Chasing the Ghosts of LeMans - Thunder - Project 487 Super Snake

[Ripped]

I just ran across your build...that's a beautiful car you've built.Hope to see it out and about this year,maybe the Friday Night street legals at Mission?


Thanks for your kind comments, Dave

I don't know if I can get out all the way to Mission on a Friday night... maybe.

I have about another few weeks of work on the car, including a rack and pinion set up from TCP

As you know the weather has been not very good up here, so I am hoping that it improves and I get all the last few items done soon :)

[Ripped]

I've been looking at getting a dashcam for my car, Mostly for regular driving. I notice one camera came with a racerender software/app package. Have any of you guys used this for track days etc?

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Back to it tonight. I worked on the passenger door courtesy light. Everything was going good until I decided to take the bulb out and check it out. It was tight to get the bulb out. The glass snapped in my fingertips and then the socket pushed out of the housing. SO much for repro parts! Nicely popped a few blood vessels in my finger tips lol.
SO now I have to get a new bulb, and I didn't finish what I started.

Anyway I was able to fix the passenger mirror and put some loctite on the adjuster screw so it does not rattle and lubed up the passenger side window mechanism.

Over the weekend, I picked up more stuff for vacuum forming my front carbon fibre brake ducts. I hope to do that some time this week. Once I get the door done I guess.

Oh and I checked out the local retailer for the Nitto tires. They have a lot of them in stock locally, so should be no problem, when I am ready to fry the last few millimeters off of the remaining rear tire tread ;)

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I had to revisit the new LED driving lights and turn signals.

One of the driving lights started intermittently flashing once it warmed up. While just asking some questions Gary (the manufacturer of these slick lights) just arranged to send me a replacement pair.

I installed them tonight and they seem to be working perfectly.

I really like the ultra bright LED reverse lights. WHen I am backing in the garage at night, they really light things up.

Sorry for the problems with the pics. I have closed the photobucket account. Maybe if I get time, I will update old pics and posts

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FINALLY, back to work on the 'stang after the endless home reno LOL

It's time for the steering to be upgraded. I opted for the TCP power rack after debating using a manual rack and electric column.

One of the reasons I was considering the electric column was to do away with one belt driven component under the hood. The other was to free up some horsepower.
But after doing the 3" exhaust, I would say that, honestly, I freed up plenty of horsepower. I don't really need anymore ;)

The TCP systems have a reputation for quality. I already have some of their components on the car.

I am looking forward to having the steering tightened up even further.

Messing with steering is always fun and looks like I am going to be playing with removing headers etc, to make room to remove the old system.

More soon

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A successful night, after arguing with the tie rod ends for a couple days. I had to heat the bump-steer studs up red hot with the torch to get them to pop off.

And they did.

So next is removing the headers in order to get the old steering box and idler arm off.

That should take a couple days ;)

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A little more progress on the steering.

Next step is to tilt the engine and remove the drivers side header,the installation process
after that, it should be all back to assembly

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With a break in the festivities of the season, the work continues. Possibly later (next week) I'll be testing.

Things are going pretty smoothly so far after the hard work was done

[WSSix]

Glad to see you making progress. The engraving on the LeMans bar mount is a nice touch.

[Ripped]

Glad to see you making progress. The engraving on the LeMans bar mount is a nice touch.

Thank you. I thought it might be nice to have something there instead of a hole.
I had a third one made, that I think I will incorporate into my next console.

I am trying to complete all my wife's to-do lists now, so I can concentrate on the car lol

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I think everyone is busy like me (at work) as I have not received any replies on my request for a dual sheeve pulley from TCP for the power steering pump.

I am guessing that or they don't make one.

I dreamed up an idler arm pulley bracket, that will be integrated with the pump and not have the fan belt for the a/c compressor hit the convex portion of the p/s pump pulley

Lucky I had some 1/2" aluminum kicking around. It should polish up nice as well.

[Ripped]

Something new in the garage today

[syborg tt]

Well that is nice garage art !!!

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Well that is nice garage art !!!

Ha ha true it is. I don't know which my wife hates worse, the new transmission (art) or the scantily clad women in the photos in the garage ;)

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Bumpsteer time

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This weekend is supposed to be ugly rainy weather. I guess the ideal weekend for setting up the bumpsteer.

Last time I did this with the old steering system, it took about a day and a half a side. I was hoping that it would be faster this time, since I know more, but it looks like that is not so. So far I've worked about 3 hours on it. I think it will be all weekend.

The good thing is, the initial set up looks really good. The toe change has been very small. After playing for a bit, I decided to set up my laser targets a little better. Hope it goes faster.

[Ripped]

I don't know if any one here has experience using an aluminum center section on the street, but I was considering going this route, since I have the six speed in the plans, and am going to be changing ratios.

I just have the standard strength pumpkin right now, nothing special

If it's strong enough it might be a nice way of putting the car on a diet, since the 6-speed is a little heavier than the TKO

https://s3.racingjunk.com/ui/5/50/33082505-873-Moser-95-Ford-Drag-Race-Alum-Center-Se.jpg

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Once I got set up, everything went okay. Faster than I thought. I am better at seeing where the bumpsteer is going and estimating the shims that I need.

The numbers look very good. It should translate into a very driveable car.
After this I will do the toe in and verify the camber and castor (this should not have changed)

My laser targets have a 2" offset, in case someone is wondering where the 2 inches comes from

[preston]

I've been using an aluminum center section for 10 years now. But about every two years I get gear whine and have to replace my gears. There are many things that might be causing this (besides 700+ horsepower and track racing) but I've often wondered if the flex of an aluminum case might have something to do with it. It only saves about 10-12 lbs. Yes I know we sometimes think that is significant, but if I burn another set of gears I'm going back to a nodular case.

So no real evidence but something to think about.

[Ripped]

I've been using an aluminum center section for 10 years now. But about every two years I get gear whine and have to replace my gears. There are many things that might be causing this (besides 700+ horsepower and track racing) but I've often wondered if the flex of an aluminum case might have something to do with it. It only saves about 10-12 lbs. Yes I know we sometimes think that is significant, but if I burn another set of gears I'm going back to a nodular case.

So no real evidence but something to think about.

Thanks Preston, that is very helpful information, and something to consider. Cheers

[GregWeld]

I ran an aluminum Strange in my Nomad for years - LOTS of miles.... never replaced a ring gear or had any issues with it.

Running one in my Old Yellar track only car -- zero issues....

[Ripped]

I ran an aluminum Strange in my Nomad for years - LOTS of miles.... never replaced a ring gear or had any issues with it.

Running one in my Old Yellar track only car -- zero issues....

Hi Greg, I am wondering if there is a difference between the brand name 3rd members, and some of the others?
Definitely reliability is one of my primary considerations
Thanks

[GregWeld]

Hi Greg, I am wondering if there is a difference between the brand name 3rd members, and some of the others?
Definitely reliability is one of my primary considerations
Thanks



Both mine are Strange.... and the only issue I ever had was the pinion seal pushing out of the OY car.... a "positive" pinion seal piece was bolted on and that fixed that issue.


I will say -- unless you're building a "max effort" lightweight car -- there really is zero need to save the 10 #s' unless you're like me and just like this kind of stuff.

[preston]

Mine is Moser. Greg is right the 10# is pointless unless you're chasing the last 0.1 second of laptime. If you could tell the difference in "ride quality" from the lighter axle I'd start checking for peas under the mattress.

Although just for the record - I don't think Greg's Nomad was pushing 700+ hp through 335 tires or saw any significant track time !

[Ripped]

Both mine are Strange.... and the only issue I ever had was the pinion seal pushing out of the OY car.... a "positive" pinion seal piece was bolted on and that fixed that issue.


I will say -- unless you're building a "max effort" lightweight car -- there really is zero need to save the 10 #s' unless you're like me and just like this kind of stuff.

I do like fancy stuff, and the rear of the car does tend to cut loose in the corners, so I am thinking about putting the back end on a little bit of a diet

Mine is Moser. Greg is right the 10# is pointless unless you're chasing the last 0.1 second of laptime. If you could tell the difference in "ride quality" from the lighter axle I'd start checking for peas under the mattress.

Although just for the record - I don't think Greg's Nomad was pushing 700+ hp through 335 tires or saw any significant track time !

I guess that is true enough, although if you are laying under the car on your back, wrestling the 3rd member into the hole, plus getting older like me, then the 10# lighter might just me the cat's ass ;)

[Ripped]

A little more progress on the steering, as I approach completion.
There was a little bit of looseness in the steering, so I took a bit of time to track it down.
I thought initially that it might have been the tilt column, but ended up being a rack adjustment. After reading the TCP adjustment process, I took to adjusting the pinion nut.
It was pretty easy. I just did not want to overdo it, so took it slow.
I think I am within a fraction of where I need to be, and have to say the steering feels absolutely amazing.
I wish that I would have added the TCP rack earlier. Honestly I just did not have it in the budget at the time, doing home renovation instead (LOL)


It's going to be quite a different feeling car when driving this year.

I ordered a kit for the air conditioning hoses, so I can make my own custom length hoses. That should come next week.

Next will be planning for the 6 speed swap. I'll have to redo the console and gauge display, which will be fun.

In a way it's good that the weather is crappy. I don't have to feel rushed. I think the 6 speed swap, other than the redesign of the console should be about the same amount of time to do, as the steering system

[Ripped]

I think I might need a little advise on a couple things.

So with the change to the T56, I am going to need to remodel the trans tunnel, and my floor console.
So the custom floor console that I have has a ton of wiring in it along with gauges. Right now I have multiple connector and plugs to accommodate. I'd like to change that to a larger harness type connector/plug that will cover all the wires. I probably have 30-40 wires going to the console at least.

The second thing, is that I was thinking of changing the head unit. Right now I have an alpine DVD with a pop out screen, and a plug for the Ipod. So maybe time to change that to a bluetooth unit that will link to our phones and it'd also be nice to have a built in backup camera.

Any ideas? (thanks ;) )

[syborg tt]

I think I might need a little advise on a couple things.

So the custom floor console that I have has a ton of wiring in it along with gauges. Right now I have multiple connector and plugs to accommodate. I'd like to change that to a larger harness type connector/plug that will cover all the wires. I probably have 30-40 wires going to the console at least.



Sounds like you need a Cannon Connector and Wire Care is a good source for everything you need wiring. (( www.wirecare.com ))

Cannon Connector Links

www.ittcannon.com

https://www.ittcannon.com/product-families/circular/

As for Radio I really don't use one. I have the Kicker Interface that I can use an iPad or iPhone with it. You could also get the app with the back up camera module that sinks with your phone.

[Ripped]

Sounds like you need a Cannon Connector and Wire Care is a good source for everything you need wiring. (( www.wirecare.com ))

Cannon Connector Links

www.ittcannon.com

https://www.ittcannon.com/product-families/circular/

As for Radio I really don't use one. I have the Kicker Interface that I can use an iPad or iPhone with it. You could also get the app with the back up camera module that sinks with your phone.

Awesome, thanks a lot!

[syborg tt]

Awesome, thanks a lot!

anytime and I am glad I could help

[Ripped]

anytime and I am glad I could help

I appreciate it.

I know it's not high performance related, but I have a/c on my car that was not working for quite a while. since I swapped the engine. I wanted to also relocate the a/c lines a bit.

I picked up my kit today, and got to work. Things went well and I just have to test and fill the system now.

[Ripped]

After driving a little more this weekend, it was apparent that the rack needed a little more tweaking.

I jacked it up tonight after work, and found that the preload on the front wheel bearings was just a little loose. That was a bit of a surprise, so I tightened up that a bit more.

Next was onto the steering rack, and adjusted it a little more.

After taking it for a test drive, I think it is really close now. I might have to adjust the toe in a little. I set it at 1/16 but it feels like it might be at zero.

I also want to review the caster and camber, just in case.

I have a bit of a line leak, that is introducing air into the system, and causing a little bit of steering pump groaning noise. I think I have one tracked down, and will try and see if I can find other possible leak areas tomorrow night

[Ripped]

Set up the car for alignment last night, so it did not take me too long to get started on checking the settings.
The caster and camber were a little different from side to side, plus the TCP alignment specs use a little more aggressive caster with the power rack, than I had before (i think)

I really like the TCP upper control arms for the caster camber adjustment. It's pretty easy once the camber is set to slightly tweak the UCA to get the desired caster

One side done, it will be easy to do the other tomorrow night, then recheck the toe. Hopefully equalizing the two sides and the toe in recheck will make it further refined

[jarhead]

wow Doug, allot of changes since the last time I looked at this, you are really moving along!

Joe

[Ripped]

wow Doug, allot of changes since the last time I looked at this, you are really moving along!

Joe

Thanks Joe

I've been tweaking things a bit over the last few weeks after coming off of the week long flu.

There was some clattering of the 3" exhaust on the chassis over the rear axle, so I did a bit of fitting and clearancing
That worked well. It's still a little noisier that I like (must be getting old) so I am planning on adding some resonator tubes on the tailpipes

I had some more tweaking on the steering to do as well. After centering the rack, the steering wheel itself was not centered. I pulled it off today and rotated it a couple splines, and it's dead center now.
I also found the grant adapter was a little loose for some reason. This added a tiny bit of looseness to the steering. I tightened that up, and the TCP rack steering is feeling really fantastic after a couple quick drives.

I have a little longer drive planned tonight still. Should be good, I think.

The last thing I have to work on, is the fan belt system. I've done the best that I can. It seems like it is just not able to work well under the low speed demands of the steering. I hate the belt groaning, so I am going to get a serpentine system of some sort.

I just have to make certain this fits between the radiator and the fan ;)
Bummer that I have to change the pulley on the KRC pump

[preston]

If its really "groaning" that is almost for sure something in the P/S system, not the belt. IF the belt was mis-aligned or slipping it would be "squealing".

its your car so you know better than me but something to think about. I seem to remember something about theose TCP racks that maybe the servo groans a bit at low speed load but that is a very vague memory. Generally groaning, besides a plain old worn out pump, can be cause by air bubbles getting introduced into the reservoir, but this is usually an issue with aftermarket style tanks with the return hose coming in above the fluid level or similar. But I think you still have a FoMoCo style OEM pump in which case it would just be something worn out maybe. Just a suggestion as belts are not usually described as groaning and you mentinoed it happens under steering load.

[Ripped]

If its really "groaning" that is almost for sure something in the P/S system, not the belt. IF the belt was mis-aligned or slipping it would be "squealing".

its your car so you know better than me but something to think about. I seem to remember something about theose TCP racks that maybe the servo groans a bit at low speed load but that is a very vague memory. Generally groaning, besides a plain old worn out pump, can be cause by air bubbles getting introduced into the reservoir, but this is usually an issue with aftermarket style tanks with the return hose coming in above the fluid level or similar. But I think you still have a FoMoCo style OEM pump in which case it would just be something worn out maybe. Just a suggestion as belts are not usually described as groaning and you mentinoed it happens under steering load.

Thanks for your suggestion, Preston.

I have a vacuum pump for testing for leaks, and although I had a small early leak in the system, I see no more aeration of the fluid. I will have to get someone to spin the wheel for me, so I can observe.
It only happens under low engine rpm under turning and usually when the engine is warmed up.

[Ripped]

Planning on doing a bit more tweaking on the steering system this weekend, since I have some sunny weather.

I think that maybe the power steering fluid is getting aerated as the car drives and gets warmed up (ie does not make any groaning noises when cold) I don't see any foaming in the fluid. One would think if there is any air in the system, the ps pump would make noise constantly cold or warm.

Next I'll be tackling the steering toe adjustment. The rack and pinion system has a really great feel. I think I will revisit the whole spec for the alignment. In particular the toe.
They suggest a neutral toe, for cornering, and toe in for straight line performance. I "feel" a little darty in the corners, so want to check where the toe is once again, now that I've driven for a bit. Recheck all the fasteners.

Then I guess it's almost time for the oil change and transmission change.

Finally the pace a t work is winding down, and I think I'll have the energy at night to do this lol

[frojoe]

This thing is awesome.. I could swear I was subscribed to the thread, but apparently not! Hope to see this thing in person on the streets one day!

Cheers,
Joe

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This thing is awesome.. I could swear I was subscribed to the thread, but apparently not! Hope to see this thing in person on the streets one day!

Cheers,
Joe


Thanks very much for your comments, Joel . It feels like if I can iron out the steering noise issue, quiet down the evil exhaust a little and install the t56, it will be a kind of good looking, semi-refined, and very evil road car lol

I have some work to do this spring though ;)

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For some unknown reason the engine has been rough running the paste 2 weekends. I think it's the carb. maybe needs even a cleaning on the idle circuit. I turned up the idle speed a little bit, but I still think the carb needs cleaning.

The settings seemed to be good last night when I checked.

I just picked up a quick fuel rebuild kit. The sales person was recommending a regulator to keep the fuel pressure a bit lower for the quick fuel carb

So are there any good videos on cleaning a quick-fuel type carb out there?

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I got antsy last night and started taking off the float bowls and metering blocks

I didn't want to disassemble the whole carb.

The idle air mixture screw seals that were on the carb, I'd say were suspect. SO was the power valve gasket.

I replaced the accelerator pump diaphragms, metering block gaskets, power valve gaskets, and IAMS Seals.

After doing all that, I wasn't really sure what to expect, other than say that I was hopeful.

Took it out of the garage and went about setting up the IAMS. After not too long, it was running better, and I kept doing minor adjustments, until I have it pretty good I think.

I want to really tackle the power valve vs the cam I have now, to see if I can knock the surging down a little. I think I might have to look at the vacuum gauge as I am driving, to set it up right

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In an effort to iron out some rough idling issues and better tune the carb, I finally installed the Air Fuel meter that I had ordered a couple of years ago and had sitting in my garage.

I did get the Qickfuel carb to idle and transition better, but I think I have a little more work to do.

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The next task is getting the evil sounding 487 FE to be less deafening while driving. I added resonator tubes to the exhaust a few years ago. Today I found out they are called Helmholtz pipes, or resonators.

I used a 3 bolt style header flange to bolt the resonators on with, so I can change sizes and vary the resonator size and pipes until I get it right. (hopefully I can get it right)

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Finished the resonators tonight. They worked perfectly. The deafening sound inside the car is gone, and the exhaust note on the outside of the car is virtually the same.

Next on the agenda is some revised soundproofing in the doors, then any other suspect areas, like the firewall.

Then I think after that, it's on to the T56 Magnum conversion. I have everything, but I think I am going to pull the trigger on a sequential shifter. More on this in the coming weeks. The transmission and shifter change is a big one, with that work, the overhead and floor console will have to be redesigned.

I am also going to revise the gauges, adding two in the overhead console and changing the gauge layout in the lower console.

Since years ago, when I first did my own custom consoles, I have added carbon fiber skills to the toolkit, so it should be fun, being creative.

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The doors have been completed for soundproofing.

On the drivetrain front, it looks very much like I am ordering a sequential shifter for the T-56 magnum. More on this later, I am hoping to get some custom engraving on the shifter handle as well.

Should be fun and fast shifting ;-)

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Been working on the transmission change over the past couple weeks, much to the chagrin of my wife.

She asked me, when are you going to be finished working on that car?
"Never" lol

Anyway, I picked up the plate for dialing in the bell housing (something a little more difficult on the T56, and I did not want to disassemble the transmission front.)

I am fabricating the transmission mount. This is much more challenging on a lowered car as well. There are a whole bunch of little things that I need to do.

I figured out the ideal gear ratio I wanted was somewhere between a 3.25 and 3.50. Thay make a 3.40 for a ford 9", but I'm not too sure if it is a crazy straight cut gear that is a lot noisier. I don't know if I want to trade engine rpm for a constant gear whine at 80 mph on long highway drives

I have the driveshaft sent out for shortening. I have one set of offset dowels, so if the bell housing is not off by much, hopefully by this upcoming weekend, I'll have it more or less ready to go.

I want to figure out how to wiring up a neutral safety switch for this transmission. Unlike the TKO, it does not have one.

I heard from the sequential shifter manufacturer. Sounds like they are closing in on being finished my custom shifter.

That should be pretty exciting. Once I install that, I plan on completely redoing my earlier iteration of my custom console. Rather than having a shifter boot, I want to design a seal at the floorpan, so I can show off the custom milling and shifter design.

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The Bremer sequential shifter arrived today.
My choice for this shifter was as much to do about the aesthetics as it was the function of the shifter.
The team at Bremer was also able to accommodate my request for custom engraving of the shifter with my lettering.

It will be a few days before the install, maybe longer as I have a few calibration items to do, after changing gear ratios, then configuring the floor console to fit the new shifter.

On unpacking the shifter and giving it the once over, I have to say it is an incredibly designed and machined piece of equipment.
I'd expect that the mechanism and internals are equally precise.
It's really top notch.

I plan to redesign my new console around the shifter itself. It'd be a shame to hide all this great work. I just have to design a seal at the floor pan, that fits the shifter itself.

[waynieZ]

It looks like it''s made for the space shuttle! nice

[Ripped]

It looks like it''s made for the space shuttle! nice

Thanks!

I am upgrading the rear brakes and with the upgrade thinking about changing caliper colours (from the red that's on the car now) to something else. I am considering yellow, gold, blue or a more vivid red, or keep the same red.

Just trying to think of also what will go with the blue, and maybe be a little more unique. One of the colours that I think could look good is gold as well.

Blue kind of blends into the background, and I was thinking of a colour that pops a bit more.

Opinions?

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A little bit of catch up

Changed out the headlights to LED Motorcycle headlights.
This was a lot of work, and involved heavily modifying all 4 headlight buckets.

New Nitto Tires

New Electric Estopp parking brake, and a lot of heat shielding

(oh yeah, and I went through the thread and re-uploaded a lot of the old previously photobucket pictures that were deleted when the account was closed and photobucket did their thing a while ago)

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The starter would not engage last night when I went to do my Friday workout.

Got a tow-start from the tow truck driver (thank goodness for a stickshift) and drove it home

I thought it might be the solenoid, but the wire just came off. I guess the heat cycles and soforth had weakened the push-on connector. It was really not gripping.

I took it off and used an eye terminal and the screw fastener, on the starter.
I don't want to risk having that fall off again. The car is way to low to want to crawl underneath at night somewhere (lol)

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Picked up the rear brake kit today, hope to get it underway sometime next week

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Lil bit bigger brakes

[jarhead]

Lil bit bigger brakes



Nice difference [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Nice difference [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks a lot. I am looking forward to a little bit better parking brake set up and hold as well.

I think that the braking upgrade I did previously was some of the best money I ever spent. It just gives a measure of confidence driving in traffic and on the highway, knowing you can stop, feeling that modulation and knowing you have extra braking capacity when needed.

Last night, after getting the OK from Baer, I had to drill the lug nut holes a tiny bit larger to clear the shoulder on the longer HD wheel studs.

it worked and there is a hub centric shim/washer to allow the rotor to be precisely centered, with the aftermarket 31 spline axles

So far so good, and tons of snow in the PNW so I can take my time doing the brakes, and not be tempted to drive lol

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Winter nights make for tough motivation, but got both assemblies installed and calipers shimmed. Next big task is setting up the parking brakes. Different cables this time, so might need some adjustment to the electric brake assembly.

Once I get it all set up I'll bleed the rears and may flush the front system, for a fluid change

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Brakes are breaking in and it was time for a quick cruise between the winter weather. My buddy's bike in front.