It's alive! about time I hear that engine run :)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
It's alive! about time I hear that engine run :)
Hi all,
I haven't been on here in ages due to work, travel, other non-Vette things. It is quite amazing what boost one gets hearing that freshly installed engine run for the first time
I know you all like pics and videos so here they are (video is a bit large so might buffer a while).
Engine is a 600hp LS3 that I got a very good deal on. Now I just need to finish all the other 500 things - but I am psyched !!
Video: The sound in the video actually doesn't do it justice. It sounds amazing in person. First sound you hear are my dogs going crazy, then the fuel pump primes after ignition goes on and then the beast wakes up.
Until soon.
Michael
I haven't been on here in ages due to work, travel, other non-Vette things. It is quite amazing what boost one gets hearing that freshly installed engine run for the first time
I know you all like pics and videos so here they are (video is a bit large so might buffer a while).
Engine is a 600hp LS3 that I got a very good deal on. Now I just need to finish all the other 500 things - but I am psyched !!
Video: The sound in the video actually doesn't do it justice. It sounds amazing in person. First sound you hear are my dogs going crazy, then the fuel pump primes after ignition goes on and then the beast wakes up.
Until soon.
Michael
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Can you post a link about first engine starting?
My first start:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evgImdUypcw
and in the vette:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sndzfICtmrU
My first start:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evgImdUypcw
and in the vette:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sndzfICtmrU
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
It is from QTP - Quick Time Performance. I first was concerned that there might be some blow-by, but it is tight as a drum. Very high quality product.
Ironically, it is a different company than "Quicktime Inc" where I got my SFI bellhousing.
M.
Ironically, it is a different company than "Quicktime Inc" where I got my SFI bellhousing.
M.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Nice links. I didn't have my friends around to witness anything - just a lonely man in a garage 
I can't believe you had blondie start up the engine the first time. You're such a suck-up
M
I can't believe you had blondie start up the engine the first time. You're such a suck-up
M
Can you post a link about first engine starting?
My first start:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evgImdUypcw
and in the vette:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sndzfICtmrU
My first start:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evgImdUypcw
and in the vette:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sndzfICtmrU
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
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Cruising
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,455
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 45
From: Columbus Mn
Very cool. I'm planning on installing the same cutouts. Glad to hear they seal well.
I like the tranny crossmember and frame stiffening tube idea. Can you get the tranny out without removing the body, and or motor? I can't tell for sure from the pictures if there is a removeable mount.
It sounds great! I know what you mean about how hearing it run gets you motivated. I had my engine on a run in stand, during my frame off. Whenever I lost motivation, or was overwhelmed, I just fired it up to pick up my spirits. It worked everytime.
Keep us posted as you progress.
My wife used to wrench with my on her car and mine. She sold hers, and now days she won't even ride in my car. So sad. All our friends and family beg for rides. Hopefully she'll come back around someday and ride and drive it. Hmm...she turned 44 today. Maybe I'll trade her in on two 22 year olds. My bad.
I like the tranny crossmember and frame stiffening tube idea. Can you get the tranny out without removing the body, and or motor? I can't tell for sure from the pictures if there is a removeable mount.
It sounds great! I know what you mean about how hearing it run gets you motivated. I had my engine on a run in stand, during my frame off. Whenever I lost motivation, or was overwhelmed, I just fired it up to pick up my spirits. It worked everytime.
Keep us posted as you progress.
My wife used to wrench with my on her car and mine. She sold hers, and now days she won't even ride in my car. So sad. All our friends and family beg for rides. Hopefully she'll come back around someday and ride and drive it. Hmm...she turned 44 today. Maybe I'll trade her in on two 22 year olds. My bad.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Thanks, Guys. Here are some answers:
Wheels are from http://www.vintagewheelworks.com/ Their V48 model 17x11 for the rear, a bit smaller for the front. I like them a lot and the only problem is that I wish they had a 18" wheel I can use for the rear.
The team3wheels LT3 wheels mentioned below look very similar actually. I wish I would've known of them as they do have a 18" wheel.
Tranny X-member: Yes, I built it from the same tubing and it is removable from the bottom. I first set the whole driveline angle to perfect measurements and then adjusted the X-member accordingly. See grainy pic attached. it was a ton of work, but I am very happy with my frame reinforcements.
Mods to engine: None (so far). I am sworn to secrecy, but I got a great package deal on an all forged internals Mast LS3 416ci with Vintage Frontrunner system, Monster clutch and TKO600.
GazGab: Yes, I figured this is your wife and YOU are actually the smart one. Maybe I should have had my wife start up my engine and therefore limit the amount of evil looks I get when I disappear into the garage I was just kidding of course.
73BLWN: I sure hope your wife doesn't read your posts. I would love to see you explain the "trade-in" idea
Michael
Wheels are from http://www.vintagewheelworks.com/ Their V48 model 17x11 for the rear, a bit smaller for the front. I like them a lot and the only problem is that I wish they had a 18" wheel I can use for the rear.
The team3wheels LT3 wheels mentioned below look very similar actually. I wish I would've known of them as they do have a 18" wheel.
Tranny X-member: Yes, I built it from the same tubing and it is removable from the bottom. I first set the whole driveline angle to perfect measurements and then adjusted the X-member accordingly. See grainy pic attached. it was a ton of work, but I am very happy with my frame reinforcements.
Mods to engine: None (so far). I am sworn to secrecy, but I got a great package deal on an all forged internals Mast LS3 416ci with Vintage Frontrunner system, Monster clutch and TKO600.
GazGab: Yes, I figured this is your wife and YOU are actually the smart one. Maybe I should have had my wife start up my engine and therefore limit the amount of evil looks I get when I disappear into the garage
I was just kidding of course. 73BLWN: I sure hope your wife doesn't read your posts. I would love to see you explain the "trade-in" idea
Michael
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Vintage Wheelworks V48 wheels
The actual stance is a bit lower than in the pic:
M.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
That is going to be one mean looking ride. Did you get any shots from the side with those wheels mounted?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
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From: Houston TX
riggs 74:I was looking for all the 1 7/8 headers I could find and first tried new longtube Texas Speed headers. Fit was great, but flange quality was very bad and TSP stated they had problems with a supplier.
I ultimately used Kooks 1 7/8 SS headers and the quality is awesome. The only problem is that they are very close to the floor board and depending on your configuration, you might have to put a small dent in the floorboard for some clearance.
Once I established the proper drive angle from the LS3 through the TKO 600 to the rear diff, I had to slightly modify both floorboards to establish an acceptable gap. I used Lizardskin cermaic on the floorboard bottom to block out the heat.
eddie 70:
I guess I need to take some more recent pics, but here is one from a year ago when I started some body work. The body is actually a bit lower now that the engine, tranny, etc are in. I also ended up with front monoleaf and rear dual mount springs and lowered it a bit. How time flies - I need to get this thing on the road
I ultimately used Kooks 1 7/8 SS headers and the quality is awesome. The only problem is that they are very close to the floor board and depending on your configuration, you might have to put a small dent in the floorboard for some clearance.
Once I established the proper drive angle from the LS3 through the TKO 600 to the rear diff, I had to slightly modify both floorboards to establish an acceptable gap. I used Lizardskin cermaic on the floorboard bottom to block out the heat.
eddie 70:
I guess I need to take some more recent pics, but here is one from a year ago when I started some body work. The body is actually a bit lower now that the engine, tranny, etc are in. I also ended up with front monoleaf and rear dual mount springs and lowered it a bit. How time flies - I need to get this thing on the road
