Plastic Fantastic 76 Corvette

[SuperBuickGuy]

First, where I'm at. I built this car to compete in various SCCA and USCA events. It didn't start that way but it snowballed. First, where is it now.
https://i.imgur.com/W3AEFejh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VVPSIpGh.jpg

Okay let's back up 4 years. I bought the car for $2500 mostly because it was parts and I had flares that I hadn't put on another project.
trust me, it looked even worse in person
https://i.imgur.com/pJ2Gpnh.jpg
but it's a 4 speed car, it was close, and I take home strays.
Somewhere around 2018, I was watching one of the Motor Trend shows and Randy Probst mentioned that the 2010 Camaro was a better handling car then the 2010 Corvette.... Hmmmm, I've built more then a couple things including this
https://i.imgur.com/JBUyF7Eh.jpg
and lots of cars too..including the Corvette that was supposed to get the flares.
What I have now is a 1976 Corvette that looks like a 73 with flares, 2010 Camaro SS rear suspension (clipped in place), and a 2010 Corvette front suspension with Aiden coil overs, Brembo brakes from the SS Camaro. The motor is a 12:1 compression bb 427 with ST-10 trans, sniper spark and fuel control.
My goal was to do Optima Challenge. I made it, it broke the first day. Which was not optimal but given the car was in primer a year before AND I built a new motor for it in-between those dates... I did okay.

But now, it's time to take this to the next level. It handles amazing - the Willow Springs picture, I'm doing 150 mph in that corner. What I did learn was I needed to tune the shocks, add stiffer sway bars, and start working on aero. It also gets a bit warm at full song for extended time.

I figure builds come in 1/3rds. 1st - body work/suspension. 2nd - assembly after paint and driving, and 3rd - tuning. I'm solidly in 3. I'm also building a 64 Buick wagon in the background of this as a tow car - with a twin turbo 6.0 LS. Mostly, though, will be the things I identified above. currently it has terrible understeer, but I may have started to get a handle on that. I also broke the midplate on the t-10 so a TKX is waiting to be installed. It'll be a week or two before I start updating again - thanks for having me.

[SuperBuickGuy]

motor shot
https://i.imgur.com/bPkRqK3h.jpg
gratuitous Luigi shot
https://i.imgur.com/ixDhnoNh.jpg

optima, I was so far behind my goals that just making it was win. I had one autox on the car, no track time, maybe 300 miles on the entire car.... and still felt safe at 150 on Willow....

forgot, inside is Corbeau seats, Dakota Digital dash/gauges.

[camcojb]

Welcome!

[WSSix]

Welcome to the site. Sounds like a fun build. I look forward to the pics and progress. Good luck!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Wow, quite the build. :thumbsup:

Sounds like you’re really getting to enjoy it too.

[egoman]

Love it, keep posting and we will keep reading. Nice side pipes!

[SuperBuickGuy]

​Finally back on this
https://i.imgur.com/fOr6ObSh.jpg
pull the shifter off
https://i.imgur.com/Ui9hYQXh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/J5AEyEih.jpg
fluid looks perfect!
https://i.imgur.com/l2Fnqd8h.jpg
wonder what I'll do with trans next...
https://i.imgur.com/5S4v83nh.jpg
and hooks
https://i.imgur.com/OwZbbXUh.jpg
basically they attach to the prior spring mounts....
https://i.imgur.com/7YH3iE3h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CpXGE1Gh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WtHKuj9h.jpg
wrapped the hook with stainless rod - basically it adds a lot of strength
https://i.imgur.com/tvngZuPh.jpg
bit of cleanup tomorrow and paint them "please hook here not on a headlight red"
​https://i.imgur.com/RCphxH9h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

cleaned up
https://i.imgur.com/1y4L0s3h.jpg
now with paint
https://i.imgur.com/5mIgmA4h.jpg
installed
https://i.imgur.com/UTFcdgkh.jpg
rear matching
https://i.imgur.com/aKoSJzfh.jpg
for sale ;)
https://i.imgur.com/oejUQyZh.jpg
first problem... the cross member is simply in the way
https://i.imgur.com/jfwybhlh.jpg
I could have got the trans in/out without removing it but that would be a real problem on race day since it'd mean moving the motor
https://i.imgur.com/qBZPGcah.jpg
now it's not a problem
https://i.imgur.com/xBMrVCUh.jpg
first issue... a bit of massaging and it's fine now
https://i.imgur.com/qRdlcPAh.jpg
time to set angles before building the cross member
https://i.imgur.com/VWKmdkZh.jpg
a bit of envisioning going on
https://i.imgur.com/Xx0FPvvh.jpg
it does fit really well, I have no trouble cutting the floor - which solves the issue of whether or not I need a special shifter
https://i.imgur.com/6CSyCCvh.jpg

[PBarkley]

Killer looking car! TKX is a great choice, which gearset did you go with?

[SuperBuickGuy]

Killer looking car! TKX is a great choice, which gearset did you go with?

2.87 first gear, .68 OD ....

cross member time
https://i.imgur.com/KI6DfbEh.jpg
now 4
https://i.imgur.com/tUALWF9h.jpg
and weld
https://i.imgur.com/ehAAgIlh.jpg
and cross member
https://i.imgur.com/6ulL9Jdh.jpg
need to finish welding, put the e-brake cable pulley in place then paint it.... but doneish

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to finish up the cross member

make the e-brake work
https://i.imgur.com/6ulL9Jd.jpg
weld some braces too
https://i.imgur.com/PpuOidH.jpg
then paint
https://i.imgur.com/owpJlau.jpg
and done
https://i.imgur.com/ZWzv9ci.jpg
then little stuff like - will an 18" wheel fit on the back - yes
https://i.imgur.com/6n2n2yK.jpg
and rubbing issue.... such a temptation to just grind that 1/4" off
https://i.imgur.com/JmThET3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G1kQ8RF.jpg
then fix the clutch linkage
https://i.imgur.com/OwpXAJf.jpg
the car was a 4 speed car and those rods were likely there since new.... the pivot was half worn through - so it was time to make it a bit better

[SuperBuickGuy]

ugh, when a company doesn't call back when you call them to ask shipping status.... that means it's on its way, right?



right?


:secret:

:action-smiley-027:


thankfully there is a 'get by' solution but ugh, again.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Oh boy. FedUp strikes again. I live near Seattle... according to FedUp it will be on my doorstep between 9:45 and 3:30. Today. Right. At least the good news is it was sent last week...

Scheduled delivery:
Tuesday, 10/26/2021
Estimated between: 9:45 am - 3:30 pm
IN TRANSIT
Departed FedEx location
BILLINGS, MT

I'll be lucky if it arrives before I have to leave for SEMA on Sunday... place your bets now, folks. Thankfully the car doesn't have to be there....

[camcojb]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1205277359340830721/WDPP4Uzm.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

would you just look at that
https://i.imgur.com/LPg4Jz2h.jpg
winking...
https://i.imgur.com/ovG3dl5h.jpg
not winking
https://i.imgur.com/9vSw9hDh.jpg
things get a bit crowded when I need to use the lift for the daily
https://i.imgur.com/KBnbd92h.jpg
wiring the speedo
https://i.imgur.com/5UM50Z9h.jpg
imagine taking the interior apart to pull the old 3 wire cable out and putting in the 2 wire..
https://i.imgur.com/sxa0THMh.jpg

and lastly, I'll try to save the fenders by cranking up the coils
https://i.imgur.com/PFiGZunh.jpg
Not a lot happening because I'm waiting for key parts
so... driveshaft and shifter should be here Thursday... hoping to get it in before I leave on Sunday.... we will see. I could move it if the driveshaft arrives...

[SuperBuickGuy]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1205277359340830721/WDPP4Uzm.jpg

any 'bad' weather, any package that weighs more then 40#, anything that is sent ground.... I wish I was kidding, but I've not used vendors who insist on FedUp. Corbeau was the latest, they insisted - which there isn't another 'bolt in' option - so I put it on them if it didn't arrive. It didn't, BUT, they gave me a nice discount for my trouble - but had I had my choice I wish they'd have taken a couple dollars (not joking, I offered - that's how bad they are) more to use someone else. but still - I'm very appreciative of how hard they worked to make it right.

[SuperBuickGuy]

one day late, but it's here
https://i.imgur.com/s7Eg1vNh.jpg
I need to check American Power train's tape measure... that isn't a 3" offset... it's a nice piece, for certain, but I need a real 3"
https://i.imgur.com/8IVuLjPh.jpg
I'm not against it coming up from the center, but it is a bit annoying
https://i.imgur.com/Nv3B2u2h.jpg
seems my shifter isn't going to work either... maybe if I put a skull on it?
https://i.imgur.com/vrSc6oIh.jpg

driveshaft tomorrow.

[SuperBuickGuy]

apparently "shorten" means "put in a new, larger tube".... I'm not upset about it because I could make it work.... but goodness, why?
https://i.imgur.com/nfT5Z2Bh.jpg
I'll have to make tabs to weld the rear crossmember back in but I think I'll finally get to the cross bracing I intended before, so it will be like this until after SEMA
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/68qKZMqh.jpg
and yes, I used a body sledge hammer to create space

[Roscoe03]

Coming along nicely. Sweet daily by the way!

[SuperBuickGuy]

welll... I'm back. SEMA was an absolute blast, however I did come back with a cold so not all is great on the home front.... ah well.

In news that relates to this. Talked to OUSCA (Optima challenge) about schedule - and there isn't a schedule yet. I got a feeling that there may not be a west-coast version. That would suck - ah well, the Wilwood Corvette Challenge is game as is the Silver State Challenge. I drove the route from Ely - I could see doing that.
​​​​​​​I also.... this is my OPINION and in no way judging - the current crop of Optima cars aren't street cars anymore, and building a race car doesn't interest me. Sure, I'll make it faster but it's not what I am interested in building.
Anyway, where I left off
Talked to American Powertrain (who sold me the shifter). They'll send me the right offset after I call them on Monday (love SEMA - had a great talk with FiTech (I still don't think it was their fault - except they didn't call back - we talked, we're good), American Powertrain, Aldan American, and all sorts of other suppliers.
time to put the brace back in place
https://i.imgur.com/SUZfjq0.jpg
fits
https://i.imgur.com/WVYfwrq.jpg
paint is drying
https://i.imgur.com/MDr56Jg.jpg
Oh look, and not even a little stock C3 suspension.
https://i.imgur.com/PsTkl0b.jpg
and I'm thinking about doing a PF3.... ZL1 rear, C7 front, 632 motor.... though this time, I'd have Art Morrison just bend me some new rails based off the dimensions of what I've built now
Next is a new fuel tank similar to what I built for PF1.... need more capacity, might also change out the lifters to get my idle oil pressure back.... next up is aero with a belly pan and 'stupid' wings.
When I went to SEMA in 2018, I was glad my car wasn't there. This year, mine would have fit right in - takes twice as long to build but it's 4x a better build.

[SuperBuickGuy]

cross members in place...
https://i.imgur.com/vGHIJIdh.jpg
time to build a bigger tank....
https://i.imgur.com/WuqmDhIh.jpg
side view
https://i.imgur.com/lA8Yfs0h.jpg
finding center of the gas filler
https://i.imgur.com/C4ETyIeh.jpg

I'm building a 16 ga stainless steel tank.... should be about 27 fill gallons (about 28.5 gallons total capacity). Why now? simple, my dad has roll dies at his shop in Oregon - and I'm going there for Thanksgiving - then spend 10 minutes bending it up...

[SuperBuickGuy]

got the 3" offset today - works fantastic
https://i.imgur.com/JdIB8hEh.jpg
it even clears the console cover (bonus)
https://i.imgur.com/9DTnkgAh.jpg
so I posted a picture from SEMA about a GM shift lever - it was $234.00.... mine is stainless
https://i.imgur.com/0xvJZpDh.jpg
closer
https://i.imgur.com/AQJ8jSph.jpg
and done
https://i.imgur.com/NCwKiSNh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

One thing I don't like about my color combo of Dakota Digital dash is it's nearly impossible to read at speed... to time for a linear display with warning light
https://i.imgur.com/sOAuAwrh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2RuXWvTh.jpg
it's a good spot, no water gets there, it's in line of sight, and it's really easy to wire.
https://i.imgur.com/ZuuLqCVh.jpg
time to construct the cold air intake
https://i.imgur.com/r4Y1FbCh.jpg
things are so screwy, it's cheaper to use 304 4" stainless tube, mirror finish then it is to use aluminum
https://i.imgur.com/Gr6i5c4h.jpg
lay out
https://i.imgur.com/pJpsdrgh.jpg
finished
https://i.imgur.com/T4MedAxh.jpg
and check for clearance
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/uxsFLtKh.jpg
another issue - I need to seal the radiator to the core support... done
https://i.imgur.com/qXH0L2Bh.jpg

in other news, I fixed the e-brake and I correctly wired the speedo. Tomorrow (hopefully) I can go do a loop with it and my '40 to set the speedometer.... it's funny, it's the little things that are most useful...

[SuperBuickGuy]

it annoys me when I put the dash all back together then need to pull it apart again... the brown wire that needs to go to the blue wire is inside...
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/V1Xy0cv.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

In other news..... Optima challenge is the same but different
announcement
https://mailchi.mp/d32c3784d4c6/usca-event-registration-opens-friday-8939181?e=77724350d4

it's cool because Willow Springs is now Portland International Raceway (1000 miles closer). Middle of July. Great too since the Autox season doesn't start up here until late March.. well, except for one thing

DB levels. PIR has them and enforces them.... in fact, the only west coast track that doesn't have an enforced limit is Utah Motorsports.

So that noise is coming back soon.... Thankfully I have a day or two to procrastinate but I need to get my noise down ugh

[WSSix]

I like the changes you're making. Good luck getting prepared for Optima.

[SuperBuickGuy]

I've complained before that people take my ideas without even a thank you. That's fine, I like they did, now I can take their updates to my design and help a few around here save some dollars
https://i.imgur.com/RMvSxv1h.jpg
C5 motors and controllers
they put the motor on the opposite side - which created its own issue of having to build back the part I cut out
https://i.imgur.com/K8PhlEKh.jpg
tomorrow, wiring - my car's alternator is on the opposite side as stock - but even so the wiring needs quite a bit of mods. Shop was 26* tonight so I figure I can get more proactive heating tomorrow and perhaps have feeling in my fingers while I wire.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Now you're starting to see how I build. Spend time on the foundation, then burn through to get it on the street. Once that's done, come back and fill in the blanks

onward
had to buy new ends because I'm sure I tossed the vacuum stuff years ago
https://i.imgur.com/AzeBcu4h.jpg
install bumpers
https://i.imgur.com/g8QFGkVh.jpg
grind clean
https://i.imgur.com/W8qMQCch.jpg
take springs off
https://i.imgur.com/W8qMQCch.jpg
the controller needed to go on an inner fender that no longer exists (and the alternator is now on the opposite side of the motor
https://i.imgur.com/4HY2U7bh.jpg
not sure what their plan was on wiring, but I shortened some, lengthened others
https://i.imgur.com/TxJ3pSsh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/itTv11Vh.jpg
hiding wiring
https://i.imgur.com/ZIFSckUh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wNnE4qih.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

lights are done, outside of a bit of trial and error on shaft length, they seem to work fine.. at speed? it'll be a day or 50 before I can test
speaking of testing
Last year, I couldn't run at Portland Raceway because my car is a bit louder then the 105 db that the track allows. Just a bit - 2 db. This is the fix
should get me under 100 db at full song - with no attendant loss of performance... we will see

https://i.imgur.com/y3heIFNh.jpg

likely the configuration
https://i.imgur.com/lucQLQmh.jpg

10" overall, according to my calculations, I only need 8"
https://i.imgur.com/CFAJfbvh.jpg

roughly here
https://i.imgur.com/iZ8YgCJh.jpg

but much playing with these is going to happen between now and Optima in July. I may reduce the length of the inserts or simply change them to a different style... I do know that PF3 will have long tube headers that have much shorter primary tubes then lined sidepipes.... worst case is I put a diverter on the tip or make the tips removable so that the exhaust doesn't aim at the measuring device

[SuperBuickGuy]

I swear I should put the dash on with velcro
rewiring lights
https://i.imgur.com/Uv0XMpvh.jpg

but it's 3 degrees in my shop.... so I spent time trying to decide what I'm going to do about a stereo (soundbar suggestions are welcome).
I loathe spending time on a radio, but I hate even more losing points that can be had for $30 bux and a couple Kraco speakers

I also talked to CIRO today about a rear wing.... Rick (owner) runs a C3 as well, so lots of talking there....

rule checking Optima - I'm not sure I can run a dual element wing.... as this is the first wing I've ever run (wing virgin)..... I don't know.

Oh and signed up for Portland Raceway version of the Optima Challenge this year.... hopefully things will go better then they did at Willow Springs last year... (lost my dog, then the FiTech EFI scrambled because of an electrical surge caused by using the headlight motors - the problem is hindsight, all I knew at the time was the computer was DOA)

[SuperBuickGuy]

Digging through my photos... my first Autox ever....

https://i.imgur.com/nc3blui.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/9v1RqjF.mp4

please be kind... there's a much funnier one but I'll save that for later.. it's from inside the car and had a bit of editorial ;)

[SuperBuickGuy]

so there's a much larger discussion about requirements of Optima and SCCA.... suffice to say Ciro Racing is helping then making the wing for my car.... and this is the information they need
https://i.imgur.com/D1QG8Mzh.jpg
the tl;dr
https://i.imgur.com/6pENdpSh.jpg
find the center line, then make a straight line above it (roof line)
https://i.imgur.com/25ZUawjh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jtWdunth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NvAVx39h.jpg
an issue that is important is that the spoiler isn't straight
https://i.imgur.com/6JGdEyxh.jpg
and the furthest point (as required for the rules)
https://i.imgur.com/yO2o8jGh.jpg
the angle at the point where the spoiler will live
https://i.imgur.com/bFtiGoqh.jpg
the legs will drop onto or beside the frame rails - this is where the frame rails are
https://i.imgur.com/hefNzkeh.jpg
and the total width of the legs
https://i.imgur.com/VukG5V9h.jpg
again with dimensions
https://i.imgur.com/rSbLklwh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YQ4SO8Ch.jpg
center line is 4"

this is more for info purposes only and not directly related to the issue at hand
https://i.imgur.com/q5dMoZBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/O9c8Cbuh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/D4PujTeh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RIkqkkNh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6hrCqUYh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xoYOclWh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

First... nutty dog shot....
https://i.imgur.com/zAKGzpVh.jpg

today was mostly organizing my shop but got started (again) on the gas tank
https://i.imgur.com/lBESlXQh.jpg
then lay out
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/Z1EVrDmh.jpg
I need to build a die
https://i.imgur.com/kEUpYXCh.jpg
there it is, just got to get metal tomorrow
https://i.imgur.com/oDKjAjfh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

Big (stupid) wing coming
​​​​​​​
https://i.imgur.com/Cd2azr6.jpg

I bought from CIRO racing. The guy who owns the company races a C3 and has done really well autocrossing. Nice guy too...

Okay so to explain 'stupid' I made a friend a couple years ago now, he's an autistic kid named Anthony.... he is amazing at forced perspective photography.... what is that?

go here and ask yourself 'real' or 'toy'

https://anthonyryanschmidt.com/gallery

some are easier to tell.... truth is, they're all toys. And he's 13. We've become friends - so much shadow of who I was at his age - anywho, his brother is a car nut too.... I think he's 8. But he's a car nut too - likes imports (I'll fix this - I already Anthony saying 'stock is boring') - and I showed him what I plan... his response was "big stupid wing".... so I explained to him why the big stupid wing and as any good 8 year old, he's fully on board with the idea now. But from here on out, it's the big, stupid wing.

and to close the circle there a bit - the family lives 5 miles from me and Luigi's brother is their dog.

but I'll have a pinstriped on the carbon wing 'big stupid wing'

[SuperBuickGuy]

New tool
https://i.imgur.com/yoCE2cdh.jpg
in use
https://i.imgur.com/dPyMZkch.jpg
so time to fix 2 problems... first I can't get enough caster but also too wide, this will gain me almost an inch - which, major bonus is the front tires won't rub on the fenders....
https://i.imgur.com/jjDBiQrh.jpg
quite frankly, this is why I built this in... so now mark... tomorrow cut
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/3OMd8fRh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

Sooo, I know, brakes only slow you down....
and I know, no holes
https://i.imgur.com/hdY41o3h.jpg
these actually came with the rear when I bought it.... no idea miles but they got me on the road
https://i.imgur.com/YbGXzSDh.jpg
back is done....
https://i.imgur.com/VaymLnCh.jpg
front is going to take a minute since I don't have a 10 mm tap
chop is done
https://i.imgur.com/7PuAqqdh.jpg
tacked the fronts again.... a bit more grinding but I also need a tap to chase the threads
https://i.imgur.com/dXBKK6Yh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

Tap got, reassembled...
https://i.imgur.com/q9oQvuoh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7AukpgDh.jpg
gained 2* I need to open up the new rotors a bit then align it.... all by 1 tomorrow

[SuperBuickGuy]

Brakes. To catch up, the spindle is C5/C6 corvette - which has a larger hub ring then the Camaro - why, dunno, but it does so a warranty was broken, again
https://i.imgur.com/qLpED4mh.jpg
I may not use my lathe often, but when I need it, it really is handy
https://i.imgur.com/Pv8rnHPh.jpg
2.5 degrees camber, 7 degree caster. Drove it today, drives great... I may put shims in it for 'normal' driving and get back to 1.5* and 5 or so caster
https://i.imgur.com/Bjtovdbh.jpg
bling
https://i.imgur.com/RFvvJg2h.jpg
trying to decide whether or not to repaint the caliper.... probably won't, but at least I considered it?
https://i.imgur.com/fX4c3Ahh.jpg
It's their rules, but I refuse to invest big dollars in something that I don't need....
https://i.imgur.com/V8KuJSTh.jpg
$36.00 - I think the speakers set me back $12
https://i.imgur.com/QLJcquAh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to clean up some wiring and install the radio
easier to just take it apart
https://i.imgur.com/M8QAIvwh.jpg
one of the really cool things about the Dakota Digital dash is it's 2 plugs to remove it all
https://i.imgur.com/lYchaqDh.jpg
and install the chassis
https://i.imgur.com/nElBJ3oh.jpg
the vent didn't secure to the dash pad... fixing that and that stuff can fall into it
https://i.imgur.com/zzihOVgh.jpg
the tabs will hold the duct to the dash pad... all epoxied in place
https://i.imgur.com/9t4frwEh.jpg
now no stuff down the vent
https://i.imgur.com/o4ucHVDh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

most of the reason I took the dash out was to put speakers and clean up wiring... also, to install the remote door locks... first speakers
https://i.imgur.com/pmfQer1h.jpg
epoxy is great for stopping rattles
https://i.imgur.com/Y4kTpkch.jpg
and speaker installs
https://i.imgur.com/3zSPaEsh.jpg

I'd never put a stereo in this but it's what gets me points.... next up is reinstall, align the windows, install the remote locks, install reverse lights.... all for the points
​​​​​​

I'll also probably have the wheels powder coated... they've grown on me....

[SuperBuickGuy]

it was a shuffle day, so it ended with wiring on the Corvette... however, well... some old friends got moved
as with all great things... I had to 'just' change a fuel filter... what an ordeal, seems the last owner didn't bother putting one seal in place - which made the fuel filter pointless.... grand
https://i.imgur.com/LtqedI3h.jpg
so plan b was employed
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/th3pclYh.jpg
moved to get this back in the shop - it'll have its own thread, but it's Buinicorn - 6.0 LS powered Buick wagon
https://i.imgur.com/7wrXLE8h.jpg
I can't believe how rough this car is.... ugh
https://i.imgur.com/qeeF5iUh.jpg
installed in its new home
https://i.imgur.com/FZTlpzjh.jpg
the day finished with me getting this reinstalled
https://i.imgur.com/WbKiZ90h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

how to haul 12' material....
https://i.imgur.com/7Us3kL6h.jpg
and ouch, prices
and the interior comes further apart
https://i.imgur.com/eqTBhMJh.jpg
to be installed
https://i.imgur.com/teuYsk1h.jpg
on the lock lever
https://i.imgur.com/zqaVoKOh.jpg
​​​​​​​tomorrow.

[SuperBuickGuy]

window alignment and locks.... but tonight... all alignment so you get a couple pictures
https://i.imgur.com/zDeuKPWh.jpg
it took a lot of fitting and elonging holes to get everything to line up
https://i.imgur.com/PrX2IINh.jpg
not joking, this is where I started, was worried at Optima they'd call me on this... thank god the FiTech computer scrambled... sheesh
https://i.imgur.com/KICNMAih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KSUuwqKh.jpg
of course, what would a night in the shop be without needing parts - the regulator on the driver's side is new, the passenger side is not and it needs replaced.... ah well, I have plenty to do in the mean time.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Door locks. I've actually come out to people sitting in my car. They still live, but let's slow the idiots down
https://i.imgur.com/BeTS27Jh.jpg
weld a tab to the lock bar
https://i.imgur.com/fZDO0Pah.jpg
all fits under the panel
https://i.imgur.com/Wxk0JNAh.jpg
of course this door can't go together because I'm waiting on a regulator.

[SuperBuickGuy]

driver's side done more detail
pull wires
https://i.imgur.com/gXhPnHAh.jpg
actuator install
https://i.imgur.com/XBqppIHh.jpg
it was simply easier to weld a tab to the rod to connect it all up
https://i.imgur.com/y0wKhsIh.jpg
and just like that, connected
https://i.imgur.com/0ibITKgh.jpg
and reassembly of the dash
https://i.imgur.com/Es5Ro0Eh.jpg
once the right side regulator gets here, I'll assemble the right side.... between now and then, I have plenty to do... some of the aero should be here tomorrow....

[SuperBuickGuy]

I have little confidence that this will survive in any recognizable form but I want the inlets and most of the shape - but it's too narrow for my plans so fiberglass fab is coming soon
https://i.imgur.com/BJ1SLcXh.jpg
first part of my wing arrived
https://i.imgur.com/dUqIKYzh.jpg
and the regulator
https://i.imgur.com/UVxWPfqh.jpg

​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

In other news, Fedup strikes again.... the brackets were supposed to come with the wing - and they're not delivering the wing.... my guess is they destroyed it....

No, you do not have to remove the glass or the outside weather strip....
https://i.imgur.com/wXaDeSbh.jpg
the parts
https://i.imgur.com/vn7MXkph.jpg
getting close the bloodletting being done - but notice that the bottom hole isn't aligned - Chinesium strikes again. Nice touch that all the bolts are 10mm socket head
https://i.imgur.com/pqqYnKMh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

door assembly
https://i.imgur.com/BqW8b4ch.jpg
of course, had to modify... smh
https://i.imgur.com/XOouiT8h.jpg
back together... woohoo
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/lIoKrVwh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

and the driver's side window doesn't go up... oh good grief

in other news

dies arrived
https://i.imgur.com/IHTRbgj.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

and part 2....... still one more part

​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/zxTA075.jpg

[Mad_Monte_Carlo]

and part 2....... still one more part

​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/zxTA075.jpg

Where about in Washington you from?

[SuperBuickGuy]

Where about in Washington you from?

Woodinville for now, hopefully Spokane soon

2 hours of set up later
https://i.imgur.com/40FzVQGh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LKANRNDh.jpg
Add some shims to the front, top
https://i.imgur.com/gp7lhBph.jpg
-2.25 degrees camber is too much
https://i.imgur.com/wocd3hgh.jpg
-1.65 is a good 'next' point. with a cross camber of less then -0.01
https://i.imgur.com/dhwdPjTh.jpg
My first alignment was 1.0 and it understeered
I also set the toe to 1* front 2* rear and the rear camber is the -0.9
caster is whatever I can get - 5 degrees or maybe a touch more

I'll see how that does on Sunday on the season opener autoX

[SuperBuickGuy]

Time to make the die for the gas tank
https://i.imgur.com/3eWlGPSh.jpg
center the top punch (aka top die) on the bottom die
https://i.imgur.com/Pb0V7EMh.jpg
weld on both sides
https://i.imgur.com/lIiyylyh.jpg

build tank
https://i.imgur.com/jXZAOU3h.jpg

simple, no?

[SuperBuickGuy]

you know the day is going to go bell up when you're using a razor blade to clean PVC off stainless. Basically it adds hours of refinishing because no matter how good you are, you'll scratch it..... and before someone pipes up 'ceramic - that scratches it too.... just doesn't last as long

https://i.imgur.com/ZFCB5ksh.jpg



time to assemble the internal stuff - Hydramat

https://i.imgur.com/Ymq8QUQh.jpg



I'm using a lot of parts I've had around... like the hydramat from the first fuel system

https://i.imgur.com/s0R3Q5yh.jpg



time to decide whether to lap or butt weld it...

https://i.imgur.com/pt7foorh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wFHcdeKh.jpg


tune in Sunday for the exciting answer

[SuperBuickGuy]

Tanks for the memories?
with my gear, precision rolls are not a likely result...
https://i.imgur.com/ZFCB5ksh.jpg
what stopped me tonight is I need more clamps.... seriously
https://i.imgur.com/4xHOB3Ih.jpg
drove it yesterday, this is too restrictive so went back to the old air filter
https://i.imgur.com/4VgIlu8h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

onward
I think I ended up using every C-clamp I have
https://i.imgur.com/U8jtlVzh.jpg
I also made an adjustable right angle to hold it square. If you're doing this, don't lure yourself into just welding it then pipe clamping it square.
https://i.imgur.com/HHBT8hRh.jpg
weld a bit, let cool, dolly, repeat
https://i.imgur.com/e6VBpfhh.jpg
once the outside is welded, I run a hot bead down the inside with an aluminum bar against the outside - it sucks the weld 'flat' with the top... less grinding to make pretty
https://i.imgur.com/jGkcflvh.jpg

woohoo, I made a tube
https://i.imgur.com/vLmOu0ih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Vr93pYgh.jpg

crack check, then baffles, sump, fill neck and finally end caps
​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

somewhere in my workings, pedals will happen
https://i.imgur.com/ssEEpd6h.jpg

might as well use my aeromotive pump
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/bsX0t4Eh.jpg

[camcojb]

Nice work!!

[Beechy]

Are you tig welding using stainless filler rod on the tank?

[SuperBuickGuy]

Are you tig welding using stainless filler rod on the tank?

I am all of it is 304 stainless (tank and rod)

[SuperBuickGuy]

entire day, what did I get done? nothing
https://i.imgur.com/XvIqpru.jpg
got the part to fix this...
https://i.imgur.com/TB8M31M.jpg
nope

so I did put stuff in the motorhome and got a start on cleaning out the house in anticipation of a move.... but still, nothing.

[SuperBuickGuy]

people with tiny feet don't get it, but the pedals are pretty annoying to anyone else.
https://i.imgur.com/WsqYoCqh.jpg

a bit more space for feet - and the benefit of not catching your foot under the brake pedal
https://i.imgur.com/4JfoKrph.jpg

power window switch fixed
https://i.imgur.com/uagPL9Dh.jpg

and the rest of the wing parts arrived
https://i.imgur.com/rAMYErih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PqhrRx0h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jaEyAxAh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

a bit further
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/vZg20x6.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

final picture of brake/clutch pedal install
https://i.imgur.com/zQLYUROh.jpg
onto the tank - experience has taught me that head space is helpful in tank design
https://i.imgur.com/i3KhbVh.jpg
tack tack tack
https://i.imgur.com/oTlpvFvh.jpg

an hour here and there and it will be done

[SuperBuickGuy]

Lab inspection complete
https://i.imgur.com/si1TNCmh.jpg
fill neck
https://i.imgur.com/KYt74STh.jpg
fill neck
https://i.imgur.com/PvvvIj7h.jpg
the vent probably will go here
https://i.imgur.com/iwYpYRe.jpg
time to drill holes
https://i.imgur.com/ilvSK2Vh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

holes punched, holes drilled for pump
https://i.imgur.com/uZPUo24h.jpg
fill neck installed
https://i.imgur.com/v4FTiY7h.jpg

return line installed
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/RDmlRDJh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

fuel level
https://i.imgur.com/JC0AACzh.jpg
I'm fairly sure these are older then me but still work fantastic on 16 ga stainless
https://i.imgur.com/RZJtfCjh.jpg
that is not an impact driver and I wouldn't dream of using it with my punches
https://i.imgur.com/NtY6zgoh.jpg
installed
https://i.imgur.com/3YvA8plh.jpg
weird, magnets stick to stainless
https://i.imgur.com/3YvA8plh.jpg
yet somehow they didn't before
https://i.imgur.com/3YvA8plh.jpg
OBX welded the inserts in place.... ugh
https://i.imgur.com/ox2y0wdh.jpg
NO
https://i.imgur.com/zNjoHPAh.jpg

I think round one will still be bolt the cones in place and hope it drops the dbs enough. I'm going to autox at PIR before Optima - if it works, great, if not, they toss me and I figure something out in the 6 or so weeks between that event and primetime

[SuperBuickGuy]

So this, I think, is going to work
https://i.imgur.com/upV3Zvih.jpg
reminder, 109 db, need 103... what it does is take the sharp out of the top.... dyno soon, so we'll see how it plays there... truth is the sidepipe headers do about everythng wrong - so a future thing will be new headers into the sidepipes... but that truly is a next winter deal
https://i.imgur.com/S8AsuORh.jpg
next - tank vent installed
https://i.imgur.com/Gjwtk9v.jpg
got the parts to connect the hydramat to the Aeromotive A1000 pump
https://i.imgur.com/tVcFJ9c.jpg
you cannot baffle a tank too much. Can not. in this case, there will be trimming and fabbing but this is part one of at least 2 parts
https://i.imgur.com/TfhU1bb.jpg
next it gets trimmed, then piano hinges on the bottom to seal.
Once that's done, it will get more side to side baffling

hopefully Sunday I'll be pressure testing...

[SuperBuickGuy]

yeah... not. We're likely moving, so most of the time this weekend was that. Probably Idaho. I'm from there and there isn't a day I don't miss it..... backstory is I came to the Puget sound to go to school and accidently stayed - two failed attempts to leave - but likely going to happen before the end of summer..... but still, racing is going to happen and I did get some work done on that front.
inside view
https://i.imgur.com/tVcFJ9ch.jpg
baffle 1
https://i.imgur.com/TfhU1bbh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LpLKTI4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/l4KxoxEh.jpg
in other news, old tank has to come out (and brace for the wing, and new battery box for optima battery...
https://i.imgur.com/TfhU1bbh.jpg
I remember this view
https://i.imgur.com/REi6dKMh.jpg
also going to powder coat the wheels.... I can't force myself to spend 5k on schnazzy wheels that may or may not be as good as GM wheels
https://i.imgur.com/YWdHHMoh.jpg
and a clear view of the suspension (lordy, cameras)
https://i.imgur.com/DM6gIC7h.jpg
had to take a picture of my stock, GM mounts ;)
https://i.imgur.com/aoX7IuNh.jpg
front is as stock as the rear
https://i.imgur.com/A2bb76kh.jpg

oh and dbs.... 106 now (down from 109).... not 103 like I need.... I may put a baffle on the tip or just pray the db sensor at PIR (50 feet off the ground and 50 feet from the track) reads low... part of me says 'just go to SLC' - after all, it will be about the same distance from my new home as PDX.... never imagined when I decided to go racing that this would be a big issue...

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to install the baffles
https://i.imgur.com/ofY6HTAh.jpg
welded
https://i.imgur.com/Ny6MtM2h.jpg
braces... if you don't brace the tank (or don't brace it enough) eventually it will leak due to fatigue cracking
https://i.imgur.com/FAPTobCh.jpg
because I'm using hydramat, baffles have to account for that - more directly, no sump but side to side motion needs to be minimized
https://i.imgur.com/doaXfyRh.jpg
welded in place. tomorrow sealant and end caps
https://i.imgur.com/doaXfyRh.jpg
got the wheels stripped today - off to powder coating tomorrow (I hope)
https://i.imgur.com/Sm4Sh02h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to cap
https://i.imgur.com/PZbKIGEh.jpg
key here is to not go fast
https://i.imgur.com/Of6Gu5uh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qj5XiiQh.jpg
and be clean
https://i.imgur.com/gPF3MY7h.jpg
hopefully crack checking tomorrow night
https://i.imgur.com/7e7tyLth.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

onward
https://i.imgur.com/7e7tyLt.jpg
welded 1/2 last night, other half tonight - and did it over a couple hours so I didn't get warping
https://i.imgur.com/qJDhfrb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MyHOe8s.jpg
pretty welds leak. My goal here was full penetration - thus the weld has some grey in it - key here is the HAZ is even (heat affected zone)
https://i.imgur.com/cwl0fit.jpg
and all those black marks are holes - to check for leaks - I look for holes or HAZ changes
https://i.imgur.com/2X6ELHe.jpg
for whatever reason, this side didn't have any
https://i.imgur.com/P6ZZ8XY.jpg
then I put 7 or 8 psi in the tank, spray soapy water on the seams and blow bubbles
https://i.imgur.com/FEIAqtA.jpg
hmmm more bubbles
https://i.imgur.com/ZNE4PDY.jpg
leaks fixed, clean up the tank.... next up, removal of the old tank eventually this will have tabs on the bottom so I can attach a defuser and also attach the rear panel to it
https://i.imgur.com/rQ3DITA.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to test fit
https://i.imgur.com/FE8HcRih.jpg
old tank
https://i.imgur.com/NgnVIYYh.jpg
and out
https://i.imgur.com/GB7p1PNh.jpg
get the fuel out... was joking with my dad that between the fuel in the tank and the nickel in the tank I should be concerned they'll both disappear
https://i.imgur.com/7Y8ye4Yh.jpg
now you can see what the plan was
https://i.imgur.com/8FYiGFBh.jpg
even got pretty close lining up the fill spout - the plan all along was an offset then straight into a coupling and the filler
https://i.imgur.com/WNei2Z0h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

tonight started mapping how I'm going to accomplish the tasks
https://i.imgur.com/BsgRRWbh.jpg
was kind of hoping there would be some 'dos' and 'dont's' from the seller... guess not - this needs to attach to the deck and be supported underneath to the frame
https://i.imgur.com/tiCL3mBh.jpg
here
https://i.imgur.com/Vxc8Uzlh.jpg
the optima battery is 1" wider... so new battery box coming
https://i.imgur.com/CHyg9Nfh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dSbdWw2h.jpg
part of tonight was a failed attempt to figure out whether the wire with a knot or the brown wire were the reverse light wires... I have a schematic - but who knows where
https://i.imgur.com/jms18vah.jpg

tomorrow I will spend some time on this but most of the day will be spent looking for used parts that I don't need....

[SuperBuickGuy]

Battery, cont.
https://i.imgur.com/oC3J7e5h.jpg
it's like 1" wider... so a new tray is in order
https://i.imgur.com/U94lcNrh.jpg
and off
https://i.imgur.com/B9KZcpQh.jpg
new tray
https://i.imgur.com/U7TuyfXh.jpg
and installed and painted
https://i.imgur.com/EKdArqGh.jpg
at the swap meet today, I took a chance on several of these...
https://i.imgur.com/holFfjoh.jpg
makes getting the burn off a lot easier
https://i.imgur.com/XZW62Yhh.jpg
and reverse light....
https://i.imgur.com/dP83W0dh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to give it wings.. or a wing

aluminum angle

https://i.imgur.com/DUsxZqXh.jpg

some solid eyeball calibrating followed by serious staring

https://i.imgur.com/MBVBPYdh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kyfMqDEh.jpg

wing held on by hopes and prayers with an assist by gravity

https://i.imgur.com/akUVqnIh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/54QSnI3h.jpg

it's about here I'm considering whether or not I like the stands.... they need to parallel something, e.g. the rear valence and let me be SUPER clear, I approved the design. CIRO did what I asked them to do...

https://i.imgur.com/tCPvzMwh.jpg

my brave act of the night

https://i.imgur.com/VWZSXgwh.jpg

now in place

https://i.imgur.com/T1VDLOBh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tFoP5ybh.jpg

thankfully, I have a plasma table... basically the wing will end above the end of the deck - so it will move horizontally.... no big deal

https://i.imgur.com/JmHokFxh.jpg

love it

https://i.imgur.com/uN5sf2ah.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1zleGYsh.jpg

a good view - the stands will mirror the rear angle - also, I have to build an 8" version for Optima.

https://i.imgur.com/yv7WtDnh.jpg

paint is dry so I can finish this as well

https://i.imgur.com/WKsUKmZh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

I rarely ask opinions - mostly because they're someone else's preference (which is fine, and I have my own).

But here, I'm kind of stumped.

the angle
https://i.imgur.com/tCPvzMwh.jpg

do I match the B pillar window frame or the tail light panel with the struts?

[SuperBuickGuy]

onward with fastening
https://i.imgur.com/xHBofmCh.jpg
Luigi is checking out the progress too
https://i.imgur.com/tvWRhJfd.jpg
notice the tail blur? he is one active dog (love it)
https://i.imgur.com/8GP7dVKh.jpg
bolted down
https://i.imgur.com/RN79pFCh.jpg
with pads to pretend we're saving the paint
https://i.imgur.com/qdyPR6ah.jpg
and tied to the frame
https://i.imgur.com/JsR4cNUh.jpg
tomorrow weld
https://i.imgur.com/zpS220Zh.jpg

[Panteracer]

I like the struts layed back a little so matching the
back of the car. I have changed the ends on mine
multiple times... Starting to rework the ones on my
Gt-1 race car plus raising the wing some

Bob

[SuperBuickGuy]

choices.
The A1000 pump is good for 1200 hp and has -12 lines in and out. The Holley system right now has - 6 lines and makes 500 wheel hp
I've been going back and forth about upgrading lines. I have most of what I need to upgrade to -10 supply and -8 return.
But
at this point I'm already pushing noise limits and 700 hp is at 7000 rpm. As it is now, it's got a physical cap on noise - set the rev limiter to 5500 and life is fine.
But yeah.

my only real concern if I leave it all -6 is it puts a lot of stress on the pump but with that said, I can turn the pressure up to 75 psi if I really want more power... after all volume is a function of pressure

got more done tonight, though.... think I'll stay with -6 for now.... but when I build more power, I'll update. At this moment, the car is fast enough for my skills.
line test
https://i.imgur.com/kDNpv6b.jpg
starting to lay out how the tank will be mounted
https://i.imgur.com/xVfBbBD.jpg
I also need to put an offset in the fill tube to line up with the gas cap (3 7/8 offset)
https://i.imgur.com/19DWXfL.jpg

I also welded in the braces - brackets got a coat of paint so drying... bolts get here Friday

[SuperBuickGuy]

I like the struts layed back a little so matching the
back of the car. I have changed the ends on mine
multiple times... Starting to rework the ones on my
Gt-1 race car plus raising the wing some

Bob

Love your car.

I need to do some rule diving again... moving the wing back might help, but C3 Corvettes get nose light - so moving the point where it's pushing down further back might not be a good idea on the track.... wonder if they'd notice if I swapped struts between the track session and the autox....

[SuperBuickGuy]

well, look what's back?
https://i.imgur.com/TBXMJg4h.jpg
dark bronze
https://i.imgur.com/70Syb4ih.jpg
fuel cap too
https://i.imgur.com/T2ebVsuh.jpg
I like. a lot
https://i.imgur.com/kJ9Hqhyh.jpg
truly better then I expected.... I thought I went too dark
https://i.imgur.com/CxdmyFPh.jpg
with the wing in place
https://i.imgur.com/olBY9k5h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

a bit done tonight
more fittings - most important is that stainless one
https://i.imgur.com/tMf7JcDh.jpg
the problem is I welded a pipe fitting for the return when I needed an AN one... oops... will use it as a vent
https://i.imgur.com/zFIBeUah.jpg
and welded
https://i.imgur.com/lotX6oeh.jpg

in other news, I'm a really bad influence.... the red Corvette owner has bbc plans :)
https://i.imgur.com/BI0f9HEh.jpg

[WSSix]

I think you picked a good color with the rims :thumbsup:

[Ricochet]

Looks great!!!

What color exactly are the wheels? I'm looking for a titanium/bronze color for my centers. Assuming they are satin cleared as well?

[SuperBuickGuy]

Looks great!!!

What color exactly are the wheels? I'm looking for a titanium/bronze color for my centers. Assuming they are satin cleared as well?

I'll have to call the powder coater... it was a special order dark bronze.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Spoiler is supported by the frame... I also put window glue in place to keep the warp and vibration transmission to a minimum
https://i.imgur.com/PBuKL2ih.jpg
measuring done, time to make the tank support
https://i.imgur.com/4VyOMYoh.jpg
keep in mind I was about 150 lbs light for where I'm racing.... I'll probably gain 30 or 40 lbs in this... all on the correct end
https://i.imgur.com/41BWO5Eh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nk1HQETh.jpg
framework installed
https://i.imgur.com/MVeSTIuh.jpg
not in love with the straps, however, I plan on supporting the defuser off them - so function trumps form
https://i.imgur.com/wKSaKYkh.jpg
up the tank goes - the metal duct tape was put in place to keep the fiberglass from sagging when I filled the holes for the luggage rack
https://i.imgur.com/uzsDJASh.jpg
very close - I wanted to make it solid but I wouldn't be able to get the fuel pump out if I did
https://i.imgur.com/aOanwENh.jpg
last test fit, next up with the fill neck, lines attached, electrical attached and rubber protection on the metal bands
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/hlfDYEsh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

Splitter material... best source?

[SuperBuickGuy]

a little further
wheels with tires on them
https://i.imgur.com/jeSZkNch.jpg
cut down the fill neck so I can use a flexible rubber hose for the offset
https://i.imgur.com/3EeXqeEh.jpg
padding/rubber top and bottom
https://i.imgur.com/zx8Tg4Gh.jpg
getting close... waiting on a fitting and the fill hose
https://i.imgur.com/zDH04cLh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

it runs again...
https://i.imgur.com/5BZ5wZ2.jpg
interior is back in it
https://i.imgur.com/PSWXy1m.jpg
next up? front stuff
https://i.imgur.com/zqSW4dl.jpg
looks all buff in the back.... but more to do...thankfully, this isn't a take the car mostly apart deal
https://i.imgur.com/YpF0RWP.jpg
also need to program and do weighing

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to weigh

https://i.imgur.com/QX3YgBkh.jpg

oh and I'm done with this argument.... the weight of a BBC powered C3 Corvette... 7 gallons of fuel in the tank

https://i.imgur.com/K6izgAAh.jpg

- something cool, if you look next to the weight numbers, it tells you where the weight is on the tire... didn't realize that - outside has a hair less weight then the inside of the tire

which does create a problem since 3200 is the minimum weight.... Optima weighs after the track sessions - the problem is 20 gallons is 120 lbs. - and without the driver (darn, my non-fitness program would finally pay off).... 30 minute on a track at high speed will burn more then 3 gallons..so I will be adding weight

so with that bad news, I figured I'd fix my window alignment

https://i.imgur.com/l3feqXOh.jpg

is 'fixed' the window won't go up again with the switch? oh good lord.

https://i.imgur.com/PSWXy1mh.jpg

but it seems fixed as far as sealing - however, I'll be verifying this before I put the door panel back on

that's enough for tonight

​​​​​​​

*oh wait, cue dramatic music... the rack has a small leak - it owes me nothing because I bought it to use to mock up... it worked so it hasn't been changed. It might be the fitting but just one more thing.... lordy.

[SuperBuickGuy]

sight and sounds

Bu90WVPyP3E

[camcojb]

Fixed it for you

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=48663

Should be faassttt!!!

[SuperBuickGuy]

time for some CAD work
https://i.imgur.com/49uG6qvh.jpg
half and half?
https://i.imgur.com/tUEP5kwh.jpg
there are times when I want to troll... this picture is for those trolls
https://i.imgur.com/zose38hh.jpg
and more of the left
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/oVwLSplh.jpg
on the other hand
https://i.imgur.com/rv49PI8h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

tonight's fun, working with aluminum and plastic
https://i.imgur.com/joNCvMlh.jpg
​​​​​​​HDPE
https://i.imgur.com/3oBvwQRh.jpg

it is Plastic Fantastic, after all...

[SuperBuickGuy]

onward
time to start fitting
https://i.imgur.com/Mmzwanvh.jpg
easy so far
https://i.imgur.com/LbXb37Hh.jpg
now getting harder
https://i.imgur.com/LXKOSjZh.jpg
look at the top edges, as I start making the spoiler follow the side-to-side changes (it goes flat in front of the tire) that pulls the top in.... I also have to radii the part which follows the wheel opening. I suspect there will be more then on attempt at this.... and all of this to get hate from tracks because it has neither ABS no traction control... and as a bonus is not quiet....

​​​​​​​ah well, if it were easy....

[SuperBuickGuy]

narrower
https://i.imgur.com/b0vtQcVh.jpg
reality is I didn't like the extensions - so I narrowed it
https://i.imgur.com/8oB3qhzh.jpg
welding mounting tabs
https://i.imgur.com/CriMSylh.jpg
there is a danger to being on the ground....
https://i.imgur.com/J4yAcnQh.jpg
not sure how much of this I'll use
https://i.imgur.com/AhZyYfMh.jpg
mostly held by tabs
https://i.imgur.com/483jLKFh.jpg

in other news, another BB for another C3
https://i.imgur.com/8r83f3Ph.jpg
and aluminum heads
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/ir89Jech.jpg

I know this is sacrilege in some circles, but if you can fit a BBC, you can make remarkable, NA power for relatively cheap. Not just that but ocean flat and ocean wide torque. LS is a fantastic motor, I have one in Buinicorn, but if a BB made sense, I'd even swap it for one in it (I have one, just not for it)

[SuperBuickGuy]

getting there
https://i.imgur.com/W6r5B8bh.jpg
then comes the make it stay
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/cg7mq35h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

blanking plate to direct air to the radiator
https://i.imgur.com/rVsICXhh.jpg
metal
https://i.imgur.com/hNlb0cCh.jpg
installed-ish
https://i.imgur.com/oBoncneh.jpg
welding aluminum is so easy
https://i.imgur.com/NFWreN7h.jpg
getting closer
https://i.imgur.com/kmu1wkRh.jpg
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/JgdE3tah.jpg
now to decide how much splitter... the blue lines are potential cut lines
https://i.imgur.com/fzEMOQhh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NN4fcC9h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

for now, the splitter portion stays off.... I want to test like this - I also have a few other things to do to help with air management and rear brake cooling

and more fitting, but this time with a grinder
https://i.imgur.com/csAEuvph.jpg
it will be black when it's done - but I still have a bit more welding to do
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/UXVlWOCh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

brake air intakes
https://i.imgur.com/el72wdvh.jpg
here they are.... not going to use them
https://i.imgur.com/9W4JkTOh.jpg
the issues are too wide and they aim down.... and take up a lot of room
https://i.imgur.com/dxhA2Glh.jpg
so just holes
https://i.imgur.com/ebafiowh.jpg
was planning on these at the wheels but they'll work quite well here
https://i.imgur.com/NYeA1NGh.jpg
some 3" tube to aim the flow at the rotors
https://i.imgur.com/y7QzAekh.jpg
paint the blanking plate
https://i.imgur.com/Osbd8Hfh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BugloQCh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

another track day completed.... I had the Cadillac airborne.... so much fun (and yes, I knew I'd go airborne)... did a nice 100 mph 4 wheel drift... nothing to see here, moving along ;)

in other news, painted the spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/FIiGfdWh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zykoG1kh.jpg
and installed the block
https://i.imgur.com/eGP43Hch.jpg

Soooo, next Friday, I'm doing a Track Night in America at Portland International Raceway.... but
forecast has snow in it. Granted, it's supposed to be 'just' rain by Friday (the weather witches are just guessing) - however, that's not better because rain cancels.... and honestly, that 2 1/2 mile track would be nothing but standing water and stained underpants if it was doing anything but mist.....

I really want to do this track night for a couple reasons - 1) it's where I'm doing Optima this year - thus it's like a free practice, but then 2) noise. I want actual data on noise. I think I have it solved - but the 'if it's not' is I'm building new sidepipes with a far different design... and that will take a solid month to build... I plan on doing this next winter - it will have oval exhaust because Chad (old timers know this story).... but the benefit of new headers is I think these 4' primary pipes destroy power...

next winter I plan on building headers/sidepipes that make power for the revamped motor. Also put on port EFI.... now is 600 hp, next up is 900 but more importantly, a wider power band (more rpm) - which pretty much demands custom built headers. I know this might surprise you, but I've built more then a few sets of custom headers - I actually really enjoy doing it.

[SuperBuickGuy]

it looks nice
https://i.imgur.com/sBVEI6dh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Qcvs3Jih.jpg
too bad it's too low
https://i.imgur.com/tGJ2D5Vh.jpg
ugh.
https://i.imgur.com/r357rQ5h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IoMX1t4h.jpg

so, it's opportunity. The holes in that valence are a problem for aerodynamics - and it was rightly suggested I block them.... so I will the calculation for cooling is you need 1/3 the radiator surface in grill opening... worst case scenario is I put a vent in the closing panel... the problem is it will be hard to create access for the bolts.... and a bit shorter spoiler.... 3 1/2" was not enough.... the other choice might be to make it flexible with reinforced rubber....

That said, $100 later and the tank is full with - bonus, it's not leaking or smelling.... capacity is 25-26 gallons.

oh and we're moving .... this should be fun (3 hours east)

​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

dangling brake cooling lines
https://i.imgur.com/SC3YBMBh.jpg

a start to a new setup
https://i.imgur.com/3fM5MIyh.jpg
the biggest problem is the spoiler can't hang more then 2" from the angle
https://i.imgur.com/FQEfZSOh.jpg
laid out a new plate - then the shear wouldn't start....
https://i.imgur.com/UFWarT5h.jpg
I'm going to try something... according to what I've read - you need an air inlet that is 1/3rd the size of the radiator.
https://i.imgur.com/0RxvHe5h.jpg
so basically, I'm going to eliminate the under side holes - however, if it doesn't work, I can simply pull the plate and get flow back....

[SuperBuickGuy]

spoiler v2 cont.
https://i.imgur.com/XeiljrQh.jpg
what that doesn't explain is I had to diagnose and fix my shear...
https://i.imgur.com/4NAsQrAh.jpg
tomorrow's goal is make this look less hardware store
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/72qiKlfh.jpg

I should explain that plate comment. C3 Corvettes have terrible nose lift at high speeds (they also have big problems with aero with the vertical rear window - the air actually goes backwards as it tumbles off the targa). If you look closely at any of the race C3s from the day, you'll see a number of solutions to 'fix' the problem.... but the worst part is that air making a change from horizontal to vertical - it literally lifts on the bottom of the hood... not optimal. This is why people delete the front license plate or even put the 80/81 nose on their older car.... for completeness, the tumble issue is why most racers used convertibles - no sail panels, no tumble....

[SuperBuickGuy]

more CAD
https://i.imgur.com/i1IN4Rph.jpg
now in metal
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/kCtiPKPh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

did some work on this today...

worked on the spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/3KX6Zjph.jpg
cut the block plate and spoiler out of one piece of aluminum
https://i.imgur.com/UFrtzbMh.jpg
the bottom inch will be rubber....
https://i.imgur.com/hqqfAT7h.jpg
also fixed some cracks because it was finally warm enough to use epoxy
https://i.imgur.com/F6vwULuh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

considering if this is what I want
https://i.imgur.com/un45WgJh.jpg
or this
https://i.imgur.com/LC6cJ5Kh.jpg

in other news, painting inner liners
https://i.imgur.com/IaurbmDh.jpg
and wiring the reverse light
https://i.imgur.com/OIXryvxh.jpg

all while waiting for the epoxy to fully dry
https://i.imgur.com/wn01q32h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

beta version etch primer
https://i.imgur.com/JGhUAjEh.jpg
installed
https://i.imgur.com/T2GkYRfh.jpg
rivet the rubber spoiler on
https://i.imgur.com/onAagNeh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RuZonUth.jpg
install edges
https://i.imgur.com/2jMZiy8h.jpg
it's also bolted to the frame through the bottom of the radiator cladding
also, rather then hard attach to the fenders, the rubber stoppers will keep the metal in place but also allow it to give if I get too low....
https://i.imgur.com/C7uqcsRh.jpg
fun fun
https://i.imgur.com/9mPOZHBh.jpg
spoiler - wider and remove the lift from the nose (no catfish nose lift)
https://i.imgur.com/duNdTcUh.jpg

what's left? reverse lights and figure out why the lighter plug isn't working... then it goes in the garage to await its first racing of the season (mid-May)... and that schedule is Spokane May 15ish, and PIR May 27....
Also, need to finish up some things on the motorhome but it's close...

oh yeah, and buy 2 houses, a commercial property then move 300 miles --------> way
oh and get a puppy this weekend.
and commute to Idaho for Buick parts.

[SuperBuickGuy]

dangerously close to the object I imagined 4 years ago - well, 2 years ago after that Randy Probst guy totally upended what I planned

https://i.imgur.com/seiXluWh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nkCX8ymh.jpg

inner fenders done
shop empty.

Monday, new project

https://i.imgur.com/PlNRxNCh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

reverse light
https://i.imgur.com/KWyrK7Lh.jpg
of course I don't have the nuts for these... ugh
https://i.imgur.com/SQ7bbzLh.jpg
and more wiring
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/THDInnIh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

reverse light plug.... same as any other t-based trans (t5, t56, tko, tkx)
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/hC6QzuLh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

It was a busy night for Trio, had to hide Luigi's ball
https://i.imgur.com/XPmsDjY.jpg
yet they are peas in a pod... there is a 6 or so month age difference
https://i.imgur.com/bNnCNIjh.jpg
back to C3 content
I can move the exhaust pipe towards the car. Granted, it's no longer parallel, but I have a thought
https://i.imgur.com/55W9iWmh.jpg
that it will help deflect noise
https://i.imgur.com/DmQK43mh.jpg
I'm close, within 1 db...

[SuperBuickGuy]

I thought mistake, nope... works out to $2 a tube so I'm happy
time to refasten the sidepipes
https://i.imgur.com/HMS6v6Eh.jpg
even the trim is in place
https://i.imgur.com/UBcv7sch.jpg

​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

autox weekend.... the motorhome, it's beyond slow
and I need to fix the trailer brakes - developed a short on the trip
https://i.imgur.com/Nks8bbsh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fBIQxAzh.jpg
looking for a short - and need to replace one tire...
https://i.imgur.com/L24lWNTh.jpg

I also took the opportunity to repack wheel bearings - this trailer is going to get a work out over the next few weeks...

[SuperBuickGuy]

wow, the impossibility of getting a rebuilt steering rack for a C5 or C6 is pretty remarkable.... I bought another used one, figure I'll get my current one rebuilt (maybe?)


I only post this as warning - in case others figure 'they'll just pick one up'.... yeah, even my parts guy is coming up with zeros....

[camcojb]

wow, the impossibility of getting a rebuilt steering rack for a C5 or C6 is pretty remarkable.... I bought another used one, figure I'll get my current one rebuilt (maybe?)


I only post this as warning - in case others figure 'they'll just pick one up'.... yeah, even my parts guy is coming up with zeros....

True of many parts that are normally stocked by many vendors.

[SuperBuickGuy]

I know, I know, I should let loose the dogs of war.... this is more a letting loose the yellow labrador of love.
cold lap
the faster laps - well, I need to learn to turn the camera off after each run so the battery was done after this run
best was 52s in a really built LS Miata, 55 in my class mine was 61

QlrFfL0-18U

[SuperBuickGuy]

if it weren't for bad luck

this isn't the problem
https://i.imgur.com/IG82xHPh.jpg
this is
https://i.imgur.com/x55Xge0h.jpg
if you're missing the issue - the mount tab is broken off.... wasn't in the box.

[SuperBuickGuy]

It's time to get ready for practice at Portland international raceway and Optima

by fixing a bent bracket

I think I may have touched a tree with the spoiler... oops

https://i.imgur.com/oc7AoI3h.jpg

bracket had to come off (not fun)

https://i.imgur.com/HvZsJMrh.jpg

and got a repaint

https://i.imgur.com/x6wZnQSh.jpg

the guy I bought the house from owns a shop with water jet - so he's going to cut out brackets for me. I want the spoiler to move back, but Optima requires that the spoiler be no taller then 8" above the highest point of the deck.... so two brackets

https://i.imgur.com/whiQbWeh.jpg

measure the highest point with a box top

https://i.imgur.com/B4bxzHyh.jpg



so these two bits...

https://i.imgur.com/c2uYFHQh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

now in aluminum
https://i.imgur.com/97vZWS5h.jpg

but wait, there's more
https://i.imgur.com/grgNNbih.jpg

then load up and go
https://i.imgur.com/YsCZzTPh.jpg

to here
https://i.imgur.com/WI6QG2Zh.jpg

with a brief stop to see parents - and their Corvette
https://i.imgur.com/3nGGkBBh.jpg

Did SCCA Track Night in America at PIR. that was fun, car stayed together and seems ready to run at Optima. Exhaust was quiet enough that I may remove the cones - then if there's a problem, just reinstall them. They kind of kill top end speed... but the rule is this - they give you a warning, then you can fix it, and it's fine, but you have to tell them what you did.... so if the cones aren't there and it's too loud, I'll know that by putting them back in that I'll be okay....

and wow is that concrete slick at PIR.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Narrowing in on ready
first remove the baffles.
https://i.imgur.com/2uU43MFh.jpg
I think they do affect top end power... we will see
brief break to let the lab float
https://i.imgur.com/oIcH4EIh.jpg
happy lab
https://i.imgur.com/L28dKJ8h.jpg
so remade the optima brackets
https://i.imgur.com/bjYYfxdh.jpg
before
https://i.imgur.com/BhLLpbDh.jpg
with tall stands
https://i.imgur.com/a3yMNnNh.jpg
with the new stands
https://i.imgur.com/5RMD314h.jpg
other then cleaning the car is ready to go.... next up fix the ac problems (or lack of ac) in the motorhome, and install tie-down plates in the trailer
​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

and, we're loaded (Luigi is coming with).

weirdest thing, the trailer I bought for moving...
https://i.imgur.com/Fd1z5AFh.jpg

fits the Corvette just fine. boy was I lucky :)
https://i.imgur.com/HEho5Q6h.jpg

Lots more ready this year.... Optima 2022...

a brief recap since I wasn't here last year. I busted tail to get to Optima 2021. I made it. I got there and cell phone reception doomed my event. My head wasn't there - so anyway - I had another dog last year, an English Mastiff named Buick. The night before I went, I had to put him down.

Still miss that lug, but this year, at least I should have a time in every event. Do I think I'll win or even place? nope. But I will do each event.... I also have an ace card - my parents live close-ish to PIR and if something does go wrong, I have a full fab shop available....

[SuperBuickGuy]

everyone likes pictures... so we start there....
https://i.imgur.com/j7v9197h.jpg

Chad won and was a neighbor in the parking lot.
https://i.imgur.com/RMYuiach.jpg


what a trip the filming is. I may end up nowhere on it (kind of doubtful because I had cameras on my car pretty much the entire time) - but I seriously think one of the biggest boosts I got was from that whole thing.... I know all you experienced racers don't think anything of it - but to me that was as much a trip as sliding out of the box on the stop challenge (oops)....


So in other news... the car.

It still runs.

but, I need better tires - I finally saw how they could help, but I'll also say that up and until now, they would have been pearls before pigs...



it ran. But I knocked off after completing all the first rounds because I was getting concerned that it's dropping a cylinder. I cannot afford a new motor this year, much as I'd love to have stayed 3 more hours and ran....



The clutch.... ugh. Even at the low power, doing the last challenge - the accel/braking session, the clutch started to slip. I don't know what to do about this, that clutch is supposed to be able to handle the power.... but the bbc torque? yeah. Maybe I should bandaid it with 3.73 gears? then the tires would go up in smoke before the clutch did....

[SuperBuickGuy]

so the list

https://i.imgur.com/eMCq32Hh.jpg



I need to find 200 tw tires



and the clutch is "check".... it should be okay, but then again, it was getting funky on the last brake portion..in all seriousness, I should put a 3.73 rear gear in


the mirror won't stay aligned and I need a better rear view... so suggestions would be nice

[SuperBuickGuy]

Pictures
Saturday night drive
https://i.imgur.com/fQXR79Mh.jpg
those cones never knew what hit them
https://i.imgur.com/eMKsRLZh.jpg
appropriately named "braking challenge"
https://i.imgur.com/5TQp6nGh.jpg
road course
https://i.imgur.com/vHKOZ3Jh.jpg
D&E
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/z2xQMRvh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to start fixes, steering
https://i.imgur.com/6Nv7kBF.jpg
fixed
https://i.imgur.com/JQ2bptx.jpg
with this
https://i.imgur.com/oOoPRNm.jpg

in other news, starting to put the lift in
https://i.imgur.com/DJBaIxL.jpg
the guy I bought the place from - this was his initial location before his business needed the space.
https://i.imgur.com/xBTOfIg.jpg

I think that makes the most sense. as I unpack I'm starting to be amazed at how much space I really have for activities..
​​​​​​​

[WSSix]

Congrats on all you've accomplished so far this year. Good luck getting more seat time with the car. You're doing great

[SuperBuickGuy]

Time to continue the upgrades....

a little rich and the plugs are too hot
https://i.imgur.com/2lJ7ljph.jpg

Of course, getting colder plugs requires ordering them....

also working on the alignment - the C5/C6 front suspension uses the typical GM cam bolts... and they can move... need to find a solution to this
(and the stupid potato camera's inability to hold a steady shot)
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/MwOljHah.jpg

In other news, I'm also going to stiffen the front sway bar. The tire lift should never have happened - not just that but you can see the car does lean a bit into high speed corners....

[SuperBuickGuy]

Brown Santa arrived today
https://i.imgur.com/XOCNxfXh.jpg
18x10, 18x12.5
https://i.imgur.com/HAcTQL6h.jpg
poor fgz, they're still too big for him.
forged, light weight
https://i.imgur.com/cpICrFih.jpg
Apex gave me a deal on them, basically I paid the cast price for these (actually, a little less)... thanks Apex

[SuperBuickGuy]

potato camera for the blur again
stock clearance
https://i.imgur.com/9y7KLyeh.jpg
new wheel clearance
https://i.imgur.com/tlQAiaIh.jpg
rear stock
https://i.imgur.com/PZizw6Ih.jpg
rear new
https://i.imgur.com/JVjk1irh.jpg

I know this sounds really dumb but I'm going to cut and widen the front fenders to put larger tires on it. The bright side is I know how to do this so it'll only cost me time and materials. right now, it's about 1/2" outside the fender on the stock side and 1" on the new side. With the changes I'm going to make the control arms, I'll have about 1/2 of that solved but I want 315 front tires, not 275. Bright side is I'll 'fix' the paint flaws the painter did when I do this and resolve a couple other paint issues... thankfully it's black and really easy to match

[SuperBuickGuy]

Tires... I can't do it. I keep trying to convince myself to either go square or go with the slicks as a rear tire - all to get a 200tw tire. I'm sorry, but 10% more contact patch should easily equal any 'better' traction I get from the smaller, narrower tire.
... the comparison
the left is what's on the car now
https://i.imgur.com/ghSNie4h.jpg
now a 325 v. 345..... while I know what I just said above there is a 200tw tire from continental, problem is the rear is a 345 not 325.
https://i.imgur.com/K9l0Etih.jpg
not bad until you realize that where it doesn't really fit would be nearly impossible to make a decent-looking flare
https://i.imgur.com/I4VqmNkh.jpg
I hate to say it but either I'm going with a right size tire and the wider front (which is where most of the problem lay) in a 340 or so tw.... but now that that's out there - talk me out of it....

in other news, rear, adjustable sway bar from UMI
https://i.imgur.com/tGClN5Eh.jpg
and new Hotchkis for the front...
https://i.imgur.com/F21h3MZh.jpg

and new gears... 3.91s (not 3.73 as previously reported).... I know, I know, I wasn't thrilled with them in the 06 GTO I had, but I think this is different because bigger tire, more hp and lighter car. At this point, 2000 rpm in 5th gear is 85 mph.... and I'm frying the clutch taking off from a standing start.... bonus is big smoke shows.

https://i.imgur.com/WTzF5Wwh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WBuGkXLh.jpg

and adding a cooler to the rear diff
https://i.imgur.com/8XSC4yXh.jpg

what is wrong with me? (rhetorical, sit down FGZ)... I won't spend the dollars to toss the lunchbox lockers out of my FJ40 but will spend it to upgrade to a geared limited slip in the C3?
https://i.imgur.com/GDcPYXfh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

So I'm tired of relying on people to do ring and pinion swaps for me. Now is an optimal time to learn

https://i.imgur.com/WTzF5Wwh.jpg

mark the caps

https://i.imgur.com/Zr1rnVqh.jpg

get caps off

https://i.imgur.com/1HwCHgVh.jpg

spend rest of night looking for pry bars... moving is SO much fun....


*and in case any of you are silly enough to follow my instructions, this is, if I count all of the ones I've done in my life... is the first. I did try once before but I couldn't get the gears to give a good pattern. Turns out I did it right but the case was junk.... anyway, there's the warning

[SuperBuickGuy]

it's out

https://i.imgur.com/YvC5yMFh.jpg

A screwdriver in the hole and a couple hits of the pinion flange with a dead blow and out it came

wow is that a lot of clutch debris.....

[rickpaw]

I did SCCA track nights at PIR back in 2020 with my 67 Firebird, when I was still living there. Great times.

Nice work with the vette. I followed you over at ih8mud as well on the work on your 40

[SuperBuickGuy]

​Time for plan C
https://i.imgur.com/1ejgq3ph.jpg
87k mile from a private seller. What a neat guy - 2 C2s, 1 C3, 1 C5, a 70 Chevelle (blown, of course), a Shelby Daytona (plastic), and on an on.... had a nice 4 hour drive (google, are you on crack? 6 hours?).... what was weird is it's like Google didn't want me to see the city center of Lewiston Idaho - it directed me everywhere but through the center of town.... other then that, it was a nice day for a drive...​

[SuperBuickGuy]

I did SCCA track nights at PIR back in 2020 with my 67 Firebird, when I was still living there. Great times.

Nice work with the vette. I followed you over at ih8mud as well on the work on your 40

Now that moving is done, I can spend a lot more time racing.... might even go this weekend up to Spokane...

[SuperBuickGuy]

and onward
step one, remove rack
https://i.imgur.com/YQPwLyHh.jpg
step two, install adapters
https://i.imgur.com/iqbNDQqh.jpg
step three, realize you're missing o-rings
https://i.imgur.com/eV54Oeth.jpg
step four through six.... look for o-rings, give up, order o-rings online..
step seven admire hole
https://i.imgur.com/o8SLUDgh.jpg
and least they look pretty there on the bench
https://i.imgur.com/fbw2CpUh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

I did SCCA track nights at PIR back in 2020 with my 67 Firebird, when I was still living there. Great times.

Nice work with the vette. I followed you over at ih8mud as well on the work on your 40

I used to live in Oregon City - I've walked PIR countless times during the April swap meet.... was fun to do the track at speed both on track night and at Optima.

It floors me when someone comments about the builds I do somewhere else but its main blog - especially because while I can conceptualize the idea that people have look at my '40 more then 295,000 times; It still surprises me that people recognize it in other places besides Mud.

what is fun about my '40 is that this winter it'll be wheeling where I bought my first '40 30 years ago.... and where I gained my love of snow wheeling.

[WSSix]

As for the rear flare, why not just flare down to the side pipe and no more? It's race car, who cares if the flare looks great going around the side pipe. Just make it functional is my thought.

Good luck with the ring and pinion setup. For me, it's a very time consuming affair. I'm not experienced enough to make large changes.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Today's news, no pictures. I sent the wheels back to Apex. To trade them for a wider front and a 19" rear. I really wanted the 18s around it but they simply don't have the tire selection available now.... The fronts, I didn't like the offset so basically I'm using a rear "stock Corvette" dimension for the front - which will give me a 295 front tire and 325 rear. Will still need to modify the front flares but not as drastic - add 1/2" or so per side.

Next up, install the gears, port EFI and new sidepipes. along with everything else I'm doing. Will be a busy off-season but hopefully next year I'll meet my goal of being competitive....

and, I was 'competitive' this year and did pretty well for a wet-behind-the-ears-rookie. What I did do this year was make some really good acquaintances who are really helping behind the scenes....

[SuperBuickGuy]

As for the rear flare, why not just flare down to the side pipe and no more? It's race car, who cares if the flare looks great going around the side pipe. Just make it functional is my thought.

Good luck with the ring and pinion setup. For me, it's a very time consuming affair. I'm not experienced enough to make large changes.

I'm taking it very slow. And who knows, I may tap out but like the time before - the experience of doing it makes paying someone else to do it far easier. I have a good friend who has fixed my past attempts and is my go-to for regular stuff... problem is he's now 230 miles away....

I'm only chopping on the front flare - the biggest problem is it rubs now, front and rear... with the new wheels, I gain 3 mm in the rear (clearance) but to get a 295 on the front.... it already rubs with the 275 - and even with the rear Corvette offset (55 mm v. 36 mm now), it's still too wide.

So that picture of the white car in the background. Just like my '40 evolved from a 'use what I have' to a linked 4x4, the Buick is as well.... originally, it was going to get some 33" slicks in the back and become a show car (chopped, sectioned, pancaked) - but someone I know has C6 parts.... I can't imagine it'd be competitive in Ax because she's a wide girl however, I think a 900 hp twin turbo Buick motor on a C6 chassis and leave the body alone is going to be just what the doctor ordered.... how does that relate? I'm nothing if not consistent in taking a solid plan then making it infinitely more complex.... but I'm going to try my best not to do that with that car.... wish me luck.

[SuperBuickGuy]

boxes
https://i.imgur.com/DBC3CM0h.jpg
winning
https://i.imgur.com/i58BZknh.jpg
basically, I'm using rears from a basic C6 on the front and a GS C6 on the rear
https://i.imgur.com/DhqBrc3h.jpg
11" fronts, they 'just' clear on the inside on the upper control arm
https://i.imgur.com/wYzURjmh.jpg

I may have to do some work on the front flares to make it perfect but I can run it like this... we will see once I put the 295s on the front... I'm stoked. Next up is the headers and port efi....time to make this fast...
I'm so thankful that Apex worked with me to get the right wheels. These are 1" wider in the front then what I got the first time around... I'll have these powder coated to match the 'street' wheels.

[camcojb]

Nice!! :thumbsup:

[SuperBuickGuy]

and new shoes (Contis)
new shoes have arrived
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/tlksf2gh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

more updates, the much anticipated Global West suspension upgrades arrived.... why did I wait when I could have paid less for others? well, glad you asked
https://i.imgur.com/jB5ahcNh.jpg
this changes how you adjust the front suspension - it also allows you to narrow the track by 1/2", a real benefit if you're already considering whether or not you will have to reflare the car to fit better front tires.
But I digress, these are the upper bushings, they're basically lubeable heims
https://i.imgur.com/7j8EmQ3h.jpg
also the way they go together makes it impossible for the upper control arm to move fore and aft (which they can in the stock setup)
https://i.imgur.com/SMhzc6eh.jpg
they also allow you to adjust camber by simply flipping the bit that bolts to the frame (the flats are ground off center)
https://i.imgur.com/PpkS5xch.jpg
they also eliminate the lower control arm cams (and replace the bushings with a lubeable delrin bushing)
https://i.imgur.com/KQgH6LQh.jpg

to remind, last time out, I pushed hard enough on the 340 tread wear tires to change the camber... and now I'm going 200 tread wear and 1" per side wider contact patch

first step,
picture for posterity
https://i.imgur.com/2ETGhN8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/S4rsOdah.jpg
push out the upper bushings
https://i.imgur.com/zmfuCj2h.jpg
then realize I don't have green threadlock

so take pictures of 7 month old, 87 lb bloodhound puppy and her sidekick, Luigi
https://i.imgur.com/jVKnVaJh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

got a pleasant surprise today
https://i.imgur.com/SNlznVth.jpg
not quite the same, but don't care
https://i.imgur.com/Q3qrIWdh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

easiest way to get the upper ball joint off
https://i.imgur.com/SIvEZy5h.jpg
drill and tap for grease zerts
https://i.imgur.com/ePp3kWfh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5uVqkr6h.jpg
upper assembled
https://i.imgur.com/zTgpiq7h.jpg
and installed
https://i.imgur.com/v1kotlDh.jpg
and then onto the lower control arms
https://i.imgur.com/iiWTetQh.jpg
so I remember where it was set (it doesn't set on the lower control arm when this is done but this helps me align it later
https://i.imgur.com/UI4mnMkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/c6ooPMjh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/x8XHjOOh.jpg
remove bushings
https://i.imgur.com/KDIxuydh.jpg
bushings removed
https://i.imgur.com/FQ27P3Ph.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NDrWW5Dh.jpg
no more rubber, delrin
https://i.imgur.com/ByDS08vh.jpg
nicely machined so they get fully lubed
https://i.imgur.com/KunHHl9h.jpg
a 'while I'm there' shaving just a bit off the new sway bar gives me clearance I need
https://i.imgur.com/D4zTvyFh.jpg

​​​​​​​I really like the quality of the Global West parts. Yes, it took awhile (I ordered the day after PDX Optima - early July) but these are seriously nice parts.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Had to build a gate so got delayed on working on the car
hard to believe it's $1600 if someone else builds it for you
https://i.imgur.com/eFD1wlih.jpg
In other news... mounted the tires to the track wheels, I'll have to weight them, they're substantially lighter
https://i.imgur.com/HvNGgCgh.jpg
the rears are the same size as what's already on there but the fronts
https://i.imgur.com/habNhHKh.jpg
275/35zr18 v. 295/30zr18 - so shorter and wider.... but I think the same offset so, crossing fingers, no need to cut the flares and widen them
https://i.imgur.com/duLmEsah.jpg
anyway, got onto the car - should have taken more pictures
and hit a slight snag.... I need it to go into the innermost 'spot' but something is preventing that from happening...
https://i.imgur.com/fScY0Seh.jpg
so I'll take it apart again and see what's up....
and the new rear end is ready to be picked up
to be continued....

[SuperBuickGuy]

to remind... these weren't fitting
https://i.imgur.com/74P4yBph.jpg
they do now
https://i.imgur.com/7bz5raUh.jpg
the problem (basically a burr)
https://i.imgur.com/9Z7OOJhh.jpg
after a bit of love with a die grinder
https://i.imgur.com/uUNDH4jh.jpg
ages ago I bought dies to port heads, I may have used them once for that but they are handy for things like this
https://i.imgur.com/7fDEeoFh.jpg
much much better
https://i.imgur.com/7bz5raUh.jpg
with the new wheels on it
https://i.imgur.com/uGDRCl4h.jpg
and they fit!!!! 1" wider tire - these rims - well all the rims are for the back tires of a C6. The front are stock C6, the rear are GS C6
https://i.imgur.com/dKWt5tgh.jpg
these fit better then the GS wheels which are 1 1/2 inches narrower
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/clSCYrzh.jpg
tire/wheel weights
stock GS front
https://i.imgur.com/vz7g0a1h.jpg
race GS about 4lb savings per wheel - granted, it's also a wider tire....
https://i.imgur.com/OeP7SJoh.jpg
rear GS stock wheels
https://i.imgur.com/APyM3vkh.jpg
the most amazing, 10 lbs savings on each rear wheel
https://i.imgur.com/JSnCtlbh.jpg
tomorrow
https://i.imgur.com/I7sYAl8h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

didn't get much time to work on it today, however, did get to checking the alignment.... 6* castor, 1.5 camber. great for a street car, I can flip the shims on the lower control arm to gain 1 degree of camber - which is about perfect for an autox

I'll take it



https://i.imgur.com/X7SrCqjh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

I should use dzus fasteners to install this.... what is this, rear diff number 3?
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/CwIKoazh.jpg

[camcojb]

Nobody can say you just give up lol!

[SuperBuickGuy]

what can I say? :lol:
nothing left to do it but do it....
https://i.imgur.com/flspy73h.jpg
my 'stock' C3 rear suspension :)
https://i.imgur.com/pitgMBYh.jpg
old ready to drop
https://i.imgur.com/IOYrix0h.jpg
empty hole
https://i.imgur.com/Wyjke2Ph.jpg
getting back together
https://i.imgur.com/hssjOA3h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UzGEZ53h.jpg
oil is in it, tomorrow I'll tighten everything back up - I also want the rear up about an inch...

the 'to do' list:
replace inside mirror with one that doesn't move under g-forces
oil catch can
do something about the center console - it's dropped and now is hit by the shifter
get run it across a computerized alignment machine - which finding a shop to do it is a challenge...

put it away - then collect parts for the port EFI, better headers and maybe build a spare motor.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Nobody can say you just give up lol!

building cars and 4x4s is my happy place.

[SuperBuickGuy]

and back on the ground.... I may have tightened the rear coil overs a bit too much but past experience says drive it a few times
https://i.imgur.com/PgwIcAAh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SLkP1jRh.jpg

I ordered a very cheap set of 304 stainless 16g shorty headers.... next up is build new headers. I also ordered a port efi intake manifold. I'm going to assemble it myself. I don't trust FiTech and the Holley does give enough fuel at full song.

With that said, I may put this in its box after putting a solid heat cycle or two in the differential (and reset the speedo)

[SuperBuickGuy]

It's been tucked into my enclosed trailer for a bit now, but collecting parts for the new updates.
1) port efi
2) coil-per cylinder
3) backup motor
4) better sidepipes


okay.... so explain. I bought a Terminator X and have most of the parts to build the port efi/coil-per cylinder.... I've already sold the Sniper to the friend who I brought the BBC back from Reno.... and the sidepipes... he gets a great deal and I get not to deal with craigslist... win win

so that's the first 2

I've been fighting the oil pressure problem - specifically, at idle it has 20 psi - all with a high volume - high pressure oil pump. In talking to people at SEMA (2 cam manufacturers and several engine builders - the only thing I haven't 'checked' is lifters... bbc, I guess, can have variance in lifter-bore height. Add to that some lifter manufacturers make their oil passage wider then others and you can have a perfect storm.... of course, the right thing to do is just build another motor....which a 4 bolt bbc fell into my lap along with forged pistons.... having a spare isn't a bad idea, either, so I'll use a lot of the parts I already have and build another motor.

and sidepipes.
this has been on my radar from the beginning but now I finally have the space, place, time and
Summit had these sitting in their return pile.... cheap
https://i.imgur.com/yFCsCeqh.jpg
​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

my winter project has been progressing - but it's not, really, something for the ultimate street car - though, this picture is because I bought new-to-me tires indirectly for it in the same town where I autox. These tires would have been appropriate when I was there...
I've always been amazed how big tires can make a POS truck look good...
https://i.imgur.com/3urp344h.jpg

Anyway, the reason for the post

well, looks like we have the rules for 2023 Ultimate Street car (aka Optima Challenge)
https://ultimatestreetcar.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/USCA-2023-Rules_v2.pdf?fbclid=IwAR30TT2Mcx7SbHWda1pxCcgX2f0Y LYjd_1L3jHI-uyZcAgYNy5V6ZNVP6bg

my to-do list isn't terrible but part of me wonders if I should just run as is because it will take 3 months to do them.... the list
1) change intake for port EFI
2) put different roller lifters in*
3) install Terminator X
4) Build better headers

I should pull the motor and reseal the pan along with check clearances.


*discussion of #2. I talked to several engine builders, cam manufacturers and lifter manufacturers (including Iskederian - the maker of the lifters)... and the deal is that short of pulling the motor completely apart - there was manufacturing tolerance on the lifter bore height which can sometimes run afoul of the lifter manufacturers. From memory - so some correction may be needed - there are 2 "factory dimensions" for the lifter bore height. They are 30 thou difference. Thus on huge cams, you run the risk of the lifter oil passage coming out of the lifter bore. That could, at idle, lower your oil pressure. I'm not convinced that the volume that bleed could create would be enough to be a problem, but if you stack that issue with bleed-off that Isky Red racing lifters put in place and suddenly you do have an issue. I also think the oil pickup - let's just say I have questions.... On my FJ40, I had a similar oil pressure problem. Same basic deal, factory set 'height' ... wasn't enough. Moved it to 1/2" off the floor and never had oil pressure problems since.

and to be clear... 20 psi at idle hot.... it's enough but I think I want more and I want to run a thinner oil (30w now)

[SuperBuickGuy]

So, update. There has been so much progress that was planned and not started.... but there IS news. First, I'm doing Optima at Thunderhill and Portland this year. Also, there is a possibility that I'll be on MAVtv Dec. 30 at 8 pm. I dunno, they asked lots of questions - but I dunno if it made it.

As far as the car, I'm likely going to open trailer enclosed trailer it to Thunderhill (between Sacramento and Redding CA). Motorhome isn't ready and I'm not sure I want to do a mid-winter drive over several mountain ranges - all with tight time constraints....

In other news, I think they changed the rules on the spoiler... so I'm going to have to rethink all of this.... part of me is considering just leaving the wing at home - OR - doing a (can't remember the term) a spoiler extension... the benefit of that is where the wing is at Optima heights is dead center of my rearview mirror.... use some plexiglass and that solves two problems....

love to hear thoughts....

[SuperBuickGuy]

preview of things to come
https://i.imgur.com/03cqc0Nh.jpg
file this under "I can't believe that I'm making a spoiler for only 2 races"

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to get back to this

getting there
https://i.imgur.com/6c4v4jnh.jpg

this may be dumb but I'm going to make the Optima spoiler adjustable.
https://i.imgur.com/DOlikseh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G0iOHnth.jpg
from the other side
https://i.imgur.com/9cker1ih.jpg

explanation... Optima has some requirements that make the 'standard' wing pointless... so I am building brackets that allow bolting a clear duckbill style spoiler onto the car in place of the other spoiler. With that said, the rules allow them to be adjustable, just not on the fly (no active aero)

I need to do a touch more tuning on the car, and take it to the detailer for a full buff, correct and ceramic coat.. thus the stickers came off.... what to do with them?
because racetruck?
https://i.imgur.com/VU71OJCh.jpg
can't imagine they'd complain about this stack location
https://i.imgur.com/9DLQoOwh.jpg
probably get in trouble, though, because that would be aero that is adjustable while driving.... maybe I'll have to ask those in power....

[SuperBuickGuy]

Optima spoiler
so we saw it in CAD... now in alumineeeuum
https://i.imgur.com/6EHDrCgh.jpg
round 1, full, square sheet
https://i.imgur.com/zWMRy5kh.jpg
race mode
https://i.imgur.com/s9L08URh.jpg
autoX mode
https://i.imgur.com/qDPLvm5h.jpg
now bottom has first trim to more match the spoiler's curve
https://i.imgur.com/ztZaY4ph.jpg
using lasers to be sure of the height
https://i.imgur.com/pqapdwHh.jpg
final cut
https://i.imgur.com/CUKZ49eh.jpg
now in the correct height. It's an interesting rule to apply - no taller then 8" above the highest point on the deck or no more then 6" higher then the lowest point of the window... in this case, the window is the high point... so 6" it is...
https://i.imgur.com/cciMOXZh.jpg
final bit will be some kind of brace to keep it from flopping (and attaching, but need fasteners)

[SuperBuickGuy]

the most fun part of autox is making YOUR car handle. There is a huge body of knowledge out there to make cars handle - but all cars have an aero signature... the reason I used a radar arch instead of this style of aero is because that step to the back window creates huge turbulence, but putting the wing in clear air, I could get good flow. Problem to be address is that wing is illegal for Optima. Not dissing the rules at all but what you can go wild (duckbills, splitters, etc) really are hard to integrate into my car's body shape.

So we have where we're at today.... and I'm really questioning why bother... but we'll carry on - however, don't be terribly surprised if I simply bag it and and run without. You'd think that'd be a terrible disadvantage - I'm not convinced... if I wanted solid aero, I'd have built a 3rd gen Firebird.

so here we are.
https://i.imgur.com/9Y9S01th.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/taKa2vkh.jpg
in this position, I need to brace the foil otherwise it'll flop more then a politician
https://i.imgur.com/owob399h.jpg
even though adjustable - I might run it in a position like this or even one notch more flat - then pull the rear window out

​​​​​​​4 weeks and I leave for California to race... March 2.

[SuperBuickGuy]

alrighty.... spoiler is on, looking good, and speaking of looking good, Trio is 1 year old today.
https://i.imgur.com/OsUTzLgh.jpg
other side looks okay too
https://i.imgur.com/NyxIOQAh.jpg
and the Optima spoiler
https://i.imgur.com/jXnL7pRh.jpg
truth is I like the wing better..
looks like there's a lurker
https://i.imgur.com/u56j2M8h.jpg
The FJ40 I built with proceeds from the prior C3.... the red C3 is getting a 496 and belongs to a really good friend of mine. And no, I can't decide on what kind of wheeled adventure I like, there are also airplanes....

[camcojb]

Turned out great!

[Goosesdad]

Looks great. Curious how you mounted the supports? Any cool pics from underneath? TIA.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Looks great. Curious how you mounted the supports? Any cool pics from underneath? TIA.
I ran brackets from the deck to the frame. The spoiler just bolts through the deck to those mounts (which look like a T)

Oh this week!. Got little done except a list of what I need to get done in 12 days.
https://i.imgur.com/S6nAb7o.jpg
and I've added to it since this picture... pray for me, it's going to be close
​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

so the list got longer.... the filter media is completely gone from the top... ordered a new top so the list is back but it's fun surprises like this... also had a couple leaks (now just one) to fix...
https://i.imgur.com/9tHC931h.jpg
this progressed quickly... brief explanation - the console cover moved because it wasn't fastened down in the front... not a huge deal except that I use the phone holder - and it moving was a problem
https://i.imgur.com/hnDSMTih.jpg
a new brace, a couple more screws in the side, a few threaded inserts and it's solid
https://i.imgur.com/hnDSMTih.jpg
back together
https://i.imgur.com/y6vbPNZh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aNFdiubh.jpg
list is shorter
https://i.imgur.com/asKGbSzh.jpg


it's fun, when this is all said and done, outside of the different spoiler, it will look the same but this is, after the last race in July:
all new rear arms
lower rear gears (3.91)
new wheels
new tires (upgrade to 200 tw and a 295 front tire instead of the 275)
elimination of the cam bolts in the C5 front end
revise the camber and castor
new spoiler
refasten the interior
replace the rack
different tune on the motor

before July I'm changing the Sniper to Terminator X and port injection along with a sheet metal intake (and new lifters)... intake to finally get a decent air filter on it.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Just a couple things left to wrap up. but first...
brake bolts needed tightening and fresh thread lock (blue)
https://i.imgur.com/TC5JoYMh.jpg
air ducts too
https://i.imgur.com/lRowGXPh.jpg
stupid horn relays... it's new, it's junk
https://i.imgur.com/lRowGXPh.jpg

tomorrow, hopefully, the air cleaner will come and I can do that along with verify the tune (make sure the TPS is right, that the IAC is working - remarkably, it has been, and fine tune the various a/f ratios along with timing).... then i goes into the trailer for a week.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Corvette is back out of the trailer from its duties of anchor...
who says you can't get good headlights?
https://i.imgur.com/09nGrht.jpg
​​​​​​​now with brights
https://i.imgur.com/hMdSfDYh.jpg
air filter... there just isn't much room under the hood... as it is, this isn't perfect but it's good enough for now
https://i.imgur.com/d1Wa4jNh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vIrU9EZh.jpg
well, after a whole bunch of trial, this is what it will be
https://i.imgur.com/YdG8GLwh.jpg
x marks the spot
https://i.imgur.com/4gfG4KMh.jpg
remember geometry?
https://i.imgur.com/BFdgD8Ph.jpg
did I just void another warranty? yep, and there will be more
https://i.imgur.com/BkGzmWoh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0nGrDREh.jpg
this will work
https://i.imgur.com/0c0w518h.jpg
chopped down an offset base, flipped it over
https://i.imgur.com/2Lhlzyqh.jpg
there it is... offset, chopped, and barely touches
https://i.imgur.com/2DUjaexh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1BI0mKCh.jpg

a little more cleaning tomorrow and then it's back into the trailer to get packed for next weekend.

[SuperBuickGuy]

alright... wheels are decided... better or worse...
https://i.imgur.com/nUEkxw4.jpg
also, like the reuse of the Corvette bumper? this thing has been bouncing around for a long time - now it's a wheel chock
loaded... still hate that spoiler...
https://i.imgur.com/zLTmizph.jpg
will need to dust when I arrive
https://i.imgur.com/hjk8qFwh.jpg
truck serviced
https://i.imgur.com/iIJlf3Hh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

Well, the weather forecast for Willow CA shows rain on Saturday. I spent a fair penny on the 200tw Continentals and Apex wheels... and will likely use the old ones
https://i.imgur.com/7x0sx9sh.jpg

I know, I know, 340 tread wear is laughable but it's supposed to rain all day Saturday and most of Sunday. I'll use the Connies later and in July in Portland... now I just have to make it to Willow - and honestly, that's not likely going to be a problem - it's supposed to be nice tomorrow through Friday (yeah).

I'll pull the car out tomorrow and also figure how to keep water out of the intake...

[SuperBuickGuy]

stickies on
https://i.imgur.com/Yv9ijcbh.jpg
rain on
https://i.imgur.com/vHkKDith.jpg
reload
https://i.imgur.com/4CJk3xFh.jpg
I'd be faster in the dry with the 200tw tires, but these give me a better chance on staying on the track when it rains...only time will tell if it was a good move.

[SuperBuickGuy]

loaded and ready for adventure... fun fact, less rain - maybe even no rain... ah well
https://i.imgur.com/nNMkoJMh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5n9g5bVh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

Adventure pictures

https://i.imgur.com/PYJpItTh.jpg

I admit that this was hamming for the camera.... not that anyone else would ever do such juvenile things (though I wish he'd gotten the end where I punted a cone about 40 feet)

https://i.imgur.com/SnCSveCh.jpg

on the track

https://i.imgur.com/hulbBsRh.jpg

In the wet - had it totally stayed wet, I probably would have done pretty well

https://i.imgur.com/bvapGR7h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/A7D2Z0xh.jpg

there are some pucker factor corners at Thunderhill... this isn't one

https://i.imgur.com/AxDJY7ph.jpg

this is

https://i.imgur.com/TNwqL3dh.jpg

up a steep hill, a blind left corner, then a blind right sweeper.... I went off this corner... pretty sure I was airborne

https://i.imgur.com/0tUpAHah.jpg

dry autox

https://i.imgur.com/ltWaSfAh.jpg

[camcojb]

Great pics!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Your plastic is fantastic!:drive:

[SuperBuickGuy]

thanks. the photographer is well worth the little he charges for pictures.

it arrived
https://i.imgur.com/y489Ypvh.jpg
and put the old wing back on
https://i.imgur.com/j9QNqfjh.jpg
did an oil change
https://i.imgur.com/Ba6sZ4gh.jpg
oil looked okay and the spark plugs showed a touch rich and that I might be able to add a degree of timing... but at this point, it's safe so since I'm changing the entire fuel and spark system next.... I'll leave it for now.
I'm pretty close to doing the port EFI swap. Need a few parts, order them tomorrow.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Time to clean up the shop....

https://i.imgur.com/yysm3JSh.jpg

yes, I can get another project in there :)

https://i.imgur.com/1uCNJyBh.jpg

street tires off

https://i.imgur.com/wKao8ich.jpg

and get the racing tires back on it

https://i.imgur.com/xFGssQHh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

fancy things
https://i.imgur.com/SyBp5GLh.jpg
good grief do they wrap this well
https://i.imgur.com/X09I06fh.jpg
and the throttle body
https://i.imgur.com/UwKOEoCh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3fE00UMh.jpg
good to 850 hp - calculated I needed 58 lb injectors, these are 72 - or 20% more...
https://i.imgur.com/QbiiDX2h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

More pictures today - some are repeats... sorry
Ax day 2
https://i.imgur.com/WOOTXTp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YZzcnMh.jpg
brake challenge, I think
https://i.imgur.com/WB8SyUG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rEfowSu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lqEHzdS.jpg
this launch, 7k rpm and the brake challenge/Ax space is in a bowl... the noise... glorious. I'm sure I heard angels singing too
https://i.imgur.com/L020vcC.jpg
or Ax... one thing - the rules say you cannot change your tires.... that was roundly ignored
https://i.imgur.com/yHNOGz3.jpg
this picture plus one other convinced me to move the rear sway bar rate up
https://i.imgur.com/COIGeZF.jpg
plus one
https://i.imgur.com/jOu5qfF.jpg
and two... and this is without my max grip tires
https://i.imgur.com/RxlBZAJ.jpg
more wet Ax
https://i.imgur.com/QhLrgmE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nyZ6bGi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/56Czg5F.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NiTnxBS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ECNxtix.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iY4zEiZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bEdlUHb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/a6lNrMF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WM2ddPh.jpg
out on the track.... so numbers.... my practice lap was 2:41 in the wet, 1:47 dry... I needed about 2 more days of practice to get to the normal track time of 1:17 or so and better tires
https://i.imgur.com/eJ4ghB1.jpg
still glad i did it, it was a great experience
https://i.imgur.com/QEfdSEv.jpg
pucker factor for certain
https://i.imgur.com/jkun77Q.jpg
imagine, the photographer is horizontal to my car in this picture - the Buick cannot see me or the corner from his perspective...
https://i.imgur.com/xJJI3Dm.jpg
the camera isn't leaning... this corner really is that off camber
https://i.imgur.com/TDt1FuF.jpg
brake challenge again... I got 2 good times and said bag it...
https://i.imgur.com/YvJWbhw.jpg
get it
https://i.imgur.com/l05zAHE.jpg
​​​​​​​

[68454RS]

Looks like a lot of fun

[SuperBuickGuy]

Looks like a lot of fun

It really is a tremendous amount of fun. Of course, I just have to get over that the car is FAR better then I am... but even that's the fun as I don't have 100k in building it - thus I can beat it with the full knowledge that there's nothing I can't fix.

[68454RS]

It really is a tremendous amount of fun. Of course, I just have to get over that the car is FAR better then I am... but even that's the fun as I don't have 100k in building it - thus I can beat it with the full knowledge that there's nothing I can't fix.

I started doing Auto-x in my 68 Camaro and did not like how it felt like I was really beating on it. Like I was beating my child. Hopefully i'll get over it

[SuperBuickGuy]

so decision time.
not this, I needed to update seat belts so I bought the twist to unlock rather then the latch.... everyone, and I mean everyone - no matter their ability on the autox course could not easily figure out how to latch... fine, I'll dumb it down.
https://i.imgur.com/gL4A9SX.jpg
but that's not the decision.
I have 99% of the pieces for the port EFI/COP system. I have another Optima even in mid-July. I need to run a few autox events before but the first won't be before mid-May. Should I pull it apart and do the upgrade? it runs now. is basically ready to go.


and let's manage expectations. I'm not competitive yet. So there is no Vegas trip coming, and there is more HP coming in the winter... If I was in the heat of the points, no way I'm changing it - but at this point, I figure 2 weeks to get it back running again.

oh, and don't hold your opinion - I'm either going to swap or not tomorrow night.

[WSSix]

pics look great. I'm glad you had fun and the car performed well.

I wouldn't pull a working car a part to make upgrades. Just my two cents based on the fact that everything always takes me longer to do than planned.

[SuperBuickGuy]

I'll wait until after the Portland event... probably end of August is more likely.

In other news

drove the Corvette today - was acting like it had a vacuum leak..

it did

https://i.imgur.com/K3Zh6cbh.jpg

this stupid throttle cable holder... it had moved back and forth - thus loosening the bolt on the back corner of the efi. Add to all of this that it removed about 10% of throttle opening... stupid little things. Ah well, temporaried again, but looking for a solution. I had a different throttle cable holder before but it doesn't fit on the Sniper...

[SuperBuickGuy]

today's announcement - which I'll follow up in 3 or so months when it all comes to pass



I bought PF3. A 68 C3 - or rather, a 68 C3 tub and doors. I'm going to build a frame which copies PF2, then flare it like before. Not sure whether it will be BB powered or not - the 'next' BB I'm building will likely land in PF2.... I might see about building something like what a friend built for his 56 C1... something in the 900 hp NA neighborhood.

the other thing, it's a coupe, not a convertible... which is fine I'll buy a hardtop for it and make the car into a roadster. I'm sure the haters are going to hate, but I no longer post in CorvetteForum, so they'll have to hate from afar.

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to do the maintenance and stuff to get ready for the rest of the season
as mentioned before, the rack is leaking... I have a 'new' 'lifetime warranty' one.
https://i.imgur.com/XZDe4A8h.jpg
someday soon I'm going to make my 'spare' rack manual. I may also come up with another solution for the brake assist and ditch the hydroboost*
when I built the car, I verified I could pull the rack out from the driver's side... when I do the frame for PF3, this will happen too
https://i.imgur.com/mDpTzN1h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/20Uftsth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QVFpgnPh.jpg
volume reducer
https://i.imgur.com/3aTLN3Sh.jpg
the other thing I MUST fix is this rub. This is the 3rd time and there won't be a 4... so welding is going to happen
https://i.imgur.com/8AK4LR1h.jpg

*I like the hydroboost, but I don't like the leaks and I'm concerned that the current 'fix' for the rack (reduce pressure and volume) will negatively affect braking. Right now it's absolutely perfect.... by reducing volume and pressure by 30%... tune in for updates.

[CHJNCSU]

Thanks for all the great pictures! Awesome!

[SuperBuickGuy]

today's fun, make sure the top doesn't blow off at 150.... like it started to...
https://i.imgur.com/zpxi0fqh.jpg
inserts
https://i.imgur.com/2El9YHDh.jpg
and glue
https://i.imgur.com/jV4xEBkh.jpg
and the hardest part is drilling in the acrylic
ultimately success came from a slightly smaller hole, heating the insert so it'd thread in, then backing it out a bit and stuffing epoxy in the outside threads
https://i.imgur.com/FhdxXeHh.jpg
that ain't goin' nowhere.

in other news, new toy
https://i.imgur.com/ezwTTROh.jpg

I also finished up the rack install - I took pictures of the parts needed to reduce the pressure (rack needs 800 psi max, hydroboost can handle 1100 and the pump puts out 1350 - now 800)
of course the camera failed... I'll report back after driving it... I also lowered the front and aligned it. will drop the rear down as well... pictures of that part later

[SuperBuickGuy]

the problem - out of date seat belts
https://i.imgur.com/5cVKGFDh.jpg
the solution
https://i.imgur.com/8PtKSOch.jpg
the "that escaladed quickly"
https://i.imgur.com/8PtKSOch.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/i0QiBgOh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nkyh9Ruh.jpg

so why... I left the center open for better view - the problem was getting the battery out (under the floor) was a right PITA. Add to this issue that had I run the bar all the way across, horizontally, then I could simply tie the seat belts to the rear bar.... so that's what I'm going to do.
Problem 2 is the cross bar is really in the way... so I'm going to make the roll bar into a seat bar. I will still function to aid roof support, but give me a bit more room for activities. With that said, the targa bar on the C3 is pretty stout from the factory - so is a cage necessary for what I'm doing? I say no.

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to work on the seat belt bar/roll bar
the problem is simple - it's an utter PITA to get to the battery and getting to the top of the tank is nearly impossible while leaving the bar in..
https://i.imgur.com/NAIEEwe.jpg
so time to take the drop part out
https://i.imgur.com/KKUhUah.jpg
and welded.... a few more things to do tomorrow then reinstall
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/M3MSqyH.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

now with paint
https://i.imgur.com/w9hnCvEh.jpg
the white isn't an issue unless the carpet moves - since I have spare black paint
https://i.imgur.com/oyZHTFLh.jpg
better
https://i.imgur.com/ugTx9Bah.jpg
almost there... I don't know what I did with the grommet for the passenger seat - so I ordered another...
https://i.imgur.com/MjapbNBh.jpg
ah well, I can bolt it all down ...
​​​​​​​

[CHJNCSU]

Very Nice work!

[SuperBuickGuy]

it's here, well, it's been here for a week - but last week was busy - so finally got around to pictures...
1968 Corvette it's rougher then I thought it'd be.... but I bought it for the manual innards and the rear window surround (74 up don't have removeable rear windows, this lets me adapt that to my 76)... I'm still considering what I said before - PF4 - but whether this is the car that I start with... it may become a couch
so here we go
https://i.imgur.com/hJKHM5Y.jpg
this is a clue about why this car is like this... that rod is normally straight - it has other signs it hit something in the front pretty hard
https://i.imgur.com/N4adfVH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/41p2WBP.jpg
weirdness is the windshield frame looks okay
https://i.imgur.com/BILT8M4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ap8Zsrz.jpg
yet if you look at the roof bar - it rusted apart at the targa
https://i.imgur.com/XMxLuAX.jpg

don't care, I got the manual insides I wanted and I have 4 door shells.... and a billion other parts like manual pedals

anyway, next up is get it out and stored (thinking above the bathroom) but for now I need it out because racing

[SuperBuickGuy]

Optima spoiler stands installed
https://i.imgur.com/CkN4l69h.jpg
this weekend go play in Spokane and see if I can get a final tune in on it... wish I could have found someone to do the tune (who has a dyno) but whatever, it's not like it's hard
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/RZiprnkh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

clean it up, load it up for Optima this next weekend
https://i.imgur.com/TdFlTk5h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/thSSvEih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2ho5Wbch.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kiQMLuxh.jpg
​​​​​​​

[camcojb]

Good luck! :thumbsup:

[SuperBuickGuy]

yeah, fun.... day one, event 2
https://i.imgur.com/hy2ziZQ.jpg

spent a couple hours trying to get it to go back on.... wouldn't go on in a way that I was willing to risk other people's lives... I think what happened was I had fuel problems and the car bucked - that decoupled the pipe and it sheared off the holder then went under the wheel... took a nice gouge out of the fender too.....

and yes, that's racing, I'm disappointed but before that all happened... I was running quite competitively (like leading for a moment competitively)...

[SuperBuickGuy]

removed the last vestiges of Optima 2023.... put the wing back where it belongs
https://i.imgur.com/v86aUN1h.jpg
time to start considering what the front is going to look like - I don't think I'm getting enough air for cooling and adding more hp isn't going to help on that front (yes 511 ci is in sight)
time to make the second baffle...
https://i.imgur.com/GhXiy5Jh.jpg
I'm going to fasten this differently - not sure how, yet, but it's important to get this all together
https://i.imgur.com/MoVwKeQh.jpg
because I dug all this stuff out
https://i.imgur.com/u7YSew0h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/e2OTXEah.jpg
Paul's C3 - its motor is about ready to come out and several bits from my C3 are going on his motor...
my plan is to get the hard parts on the motor - though I may get dead stopped because I'm not 100% sure I have an intake gasket

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to do this
https://i.imgur.com/GCYIsNlh.jpg
pictures to give a reference for putting all this stuff in Paul's car
https://i.imgur.com/KNwYPMwh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qEMTfl8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/M2Wyzeuh.jpg
I hope this fixes the oil pressure problem - it certainly looks like it might be too much lift... but there's another problem and that's they were just too tight in the bores. The Comp lifters are much smoother
https://i.imgur.com/1xtIQRfh.jpg
and I'm just going to pretend I didn't see the cam.... billet cam. It'll be fine. Or it won't. I'm not doing anything with it at the moment....
https://i.imgur.com/AjZNJp2h.jpg
wow, even room under the hood
https://i.imgur.com/GthQY6sh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/P7Mi42Bh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

One bite at a time... cooling
as much as I don't like chrome, it fits
https://i.imgur.com/v2wbWhMh.jpg
then fix the coolant bypass.... for whatever reason, the FiTech coolant hole is about 1" closer to the water pump
https://i.imgur.com/S2R6qZzh.jpg
rant ON
I paid money for a throttle cable adapter for this manifold. It simply doesn't work.... hell, I'm not even sure the pieces bolt together.... I've been apologetic about FiTech but this is quite literally it. Never use them.*
https://i.imgur.com/mEXV0Xyh.jpg
the bracket needs to be 5/8" wider to clear the throttle body.... now I either have to make or buy something else...
in an effort to calm down....I dropped the cam sensor in place - not the right place, but the place where the cat won't knock it off the bench...
https://i.imgur.com/ADSvyeQh.jpg

but that is progress.... but now I need another bracket, and the more I look at it, the more likely I'm going to re-engineer the cooling system. I'm tired of cooling problems...

*I'll relate the story - but my first issue with them was faulty injectors on my FJ40 landcruiser. They did right by me and sent new injectors (which, to date, solve the problem). But now let's roll forward, I have had nothing but problems with their 800+ system. To the point that on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, I drove from Willow Springs to their office to pick up a new computer. Which, I wouldn't have needed to buy if their 'tech' had called me back when the phone disconnected at Willow Springs (took more then an hour to get through).... not 100% their fault, but the cost, time and missing my first Optima Challenge greatly annoyed me since I drove 1200 miles (a direction) to go play. Their response? "sorry"... Okay, don't trust their electronics, check, but they make the only intake that will fit under my hood (without the gyrations I had before).... the holley was a stop gap before what I'm doing now.... but those people can't even make a bracket without screwing it up. I'm done. RantOFF.

[camcojb]

Yours looks like a copy of the Holley bracket I was using before I swapped to drive by wire TB. Did you have it assembled like this? Mine had plenty of room around the TB. Wouldn't work if you had it swapped the opposite direction.

https://www.holley.com/products/fuel_systems/fuel_injection/throttle_bodies/gm_throttle_bodies/parts/20-147?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping+-+Holley+EFI+-+Brand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&hsa_acc=7848552874&hsa_cam=1753174007&hsa_grp=80395627886&hsa_ad=393369231565&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-451086445877:pla-1395176264053&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9MCnBhCYARIsAB1WQVUxD8g3Tdp2BEqtFwyI OlzwNp6x1raVBKGxnFZFGqO_dfSwL80wkWsaAuAwEALw_wcB

[SuperBuickGuy]

Yours looks like a copy of the Holley bracket I was using before I swapped to drive by wire TB. Did you have it assembled like this? Mine had plenty of room around the TB. Wouldn't work if you had it swapped the opposite direction.

https://www.holley.com/products/fuel_systems/fuel_injection/throttle_bodies/gm_throttle_bodies/parts/20-147?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping+-+Holley+EFI+-+Brand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&hsa_acc=7848552874&hsa_cam=1753174007&hsa_grp=80395627886&hsa_ad=393369231565&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=aud-451086445877:pla-1395176264053&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9MCnBhCYARIsAB1WQVUxD8g3Tdp2BEqtFwyI OlzwNp6x1raVBKGxnFZFGqO_dfSwL80wkWsaAuAwEALw_wcB

that direction won't work with the FiTech intake. This is one of those questions I'm sure I'll be asking at SEMA

and I'm back
because the first step is always, take it further apart
https://i.imgur.com/FekAUxOh.jpg
time to pull the radiator (the hood wasn't a lot of fun by myself...)
https://i.imgur.com/j1ix9bNh.jpg
there will be re-engineering - this bar causes cooling issues because it blocks the normal outlet port
https://i.imgur.com/ebeG3IZh.jpg
red light, it works
https://i.imgur.com/21ss19fh.jpg
and the crank trigger/wheel is in place
https://i.imgur.com/S5syyCbh.jpg
looks like alignment is my next trick
https://i.imgur.com/Byyzl0Rh.jpg
that said, it wasn't that great to begin with
https://i.imgur.com/gSlL2ulh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to refit the Corvette radiator. well, the C3 Corvette radiator, the last was from a Z06 and it wasn't enough....
https://i.imgur.com/xXysD68h.jpg
ain't going to win any award for the engine compartment... eff em.
https://i.imgur.com/64gtVDxh.jpg
I've spent WAY too much time on this.... there isn't a great spot and this has issues with its closeness to the alternator... but if I have to shield it, oh well... see the comment about show portion of life
https://i.imgur.com/FTHVCWHh.jpg
that said, I have a lot of respect for a clean engine bay builder... but not enough to spend another year or two on this
https://i.imgur.com/SR41cHDh.jpg
first is build brackets
https://i.imgur.com/I3LYHs7h.jpg
then tack them to the top of the frame... need to finish weld and paint... but time to move on
https://i.imgur.com/gBHSJydh.jpg
and the regulator is installed
https://i.imgur.com/J6sTAB9h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

the $400 plug
FAST doesn't include the other half of this plug with their kit.... fyi.
https://i.imgur.com/r8UP3xah.jpg

reality is it's about $90 ($10 for plug, $70 for "should work" crimper, plus tax and transport).... but still, a little frustrating if you don't know

[SuperBuickGuy]

As we all know, I LOVE wiring. Read that again. That is a lie. So what do I buy at SEMA? more wiring

https://i.imgur.com/fF28pTxh.jpg

this isn't complaining, just explaining. I run by myself - no tire temp checkers, no pit crew, it's me. And at SEMA, I saw something that I think will be the utter cat's pjs for me. It gives me 120 degrees of temperature (real time). so with one sensor, I can monitor brake temp and tire temps. But wait, there's more. It also monitors tire pressure.

https://i.imgur.com/8hUo4wih.jpg

I really think it will be a game changer for me.

display screen it also blue-tooth connects to apple or android.

https://i.imgur.com/baYUkW3h.jpg

basically, it mounts above the wheel (on the inside, vertically) and gives me a reading across 120 degrees. Did I mention that it also tells me how far the suspension is traveling?

not cheap but invaluable for someone like me.

https://i.imgur.com/anBW6Pyh.jpg

and yes, I thought a bit about sharing - why help competitors? well, here's the reason, I like the Australians who make this. I want them to win (small, son and dad business)....



so I'll wire a bit more. And mount it so that I can move it between cars... the tire pressure monitors screw onto the air fill.... which means I could use it on my 4x4 too

forgot, it also has a can-bus plug so it will work with your existing track gear.....

[SuperBuickGuy]

an update of the rest of the project
To get the larger radiator in, I need to remove this piece
https://i.imgur.com/PHj4o77h.jpg
it was useful for the original build, but I'm going to move where it lands and add to the area in front so I can install tow hooks
https://i.imgur.com/J9fdvZbh.jpg
amazing how much there is on my list.... but getting there
https://i.imgur.com/WGavKpZh.jpg
a reminder to call FiTech tomorrow. Apparently, this one won't work (so I was told)... replacement is supposed to be free - so hopefully I can put done on the throttle
https://i.imgur.com/usP38oLh.jpg
about the hardest part of this was soldering stuff together - most was pretty much plug and play but not this time... 4 into 1 wiring
https://i.imgur.com/qV19whXh.jpg
fine wiring... done
https://i.imgur.com/eRyG2Rkh.jpg

I don't get it, it's like I do wiring and everything blows up. I have a short in the shop, working on the welder on the '40, doing the Corvette, and the Blazer is just one large wiring project itself.... then this went down
https://i.imgur.com/GWZ7EAhh.jpg
bit of solder and it was fixed but those high impedance air gaps will get your every time

[SuperBuickGuy]

oooo shiny baubles. I like shiny things
https://i.imgur.com/jAbje1W.jpg
remove the old
https://i.imgur.com/dzruv0vh.jpg
seal some bolts
https://i.imgur.com/PeqGOvOh.jpg
spray some sealant
https://i.imgur.com/rp4H3GXh.jpg
and install
https://i.imgur.com/GlFdDw7h.jpg
the disaster that was the space behind the manifold is starting to look better
https://i.imgur.com/veuq77t.jpg
not perfect, but closer
https://i.imgur.com/3LvOo5Fh.jpg
talking to FiTech and holley - they suggested just doing deadhead runs to the rails. I can't do it. too many air locks on diesels so with a couple 45 degree fittings and some tube
https://i.imgur.com/DoGV2JOh.jpg
and the cross over is built
https://i.imgur.com/4ST54yR.jpg
radiator still fits, bonus
https://i.imgur.com/8rkVk5Uh.jpg

the next step is more wiring work - I'm going to move the 2nd fuse block and relay block. Apparently, someone thought the red strip on the back of the motor was how I wired.... so I'll make it go away and add a box where they can be assured it was done right then and now. That said, I hate the individual fuse holders - they were there for convenience, time for them to go

[SuperBuickGuy]

tomorrow I'll power it up... not done, but I can make sure I'm not releasing smoke....
did I ever mention I hate wiring?
https://i.imgur.com/7xp7MSKh.jpg
case in point, I had to trace and find a wire so I have a tachometer signal. Then forgot I needed to have 2 wires connected
https://i.imgur.com/QqKcdjeh.jpg
I may now weld with brass often, but its welding rod works great for fishing wires
https://i.imgur.com/UahIp6dh.jpg
need to add another bank of relays and fuses...
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/GmCoLJph.jpg

what's left?
power the water pump
radiator system and fans
brackets for PS pump and alternator
oil pressure sender
solve the MAP sensor dilemma... probably just a wiring choice but it needs to be done.

[SuperBuickGuy]

onto new brackets
https://i.imgur.com/9thAFNCh.jpg
which doesn't yet solve the problem - but it's a step
https://i.imgur.com/1ndq0eLh.jpg
when I do my next BBC, I'm going to either embed the magnets in the balancer or run a reluctor wheel like they did on the 8.1 and 632 motors....

[SuperBuickGuy]

so I did get FiTech's 'update' .... tried it tonight. I feel like sending them gold stars.
problem one, it doesn't actually clear
https://i.imgur.com/ZTnXUsq.jpg
problem 2, it's not square to the throttle
https://i.imgur.com/YhahEAi.jpg
problem 3, pretty sure it won't work in an optimal situation (e.g. one without an automatic)
https://i.imgur.com/gOi0XrD.jpg

not their problem but I also don't think it clears the hood...

there has to be a better way, and it'll be me who builds it. As for FiTech, they're still in business even with all the negative publicity - good for them, poor suckers.

[SuperBuickGuy]

a bit of wiring accomplished
how I wire... bare wire connectors covered by shrink tube
https://i.imgur.com/WaVaNBN.jpg
and wiring in a MSD solid state relay. runs 2 fans, water pump, and fuel pump
https://i.imgur.com/v7LSMPC.jpg
​​​​​​​

[SuperBuickGuy]

Sensors work, fuel line leaks (well, after I swapped the lines)
https://i.imgur.com/NoiNawwh.jpg
remove sensor for now
https://i.imgur.com/pmERZtCh.jpg
start on accessories
https://i.imgur.com/cWMSQpkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Kdl7NM3h.jpg

It does pop.... which means I have spark and fuel, just not at the right time. Add to this that I zero lashed the rockers - and I have a couple steps before it truly makes sweet noise (like putting a cooling system together and making the accessories work).

I have questions about spark control... and I need to spend some quality time understanding what I need to do.... but still, it will run.

is it enough that I'll do Optima this year? probably not. I might sign up for Portland - but I'm leaning strongly against it, I don't want to be in the same rush I was last year that resulted in not enough testing and too much breakage.

Merry Christmas

[SuperBuickGuy]

and now it runs... onto cooling
90% prep, 10% work.... tonight I got started by cutting down a knife die to use in my press. For those curious, I have FAR more money in dies then I do press....
https://i.imgur.com/ZaXA0kAh.jpg
knife die is a die that will bend 135*... this is the bottom of the die I cut
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/eWZdrA4h.jpg
so here's a visual of why I'm doing this.... I now have 4" above the radiator to run the intake. The old piece is on
https://i.imgur.com/NMbB59Eh.jpg
what came out of the bending process - it'd be nice to have a CNC, hydraulic brake but for now I have a BFH
https://i.imgur.com/LCISTw9h.jpg
after cutting and bending and pounding
https://i.imgur.com/SSj2ydwh.jpg
lots of fitting... here, I made a mistake, I should have flattened the knife brakes before I bent the 90* front bend.... now it won't go into the brake
https://i.imgur.com/iWdENXfh.jpg
before I made the shroud fit
https://i.imgur.com/hAcCqAch.jpg
test fit
https://i.imgur.com/HhTQm3Fh.jpg
where I finished.... lots more to do such as blow holes to allow air into the bottom of the radiator
https://i.imgur.com/cMP2xT7h.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

I caved. I'm running Optima again this year in Portland. Love the track, hate the location but it's my home track. I wish I could run Thunderhill and/or Leguna Seca - but I won't be ready....

[SuperBuickGuy]

two envisionings tonight. Hmm... spellchk doesn't like that
First.. where to put the reservoir
https://i.imgur.com/Sz8y1qYh.jpg
need to make a hole
https://i.imgur.com/AZ8NfNUh.jpg
here it will be
https://i.imgur.com/WW3e7Evh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cyTEBrVh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pxbCDWuh.jpg
then onto the radiator - more specifically, the air intake
https://i.imgur.com/lgxHedkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/N1gRIEQh.jpg
move it 30* then it works just fine
https://i.imgur.com/IEDtNtNh.jpg
still don't know what air cleaner, so this is back in play - my first C3 Corvette had this for an air cleaner because, even though it was a SBC, hood clearance was an issue.
https://i.imgur.com/1vqvxQjh.jpg

the first C3 I ground up built - and, since it's story time, it's the car I bought the flares for but couldn't convince myself to cut it up to put on the flares.... dumb dumb dumb dumb - except this car would eat that one's lunch - it had all the bolt ons that Optima seems so enamored with..... *shrug*
https://i.imgur.com/fIf1RyBh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

forgot to mention - the problem I had with updating the turtles for the Team Plus sensors was I needed to update my USB driver.... I hate computers

[SuperBuickGuy]

story time with FedUp.

To bring us up to speed, FedUp did a 20 mph driveby on Saturday - all while pressing the 'recipient rejected' button on their handheld.*

According to FedUp, they saved me having to file a claim when they drove by my house. That I didn't reject it, rather, the package was damaged. When asked if they planned to add that 'reason' for the driver, their answer was "it's already there"

alrighty then.

So here it is, lesson learned. In talking to Jegs for the 4th time this morning, I found out that if I call my order in that they can send via UPS for the same price. That would be call-in Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm eastern time.

That said, Summit needs the same thing - after all, unless you call in your order, they'll send it from Georgia just because the AI told them to - but if you call your order in, then you won't have a problem (yeah, right)

It's a brave new world, folks.


*out of professional courtesy, I wonder at what FedUp did on the truck to my house to damage 3 AN fittings... after all, it had to be on the truck rather then somewhere on the route because they would have 'caught' it before the 2 week late delivery.... ah, the mysteries of life.

[SuperBuickGuy]

last night, issues
https://i.imgur.com/uJNOrwXh.jpg
and now fixed
https://i.imgur.com/CkzO7jWh.jpg
new issue.... making the old upper hose work
https://i.imgur.com/uJNOrwXh.jpg
cut the offending angle off
https://i.imgur.com/cEn0jroh.jpg
then weld back on
https://i.imgur.com/bawHvJTh.jpg
and fit
https://i.imgur.com/9irlFWMh.jpg
still have to put a bleed valve on top but close
https://i.imgur.com/Q8XDHOuh.jpg
moved the temp sensor from the front to the top
https://i.imgur.com/9irlFWMh.jpg
I swear I should put a zipper to take the hood off...
https://i.imgur.com/xhFWBLwh.jpg
another view
https://i.imgur.com/0VkVcLxh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

time to finish up the cooling system

https://i.imgur.com/OhnRb2qh.jpg

plumb the tank

https://i.imgur.com/tiLGaXFh.jpg

first, paint the mount

https://i.imgur.com/PeT6adBh.jpg

then the layout

https://i.imgur.com/Nh3I99uh.jpg

Thursday, the stainless upper hose was in progress. Needed a bleeder as this is the highest point

https://i.imgur.com/uFXAme8h.jpg

because the metal is only 16 ga, I put a plug in the top then tapped it for the bleeder

https://i.imgur.com/OtiR169h.jpg

finished here

https://i.imgur.com/PqsvM9zh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xlbFMCdh.jpg

you know, I could have finished this all pretty, but f*** that - gotta give the haters something to hate on

https://i.imgur.com/bOe6mcah.jpg

then a solid aluminum tube for the lower hose

https://i.imgur.com/ks7rVwIh.jpg

once mounted

time to connect the AN side

https://i.imgur.com/fZUTOEsh.jpg

on unfinished tasks.... painted the lower valence

https://i.imgur.com/uk5xUB7h.jpg

we end on my favorite task... wiring... it was comforting to read that my plan will void the warranty

https://i.imgur.com/9Mk75qWh.jpg

this isn't the void part... but I can't imagine putting the controller on the bumper support is a recommended procedure

https://i.imgur.com/ZlRO287h.jpg

grounding done (now we're voiding)

​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/6t8Zxh3h.jpg

and the cooling system is holding fluid just fine...

[SuperBuickGuy]

List to finish this round

1) finish fan system - that includes a switch to power the fan and the water pump while I'm sitting between rounds
2) attach the side pipes
3) wrap the sidepipes
4) make it so the gas tank can't slide in its straps (yeah, really)
5) tow hooks
6) reinstall interior
7) build air cleaner
8) tune....
9) build rear cover/defuser
10) install front spoiler


*eventually build an exhaust system that's side pipe but actually doesn't kill power and is tunable
*put dual adjustable coilovers

[SuperBuickGuy]

lower valence installed
https://i.imgur.com/O7a0k06h.jpg
this removed. I don't need it. Called Derale today, we talked about what I was doing and cleared up a misconception..... that they are computer controlled motors. They're not in this case, it's a 2 speed motor thus I can control it with my Holley computer. Key here, if you're copying, is you MUST start the fan on low speed then double the speed by adding power to the high side of the motor.
https://i.imgur.com/hFemfrbh.jpg
and wired
https://i.imgur.com/a78Zg8Ph.jpg
With substantially tuning, it's drivable now
but
I still need an air cleaner
https://i.imgur.com/bdaSrqph.jpg
hmm
https://i.imgur.com/2rEWiD0h.jpg
probably this
https://i.imgur.com/xWufxZhh.jpg
all i have to do now is build it
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/BwLYBDnh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

first... trim the tray to make more sense then do a first piece
https://i.imgur.com/K27PmTmh.jpg
then a top piece
https://i.imgur.com/V9UODnFh.jpg
next side panels
https://i.imgur.com/Zejb2Dhh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/o4tOdoch.jpg
other side.... keep in mind the motor is off-centered from GM so steering and brakes can be in the engine compartment... not as noticeable until you do something like this
https://i.imgur.com/bHGuH7Th.jpg
finished product.... well, finished CAD
https://i.imgur.com/xMLTNhuh.jpg

tomorrow, make this out of aluminum

[SuperBuickGuy]

time for a test fit
https://i.imgur.com/M2wLqodh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KpVIRNzh.jpg
someone mentioned I don't know how to weld aluminum.... this wasn't me, it was magick
https://i.imgur.com/GbcVqTnh.jpg
then weld in the stand
https://i.imgur.com/0lTgLohh.jpg
then install the hood
https://i.imgur.com/lz7RvCRh.jpg
some say I don't learn - I say, see the hood and I'm checking clearance before I build the top piece? yeah, lurnin'
https://i.imgur.com/vpCEEMuh.jpg
and it clears... woo and hoo!
https://i.imgur.com/hFcsWF0h.jpg
time to cut out the top pieces
https://i.imgur.com/ANoIlQnh.jpg
then time to temper the metal
https://i.imgur.com/YSf76pIh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zy2h0Efh.jpg
soot
https://i.imgur.com/6cNdproh.jpg
and then I question why I didn't pick up 5152 or 3003 aluminum on Friday...
https://i.imgur.com/unXxr9rh.jpg

I'm going to try to bend this around but I give it about a 30% chance

[SuperBuickGuy]

onward back to metal manipulation
https://i.imgur.com/Phcq9zxh.jpg
key here is that this is hour 8 but only hour 2 of actual work.
https://i.imgur.com/IW57ddVh.jpg
you shall bend to my will
https://i.imgur.com/8uTcy60h.jpg
the hardest part was, of course, clamping. With aluminum, adding filler is almost mandatory - so you need at least 3 hands
https://i.imgur.com/58Jdhrah.jpg
and unlike steel, there is little memory to the metal, so you can distort it then tap it right back into shape
https://i.imgur.com/AsZh4Kvh.jpg
but lord knows there were some ugly welds to get it to stick together
https://i.imgur.com/h0dKWRDh.jpg
first fit
https://i.imgur.com/1uGnSxRh.jpg
then I needed to work on the pan portion and add flanges
https://i.imgur.com/6RmJ5qXh.jpg
and finish the bottom side
https://i.imgur.com/EEKAmf7h.jpg
it seems it worked
https://i.imgur.com/IR5g6s0h.jpg
well, would you look at that
https://i.imgur.com/ZgV6nFmh.jpg
but still, there is quite a bit more work, need to go square to round though I've found that preliminary-finish can help the process
https://i.imgur.com/pZ1U41Fh.jpg
all that work and I'm painting it black..
​​​​​​​https://i.imgur.com/dDCbMjmh.jpg

[SuperBuickGuy]

Well, hopefully this will be a final installment on the EFI change.
built a bracket for the solid state relay
https://i.imgur.com/s5owDNP.jpg
wired the cheat devices and reinstalled the passenger seat
https://i.imgur.com/KbWAaWl.jpg
and took a few pictures of my very dusty car
https://i.imgur.com/lQ29XVl.jpg
I do have to finish the aero stuff and do some paint repair - but for now....
https://i.imgur.com/lgl82u0.jpg
​​​​​​​it's done except for tuning.

[SuperBuickGuy]

'merica baby
https://i.imgur.com/u2Jiv2bh.jpg

communism... for some reason cylinder #8 isn't firing....
https://i.imgur.com/XMH3jECh.jpg

ah well, it's either this or bodywork... I should say, it's this AND bodywork....

[SuperBuickGuy]

continuing from yesterday, I had to make a blanking plate so the air is forced through the radiator
https://i.imgur.com/OkkjLEXh.jpg
this is me being lazy... I have a press brake that could put a nice kink in the metal to get the curve needed... or a BFH. The BFH, in its defense, was more fun
https://i.imgur.com/hTI3YHjh.jpg
installed...
https://i.imgur.com/I2woHqUh.jpg
and what it looks like now
https://i.imgur.com/IFKDSLO.jpg
still need to put braces on it because it does flex a bit then, maybe, canards.... but for now, I have to finish on the gas tank then tuning, oh and door latch....

finally narrowing in on just 'minor' changes... a diffuser will probably be it for now - oh and a 521 ci motor next year (because 600 hp is barely sufficient, almost embarrassing)

and I'm trying to decide if I want to simulcast my next build... it's almost the antithesis to cone carving.... 54 Chev pickup on a Art Morrison chassis with a LS3 for a 16 year old kid who is a friend.... I think how I should say that is - I build him a truck that he wants but will be super capable then see how long it takes before the cone-carving bug gets him....