooler. According to their site: http://www.setrabusa.com/products/oilcoolers/engine/index.html

A 34 row 13" wide oil cooler is good for 400-475hp and is about the biggest I could go with my setup without more serious fabrication. So while it seems my cooler will be bigger than most I've seen, according to Setrab it is still undersized a bit.

Chad-1stGen

09-01-2014, 06:22 PM

Well I installed the cooler. I thought the mounting of the cooler and making the lines would be the hard part. Turns out getting the lines routed and connected to the adapter was the hardest part. I'm not really happy with how close the lines are to the headers.

Here is the cooler and Improved Racing adapter with thermostat.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/50/89/19070598.jpeg

The bracket hat goes down in front of the radiator. I tried to fab my bracket to follow the mounting bracket on the cooler to block the least amount of air.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/50/79/19070597.jpeg

The two homemade mounting brackets painted and ready to install. These are two strips of 1" x 1/8" aluminum. The top of one bolts to the vintage air bracket that goes to the top of the AC condenser and the other bolts to the core support. Both bolt to the lower valence.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/50/99/19070599.jpeg

One of the hoses. These are XRP pushlock hoses. I mistakenly believed when I ordered them that these had the highest temp ratings. I'm also using the XRP fyre sleeve rated to 800* (went with that since the silicone sleeves were only rated to 500*).

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/60/00/19070600.jpeg

Here is a shot of the cooler mounted

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/60/10/19070601.jpeg

Finally, the routing i did with the lines is a bit funky. I wasn't able to route both lines along the block as there just wasn't enough room with the headers. This routing gives the most space around the line from the header, though it has header pipes on 3 sides. The other line against the block is also close to a header pipe. At the closest point both lines are about 0.5" from a header pipe.

What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards trying to redo these lines with hard lines at least until well clear of the headers.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/60/20/19070602.jpeg

Results.

The Improved Racing adapter with built in thermostat works excellent. The thermostat begins to open at 180* and fully opens by 200*. Driving around on the surface streets I was seeing consistently about 195* oil temps (previous was around 220*) and on the freeway I see about 200-205* (previous was 250*).

Oil pressure is significantly improved at these temps. I'm seeing idle of 25 PSI (prior 18) and high RPM tops out around 60 PSI (prior was low 40's).

Vegas69

09-01-2014, 06:33 PM

GregWeld

09-01-2014, 06:41 PM

I agree with Todd.....

Heat RISES... so whenever I'm working around the headers - I want to be UNDER them not over 'em.

I'd re-route the line close to the block away from the header.

Chad-1stGen

09-01-2014, 06:45 PM

To close for comfort. While it may be functional, I'd be concerned about a hose failure and potential fire at a time yet determined. Different block adapter or fitting configuration to run it along the oil pan? Or out behind the headers by the firewall?

I'd also have to wonder about freeway oil temps of 250 before the cooler. Are you sure your tune isn't to lean? It should run cool down the freeway without an oil cooler. Lower oil temps mean longer engine life. 230-250 road racing would be great. 210-230 on the street would be optimal.

Yeah we will see about the temps on the road course.

I'd like to try and keep my existing adapter because it appears to be one of the few oil thermostats that actually works and allows the oil to heat up. This is why I'm leaning towards hard lines. I tried to run the lines out the back but it is stupid tight there too. These headers are just super tight to the block on the drivers side. I think the only way to get a lot of clearance would be to use an adapter that spins on in place of the oil filter and run a remote oil filter.

Thanks for the feedback Todd.

EDIT: I'm planning to take the car for a dyno tune but I'm 99% sure it is running too rich.

I'm seeing coolant temps of around 205-210 so I don't know if that had something to do with the higher oil temps in the past. I've been trying to chase down the vintage air peeps because I appear to have a coolant flow issue. My temps will be 205-210 in 6th gear at 70mph but if I shift down to 4th at the same speed the temps will drop below 200 and run high 190's.

Chad-1stGen

09-01-2014, 06:48 PM

I agree with Todd.....

Heat RISES... so whenever I'm working around the headers - I want to be UNDER them not over 'em.

I'd re-route the line close to the block away from the header.

Thanks Greg.

There is no room along the block for two soft lines with these headers. I'm hoping i can make it work with hard lines otherwise it means a different adapter :(

efs69

09-01-2014, 08:44 PM

Chad-1stGen

09-01-2014, 09:52 PM

Hey Chad,

I know what you mean about space but I agree with others about the line. I would look at a remote filter set up and run the lines along the side of the pan if you can. I'm not sure what you're frame and engine look like from the bottom but I would think there has to be a way to do it.

Also my temps don't get as high as yours. What temp do you have the fans set to?

I used to have the fan kick on at 200* and off at 195* but after seeing the fan run constantly I set it to kick on at 210 and off at 205 to see if it made a difference. Operating temps really didn't change either way though the fan ran a lot less.

I played with it some more this afternoon and at idle it can get as high as 215*. When I bring up the revs it drops to 205* but today it didn't drop any lower.

I'm running the AFCO LS radiator and a Mark VIII fan so I'd think that is plenty to keep an idling motor cool... I have an open question to Vintage Air and via them to Tuff Stuff who made the water pump about it.

EDIT: on the streets of willow track for the handling challenge coolant temps stayed around 210* even with oil temps at 260*+

GregWeld

09-02-2014, 06:54 AM

Chad-1stGen

09-02-2014, 07:11 AM

If you bring up the RPMS and the car cools off --- I'd be looking at the voltage your electric fan is seeing at idle. I assume you're running a relay -- but perhaps not heavy enough gauge on the power side.

I bought a 37 Ford once that had an overheating problem -- well DOH! The fan was seeing 10 Volts... That was certainly easy to fix.

I hadn't thought of that Greg. I'm using the Mast relay built into their harness. I will double check it.

This could be part of the story but isn't the whole story as I can duplicate this behavior on the freeway with the fan off. I turned the fan off with my laptop and saw stable temps ~210* in 6th gear 70mph but when I ran 4th gear at 70mph the temps dropped to below 200*. So I think there is something else going on too.

Regarding lean vs rich. The car is pretty stinky right now and if I don't clean it builds up a layer of soot on the tail panel so I think it's to rich. Oh and it gets horrible MPG. Around 10mpg around town. A best of 15 on 100% freeway drive.

Vegas69

09-02-2014, 06:01 PM

Sounds like your water pump pulley may be to under driven. Meaning, to big.

To fat can cause high exhaust gas temps as well.

I'd dial in the tune before you worry to much more about temperatures.

Chad-1stGen

09-03-2014, 09:52 AM

Sounds like your water pump pulley may be to under driven. Meaning, to big.

To fat can cause high exhaust gas temps as well.

I'd dial in the tune before you worry to much more about temperatures.

Thanks Todd. I will get a dyno tune scheduled ASAP.

In the mean time I've been researching oil pan adapters and most of them are not great for my Champ / Autocraft pan since it kicks out to the side. I stumbled on this genius solution on LS1tech. I need to find someone who can make this!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/whipit74/IMG_0155_zpsf74525f8.jpg

efs69

09-03-2014, 10:43 AM

09-03-2014, 10:45 AM

Chad,
Can you post a link to that thread on tech?

Matt@BOS

09-03-2014, 10:54 AM

How about the Mocal thermostat that Improved Racing also sells? If there is space downward it might work for you.

http://www.improvedracing.com/cooler-adapters/mocal-oil-cooler-thermostat-for-ls-engines-p-33.html

Chad-1stGen

09-03-2014, 11:27 AM

Nice looking adapter. I am not sure but I think Brett at Fab53 may be able to build it for you and he is in the LB area. Another option, if its not hard to take the pan off, would be to tig the fittings onto the pan that way you can set the angles up to work with your set up.

But honestly I would do the tune work first before going any further.

Well I'm going to do the tune but either way I'd like to run an oil cooler so that part of all of this is not effort wasted. I called Brett yesterday but he said he is too busy to do work like this. Otherwise I'm sure he could make the part.

Chad,
Can you post a link to that thread on tech?

Sure, it is right here: http://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iv-external-engine/1615896-remote-oil-adaptor-options.html

How about the Mocal thermostat that Improved Racing also sells? If there is space downward it might work for you.

http://www.improvedracing.com/cooler-adapters/mocal-oil-cooler-thermostat-for-ls-engines-p-33.html

No I don't think the Mocal would work at least not if I don't want the lines next to the headers. I guess it would be mostly metal next to the header but both fittings would be up against or near the headers.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/70/19/19070791.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/70/29/19070792.jpeg

Because of the kick out of the pan I would love the custom adapter above. If I use the Champ or Canton adapter for steel pans that replaces the oil filter adapter the lines would have to run out alongside the kick out (where the Autokraft sticker is). Still farther from the headers than my current setup but not as ideal as being able to get them above the kick out tucked into the pan.

09-19-2014, 10:08 AM

Did you come up with a fix for the oil cooler? Also, do you have a cage in the car?

Chad-1stGen

09-19-2014, 12:56 PM

Did you come up with a fix for the oil cooler? Also, do you have a cage in the car?

I've gathered up parts to make steel lines from the adapter to out past the headers. I'm having Rob from PCH Rods try and bend it up for me, hopefully next week. Its super tight so until we bend up the line I'm not 100% there is room to fit hard lines. I'm having to step down to -8 to do it too as the -10 bender has to large of a bend radius to work.

No cage in the car. I've got a 4 point in mind for a future upgrade.

Chad-1stGen

10-27-2014, 10:47 AM

Couple of fun updates.

Super Chevy published some inital info on the 2014 Super Chevy Handling Challenge. My car was their reprsenting TCI enginnering's front Camaro subframe and rear 12bolt based torque arm.

http://image.superchevy.com/f/78538454+w640+h426+q80+re0+cr1+ar0+st0/2014-super-chevy-suspension-challenge-cars.jpg

http://www.superchevy.com/events/1501-2014-super-chevy-suspension-and-handling-challenge-back-on-track/

I'm looking forward to the full articles. And I can't wait to go abuse my car on a full road course again. I'm eyeing the Extreme speed event at SOWS 11/15-16 if I can get my oil lines redone this weekend.

I also attended the NMCA West Hotchkis Autocross event this past weekend. this is first time I've had to really try out the car. My previous trips to Adam's have been rushed and mostly in the dark.

What a blast!! This car is so freeking fun to drive compared to my old setup! I now have to relearn the car because it can do things in a corner I've only been able to dream about before. I can't wait to learn more behind the wheel and also about shock tuning. It really helps that I can piggy back off of years of development Sal has put into his car.

Speaking of Sal. It made the event really fun to have both of our Torch Red 68 Camaros TCI equiped fighting it out. I've got more power but he's got more seat time and I think bigger cajones.

http://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10368274_10203435478540914_7974029155124580725_n.j pg?oh=47c05ed3df1fb44cabf02ee0f70405d1&oe=54EC94F5&__gda__=1423970448_505b0e5bbfbc9c4de9448a53d3b36fd b

Sal set a faster lap time than me both Saturday and Sunday but I closed the gap Sunday :) and lost by only a tenth. I ran in a session before Sal so he knew the time he had to beat so it was a lot of fun watching him drive his ass off to make sure he beat me including a spectacular spin on his last run.

Here is another shot of my car in action.

EDIT: Need to resize this one.

In the classic Muscle class I finished 3rd Saturday and 4th Sunday.

Sunday had a better turn out in that class too. It was great catching up with and watching some of the other Lat-G members drive too. The format of the event using run groups with multiple laps per run group instead of cycling through all cars in order was awesome. Gave you time to make changes to the car, relax, chat with folks, etc.

So while the overall number of laps was lower than I liked (8 Saturday, 7 Sunday) I really enjoyed the event.

I didn't get great video as this was my first time using HLT at an autocross but will try and post some up later.

Ron in SoCal

10-27-2014, 10:54 AM

Great seeing you yesterday Chad. Your car looked awesome out there! That doughnut course was a stinker :pee-eww:

:cheers:

Chad-1stGen

10-27-2014, 02:59 PM

Great seeing you yesterday Chad. Your car looked awesome out there! That doughnut course was a stinker :pee-eww:

:cheers:

Thanks Ron. If you didn't give a damn about your rear tires the donut box could be fun but otherwise it did kinda suck. Overall still a fun autocross course. I liked that it had two "sweeper" type higher speed turns even if both were decreasing radius ones.

Chad-1stGen

10-27-2014, 03:07 PM

Forgot that I also have an engine coolant temp update.

I ended up talking with Tuff Stuff Performance who makes the waterpump for the Vintage Air Frontrunner kit. They suggested that my issue might be related to an air pocket but when I explained the steps I took to try and bleed air out of the sytem they didn't have any suggestions for trying something different.

So I shipped the waterpump to them to have it double checked. It of course was fine but did have a waterline suggesting an air pocket did exist. Having drained and refilled the coolant system on this car many times for a variety of reasons it was antibody's guess if that was still true. Tuffstuff shipped the pump back and suggested I drill and tap a vent line into the top of the pump which I can't do with the DBW throttle body.

So Friday night before the Hotchkis Autocross I filled the radiator and did everything I could to bleed air out of the system. Including jacking the front of the car off the ground several feet and letting the thermostat cycle several times with the cap off.

TL,DR = It was an air pocket in the waterpump. If anything the car now almost runs too cold at freeway cruise in 6th gear. Its gone from 210-214 to about 180*

One more sorting issue/gremlin fixed!

WSSix

10-27-2014, 03:32 PM

Congrats on the coverage and getting the coolant issue resolved, Chad. The car looked great out there.

Richio1

10-27-2014, 10:36 PM

Nice... Good to see that issue is fixed and that shes back on the road and you are able to enjoy it again. Long time coming.

waynieZ

10-28-2014, 06:03 AM

Glad to hear you got the cooling issue fixed. Congratulation's on the ink the car looks great.

Flash68

10-28-2014, 11:50 PM

So great to see you out enjoying again Chad..... :thumbsup:

SOW 2015 sometime for a rematch? :idea:

Chad-1stGen

11-24-2014, 12:32 AM

Thanks for all the positive vibes everyone!!

They paid off today. I posted this on my auto club thread but figured I'd throw the after action report in here too.

Here is my quick after action report:

Whew!!! What a great day! Its been a while since I've had this much fun. Its been a while since I've been this nervous/scared out of mind ha ha. The Auto Club Sports Car course (aka Roval) is one intense track!

I ended up being the only Pro-touring / classic muscle at the track today. Its a bummer no other PT cars showed but it was kind of neat being the sole outlier too. I did see Jake running his daily driver Mustang in the time attack competition. Good stuff.

This was a real test for me and the car as this is the first track day I've done since getting the TCI Engineering subframe and torque arm installed along with the 427" LS3 motor. After many setbacks it was awesome to have a 99.9% trouble free day. I only had two gremlins. 1) My license plat didn't like 150mph and was hanging by one bolt after the 1st session. 2) My ignition relay melted down after the first session (not sure what to make of that yet). Otherwise the coolant temps were 195-200 the whole time and oil temps hovered a hair under 250*

By the numbers:
- 33 Laps driven
- 25 timed
- Over 1 hour of seat time (left early too)
- 6.6mpg on track
- Over 100 miles driven on track
- Fastest lap time 1:59 (ran at least one 1:59 lap in every session so at least I was consistent).
- Highest top speed 151mph

I didn't push the car nearly as hard on the brakes and corners as its capable of but the Auto Club is so damn fast I wanted to still drive home. Yeah I didn't trailer the car!

Here is some data from my fastest lap:
https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10713008_10203614193568678_3160628757508876908_n.j pg?oh=76d2b7868fd8f66eee64d1d566383049&oe=551A30C7

And a video of my highest top speed and some passes.
mzhy9oG5aZk

Overall the car felt great and though I had some pretty conservative brake zones and g's in the corners I was far from the edge. Its so much more fun to drive a balanced car than my old push monster!

I might do some more video and pics but for now I'm off to bed!

Sonar Chief

11-24-2014, 10:17 AM

Flash68

11-24-2014, 10:53 AM

Sounds like one of those great days Chad. :trophy-1302:

coolant temps were 195-200 the whole time and oil temps hovered a hair under 250*

Doesn't get much better than those numbers. :thumbsup:

Do you have a roll cage in the car? Any plans for upgrading the seats? Looks like there is a lot of movement with the g's.

Agreed. Time for Chad to think about bringing the safety features up to snuff with the performance I'd say. :rules:

150mph is no joke... :rules:

Chad-1stGen

11-24-2014, 11:52 AM

Looks like you had a good day with the car and man does that look like FUN.

Do you have a roll cage in the car? Any plans for upgrading the seats? Looks like there is a lot of movement with the g's.

Thanks for sharing ..... that's cool to run your car like it was meant to!

Michael

Sounds like one of those great days Chad. :trophy-1302:

Doesn't get much better than those numbers. :thumbsup:

Agreed. Time for Chad to think about bringing the safety features up to snuff with the performance I'd say. :rules:

150mph is no joke... :rules:

yeah you guys got me. I've had safety upgrades in mind for over a year but have chased sorting issues instead. I'm also like many who did all the go fast goodies first and then realized I should spend some time and money on safety too..

So plans include:
- 4 point roll bar with possibly door bars. No cage as I will street this thing without a helmet a lot.
- Fixed back seat for track days (leaning towards a containment seat too)
- 5 point harness
- Fire suppression system

I need to figure out what roll bar to go with and/or a shop to do one custom. I once upon a time figured Brett would do it but he has an overfull plate as it is. I want to figure out the bar and shop first and then build the rest around it.

And yeah yesterday was pretty amazing.

DFRESH

11-24-2014, 07:11 PM

Congrats brother. This is well deserved after all the ups and downs---mostly downs--you've endured. Looking forward to catching up tomorrow at lunch.

D

Chad-1stGen

12-01-2014, 01:35 PM

Here is my track day report from Willow Springs Sunday 11/30. Two track days in within 8 days. I could get used to this!!

Because of the Thanksgiving weekend this past event had a lower turnout and the track organizer Extreme Speed Track Events kept a discounted price right through Saturday. After flying home from Thanksgiving I was able to do a tech inspection on the Camaro Saturday afternoon and still sign up afterwards for Sunday.

While still nervous about the need to do some saftey upgrades I have to say I was also excited as this was the first time I was going to be running a track I've run previously with my old V2.0 setup. I have Harry's Lap Timer data from my previous session in 2011 and yesterdays so I could do some fun comparisons beyond just lap times.

I drove the 120 miles from home up to Willow Springs early Sunday morning. Before booking the day I had checked the weather in Rosamond and saw it was going to be clear and didn't think anything else of it. However, on the way up there I drove about 20 miles through some mild rain. Feeling pretty good I jinxed myself twice over by bragging on Facebook that I not only drove my car to the track but drove it through a rainstorm. So of course The first session on track saw the rain start and by session two it was wet enough that after a couple of laps I came back into the pits. 600hp is damn scary on frozen tires that are wet!!! Thankfully I got three dry sessions in during the afternoon. However, the second jinx of bragging about driving in the rain getting there is that on the way home it rained 110 out of 120 miles home and about 80 of that was hardcore downpour in traffic. ugh! Another safety upgrade is in order. Actually install the wiring to my DSE wiper motor...

My previous best lap time at Big Willow was a 1:44 so I was hoping to break into the 1:3X's. I'm glad to report that I improved my time nicely by running several 1:40's but the 1:3X's escaped me. I even ran the 5th session (I usually leave exhausted before then) but it was so late in the day that the sun was blinding me in Turn 1, 2 and 9 (scary place to get blinded) so the 1:3X's will have to wait until next time.

Also, now that the car is capable of sustaining 1+g's in the turns the lack of a secure seat and belts is really starting to show. Not only is it harder to judge handling in a corner but it's plain hard to hang on. I did a mild strain in my lower back and today the list of sore muscles from hanging on and bracing myself include: forearms, neck, lower back, lats on the right side, and thighs (bracing against door and trans tunnel). Now this is partially exasperated by the fact that the left bolster on my seat bottom was broken at the Suspension Challenge a few months back and I need to get the frame re-welded.

Anyhow. for $95 bucks I got to run over 40 timed laps and drove over 120 miles on the road course. Track days are certainly harder on your car than an autocross but for $ per time in the seat it can be a helluva deal!

Here is some video from my fastest session. I made this one longer as it has some fun laps with the lap traffic and several of my 1:40 laps.

JS1pUH5VhVk

Also, Some cool data from my best yesterday with V3.0 and my best lap 3 years ago with the V2.0 setup.

Yesterday's lap.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/28/83/19088238.JPG

And my old personal best:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/28/93/19088239.JPG

A couple of observations I had:
1) My old setup used a GPS device with a lower update frequency so that is why the G meter bars are different between the two.
2) yellow shading is 0.75+ sustained g's and red is 1.0+ sustained g's
3) The corner speeds are the lowest speed at any point through a corner and are a bit misleading IMO as the average speed through the whole corner was much higher with the V3.0 TCI, Ridetech and larger tires.
4) The red/green lines that follow the track show acceleration/balanced throttle (green) and deceleration/braking (red). You can see with V3.0 that I shortened the deceleration/braking zones significantly in almost every area of the track. And there is a lot more to go!
5) Big Willow is a high HP track and my higher power certainly helped a lot but I was exiting corners with much higher exit speeds too.

I continue to be very impressed with the capabilities of the new suspension. I only had the car push on one corner mid turn. This weekend I realized that I'm a little unsettled by driving a car with no/very little under steer. The lack of under steer combined with a huge improvement in handling has made finding the edge in a corner a lot more scary because it is so much further away now.

I began to experiment more with the car setup this weekend by making some minor shock changes. Overall, in addition to the needed safety upgrades I learned that I have mild pad knock back if I do two or more 1.0+ G corners back to back without braking as well as the fact that I have too much rear brake bias. So a new adapter and likely master cylinder are getting added to the to do list (to help with the bias, no plans for the knock back just yet).

Oh and I'm really glad this happened 20 miles from home instead of at 130+ mph! Two high speed weekends in a row have revealed the shortcomings of this hood latch weld.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/28/25/19088252.JPG
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/28/35/19088253.JPG

Can't wait to get some of the upgrades made and keep going. I jumped on a black Friday deal with Extreme and bought 8 track days good for any track they run at for $400. $50 a day to run at Buttonwillow or Auto Club, hell any SoCal track is a sweet deal!

slow4dr

12-01-2014, 01:47 PM

:flag2:

Absolutely badass Chad!

Chad-1stGen

12-02-2014, 11:13 AM

slow4dr

12-02-2014, 11:48 AM

I've done searches on this forum, google, etc. As no clear winner emerged I wanted to throw my own question out there.

I'm looking for a shop to do a 6/8 point roll bar in my 68 Camaro. Quite honestly I prefer a shop that has significant experience working with cages for race cars. This is because I want someone familiar with sanctioning body requirements and true safety. Ron's thread has inspired me. In fact I got some recommendations from him on NorCal shops if I can't find someone local.

I want a shop that knows about things like annealing chromoly, mocking up a fixed back seat with appropriate attachment points to the roll bar, drivers head spacing, etc.

Please share any recommendations you have.

There is a shop just down the street from us that you should talk with. They do all kinds of metal fabrication but are very good with chromoly cages as well. They just finished a Nova with all of our stuff under it destined to run deep into the 10's in full street trim.

Mouse is the guy you want to talk to. (909)238-9347

Ron in SoCal

12-02-2014, 03:01 PM

Have you called Eddie's?

http://www.fasteddiesracecars.com/

I think Mike Wright knows him.

Chad-1stGen

12-02-2014, 06:00 PM

There is a shop just down the street from us that you should talk with. They do all kinds of metal fabrication but are very good with chromoly cages as well. They just finished a Nova with all of our stuff under it destined to run deep into the 10's in full street trim.

Mouse is the guy you want to talk to. (909)238-9347

Thanks Jason.

Have you called Eddie's?

http://www.fasteddiesracecars.com/

I think Mike Wright knows him.

Thanks Ron. Doug and I talked about them and they are on my list to call.

efs69

12-02-2014, 06:02 PM

Man Chad you are having way too much fun. Congrats and I hope to be out there with you soon.

Let's get out there Ron!!

glassman

12-02-2014, 06:07 PM

Chad, great to see you doing what this was designed too do!! Hope the wait was worth it....been following your thread for bout two years now (well how ever long i've been on this forum) and its nice to see it to this point...

Chad-1stGen

12-02-2014, 06:12 PM

Last time I checked this was a street car website. :unibrow: And I disagree that a .5 degree difference would cause any stability issues. Low caster and toe out cause stability issues.

For how much longer :lol:

I was going back through this thread looking for something and came accross this gem from 2012.

Considering the direction of some builds on here and showing up at Optima I thought it was pretty funny.

Chad-1stGen

12-02-2014, 06:23 PM

Man Chad you are having way too much fun. Congrats and I hope to be out there with you soon.

Let's get out there Ron!!

I can't wait to run with you guys!! Both track days the past two weekends I was the only classic muscle in attendance and while that is kind of cool I enjoy running with buds a lot more!

Chad, great to see you doing what this was designed too do!! Hope the wait was worth it....been following your thread for bout two years now (well how ever long i've been on this forum) and its nice to see it to this point...

Thanks a bunch. As noted in my post above I was going back through this thread trying to find a picture and got caught up rereading some of the trials and tribulations I went through. First of all it was kind of funny to find myself rereading my own build thread and getting caught up in it. Second I got a major thrill and sense of satisfaction, realizing how long it took, to know that I just ran two track days back to back with a combined on track mileage of over 220 miles consistently seeing some high speeds (up to 150mph) beating the snot out of my car and the only failures I had to deal with was one blown relay and a broken hood latch after the event was over. Neither required me to pull out tools.

Man I'm giddy just thinking about it!!!! :hapdance:

glassman

12-02-2014, 08:17 PM

Man thats fun> Puttin on the mileage on the track is just WAAAY worth the price of admission. Thanx to Dr. Weld, i went to a trac event in May and now its like black tar herion, and i'm ready for my fixx lol.

Hope to see/meet ya at a so-cal event, i'm down there quite a bit as i have two in college down there....taking it down there after my DSE/rims are done for a road trip with my bride....

Chad-1stGen

12-03-2014, 08:43 AM

Man thats fun> Puttin on the mileage on the track is just WAAAY worth the price of admission. Thanx to Dr. Weld, I went to a trac event in May and now its like black tar herion, and i'm ready for my fixx lol.

Hope to see/meet ya at a so-cal event, i'm down there quite a bit as i have two in college down there....taking it down there after my DSE/rims are done for a road trip with my bride....

True words my friend!

That would be cool to meet up and even better to do an event. I also want to run Thunderhill at some point and since I have Family in the Sacramento area I hope to do that in 2015.

GregWeld

12-03-2014, 09:19 AM

True words my friend!

That would be cool to meet up and even better to do an event. I also want to run Thunderhill at some point and since I have Family in the Sacramento area I hope to do that in 2015.

Watch for the NorCal Shelby Club track event in MAY.... Yeah you can bring your Camaro.

This link only lists PAST 2014 events right now - but should be updated perhaps after the first of the year or so.

Track Junky

12-03-2014, 12:53 PM

I was going back through this thread looking for something and came accross this gem from 2012.

Considering the direction of some builds on here and showing up at Optima I thought it was pretty funny.

Seen it coming a mile away.

Track Junky

12-03-2014, 12:56 PM

Chad-1stGen

12-03-2014, 01:01 PM

Watch for the NorCal Shelby Club track event in MAY.... Yeah you can bring your Camaro.

This link only lists PAST 2014 events right now - but should be updated perhaps after the first of the year or so.

Thanks Greg. I will keep an eye out for that. I ran with a Shelby club for my first ever track day in the Camaro back in 2009. It was a great event.

You really need to go to these Chad. I'm not a big fan of clubs that don't allow lap timing but this is a great get together event.

I'm planning on it! The track timing thing doesn't really matter to me. I've used HLT with enough transponders now that it is plenty accurate for my purposes so I can always get lap times myself :) The largest difference I've seen is only .2 or .3 seconds from the official transponder time and 99% of my laps is within .02 or.03 seconds.

Now HLT on an autocross... yeah so far useless for me.

Chad-1stGen

12-21-2014, 12:27 PM

After thinking about my hood latch failure I realized it would be a lot safer to have the locking nut mounted on the top side of the upper hood latch bracket. I purchased my car as a roller with the body work done and the latch was installed with the locking nut below the upper mounting plate tightened against the tack welded latch nut. It made it 22K miles like this and I'm not sure which way its done from the factory but the way I've done it below is much safer.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/10/64/19090146.jpeg

Pic is with the latch off the car but I can still just barely get a 3/4" wrench on the nut with it installed on the hood for fine tuning the hood latch height.

glassman

12-21-2014, 05:20 PM

GregWeld

12-21-2014, 05:34 PM

Change the nut out to a "nylock" or a "hex lock nut"....

Chad-1stGen

12-22-2014, 05:47 PM

So mine failed as well (three different times), you have the male side (hood) shown (you'll need the blue pill for your hood lol), while i had issues with that factory weld breaking (then rewelded, had the back up nut you have shown), my issues were on the female side (still haven't solved it-hence the "eff it" hood pins). Good luck with that...

Hmm what failed on the female side? Did it break or allow the male pin to slip out?

Change the nut out to a "nylock" or a "hex lock nut"....

Good idea. I threw locktight on the nut when I assembled it but a nylon locking nut is probably safer.

Chad-1stGen

12-22-2014, 09:05 PM

Been trying to catch up on some updates.
Since getting the car on the road I've felt my Mast crate motor ran way too rich. This was based on:
> How bad it stunk up the garage when working on it and idling it for any length of time
> Horrible mpg (best tank was 100% freeway super easy driving and 15mpg, most tanks 10-12)
> Black soot all over the tail panel after 1-2 tanks of gas

So last Thursday I took it over to Westech to have them tune it on their chassis dyno. I'm not sure if the car runs any better or not and it's too soon to judge if the MPG improved. It was interesting that the Mast factory tune was spot on for full throttle at a very rich 11.5-12.0 AFR. Initially Eric at Westech was shocked at how rich that was but as soon as we started adjusting towards 12.5-12.9 AFR the motor made less power.

With the Mast tune the car made 505 hp to the wheels and 493 torque. After realizing they couldn't improve it Westech's final tune made 497 hp and 482 tq. Interestingly the Westech tune made 10-20 less hp and torque over the entire RPM range... They said that the difference is small enough to be chassis dyno related...

Here is some video from the day.

OCZZywbwvW8

My old zz4 motor was chassis dynoed at 280 hp and 326 tq. So the new set up makes 80% more hp and 51% more tq. Doesn't drive as nice as my old EFI ZZ4 nor get as good of gas mileage though.

Here is an old video of the ZZ4 pull.
10790930

I attached to this post a PDF of the detailed numbers comparing the Mast tune and the final Westech tune.

For comparison here is the flywheel dyno from Mast:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0015/94/16/15614961_large.jpg?v=1

I'm not sure what to make of the engine falling off about 500 RPM sooner and the fact the Westech tune made less power.

Chad-1stGen

12-22-2014, 10:30 PM

Went out to the Camarillo autocross this past Saturday. My first time running there. Great group, very organized and despite lots of cars there we all got 15 runs. Weather was beautiful and lots of cool cars.

I think the fastest time of the day was a 40.4. Below is a video of my best lap at 42.6... As you can see from the in car view I've got some work to do on my driving technique. Sal ran in the 41's... also a reason I got to work on my driving :)

SzWdlCRZRO0

Some pics Jason from TCI took.

One of the highlights was riding shotgun with Sal from TCI when he went flying off into the dirt at 60+ mph. That run got the blood pumping!
http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10853056_525232997579585_1312112299_n.jpg

Ed's gorgeous Mustang
http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/10848277_1515834638691260_531871643_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10857903_736338106448023_6335688654750125778_n.jpg ?oh=ff3e34622d4ae14033c0cc742c4b206e&oe=54FD4A15&__gda__=1426365385_1e3d7cab64401bb031883cb9c43b5fc a

My car on course.
https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10882102_736339236447910_2777743521897467197_n.jpg ?oh=dfd41b77c7277e989b096c5bd199d79b&oe=5541B987

GregWeld

12-23-2014, 07:06 AM

Dyno's are tuning tools -- no two will give you the same readings. They're used to know if the tuning is going the right way or the wrong way.

My new Mustang motor "dyno'd" at slightly less power than the previous build... funny - because not only does it sound more powerful - it runs better and FEELS way better.

Chad-1stGen

01-27-2015, 02:00 PM

The March issue of Super Chevy has the write up from the 2014 Handling Challenge.

You can read it on their website here: http://www.superchevy.com/features/1503-2014-super-chevy-suspension-and-handling-challenge-tcis-1968-camaro/

Cool pic:
http://image.superchevy.com/f/86714352+w640+h426+q80+re0+cr1+ar0+st0/1968-chevrolet-camaro-front-view-1.jpg

Their video:
qh2ThZLCpPY

They were a bit critical of the street manners / ride quality of the suspension. A big part of this is due to the fact that no shock changes were made to the car for the street portion. Personally, when I drive the car to the track I soften up the rear shocks a fair amount which totally transforms the ride quality into one that is much more street friendly. I also know the car would of scored much better on the skid pad but we made a shock tuning change right before that test which was in the wrong direction.

Anyhow always cool to see your car in the magazine! It was a fun event.

CarlC

01-27-2015, 08:53 PM

Ron in SoCal

01-27-2015, 10:08 PM

I thought it was cool Chad! Wish I coulda made it.

Vince@Meanstreets

01-27-2015, 10:25 PM

nice work Chad!!! long journey to get here.

Flash68

01-28-2015, 12:38 AM

Chad, just got my copy in the mail and was gonna bump this thread but you beat me to it!

Car looks great. Glad it's running like a champ these days.

Chad-1stGen

01-28-2015, 12:36 PM

Very cool Chad! She looks great in the magazine. After all that work and frustration it must feel pretty good to finally be able to have some fun.

We're going to SOW's on the 8th with Speed Ventures if you're looking for a "fix."

It has been great getting back on the track!! I've had a lot of fun the past few months beating on the car and attending some autocross and track day events! Sadly in the beginning of 2015 I've already had conflicts on a number of events pop up. Including the 8th :( I'd love to hit another track day with Hollywood one of these days so let me know if you attend any more. I guess the upgrades are done on your Camaro?

I thought it was cool Chad! Wish I coulda made it.

Thanks Ron. It would of been great to see you there. Now that you are building a "track" car are you taking the dead pool car to any track days?

nice work Chad!!! long journey to get here.

It was. Too long but man it has gotten fun again!

Chad, just got my copy in the mail and was gonna bump this thread but you beat me to it!

Car looks great. Glad it's running like a champ these days.

Thanks Dave! So far so good. I've even got a new master cylinder and proportioning valve at home to convert away from power to manual brakes to help with some of the gremlins uncovered at the handling challenge.

Flash68

01-28-2015, 12:40 PM

Thanks Dave! So far so good. I've even got a new master cylinder and proportioning valve at home to convert away from power to manual brakes to help with some of the gremlins uncovered at the handling challenge.

I like that move!

CarlC

01-30-2015, 01:20 PM

Done? Surely you jest.....;-)

Done enough for shakedown.

Chad-1stGen

03-28-2015, 09:48 PM

Got to beat on the car some more in the past two weeks.

Two weekends ago I ran at the Pamona Hotchkis autocross. Saturday was pretty exciting as I placed 2nd in the classic muscle class, Sunday I ended up 5th I think.

Today was even more exciting as I placed first in the classic muscle class. It helped that Jake R. wasn't in the classic muscle class and getting some great driving tips from Matt A.

Video here:
FokjXHVI_LQ

JakeR

03-28-2015, 11:53 PM

Nice job today and congrats on a well earned win! All that seat time really looks to be paying off :thumbsup:

Chad-1stGen

03-30-2015, 09:20 AM

Nice job today and congrats on a well earned win! All that seat time really looks to be paying off :thumbsup:

Thanks Jake. Seat time definitely helps but man I have a long ways to go to catch up to you faster guys. It was a fun weekend for sure!

Flash68

03-30-2015, 10:17 AM

Nice job Chad! Car's gettin better every time out.

Vince@Meanstreets

03-30-2015, 05:20 PM

How did the non power brakes feel?

Chad-1stGen

03-31-2015, 06:46 PM

Nice job Chad! Car's gettin better every time out.

Thanks Dave. I yearn for the day we are all hitting a track day together again!

How did the non power brakes feel?

I wish I knew Vince. I've been too short on time to do the simple fabricating I need with brake lines and brackets to get it installed. A potentially costly mistake given this pic:

https://scontent-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11082554_10204483395018171_5557560601842106768_n.j pg?oh=e8a76d07132f638d586fcbbe93daf84c&oe=55B89E07

Chad-1stGen

04-11-2015, 05:56 AM

Good times at Del Mar yesterday. Over breakfast this morning I realized that I'm the only first gen Camaro on the board at 4th place in Street Machine.

Today is going to be even tougher!
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/C443667A-9D1C-46AD-803D-B4B8E0D36F11_zpsmrcfi2ud.jpg

Track Junky

04-11-2015, 07:41 AM

Great competition in that class Chad. Your all within thousands of a second. :thumbsup:

glassman

04-11-2015, 07:47 AM

+No doubt ^^. Your car is getting sorted out very nicely Chad. Looking forward to seeing it in person. I shoulda came down for that GG, i've always wanted to go to that one and just didn't plan well

Whats up with the autocross on Friday's? wish they did that for Pleasanton, i only got 3 runs in on saturday as it was PACKED. It was a fun social event, but i liked the course they had set up and wished i could of drivin it more....

Autocross is fun, but the track is my crack!!

Chad-1stGen

04-27-2015, 04:44 PM

Those on Facebook have seen a bunch of pics from this weekend but I wanted to share with the broader Lateral-g.net folks.

I had a great time going to Optima this past weekend. First of all anytime you can drive your car 300 miles to an event, beat on it hard for two days, and then drive it 300 miles home without pulling any tools out of the tool box is a success!

Friday recap:
I had taken the day off of work to drive out to Vegas but used the morning to 1) wire up my DSE wiper motor and 2) fix a broken rotor bolt. I think I've had the wiper motor on the car for 5 or more years but never actually hooked it up...

Car is packed up and ready to go. Driving the car rather than trailering it means I need to keep the Sub for quality tunes... or ones strong enough to overpower the wind noise from a window design that is practically 50 years old.
https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t51.2885-15/11116874_652189494882910_1242283020_n.jpg

TCI came to my rescue on the broken bolt issue so I stopped by their shop on the way out of town.

It was a good thing too because on my drive to Vegas it rained a little bit but on the road rally portion it rained the whole 1.5-2 hours including pouring pretty hard in some spots.

Getting some use out of those wipers!
https://igcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11190709_1404526773202200_119059607_n.jpg

This was my first road trip in the Camaro since the V3.0 build and I was fairly pleased with the 19.5 mpg I got since driving this to and from a local autocross I usually get closer to 12 mpg. However, I also learned that the off idle flat spot created by my Westech tune was an order of magnitude worse at the 2500 ft of elevation in Vegas.

I started this post a few hours ago. Will have to add the rest later. More pics, video and story to come.

EDIT: to finish the Friday recap. Made it to Vegas without incident and not too terrible on traffic. My wife was actually already in Vegas for work and had to work through the weekend which meant I got to see her and do dinners with her as well as have a free place to stay! It was worth the 20 minute drive to the track and back each day.

Penny

04-27-2015, 08:33 PM

Good talking with you Chad. Glad things went well for you.

Cole

slow4dr

04-28-2015, 08:13 AM

Here's a few of the pics I shared on FB.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3589_zpsrunspyvj.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3589_zpsrunspyvj.jpg.html)

There are 6 vehicles in this pic (look closely for the Zephyr). The wheel to wheel racing this weekend was epic.

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3453_zpsrbdhsxqa.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3453_zpsrbdhsxqa.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3429_zps2gsa5nwx.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3429_zps2gsa5nwx.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3399_zpspuoehlle.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3399_zpspuoehlle.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3356_zpspgleh3lz.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3356_zpspgleh3lz.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3321_zpsowdlvgia.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3321_zpsowdlvgia.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3172_zpswegnfdap.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3172_zpswegnfdap.jpg.html)

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3059_zps4nb837dl.jpg (http://s981.photobucket.com/user/TotalCostInvolved/media/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3059_zps4nb837dl.jpg.html)

-J

efs69

04-28-2015, 10:59 AM

Chad, Congrats on the win and even more props on driving the car out to the event and back!! Looks like you have your car dialed in:thumbsup:

GregWeld

04-28-2015, 12:38 PM

Well how much fun was that!!!

Oh yeah -- he's hooked!!

Jay Hilliard

04-28-2015, 01:59 PM

Congrats Chad. Cool pic of the car in front of New York on the strip.

Chad-1stGen

04-28-2015, 03:14 PM

Saturday recap:

When I went to start the Camaro at 6:30am in the cold Vegas morning I discovered that the poor idle and off idle characteristics of my engine tune were even worse with a totally cold engine. After the car starting and dying 3 or 4 times I managed to get the revs up to about 2500-3000 and did the Mike Maier clutch technique to get the car moving out of the parking lot and down the street. The rest of Saturday I fought the engine in trying to move the car around the pits at slow speeds.

Jason gave away the look already in his pics but here is the car after going through tech and getting all stickered up for the event!
https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11137899_891881384206782_384214766_n.jpg

I thought the stickers added a certain race car flare to the car :)

Saturday was the day Optima did speed stop and autocross. They broke the competitors into two groups and each group did one event for half the day and then switched.

I was in the group that did speed stop in the morning and autocross after lunch. speed stop was the event I looked forward to the least. It was one that I perceived to be really hard on the car due to launching hard like a drag race and having to stop from high speed and I already did all the flat spotting I want to do at Fontana within the last month. However, the speed stop was a lot of fun. They had a 90* left hand turn pretty close to the start so that combined with an unprepared surface meant the launch wasn't all that hard on the car. Then they had a half chicane like setup on the straight so you didn't get crazy speeds so the stop wasn't too bad.

After 5 runs I had blown the stop box twice and hit the exit cones (and flag once) at a pretty good clip. I was pleased my new spoiler took the blows and didn't' show any marks or deformation. However, at this point Jimi Day's warning not to "use up all your junk" on the first day is starting to play back in my head and I'm wondering if I can get a better time. I try to encourage myself and run two more times, each one being "just one more run." Sadly, both of those "one more runs" didn't improve over my first run let alone my best.

Feeling discouraged, I decided to call it quits on the speed stop and go over and get my car judged for the Engineering & Design portion. However, this gave me a perfect view of the speed stop event and while watching everyone else keep trying and having fun I realized I had to go out and try at least "once more run." It took so long to get through the line at the Engineering & Design I only had enough time for my one more run so this time it was for reel... sort of. After being told it was my last run the timing lights didn't trip so I got another shot at it. Bam! I was able to drop my time almost half a second. The effort to try one more time paid off as that better time was the difference between placing 8th and placing 4th in my class for speed stop.

In the afternoon it was time to run the autocross. This time my best run came on 5 of 11 runs so running "one more time" didn't pay off. Normally, I would of run all the auto cross runs they would let me but I was fighting a charging issue. The heat soak my alternator was experiencing at the autocross caused it to stop charging at idle and barely charging at higher RPM's. So I was slowly running my battery down. However my best autocross time was still good enough for 5th in my class for the day.

The end of the competition of the day came and it was time for the road rally. This time, not only would the cars be tested by having to go down the Vegas strip in stop and go traffic where it took 3-6 stop light changes to get through each light and about an hour to go a handful of miles but the entire 35 mile route we got varying amounts of rain. Again I was thankful for having working windshield wipers. Some great pics came out of the cruise though!

In addition to the pics Jason shared above the following two are my favorites. I take partial credit for being the vehicle these pictures were taken from... ha.

Maier's Mustang. I can't imagine how much his clutch sucked to drive on the Vegas strip...
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3327_zpsgafslziu.jpg

Cheryll's Nova:
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae297/TotalCostInvolved/2015%20USCA%20Vegas/IMG_3328_zpsrchbtw6h.jpg

As you can see we had legit rain to contend with.

After returning to the track we learned the Holly party was cancelled due to the rain and I returned to the hotel with a mission. Reverting my tune back to the original Mast tune. After fighting the software for 2 hours I got it working on my wifes laptop and it took about 5 minutes to do in the car and Bam the camaro sudenly was fun to drive again! It started right up Sunday morning after sitting outside overnight and I could actually accelerate from a stop like a street car rather than race car. Yes!! I'm sticking with the no tools theory in that the computer doesn't count lol.

I will try and recap Sunday and post up the video I took from each of the events soon.

Chad-1stGen

04-28-2015, 03:19 PM

Chad, Congrats on the win and even more props on driving the car out to the event and back!! Looks like you have your car dialed in:thumbsup:

Thanks Efrain! As I will share in my Sunday recap the car still needs some work to be dialed in. Hint: I had warning from my previous track days and should of prioritized the changes/upgrades...

Well how much fun was that!!!

Oh yeah -- he's hooked!!

Ha ha Greg. Certainly this helped top off my addiction!

Congrats Chad. Cool pic of the car in front of New York on the strip.

Yeah that is one of my favorite pics to come from the weekend. I had Jason from TCI ride along with me during the road rally and he was crazy enough to jump out at the lights to get some cool shots standing in the street, including this one.

glassman

04-28-2015, 08:54 PM

Great shots Chad!! Also, great job out there, your cars certainly getting well sorted....

DavidBoren

04-29-2015, 07:48 AM

By the time you are done, you will have found every local shop NOT to go to... PVC, Mast motors, Wiener Tunes... hopefully you can find someone competent to iron out the tune.

Glad to see you are getting to drive it and enjoy it despite all the setbacks. Sweet car, man. Keep it up.

04-29-2015, 09:17 AM

Chad,
Congrats.

Are you going to paint the spoiler?

waynieZ

04-29-2015, 05:32 PM

Sweet Chad.

Chad-1stGen

04-29-2015, 08:31 PM

Great shots Chad!! Also, great job out there, your cars certainly getting well sorted....

Thanks! I'm trying. I've still got some work to do.

By the time you are done, you will have found every local shop NOT to go to... PVC, Mast motors, Wiener Tunes... hopefully you can find someone competent to iron out the tune.

Glad to see you are getting to drive it and enjoy it despite all the setbacks. Sweet car, man. Keep it up.

Thanks. To be fair Westech was willing to revise their tune but I never made it back to their shop.

Chad,
Congrats.

Are you going to paint the spoiler?

Yeah my plan all along has been to pain it black like an OEM spoiler. Thought the current color has grown on me a little bit.

Sweet Chad.

Thanks!

Chad-1stGen

05-01-2015, 09:36 AM

Sunday recap:

Sunday is when they run the road course. It is organized and run a lot like a typical track day for anyone that has been to one of those. The group was split up into three classes, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each group would get 5 approximately 20 minute sessions on the track so tons of seat time!

the difference in the run groups were:
Beginner - no passing at all, I believe less strict on safety gear
Intermediate - passing on straights with point by only
Advanced - open passing on the straights.

I ran in the intermediate group.

The course we ran was the LVMS outside road course. I guess it is named that way because the course it outside and next to the big Nascar oval. Its a fun track but much harder on brakes than most of the socal tracks I've run and that came to haunt me. Just based on the parade laps I knew this course was going to be tough on brakes. In my first session out I didn't push that hard but still got some brake fade. Subsequent sessions got worse until my third session where I tried to push on the car I boiled the fluid and by the time I got off the track I had no brakes at all. The consequences of my brake problems meant I had to brake much earlier than I should of had to and a super inconsistent pedal making toe heel braking extremely difficult for me. I was pitting with the Wilwood guys and was taking some flak for not using a more aggressive pad compound on this track.

I sat out my 4th session figuring I was done for the day but then "one ore time" syndrome started and I decided that on my 5th and last session I would try and get near the back of the lineup and just go run some laps for fun. Which is exactly what I did. I decided not to even try and toe heel shift and to just focus on the braking in a safe and controlled manner. I got 3 laps in before I boiled the brake fluid again but I was having a lot more fun as I had taken the pressure off myself. Funny enough I ran my best time of the day in those three laps too.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/optima%20road%20course_zpslscqbrh3.jpg

After pulling into the pits and letting the car cool off it was time to pack up for the long drive home.

I'm super glad I stuck around for the awards ceremony as I won the first timer award. They give this award out to the new driver at Optima that scores the most points. Now technically I scored the second most points of new drivers but since the guy that scored more than me also won his class I got the first timer award. I'm still stoked with the award as there were other newbies there.

One of the coolest things about Optima is that after the finish the award ceremony the post all the results for the weekend. Literally walking back into the pits you can go online and see all your lap times, points scored, etc. It was an even bigger surprise when I went online on my phone and saw I came in 4th in the GTV class. I'm pretty damn proud of this accomplishment.

Finally, I picked up my wife who was working all weekend in Vegas and started the long drive home. Sunday night drive from Vegas to Socal sucks but we got to watch the sun set over the desert which was picturesque.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/drive%20home_zpswcmsl3zi.jpg

Chad-1stGen

05-01-2015, 10:05 AM

And here is video of my fastest runs for each of the three events.

YzDZ_CC0LCA

Tomswheels

05-01-2015, 10:19 AM

Awesome Chad, sounds like one of the best ways possible to spend a weekend in Vegas!

GregWeld

05-02-2015, 07:11 AM

I sat out my 4th session figuring I was done for the day but then "one ore time" syndrome started and I decided that on my 5th and last session I would try and get near the back of the lineup and just go run some laps for fun. Which is exactly what I did. I decided not to even try and toe heel shift and to just focus on the braking in a safe and controlled manner. I got 3 laps in before I boiled the brake fluid again but I was having a lot more fun as I had taken the pressure off myself. Funny enough I ran my best time of the day in those three laps too.

The "pros" will all tell you "slow is fast"...... You're more relaxed - you're not sawing the wheel - stabbing the gas then slamming on the brakes.... so the average speed carried ramps up. You watch Hobaugh run an auto cross and you'd swear he's the slowest guy out there... til they post his time.

Not saying I can do this or drive like this - just relating what I hear and see all the time.

Glad you had a great time. Those that HAVE NOT gone to one of these events are really losing out.

slow4dr

05-04-2015, 02:30 PM

More Autocross footage

VPFxrUve7lQ

Flash68

05-04-2015, 04:42 PM

The "pros" will all tell you "slow is fast"......

Not ALL... watch Popp or Maier sometime -- I know you have -- I am just saying... HAIR ON FIRE FTW! :D

:rockin:

Chad-1stGen

05-04-2015, 09:05 PM

So I finally made it out to an SCCA autocross this past Sunday. The San Diego Region gets a great turn out for the CAM class and are a great group of folks that I've seen around at some of the other SoCal events. They took me in and showed me the ropes of getting signed in and working a run session. Also, a great turn out on Sunday with 11 folks driving in the CAM class.

I don't know if all of the SCCA courses are this big but I was stoked to see how big the course was when I showed up. Also, it was cool that for the SDR guys when they get to use the west lot at Qualcomm there is a decent amount of rolling elevation changes that makes for some fun on and off camber turns. The only draw back to this location is the pavement there is way slippery. The slipperiest surface I've driven at an event. According to my GPS the course was .7 miles long. This compares to the Hotchkis Fontana event at .4 and GoodGuys Del Mar at .5.

Some pics of the SD CAM guys.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/cam%20pic%202_zpstdh8evv2.jpg

I still have all the Optima stickers on and my temporary SCCA number and info.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/cam%20pic_zpsweqebxlj.jpg

Lined up for our session
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/cam%20lined%20up_zpsttvadshm.jpg

This pic is horrible but at least shows the lot. If you look at the light posts way in the back left, the course goes back there.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/01EC96D4-D17D-4FD3-8B40-7037C4C78BDA_zpstup9kz8t.jpg

You only get 4 timed runs that count so I kicked off my first run by spinning at the finish. Did I mention this surface was slippery? This is one of the only times I've run the car that I didn't once have to worry about push and was chasing rear traction that whole time.

Here is the video of my spin and my last and best run. I came in 4th in the CAMT class.
Db7nGZwLGeg

Flash68

05-04-2015, 09:39 PM

Chad, you really get around these days. :D

I dig that spoiler as is... I say leave it. It'll disappear and blend in to the background if you paint it black.

GregWeld

05-04-2015, 10:06 PM

Not ALL... watch Popp or Maier sometime -- I know you have -- I am just saying... HAIR ON FIRE FTW! :D

:rockin:

When you have their seat time - and their skills -- then you can drive like that.... very few can do that.

Chad-1stGen

05-04-2015, 10:06 PM

Chad, you really get around these days. :D

I dig that spoiler as is... I say leave it. It'll disappear and blend in to the background if you paint it black.

Haha thanks Dave! I'm trying to get to as many events as I can. I penciled in Streets of Willow 5/9 but it looks like I'm not going to be able to get my brakes sorted before then. I know I don't have to tell you but man driving it is sure a lot more fun that working on it!!

The spoiler has definitely grown on me and does help the car stand out from every other red first gen Camaro out there. I'm still not sure if I will leave it or paint it black. Though I refer you to my comment about driving it instead of working on it... it may be a while before I paint it :D Been thinking about adding some black vinyl sticker "war stripes" on the front fenders to help distinguish the car more too, which if I did that I would for sure paint the spoiler black. Tired of everyone asking me if I'm driving Sal's car from TCI ha ha

Chad-1stGen

06-01-2015, 10:41 PM

I have a few updates on the car.

I finally got the manual brake upgrade completed and replaced my brake pads after toasting them in Vegas at the Optima Challenge. The brake effort is only slightly more on the street but the effort is actually less at threshold braking and now hopefully more consistent than my intermittent assist I got before from my low vacuum motor. Also, installed a new bracket that Currie makes for their rear end to help reduce pad knock back when on the road course.

New master cylinder set up sure looks a lot better than the old one.
https://scontent-lax1-1.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11353039_706579632821080_679857827_n.jpg

The car became drivable again on Saturday so I headed straight to San Diego for the SCCA autocross the next day on Sunday. What better way to test out my new brakes! Both times I've gone, the courses they have at Qualcom for the SDR SCCA are the funnest autocross courses i have done. They are really big and nice and spread out.

Shot of the pits. There were 19 competitors between the three CAM classes.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/88/79/19108897.jpg

I had a very fun and successful outing and won the CAM T class!! Very excited about that.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/88/89/19108898.jpg

Any most of my winning run. Had some trouble with my phone so it cut off part of my run. My best time was 58.8 as seen in the above pic.

Ch2WkVcA96U

Vince@Meanstreets

06-01-2015, 11:32 PM

Nice work Chad!!! Talk about hitting it running.

Looks great with the silver front spoiler too.

Chad-1stGen

06-02-2015, 09:02 AM

Nice work Chad!!! Talk about hitting it running.

Looks great with the silver front spoiler too.

Thanks Vince! It was a fun day. The silver color has grown on me. Will probably leave it like that for a least a little while.

I've been thinking about painting it black and adding some black war stripes / fender stripes to the front quarter. It gets old having everyone think this is Sal's TCI car :)

Flash68

06-02-2015, 09:04 AM

Thanks Vince! It was a fun day. The silver color has grown on me. Will probably leave it like that for a least a little while.

I've been thinking about painting it black and adding some black war stripes / fender stripes to the front quarter. It gets old having everyone think this is Sal's TCI car :)

Then tell Sal to paint his. :D

Congrats on the WIN Chad! :thumbsup:

06-02-2015, 09:07 PM

Chad,

Congrats on the win.

How was the knock back on the rear after you installed the part from currie?

Any issues with spindle flex/bearings on the front?

Do you know the width of your rear end?

Tomswheels

06-02-2015, 10:14 PM

Well deserved win Chad!

Chad-1stGen

06-03-2015, 09:15 AM

Then tell Sal to paint his. :D

Congrats on the WIN Chad! :thumbsup:

Thanks Dave. Any updates on your Camaro or did you buy that Mustang by chance? :twak:

Chad,

Congrats on the win.

How was the knock back on the rear after you installed the part from currie?

Any issues with spindle flex/bearings on the front?

Do you know the width of your rear end?

Thanks! I never had pad knock back on the autocross nor most of the turns on a road course. The primary situation where I experienced it was when I had two road course turns 1+g's back to back in opposite directions where I didn't need to break between them. Small quick autocross turns don't do it and single direction road course turns no matter how long or high of G's didn't do it.

Also, I actually had some work done on the spider gears to axle fit as well which may be an even bigger factor in the pad knock back as it was allowing the inner axle ends to move up and down.

As far as I know I didn't have any knockback caused by spindle flex. though I have also had a preload spacer on the spindle bearings since day 1 which is supposed to help. But I'm not expert at this stuff either. I will be sure to post an update the next time I make it to a track where I saw some knockback previously.

Well deserved win Chad!

Thanks Tom!! As the guy who had the increasingly larger target on his back thanks for keeping it real and fun.

Chad-1stGen

06-06-2015, 08:45 PM

Who says lightning can't strike twice?

Another win today at the Fontana Hotchkis autocross!

SJTJJWO1vas

GregWeld

06-07-2015, 07:07 AM

Way to go Chad!!!

BTW -- Being mistaken as Sals car.... isn't all bad -- he's one hell of a nice guy and can drive too! So good company to keep.

WSSix

06-07-2015, 07:26 PM

Congrats on the win!

Scott Haggai

06-08-2015, 05:56 PM

sweet build!

Chad-1stGen

06-09-2015, 11:26 AM

Way to go Chad!!!

BTW -- Being mistaken as Sals car.... isn't all bad -- he's one hell of a nice guy and can drive too! So good company to keep.

Very true Greg! Sal really is a great guy and has continued to provide great service after the sale. A lot of my recent success with the car on the track has been from great advice from him. It really helps when a company like TCI has figured it all out already and can provide a detailed road map for your own build and wants you as the customer to be able to beat them.

Congrats on the win!

Thanks!! It was a great weekend. I didn't win Sunday (came in 2nd) but I had just as much fun thanks to all the great people that participate in these events. The camaraderie and good natured bench racing / smack talk is great. Also, while I'm competitive the most satisfying day on track is when your own times get better throughout the day. Sunday I ran my quickest time on my very last run so I was stoked.

sweet build!

Thanks Scott. It sure has been a lot of fun driving it now instead of trying to build it :)

Chad-1stGen

06-09-2015, 11:37 AM

I finally completed step 1 of some long coming safety upgrades planned for the car!

For several months I have been looking at fixed back seats and sitting in as many models as I can. After a lot of deliberation I decided not to go with an aluminum seat and instead do a fiberglass FIA rated seat. The comfort difference was simply to great for me to ignore.

I'm a taller guy at 6'3" with a taller torso so I struggled to find a seat that really fits me. A lot of the seats marketed for taller people move the shoulder harness slots higher in the seat but didn't make the seat back itself much taller and often the shoulder wings / bolsters would come out at my armpit and not touch my shoulder at all.

It was amazing to me to look at the difference in height measurements between a reclining seat and a fixed back seat as the same manufactures really shrink the fixed back seat down comparatively.

For me personally I found the Sparco Evo II to be the best fit. The shoulder wing mounts were higher than any other brand seat I was able to either sit in or find accurate measurements for online. Their Ergo L model is even higher but I didn't like the look of that seat and it was a little too wide. The problem is that due to the port strike Sparco has been out of stock on this seat for months! I finally found a 1 year old authentic model for sale locally and bought it and installed it.

The seat:
http://www.sparcousa.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_full/products/EVO%20II%202012%20GRP%20NR.jpg

The mounting setup I used. I may make a 2nd mount setup without the sliders for hardcore track days to increase safety and headroom. However, I decided that for now I wanted to keep a slider so that my wife can drive the car as well as preserve the option to get fast drivers to drive the car and provide feedback.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/59/39/19109593.JPG

And the seat installed in the car.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/59/49/19109594.JPG

This past weekend's Hotchkis autocross event at Fontana was my first chance to try the seat out. It really does help you drive better to not be using the steering wheel as a handle and getting pushed around in the car.

Now I can finally pursue getting rollover protection built as we will know exactly where my head is in the car. Then it will be time for 5 point belts.

garret805

06-09-2015, 12:43 PM

And here is video of my fastest runs for each of the three events.

YzDZ_CC0LCA

Sounds damn good.

06-23-2015, 12:49 PM

Chad ,

Do you have any pics of how your exhaust was installed? Especially the rear...

Chad-1stGen

06-24-2015, 04:58 PM

Chad ,

Do you have any pics of how your exhaust was installed? Especially the rear...

Hi Jr.

The closest thing I can find right now is this pic.

https://igcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t51.2885-15/10499167_726707310725731_1038748464_n.jpg

If you need to see something else, let me know.

EDIT: It BARELY fits in the rear with 3" tailpipes.

jlwdvm

06-24-2015, 06:18 PM

Are you running a baffled oil pan, accusump,etc with your LS? Are you having any oil pressure problems at the track?

Chad-1stGen

06-24-2015, 09:19 PM

Are you running a baffled oil pan, accusump,etc with your LS? Are you having any oil pressure problems at the track?

I'm running an autokraft oil pan which has 4 trap doors rather than just baffles, the windage tray that comes with the GM hot rod pan and a large oil cooler which also added a little more than a quart of additional capacity.

So far I've had no serious oil control problems. I say that based on never seeing the oil pressure gauge drop in a turn on track though to be fair my attention is usually elsewhere. But I also take a lot of comfort in the fact I've also never had a low oil pressure code. My Mast M90 ECU will trigger a code if the oil pressure drops below 15 or 12 PSI (can't recall the exact number) so I know for sure I've never had a total loss of pressure from cornering.

I'm still considering an accusump though.

jlwdvm

06-25-2015, 08:02 AM

Chad-1stGen

06-25-2015, 08:43 AM

It had been a while since I went through your thread, but I seen that you were using an aftermarket pan. I have a Texas Speed 570 hp LS3 in my 69 firebird with the Holley 302 pan. I got my hands on their new trap door pan insert that I will be installing after I drop the sub and pull the motor....I haven't fired the motor yet. I also have an Accusump 3qt to plumb in. I will be using my car similar to what you are doing.

Sounds like a good plan. I saw the improved racing insert recently and that is a great alternative to buying a whole new pan. I haven't seen the Holley one but if its similar it should work great.

If you are going to be doing track days with 20 minute road course sessions I would recommend an oil cooler. Even 10 minutes on a road course heats my oil up a LOT. At minimum get an oil temp gauge and get one that goes higher than 250* (280* minimum) so you can see what is happening.

jlwdvm

06-25-2015, 09:21 AM

cwylie

06-25-2015, 09:23 AM

Custom built exhaust I assume?

Chad-1stGen

06-25-2015, 02:41 PM

I thought Improved Racing is who came up with the pan insert for the 302 pan, but it is sent in Holley packaging. I have a C&R rad with built in oil and power steering coolers. I went with an Improved Racing thermostat that bolts up to the pan. I will be keeping tabs on the motor with a Racepak dash with warning lights.

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/102040-1969-Firebird-TA-clone-track-car-build

Sounds like some great parts! I will have to check out that thread at home as PT.com is blocked for me at work.

Custom built exhaust I assume?

Yes that is a custom built exhaust.

06-25-2015, 08:28 PM

That pic works. Do you have no room for an x pipe?

Thank you

Chad-1stGen

06-25-2015, 09:51 PM

That pic works. Do you have no room for an x pipe?

Thank you

There is room for an X pipe, I didn't know to ask for one when my exhaust was done. You can't follow the exhaust cut out pattern on the 2nd cross member but the headers and mufflers might still hang lower than the pipe would in that spot even if it dropped a little bit.

The TCI test Camaro switched to an X pipe. Check out the pics in post 12 here:
http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/96597-TCI-Engineering-s-68-Camaro

Chad-1stGen

07-13-2015, 10:26 AM

Had some more fun at the SCCA El Toro autocross this past weekend. It was the longest autocross course I have run and a total blast. I will be hitting up these El Toro events whenever possible now. I'm a believer! Next time I just need to buy some x-runs in advance.

HHdKg4Pq83U

We had a decent turnout with two folks coming up from San Diego and a few other local Camaros showing up. Thought it appears most people made the long trek up to Camarillo.

Ron in SoCal

07-13-2015, 11:30 AM

Car looks great Chad! Camarillo had alot of 5th Gens and Mustangs on Sunday due to the Pony Car challenge and I would bet those guys run SCCA normally. Not a lot of old iron this week, three total I think. Sat was the a Corvette day and pretty big turnout I'm told.

Flash68

07-13-2015, 03:37 PM

Nice car Chad

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/68AD71D0-50F5-4A40-8F55-E4141F59A38A_zpslr6tzrpx.jpg (http://s236.photobucket.com/user/flash68/media/68AD71D0-50F5-4A40-8F55-E4141F59A38A_zpslr6tzrpx.jpg.html)

Chad-1stGen

07-19-2015, 08:01 PM

Well yesterday was an interesting day. I'm not sure if this is a track day report or a weather report...

Anyhow after a little over a 4 year absence I got to return and run the full Streets of Willow Springs (SOWS) course in counter clockwise direction (CCW). I last ran this course in May 2011 with Dave of Badmotofinger fame.

The great thing about running at Willow Springs is that I don't have to stay in a hotel. However, the bad thing is that I have to get on the road by 5:30am... It was a beautiful morning though.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3826_zps4k6rfve8.jpg

After driving over 100 miles I arrived at the track. I still get major jitters or what some call butterflies in the stomache when standing around the morning of a track day before I can get on track. When checking in they asked me what run group I wanted to which I say intermediate. Now extreme speed has gold for intermediate / advanced and green for intermediate / beginner. I'm thinking i haven't been on this track in 4+ years so I don't want to hold anyone up so when they put me in green I don't sweat it.

I had invited everyone local I knew on facebook but didn't give much notice. Maybe people knew about the weather to come but nobody else showed. I always get a kick out of being the only old car around. This day there were only two American cars older than the mid 90's there. An 88-92 Mustang and myself.

Well my first session out was good for a major ego boost as I passed everything on the track in the green group and still managed to run a 1:29 second lap time which beat my previous best of 1:31 from 4 years ago. I think the next fastest car in green ran a 1:35. The Camaro impressed a lot of folks there that day and usually whenever I was near the car people came up and asked me questions about it or commented on how surprised they were at the lap times I was turning. A lot of track day drivers aren't familiar with protouring so they assume an old car like ours are just going to get annihilated. Of course outside of Optima and the American Street Car series most pro touring cars don't get run on the road course much.

I come back into the pits and let the car cool off. What a beautiful day!
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3828_zpsdfj7t4g7.jpg

As I'm waiting around after session 1 I see on facebook both Steve Rupp and Greg Blundell mention crazy storms. huh. I shrug it off and get bumped to the Gold run group for session 2.

I run my best lap of the day in session 2 with a 1:28 second lap time. I'm still passing a lot of the cars in my run group. After checking transponder times I see that I'm the 4th fastest car of the day. I review the video on my phone and notice that I'm still braking way way too early on both straight aways on track.

In between session 2 and 3 some rain comes in. It's big drops but not too hard and my phone says it will clear up by 2pm so I decide to just wait it out. Becausestreetcar right?
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3835_zpsaxwtl3tk.jpg

Right before session 2 I noticed that Darren Friedman of Camarillo autocross fame is at the track with his C7 z06. I had introduced myself after session 2 and then after the rain really started coming down he offered the hospitality of his trailer where I promptly stored my stuff and myself for the next 6 hours waiting for the rain to break.

Darren's vette. Oh look the rain is ttarting to come down harder...
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3837_zpsdovw3quu.jpg
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3840_zps1sfqz1ni.jpg

What the hell. Don't those clouds realize this is Southern California in the desert... in JULY?!?
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3842_zpservr5yvo.jpg

I did try going back out on track a third time during what appeared to be a lull in the storm. I didn't last the full session before pulling off. Driving a 68 Camaro on the track is awesome. Driving it in the rain with maniacs spinning out left and right and my own car trying to wag its tail anytime I think about the gas pedal was too much for me.

The best part about getting to run SOWS CCW was the ability to compare v2.0 of my car to v3.0. This is because SOWS is considered a small car track where handling is >>> than horsepower. The track is a little over 1.5 miles long and has 12 turns. Given that v3.0 has about 150 ft tq and 225 more hp to the wheels SOWS would remove a lot of the hp advantage (not all) and focus more on the suspension.
Some data. The lateral acceleration are the jutting marks to the side of the track (yellow 0.8+ g's, red 1.0+ g's) while the green and red track line represents lineal acceleration (green = accel, red decel).

v2.0
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/google%20earth%20data%20overlay%205-15-11_zpsxtdz8j8o.png

v3.0
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/Google%20earth%20data%20overlay%20best%20lap%207-18-15_zpsflqahxlv.png

A 3.5 second improvement in lap time may not seem like much but I didn't even get to run the whole day. With the whole day I could of easily dropped another second off, maybe more. I left a lot of time with my super large braking zones. I put a comparison video together of my best lap with v2.0 and v3.0 and its amazing how hard I was working driving v2.0 compared to how easy it looks to drive v3.0.

owXgxIkdg7A

Chad-1stGen

07-19-2015, 09:11 PM

Full video of my 2nd session.

Ry8JnqTHHi8

Flash68

07-20-2015, 01:03 AM

Chad you were gonna shave more seconds off that time no doubt!

How is it running with Extreme Speed these days? Same/different compared to previously?

GregWeld

07-20-2015, 06:35 AM

What a great writeup!!

I used to get the willies before a track day weekend -- not anymore. I think this just takes some time to shake off as you gain confidence in yourself, and your car. I also think this stems from not wanting to "embarrass" yourself... Which - if you go with the attitude of "this is not a race - this is just for fun"... then you can overcome that feeling as well. I'm lucky that for the last year + - I've had Ron Sutton in my pit - and he calms you down - reminds you that you need to start out slowly - relearn the track - relearn yourself - be nice to the tires - warm everything up (including yourself) etc... and that's a great way to just have a fantastic weekend of driving. I also think it helps to be surrounded by friends that are there to help you, and give you plenty of crap. That way you're too busy defending yourself to be thinking about being nervous.

Ron in SoCal

07-20-2015, 09:14 AM

Nice Chad! Sorry I couldn't join, but really with the weather I'm not sorry, lol.

Keeping up with Darren is no easy feat :thumbsup:

Flash68

07-20-2015, 09:59 AM

I also think it helps to be surrounded by friends that are there to help you, and give you plenty of crap. That way you're too busy defending yourself to be thinking about being nervous.

Ha, ain't that the truth!

Chad-1stGen

07-20-2015, 10:06 AM

Chad you were gonna shave more seconds off that time no doubt!

How is it running with Extreme Speed these days? Same/different compared to previously?

Thanks Dave. Extreme Speed feels about the same to me. Pretty low key operation. Not a Swiss clock or anything but cheap and effective track time. They are trying to do more special event type track days with various series such as the redline time attack or last weekend's "twilight" event (they had a 2nd track day running from 4:30pm to midnight. I saw some dude's video... F*ck that!! Driving at night on a race track in the pouring rain?!? They clearly didn't love their car ha ha.

What a great writeup!!

I used to get the willies before a track day weekend -- not anymore. I think this just takes some time to shake off as you gain confidence in yourself, and your car. I also think this stems from not wanting to "embarrass" yourself... Which - if you go with the attitude of "this is not a race - this is just for fun"... then you can overcome that feeling as well. I'm lucky that for the last year + - I've had Ron Sutton in my pit - and he calms you down - reminds you that you need to start out slowly - relearn the track - relearn yourself - be nice to the tires - warm everything up (including yourself) etc... and that's a great way to just have a fantastic weekend of driving. I also think it helps to be surrounded by friends that are there to help you, and give you plenty of crap. That way you're too busy defending yourself to be thinking about being nervous.

Thanks Greg. I think the biggest thing for me is confidence in the car followed by myself. Once I run the first session, the nerves are gone the rest of the day. But before that first session I'm thinking of all these things that could go wrong and not at all focused on the fun part. I quickly reach equilibrium after that first session :)

It definitely makes for a more fun time when friends are with you on a track day. I don't think their is a contingent of regular protouring types that run track days in SoCal but I will keep sending out invites!

Nice Chad! Sorry I couldn't join, but really with the weather I'm not sorry, lol.

Keeping up with Darren is no easy feat :thumbsup:

No kidding Ron. Efrain was going to try and make it at the last minute but had to bow out. You guys all dodged a bullet this weekend. I do not want my car in the rain ever. However, I'm not afraid of a little rain but even I wonder if yesterday was really worth it with how much rain the car saw. I learned that I need to reseal my kick panels, especially on the drivers side. I also forgot to to switch to the waterproof back door on one of my gopros. I thought the camera was toast but after I removed the battery and memory card and let it dry out it worked when I put it back together.

I can't wait for another event!

Chad-1stGen

07-20-2015, 12:20 PM

As Dave told me. Sometimes its best to live to fight another day...

Check out this guy going out in his Miata Saturday driving two laps during some of the heavy downpour.
YhsW5EVskYI
Insane

And then this brass balled nut job doing it at night in the rain Saturday.
jcz_37NZ530
I'd say 40% of the turns on any given lap he is counter steering through some amount of slide.

Flash68

07-20-2015, 12:23 PM

He has a Miata. Therefore nothing to lose. Literally.

Just ask Weld.

CarlC

07-20-2015, 01:16 PM

That's great One Lap practice ;-)

Panteracer

07-20-2015, 01:19 PM

Chad thanks for posting the info.. good info on the track
Sorry to hear the weather messed things up a little
Will try to hit Socal in the future

Good to see your are running the car
like it is suppose to be used...
mine is still a part of the Jackstand racing
team for 3 weeks now.. seems like my
wheels decided to make a side trip somewhere else

Bob

Flash68

07-20-2015, 02:19 PM

That's great One Lap practice ;-)

That would make a very nicely equipped 1 Lap car I would think.

That class needs some more competitors Chad... be the man! :D

Chad-1stGen

07-20-2015, 02:20 PM

He has a Miata. Therefore nothing to lose. Literally.

Just ask Weld.

This is why I need more car storage space! I'd totally buy myself a spec Miata racer!

That's great One Lap practice ;-)

You know as I sat there debating going back on course I thought back to reading about your experiences in the rain this year Carl. I'd love to get some practice in the rain in something other than my precious Camaro. It is really scary. I think I need to get more comfortable counter steering and controlling oversteer at high speeds. Looking at the data the highest lateral g's I pulled in my best wet lap was between 0.85 and 0.9 compared to 1.3 g's in the dry. In fact almost every corner on the track in the dry I pulled at least 1 g if not 1.1 g's. In the wet almost every corner was comfortably below .75 g's :/

Chad thanks for posting the info.. good info on the track
Sorry to hear the weather messed things up a little
Will try to hit Socal in the future

Good to see your are running the car
like it is suppose to be used...
mine is still a part of the Jackstand racing
team for 3 weeks now.. seems like my
wheels decided to make a side trip somewhere else

Bob

Good luck on getting kicked out of the jackstand racing team and finding your wheels :) If you do come to SoCal look me up as I don't need a whole lot of convincing to hit up a track day.

Chad-1stGen

07-20-2015, 02:26 PM

That would make a very nicely equipped 1 Lap car I would think.

That class needs some more competitors Chad... be the man! :D

Dave, I would love to do One Lap of America! I just need a codriver and a low cost way of getting the car to Indiana and back...

I can justify the cost of the event itself but i can't justify the cost it takes to transport the car to and from. Even driving it there and back isn't cheap at 17-20mpg plus hotels etc.

LM7_67

07-21-2015, 05:49 AM

It definitely makes for a more fun time when friends are with you on a track day. I don't think their is a contingent of regular protouring types that run track days in SoCal but I will keep sending out invites!

:hello:

Chad-1stGen

07-21-2015, 09:14 AM

:hello:

ha ha. Alright Tom, you do regular track days but I don't know how often you make it to SoCal? I heard some bridge fell down between SoCal and AZ. You still going to make it out here?

WSSix

07-21-2015, 07:50 PM

Glad to see you guys get some rain, Chad. Really sorry it had to come on your track day though. Good luck and have fun on your future outings!

SSLance

07-22-2015, 08:56 AM

That still sounds like a fun weekend to me Chad, even with the weather.
If I was out there, I'd join you for a track day no question!

I'll autocross in the rain any day, trackday in the rain, that's another issue. I'd probably still go out and run...but I'd be doing it just for fun and practice and I'd be VERY careful... If a lot of traffic or many others driving over their heads, I'd be the first to exit into the pits.

Chad-1stGen

07-22-2015, 01:02 PM

Glad to see you guys get some rain, Chad. Really sorry it had to come on your track day though. Good luck and have fun on your future outings!

Thanks Trey. Its not the end of the world to get rained out and I still had a lot of fun before the rain showed up.

That still sounds like a fun weekend to me Chad, even with the weather.
If I was out there, I'd join you for a track day no question!

I'll autocross in the rain any day, trackday in the rain, that's another issue. I'd probably still go out and run...but I'd be doing it just for fun and practice and I'd be VERY careful... If a lot of traffic or many others driving over their heads, I'd be the first to exit into the pits.

Hey Lance. Yeah I saw your thread about autocrossing in the rain. That was a cool pic! I did go out and put around during a lull but the track was still very wet. Between how lose I was and how fast others were driving (and then spinning out) I was the first to exit to the pits that run group :)

LM7_67

07-23-2015, 06:29 PM

ha ha. Alright Tom, you do regular track days but I don't know how often you make it to SoCal? I heard some bridge fell down between SoCal and AZ. You still going to make it out here?

I probably make it out to cali for 3 - 4 track days/year. Mostly chuckwalla though. The tracks north of LA make for a loooong drive.

Yeah, one of the bridges on I10 right near chuckwalla actually. It'll be fixed long before it cools down enough for me to consider driving out there again.

07-23-2015, 10:12 PM

Chad-1stGen

07-23-2015, 10:47 PM

Chad,
What did tci do to your subframe that enabled you to use your 275/888 upfront?

Anyone buying a new frame won't have to do anything. I have an older version that has the lower control arm slightly further back than the current frame. To compensate TCI made me newer control arms to bring the ball joint forward.

Chad-1stGen

07-27-2015, 09:59 AM

Whew what a great weekend! Lets start with a recap of Saturday.

After the Saturday before when Streets of Willow Springs turned into the Lakes of Willow Springs I felt a little short changed. I really though a 1:27 and maybe even a 1:26 lap time was within reach. So skip forward to Tuesday and Darren (of Speed Limit racing) who had his white C7 Zo6 with Z07 package at the track is making noise about going back the next Saturday with his Cobra. I already had plans with my wife that Saturday and it was going to be a high of 95* but once Darren mentioned he was going to have an air conditioned motor home with him and my understanding wife let me reschedule I was signed up!

Arrived at the track and pitted with Daren. A fully polished all aluminum Cobra getting worked on the track draws a lot of interest! Of course Darren and I are the only classic cars there.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3866_zps6kupgvcz.jpg

The good news is that I did manage to squeak into the 1:27's one a single Lap. It was my 2nd lap of the 2nd run session so about the best conditions for the tires. My phone recorded a 1:27:97 but the official transponder recorded a 1:27:86 which felt better as that was solidly into the 1:27's in my book!

Here is the video from that session. 2nd lap is my fastest. First lap has some passing and later laps have some passing. The temps may have been too hot to really knock some time off (at my skill level) but it was sure fun chasing down other cars on the track. If you compare this to last week you will see several corners where I can't hold the same G's due to the heat. But I went there on a mission to try braking later and harder and it shows on some of my laps I was pulling close to 1g in braking with at least one lap where I saw 1.1g's in braking!
gdgNcauoiUQ

Thanks to being able to hang out in Darren's motor home i was able to survive the heat and run all 5 sessions in the Camaro. There were two negative side effects to hanging out in his motor home though. 1) Watching car movies inbetween run sessions may not be the best motivation when they are movies like Driven where every race includes massive and destructive crashes lol! 2) I didn't notice that the combination of afternoon wind and all of the fine silt in the pits from the flooding the week before combined to create the Sands of Willow Springs instead of Streets...
Check out my passenger seat from sitting in the pits with the windows all down.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3886%20b_zpsuejcmqei.jpg

After the event wound down I was looking up traffic conditions for the 2+ hour drive home. This time I decided to take my neighbor's advice and come home over Angels Crest highway. Man! What a great way to conclude a fantastic track day. ~50 miles of curvey and scenic mountain road and the best part is the first 20 miles I didn't encounter a single car going my direction and in total I was held up by slow traffic a total of maybe 1 mile. It was great. The mountain air was cool and I just cruised at the speed limit of 55 mph rolling through 30-35 mph turns one after another relaxed and feeling like my Camaro was the best car in the world (Sorry Marry P.). It was also a bit of a nostalgia throw back to the monthly "cruise the crest" some of us used to do before the core moved away or took their cars apart.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3872_zpsbpkabjtc.jpg

It was a long and exhausting day but a supremely enjoyable and satisfying day.

6'9"Witha69

07-27-2015, 11:46 AM

Whew what a great weekend! Lets start with a recap of Saturday.

After the Saturday before when Streets of Willow Springs turned into the Lakes of Willow Springs I felt a little short changed. I really though a 1:27 and maybe even a 1:26 lap time was within reach. So skip forward to Tuesday and Darren (of Speed Limit racing) who had his white C7 Zo6 with Z07 package at the track is making noise about going back the next Saturday with his Cobra. I already had plans with my wife that Saturday and it was going to be a high of 95* but once Darren mentioned he was going to have an air conditioned motor home with him and my understanding wife let me reschedule I was signed up!

Arrived at the track and pitted with Daren. A fully polished all aluminum Cobra getting worked on the track draws a lot of interest! Of course Darren and I are the only classic cars there.

The good news is that I did manage to squeak into the 1:27's one a single Lap. It was my 2nd lap of the 2nd run session so about the best conditions for the tires. My phone recorded a 1:27:97 but the official transponder recorded a 1:27:86 which felt better as that was solidly into the 1:27's in my book!

Here is the video from that session. 2nd lap is my fastest. First lap has some passing and later laps have some passing. The temps may have been too hot to really knock some time off (at my skill level) but it was sure fun chasing down other cars on the track. If you compare this to last week you will see several corners where I can't hold the same G's due to the heat. But I went there on a mission to try braking later and harder and it shows on some of my laps I was pulling close to 1g in braking with at least one lap where I saw 1.1g's in braking!

Thanks to being able to hang out in Darren's motor home i was able to survive the heat and run all 5 sessions in the Camaro. There were two negative side effects to hanging out in his motor home though. 1) Watching car movies inbetween run sessions may not be the best motivation when they are movies like Driven where every race includes massive and destructive crashes lol! 2) I didn't notice that the combination of afternoon wind and all of the fine silt in the pits from the flooding the week before combined to create the Sands of Willow Springs instead of Streets...
Check out my passenger seat from sitting in the pits with the windows all down.

After the event wound down I was looking up traffic conditions for the 2+ hour drive home. This time I decided to take my neighbor's advice and come home over Angels Crest highway. Man! What a great way to conclude a fantastic track day. ~50 miles of curvey and scenic mountain road and the best part is the first 20 miles I didn't encounter a single car going my direction and in total I was held up by slow traffic a total of maybe 1 mile. It was great. The mountain air was cool and I just cruised at the speed limit of 55 mph rolling through 30-35 mph turns one after another relaxed and feeling like my Camaro was the best car in the world (Sorry Marry P.). It was also a bit of a nostalgia throw back to the monthly "cruise the crest" some of us used to do before the core moved away or took their cars apart.

It was a long and exhausting day but a supremely enjoyable and satisfying day.

Great to see the progress you've made Chad!

I miss the Cruisin the Crest days. Need to get back out just for the fun!

Chad-1stGen

07-27-2015, 12:12 PM

Great to see the progress you've made Chad!

I miss the Cruisin the Crest days. Need to get back out just for the fun!

Nick! Dude it has been a long time since I've seen you on the forums! Maybe we can resurrect a cruise the crest for old times sake. Carl is still around and might be down. Most the group that we ran regularly with though I haven't seen around anymore. I myself was on hiatus for a few years dealing with the lows of getting my car back on the road.

Panteracer

07-27-2015, 12:37 PM

Chad as always good to see you running the
hell out of the car... seat time is always the best
Seems like you like either raining or hotter than hell:)

Bob

Chad-1stGen

07-27-2015, 01:24 PM

Chad as always good to see you running the
hell out of the car... seat time is always the best
Seems like you like either raining or hotter than hell:)

Bob

Thanks Bob! I sure enjoy running the hell out of the car and it being relatively trouble free since I got back on the road last year.

I'm not sure I like running in the rain or crazy heat as much as willow springs is just out to get me!

Chad-1stGen

07-27-2015, 04:02 PM

Q: How to have fun with your car? A: Drive it!

In addition to the fun track day on Saturday I also took the car autocrossing in San Diego with the SCCA CAM crew on Sunday. As usual the SDR has a good turn out of CAM cars.

Its always great catching up with folks and doing a little bench racing in the pits.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/85/39/19115893.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/85/49/19115894.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/85/59/19115895.jpg

And they always eat well. Richard setting up the BBQ.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/85/69/19115896.jpg

Hot pits at SCCA never looked this good.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/85/79/19115897.jpg

Video of my best run. I wasn't on my best game (came in 2nd) but I was having fun!
y4oTto5h0gM

And the standings at the end of the day. Tom destroyed us this past Sunday. I was still happy with my 2nd place as I ran my best time on my last run which always makes me happy when I'm at an autocross.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0019/85/89/19115898.jpg

It was a great weekend for me and the car. A track day in two back to back weekends as well as two events back to back Sat & Sun. I drove the car over 400 miles attending events this weekend, beat on it so hard on Saturday that it thought it was taking a Sunday drive on the autocross and only pulled out tools once for 5 mins to diagnose a loose fan wire.

glassman

07-27-2015, 04:30 PM

Very nice!!! specially in the summer heat....

Flash68

07-27-2015, 04:58 PM

1:27..... you bastard. :bigun2:

Chad-1stGen

08-02-2015, 07:38 PM

1:27..... you bastard. :bigun2:

LoL. I have a ton more seat time and I still barely beat you when you took your car on the track the first time. Yeah I don't think you have anything to worry about...

Chad-1stGen

08-02-2015, 07:42 PM

Did a little testing today in pursuit of hood vent options...

https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11324959_508983219271038_457370981_n.jpg

Matt@BOS

08-02-2015, 08:02 PM

Chad-1stGen

08-02-2015, 08:17 PM

If you're after additional cooling, hood vents made a very noticeable difference on my car by dropping water temps about 15 degrees. After adding the oil cooler I was able to drop temps another 15 degrees. On a hot day, my car runs about 175 on the freeway and 195-205 on the track.

That is my primary goal, enhanced cooling on the road course. Any aero benefits will be a bonus.

Right now I don't have a problem with coolant temps. Last outing with 95* and sunny day I was seeing a max of 210 coolant. However, I still see high oil temps and I'm hoping better hood venting will help everything all around.

Were those temps the Camaro and adding the Anvil vents? Do you have a hood with undercarriage or just the top layer only?

Vegas69

08-02-2015, 08:20 PM

I'd put them where water won't soak your belt, wiring, headers, etc.. This is a mod I think every performance muscle car could benefit from. New cars evacuate under hood heat much better.

08-02-2015, 08:40 PM

Chad,
Which vents are you looking at...track spec?

Matt@BOS

08-02-2015, 08:58 PM

That is my primary goal, enhanced cooling on the road course. Any aero benefits will be a bonus.

Right now I don't have a problem with coolant temps. Last outing with 95* and sunny day I was seeing a max of 210 coolant. However, I still see high oil temps and I'm hoping better hood venting will help everything all around.

Were those temps the Camaro and adding the Anvil vents? Do you have a hood with undercarriage or just the top layer only?

Here's a shot. It's an AMD aluminum hood, so it still has an under structure that we had to modify a bit.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo103/69MSA/DSC_0755.jpg (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/69MSA/media/DSC_0755.jpg.html)

Just curious, what are your oil temps? Maybe a thermostat that opens sooner, or more oil capacity could help the issue.

SSLance

08-03-2015, 04:44 AM

Sounds like a great couple of weekends with your car Chad, congrats on that. Love seeing you and others out there beating on their cars.

I've seen your friends motorhome in the background of several pics from events out there and lust over it every time. We are still looking at getting something very similar to that at some point. It's nice having a retreat like that in the paddock on a hot day, isn't it?

Chad-1stGen

08-03-2015, 10:07 AM

Chad,
Which vents are you looking at...track spec?

They are currently number 1 on my list, yes. I'm still debating adding them to my current painted steel hood or getting an aftermarket carbon fiber / fiberglass hood. The thing is, that with the aftermarket hoods that are under $1k they all have the same under structure so I don't really gain anything (airflow wise) going aftermarket unless the under structure is modified. Perhaps easier to do with fiberglass.

Here's a shot. It's an AMD aluminum hood, so it still has an under structure that we had to modify a bit.

(removed pic)

Just curious, what are your oil temps? Maybe a thermostat that opens sooner, or more oil capacity could help the issue.

Now that I've have been studying hoods closely I have to say that thing looks awesome! How did you block out the rear cowl induction area of the hood? I'm noticing that even if I block the normal opening for cowl induction in the hood that the hood under structure still leaves a large gap in that spot for air to be pushed into the engine compartment.

I have an improved racing adapter with built in thermostat. It begins opening at 180* and fully opens by 200*. Unlike what I have read and heard about other oil thermostats this thing works really well. No matter how cold out it is I haven't seen oil temps below 195 once everything is warm and heat soaked.

I consistently see over 250* oil temps on a 20 minute road course session. My current oil temp gauge only goes to 250* so I need a new gauge to see just how high it is getting. This motor heats the oil pretty badly compared to others which is why I chased oil pressure issues until adding an oil cooler.

I'm running a 10" x 13" oil cooler which is the biggest I could fit without modifying the core support to ditching a/c. This added about another quart to the system so total capacity is about 6.5-7 quarts.

Sounds like a great couple of weekends with your car Chad, congrats on that. Love seeing you and others out there beating on their cars.

I've seen your friends motorhome in the background of several pics from events out there and lust over it every time. We are still looking at getting something very similar to that at some point. It's nice having a retreat like that in the paddock on a hot day, isn't it?

Thanks Lance! The motor home was pretty amazing! The A/C really made a difference given how hot it was and that the pits normally don't even have shade available. Also, he has a full fridge, freezer, and TV. It rocks.

Chad-1stGen

08-08-2015, 09:19 PM

So as I indicated with my teaser pic the other day I have gotten more interested in hood vents for the cooling and potential handling benefits. I searched extensively on here and pt.com for info and found a lot of people talking about "how" to do the testing but nobody actually sharing their results. I also searched a lot online and found some cool writeups by autospeed.com on tuft testing and pressure testing with a magnehilic gauge.

Tuft testing.
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&title=Aero-Testing-Part-1&A=108656

Pressure testing.
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=111111

So I tackled this myself and am sharing the results with you guys. This is my attempt at comprehensive hood vent testing on a first gen Camaro cowl hood. Doubt my findings would change between a 68 and 69.

First. I did the wool tuft testing shown in this pic. The taped outlines correspond to the holes in the under-structure of the cowl hood.
https://igcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11324959_508983219271038_457370981_n.jpg

Here is the video with speeds up to 70 mph.
kljgwFuQn9I

Based on the wool tuft testing the pressure wave in the cowl area was not as big as I thought it would be. You can see the last row of tufts on the hood itself are starting to deflect. I also taped two extra tufts on the very edge of the cowl portion of the hood and predictably they plus any of the tufts taped to the cowl panel itself are being sucked right into the cowl opening on the hood which is exactly opposite of what you want to happen for cooling or handling performance on a road course.

You can also see that the raise hump on the cowl hood has the smoothest laminar airflow. Based on this test alone it was clear to me that the best location for a hood vent is the cowl hump immediately after the radiator. The problem is that an OEM styled cowl hood doesn't have much of an opening in this area in the under-structure of the hood. The taped outline of the opening in that area is about half in front of the radiator fan opening and half behind. So you can only use half that space which is a tiny area.

I was feeling inspired after reading the autospeed article on using a magnehelic gauge so I ordered one that measured between 0 and 1.0 inch of water.
http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/i1111/111111_16lo.jpg

In hindsight I should of gotten a gauge that went to 2" or more of water. I pegged the gauge in some of my tests. There are areas of the hood with what appears to be significantly greater than 1" of water pressure differential between under the hood and above the hood on a first gen Camaro cowl hood.

I did two types of tests. Test 1) the pressure difference between the top of the hood and the interior of the car with the windows cracked an 1" on either side. Test 2) The pressure difference between the top of the hood and directly opposite underneath the hood.

Here are the readings from test 1 (hood is lower pressure compared to cabin except for position 3).

Position 1.
Reading at 50mph - fluctuated .3 to .4 inches of water
Reading at 70mph - fluctuated .8 to 1+ inches of water. Average of 1.0" I haven't even started measuring underhood pressure differential and am already maxing the 1" gauge.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3920_zpsxaqw5h5y.jpg

The little piece of tape sticking in from the left below the black tubing is where my radiator fan shroud ends.

Position 2.
Reading at 50mph - fluctuated .2 to .4 inches of water. Average 0.3"
Reading at 70mph - fluctuated .4 to .8 inches of water. Average 0.6"
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3921_zpsymbgeryu.jpg

Position 3 (pressures differential reversed and is now higher on hood than cabin).
Reading at 50mph - held fairly steady at .1" I wasn't that interested in this location so I didn't measure at 70mph.
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3922_zpskbzdznm2.jpg

Test 2 with tubing to both sides of the hood.

This is what it looks like in Position 2 (note the openings I've done a tape outline of on the top of the hood).
http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah189/chad-1stgen/IMG_3924_zps1ggaiw1z.jpg

And the Test 2 measurements.

Position 1.
Reading at 50mph - fluctuated .6 to 1.0 inches of water. Average of 1.0"
Reading at 70mph - Pegged the guage. Didn't even wiggle. Because the gauge was pegged I compared to the underhood pressure to the cabin. The hood was fluctuating between 0.4 - 0.8 stayed mostly between 0.6 and 0.7. Adding the above hood pressure in test 1 to this test would be a differential of 1.6-1.7".

Position 2.
Reading at 50mph - fluctuated .4 to .6 with momentary spikes to .8 inches of water. Average of .5+"
Reading at 70mph - fluctuated .9 to 1+ inches of water. Average of 1.0"

The Magnehelic confirmed the instincts I had from the tuft testing. The center of the hood immediately behind the radiator fan shroud (Position 1) is the best place for a vent and significantly better than vents to the side of the cowl hump farther back. BUT this location benefits best from either cutting the understructure of the hood or a high dollar hood with no understructure. However, the side location (Position 2) would still provide excellent venting with 0.5" pressure differential at 50mph which is significant and requires no cutting of the understructure!

For random comparison I took the pressure readings from the front of the A/C condenser and back of the radiator with the car off and fan on (12v instead of 14v) and the radiator fan was pulling 0.36" of water.

Conclusion TL;DR
Position 1 is best but benefits from modified or no understructure.
Position 2 is a great alternative and doesn't require modifying the understructure.
Regardless of which position block off the cowl hood opening and get a super thick cowl to hood seal!

Chad-1stGen

08-08-2015, 09:31 PM

One other random thought or info.

1.0" of water is = to 0.0360911906567 PSI.

A camaro hood is roughly 4' x 4'

Remove 6" for cowl pressure and you have about 2016 square inches.

An average of 0.75 inches of water pressure differential over that surface.

You are looking at about 55 lbs of lift on just the hood. No wonder my hood latch failed with two track days with speeds of 150+ and 130+

If you are able to route a lot more air out the top of the hood rather than under the car then I'm guessing that can result in a downforce change of a lot more than 55 lbs. But that probably requires a lot larger hood vent opening a la one lap camaro.
http://www.themusclecarplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ShipkaCamaro.jpg

CarlC

08-09-2015, 12:49 AM

:thumbsup:

http://imageshack.us/a/img825/7677/honorflightcamarologo.jpg

rallystyle

08-09-2015, 02:17 PM

good to see some pictures of the testing. and the reason i want a flat hood now that the carb is gone. cowl hood is really only good for a carb setup or if you need room in the bay. some like the looks also. looks like what chevy found when the did the areo for the 2014 camaros with the hood vent .
http://mixmotor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2014-Chevrolet-Camaro-016.jpg

z28cp

08-10-2015, 03:35 PM

Remember, the purpose of the cowl hood was to pull fresh air in for the carb.

Payton King

08-11-2015, 06:27 AM

I would be curious about the pressure difference if you vented the side of the fender instead of the top of the hood...like a second gen Trans Am. Seems to me you would be pulling the air that is packing up against the fire wall.

Great work, by the way, thanks for taking the time!

Chad-1stGen

08-11-2015, 11:15 AM

:thumbsup:

Hey Carl, does your hood have any understructure in the area of the vent like a factory cowl?

good to see some pictures of the testing. and the reason i want a flat hood now that the carb is gone. cowl hood is really only good for a carb setup or if you need room in the bay. some like the looks also. looks like what chevy found when the did the areo for the 2014 camaros with the hood vent .
http://mixmotor.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/2014-Chevrolet-Camaro-016.jpg

I like the styling of the cowl hood but the flat is probably easier to build large venting in ala OLAC.

Remember, the purpose of the cowl hood was to pull fresh air in for the carb.

Yup.

I would be curious about the pressure difference if you vented the side of the fender instead of the top of the hood...like a second gen Trans Am. Seems to me you would be pulling the air that is packing up against the fire wall.

Great work, by the way, thanks for taking the time!

Yeah I did some staring at the the side fenders and may do a pressure differential test in that spot for fun though for style purposes I'm not sure I would add any venting. I'm also thinking about doing some tuft or pressure testing around the inner fender openings. My TCI subframe kit came with block off plates to seal the opening from the inner fender to subframe which I never installed. I'm wondering if that section allows high pressure air from the wheel well to enter the engine compartment too.

CarlC

08-11-2015, 08:08 PM

No structure in that area. It a fiberglass part made by JCG.

I too toyed with the idea of fender vents. On a new build perhaps it would be worth it. On some of the Chrysler hemi cars there were top fender vents installed. When tested recently for functionality via the oil drop method, there was zero movement in the drop even at 100+ mph.

Chad-1stGen

10-09-2015, 10:51 AM

Time for an update including an important fundamental understanding of how the factory thermostat works in LS motors.

So I've been chasing an electrolysis issue which wiped out my AFCO radiator. It was still functional but had a pinhole leak that would show up after a track day or other high heat event.

Since I haven't fully cured my electrolysis but wanted a new radiator before this weekend's Optima event I bought the cheapest one I could find. The Griffin 8-00009-LS from Summit.

A couple of notes about the radiator.

Has the 23" core but very narrow tanks so the driver's side mounts in the SBC location
core isn't as centered in the core support openeing as the AFCO was
Claims to use the correct sized inlets & outlets but the lower hose uses a 1.5" outlet where the AFCO used 1.25" I think factory on a lot of LS cars is actually 1.25"
Core is about .5" taller than my old AFCO

The narrower side tanks also caused the outlets to move slightly and required new hoses. After several trips to the auto parts stores I finally found hoses I could cut and make fit without resorting to the universal hoses. I used the following:
Lower - Gates 21585
Upper - Dayco 71576 (length code D)

I also took this opportunity to install the 75-79 Chevy Nova coolant recovery tank in the passenger fender. Learned about this from Vince on this site. The older I get the more I appreciate function over form. I was tired of my billet tank which I could never accurately tell how full it was and it was catch can style rather than recovery. I wanted something I could see the level at a glance. Here is the pic Vince shared. I haven't taken one of my own set up yet but it looks pretty much the same.
http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=52257&stc=1&d=1420520597

So once I got everything mounted I thought I was chasing an air bubble due to low coolant flow at idle. This had happened to me before where at low engine speed the car would run warmer. This is regardless of vehicle speed or the fan being on/off. Rev up the engine and it would cool right down.

Well after lots of research online I stumbled on a bunch of threads at LS1tech.com talking about the need to have coolant flow through the heater hoses because that is how the thermostat senses when to open. Because the LS thermostat is on the lower radiator hose but has the sensing component on the back side of the thermostat it won't open based on the temp of the coolant coming from the radiator. The Factory Thermostat has a "bypass valve" on the back side of it that will allow hot engine coolant to hit the backside of the thermostat when it opens but the reading I've done online says this only opens with 5+ PSI of pressure. This would explain why at idle my car hits 210* and stays there but as soon as I blip the throttle it would drop below 200* fairly quickly. That blip of the throttle is likely opening the bypass valve which allows hot coolant to wash across the back of the thermostat and triggers the thermostat to open more fully.

The bypass valve on the back of the t-stat looks like this:
http://bertok.us/pics/l31marine/3/tstat.jpg

To test this I got the car nice and hot and then switched my heater valve open and within in a few minutes I could notice a huge difference in the behavior of the thermostat. Watching the coolant flow from the upper radiator hose I could see the Thermostat opening at a lower ECT and opening much farther (saw a lot more flow). I could actually see the temps cycle consistently.

Here is a video of the the behavior of temps with the valve open and then the valve closed all at idle with a fully warmed up engine (oil temps over 200* too).
oxg4dICnCwc

Final note. This issue runs 50/50 on LS1tech.com between those who claim you can't block the heater ports and those who have blocked off the heater ports and notice no problems. But if you are ever fighting low engine speed/idle temps this might be one to check out.

glassman

10-09-2015, 05:14 PM

Chad, you doing Fontana?

Chad-1stGen

10-09-2015, 07:57 PM

Chad, you doing Fontana?

Hey Mike. Yes I will be there tomorrow morning! Are you?

Chad-1stGen

10-14-2015, 01:21 PM

Whew what a weekend at the Fontana Auto Club Speedway with the Optima USCA. Man was that ever a hot weekend and car event!!!!!! I drank over 350 liquid ounces of water and Gatorade Sat & Sun and I still lost 7 lbs in those two days and had dehydration related cramping.

However, it was still a fun weekend. No other event that I've been to besides Optima USCA do you see such a wide variety of cars and while it gets increasingly competitive every year its great seeing the camaraderie continue and getting to see some of my fellow competitors and friends.

This was the last Optima USCA event before the invitational at SEMA and the competition in the GTV class was off the hook compared to my previous experience in April in Vegas. I was very happy that in all three driving events I managed my best times in my last runs. Regardless of how I stack up on the scoreboard I always feel much better when I see consistent improvement throughout the day at a driving event. Overall I came in 9th out of 33 GTV competitors which considering the competition is something I pretty happy with.

Getting after it on the autocross (thanks Tim for the pic)!
http://lateral-g.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Optima-Ultimate-Street-Car-Challenge-OUSC-Fontana-2015-Optima-Batteries-500.jpg

And video of my best lap on the road course. I did 5 sessions and it took me many tries to get to this time lol.
aWT26VtZ0oY

Edited to add: I feel like I'm finally starting to get the car and most importantly the driver sorted on the road course. I still have a lot left to learn but this past weekend I probably did more throttle induced oversteer than the rest of my track driving combined and it felt good to predict it, control it, and even prevent it.

Also, great job to Jimi Day and the whole Optima USCA team for another really well run event. I was especially appreciative of the ability to wear shorts on Saturday for the autocross and speed stop and the extension of judging to Sunday.

Also, thanks to TCI Engineering and Wilwood for great hospitality over the weekend.