Well, every year I've had something pretty fun that really changed my entire experience with my C5Z. This year, may not be as exciting, but she's getting to be a little older so I figure it's about time to address the more needed items to enjoy her for many more years...

2014 NEEDED Agenda:

1.) Power steering pump and/or LS2 pulley. Mine's leaking. Not sure where yet but if it's the pump then I'll need to replace it.

Do I pony up for the Turn One or stick with OEM?
Can the job really be done from the top so I don't have to unbolt and move the steering rack?

2.) Harmonic balancer. Mine's a little wobbly but it's been that way as far as I remember. I know I should've done this when I did the cam install but no going back now. If I end up doing it this year I'm looking at the Powerbond 25% with Gatorback belts.

If I do this, then I'll obviously pull the rack and do the PS pump/pulley at the same time. Is there anything else I should do while I'm in there? I believe I have the ARP crank bolt in there, and the timing cover gasket and front main seal was replaced with the cam install. The timing chain was also replaced with a Cloyes.

3.) EBCM. I was throwing all the codes about a month before I stored the car. Cleared them and they popped up again a couple weeks later and haven't returned. For $150 and as long as I'm in there I might as well get this done through absfixer.

4.) Tires. Not much I can do about this, but the rears are getting down and the fronts are getting old so I'll pony up for Potenza RE-11s front and back - 305/30/19 and 275/35/18 - $1,050 from TireRack.

5.) Brakes or Coilovers. I MAY have enough left over for something fun and either of these would be the ticket. I need to check my current brakes life (OEM at 45k), but they may be ready. Like most, I'm pretty sick of looking at those tiny rears on my 19" wheels so after some exhausting research I was set on the Baer +2s but considering the entire set will run me around $1,300, I'm much better off ponying up an extra few hundred and getting a full C6Z set with calipers. If my current brakes are still ok for awhile then I'll be going to Doug Rippie for some coilovers. Tough choice as I wish I could do both these items this year.

Advice/criticisms, etc are more than welcomed. I really wish some of this was already taken care of as I'm getting the FI itch so incredibly bad. I'm fortunate to know an incredible fabricator and he's ready and willing to tackle the job of bringing a single front-mounted turbo kit to market. I don't know how some of you guys do it but I'd need to phase it out over a few seasons - add the kit one year, forge the block the next, then beef up drivetrain. My wallet will hate me.

 

I love the C6Z brakes, we did a swap on my little brothers C6 Coupe and I can't wait to do a set on mine. Sounds like you have some good stuff planned for long life.

I will have to search Tirerack, I only seem to find one set of tires that fit. I will try by the size you posted (was trying C5Z OE specs since I want some C5Z wheels).

 

Keep us updated


Gambler, size 3 to website
Pfadt Race Engineering
888-972-2464
info@pfadtracing.com

 

The problem with the C6Z06 brakes is that they won't fit behind the CCWs, unless they were built to accommodate them. I have the Baer +2 rotors in the garage waiting for install. I'll have to mod the rear calipers to make them fit, but it beats dumping $5k on a new set of rims and tires...

I think that you should definitely do the balancer- swap it out for an Innovativors West piece, or something similar. Since you're in there already, and you mentioned FI, you might as well pin the crank.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a FI setup, just need to narrow down the exact package I want. Looks like I'll be doing the install myself too.

 

Sounds like you will be busy for the next few months. Good luck with the upgrades.

 

If you want OEM C5 Z06 tire sizes, they are:
Front: 265/40/17
Rear: 295/35/18

If you really want some fatty's for the rear, you can step up to a 315/30. I'd recommend putting 275/40 up front if you size up.

Will do! I'm kicking myself everyday since Black Friday for not getting in on your Featherlight SA CO sale

Ahh, you're correct - they won't fit with my larger lips. Well, there goes that idea since I refuse to run spacers. Guess I'll have to go to C6 Z51 rotors or suck it up and go with the Baer's.

I just checked out the Innovators West balancer and are they seriously asking $550?! That's over double the Powerbond. What makes it so great? Yeah, I'll pin the crank if I do that install this year, but I promise you I won't be looking forward to it!

What FI are you considering?

Thanks!

 

Changing out the tpms and key fobs for the o1 and newer system. The tpms still work after 16 years but one of my key fobs quit. So time to change.

 

You can do that power steering pump from the top. Without too many head aches. But you need a pulley removing tool. Then the rest is a walk in the park. Turn one can rebuild your pump also and the upgrade will not cost as much. I really like their upgrade in street and a no brainer for a track car.

Advise: Spend as much as you can now, because after the wedding it will be a fight to get makecargofastandmakejohnnyhappy parts!!!

Disclaimer,
Just giving you a hard time and predicting the future based on facebook updates. You are on a slippery slope

Randy

 

My Spring 2014 plans thus far are...
Tires (Hankook V12s)
Oil & Trans fluid change
Fuel Filter
C6Z06 Shocks/Bar/Links

Will lower it down on stock bolts and get an alignment in the process. Should keep me content, at least for a little while. Dumping everything into paying her off ASAP so the real fun can start

 

I **** you not, I actually had an email nearly composed and ready to send to you on some advice with this thread just a few minutes ago. We must have some ESP going or something!

Glad to hear on the PS pump. I'll get in the air and make sure it really is the pump come warmer temps. If it needs to get replaced I might as well do that and the balancer at the same time. Stupid balancer.

HAHAHA! I got PLENTY of time for that! Besides, she's the money maker and supports my hobby, but you're right - dreading the bill for that event

Any advice on brakes knowing I'm not going to throw $4k at it?

You guys still have your COs too right? I need to do something fun this year to offset the boring but needed stuff.

Hope all is well in NC - you're really missing out on the glorious -30* temps and snow we've been getting over the past couple weeks...

 

There are worse things! The Baers are pretty trick. I look forward to seeing less undercarriage, and more rotor. It'll make a big difference, especially with the gigantic "windows" of the SP500s.

From what I've researched, the Powerbond is little more than a glorified stock balancer. It still uses the same metal-rubber-metal technology as OEM....which is the reason we're all replacing it. The IW uses intertia rings and clutches, and a fliud "coolant" to dampen crankshaft harmonics. http://www.innovatorswest.com/ . People I trust advise using the IW balancer. Good enough for me.
Pinning the crank is a necessary evil. I know that if I skip pinning it, I'll spin the balancer- it's just my luck!
I'm on the fence. I want to buy from local businesses. I have spoken to Chris at ECS, and John at Cartek. Both have been very helpful. I hadn't really considered the Procharger packages offered by Cartek, mostly because the Paxton/Vortech packages from ECS and A&A are so popular here on the forum. After speaking with John at Cartek today, I realize that I need to do some homework in order to be an informed consumer. Cartek's D1SC kit will make the numbers I'm looking for. ECS has comparable packages. Honestly, I think it has less to do with whose name is on the box, and more with your confidence in the people that are helping you along. Just my $.02

 

My spring plans are to Update my current Vortech setup to an A&A setup with a V3, as well as clear bra the bumper, Hood, Rockers, and around the wheels. Maybe a Double Din if there is any money left after those two big things.

 

Yeah looks like those or the C6 Z51s are my best options. I can do the Z51s for a heck of a lot cheaper than Baer's kit. There's no reason those rotors and caliper brackets should be that expensive.

Well, that's a bummer. Definitely something I only want to do once and forget so I think I'm going to hold off on doing that this year and if I go FI next winter I can have it done at that time (and pin the crank). Makes more sense that way and I can take care of the power steering issue from the top this year.

Yeah I agree. We're privileged to have so many options and trusted, knowledgeable people in this community. Whatever direction you take won't be a bad one! Appreciate the help

 

Help?? Shoot, I'm just wingin' it!

 

61 degree out today! NC>MN

Doing the pump and balancer at the same time is a great plan. But if you wanted you could do a pump and keep a eye on the balancer.

Brakes for street cars. 70 percent of it is the pad itself, 20% size of rotor, the last 10 percent is the "look". Some of the big rotor upgrades and a good pad are the prefect solution. Some SS lines and new brake fluid will help out the feel!!!

Coilovers are still available from us. Had a couple sets leave our door last week!!! Let me know when you are ready.

If she is the money maker and supports your hobbies. Marry that one!!!

Talk you later!

Randy
PS I still have my MN cell

 

It's about -10* here today. Yesterday was around -50* with the wind chill. Be thankful, everyday, that you're not here haha.

I'll be in touch with ya, sooner than later I hope!

Hope the business is doing well too. You let me know if you ever need a Marketing guy!