Speedline Vette

Has anyone done this install without a lift? If so how much space is needed to drop out the crossmember to pull the rack and pinion out? I really want to go at this install in my garage but i can get access to a lift at a later date if it can't be done without the lift. I just don't want to get started and find out i should have waited for a lift!
Thanks for any input!
Ben

av8or3

I installed my Vortech at home using the Magnuson instructions for removing
th p/s rack. You will need to raise the front of the car up so the fenders are
about belly-button high in order to crawl around under enough to pin the
crank. I used a floorjack lifting at a point in the center of the rear x-member
just in front of the oil drain bolt.Be very careful you don't lift on the oil pan!
Once you get it high enough,set up some safety stands at the point on the
frame where the holes are for the lift pucks are and set her down. To me
this was the optimum height as I did'nt have to lean over very far to work on
top of the engine and that saved my back. Also you don't REMOVE the engine
cradle,you just loosen the two bolts on the drivers side and pry it down using
a socket or something wedged in the space to hold it open while you wiggle
the rack out of the drivers side. Piece of cake. Good Luck! :yesnod:

7LitreC5

Another option is to not completly remove the rack. What I did is to take the rack lose like I was going to remove it and then move it over to the right (passengers) side of the car and leave it hanging out of the passengrs side of the wheel well. This method gives you complete access to the damper without having to take the rack all of the way out.

Speedline Vette

Thanks for the great info!!!
THe car is going up on jackstands tonight and the install is on!!!!!
I should get the install done by the end of the weekend and will let everyone know how it dynos in the next week or so if i can get in soon!
If anyone else has any more thoughts on the install please chime in!
Thanks
Ben

Maximillian2

Ordered mine, last friday. It should be here sometime this week.
My hood should be here in a couple of weeks. I will be installing
mine, myself also, so all this information is good to read THANKS
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Speedline Vette

I am going to try and make some notes along the way to help others with their installs later. Email me at nogaros4@hotmail.com if you want me to email out my findings to you next week.
Also Here are a few thoughts i have already from Lingenfelter and from my reading the instructions. You might want these now so you can plan ahead and have the parts waiting for the install so you don;t have to wait then.
Here is a Lingenfelter (21st century muscle cars) recommendation
If your car has a few miles on it (30-40k plus give or take)
You should re-do your spark plugs with NGK TR-6 plugs
You should redo your plug wires with MDS 8.5 Plug wires as well.
Here are some things i got from the directions that it doesn't show as tools required:
You will need a 3/8" u joint
You will need some electrical tape
You will need a new GM Fuel Filter
You will need GM power steering fluid
You will need GM Coolant
You will need Silicone Spray
Also you will need a torque angle meter which it mentions in the tools required page but can be hard to find. I got mine for $36 from tool town locally. Here is a link to snapon.com where they have one so you can compare it to this and make sure it looks about the same as what Sears showed me was all wrong and was something totally different. http://buy.snapon.com/catalog/search...e=snapon-store
Now i am starting the install tonight so if i am wrong on anything forgive me and please offer up the right thoughts if you have done the install. I will write more as i get into the install more!
Thanks
Ben

Maximillian2

GOOD LUCK , on your install. I hope all goes well. Thank you
for all the information. I will watch for your up dates on your
install. Maybe you could tell me a couple of things about the
Kit. Does it come with a Power Duct, 160 stat ? I was going to
get the Dual Pillar Pod because I liked the way it looked as
one piece. I know you only need the Boost Gauge , but single
Pillar Pod looked out of place. THANKS AGAIN , JOE :cheers:

Speedline Vette

Mine came with the power duct and i got a 160 stat but i don't think it was in the kit, i think it was extra so i would ask as you want it for sure. Also i ordered up the dual gauge pod from summit.com and am going to do a boost and fuel pressure gauge set up as well. The dual look better and the single is just a hook on piece that matches poorly whereas the dual replaces the whole pillar and matches much better.
Well, my ECU goes out today to get programmed so my car is just sitting there now in the garage waiting!!!
Later
Ben

GraveDigger

I used jackstands up front. Started with Rino ramps to get clearance for the floor jack up front, then replace the ramps with jackstands. When removing the steering rack it just needs to clear the crank bolt.


Tod

99Z51R

When I did mine I didn't even pull the rack out. If you pull both bolts out and tie rod ends, and the steering rod bolt, just slide it as far as you can to the right and then wedge it up with a 2 x 4, it is well out of your way and you don't have to mess with the cradle, or break the power steering lines :cool: Make sure you have a good drill and it will be a piece of cake. I started out with my crappy black& decker and spent 1 hour on one hole, then broke the bit off. Went out and bought a new dewalt, and a titanium bit and the second hole took 2 minutes. Good luck :cheers: Eric

runamuk

:iagree:
Except for the drill, I used a pneumatic drill and it took 2 minutes with no broken bit (thank goodness), if your kit didn't come with a 160 degree thermostat, I'd recommend it just to keep the temp down during summer driving, now it's not an issue but in July it will be. :cheers:

dads01dream

Man, you guys are KILLING me with your superchargers and at home installations!!! I WANT ONE TOOOO. :cry Thank God there's everyone here that has done this project before me, my nerve grows with every passing post here on the Forum.

I'd love to see your tips/pics of you install, IM me for my email addy please. :seeya