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I have had several COVID projects. Here are a couple that I have forgotten to post:
First, I decided to change to a metal coolant hose. Why? Because it popped up on Amazon and I'm a sucker.
It actually worked out really well with a few tricks.
1. Don't use the host ends that came with it. Use a donor hose and cut it up. It will fit better.
2. Fill the last 2 ridges of the tube with sealant. That helps.
3. No super sharp turns (don't try it on your bottom hose)
I also decided that since I had the materials laying around, I decided to build out hard fuel lines. This was a lot of fun. Bending them and getting the right fittings and making sure it could all handle 68.8psi took a bit but I like how it turned out.
Last edited by scottjamison; 02-10-2021 at 11:44 AM.
Then I got really bored and I decided I was sick of my half finished garage.
I emptied it (a LOT of work), dry walled it, painted, put a poly flooring down, changed the lighting, put in 4 large husky cabinets to match the others, and of course a TV!
Much more fun to work in!
With 600hp, I decided that it was definitely important to update my differential and half shafts.
While I will not be racing this, obviously it needed to be done to be safe. I have been driving it more conservatively based on knowing that was a weak point of the drivetrain.
I decided to go with a Dragvette Racer's Rear End. Yes, I do believe that Gary builds the best diffs! No question there. But as I looked at timing, cost, how I intend to use it, and logistics, I decided to go to Dragvette. If I was going to drag or autocross this car, I would have stepped up to Gary's Super10 or 12. I also got the 3.5" halfshafts from Dragvette.
Everything is cleared out and getting cleaned up underneath.
Here is the new diff. Ready to be set up and installed.
Problem. When I took apart my Sharkbite Suspension I found some serious issues with improper wear on the pieces. Specifically the shock heads and triangular pieces.
I had a whole different thread on that which was super helpful: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...dations-4.html
To make a long story short, I have decided to bag the Sharkbite and have ordered the RideTech Strongarm system which I am very excited about.
Here are a few pictures of what I found.
Problem. When I took apart my Sharkbite Suspension I found some serious issues with improper wear on the pieces. Specifically the shock heads and triangular pieces.
I had a whole different thread on that which was super helpful: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...dations-4.html
To make a long story short, I have decided to bag the Sharkbite and have ordered the RideTech Strongarm system which I am very excited about.
Here are a few pictures of what I found.
We apparently had very similar approaches to our builds. I went with the BPE 632 with a Holley Super Sniper, Monster Extreme 4L80e, Willwood brakes and all Ridetech suspension. Been on the road for about 16 months and could not be more pleased. Ran consistent 9.70’s at the track a few weeks back.
Scott, I love your build and you are going to love the Ridetech components. I have a ‘64, but the components are basically the same. Given I operate on the simple premise that more is better, I am using 315/45-18 tires on 18x12 rims. I wanted the larger bearing C3 spindles and hubs.
Big bearing C3 spindles and hubs. I had to remove the dust shields in order to fit the 14” Wilwood discs. Ridetech made me a true coilover for the front to my specs. I had to grind out the frame upper spring perch for clearance, but the ride is superb with full adjustability. I’m also using the GW upper and lower control arms which offer superior geometry. To your point, I had to change the electric radiator fan for the upper arm and add a 1/4” shim to the front sway bar frame mounts to clear the lower. For the rear, Ridetech’s Track 1 set up which you will end up with very similar set up. Notice the 3 1/2” half shafts with 1350 series ujoints. Old and new. The Track 1 requires two brackets to be welded to the frame which violates Ridetech’s street mantra of no welding for street components, so they consider the Track 1 as “race”. The Track 1 includes a, shudder, Ford 9” with 1350 series ujoints for the drive shaft and half shafts. I also have a SST TKO600 and they supplied the correct tranny yoke and driveshaft with 1350 ujoints, which fit nicely in the tunnel. Ready to lift into place. All done!
Putting the Ridetech suspension in was straightforward. I really like how it is engineered.
Here are the changes I made:
1. New Dragvette HD 3.73 differential
2. 3.5" HD half shafts
3. Ridetech Strongarm rear suspension with adjustable coil over shocks and offset trailing arms
4. Ridetech sway bar
I am EXTREMELY happy with how it turned out. The handling is better and even the steering is more responsive (sway bar maybe?).
And with all of those changes put to bed, I bring this thread to a close.
My build is complete. Of COURSE there will be little things here and there, but I have met my requirements (of which I DID write down at the beginning).
My goal was for the car to look fairly stock (except for the wheels) but drive like a modern, bat out of hell sports car. Mission accomplished I think?
You all have been immensely helpful throughout this entire build. Thank you each and every one who helped me.
And a big thank you to my brother Bill, even from 1800 miles away, he was my guide through all of this.
Now it is time to drive and have fun.
I will leave this thread with some shots my son took to have framed for me.
Last edited by scottjamison; 04-08-2021 at 05:01 PM.
Well done, Scott, now drive the wheels off that bad boy!
You know it!!!
Sunday I was turning right onto a pretty wide, empty road with a stock C5 in front of me (a nice guy I have talked to several times). He took off full throttle around the corner, so I did too. You should have seen his face as I passed him on the outside.
We pulled up at the next light and he was laughing. He yelled over "I keep forgetting how MF-ing fast that thing is!"
I love this car! :-)
Last edited by scottjamison; 04-13-2021 at 01:58 PM.
You know it!!!
Sunday I was turning right onto a pretty wide, empty road with a stock C5 in front of me (a nice guy I have talked to several times). He took off full throttle around the corner, so I did too. You should have seen his face as I passed him on the outside.
We pulled up at the next light and he was laughing. He yelled over "I keep forgetting how MF-ing fast that thing is!"
Beautiful.
Nicely done.
Drive and enjoy, but don’t become a stranger here.
I'm not going anywhere! I love this group. I actually feel like I have enough knowledge now that I can help with basic items (like getting chewing gum off your seats, etc)
02-09-2021, 07:50 PM
