Shakedown run this weekend...project results
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Shakedown run this weekend...project results
Yesterday I took the vette out for a shakedown run after completing my winter mechanical projects here's the result.
New Flywheel - Put in a new flywheel because of a bad engine vibration I had from 50 mph up. When I rebuilt the engine I had the original flywheel surfaced and the balance must have been disturbed. New flywheel seems to have cured the problem. Took the engine up to around 4000 to 4500 rpm and speed up to around 80 mph with no shakes.
Hurst Competition Plus Shifter - Why didn't I do this 15 years ago? What a difference. The old shifter used to start rattling at about 45 mph. It was so bad that when my wife would ride with me she used to hold on to it so it didn't drive her crazy. It also felt like a crowbar in a bucket of rocks when I shifted. The new shifter is just rock solid and as precise as you can get. Because of the taller handle it's also easier to run through the gears. Highly recommended.
Dynomax Ceramacoat headers - Installation went fairly smooth but I had to dimple one of the pipes where it crossed over the Z bar for the clutch. I used Percy's aluminum gaskets. After running the car a few times in the garage I had to retighten the bolts but they're sealing well now. I also used Stage 8 locking header bolts. Here's a tip...Don't put the locks on the bolts until you're sure you don't have to tighten them again. they're a real PITA to take off. Performance wise the headers added a nice bump in the midrange and smoother overall performance. They also added about 50 rpm to my idle so I guess the older manifolds were a little restrictive. I haven't done any WOT stuff with it yet but it felt a lot healthier than before in the seat of the pants. As far as sound goes they actually made the car quieter. I don't know if this is due to leaks in the old manifold or the fact that I had 2 1/2 inch pipe bent to connect the headers to the exhaust with a crossover. Anyway, I like the sound and there is little resonance.
Stainless Hoses - Just for looks. I like the way they look but they're a PITA to fit and cut. I ended up cutting the radiator and heater hoses with a cutoff wheel. This seemed to work best and left a clean cut without any fraying. I used the Spectre ssflex hose, not the ones that need the special ends. So far, no leaks. Like I said it's just for looks.
Stereo Noise Filters - I had a lot of whine coming through the system even though I had a noise filter on the alternator. I added 2 more filters to the power lines and the ignition line and this seems to have cured it. Also rechecked all grounds. I got the filters through Ecklers but you can probably get them from most stereo suppliers. It was nice listening to the CD player without thinking there was an ambulance behind me.
That's about it. Next is paint touch up and polishing and I'm ready to enjoy it for the summer. :chevy
New Flywheel - Put in a new flywheel because of a bad engine vibration I had from 50 mph up. When I rebuilt the engine I had the original flywheel surfaced and the balance must have been disturbed. New flywheel seems to have cured the problem. Took the engine up to around 4000 to 4500 rpm and speed up to around 80 mph with no shakes.
Hurst Competition Plus Shifter - Why didn't I do this 15 years ago? What a difference. The old shifter used to start rattling at about 45 mph. It was so bad that when my wife would ride with me she used to hold on to it so it didn't drive her crazy. It also felt like a crowbar in a bucket of rocks when I shifted. The new shifter is just rock solid and as precise as you can get. Because of the taller handle it's also easier to run through the gears. Highly recommended.
Dynomax Ceramacoat headers - Installation went fairly smooth but I had to dimple one of the pipes where it crossed over the Z bar for the clutch. I used Percy's aluminum gaskets. After running the car a few times in the garage I had to retighten the bolts but they're sealing well now. I also used Stage 8 locking header bolts. Here's a tip...Don't put the locks on the bolts until you're sure you don't have to tighten them again. they're a real PITA to take off. Performance wise the headers added a nice bump in the midrange and smoother overall performance. They also added about 50 rpm to my idle so I guess the older manifolds were a little restrictive. I haven't done any WOT stuff with it yet but it felt a lot healthier than before in the seat of the pants. As far as sound goes they actually made the car quieter. I don't know if this is due to leaks in the old manifold or the fact that I had 2 1/2 inch pipe bent to connect the headers to the exhaust with a crossover. Anyway, I like the sound and there is little resonance.
Stainless Hoses - Just for looks. I like the way they look but they're a PITA to fit and cut. I ended up cutting the radiator and heater hoses with a cutoff wheel. This seemed to work best and left a clean cut without any fraying. I used the Spectre ssflex hose, not the ones that need the special ends. So far, no leaks. Like I said it's just for looks.
Stereo Noise Filters - I had a lot of whine coming through the system even though I had a noise filter on the alternator. I added 2 more filters to the power lines and the ignition line and this seems to have cured it. Also rechecked all grounds. I got the filters through Ecklers but you can probably get them from most stereo suppliers. It was nice listening to the CD player without thinking there was an ambulance behind me.
That's about it. Next is paint touch up and polishing and I'm ready to enjoy it for the summer. :chevy
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
Cruise-In III Veteran
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Re: Shakedown run this weekend...project results (vettfixr)
Sounds like you had a productive winter Al! I wish I could say the same!!!!
Congrats! :cheers:
Congrats! :cheers:
