SRIII project
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Just a quick update. Had a chance to order the parts for the steering column and plumbing parts to finish the hydro boost and brake lines. Got the steering column done tonight. Going on a run in my wife's 1982 vette tomorrow to Sonora with the C3 group, Hope to finish the hydro boost and brake lines on Sunday.
Then I will need to install the new DeWitt's radiator/fan combo, wire the starter and alternator then hopefully start it up. It would be the first time since it was dynoed.
Next weekend will be at Thunderhill raceway teching for SCCA so won't be able to work on it until the following weekend.
I'll try to post some pics when I get the car ready to start.
Rob
Then I will need to install the new DeWitt's radiator/fan combo, wire the starter and alternator then hopefully start it up. It would be the first time since it was dynoed.
Next weekend will be at Thunderhill raceway teching for SCCA so won't be able to work on it until the following weekend.
I'll try to post some pics when I get the car ready to start.
Rob
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
I know what you mean about wanting to be further along. Between my wife's help issues and work, I am not nearly as far along as I would have expected to be at this point. I see you are running side pipes. What brand are they and did you have to do any modifications to make them fit?
Rob
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 7
From: SB County CA
My exhaust is Hooker. The frame was built for side exhaustdap it has two additional bars running lengthwise from the engine mount crossbar to the rear kick-up are (no room for under car exhaust unless you get really creative). I had to tap a collector for an o2 sensor (efi) and I massaged two primary tubes for a bit more frame clearance (likely because I'm using poly motor mounts and because my AFR exhaust ports are slightly raised). I may revisit this in the future because it's the only thing about the build I'm not totally satisfied with.
I was hoping to at least have it painted by now but I just retired from the AF, flew for an airline for a short time and begin a new job tomorrow. Needless to say I've been pretty busy. I'm also moving back to CA soon for the new job...hopefully back into full swing soon...
I was hoping to at least have it painted by now but I just retired from the AF, flew for an airline for a short time and begin a new job tomorrow. Needless to say I've been pretty busy. I'm also moving back to CA soon for the new job...hopefully back into full swing soon...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
I had my frame built for side pipes also. Mine are not Hooker but are stainless steel versions from XS-Power Inc. They are supposed to be designed the same and they fit great on the stock chassis when I had them on it. I had to have the #3 cylinder tube cut and repositioned. It hit right where the extra bar came back. It fits now. The only problem seems to be that the driver side is very close to the ground (too low). The passenger side seems to be great. Car is level. Not quit sure how I am going to correct that.
What part of CA are you moving to?
Good luck on finding the time to finish your project.
Rob
What part of CA are you moving to?
Good luck on finding the time to finish your project.
Rob
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 7
From: SB County CA
No I'm using a Gen 1 SHP based motor. Like you, I wanted an old school motor...I figure either can make more power than is usable...
Another thing I did... I built an engine stabilizer bar using a heavy duty aluminum alternator bracket on the rear of the passenger side head...this is connected via a solid rod to an attachment point on the lengthwise tube we're discussing. The attachment bracket is fabbed using a large U-bolt/poly anti-sway bar mount. Tough to describe, I expect this to isolate engine vibration and limit engine rock which could cause the header primaries to contact the underside of frame. My header primaries/collectors are equal on both sides...trying to think of what could cause that...?
Another thing I did... I built an engine stabilizer bar using a heavy duty aluminum alternator bracket on the rear of the passenger side head...this is connected via a solid rod to an attachment point on the lengthwise tube we're discussing. The attachment bracket is fabbed using a large U-bolt/poly anti-sway bar mount. Tough to describe, I expect this to isolate engine vibration and limit engine rock which could cause the header primaries to contact the underside of frame. My header primaries/collectors are equal on both sides...trying to think of what could cause that...?
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Had a buddy come over today and help install the new radiator. Took several tries in and out to get everything situated just right, but got it done. Then hooked up a battery with some jumpers and fired up the motor for the first time since it was built and dynoed. Fired right up. Sure sounded sweet. Great feeling to see it come to life. Hope to work on it some more tomorrow afternoon. Maybe get some of the wiring done so it is ready for a test drive.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
I know it's been a while since I've posted and as usual life gets in the way. I have most of the wiring dialed in. The new electric head lights work. The electric fans connected. All is moving along. I have been able to run the motor now with just the turn of the key. The small block 427 sound awesome with the side pipes and the rumble of the cam and solid lifters. Reminds me of being at the race track. Should be bleeding the brakes tomorrow, and if all goes well (no leaks, all new home make ss brake lines) will be taking it for a short test drive.
Wish me luck.
Rob
Wish me luck.
Rob
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Well I got the brakes bled with the help of my friend Pete who has put in many hours with me on this project. Only had 1 leak so had to redo that line. Tried to adjust the ss steel side pipe on the driver side by heating it and putting pressure with a floor jack to raise it up but was not very successful It is so close to the ground that it is an issue with rubbing. Anyone have an idea on how to fix this. Anyway, we were able to take it for a short test drive. Only a couple of miles, but it was great to get it on the road again. Need to make several adjustments, hopefully tomorrow but IT RUNS. The amount of power is incredible. It will also take some time to get use to the extremely short throw of the t56 magnum trani.
Looking forward to getting it out on the road race track next year and seeing what it is really capable of.
My wife took some video on my I pad, so if I can figure out how to attach it here, I will.
Looking forward to getting it out on the road race track next year and seeing what it is really capable of.
My wife took some video on my I pad, so if I can figure out how to attach it here, I will.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Gonna attempt to upload the video my wife took of Pete and I taking the car out for its maiden test drive. Thanks Pete for helping me with the project and experiencing this 'first' with me!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Next step is to align the car so I know exactly where the tires will set. Install the roll cage so I can finish the interior and install the new flare. I plan on using full fender replacements from Custom Image Corvettes. I like the idea of the flare being pre-molded and only having to blend at the bonding strips.
If all goes well, I will be able to enjoy the h--l out of it next season.
Rob
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
I know it's been a while but life seems to get in the way of progress some times. Thought I would post a couple of pics of the car as it sits now. The flares are on and the body work is almost done. Hope to have it finished and painted by mid May. Will post pics of the finished product then.
http://s1233.photobucket.com/user/ve...RIII%20project
http://s1233.photobucket.com/user/ve...RIII%20project
http://s1233.photobucket.com/user/ve...RIII%20project
http://s1233.photobucket.com/user/ve...RIII%20project