1970 GTO V3

[andrewb70]

I think most of you know me, or at least know of me. My name is Andrew Borodin and I have been a part of the pro-touring community for a very long time. I have a 1970 GTO that I first built about 20 years ago and was on the cover of Popular Hotrodding in 2003. I was also the winner of the 2003 Car Craft real Street Eliminator competition in the summer of 2003 and was featured in Car Craft magazine.

The car was originally built with a 502 big block with Holley EFI and a Richmond 6 speed. In 2008 I did a LS swap with basically a LS3, LS7 cam, and kept the Richmond 6 speed. That build can be seen here:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/40904-1970-GTO-Version-2-0

In 2014-2015 I also built a LS swapped 67 Mercury Cougar and that build can be seen here:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/109464-1967-Cougar-build-(over-700-pictures-and-videos)

In those years I have also moved a few times, earned a Ph.D. in marketing, and now run a full-time Holley EFI tuning business, aka Dr. EFI.

That about brings us to the latest version of the GTO. This project actually started a little over 2 years ago. The original plan was pretty straightforward. I wanted to do some simple upgrades and drive the car.

As we all know, things change, and I decided that I wanted more power. I also wanted to experience a turbo LS with an automatic transmission.

The whole journey can be seen here:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/135704-1970-GTO-Version-3-0

For the purposes of posting here, I think I will start with the day that the car went to my friend Vic's house. I met Vic about 2 years ago when he contacted me about doing some tuning on his beautiful 57 Nomad. Since then we have become pretty good friends and he was gracious enough to help with this project.

I can't thank him enough because he has skills and equipment that I don't and without him, this project would not be where it is today...

This will be a bit of a copy and paste dump, so please bear with me. I will tag each post with dates for context and bring y'all up to where we are today.

Stay tuned...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: 10-27-22

Yesterday was a beautiful fall day and it gave me the opportunity to get the GTO to Vic's house.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/10/27/GTOV3-481.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MozEt)

After I get back from SEMA, the plan is to start cranking on it and get the engine and transmission installed and start on the turbo fab work.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: 11-20-22

Today was a big day. I went over to Vic's house with the goal of mocking up the engine in the engine bay. I had confidence that the Holley swap components would not be an issues, but the big area of concern was the oil drain back fitting for the turbo on the side of the Holley 302-3 pan. Holley designed those drain backs in a Fox body Mustang, and when used with a GM A-body there was some concern that the fitting would hit the front crossmember.

These are the Holley clamshells with the poly inserts. They are dimensionally identical to 4th gen Camaro engine mounts, except with a bolt together design and poly inserts.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/20/GTOV3-482.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Movoo)

I am not sure why Holley includes such long bolts, but I decided to keep them and the included lock nuts. They will not be visible at all once everything is bolted to the engine.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/20/GTOV3-483.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mo8bT)

After mocking up the engine the first time, it was clear that the oil drain fitting that I got was not going to work. At least not without some modifications.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/20/GTOV3-484.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MoRCZ)

I can't believe I have gone this long without having a lathe and a mill. Both were used to modify the Earl's fitting in order to make it fit.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/20/GTOV3-485.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MoaXd)

The lathe was used to back-cut the area between the end of the threads and the hex area. This was done so that the fitting can be installed deeper into the boss on the side of the pan. The mill was used to trim the end of the threads, because with the fitting screwed in deeper, it would hit the oil pick-up tube.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/20/GTOV3-486.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MoJmE)

The outside of the fitting was also smoothed and contoured on the belt sander. It is a rather bulky fitting and there was plenty of material to remove in order for the fitting to match the contour of the front cross member. The pan was also removed in order to tap the 1/2" NPT threads a little deeper.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/20/GTOV3-487.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MoiYi)

It took a total of six rounds to get it to the point where the engine mounts dropped into the frame stands and the mounting bolts to slide in.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/20/GTOV3-488.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MoylY)

The fitting has about 1/8" clearance against the crossmember, and it is able to pivot freely.

With some luck, the transmission and the converter will go in on Wednesday and then Vic can start the fabrication for the turbo hotside.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: 11-23-22

Today was another big day. I hauled all of the parts that were needed to install the transmission to Vic's house. We started around 10am and made excellent progress.

This is a billet steel SFI approved flex plate from Circle D. It looks amazing and has 6 converter bolts to match the Circle D billet triple disk converter.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/23/GTOV3-489.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrXcp)

It is nice working with a clean block and a new crank. Just to make sure everything was good, I hand threaded the ARP flex plate bolts into the crank before doing anything else.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/23/GTOV3-490.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrSme)

The flex plate went on without any drama and was torqued to 75lb/ft using blue Loctite. The flex plate locking tool came in handy for this task to keep the crank from rotating.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/23/GTOV3-491.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrZnR)

After installing the converter into the transmission (not sure why I didn't get a picture), it was time to wrestle this beast of a transmission under the car. We had some jack stands under the rear axle and jack stands under the front frame horns to get the car high enough.

It was easy enough to get a jack under the tailshaft housing, but getting the front of the transmission up was the big challenge. I suggested using the engine hoist and attaching a strap to two bolts in the transmission case. This worked great! We got the transmission high enough to slip a transmission jack under the pan for extra safety, then slowly working it up until the transmission slipped on to the dowel pins.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/23/GTOV3-492.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrOhH)

There was about a .130" gap between the converter and the flex plate, which is perfect. You can see that the pan is basically level with the frame.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/23/GTOV3-493.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrzL7)

We followed the instructions that came with the Holley transmission crossmember, but had a little trouble with the transmission mount that I got. I got an Energy Suspension poly mount, which is not what is specified in the instructions (should have read them before buying it). After a little searching around on Rockauto, we got a part number for a 70 GTO TH400 mount, Anchor PN 2378. The local parts store had one in stock and it ended up being about 1/2" shorter than the Energy Suspension mount. This allowed the crossmember to slip under the transmission easily, with about 3/8" of clearance.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/23/GTOV3-494.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrbCD)

The left side of the crossmember slips over the frame rail, while the right side (shown here) has a separate pad that slips over the frame rail and the crossmember sits on top. This makes for a really solid installation.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/23/GTOV3-495.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MruZh)

Part of the reason I ever started this project was to redo the engine and transmission mounts and use a better fitting oil pan. I can't say enough about how well the Holley swap components are engineered to work together and how well everything fit together. In this day and age, it is hard to find parts that don't need some sort of modification to work as intended. We didn't have to modify anything!

Now that the engine and transmission are in their place, the fun stuff can start...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: 11-25-22

Today started out well. The driver's side manifold installed with zero issues and fits perfectly.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-496.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrHaN)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-497.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mrg6w)

The same could not be said for the passenger side. I can't believe that I never mocked up that side with the engine mounts when the engine was on the stand...

When I went to install it on the engine, it was obvious that that manifold was hitting something and it was not sitting flush with the head. We used some clay on the manifold and here you can see where it was making contact with the engine mount.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-498.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mr3oP)

We were pretty confident that the engine mount clam shells were assembled correctly and the poly inserts were oriented properly. Otherwise the engine wouldn't have fit into the frame stands as well as it did.

Here you can see the contact spot on the manifold.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-499.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrBfm)

We jacked up the front right corner of the engine and removed the engine mount.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-500.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrccU)

I really didn't care why it was happening, we had to fix it and keep moving forward. Vic chucked up the engine mount in the mill and we took off about .080". The material is pretty thick, so we felt confident that the integrity of the mount was not compromised. Besides, the upper clam shell is really not stressed when it is installed on the passenger side.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-501.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrpeG)

Here is the final version of the passenger side mount after a quick coat of paint. Onward!

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-502.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrKhk)

We used Mahle MLS exhaust manifold gaskets. These should seal really well and hold up to the heat.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-503.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrM0K)

We then installed the radiator and fans to see what kind of room we had to work with.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-504.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MroCa)

Here is the 135 degree elbow that I got from Stainless Bros as the starting point for the turbine up-pipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-505.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrwZt)

We're thinking the turbo is going to end up next to the AC compressor, oriented parallel to the engine.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-506.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mrxrc)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/25/GTOV3-507.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrEf8)

Sunday we are going to do some more mocking up and maybe make a temporary mount for the turbo so that the pipes can be figured out.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-2-22

Today we attempted to mock up an approximate location for the turbo. We hung it on an engine hoist and moved it around. The following pictures show various options.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/27/GTOV3-508.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mr9e5)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/27/GTOV3-509.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mr0g3)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/27/GTOV3-510.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mr564)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/27/GTOV3-511.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrQuS)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/27/GTOV3-512.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrFan)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/27/GTOV3-513.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mrn0T)

The challenge is to find a location that clears the following:

Heater hoses
AC lines
Lower radiator hose
Air filter

Bottom line, I don't think any position will work. This thing is just too big...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-4-22

After taking a break and stepping away from it, we came up with this placement. The wood is there to simulate worst case scenario hood clearance.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/28/GTOV3-514.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrPzD)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/28/GTOV3-515.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrTTe)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/28/GTOV3-516.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrWwh)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/28/GTOV3-517.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrC5H)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/28/GTOV3-518.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrUu7)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/28/GTOV3-519.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrLvm)

The center of the turbo is even with the Maven turbo mount. This will allow us to make a simple bracket from the head to help support the turbo.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/28/GTOV3-520.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mr4kP)

This turbo placement allows for plenty of room for all the necessary bits to clear and also gives a clear path for the turbo drain.

The inner fender will have to be modified, but that is a problem for future me...

Andrew

[camcojb]

Thanks for posting up Andrew. Great car with a lot of history. :thumbsup:

[andrewb70]

Sure thing. I'll post more later today.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date:around 12-6-22

While waiting for a few small parts to arrive we decided to mock up a few intake arrangement options. My original idea was to have a side entry lid facing the passenger side. This arrangement will make it a challenge to snake the charge pipe from the compressor outlet to the throttle body, but I think it can be done.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/30/GTOV3-521.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mrl3G)

This is an alternative side entry. Obviously the charge pipe will be longer, but the path should be easier to lay out.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/30/GTOV3-522.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mr1pN)

This is the front entry options. Again snaking the charge pipe will be a challenge, plus, I am pretty sure the peak of the lid will hit the hood.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/30/GTOV3-523.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MrJ1w)

Front view of the front entry option.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/11/30/GTOV3-524.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mr87U)

You'll have to use your imagination and add another 3" to the front of the intakes for the throttle body.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-7-22

Made some baby steps today...

We chose to do this intake orientation, just to make the plumbing path not so arduous. There will be a simple silicone coupler at the throttle body. The rest will be fitted and welded together, with the V-band at the compressor discharge. Still unsure about the hood clearance, but that is a problem for future me.

You can also see the pump for the A2W intercooler mounted to the fan. The Volt actually had a little water pump mounted in that location.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/04/GTOV3-525.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mww97)

I also got and installed the 90 degree fittings from Vintage Air. These will allow us to go straight down with the AC hoses and keep it neat and tidy. We also got the upper radiator hose sorted out with a Dayco D71576.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/04/GTOV3-526.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MwxPH)

One of the Earl's 90 degree swivel heater hose adapters showed up. These will route the hater hoses away from the up-pipe to the turbo. I will probably add high heat sleeving over both of the heater hoses, just in case.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/04/GTOV3-527.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mwr3R)

Lastly, Vic and I finalized the design of the turbo support bracket and it was uploaded to Send Cut Send to be cut out. It will be made from .190" 4130 steel.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-15-22

Had another, fairly productive day with Vic today. We started putting the rest of the Holley mid-mount system on the front of the engine, so that we didn't have any surprises down the road. Everything went together pretty well, but this power steering return might become a problem. That's a problem for Future Me...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-528.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxSGh)

I am not sure where Vic got it, but he has the whole Dayco radiator hose catalog as a PDF. I sat down and looked up hoses that were 1.5" I.D. which matches the lower radiator and the thermostat housing hose size. I found this gem. It has 3 usable, tight 90 degree bends and plenty of straight section, and all of it is 1.5" I.D..

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-529.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxNsD)

I had also ordered some 1.5" stainless, tight bend J-pipes, one with a 90 degree bend and the other with a 120 degree bend. Both were from Vibrant performance.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-530.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxzEe)

This is the configuration that we chose to do, in conjunction with a swivel thermostat housing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-531.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxZSH)

In each picture it looks like it is tight in certain areas, but in reality, there is a solid 3/4" of clearance between all critical areas.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-532.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxGW7)

Vic had this nifty, home-made bead rolling tool.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-533.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxbKP)

It took a little effort, but we got a nice bead at each end of the tube.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-534.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxhAm)

This is the final shape of the lower radiator hose. Murray clamps will be used everywhere on the engine.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-535.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxBHU)

Like this one that I got for the intake pipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-536.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxuRN)

It is finally starting to look like something...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/11/GTOV3-537.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxHQw)

The turbo bracket that was made by Send Cut Send should be here on Wednesday. My friend Tom is also coming for a visit from Alabama and our mission is to get the new Ford 9" from Quick Performance installed. I will also get my new rear tires on Wednesday. Should be interesting!

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-17-22

My friend Blake is a Solid Works wizard and we designed this bracket to support the turbo. I uploaded the file to Send Cut Send and less and a week later I have the part. The holes were left a little undersized on purpose.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/14/GTOV3-538.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mx2sa)

Today the tires showed up. Hopefully they fit (they should according to my calculations).

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/14/GTOV3-539.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxMGt)

I took the bracket to Vic and today he sent me these pictures.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/14/GTOV3-540.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxpFK)

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/14/GTOV3-541.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxgSk)

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/14/GTOV3-542.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxV4G)

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/14/GTOV3-543.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxrA8)

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/14/GTOV3-544.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxoMc)

Pretty excited to finally see the turbo installed without an engine hoist holding it up!

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: about 12-17-22

I consulted with Todd, who works for Holley and is a great engineer, and he suggested that the poly mount may no do well being so close to the exhaust manifold. So I got these billet aluminum mounts from ICT.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/17/GTOV3-546.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxdmH)

I got a pair, but I only used one on the passenger side, and it fit perfectly, after we milled .050" off each end to give them enough wiggle room between the ear of the frame stands.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/17/GTOV3-545.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxIb7)

Good to go now! More updates coming really soon.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-18-22

My friend Tom visited me from Alabama and our goal for his visit was to mock up and ultimately install the Quick Performance 9" rear end. I knew that things were not going to just bolt together because the brackets on the QP rear are not exactly the same as an original 12 bolt, plus I ordered mine with multiple holes on the lower control arm bracket.

You can see in this picture how the Ridetech coilover bracket is designed to bolt to the original shock mount and then a tab comes around and gets bolted with the lower control arm bolt.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-547.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxqYP)

The bracket was trimmed to allow the use of all the holes on the lower control arm bracket.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-548.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxCXD)

The bracket was also trimmed on the side to remove a little excess material where it rests against the shock mount on the QP housing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-549.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxToh)

Then Vic went to work doing his thing...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-550.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxPlm)

Here is the final result, with the Ridetech coilover bracket fully welded to the QP housing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-551.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxsUe)

We also pressed the Ridetech R-joints out of the old 12 bolt and into the QP upper control arm ears. Ridetech included a tool to make this process very straightforward.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-552.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mx4cN)

When I ordered the QP housing I checked all the boxes for the extra internal gussets...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-553.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxLnU)

..and the back brace. I also chose the fill and the drain option.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-554.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxeLw)

After the Ridetech coilover brackets were welded, I went over the whole housing and softened up all of the hard edges on the brackets and Tom shot a coat of Rustoleum primer.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-555.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mx8hG)

..followed by a couple of coats of Rustoleum semi gloss black.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/18/GTOV3-556.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxJmk)

More to come...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-20-22

The most expensive tires I have ever purchased showed up as well. If I can get two seasons out of these I'll be happy.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/19/GTOV3-557.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mxvot)

Had them mounted and balanced at my local Discount Tire. They have taken good care of me with the tires for the Cougar.

The fit in the wheel wells is pretty good. This rear end was ordered to be 1/2" narrower on each side, but it almost feels like they narrowed it 1" per side. I have not compared the width to my 12 bolt yet. Using a 1/2" spacer will put the tire dead center in the wheel wells.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/19/GTOV3-558.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxaXa)

This is with the 1/2" spacer, so the new tires are good to go.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/19/GTOV3-559.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mxyl8)

The same can't be said for the hood.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/19/GTOV3-560.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mxifc)

Doh!!!

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/19/GTOV3-561.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MxRCK)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-21-22

Made a little progress today ahead of the blizzard that is going to hit tomorrow morning. Vic bead blasted the rotors to get the surface rust off and shot then with a coat of paint. I cleaned up the calipers and bolted everything together.

Some of you may notice that the caliper is on the back side of the rotors. These are brakes from a 98-2002 F-body and normally the caliper is on the front side of the rotor. The reason for the swap is that we messed up when we pressed the bearings on the axles. I accidentally installed the caliper brackets on the wrong sides. Instead of battling with pulling the bearings off and possibly damaging something, we decided to move the calipers to the rear. I swapped the calipers side to side so that the bleeder is at the top.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/21/GTOV3-562.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEbCT)

We put the car down on the ground in the front to check clearance with the suspension. The up-pipe is no pictured, but is about 1-1.5" away from the bushings. The Ridetech control arms use deleon bushings and I plan to wrap the up-pipe and also put a woven sock over it. I don't expect any issues.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/21/GTOV3-563.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MES0S)

I got these nifty clamps from Australia, made by a company called SS Customs.

https://sscustoms.com.au

They have been super helpful holding the pipes together for mock-up and tack welding.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/21/GTOV3-564.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEuZE)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-23-22

Progress has slowed down a little bit, but I did manage to completely finish the rear end installation. The rear was installed, but I needed to make some new brake lines from the center, out to the calipers.

A while back I got this tubing straightener.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-565.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEg6Y)

It mounts in a vise and does a really nice job of turning a coil of NiCopp brake like into a straight piece.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-566.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/ME3rZ)

Here is the result after a few minutes of getting it worked through the rollers. I suggest straightening the tube before cutting it because then you can use the coil to manipulate the tubing through the rollers.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-567.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEHao)

I also picked up this little kit that has a variety of stainless tube nuts for all of the common SAE flares.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-568.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEcci)

Vic had this awesome flaring tool and it worked really well.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-569.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEBfd)

The double flares turns out perfectly.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-570.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEpep)

I reused these little brackets and adapters from the old rear end. It is a SAE to AN-3 adapter. We welded it to the housing and I hit it with a little paint. The little brake like wasn't the actual brake line. It was just a piece that I made so the threads would not get painted.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-571.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEKhR)

For the center hose support I cut and bevelled a short piece of threaded hex stock and then welded it to the housing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/24/GTOV3-572.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEM07)

In other sad new, we trimmed some bracing on the underside of the hood, and it still doesn't close...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-26-22

With Christmas behind us, Vic and I are making slow, but steady progress.

Today he was able to fully weld the up-pipe that goes between the Hooker exhaust manifold and the turbine inlet. He back-purged the pipe to avoid any "sugaring" on the inside.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/27/GTOV3-573.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/ME6Tk)

Vic also welded a Summit branded clamp to the compressor discharge. It's one of those split clamps that has o-rings and allows for some movement as everything heats up. We also sorted out the filter situation, although I will be ordering a longer filter element to get as much surface area as possible. This one is 6.5" tall, and K&N has a 10" long version that will fit perfectly in the available space.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/27/GTOV3-574.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEjzK)

Now for the elephant in the room. The hood still doesn't close. This picture makes the situation look worse than it is, but you get the idea. The "bubble" at the top of the intake is about 1" too tall to allow the hood to close.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/27/GTOV3-575.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEn5G)

After considering all the options, we are going to start with the simple solution. We are going to mill down the bubble so the hood closes and see what we have left.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/27/GTOV3-576.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEtra)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-27-22

Back in 2010, I contacted The DriveShaft shop to solve a vibration issue in the GTO. They made me a CV driveshaft that use a CV at the slip yoke and a u-joint in the rear, which solved my vibration issues. Since then, many other A-body owners have done the same thing with the same, great results. When I built the Cougar, I wanted to go a step further and do a double CV shaft. That too had amazing results. If you look at any modern, RWD muscle car, that is exactly what you will see.

This version of the GTO will also get a dual CV driveshaft and this is the second part of that puzzle (the first being the CV pinion yoke). This slip yoke will use their new, non-plunging CV. This is the same CV they use on their high HP Nissan GTR and other driveshafts.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-577.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEYvc)

It's a tight fit, but there is a minimum of 3/8" all the way around the yoke. (what the hell was I thinking, twenty years ago, with the sheet metal screw?!)

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-578.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEAkt)

Vic made a fixture to hold the intake lid on the mill. We positioned it at the approximate angle of the hood.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-579.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEkg8)

We took about 3/4" off the peak of the bubble and this was the hole that was made.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-580.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEI7n)

And the hood closed. As you can see, it is really tight, but nothing is touching. We are going to take a little bit more off to make room for the eventual plate that will get welded to cover the hole.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-581.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEd13)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-582.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEUu4)

This is the current thinking on wastegate placement. My only reservation is that it be under the downpipe and will be a pain to get to if I have to do something with the wastegate.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-583.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/METqS)

The upside is that it will have excellent, priority flow and will merge back into the downpipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/28/GTOV3-584.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEC55)

If anyone has thoughts on the wastegate placement, please chime in.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-29-22

This morning I spent a few hours trying to help a local customer with a Coyote no-start issue, so I didn't have time mess with the car. But Vic sent me these pictures in the afternoon.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/29/GTOV3-585.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEPzT)

I think as far as looks go, it looks pretty good.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/29/GTOV3-586.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEWwE)

Tomorrow I will have a chance to go se it in person and se what kind of clearance there is with the hood. We are also going to install the Ring Brothers billet hinges, just to make sure everything fits the way it should.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Date: around 12-30-22

Before we finalized the intake, we thought it would be good to install the new Ring Brothers hinges. These are very well made and have plenty of adjustment to get the hood lined up well.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/30/GTOV3-587.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFGwe)

Installing them was a simple remove and replace operation and after a bit of fiddling with the adjustment, the hood was closing better than it ever has before. We did notice that these hinges don't allow the hood to open as much as the stock hinges. I guess this was mentioned on the Ring Brothers website, but I somehow missed it. I really don't think it will cause any issues...


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/30/GTOV3-588.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEyNH)

Now that the intake was finalized it was time to keep working on the charge pipe from the compressor outlet to the throttle body.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/30/GTOV3-589.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFZih)


We ended up cutting the 180 degree bend that we had made previously so that half of it could be clocked independently.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/30/GTOV3-590.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFXID)

This gave us a more clear path to the compressor, so all that is left is to add another 90 and a couple of small straight cuts to make it all fit.

It is a bit of a tortured path, but this is why we chose to stay with 4" piping to keep the pressure drop to a minimum. It is really no more elaborate than if there was an A2A intercooler in the front and we had to make all the associated pieces to work with that. I think this looks super clean too.

Happy New Year to Everyone and thanks for following along.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

That about brings us up to date to where I am with the project. Thanks for following along!

Andrew

[camcojb]

Date: around 12-29-22

This morning I spent a few hours trying to help a local customer with a Coyote no-start issue, so I didn't have time mess with the car. But Vic sent me these pictures in the afternoon.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/29/GTOV3-585.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEPzT)

I think as far as looks go, it looks pretty good.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2022/12/29/GTOV3-586.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MEWwE)

Tomorrow I will have a chance to go se it in person and se what kind of clearance there is with the hood. We are also going to install the Ring Brothers billet hinges, just to make sure everything fits the way it should.

Andrew
I think the intake mod looks very clean.

[andrewb70]

I think the intake mod looks very clean.

Thanks Jody. Having the intake fixtured in the mill really made the opening very symmetrical, which made it feel more purposeful. If it wasn't for Vic, I would have taken the whizzwheellofdeath to it :lostmarbles:

Andrew

[camcojb]

That about brings us up to date to where I am with the project. Thanks for following along!

Andrew

Thanks Andrew, car is turning out great. It should be a ball to drive lol. :drive:

[camcojb]

Thanks Jody. Having the intake fixtured in the mill really made the opening very symmetrical, which made it feel more purposeful. If it wasn't for Vic, I would have taken the whizzwheellofdeath to it :lostmarbles:

Andrew

:confused59::lol:

[andrewb70]

One of the items to replace for this update was the steering shaft. There was nothing wrong with it, but I never liked that it was a solid shaft.

This is a collapsable shaft and new u-joints from Borgeson. I will also be replacing my 20 year old AGR steering box with one from Borgeson.
In this picture the shaft is is already trimmed to fit.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/01/GTOV3-591.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFh3U)

This is the bushing that supports the steering shaft inside the column. Whenever I would drive the car on a hot summer day, I would notice that the steering would get a little sticky. I suspect that this nylon bushing swell up from the heat and causes the steering to bind a little. The holes are from the screws that I installed to pull the bushing with a slide hammer.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/01/GTOV3-592.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFOjm)

The bushing on the left is one that Vic made on his lathe. It is made out of Delrin, which I hope will be more stable with temperature changes.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/01/GTOV3-593.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFNpP)

Here it is tapped into the steering column.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/01/GTOV3-594.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFS8N)

Andrew

[214Chevy]

Nice work Andrew...

[camcojb]

What is your power goal for the car? What turbo?

[andrewb70]

What is your power goal for the car? What turbo?

It's a custom BW based turbo built by Work Turbo in Alabama. It has a 72mm compressor wheel and a Tial turbine housing. I'll Max out that compressor at about 20psi, which will be about 900hp at the crank.

Andrew

[camcojb]

It's a custom BW based turbo built by Work Turbo in Alabama. It has a 72mm compressor wheel and a Tial turbine housing. I'll Max out that compressor at about 20psi, which will be about 900hp at the crank.

Andrew

Plenty for fun... :drive:

[andrewb70]

Today we decided to take a little break from turbo stuff and figure out how to upgrade the brakes. Over the last year or so I have been seeing electronically assisted brakes on various cars and on a couple of YouTube channels that I watch. The technology seems really cool and by all accounts they work great.

I started by removing the manual MC and the old mount for the clutch MC. There is a little rust here and there, but remember, this car was "done" 20 years ago. That area will definitely get cleaned up.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-595.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MF3PG)

I figured a good place to start to be these brackets that I got them I was planning on doing vacuum power brakes. These are from DSE and it is their reduced angle bracket.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-596.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFcIa)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-597.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFVxK)

The is the Gen 1 Bosch iBooster unit that I got. It is from a 2010ish Tesla Model S with the adaptive cruise control. Bosch has a Gen 2 model of the iBooster available, but I don't like the looks of them and I am sure that none of the features of the new unit are even applicable to what we are doing here.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-598.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFHNk)

After a little welding, milling and hole sawing, we had the bracket modified to fit the iBooster.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-599.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFu9w)

It is bolted to the firewall here, but there is still a lot to sort out.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-600.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFgit)

I am not really happy with how the pushrod alignment is looking at the moment. The unit might actually need to be tilted up at the front a little more, but I am already concerned about hood clearance. We will sort out the details the next time.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-601.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MF22c)

I really like the way these look. They add a little high-tech touch to the engine compartment.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/02/GTOV3-602.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFKj8)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

This seems like a pretty straightforward part to make, but it's quite intricate. There is very little space and we had to use a donut to get the radii tight enough to connect the dots.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/03/GTOV3-603.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFM8n)

There is a slight gap where the pipe meets the compressor discharge. This was done to accommodate any movement due to heat, etc...The Summit Racing clamp is made to account for this movement. All that is left is to finish a couple of welds, add the blow-off valve, which will go on the outside bend just before the throttle body, and smooth out whichever welds we can.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Today I had a few hours to spare, so I drove to Vic's house to make a little close-out panel that would go under the brake booster. In one of the previous pictures you can see the hole that was left after I removed the clutch MC mount. That hole needed to be covered up and I also needed to clean up some of the peeling paint and surface rust that was there.

I scraped the loose paint off and then scrubbed the surface with an abrasive pad. Then I sprayed some primer into a small cup and used a small brush to apply it and then did the same with some black paint. The point wasn't to make it look pretty, but to seal the exposed metal.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-612.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFQto)

I then started to layer 2" masking tape over the whole area.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-604.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFw94)

I used a pencil to trace out the outline of the patch that I wanted to cover and also marked out the 3 mounting holes.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-605.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFxP5)

I then transferred the masking tape template to some thin cardboard and used a sharpie to draw out the shape that would capture the mounting bolts and that would overlap the opening that I wanted to cover.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-606.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFFOS)

I cut the cardboard with some scissors and did a trial fit. Everything was looking pretty good.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-607.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFrB3)

I used the cardboard template to transfer the shape and the holes to a piece of 1/8" aluminum plate.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-608.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFmxT)

I cut the couch shape on a bandsaw and then used a belt sander the arrive at the final shape. I also used a 2" hole saw to make the hole.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-609.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFD2d)

Since the column pokes through the plate at an angle, the opening had to be oval, not round, so I used a file to contour the opening until the panel fit flush against the firewall.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-610.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MF0dE)

Then I drilled out the 3 mounting holes.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/04/GTOV3-611.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MF5yZ)

The panel fits really well. It will get painted black and I will use some window mount urethane to seal the plate against the firewall. This will keep water from collecting and keep that area clean and dry. Once the booster is installed, the panel won't really be visible, but I think it adds a finished touch to an area that looks a little raggedy before.

Andrew

[camcojb]

Nice work. :thumbsup:

[andrewb70]

Nice work. :thumbsup:

Thanks Jody!

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Today wasn't terribly productive. I managed to install the new Borgeson steering box. Overall it looked pretty similar to my ancient AGR steering box, with the exception of having 4 mounting ears instead of 3. My frame only has 3 mounts, so the 4th is just, there...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/05/GTOV3-614.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MF7BY)

I was able to reuse the fittings from the old box on the new box. The Borgeson box uses metric fittings with o-rings, which were the same size as my old AGR box.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/05/GTOV3-613.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFn8i)

The Borgeson box also uses a slightly smaller input shaft.

Andrew

[camcojb]

Put one of those boxes on my buddies 72 Chevelle, he loves it.

[andrewb70]

Put one of those boxes on my buddies 72 Chevelle, he loves it.

That's great to hear. I was never really happy with the on-center feel of the AGR box. I hope the Borgeson box is better in that respect.

Andrew

[Ketzer]

Not quite ready to try the electric steering?

[WSSix]

Definitely let us know how you like it, Andrew. I've heard good things from people who have put them in their C10s. I've considered it even though the truck isn't a performance build.

The cover plate came out looking good. I hope the electric booster works well for you.

[andrewb70]

Definitely let us know how you like it, Andrew. I've heard good things from people who have put them in their C10s. I've considered it even though the truck isn't a performance build.

The cover plate came out looking good. I hope the electric booster works well for you.

I am pretty excited about the iBooster. I haven't had power brakes on this car since it had the original brakes on it.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Before the next update, I want to send a shout out to a great vendor. It is not often that a company surpasses my expectations, but Stainless Bros (https://www.stainlessbros.com) definitely has.

This is how they packaged one half of the 4" v-band clams that I received from them.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-615.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFjDp)

Each v-band was in it's own box and the clamp itself was in its own sealed bag.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-616.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFkde)

The v-bands themselves are like jewelry. Each half indexes into the other, which is a great feature that makes it easier to align the pipes.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-617.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFYO7)

I was also able to make it out to my local Napa store and picked up a roll of 5/16" butyl tape. I used it so seal the back of the close-out panel that I made the other day.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-618.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFtPR)

I was also able to use the boot that came from DSE. This is a boot they use with their low angle vacuum assisted booster.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-619.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFfEH)

Once the iBooster is installed the plate isn't really visible.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-620.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFIyD)

I also started on the new brake lines. I am using 3/16" NiCopp for the front brakes and 1/4" NiCopp for the rear brakes. The 12mm flare to AN adapters are from Earl's. I am not really happy with how far they stick out, but I am not sure what there is to do about it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-621.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFUtP)

I also got this Cummins turbo drain as a starting point for my drain. More on that in a future update.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/08/GTOV3-622.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFsKh)

Andrew

[camcojb]

Before the next update, I want to send a shout out to a great vendor. It is not often that a company surpasses my expectations, but Stainless Bros (https://www.stainlessbros.com) definitely has.



I've been using their pipe for my project. Nicest looking stainless tubing and bends I've found.

[CJD Automotive]

Cover plate came out really nice. Car is definitely coming along.

Curious why you didn't use a flare nut on the line, that would thread directly into the master instead of an adapter?

[andrewb70]

Cover plate came out really nice. Car is definitely coming along.

Curious why you didn't use a flare nut on the line, that would thread directly into the master instead of an adapter?

Good question...I don't know that I have a good answer. I think it was because the MC fittings would have made it hard to use 3/16" tube. It made sense at the time...:headspin:

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I spent a little time at Vic's today working on various odds and ends.

This is a clever little part from Motion Raceworks. It's an oil inlet block that bolts to the top of the oil feed hole and seals with an o-ring. It then points the oil feed line straight out the side. This will connect to the oil feed line, which at the moment terminates at the front of the passenger side head.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/09/GTOV3-623.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFCJm)

A few days back Vic also made this fantastic mount for the Dominator ECU. It bolts in place of the glove box and will allow me easy access to the ECU connectors. Ignore the duct tape. I will be placing an order with Vintage Air soon to clean up the under-dash ducting in anticipation of having working AC in the car.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/09/GTOV3-624.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFLSG)

I also brought the shifter to see how it might fit inside the car. In the picture I have it sitting over the hole where my manual shifter was located. It is slightly offset to the driver's side. I am not really sure about the shifter placement yet.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/09/GTOV3-625.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFPDU)

Vic worked out the final placement of the waste gate and started on the fabrication of the needed plumbing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/09/GTOV3-626.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFqHN)

It should have good priority flow in this location and provide an easy path to route the exhaust from the waste gate back into the downpipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/09/GTOV3-627.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFWWw)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Finally I can say I did a few things on the car, mostly by myself...LOL

Yesterday I received the last few parts that I needed to finish the new brake lines from the MC to the distribution block.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/12/GTOV3-630.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFlAc)

I also welded on this oil drain tube. Vic made a couple of adapters on the lathe and I welded it together. The welds are horrible, but it should hold. Because of how everything is situated, the drain has to take a slight jog to the passenger side immediately after coming out of the turbo. This is a turbo drain for a Cummins something or other. It is fairly flexible and is made out of stainless steel, so it is relatively easy to work with.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/12/GTOV3-628.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MF8ya)

Once it makes the jog to the left is has to sweep right, under the up-pipe and under the exhaust manifold, then towards the drain in the side of the oil pan. I will extend this tube so it is all metal under the hottest pipes and there will be a short section of hose connecting the drain to the oil pan.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/12/GTOV3-629.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MF1sK)

The waste gate discharge is tacked to the downpipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/12/GTOV3-631.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFRKt)

The downpipe itself is also tacked in place.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/12/GTOV3-632.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFeEk)

There is also a 4" v-band at the end of the downpipe that connects to this pipe that shoots the exhaust straight back.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/12/GTOV3-633.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFaJ8)

I am not sure yet what's going to happen with the exhaust once it is past the transmission crossmember.

Andrew

[camcojb]

:thumbsup:

[Ricochet]

So cool to see this car coming together for V3, Andrew. As was mentioned so much history. Keep up the great work. Can't wait to see it done and being put the paces...

[WSSix]

Do a single exhaust that dumps behind the bumper so it's mainly hidden?

I've thought about doing this with the C10 just to keep costs down. All I want is a good sound. I don't care about seeing the exhaust tips.

[andrewb70]

Do a single exhaust that dumps behind the bumper so it's mainly hidden?

I've thought about doing this with the C10 just to keep costs down. All I want is a good sound. I don't care about seeing the exhaust tips.

Normally I would do just that, like I did with the Cougar. However, one of the distinct styling features of 1970 GTOs is that the exhaust tips pass through cut-outs in the car valance. So I either get a LeMans rear valance and have it painted, or I split the exhaust and do dual tips.

https://www.classiccarstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/70_GTO-11.jpg

I already have a 4" to dual 3" splitter from Burns Stainless. It will just be a matter of splitting out the pipes, adding 2 mufflers and tail pipes.

Andrew

[camcojb]

Normally I would do just that, like I did with the Cougar. However, one of the distinct styling features of 1970 GTOs is that the exhaust tips pass through cut-outs in the car valance. So I either get a LeMans rear valance and have it painted, or I split the exhaust and do dual tips.

https://www.classiccarstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/70_GTO-11.jpg

I already have a 4" to dual 3" splitter from Burns Stainless. It will just be a matter of splitting out the pipes, adding 2 mufflers and tail pipes.

Andrew
Split it... :thumbsup:

[andrewb70]

Split it... :thumbsup:

That's the plan. I am taking inspiration from your exhaust build. I got the same splitter from Burns as you have.

Today's update is a bit random because we kind of jumped around doing various tasks. Since the brake lines were done, I figured it was about time to see if the iBooster actually works ad if we can bled the brakes.

I have heard a lot of good things about the Motive Products (https://amzn.to/3Xa9Fp2) brake bleeders, so I thought I would get one to try. I have to say that I will never bleed brakes any other way. The process was super simple and I barely spilled any brake fluid.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/14/GTOV3-634.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmzFS)

I got the version of the Motive brake blender that came with a MC cap that was compatible with the Tesla MC cap. It also works on many newer GM cars.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/14/GTOV3-635.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmGW4)

While I wasn't around, Vic changed the angle of the downpipe a little bit to move it a little further from the firewall. There is a little over an inch now.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/14/GTOV3-636.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFyQ3)

Yesterday I also finished up the turbo oil drain pipe by welding on an extension that will feed the drain under the turbo hot parts and feed into the oil pan.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/14/GTOV3-637.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmZS5)

Vic also made these little tabs that position the coils a little higher and over. This was done to move the spark plug wires away from the downpipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/14/GTOV3-638.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MFiHn)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Before talking about today's update, I realized that I really didn't mention how the iBooster feels. After bleeding the brakes, we powered up the iBooster and it just started working. The pedal effort is pretty light, but very smooth. Pedal travel is also fairly short before the pedal gets really hard to press. As of now I think the driving experience is going to be greatly improved over the manual brakes that I had before.

Today's update is also just a random collection of small projects. Last week I ordered all new ARP hardware for the intake lid and the intercooler. The included hardware was adequate, but silver cad plated bolts tend to look like garbage after a very short time. The ARP stainless hardware will look great for a long time.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/15/GTOV3-639.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmhAd)

I also finished installing the new, collapsable steering shaft and new u-joints from Borgeson.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/15/GTOV3-640.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmuRo)

I also finished up the oil drain for the turbo. Here is how it wraps around the up-pipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/15/GTOV3-641.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmSGE)

Then it goes under all of the turbo hot pipes, pointing at the fitting in the oil pan.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/15/GTOV3-642.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmbMZ)

The only thing left is to put a bead on the 5/8" tube and add a short length of rubber hose between the tube and the oil pan fitting.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/15/GTOV3-643.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmNsT)

Lastly, I have been doing a lot of looking and thinking about where to mount the boost control solenoids. There is quite a bit of plumbing that needs to go between the wastegate, turbo compressor outlet, and the boost solenoids. I want to keep that plumbing as short and simple as possible, so I am thinking about making a bracket and mounting them under the nose of the intake lid.

This location will make the plumbing relatively short and keep the solenoids relatively hidden.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/15/GTOV3-644.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmBHi)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Today I got some PTFE hose and -4AN fittings and made the flex line for the turbo oil feed.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/16/GTOV3-645.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmV4p)

I gave it a nice, soft S-shape to keep it tucked away.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/16/GTOV3-646.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmHQY)

Vic made a little bracket to hold the boost solenoids just under the intake lid snout. The mounting points for the bracket have slots, so the bolts just need to be loosened up to put it on or remove it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/16/GTOV3-647.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmpF7)

One of the big reasons for choosing this location and orientation is so that the two nipples face the general direction of the wastegate and turbo. One of the lines needs to go to the top of the wastage dome and the other needs to go to the turbo compressor discharge.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/16/GTOV3-648.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mm2UH)

Here is the view from the other side. I am going to have my friend Blake design and print a cover for the solenoids.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/16/GTOV3-649.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmgSR)

Since the wastegate is not super accessible and is surrounded by hot parts, I decided to plumb everything going to it using NiCopp 3/16" tubing. That way I don't have to worry about melting through the typical nylon hose and push-lock fittings.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/16/GTOV3-650.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmMGe)

This is the line from the compressor discharge to the bottom of the dome.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/16/GTOV3-651.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmoMD)

This TurboSmart wastegate has provisions for water cooling, so once the heater hose fittings are finalized, I will tap them and feet coolant to the dome of the wastegate.

Andrew

[Jimbo1367]

Very well thought out.

[andrewb70]

I try to do a little something everyday to keep making progress. We added a bung for the oxygen sensor. I wanted it easily accessible, but also not super visible.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-652.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmrYh)

We also added a bung in the charge pipe and I added a small tube to feed boost pressure to the feed side of the boost solenoids.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-653.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmEVm)

It was also time to think about where the fill tank for the A2W intercooler might go. I am thinking about this location on the firewall. I added a 45 degree fitting to the intercooler just to see how the hoses might be routed.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-654.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmwRP)

The tank looks like it is close to the downpipe, but there is actually quite a bit of space. The tank also needs to have a fill bung aded to the top of the right side and an outlet on the left side.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-655.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mmm4U)

This is just an overall shot of the engine compartment as it sits now.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-656.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmFnN)

Baby steps...

Andrew

[camcojb]

Things get busy in a hurry with a turbo(s). You've done a great job keeping it clean and compact.

[214Chevy]

I try to do a little something everyday to keep making progress. We added a bung for the oxygen sensor. I wanted it easily accessible, but also not super visible.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-652.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmrYh)

We also added a bung in the charge pipe and I added a small tube to feed boost pressure to the feed side of the boost solenoids.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-653.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmEVm)

It was also time to think about where the fill tank for the A2W intercooler might go. I am thinking about this location on the firewall. I added a 45 degree fitting to the intercooler just to see how the hoses might be routed.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-654.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmwRP)

The tank looks like it is close to the downpipe, but there is actually quite a bit of space. The tank also needs to have a fill bung aded to the top of the right side and an outlet on the left side.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-655.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mmm4U)

This is just an overall shot of the engine compartment as it sits now.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/19/GTOV3-656.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmFnN)

Baby steps...

Andrew


Andrew...you're the man!!

[WSSix]

With this being an auto now, will you have paddle shifters or are you focusing more on drag racing with the car?

Glad you're chipping away at it. A little everyday adds up quickly.

[andrewb70]

Andrew...you're the man!!

Thanks!

With this being an auto now, will you have paddle shifters or are you focusing more on drag racing with the car?

Glad you're chipping away at it. A little everyday adds up quickly.

I am using the Lokar Sport shifter that has tap up and down capability, so I can use the Manual Mode function for auto control on the Holley Dominator ECU. I may also install paddles as well.

The focus of the car is to have a reliable 10 second street car, that also handles fairly well.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Since I am replacing all of the more visible fasteners on the engine with ARP stainless bolts, I wanted to replace the studs that Holley includes with the Low-Ram intake manifold. I carefully measured the needed length and it looked like ARP already had an intake bolt kit in that length (55mm UHL). Long story short, the ARP bolts didn't have the needed thread length to fully engage into the heads. Vic machined the shank of the bolts so they would torque down against the intake manifold.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-658.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmToE)

I also finished the last bit of NiCopp plumbing for the boost control systems. There is a tube from the turbo compressor to the bottom of the wastegate. There is another tube from the compressor to the fill side of the boost solenoids. Finally, there is a line from the boost solenoids to the top of the wastegate.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-659.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmsCS)

For the intercooler water hoses, I am using the Earl's Super Stock hose and swivel fittings. I have never used these before, but they work awesome. The ferrule spins over the hose to give the hose end a finished look.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-660.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmqfZ)

I used dish soap as a lubricant.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-661.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mmdm5)

Little dab here...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-662.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmCXT)

Little dab there...and...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-663.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmLni)

Viola!!!....oh, and Vic had already welded the fittings to the tank and mounted it with rivnuts.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-664.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmPld)

We also added an EGT probe just before the turbine housing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/20/GTOV3-665.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mm4co)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

This morning I received the 1/2" hub centric wheel spacers that I ordered for the rear.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-666.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mm8hp)

The fit was spot on.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-667.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmRC7)

I added this spacer to center the tire in the wheel wells. There is about 1.5" from the tire to the frame on the inside and about 1" on the outside. Also, both sides looked the same, which means the axle is well centered in the chassis and the body is well placed on the frame.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-668.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmeLY)

The Mickey Thompson ET Street SS tires look amazing! The rear end is in full droop in this picture. Ride height is still to be determined.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-669.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmJmR)

After the fun stuff, it was down to a rather tedious project. These are some banjo -AN adapters for the transmission cooler lines, compared to the stock adapters on the right.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-670.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmaZH)

See that hole at the top?

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-671.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mmvoe)

That one...That is where the longer fitting has to go, and there isn't enough room in the transmission tunnel to take the fitting out. So I had to remove the transmission crossmember and lower the trans in order to install these. This picture is with the transmission at full droop.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-672.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MmifD)

Here they are installed with the transmission back in place.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-673.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mmyah)

Then I got to looking at the intercooler and grabbed a gray scuff pad and started to rub. I really like the brushed look for the intercooler, so I will use the gray scuff pad over all of it and leave it a natural brushed finish (the rest is bead blasted for now).

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-674.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0XcP)

A big "Thank you" to one of my customers, who graciously engraved my logo into the intake manifold plate.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-675.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Z6m)

She is starting to look like something!

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/21/GTOV3-676.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0zeN)

Andrew

[camcojb]

Yeah it is!! :thumbsup:

[WSSix]

Sounds like you've got a great recipe going for your goals, Andrew.

[andrewb70]

Sounds like you've got a great recipe going for your goals, Andrew.

It remains to be seen how tasty it will be when it is done. I am already wishing I did some things differently, but I am not changing direction at this point.

Andrew

[214Chevy]

Everything's looking so damn good Drew.

[Ummgawa]

So good to see this 70 GTO evolve over the years. Fantastic.

[andrewb70]

Everything's looking so damn good Drew.

So good to see this 70 GTO evolve over the years. Fantastic.

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

This morning I received this 4 cavity Deutsch bulkhead connector from Prowireusa (http://www.prowireusa.com). They are one of my Go-to vendors for wiring products.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-677.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0g68)

The idea behind getting this connector is that I would be able to wire the boost control solenoids to this connector and have a neat way of connecting them to the rest of the engine harness.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-678.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0pen)

My friend Blake designed this little cover for the boost solenoids and it will hold the bulkhead connector in place and also give the solenoids a much cleaner look. He is also going to 3D print the cover.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-679.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Bfa)

Vic also added an elbow to the end of the downpipe with a v-band. The rest of the exhaust system will be built from here back.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-680.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0cgc)

This is a terrible picture, but I was just trying to show that the downpipe doesn't hang very low. In fact, the crossover pipe from the driver's exhaust manifold is the lowest point under the car.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-681.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Hat)

Vic also made some adjustments to the short pipe that goes from the wastegate into the downpipe. It was about 3/32" too short which made it difficult to install the v-band. Vic cut that pipe, sleeved it, and welded it all back together.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-682.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0M04)

You can better see the sleeve here.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-683.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Ku3)

He also added a small tab to keep the downpipe more stable.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/23/GTOV3-684.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0oT5)

Tomorrow is a big day and I can't wait to share what we have planned.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I love this country. Yesterday I made a call to a local company and this morning a guy named Matthew showed up with a big computer.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/24/GTOV3-685.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M00gd)

and a 3D scanner...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/24/GTOV3-686.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0xrT)

and a bag of cocaine...(just kidding...baby powder) The baby powder was used extensively to knock the shine off the finish.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/24/GTOV3-687.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0EkE)

Then he proceeded to start scanning the bottom and the top of the hood. The purpose was to crate an accurate model that can the be used to design various options for the hole in the hood.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/24/GTOV3-689.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0FvZ)

This is at the start of the process and it took about 4 hours to do the whole hood. In a few days I should have a cleaned up 3D model of the hood.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/24/GTOV3-690.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0wzS)

While Matthew was doing the scanning, I decided to install the new automatic brake pedal. Before installing it, I took some measurements to check the pedal ratio with the existing holes. The top (manual brakes) hole gives about a 6.5:1 pedal ratio. The bottom hole (stock power brakes) gives about a 3.5:1 pedal ratio.

The various information that I could find about the iBooster said that the Tesla pedal ratio is 4:1. So we added an extra hole just above the stock lower hole, which resulted in about a 4.25:1 pedal ratio. This was about as close as we could come given the proximity to the lower hole.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/24/GTOV3-692.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M057o)

This change resulted in a much more favorable angle for the pushrod.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/24/GTOV3-693.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0QuY)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Progress is being made. Yesterday I sent off the up-pipe and the downpipe to HeaderShield (https://headershield.com) to have them wrapped. Today I showed up at Vic's and saw that he had installed the firewall shield that we had been discussing. We will probably take the intake off and go all the way across as much as we can with it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/26/GTOV3-694.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0jz7)

I also pulled the drive's side seat to start mocking up the shifter. What you don't see is that under the carpet I had removed the shifter hump that was installed 20 years ago to make room for the Richmond 6 speed shifter. With that hump gone (it was bolted in) the console that I plan to use actually sort of fits. I ordered a partial left side front floor patch panel that includes part of the transmission tunnel. We are going to use that to close off the hole and have the shape of the floor be how it was with an auto trans. Then the 70 Chevelle console that I got should fit a lot better.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/26/GTOV3-695.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0twH)

In order to do the power steering plumbing, this little nipple for the fluid return had to be cut off because it was pointing right at the steering box.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/26/GTOV3-696.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0n5p)

The hole is quite small, so we are going to install a 1/8" NPT to AN-6 fitting there.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/26/GTOV3-697.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M06TR)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

A quick trip to Star Performance (https://www.performanceparts.com) produced the 1/8" NPT to AN-6 Male fitting, and the power steering return is now sorted.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-698.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Ake)

The next project to tackle was this hole in the side of the transmission tunnel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-699.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0YvD)

The hole used to have a cover that had a shifter hump in it to clear the shifter and linkage for the Richmond 6 speed that used to be in the car. With that transmission gone and the 4L80e in its place, a new cover needed to be made.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-700.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0kph)

Here you can see how close the transmission is to the trans tunnel. My body bushings are 20 years old. They are not cracked, but I am sure they have settled some, which is contributing to the lack of clearance.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-701.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0d1m)

A quick Google search showed that partial floor pan patch panels were readily available. I called The Parts Place and they had one in stock and had it at my door in two days. You can see that part of the panel includes the needed piece to start making a new cover for the tunnel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-702.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0I7P)

I trimmed it big to start...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-703.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0U3N)

Then trimmed it to the final shape...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-704.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0C5U)

and started to drill the necessary mounting holes.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/01/29/GTOV3-705.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Tqw)

Turned out pretty good in the end, without having to do any custom metal shaping, which I don't have the skills to do anyway....

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I took my intake to Hot Rod Express, where they welded the engraved manifold cover plate to the Holley intake lid.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-706.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0J18)

Today was the day that I wanted to get the heat exchanger mounted and start thinking about running the plumbing (so much plumbing in this car!!!) the A2W intercooler system. When I originally asked Vic to mount the heat exchanger to the radiator, I really had no idea how things would be plumbed. I had him mount the heat exchanger with the inlet and outlet (dual pass) on the driver's side. Clearly this is not going to work.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-707.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Lva)

With the intercooler, fill tank, and circulation pump in place, it was clear that the best option would be to have the input and outlet on the passenger side. Before digging into that further I wanted to make sure that the circulation pump fittings would be oriented in the correct direction. I emailed Tobias at Tecomotive and he quickly responded that the pump inlet and outlet cover can be clocked in any of the 4 positions relative to the pump body.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-708.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0PNG)

I unscrewed the top and it sure doesn't look very fancy in here, but this pump is supposed to move A LOT of water.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-709.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0Wwk)

Not much to see here....

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-710.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M04IK)

I positioned the pump body in such a way that the connector was close to the fan shroud so that the wires for the pump could be routed along the bottom of the shroud.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-711.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M08jc)

I clocked the top so the outlet would face the passenger side (the top is the inlet).

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-712.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M01pt)

I also pulled both grill inserts so it would be easier to work in front of the radiator. As I was going along, I always had to make sure that I could get to everything without having to pull the grills, because once the radiator is installed, there is no way to access the grill hardware.

Here you can see that the heat exchanger was flipped (the drain is now at the top and can't be used). We couldn't rotate the heat exchanger because that would have required a complete reworking of the mounts and I did not want to do all that. I can live without a drain.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-713.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0l3n)

There is a lot more room on the passenger side for plumbing because the radiator core is slightly offset to the driver's side (note the larger tank on the passenger side).

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-714.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0a93)

With that orientation locked in, we moved to the bench where some minor fiddling had to be done to make the mounts work.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-715.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0yN5)

Both the inlet and outlet hoses fit pretty well using 90 degree fittings. With the fans removed and the radiator top tilted back, there is enough room to access these fittings from the top.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-716.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0vq4)

I also trimmed the core support slightly so that the hoses can pass in front of the radiator. You can also see the Low Doller Motorsports temperature/pressure combo sensor in the cooling system.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-717.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5GxS)

I still have to finalize the exact hose routing, but this is pretty good progress.

Andrew

[camcojb]

Thanks, I'll be using your experience when picking out my A2W pump. :thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

I took my intake to Hot Rod Express, where they welded the engraved manifold cover plate to the Holley intake lid.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/01/GTOV3-706.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M0J18)



Wondering why the material was left higher at the front of the intake and not machined on the same plane as the engraved plate?

[andrewb70]

Because that would have made a bigger hole. Vic only took off what was necessary.

[andrewb70]

I had mocked up the shifter a while back and it turned out that the 4 foot cable that was included with the Lokar shifter was not going to be long enough. So I ordered a 6 foot cable (which honestly could be 7 feet) from Summit and after it was defrosted in the Texas warehouse, I received it yesterday.

So it was time to put the big boy pants on and poke some holes to mount the shifter. I positioned it in such a way that with the shifter in Drive, I could, very naturally, put my hand on the shift level and slide it to the right and use the forward and backwards tap shift feature.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/03/GTOV3-718.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5N2Z)

I drilled the first hole and shockingly it lined up perfectly where I intended it to go. I mounted the shifter and marked the other hole.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/03/GTOV3-719.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5ZiE)

I used nut-serts (riv-nuts) inside the hole and temporarily mounted the shifter.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/03/GTOV3-720.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5XIT)

I did a little more measuring and drilled a hole in the floor for the shifter cable. ICT Billet posted a teaser on their Instagram about their new shift cable pass-through and I have been bugging them about it for weeks. I am hoping it will be available soon so I can use it to seal the hole.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/03/GTOV3-721.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5S8o)

For the front of the shifter, Vic whipped up a simple bracket and we (yes, I welded one side and he the other...thanks you...) welded it to the floor.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/03/GTOV3-722.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5Ojd)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/03/GTOV3-723.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5u9Y)

The shifter feels pretty good, but there are some minor adjustments that need to be made still.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

My friend Blake designed and 3D priced a cover the the boost solenoids.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-725.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M522D)

He included a cut-out on the side so that I can mount a Deutsch 4 connector bulkhead fitting, instead of the two connectors that were on the solenoids before.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-726.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5gie)

Both Vic and I liked the raw 3D printed look of the sides, but the top was not as pretty. So Vic applied some vinyl to the top.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-727.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5rBm)

The mounting plate itself is pretty thin, so in order to tap a hole for the hold down bolt, I drilled a small hole and used a punch to gradually enlarge the hole. This folds the soft aluminum out and gives more material to tap, making it as good as a captive nut.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-728.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5Kth)

I also made the hose that gos from the fill tank to the top of the heat exchanger.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-729.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5M8P)

Hear are the two heat exchanger lines where they slip between the core support and the radiator.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-730.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5wDN)

The hose from the bottom of the heat exchanger loops towards the fender, then comes over the fan, and then down into the top of the pump.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-731.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5xPU)

I also took the turbo off so that I could rattle can the turbo support bracket.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-732.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5FOw)

Andrew

[camcojb]

Nice work.

[andrewb70]

Today was another plumbing day. This time it was time to plumb the transmission cooler. Here is a little tip when working with push-lock style hose.

Add a union to the fitting and snug it down. This does two things:

1. If using a 45 or 90 degree fitting it keeps the nipple from trying to move around.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-733.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5fE5)

2. When putting the fitting in the vise to hold it, it keeps the the nut from crushing and becoming out of round.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-734.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5sKE)

This is the rear fitting on the transmission. The picture actually makes it look like there is a lot of clearance, but in reality it is very tight.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-735.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5UAZ)

I managed to get the hose end started, but I will probably have to get creative with getting it tight. I think a Crow's foot should get it done.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-736.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5IyT)

The front port wasn't too bad. I used a 45 degree fitting on this hose. Removing the trans dipstick made access easier.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-737.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5ksS)

The hoses make a gently sweep over the bell housing area of the transmission, over to the driver's side, where they slip into a slot in the frame. This slot is where the factory hard lines were routed through the frame and out the front crossmember, by the steering box.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-738.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5CJd)

I also experimented with some covering material for the intercooler plumbing. This is a fabric heat shrink material.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-739.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5qHo)

The ends are finished with heat shrink. This is a close-up to show the pattern and texture.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/08/GTOV3-740.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5PDi)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

This is Earl's Ultra Pro hose and it is by far the nicest hose I have ever worked with. It is super flexible, light weight, and looks fantastic. Sadly, for some reason, Earl's no longer sells this hose in sizes smaller than AN-10. I had a 6 foot section of AN-6 hose that I had purchased a while back.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-741.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5eER)

So I decided to use it to make some of the needed hoses under the hood. This is the fuel rail crossover that links the two rails together in the front.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-742.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5WWY)

The original plan was to have the Mighty Mouse catch can mounted to the master cylinder mount. However, with the Bosch iBooster in place, that was no longer an option. I got on the MM website and saw they had a basic mount that was designed to bolt to the head.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-743.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5JGH)

Mounting it to the front of the heads was not an option. The passenger side has the turbo and the driver's side has the alternator. I could have modified this mount to work on the driver's side front, but instead, I chose to flip it around and mount it to the back of the driver's head.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-744.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M51s7)

It fit perfectly in the back.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-745.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5LSp)

It places it approximately in the same location as the MC mount. There is plenty of clearance all around the can and the mount.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-746.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5RKe)

I got this 150 degree fitting and some Earl's Ultra Pro hose in AN-10.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-747.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5aRh)

The hose then gently bonds to the catch can.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-748.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5lAD)

And in the front, it passes under the plate that holds the boost solenoids.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-749.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5yQm)

Lastly, this arrived.....

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-750.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M5iHP)

This is the Hardwire Electronics 25 channel PDM (https://www.hardwire-electronics.com/product-page/pdm-25).

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/11/GTOV3-751.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9G4N)

I saw these guys at the PRI show and was very intrigued by the product. This has way more channels than I need for the moment, but I may eventually have it handling the power distribution for the whole car. For now, the original harness will take care of all the interior and exterior lighting and the power windows. The Hardwire PDM will be use for the EFI, AC, and any other system under the dash.

The Hardwire PDM also supports the Holley 3rd Party CAN protocol (AKA the Racepak protocol), so I will be able to do some neat things. More to come on that much later when I start on the wiring.

Andrew

[Che70velle]

Great job Andrew, as always!

[andrewb70]

The hood 3D scan turned out really well. I had a chance to work with Kris Horton (http://www.carsbykris.com) with the tuning on his Chevelle and he has been working on a rendering of my GTO. He will use the hood scan to refine the rendering and also come up with various ideas about how to deal with the hole in the hood.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-752.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M92U5)

Next on the list was finding a suitable location for the Hardwire PDM. My under-dash structure is not like a typical A-body because 20 years ago a frame was built to hold the VA AC unit. Part of this fram structure was also a little shelf where the old Holley Commander 950 ECU used to live.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-753.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9MXS)

I figured that attaching the PDM under the shelf would be the perfect, central location.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-754.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9oMT)

I added some #8 rivnuts to the plate...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-755.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9rYE)

With the PDM bolted down in place...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-756.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9EVd)

It is slightly below the level of where the old ash tray used to be, but it is much more inconspicuous than what the pictures indicate. It is tucked up under the dash, while still having all of the connectors easily accessible.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-757.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9wlZ)

More plumbing....I made the short hose that goes from the catch can to the back of the intake manifold.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-758.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9Fno)

Lastly, I made a short hose for the power steering pressure side.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/14/GTOV3-759.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9m4i)

Andrew

[CJD Automotive]

Definitely coming along!

Quick question on the Hardwire PDM. I looked it up because it would be a very affordable pdm option for some of my customers. I looked at the pinout, and it shows a single pin for each output? I assume I'm reading that wrong and you wire multiple pins together to achieve the output? That's a DTM connector, and DTM pins are only rated at 7.5 amps.

[andrewb70]

Definitely coming along!

Quick question on the Hardwire PDM. I looked it up because it would be a very affordable pdm option for some of my customers. I looked at the pinout, and it shows a single pin for each output? I assume I'm reading that wrong and you wire multiple pins together to achieve the output? That's a DTM connector, and DTM pins are only rated at 7.5 amps.

The connectors for the inputs and outputs are DT, not DTM.

Each output is rated at 20amps.

Andrew

[CJD Automotive]

The connectors for the inputs and outputs are DT, not DTM.

Each output is rated at 20amps.

Andrew

Yeah, I saw that was the output, just didn't know if they were using more than one pin of the output connector to achieve that? Motec uses two output pins to provide 20 amps (the extra pin needed isn't counted towards outputs, so 8 - 20 amp outputs uses 16 pins). Just curious, like I said looks like a very affordable option. FYI, DT pins are only rated for 13 amps.

[andrewb70]

Yeah, I saw that was the output, just didn't know if they were using more than one pin of the output connector to achieve that? Motec uses two output pins to provide 20 amps (the extra pin needed isn't counted towards outputs, so 8 - 20 amp outputs uses 16 pins). Just curious, like I said looks like a very affordable option. FYI, DT pins are only rated for 13 amps.

I know you can double up on outputs for higher load devices. I'm not driving a cooling fan or even a fuel pump, so for me it'll work fine. I need to read the documentation more.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

When I originally built the car, twenty years ago, I had the foresight to install a 1/2" stainless fuel hardline that runs from the back, along the frame rail, and exits here at the front of the frame. It already had a AN-8 male fitting on the end.

I have been sourcing some of my plumbing supplies here locally from Star Performance. This PTFE hose is branded under the Red Horse brand of hoses and fittings.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-760.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M96oH)

Vic and I also made a little mount for the TMAP sensor that is above the Tick intercooler. This way I can datalog both air temperature and boost pressure above and below the intercooler, so I can see how well it is working.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-761.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M97Ye)

Vic also cut out the rest of the panels to cover the firewall. I really like the overall look. It looks clean and adds a layer of heat insulations.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-762.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9Ach)

Back to the fuel system. I was originally going to bring the -8 hose from the frame rail, to the back of the intake and have a Y-bock and 2 -6 hoses to the rails. This was proving to be kind of a pain in the a$$, so I made my life easier...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-763.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9jlD)

The -8 hose from the frame rail feeds into the passenger side fuel rail.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-764.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9YnP)

There is a cross-over hose at the front and the rear of the driver's side fuel rail is capped off.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-765.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9fLm)

I also bent up a little NiCopp tube for the blow-off valve.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-766.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9IhN)

This is the plate that I had made earlier. These connectors will be for the injectors and coil harnesses.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/15/GTOV3-767.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9dmU)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Yeah, I saw that was the output, just didn't know if they were using more than one pin of the output connector to achieve that? Motec uses two output pins to provide 20 amps (the extra pin needed isn't counted towards outputs, so 8 - 20 amp outputs uses 16 pins). Just curious, like I said looks like a very affordable option. FYI, DT pins are only rated for 13 amps.

I received an answer back about this. The DT pins are rated at 13 amp @ 275°F (125°C). Under normal operating conditions, 20 amps is not a problem.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

With the fuel plumbing finished up under the hood, it was time to figure out what needed to be done in the back. I recently ordered some wiring supplies from www.milspecwiring.com, and as I browsed their website, I got suckered in by this little piece of jewelry. It is the Injector Dynamics ID750 fuel filter. I got mine with the optional Bosch Motorsports fuel pressure/temp sensor. The little Schrader valve port will be repurposed to plumb the pressure relief valve that was recommended by Carl at Vaporworx.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-768.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9qfK)

The DeatschWerks 5th Gen Camaro pump module that I am using has this alignment tab that is used in the OEM application to properly clock the pump. Since mine is going into a Rick's RestoMod tank, I did not need this tab, so it was cut off.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-769.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9Tok)

Once the tank was installed in the car, it was obvious that the access hole that was there before was not going to work.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-770.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9Pla)

I am also thinking that the fuel filter, flex fuel sensor, and the pressure relief valve will be plumbed inside the trunk. There is just not a lot of room under the car. I know it is "risky" (whatever that means) but that is how I am going to do it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-771.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M94ct)

I got the whizzwheelofdeath out and made a new hole in the trunk. All of this will get cleaned up with a nice cover panel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-772.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9L6c)

Andrew

[ScotI]

With the fuel plumbing finished up under the hood, it was time to figure out what needed to be done in the back. I recently ordered some wiring supplies from www.milspecwiring.com, and as I browsed their website, I got suckered in by this little piece of jewelry. It is the Injector Dynamics ID750 fuel filter. I got mine with the optional Bosch Motorsports fuel pressure/temp sensor. The little Schrader valve port will be repurposed to plumb the pressure relief valve that was recommended by Carl at Vaporworx.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-768.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9qfK)

The DeatschWerks 5th Gen Camaro pump module that I am using has this alignment tab that is used in the OEM application to properly clock the pump. Since mine is going into a Rick's RestoMod tank, I did not need this tab, so it was cut off.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-769.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9Tok)

Once the tank was installed in the car, it was obvious that the access hole that was there before was not going to work.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-770.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9Pla)

I am also thinking that the fuel filter, flex fuel sensor, and the pressure relief valve will be plumbed inside the trunk. There is just not a lot of room under the car. I know it is "risky" (whatever that means) but that is how I am going to do it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-771.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M94ct)

I got the whizzwheelofdeath out and made a new hole in the trunk. All of this will get cleaned up with a nice cover panel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/18/GTOV3-772.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9L6c)

Andrew

'Faux' sub floor directly above your existing trunk floor? That way things appear 'stock' just higher to clear necessary items.

[214Chevy]

Andrew you are the man!!:king:

[andrewb70]

I don't know how I feel about this yet, but that's what I got so far.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/19/GTOV3-773.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9yaE)

The fuel line comes to of the pump, under the trunk floor, through a bulkhead fitting, then to the fuel filter and the flex fuel sensor holder.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/19/GTOV3-774.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M9ifT)

The upside to this arrangement is that servicing the fuel filter, flex fuel sensor, and the wiring would be very simple and easy.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Today it was "drive your hotrod to work day" so I drove the Cougar to Vic's place.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/21/GTOV3-775.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDzeo)

I put some fabric sleeving on the fuel line that goes from the pump to the bulkhead. This is how it looks when viewed from the bottom. It looks like it is touching, but there is clearance all around that hose.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/21/GTOV3-776.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDZ6d)

This view is from the front, looking over the top of the rear axle.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/21/GTOV3-777.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDXgZ)

Once that was sorted, I moved to the other side where the 1/2" stainless tube terminates. The top fitting is what I had in there. It is a -AN8 to -AN6 male union.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/21/GTOV3-778.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDS0Y)

Since the fuel like that I am using in the rear is -AN10, I needed the adapter shown at the bottom. The one that I got from Star Performance was aluminum, as they didn't have any steel ones. After discussing it with Vic, it was decided that a steel fitting would be more appropriate. So we got a -AN10, steel male weld bung, and Vic made a new fitting, using part of the old fitting.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/21/GTOV3-779.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDOhi)

The other thing that I decided to change was not have the flex fuel sensor holder be right after the fuel filter. Even with the filter shifted to the left as much as possible, I just don't have the linear room to mount everything and still have enough room for the hoses to routed appropriately. With the flex fuel holder gone, this is how I plan to run the hose. It will sweep gently, back under the trunk floor and turn back towards the right side, where the stainless tube is located.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/21/GTOV3-780.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDuZR)

The flex fuel sensor holder will be attached to the end of the tube with a -AN10 to -AN10 female union.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/21/GTOV3-781.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDbTp)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I got the flex fuel sensor, but of course I got the wrong one to work with the Motion Raceworks holder...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/26/GTOV3-782.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDwzw)

I was missing one last fitting to complete the intercooler hoses. The inlet to the intercooler needs a 45 degree fitting in order to clear the fuel rail that is below it. I used the fabric heat shrink on top of the Earl's Super Stock hose and it looks remarkably similar to the Earl's Ultra Pro hose.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/26/GTOV3-783.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDKum)

This hose makes a gentle sweep down and towards the center of the fan shroud...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/26/GTOV3-784.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDoTU)

Where it connects to the water pump. You can see the pump mounted to the fan shroud.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/26/GTOV3-785.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDM5N)

Vic took a couple of fittings and welded them together to make an adapter.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/26/GTOV3-786.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDpeP)

The adapter is used to mount the pressure relief valve.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/26/GTOV3-787.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDxwG)

Carl from VaporWorx told me this was necessary to keep the system from getting vapor locked. He told me to purchase a small Radium Engineering fuel pressure regulator and send me a special 80psi diaphragm for it.

When the car has been running for a while, then it is turned off, pressure in the feed line can build up and lock up the injectors from firing. This valve will burn the feed line once the pressure exceeds 80psi.

I also got a modern Helical exhaust valve that uses a Küster 3 pin motor. This will be controlled by the Holley Dominator ECU. Not sure why the video doesn't show...Just click the link...

http://youtu.be/MB0V4yTQj4U

Andrew

[camcojb]

Carl is a wealth of information, thanks for sharing.

[andrewb70]

Today I decided to leave the plumbing for a while and tackle one of the last big boxes that I have. As mentioned before, this car now has a complete Ridetech suspension, front and rear, and part of that package are front and rear sway bars. This is the front sway bar.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/28/GTOV3-788.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDFvK)

This sway bar kit is very thought out. The bushings are polyurethane, but they also include this slick Delrin bushing, which is supposed to eliminate the need for lube and is supposed to eliminate squeaks, which are so common with polyurethane bushings.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/28/GTOV3-789.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MD57t)

The ridge on the Delrin bushing rides inside a groove in the middle of the bushing, which keeps the bushing from sliding out.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/28/GTOV3-790.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MD0ga)

Judging by the weight, the bar is hollow and has there bushing ends welded to both sides.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/28/GTOV3-791.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MD91c)

The mounting system includes some plates that move the bar about 1" forward. This is done to clear the pitman arm on the passenger side. My old swaybar used to rub a little bit against the edge of the pitman arm. You can see that now there is a solid inch of clearance.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/28/GTOV3-792.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDEkk)

The end links are Moog parts and also did not call for any lube.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/28/GTOV3-793.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDQu8)

Lastly, I also dug out the mating connectors for the bulkhead panel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/28/GTOV3-794.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDn5n)

The connectors have the optional "backs" on them, so that I can fully cover the wires. The "backs" also provide addd strain relief, which is very important for all connectors.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

With spring quickly coming, my tuning business has been picking up steam, which means less time to work on the GTO, but I managed to knock out a couple of tasks.

First up is the Ridetech rear sway bar. The kit comes with these brackets that would normally be held in place by a U-bolt. This this rear housing has a back brace, the bracket no longer fits around the axle tube. I trimmed the parts that were interfering and used an angle finder to make sure that both brackets were at the same angle. The actual angle is not critical, but having them be the same seemed pretty important.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/07/GTOV3-795.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDd1d)

Next, I drilled some holes in the frame for the end link brackets. This is the driver's wide.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/07/GTOV3-796.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDIjZ)

This is the passenger side with the sway bar bracket and the end link installed.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/07/GTOV3-797.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDU3o)

Vic got a new MIG welded and I buggered it in place. The welds are not pretty, but they will be fine.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/07/GTOV3-798.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDC5i)

Lastly, fiddled around with the flex fuel sensor holder. I didn't want the sensor to just be hanging by the AN union without any support. I used a large P clamp to support the other side where the fuel line will attach.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/07/GTOV3-799.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDTqY)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I take inspiration from all kinds of places. A while back I ran across a build on the Rad Rides website. It was the 1961 Brookwood wagon (https://radrides.com/builds/1961-brookwood-chevy-wagon/) built for George Poteet:

https://radrides.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Poteet_62_wagon_0016.jpg

When I was at PRI I went to the booth of the vendor that did the cladding on the downpipe. The company is HeaderShield (https://headershield.com). I emailed them after the show, sent pictures of my parts, they gave me a quote, I paid it, sent my parts in, and ten weeks later I got them back.

This is the up-pipe that goes from the Holley manifold exit to the turbine inlet.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/09/GTOV3-800.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDWwR)

This is the downpipe that feeds the exhaust from the turbine, under the car.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/09/GTOV3-801.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDPNp)

The rest of the exhaust will take off from the downpipe.

Andrew

[WSSix]

The engine bay on that wagon is awesome. That heat shielding will work very well. It's similar or the same to what gets used on a lot of aftertreatment systems for diesel engines.

[andrewb70]

I brought the pipes over to Vic's and installed them, hopefully for good. The downpipe fits great, although it is about 1/8 inch away from the frame. I am hoping the cladding will keep the powder coating on the frame from burning off.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/10/GTOV3-802.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MD1pe)

Here is the up-pipe, going from the Hooker exhaust manifold to the turbine inlet. If you look closely, you can see the bung for the EGT probe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/10/GTOV3-803.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDLiH)

Here is the wastegate plumbing. The wastegate itself will get a little blanket, as will the turbine housing. Both from Funk Motorsports in England.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/10/GTOV3-804.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MD4I7)

Here you can see the oil drain. Remember, it is stainless steel, but I also added an insulating sleeve over the top. The EGT bung is also clearly visible.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/10/GTOV3-805.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MD8jD)

This is just an overall shot of how things are looking.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/10/GTOV3-806.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MDJ8h)

The yellow dipstick handle needs to go...

Andrew

[68454RS]

I know i've said it before but it's worth repeating, AMAZING BUILD :cheers:

[214Chevy]

I know i've said it before but it's worth repeating, AMAZING BUILD :cheers:

Totally agree!!

[groovyjay]

One of my favorite builds.

[will69camaro]

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/02/05/GTOV3-732.md.jpg[/url]

Andrew

Where did you get those fittings? Sorry if i missed it in the post but i'll need the same for mine for turbo clearance.

Progress looking good.

William

[ScotI]

I know i've said it before but it's worth repeating, AMAZING BUILD :cheers:

I feel this ride always has been great, but I agree 100% w/your statement. These upgrades are 'next level' nice for those building our rides out of @ home garages.

[andrewb70]

One of my favorite builds.

Thank you!

Where did you get those fittings? Sorry if i missed it in the post but i'll need the same for mine for turbo clearance.

Progress looking good.

William

Hi Will...Those fittings are made by Vintage Air. I got them from Summit Racing.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/VTA-366101

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/VTA-366102

I feel this ride always has been great, but I agree 100% w/your statement. These upgrades are 'next level' nice for those building our rides out of @ home garages.

Thank you!

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I like to repurpose OEM parts as part of my builds. I am not sure how I ran across this part, but it is from a 2008 Ford F250 with the PowerStroke engine.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-812.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQS8t)

This is what Ford uses for the exhaust pressure sensor, and I figured I can use it for the same purpose. In this picture, the tube has been cut and a sleeve installed over the cut. The sleeve ends where the green tape is and where my finger is pointing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-813.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQOja)

This is the sensor part number. From what I have been able to gather, it is a 0-54psi sensor.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-814.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQXdG)

The tube is stainless and 5/16" diameter and it uses 37 degree flares with tube sleeves and nuts at both ends. That size tubing translates to an -AN5, which is not super common. Luckily, I had this 90 degree NPT to -AN5 adapter that I was using on the old tank for the return line. The NPT side has been cut off and Vic turned it down in the lathe to make a -AN5 male weld fitting.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-813a.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQZik)

Here you can see where the fitting is going to go. Yes, the first hole was way off...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-815.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQN2K)

The whole assembly is bolted to one of the holes on the back of the heads...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-816.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQhBc)

and the tube extends down to the crossover pipe...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-817.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQu98)

Once the tube was the right length and clocked correctly, the sleeve was welded to the tube.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I arrived at Vic's this morning and found that he had already stuck the stock dipstick into the lathe and got rid of the ugly yellow dipstick handle.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-818.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQ3Pn)

He also took a piece of Delrin that he had on hand and made a new new dipstick handle, which is much more appealing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-819.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQcd5)

Once the parts were ready, they were cleaned and mated together with some JB Weld.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-820.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQgyS)

Much better...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-821.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQVx4)

Here it is, in case you didn't notice it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-822.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQHO3)

I also mounted the AC condenser in its location and removed the protective cardboard from the radiator.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/18/GTOV3-823.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQ22T)

I will have the AC and the heater plumbing sorted pretty soon.

Andrew

[will69camaro]

Work looking good. Making me want to ditch the ugly yellow dip stick with machined goodness.

[camcojb]

I'm a cheapskate, mine has some black plasti-dip, doesn't appear I could get the stuff off if I wanted to lol.

[andrewb70]

I decided that I wanted to rotate the Holley Lo-Ram front to back, which will put the MAP sensors in the front.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/21/GTOV3-824.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQjDP)

The main purpose for rotating the manifold is to clean up the area behind the intake and have the ability to use the stock oil pressure sensor in the stock location. I should have done this at the beginning...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/21/GTOV3-829.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQdGG)

Rotating the manifold involved a bunch of changes. One of them being the plate that holds the boost solenoids. It still fits, but it had to be cut to clear the Bosch TMAP sensor.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/21/GTOV3-825.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQ7Hh)

I also picked up some AC hose ends locally. The top hose that goes to the condenser is from the compressor.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/21/GTOV3-826.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQtWm)

The lower hose goes to the dryer. I have a new dryer on the way along with a AC pressure sensor, which will replace the binary switch. The AC compressor will be controlled by the Dominator ECU and the HardWire PDM.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/21/GTOV3-827.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQfEU)

I got a 45 degree fitting for the #10 hose that goes from the evaporator to the front port on the compressor. The rear port on the compressor is a #8, and goes to the top of the condenser.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/21/GTOV3-828.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQYSN)

I also took out the dash insert.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/21/GTOV3-830.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQksw)

With the ash insert out, I will be able to get to all of the wiring and ducting behind the dash, without actually having to pull the dash out. The 3 gauges that are front and center will be the Holley CAN RPM and Speedo, as well as a small fuel level gauge.

The holes on the right will be filled in. The 6.86" Holley Pro-dash will go where the three larger gauges used to be and below that will be two AC vents.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

This is a small update with, hopefully, useful information.

Since the Holley EFI will be controlling the AC compressor, I wanted to use an AC pressure sensor. This is a little adapter that VA sells just for that purpose. Also pictured is a new VA dryer, where the fitting goes.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-831.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQRMS)

This is the AC pressure sensor that I am using. The main reason that I picked it is because I have the output configuration for it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-832.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQJG5)

This is the new dryer, installed in its location on the radiator core support.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-837.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQaRE)

A lot of people ask me which oil pressure sensor I like to use on Gen 4 engines with Holley EFI. This is the one, and the connector on the Holley EFI harness has the correct connector. It is a 135psi sensor.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-832a.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQ1s4)

This sensor looks similar, but it has a 12mm thread on it, instead of the 16mm thread on the sensor shown above. I had this end cap for the Holley fuel rail, so I had an idea...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-833.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQeF3)

I told my idea to Vic and a little while later my idea was made reality.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-834.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQLSn)

Vic drilled and tapped the cap for the 12mm thread and a groove for the o-ring to seat against.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-835.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQlAT)

I installed it in the rear of the driver's side fuel rail. So I have a fuel pressure and temperature sensor after the fuel filter and this sensor in the rail, mostly because I can.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-836.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQiVZ)

Vic is also making progress on modifying the dash insert to use with the Holley Pro-Dash.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-838.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnG4o)

The small hole to the right of the steering column will also get filled.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/23/GTOV3-839.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MQyQd)

Andrew

[68454RS]

Killing it :bow:

[waynieZ]

Nice ideas for those up grades, Boy that Vic is a handy guy to have around!
Vic you ever think of moving to Massachusetts? lol

[andrewb70]

Since I decided to rotate the Holley Lo-Ram base front to back, I needed to add a fitting for the catch can. Instead of using the typical NPT to AN adapter, I used this straight thread ORB adapter.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/24/GTOV3-840.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnZSi)

All that is needed is a little counter-sink for the o-ring to seal against. Sorted...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/24/GTOV3-841.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnNUp)

I needed a pass through for some wires to come through the firewall, low on the passenger side. This pass through is for wiring the heater control valve, fan speed signal, AC pressure sensor, EGT probe, and the dome pressure sensor.

I enlarged an existing hole to 1" using a step drill and...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/24/GTOV3-842.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnSGR)

used a TE Connectivity 90 degree heat shrink boot passthrough.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/24/GTOV3-843.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnbM7)

This is the 4 port, electronic heater control valve that I am using. It is sold by Thermotion (https://www.thermotion.com/4-port-electronic-heater-control-valve-pn-354-69694). This will allow the coolant to flow through the heater core circuit when the valve is closed to shut the coolant flow through the heater core, when the AC is being used.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/24/GTOV3-844.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnzFY)

Vic also finished filling the holes in the dash. He then fixtures the dash in the mill to make the opening for the Holley 6.86" Pro-Dash.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/24/GTOV3-845.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnhYH)

Below the dash will be two of these VA dash vents:

https://www.vintageair.com/images/49062-VUQ.jpg

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Yesterday Vic finished the opening for the Holley ProDash.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/03/26/GTOV3-846.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnpmN)

The Vintage Air vents will be here tomorrow, courtesy of Summit Racing.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I am afraid that progress has slowed down a little. I am waiting on a local shop to get me in for the exhaust work and after that the car comes home.

In the meantime, the dash is done:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/06/GTOV3-847.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mn6o5)

I may add a thin trim ring to the fuel level gauge, just to make it match the tach and speedo.

Andrew

[ScotI]

I am afraid that progress has slowed down a little. I am waiting on a local shop to get me in for the exhaust work and after that the car comes home.

In the meantime, the dash is done:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/06/GTOV3-847.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mn6o5)

I may add a thin trim ring to the fuel level gauge, just to make it match the tach and speedo.

Andrew

I looked @ the image first. As soon as I did, I immediately thought "why can't aftermarket gauge manufacturers keep their 'series' offerings consistent regardless of size". Then I read your message text & felt better not being the only one that it bothers :thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

I may add a thin trim ring to the fuel level gauge, just to make it match the tach and speedo.

Will you (Vic) machine one or are they readily available? What about a bezel for the Holley screen?

[andrewb70]

I looked @ the image first. As soon as I did, I immediately thought "why can't aftermarket gauge manufacturers keep their 'series' offerings consistent regardless of size". Then I read your message text & felt better not being the only one that it bothers :thumbsup:

The rings around the large gauges are actually adapters to go from a 5" hole to a 4.5" gauge. The fuel level gauge was already the same size as the hole that was in the dash already.

Will you (Vic) machine one or are they readily available? What about a bezel for the Holley screen?

If I want a ring around the fuel level gauge, it will have to be made. There is no room to add a bezel to the Holley dash, nor do I want to.

Alternatively, I can get black vents and paint the rings black.

I just think all black is boring. Shiny bits on the dash add interest and detail.

Andrew

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I forgot to mention, the little slot to the right of the steering column is getting one of these:

https://www.molex.com/molex/products/part-detail/io_connectors/0795405067

Andrew

[camcojb]

You are sooo modern... :thumbsup:

[Juggernaut]

I forgot to mention, the little slot to the right of the steering column is getting one of these:

https://www.molex.com/molex/products/part-detail/io_connectors/0795405067

Andrew

Knew I should've come to Lat-G to ask if something like this exists. Ended up buying a glorified cigarette lighter replacement. Much nicer this way!

[CHJNCSU]

Great Dash! I look forward to seeing it installed

[andrewb70]

I went over to Vic's today and did a bunch of little projects to get it ready for a move to Hotrod Express to do the exhaust system. I cleaned the underside as best as I could, installed the gas tank, tidied up any loose wires, and packed up all of the left over parts to take home.

While I was doing all that, Vic tipped up a trim ring for the fuel level gauge:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/12/GTOV3-848.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnaZU)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/12/GTOV3-849.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MnRTN)

Some people had expressed a concern for a lack of trim ring, so there it is...

Andrew

[SSLance]

Great catching up on your progress Andrew! Nice work as always...

[andrewb70]

The GTO took a ride to Hotrod Express this morning to have the exhaust system built.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/14/GTOV3-850.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6XgK)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/14/GTOV3-851.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/Mnyak)

To recap, the plan is to carry the single 4" from the downpipe, past the transmission crossmember. From there I have a Burns Stainless single 4" to dual 3" splitter, which then will feed into Dynomax UltraFlow Welded (PN 17547) large case mufflers and then tailpipes out the back with the OEM looking dual tips in the stock location. One of the 3" pipes will also have the exhaust valve installed before the muffler. This will allow me to effectively turn it into a single exhaust system for cruising on the highway. The exhaust valve will be controlled by the Holley Dominator ECU.

Andrew

[WSSix]

Sounds like a good plan to me.

[CHJNCSU]

Great car!

[andrewb70]

The GTO is at HotRod Express and they have been making some progress on the exhaust.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/20/GTOV3-852.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6Kud)

The ends of the tailpipes will also be modified to bring the stock looking tips through the cutouts in the rear valance panel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/20/GTOV3-853.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6g7E)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/20/GTOV3-854.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6M5o)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/20/GTOV3-855.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6p1Z)

There are going to be some issues with the tailpipes, which we anticipated. The the RideTech coilover is making the tailpipe fitment a little tricky. At this point it is clear that the front corners of the gas tank will need to be notched.

Andrew

[overlap]

The dash insert looks great. What is the bezel insert covered with as it looks to have a texture to it ?

[andrewb70]

The dash insert looks great. What is the bezel insert covered with as it looks to have a texture to it ?

It is a vinyl wrap that Vic had handy. He also used it on the 3D printed cover for the boost control solenoids.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Here are some more progress pictures from HotRod Express:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/25/GTOV3-856.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M691D)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/25/GTOV3-857.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M657e)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/25/GTOV3-858.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6EkR)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/25/GTOV3-859.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6Fv7)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/25/GTOV3-860.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M60pH)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/25/GTOV3-861.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6Q3h)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/25/GTOV3-862.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6n5P)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

More progress is being made on the exhaust:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-863.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6YiG)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-864.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6twU)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-865.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6jNN)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-866.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6AIw)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-867.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M66qm)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-868.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6kpk)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-869.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6d1a)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/26/GTOV3-870.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6IjK)

Andrew

[camcojb]

Very nice work. Curious how it sounds.

[andrewb70]

I am a little curious myself...

Andrew

[camcojb]

I am a little curious myself...

Andrew

Figure yours will be running before mine lol... :lol:

[OLDFLM]

Which exhaust cutout did you go with for the flapper?

[andrewb70]

Which exhaust cutout did you go with for the flapper?

It is this part:

https://www.holley.com/products/discontinued_product/parts/71013004-RHKR

Looks like Holley stopped selling the service replacement part. These are actually made by Helical in the UK and the motor is made by Küster, in Germany.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Josh at HotRod Express is doing a great job with this exhaust system.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/28/GTOV3-871.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6C9c)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/28/GTOV3-872.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6PNn)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/28/GTOV3-873.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6U3t)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/28/GTOV3-874.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6Tq8)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/04/28/GTOV3-875.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6Wx3)


Andrew

[andrewb70]

This morning I received more pictures of the exhaust from Friday. Looks like Josh is finish welding the exhaust...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/01/GTOV3-876.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6lBZ)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/01/GTOV3-877.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6J8E)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/01/GTOV3-878.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6Li5)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/01/GTOV3-879.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M68jT)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/01/GTOV3-880.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M612S)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/01/GTOV3-881.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6a9d)

My friend Tom is coming for a visit for a few days on Wednesday and I hope the car can come home on Thursday or Friday.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Here are some more progress pictures of the exhaust. It looks like Josh has finished with the exhaust welding and is working on the lower, front corners of the gas tank.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/02/GTOV3-882.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7Xdp)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/02/GTOV3-883.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6vPo)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/02/GTOV3-884JPG.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M6yNi)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/02/GTOV3-885.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7GxY)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/02/GTOV3-886.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7ZiR)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/02/GTOV3-887.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7N27)



Andrew

[andrewb70]

The tank is getting finished. I like that he was able to keep the vents at the top front corners.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/03/GTOV3-888.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7uDh)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/03/GTOV3-889.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7S8e)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/03/GTOV3-890.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7OtH)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/03/GTOV3-891.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7hBD)

The tailpipes also got finished.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/03/GTOV3-892.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M73PP)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/03/GTOV3-894.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7HOm)

Andrew

[OLDFLM]

For the cutouts on the tank?

https://www.heatshieldproducts.com/lava-shield

https://www.designengineering.com/reflect-a-gold-heat-reflective-sheet-12-x-24-1/

[andrewb70]

For the cutouts on the tank?

https://www.heatshieldproducts.com/lava-shield

https://www.designengineering.com/reflect-a-gold-heat-reflective-sheet-12-x-24-1/

I have a bunch of peel and stick heat shield left over from doing the firewall. I will cut some sections out of that for the tank corners.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

The exhaust and the gas tank are done. Here are the final pictures:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/05/GTOV3-895.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7Ktk)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/05/GTOV3-896.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7cdU)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/05/GTOV3-897.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7VEN)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/05/GTOV3-898.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7gyw)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/05/GTOV3-899.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M72KG)

Rick from Hotrod Express also delivered the car to me this morning. Big thanks to my friend Tom, who came out to visit me. He helped to clean up and organize the garage so that I have a fighting chance of having the car drivable to LS Fest in September.

Andrew

[syborg tt]

Very nice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andrewb70]

Now that the car is back, I felt the need to go out there and do something, even if it is something small. Keeping in mind that I will be doing a lot of wiring under the dash, a removable steering wheel hub seemed like a good idea. My friend Tom had a NRG steering wheel hub on his 70 GTO and I really liked it.

I started by removing the horn button and removing the Momo steering wheel from the Momo hub.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-900.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7FO8)

Then I removed the nut that was holding the hub in place.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-901.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7wDt)

I had to use a 3 jaw puller to get the hub off the steering shaft.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-902.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7MJK)

This is the Momo adapter hub for a GM steering column. If anyone needs it, PM me.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-903.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7xWc)

This is the new NRG hub. None of these parts came with any instructions. I am not exactly sure why the hub has a ground wire on it...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-904.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7rBa)

This is the hub that bolts to the steering wheel and snaps on the receiver that is bolted to the steering shaft.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-905.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7mEn)

This is the finishd column with the receiver hub bolted to it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-906.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M70s3)

To release the steering wheel from the column, the ring under the steering wheel is pulled back...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-908.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7DK5)

and the steering wheel comes off, along with the hub.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/07/GTOV3-907.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M75y4)

It will be a lot easier to work under the dash without the steering wheel in the way and it adds a small level of theft protection to the whole car.

Andrew

[WSSix]

Fantastic work on the exhaust. Good luck making September, Andrew.

[andrewb70]

With the car now in my home garage I am able to spend a hour or two here and there and knock out little projects. Just like the old saying about how one might eat an elephant...

This picture is at a little bit of an odd angle, but it shows the finished turbo drain. While the car was at Hotrod Express, I asked Josh to put a bead in the 5/8" stainless tube that we used to extend the drain pipe. There is also a little section of 5/8" oil safe rubber hose that goes from the tube to the oil drain on the side of the oil pan. I used Gates heat shrink clamps on the hose. The stainless tube also has a silicone/fiberglass fire shield over it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/12/GTOV3-909.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7nJT)

This picture is also at a bit of an odd angle, but it shows how the heater hoses come down from the water pump and under the up-pipe. There is fire sleeving over the top of the hose where it passes closest to the up-pipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/12/GTOV3-910.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7QAS)

Here is the view from the top. Everything fits very closely together, but there is just enough room to turn fasteners and fittings. I also used the Gates heat shrink clamps on the heater hoses.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/12/GTOV3-911.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7jQZ)

I took the intake off again so that I can clean everything and get it ready for Cerakote. Here I am mocking up the little silicone plugs that I will use to seal off machined and tapped holes.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/12/GTOV3-912.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M77HE)

She is looking more apart than before, but progress is being made.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/12/GTOV3-913.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7tWd)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I have been watching the weather forecast, looking for a partly sunny day, with low wind and no rain. Well, today was that perfect day. I got started in the morning and started my Cerakote shop.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-914.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7dGp)

I had 4 parts to coat: compressor housing, charge pipe, intake lid and intake base (not pictured).

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-915.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7sKR)

This guy was super helpful for cleaning. I filled it up with acetone, pressurized the can, and it sprayed a beautiful, fine mist that cleaned the parts well. Everything was already bead blasted before hand. I just sprayed everything down, used a red 3M pad to clean, and sprayed again. Then I used a MAP gas torch to heat the parts and evaporate all of the acetone.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-916.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7YSo)

I am using the Cerakite C coating, in the same burnt bronze color that I used on the valley cover and the front cover. You put down a light coat and immediately go over it with a heavier coat. It looks amazing in the sun, because the burnt bronze has a ton of gold and copper flakes in it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-917.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7ksY)

I decided to leave the intercooler in raw aluminum, but I went over all of the surfaces with the red 3M pad to give it a brushed look.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-918.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7fEi)

I taped off the plate with my business logo, so it would stay natural. The engraving would lose all the detail if I was to paint it.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-919.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7UA7)

I set everything back on the engine so that the Cerakote can fully cure.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-920.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7CRH)

Different angle...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-921.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7qHe)

Here is a shot showing the compressor housing.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-922.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7PQD)

I did not mess around with the charge pipe because I want it to fully cure. Now, if I can only find all of the o-rings that I need to finally assemble everything....:lostmarbles:

Andrew

[camcojb]

Looks nice Andrew.

[SSLance]

Looking good Andrew! Final stretches now...

[214Chevy]

Very nice Andrew!! I love the bronze color on stuff...wheels, brake calipers, engine parts, you name it.

[WSSix]

Agreed, the bronze is a great color choice.

[andrewb70]

I have ben working with The DriveShaft Shop for about 15 years on various projects. They were the ones that made the custom axles for my RX7 when installed a Ford Cobra Mustang rear diff in it. They were also the ones that made the single CV driveshaft for my GTO back in 2013 and also the dual CV driveshaft in the Cougar.

This time around they will be building a dual CV driveshaft for the GTO, but with a twist. They have some new, super strong CVs that they want to use on this project. The front slip yoke is already configured for it, but the rear needs an adapter, because the CV pinion yoke was made for the smaller CV. That said, they designed an adapter for me and sent me a 3D printed prototype for test fitting.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/24/GTOV3-923.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7eFm)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/24/GTOV3-924.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7RMw)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/24/GTOV3-925.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7JGU)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/24/GTOV3-926.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M7LSP)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/24/GTOV3-927.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/M71UN)

We live in truly amazing times. As Vic likes to say "That's some Buck Rogers S**t!"

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Today I had the opportunity to go work i the garage. I decided to tackle the intake manifold assembly and final installation.

The first step was to install the o-ring that seals the base with the intercooler. It is a single viton string that gets inserted into the machined groove, the ends are butted together, trimmed flush, and the a drop of super glue is used to hold it together.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-928.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MLtEp)

The intercooler is bolted into place.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-929.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/ML6Pi)

Followed by the lid.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-930.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MLAdR)

I also installed the all of the fuel injectors and rails. I used the rail brackets that came with the intake manifold, but I replaced all the hardware with ARP stainless fasters. I really like this combination of black and silver against the bronze intake manifold.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-931.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MLnDo)

I took the masking take off the heads and cleaned everything with acetone.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-932.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MLjOY)

Then I installed the intake manifold assembly on the engine. The intake manifold has o-rings that seal it against the heads. I also lubricated the mating surface so the intake can easily slide around and find a happy spot as it is being torqued down.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-933.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MLkKH)

I used these stainless p-clamps for the oil feed line, again with the ARP bolts. Vic added these holes to the intake manifold months ago.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-934.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MLYy7)

Here is a broader view that shows all the details of the stainless hardware, with black, against the bronze intake, with a pop of red on the valve covers to keep it interesting.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/03/GTOV3-935.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MLIte)

Slowly, but surely...

Andrew

[syborg tt]

Dang does that look nice.

Looking forward to more posts

[andrewb70]

Progress has stalled a bit on the GTO, although I managed to take an interesting and useful detour. I was working with a local customer a couple of weeks ago and I noticed that his 5.4L Mustang GT500 engine had a very interesting looking sensor on the fuel rail. After some digging around I figured out that it is Bosch 0 261 230 093. What caught my eye is that one side of the sensor was in the rail while the other side had a vacuum nipple on it.

As I suspected this is a differential pressure (Delta P) sensor. It outputs the difference between rail pressure and manifold pressure (positive or negative).

You may wonder why we should care. I am glad you asked, because differential fuel pressure is actually what we really care about, not rail pressure. Another way to think of the differential pressure is the pressure across the injector discharge. Let's do an example:

Let's say you have a fuel system that is set to 60psi at the rail and there is no vacuum or boost reference on the regulator, or the regulator is not adjustable. This is a fairly common scenario with a LS swap, simple in-tank pump, and a Corvette style regulator. Let's also say that you have a moderate performance cam and the engine idle around 50kPa, which is about 15in/Hg, which is also about -7psi. Note that the units are all different, but they are describing the same thing, which is the amount of vacuum in the intake manifold when the engine is running.

In this scenario the rail pressure doesn't change, but what happens to the pressure across the injector discharge when the engine is running? Because of the vacuum that is generated by the engine, the differential pressure across the injectors is actually 67psi. In other words, the injectors act as if they flowed more. That is exactly what this sensor will read, because it measures differential pressure directly.

Consider a different scenario. Turbocharged engine, adjustable regulator with a vacuum line hooked up to it. Let's assume the same base pressure of 60psi. When the engine is running under the same conditions, a normal pressure sensor would show 53psi at the rail, but this sensor will still read true differential pressure, which in this case is 60psi. Take the same scenario under boost. Engine is making 10psi, rail pressure sensor will be reading 70psi, and this sensor will still read 60psi. The purpose of having a vacuum/boost referenced fuel system is in fact to maintain consistent differential fuel pressure.

This is a fun topic and if anyone has any questions, please post them.

Here is sensor mount that Vic machined.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/27/GTOV3-936.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MeSRE)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/27/GTOV3-937.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MeNMS)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/27/GTOV3-938.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MeOAT)

It attaches right to the back of the rail with the AN-6 female to female union.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/06/27/GTOV3-939.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MehVZ)

The eagle eyed will notice that it is mounted to the Cougar. I am using the Cougar to do the testing for the sensor.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Progress on the GTO is a little slow, but moving along. I need to thank my friends at The DriveShaft Shop for making me a bullet proof, dual CV, carbon fiber driveshaft.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/07/20/GTOV3-940.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MJRr3)

Here you can see the details of the 108mm non plunging CV and the carbon fiber tube.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/07/20/GTOV3-941.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MJJZn)

This is their new design 8 bolt non-plunging CV. These are used on the Nissan GTR 2500+hp driveshafts. Good enough for this pile...

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/07/20/GTOV3-942.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MJ1C8)

Here you can see how it fits between the exhaust. There is plenty of clearance, so heat should not be a concern. Besides, there is a constant stream of air passing under the car while it is moving, which cools the exhaust.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/07/20/GTOV3-943.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MJaa5)

Plenty of stick-out for any little movement from the rear end articulation and deflection.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/07/20/GTOV3-944.md.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/MJlf4)

Andrew

[waynieZ]

It looks good Andrew! The intake look good on there.

[syborg tt]

Some very nice progress and I love reading your post as I feel like I’m back in school.

However, this time I’m really excited about going to class.


Sent from my iPhone using Taptalk

[ProTouring442]

Progress on the GTO is a little slow, but moving along. I need to thank my friends at The DriveShaft Shop for making me a bullet proof, dual CV, carbon fiber driveshaft.

This is their new design 8 bolt non-plunging CV. These are used on the Nissan GTR 2500+hp driveshafts. Good enough for this pile...

Here you can see how it fits between the exhaust. There is plenty of clearance, so heat should not be a concern. Besides, there is a constant stream of air passing under the car while it is moving, which cools the exhaust.

Plenty of stick-out for any little movement from the rear end articulation and deflection.

Andrew

Hopefully you have better luck with The Driveshaft Shop than we did.

[cpd004]

Hopefully you have better luck with The Driveshaft Shop than we did.

Failure? What type of shaft did you use?

[ProTouring442]

Failure? What type of shaft did you use?

Poor customer service. Huge lead time, then they made the driveshaft too long. After that, they then refused to do anything to expedite the replacement shaft (the error was on their part). Gave me tons of attitude.

[andrewb70]

Hopefully you have better luck with The Driveshaft Shop than we did.

I have been using their products for over 10 years on numerous projects.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Progress on the GTO has been slow, but it is still moving forward. Also, keeping two project cars moving forward is not the easiest...

That said, I have a small update on the GTO. A while back you might recall seeing pictures of when I had the GTO hood 3d scanned. The idea was to have a digital representation of the hood so that something could be made for the hole. When I was at LS Fest I met a couple of guys from a company called Reversion Raceworks. They specialize in custom 3D printing project, specifically for cars. I emailed them after the show and decided to work with them to design an insert for the hood.

They did the design work and I also had them print a prototype for fitment purposes. The print was done in PLA and as you can see it has thick layers. This was done to keep the print cheap and fast.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/11/01/GTOV3-945.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/orLA8)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/11/01/GTOV3-946.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/orqsa)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/11/01/GTOV3-947.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/orWGt)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/11/01/GTOV3-948.jpg (https://hostmyjunk.com/image/or4Mc)

The fit is spot on. It is as if it was made just for this hood...LOL

Now that the insert is done, I am thinking a clear acrylic cover would look pretty cool. My business logo can also be engraved on the bottom of the cover, so it would show through, but the top would be smooth.

What do y'all think?

Andrew

[OLDFLM]

Or louvers to let heat out like the 2014-2015 Camaro?

[andrewb70]

Or louvers to let heat out like the 2014-2015 Camaro?

This is still a design exercise and many options are on the table.

Andrew

[syborg tt]

I like the idea of letting the heat out of the engine bay and I also like the idea of louvers. Is your plan to make the final piece billet or 3d printed plastic ?

[andrewb70]

I like the idea of letting the heat out of the engine bay and I also like the idea of louvers. Is your plan to make the final piece billet or 3d printed plastic ?

All options are on the table at this point.

Andrew

[Tinker]

This is a Pontiac, does anybody else see the resemblance in shape to a shaker scoop?

[andrewb70]

This is a Pontiac, does anybody else see the resemblance in shape to a shaker scoop?

That's no accident...This is what used to be there:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2021/03/28/GTOV3-063.jpg

But the new turbo combination doesn't allow me to make the shaker functional, and I really didn't want to ruin the shaker by just attaching it to the bottom of the hood.

I'm trying to do something different. Besides, there is only about 1/4" clearance at the front of the opening between the bottom of the hood and the intake manifold. The intake manifold was actually modified to fit under the hood.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2023/05/13/GTOV3-921.jpg

Hopefully it all makes sense now...

Andrew

[OLDFLM]

Would it make sense to add more plenum volume toward the back of the intake?
Following the hood line more closely vs tapering down in the back as it does now?
Would there be a performance advantage to making it taller and following the plane of your custom engraved plate up front?

Might be more interesting visually too if you go with a ZR1 styled plexi insert...

[andrewb70]

Would it make sense to add more plenum volume toward the back of the intake?
Following the hood line more closely vs tapering down in the back as it does now?
Would there be a performance advantage to making it taller and following the plane of your custom engraved plate up front?

Might be more interesting visually too if you go with a ZR1 styled plexi insert...

Lots of things are possible, but I am not changing the intake at this point.

Andrew

[Tinker]

Would it make sense to add more plenum volume toward the back of the intake?
Following the hood line more closely vs tapering down in the back as it does now?
Would there be a performance advantage to making it taller and following the plane of your custom engraved plate up front?
...

I'm not an engineer, but plenum volume does affect what rpm the engine makes power, amongst a myriad of other things too.

As far as solely speaking airflow, that I do have hundreds or more hours on my flow bench. My guess is the taper is engineered to speed up airflow as it travels rearward to aid filling rear cylinders( it may not really speed up, but it won't slow down and get lazy over the distance of the manifold.) Air will speed up as cross sectional area is reduced just like the taper of intake runners and cylinder head ports.

[WSSix]

I'd just go back to the 1970 GTO hood with twin snouts because I'm unoriginal like that. Or, if you want to continue to go with a cross breed idea, what about using the twin snouts off an early 70's formula? Good luck with the decision, Andrew.

[andrewb70]

It has been a while since I have made progress on the GTO. Over the weekend I was hanging out with a friend of mine from Chicago and he was busting my balls about not having done already. He isn't wrong.

The mailman dropped off the new Tick Performance one piece o-ring for their intercooler (they also fit Holley HiRam and LoRam intakes) this morning, so it was the perfect opportunity to do something productive.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/02/26/IMG20240226140142.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rOuBm)

The intake lid is on for good now.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/02/26/IMG20240226143224.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rOb8P)

Over the winter I also ordered these grommets from SpearTech. I was going to do something fancy, but I think I am going to keep it simple.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/02/26/IMG20240226154104.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rOSth)

Apparently I robbed the silicone coupler and clamps for the Cougar :facepalm:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/02/26/IMG20240226164733.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rO3DN)

I was going to do fancy stuff with the harness, but I am going to keep it simple. I really want this thing running and driving before the summer.

Andrew

[syborg tt]

Man does that look good and I completely understand sometime life gets in the way of finishing our projects.

and Holy crap do I love the look of the Engine bay !!

[andrewb70]

Man does that look good and I completely understand sometime life gets in the way of finishing our projects.

and Holy crap do I love the look of the Engine bay !!

Thanks Marty! I appreciate the kind words.

Andrew

[thedugan]

I am looking forward to seeing how the Tick Performance intercooler holds up and performs on a street car. I have been contemplating using one for my Procharger upgrade, but I am worried about how it will hold up over time. In my limited time doing research, I have only seen them used on race cars.

[andrewb70]

I am looking forward to seeing how the Tick Performance intercooler holds up and performs on a street car. I have been contemplating using one for my Procharger upgrade, but I am worried about how it will hold up over time. In my limited time doing research, I have only seen them used on race cars.

It's a very well built unit and their new ones are even better. They also have a new ultra low profile version with its own billet lid.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Clearly, I have been neglecting this thread. We have had a busy spring and summer. My wife and I moved to Denton Texas and I have been busy with my tuning business and with the new house. I finally have all of my garage stuff moved down here and the new space will be a lot better than I have ever had. It isn't a 60x40 shop, but it will be comfortable. The GTO has been parked in that space for a while and the Cougar is still in storage locally.

I did not have a car at LS Fest, but that gave me the opportunity to hang out and enjoy time with old friends and make new friends. This is just a portion of the gang that meets up at LS Fest.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/09/22/GTOV3-952.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r58MS)

This LS Fest I was also working. I was in the TurboLamik booth promoting my remote tuning business as well as talking to people about the ZF8HP transmission swaps using the TurboLamik TCU.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/09/22/GTOV3-953.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r5aVZ)

The TurboLamik guys came to visit from Poland and here we are with their US distributor. (from left to right: me, Lukas Lamik, Greg Drozd, Agnes Lamik, David Lamik)

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/09/22/GTOV3-954.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r5RRE)

We had two cars there with the ZF8HP swap. They happened to run their best passes for the weekend lined up against each other.

1TxJFYswFMY

Here is the time slip for that pass. Not bad for true street cars

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/09/22/GTOV3-955.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r5JAT)

Needless to say, after having experienced cars with the ZF8HP transmission, there was no way I was keeping the 4L80e in my GTO.

My Alabama buddies scored this big boy 8HP90 and it will be making its way under my GTO this fall.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/09/22/GTOV3-949.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r54F3)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/09/22/GTOV3-950.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r5Ls4)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/09/22/GTOV3-951.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r51G5)

If anyone is interested in learning about the ZF8HP swap, shoot me an email: projectgattago at gmail dot com

Andrew

[rickpaw]

Finally I can put a face to a person that I've been texting back and forth. LOL

[andrewb70]

As time passes, companies improve and refine their products. Such is the case with the Tick Performance intercooler brick. Originally I had purchased their first design, but they have since released their Ultra Low intercooler and this is the way I decided to go.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-956.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9XFY)

The Ultra Low intake has an integrated billet lid that reduces the overall height by 2 inches compared to their original intercooler and a Holley top.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-957.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9GSi)

Not only is the intake lower, but the throttle body mounting flange is also moved back, substantially, which generally improves fitment.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-958.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9ZUp)

With the lower intake, now there is ample room to reuse the shaker scoop. The shaker scoop is such a unique feature of this build, that I really do not want to change it.


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-1002.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9OM7)

With the hood closed, you can see how much clearance there is now between the top of the intake and the bottom of the hood. As you might recall, that clearance was barely 1/4" with the other intake set-up.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-1001.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9NGR)

With the shaker scoop resting on the intake and the hood closed there is now ample room to make a mount that will attach the shaker to the engine.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-959.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r5i4o)

With the throttle body now in a different location, the tube from the compressor outlet to the throttle body will need to be remade. I have been following Jon Volk's builds for years and he has inspired me to push the envelope.

I am using the Einstar 3D scanner to generate a 3D model which will then be used to designed the intake charge tube. The plan is to manufacture the intake charge tube by having it 3D printed from aluminum. I used foot powder spray on the engine to eliminate the shine, as the 3D scanners don't work well on shiny surfaces.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-1004.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9uVD)

Here is the resulting scan.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/08/GTOV3-1006.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r93nh)

Progress is being made...

Andrew

[camcojb]

That intake would have solved a LOT of fabbing on my end, very nice!

[will69camaro]

Love seeing technology like that 3D scanner being put to use on "hobby level" projects. Technology like that coming to garages will change the custom hotrod game even more.

Looking forward on seeing how you plan to attach that shaker scoop to the intake, plenty of room to make a nice piece that bolts to the intake plenum top flange looks like.

[syborg tt]

Love this build and I can't wait till the next update.

[WSSix]

Glad you're able to keep the shaker, Andrew.

[andrewb70]

Here are some progress pictures of the intake pipe.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/16/GTOV3-1011.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9DX4)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/16/GTOV3-1012.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r95C3)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

We are getting there!

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/17/GTOV3-1013.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9Qo5)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/17/GTOV3-1014.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9nfS)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/17/GTOV3-1015.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9jcE)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/17/GTOV3-1016.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9t6Z)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/17/GTOV3-1017.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r96lT)


The next step is to get a prototype printed in PLA to confirm fitment.

Andrew

[camcojb]

Very nice.

[ScotI]

I love the logo details being included.

:thumbsup:

[andrewb70]

A generous fillet was added around the BOV mount and here is the final part:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/18/GTOV3-1018.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9ALd)

I ordered a prototype printed in PLA and it was less than $100 shipped. The aluminum part should come in under $600.

Andrew

[PTAddict]

Great stuff Andrew! When you think of the amount of time it would take a skilled fabricator to make up something roughly equivalent to this, it becomes obvious how these technologies can enhance the creativity of us "average" hobbyists.

What modeling software are you using? And who are you using for the prints?

[andrewb70]

Great stuff Andrew! When you think of the amount of time it would take a skilled fabricator to make up something roughly equivalent to this, it becomes obvious how these technologies can enhance the creativity of us "average" hobbyists.

What modeling software are you using? And who are you using for the prints?

That kind of modeling, or any kind of modeling is way above my paygrade. The design work was outsourced and he uses SolidWorks.

I provided the scan and he took it from there. The prototype was uploaded to CraftCloud. They are a broker and some company in Minnesota is doing the printing. There were less expensive print options in Europe but the lead-time was longer and the shipping was more expensive, so I chose made in the USA.

I am going to use this process for a lot of things in the future.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

We are living in marvelous times.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/30/GTOV3-1019.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9fho)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/30/GTOV3-1020.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9ICY)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/10/30/GTOV3-1021.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9kmi)

If I can only find the BOV in a box somewhere so I can confirm fitment.
::facepalm::

Andrew

[ScotI]

Pretty slick stuff right there.

[OLDFLM]

Pontiac baby blue too! Haha

[syborg tt]

Very cool

[andrewb70]

BOV fitment confirmed:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/02/GTOV3-1022.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDG6a)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/02/GTOV3-1023.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/r9ygK)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Here is the updates design. The BOV location was moved, the logo was moved, and there wall thickness on the little nipple by the compressor exit was increased (not visible).

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/07/GTOV3-1024.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDN08)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/07/GTOV3-1025.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDzuc)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/07/GTOV3-1026.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDhr4)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/07/GTOV3-1027.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDXet)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/07/GTOV3-1028.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDbz3)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/07/GTOV3-1029.png (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDOTn)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Here is the second prototype printed in carbon reinforced PETG.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/15/GTOV3-1030.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDc1Z)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/15/GTOV3-1031.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rD3vS)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/15/GTOV3-1032.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDV7E)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/15/GTOV3-1033.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDHgT)



https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/15/GTOV3-1034.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDuk5)

I like the new BOV placement and the slightly repositioned logo.

The next step is to have the final version printed in aluminum.

Andrew

[WSSix]

This really is so amazing to see come together with 3D printing.

[syborg tt]

I love seeing things taken to the next level and this car is definitely doing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andrewb70]

While the intake pipe is being made, I had my friend Blake design me another little part. He then printed some prototypes on his home 3D printer.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/16/GTOV3-1035.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rD25o)

These are mounts for the fuel rails. They will be printed out of stainless steel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/16/GTOV3-1036.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDKTi)

Here is bracket that came with the intake manifold kit.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/16/GTOV3-1037.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDpud)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

The 8HP90 that I picked up had a mystery converter in it. It didn't look stock and frankly I didn't trust it. So I called up Circle D and had a discussion about my requirements. Here is what they suggested:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/21/GTOV3-1038.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDozY)

This is their hybrid 8HP90 converter. Externally it is the same size as the 8HP70 converter, which is 1/2" smaller in diameter than a stock 90 converter, but internally it is built to work with the 8HP90 transmission.

Here you can also see the Domiworks bellhousing adapter.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/21/GTOV3-1039.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDrwp)

and the Domiworks converter adapter.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/21/GTOV3-1040.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDwkR)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I had a little care package delivered today. Here are the fuel rail brackets, printed in stainless steel.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/29/GTOV3-1041.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDxv7)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/11/29/GTOV3-1042.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDFpH)

Tomorrow I will drill and tap as needed and maybe run the sides over some emery cloth on a granite block.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I used a bench-top drill press and a step drill to open up the holes on the front and on the bottom.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/02/GTOV3-1043.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDTNn)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/02/GTOV3-1044.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDs9c)


Here they are mounted to the intake and holding up the fuel rails.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/02/GTOV3-1048.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDqx3)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/02/GTOV3-1047.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDUq8)

Andrew

[camcojb]

:thumbsup:

[WSSix]

That's really cool. Little things like that will be neat to point out to people at car shows etc.

[andrewb70]

That's really cool. Little things like that will be neat to point out to people at car shows etc.

Most people won't even notice.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Here is the final raw, 3D printed aluminum charge pipe:

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/06/GTOV3-1049.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDWi5)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/06/GTOV3-1050.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rD18E)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/06/GTOV3-1051.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDPI4)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/06/GTOV3-1052.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDL2S)


https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/06/GTOV3-1053.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDejT)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I ran across some videos by Devin Vanderhoof. It seems that he too has discovered the Hardwire Electronics PDM products. In fact, he has become the biggest distributor in the US for Hardwire. As you may recall, I already have a PDM 25 under the dash, but after seeing the videos for the new PDM 28, I knew that's what I needed in the GTO. I will use the PDM 25 in the Cougar or the Suburban.

Here is the PDM 28 as it arrived.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/07/GTOV3-1054.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDJBZ)

The size of the PDM 28 is substantial. Here you can see it compared to the Holley Dominator ECU. They are roughly the same size.

The reason for choosing the new PDM 28 is that it has two CAN busses. With the release of the Holly CAN documentation, the PDM 28 is fully compatible with Holley EFI.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/07/GTOV3-1055.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDvNi)

Holley had a 3D model of the Dominator available for download.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/07/GTOV3-1056.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDlPo)

An email to Hardwire provided the 3D model of the PDM 28.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2024/12/07/GTOV3-1057.md.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rDR9d)

I once again used my Shining 3D Einstar 3D scanner and generated a scan of the GTO dash and glove box area.

https://youtube.com/shorts/mhHSHdmFsCI?si=Gn_UB9Yk2dgtfszA


The plan is to design a mounting system for the Dominator and the PDM in the area that used to be occupied by the glove box.

Andrew

[syborg tt]

This has to be one of my favorite builds on this site


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andrewb70]

This has to be one of my favorite builds on this site


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the kind words Marty.

If anyone is in the process of wiring their car, please post questions about the Hardwire PDM 28. This thing will basically handle all of the vehicle functions, although I made a conscious decision to leave the fuse panel and the bulkhead connector in place. However, the only thing that it will handle is the front and rear lighting. All other systems are getting moved to the PDM.

With the Holley Dominator and TurboLamik communicating over CAN, and now the PDM also on the CAN bus, some really trick things are going to be possible.

Andrew

[will69camaro]

Andrew, not going to lie, you got me considering the PDM 28 as i'm changing all wiring in my car. Want to have a discussion on the benefits to be had. I already have moved away from the bulkhead, so all wiring would be going through the PDM (lights/etc included).

[dontlifttoshift]

Keep in mind that unless you leave the PDM on all the time, circuits that would have been on the battery side of the fuse panel will be off. PDM28 draws about 150ma when on, even not doing anything.

Putting a 28 in my car and all of the "battery" items will stay on the OE fuse panel. Everything else will run through the PDM. That short list includes but is not limited to:

1. Headlight Feed
2. Tail/Park/Dome Feed
3. Hazard Feed
4. Radio
5. Trunk Release
6. Gauge Feed (bat) (Dakota Digital)


Also worth noting, 28 circuits sounds like a lot but for a street car it really isn't. Especially if you want to keep circuits separate.

[rickpaw]

Andrew, I'd be interested in knowing more about the PDM. Saw a segment on PowerNation TV that they're using one in their track Camaro, but it was more of an ad than anything.

[andrewb70]

Andrew, I'd be interested in knowing more about the PDM. Saw a segment on PowerNation TV that they're using one in their track Camaro, but it was more of an ad than anything.

In simple terms the PDM takes the place of the fuse panel and handles all of the switching functions that a bank or relays would handle. The PDM 28 has 28 individual circuits that can be used as needed.

If the circuit protection is tripped, the PDM can be programmed to automatically attempt resets. All circuits can also be monitored in real time and also datalogged for troubleshooting purposes.

Please ask specific questions and I am happy to answer them.

Andrew

[TechNova]

Most people won't even notice.

Andrew

My favorite mods. I'll talk to the people that notice, the true car people.

[andrewb70]

Happy New Year Everyone!

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Having a 3D scanner and a competent designer on call has really improved the overall quality of this build. I also want to thank Brian Wolf from Send Cut Send for helping out with this particular project.

I started with a 3D scan of the glovebox area without the glovebox. We obtained models of the Dominator and the Hardwire PDM from Holley and Hardwire and they were used to mock-up a mounting solution.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2025/01/13/GTOV3-1058.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rQmy4)

I wanted the LEDs on the PDM to be easily visible and I wanted the connectors to also be easily accessible. The tandem stacked arrangement is what we came up with.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2025/01/13/GTOV3-1059.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rQ5K5)

James created the DXF files with SolidWorks and I uploaded them to Send Cut Send. They not only did the laser cutting but also the bending. Today I finally got the package after a bit of a delay due to the weather.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2025/01/13/GTOV3-1060.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rQDJT)

I expected to have to do some fiddling around with the bracket to get it to fit, but it dropped right in. The 3 holes that hold the glove box door lined up perfectly, as did the two slots up at the top.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2025/01/13/GTOV3-1061.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rQ9AS)

I couldn't be happier with this solution.

Andrew

[WSSix]

Nice. We use send cut send for prototype parts at work.

[andrewb70]

I am making slow progress. In the last installment I posted the bracket that will hold the Holley Dominator ECU and the Hardwire PDM. Today I got a care package from McMaster Carr with some hardware.

The Dominator case is not supposed to be grounded to the car chassis. It actually has plastic and rubber mounts that are already inserted into the case. However, to isolate it more, I used rubber nut threaded inserts. To fasten the auxiliary bracket to the main bracket I used U-nuts.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2025/01/18/GTOV3-1062.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rQ6QZ)

Here you can see how it all fits together.

https://j.hmjimg.com/2025/01/18/GTOV3-1063.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rQ7Wd)

Unfortunately, the holes in the PDM are too small for #10 screws, so I have to #8 screws and corresponding U-nuts. I used a temporary support for picture purposes. LOL

https://j.hmjimg.com/2025/01/18/GTOV3-1064.jpg (https://www.hostmyjunk.com/image/rQnHE)

Andrew

[andrewb70]

85aP8JkRGoY