GRID CAR - next level build
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
Your experience with after market parts suppliers and the "China" factor are the primary reasons I am always hesitant to replace or "upgrade" a component unless it fails or is in the process of failing and I cannot fix or repair the original.
I still run OEM brakes and discs and intend to until they give me a good reason to change them. Even though I would like better performance from them, my experience with after market parts keeps me from venturing into that arena only to have to deal with the worse quality or lack of workmanship vs what the current parts have.
Some parts I have bought turn out to be great, and then there are the others.
Problem is brand does not always dictate quality.
After you buy what should have been a quality part you find out that they have moved their production line to China or Mexico and now you have a quality that reflects the standards of that country. The manufacturer/marketing company does not check the quality or has no control over it.
If final specs and production are done state side then you have a better chance of getting what you paid for.
Of course no guarantee of that.
Consumer beware and be aware.
I still run OEM brakes and discs and intend to until they give me a good reason to change them. Even though I would like better performance from them, my experience with after market parts keeps me from venturing into that arena only to have to deal with the worse quality or lack of workmanship vs what the current parts have.
Some parts I have bought turn out to be great, and then there are the others.
Problem is brand does not always dictate quality.
After you buy what should have been a quality part you find out that they have moved their production line to China or Mexico and now you have a quality that reflects the standards of that country. The manufacturer/marketing company does not check the quality or has no control over it.
If final specs and production are done state side then you have a better chance of getting what you paid for.
Of course no guarantee of that.
Consumer beware and be aware.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
I still think Wilwood is good stuff. This was just an unfortunate case of misinformation from the vendor I bought them from so the vendor lost the sale.
As for the broad topic of aftermarket parts, I think its hard to know when the OEM has selected a part because its the best part for the job, or the cheapest part for the job. It is equally hard to tell when the aftermarket product is actually better and reliable, or just shiny. All the more reason to read reviews and online forums.
As for the broad topic of aftermarket parts, I think its hard to know when the OEM has selected a part because its the best part for the job, or the cheapest part for the job. It is equally hard to tell when the aftermarket product is actually better and reliable, or just shiny. All the more reason to read reviews and online forums.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
We used oil while cleaning the surfaces just for that reason, to minimize or eliminate any block material wear. We also took a flat bar to the surfaces after words. Looked great.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
Late last night.... GRID CAR roared to life!!!!
I can not emphasize enough the term "ROAR".
The sound.... WOW! Much growl! So noise!
Its like 8 jackhammers.
Clean, sharp, tight, LOUD. VERY LOAD. CHEST THUMPING LOUD!!!!
My ears are still ringing this morning.
it was really rather glorious.
Once I get the break-in fluids flushed and finish dressing the engine and the lines I will put up some pictures and maybe a video.
I can not emphasize enough the term "ROAR".
The sound.... WOW! Much growl! So noise!
Its like 8 jackhammers.
Clean, sharp, tight, LOUD. VERY LOAD. CHEST THUMPING LOUD!!!!
My ears are still ringing this morning.
it was really rather glorious.
Once I get the break-in fluids flushed and finish dressing the engine and the lines I will put up some pictures and maybe a video.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
Here is the original post if that helps.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-grid-car.html
I can see how it would make sense for a Tron type car to be electric, but it does not make so much sense for a C3 corvette with sidepipes to be electric.
So I stuck with the V8.
On a side note, there is a company building electric motor Tron lightcycles that are street legal. *droools* I want one.
http://www.gizmag.com/electric-light...rothers/19897/
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-grid-car.html
I can see how it would make sense for a Tron type car to be electric, but it does not make so much sense for a C3 corvette with sidepipes to be electric.
So I stuck with the V8.
On a side note, there is a company building electric motor Tron lightcycles that are street legal. *droools* I want one.
http://www.gizmag.com/electric-light...rothers/19897/
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
GRID CAR has been out getting an alignment and some adjustments. A few more tweaks and it will be even more amazing!!
We did have a HEI module go bad after just a few hours of running. *shrugs*
Stay tuned. It's gonna be great.
We did have a HEI module go bad after just a few hours of running. *shrugs*
Stay tuned. It's gonna be great.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
The car is drive-able.
I'm not sure that makes it "done" as there is always some other little thing I want to tweak. Right now I am working on a custom "tent" so I can cover the car in a heartbeat during the day and show off how it "glows". I do not know if it will be done in time.
I'm not sure that makes it "done" as there is always some other little thing I want to tweak. Right now I am working on a custom "tent" so I can cover the car in a heartbeat during the day and show off how it "glows". I do not know if it will be done in time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
Glad to hear it is back under its own power. Any chance it might make it out to Columbus Cars and Coffee this Saturday? This is going to be my last chance to attend for awhile and I would love to see your Corvette in person.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
Sorry for the delay on pics and video.
I'm a bit panicked trying to get all the little things buttoned up.
I drove it up and down the street real quick the other night just to keep the fluids flowing. The sun had nearly set and the thing was glowing quite nicely. Its the first time I have had it out at night. Everyone on the road rolled down their window and hung their heads out jaws dropped.
One guy pulled up next to me and tried to have a conversation about it while driving 35mph down the road. hahaha...
It was just so cool.
I'm a bit panicked trying to get all the little things buttoned up.
I drove it up and down the street real quick the other night just to keep the fluids flowing. The sun had nearly set and the thing was glowing quite nicely. Its the first time I have had it out at night. Everyone on the road rolled down their window and hung their heads out jaws dropped.
One guy pulled up next to me and tried to have a conversation about it while driving 35mph down the road. hahaha...
It was just so cool.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
Well. It starts near dusk, but it does get dark especially if you are near the end of the parade. I don't think I will stick around for that part. I have seen videos and it is more of a corvette parking lot that creeps along. I like revving the engine with the clutch in, but not for miles and miles.
Your car would be a hit in that parade! Do it!
Your car would be a hit in that parade! Do it!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 941
Likes: 3
From: Columbus OH
Well. It starts near dusk, but it does get dark especially if you are near the end of the parade. I don't think I will stick around for that part. I have seen videos and it is more of a corvette parking lot that creeps along. I like revving the engine with the clutch in, but not for miles and miles.
Your car would be a hit in that parade! Do it!
Your car would be a hit in that parade! Do it!
That sounds great. Dusk is dark enough for the effect to become noticeable... and it slowly grows form noticeable to incredible.
I think the new engine build can at least "creep along". (let's hope.)