[Smitty2919]

Well from the first time I took a ride in my brother in law's 87 road race prepped Vette, I was hooked. I had a 03 Mach 1 5spd at the time and WANTED to race it. For one reason or another I didn't and was too nervous to break something. Next car was a 04 GTO M6 that was good for nothing but straight lines and cruising in comfort, plus being $$$ to modify other than engine and trans related. At this point I got the itch BAD and on a drive home from being at Mid-Ohio with by mother/father in law doing ride-alongs. I said to my wife "man I'd really love to do that someday". Her comment "Well why don't you? Do something about it." Which basically meant "Put Up or Shut Up" in a nice way...

That night the GTO went up for sale. 2 weeks go by until I traded for a 99 Cobra 5spd plus cash to get a cheaper platform that I knew and beat on that...well at 110K mi and the less than desirable 99 IRS...that took a hike for a 95 Z28 M6 with 60k mi. I should have for a F-Body a LONG time ago. The driving position vs the Mustangs are much better, the feel of the car is much better as well.

What I started with:
(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/1472860_732816749223_689502629_n.jpg)

(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1469840_732816829063_989692030_n.jpg)

60K mi
B&M Shifter
Pacesetter L/T's and catless mids
Borla Adjustable catback
Front strut brace
K&N CAI
Bolt in SFC's
Adj PHB
Staggered ZR1's 17x9.5 17x11
Stock shocks/springs and boxed rear LCA's.

Since then I have done the following:
Custom CAI (because I can and wanted to something "different")
Square setup on factory SS wheels with Nitto NT555's 275/40/17
Added catch can
Added PS cooler
Removed borla muffler and tips and replaced with Hooker Max Flow muffler with hidden tip
LS1 front brake swap and SS braided lines (front only)
Added Oil Pressure and Water Temp gaues on A pillar
Dyno Tune made 311/346 at the wheels

How it sits now:
(IMG:https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10003279_760355072203_7413266042514964638_n.jpg)

(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/10151865_760007892953_1485670537_n.jpg)

Making that stock suspension do work!
(IMG:https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10153803_760008421893_979298018_n.jpg)

(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10155001_760008681373_1513999466_n.jpg)

(IMG:https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10003964_760007738263_1893165921_n.jpg)

I had a great time and learned a lot about car control. Saturday was a Test and Tune, Sunday was first official points event. Saturday I got about 6 or so runs and Sunday only got 3 in my heat. Had Zero car issues, weather was nice except for damn wind and was able to take my wife for a run. Good times!

BUT now I have a big problem...I made a large "wish list" for car goodies (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

This post has been edited by Smitty2919: Apr 7 2014, 04:57 PM

[trackbird]

I've had great luck with the Hotpart rod/rod phb. They use some of the best rod ends of anybody (though others may have upgraded since I was last shopping for one). There are several others out there that use decent rod ends, but I'm not real current on the list these days.

Also, I'd do my best to get the radiator shroud and ducting back in place to direct air into the radiator. These cars don't cool real well without the radiator sealed off so air can be forced through it.

[Smitty2919]

I've had great luck with the Hotpart rod/rod phb. They use some of the best rod ends of anybody (though others may have upgraded since I was last shopping for one). There are several others out there that use decent rod ends, but I'm not real current on the list these days.

Also, I'd do my best to get the radiator shroud and ducting back in place to direct air into the radiator. These cars don't cool real well without the radiator sealed off so air can be forced through it.

Thanks. It's been on my list to do. The stock radiator cover won't fit since I leaned the radiator back to fit the intake pipe. So a new one will have to be made up out of some thin sheetmetal or plastic.

I'm also going to work on mounting the PS cooler in front of the AC condenser. I was a little worried about it getting ripped off if I happen to run over a cone. I almost had an "oh sh!t" moment when coming in hot towards some cones. First thing through my head was NOT to hit them so I don't pour PS fluid on the track.

(IMG:https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10155558_759234208423_735319696_n.jpg)

(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/10177954_759234218403_1740405989_n.jpg)

(IMG:https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10155897_759234213413_372670819_n.jpg)

Now that I re-read responses about a seat, maybe I won't get one until car is off DD duty. I could see how getting in/out would be a pain due to the taller side bolsters. I will look into that CG lock mentioned earlier. I read about that once before but forgot about it lol.

[Blainefab]

Check out the Angel Pads here: http://angelwingstech.com/store/ as an alternative to a seat.

Yes, the PS cooler is in a vulnerable spot, put it behind that hole in the fan shroud right above where it is now.

Make sure to patch the hole in the deflector. I would expect you to overheat and lose some coolant on a hot day with that lack of shrouding.

This post has been edited by Blainefab: Apr 9 2014, 09:07 PM

[Smitty2919]

Thanks for the heads up on the Angel Pads.

[orthopod]

Trackbird, i noticed you said a QUALITY PHB. in your eyes, what is a quality one? I currently have a UMI one I believe in a poly/rod setup that is on-car adjustable.

I would like to know this too. Currently I have a non-installed UMI double roto joint but after talking with Sam Strano I am considering leaving it off after lowering the car if the axle is not too bad off center and doing a Fays2 Watts Link in the future.

[orthopod]

Check out the Angel Pads here: http://angelwingstech.com/store/ as an alternative to a seat.

Yes, the PS cooler is in a vulnerable spot, put it behind that hole in the fan shroud right above where it is now.

Make sure to patch the hole in the deflector. I would expect you to overheat and lose some coolant on a hot day with that lack of shrouding.

After spending a ton of time researching PS cooler options I am glad I found out about Blaine Fab. Alan has provided incredible customer service and he is only 45 minutes away from where I am at school right now. Can't wait to pick up my Blaine Fab PS cooler so I can do it right the first time.

This post has been edited by orthopod: May 2 2014, 06:42 PM

[CrashTestDummy]

Thanks for the heads up on the Angel Pads.

I've also just rolled up a couple of beach towels, wrapping them in either masking tape, big rubber bands or velcro strips. That's helped in places where I was borrowing a car, or driving a substitute car when the Firebird is down. Pretty low-cost option, too.

[Smitty2919]

Well I will just keep adding to this thread...


I went to my second Points Event but this time it was on asphalt vs concrete slabs like last time. It was a bit more "slippery" than I expected. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
I'm running Nitto NT555 275/40/17's on stock 10 spoke SS wheels. I have done the tire chalk method for the concrete session and allowed the tire to "roll over" until the little arrow on the sidewall of the tires. I ended up with 26PSI front and 24psi rear. My father in law runs road course all the time on Hoosiers and he mentions he is upwards of 34psi....I know the tires are quite different, but are you wanting the tire to roll over to the arrow or barely roll over outside the corner of the tread?

I think I also heard a whining coming from what may be the PS pump or rack?? Car has 62K mi and I have added a cooler to help the issue and this past Sunday was the first time I have HEARD it. It is fine daily driving. Which leads me to ask, does anyone run a cooler with a small puller fan? I removed my fog lights, so it would be nice and easy to pull power from the foglight wiring and able to use the foglight switch.

[CrashTestDummy]

You probably ingested some air into the fluid, which is causing the groan. They'll do that. You can try running a little more PS fluid, which may help. You'll also probably want to change the fluid out, if you haven't done so recently. With heat, the fluid will break down some, and then be more sensitive to heat. Change it out for some Red Line synthetic PSF. It has a little better temper resistance than the stock stuff.

You may want to try a little more air, but the pressures you end up with will be unique to the car you're running, the surface you're on, the tires your running and your driving style. You have a good asphalt starting point, try bumping up a pound, or two, and see if your times don't drop. If not, then drop back down and verify it is indeed tire pressure and not that you're still learning how to autocross.

And yeah, keep notes.

[Smitty2919]

Thanks. I'll look into getting all the old fluid out.

That's where I don't know if it's the tire pressure or my learning that is getting better/worse lol. Sure is fun though!

I'm wanting to add some fans to the back of the PS cooler, but not wanting to spend $200+ for one. I'm scouring McMaster car for "equipment fans". Basically something like a computer fan but I doubt they are water proof and I don't know how much CFM I need. My cooler is 5" x 9.75" roughly.

Would be able to build a shroud around it to block any water kicking up.

This post has been edited by Smitty2919: May 13 2014, 03:08 PM

[Blainefab]

No need for another fan for the PS cooler - mount it on the fan shroud - when the main fans are running and the car is stopped or at low speed the fans will pull air thru the cooler into the shroud and back out the back. When the car is moving fast enough for air to flow thru the radiator, it will also flow thru the cooler.

Use Redline PSF. I have saved many pumps with a switch to Redline.

[Smitty2919]

Thanks Alan,

I have since moved the cooler to the location where your "PS cooler kit" get mounted. Mainly so I don't rip it off is I eat a cone (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) And second, because people like you suggested it that have more hands on experience than me lol.

I'll track down some Redline fluid and get it in before the next event.

Is this the junk you guys are referring to?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/R...+steering+fluid

This post has been edited by Smitty2919: May 14 2014, 01:00 PM

[mr.beachcomber]

...I'm running Nitto NT555 275/40/17's on stock 10 spoke SS wheels. I have done the tire chalk method for the concrete session and allowed the tire to "roll over" until the little arrow on the sidewall of the tires. I ended up with 26PSI front and 24psi rear. My father in law runs road course all the time on Hoosiers and he mentions he is upwards of 34psi....I know the tires are quite different, but are you wanting the tire to roll over to the arrow or barely roll over outside the corner of the tread?...

The shoulder tread really doesn't give you very much traction which can lead to abrupt breakaway when you less expect it. I try to stay about 1/8" away from the outside edges of my auto-xing street tires as our local events are on aggressive concrete and have multiple 180 degree turns. I check the wear pattern as well as the hot tire pressure after each run and make pressure adjustments as necessary.

As a bonus, adding a pound or two of air pressure to lessen the roll over has the additional benefit of stiffening the sidewall which aids in the the tire's transitional response to steering inputs.

[Smitty2919]

Thanks. I think Ill just start each day with whatever pressure I show up with. I run about 30psi on the street. Then go from there.

[CrashTestDummy]

<SNIP>
I'll track down some Redline fluid and get it in before the next event.

Is this the junk you guys are referring to?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/R...+steering+fluid

Yes.

[Smitty2919]

Some pics just because:


(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/10365922_768635463233_570378356319800104_n.jpg)

Interesting to see how much inside front tire contact you lose when having this much body roll.

(IMG:https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/10289878_768636705743_8086139244293474580_n.jpg)

(IMG:https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1017755_768636735683_6730117169796631768_n.jpg)

This post has been edited by Smitty2919: May 15 2014, 10:31 AM

[Smitty2919]

So even after the Redline PS fluid flush/fill I'm still getting a whine from something steering related. Is it the pump that makes the ruckus or the rack?? I don't have the issue of fluid boiling out the cap though. This was during six ~60sec runs back to back with maybe a 5min rest in between runs for other cars to go. I don't have any noise daily driving.

Oh, note to self...when flushing the system make sure you put the hose INTO a milk jug or closed container LOL I had it laying in a oil catch pan and when the wife started the car I got a lovely fluid splat design on my garage wall. That flow rate is much higher than I thought LOL.

This post has been edited by Smitty2919: Jun 2 2014, 11:12 AM