schpenxel

Updated 9/26/2017 - THREAD INDEX:

Pulling transmission/rear (torque tube bearings)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588323831

Unboxing ECS supercharger kit
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588432856

Beginning Install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588432980

Harmonic balancer failure
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588510589

Racetronix harness / BAP install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588579334

Dash logic install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588702119

Replacing AC clutch
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588800046

Belt alignment
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588867466

Clutch bleeder install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588955727

Pilot bearing install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1588964790

Alky control kit unboxing
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589098615

Alky control install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589189668

Clutch replacement, again
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589134147

Gutting cats (off-road use only, of course)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589189737

Monster LT1-S TRIPLE
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589232067

More clutch bleeder install pics
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589228899

Swap to card style MAF
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589323080

ID1000’s showed up!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589331178

Moved IAT to after TB
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589497269

New style steering wheel install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589592598

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589610616

Opening up restrictor plate (1st time)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589597930

Center console / nav
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589643618

Mighty Mouse catch can
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589765556

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589790315

Remote catch can drain / flex fuel wire / Z06 Exhaust
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589887793

Z06 Exhaust Install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589938906

BTR 660 valve springs / trunion
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1589981178

One more clutch swap.. Monster LT1-S Twin
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590166848

Z06 fuel pump
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590233661

Power steering pump failure / replacement
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590320767

Power steering pump / new 3.25” blower pulley and push rods
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590332429

Added fuel pressure sensor
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590483029

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590762554

SC Tensioner pulley bolt breakage
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590663471

New battery cable ends
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590810463

Cam swap parts collection
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590836114

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590889484

Cam swap
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590895893

A&A air filter (nicer than ECS one)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1590931196

NPP Exhaust Controller install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591003860

New charge tube, no MAF
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591608011

New tires, NT05R Rear, NT05 fronts
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591749014

Alky pump replacement, before/after pressure graph
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1591860211

Rear steam vent / coolant crossover install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592019809

First 1/2 mile (Hot Springs, VA) - Fogged out
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592108363

GoPro Gimbal
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592141811

Second 1/2 mile (Georgia)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592219177

dude_man fish and beard special
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592406406

HUD repair / shift light install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592409879

AEM 30-0333 wideband install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592473632

FUEL SYSTEM Build / Install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592942709

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1592984655

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1593030905

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1593043108

Third 1/2 mile (Georgia)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1593077328

New ECS tensioner
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594080192

Moved IAT back to charge tube
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594496212

Long tubes from Vararam
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594542483

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594694230

Fourth 1/2 mile (North Carolina) - finally, 163mph first run
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594785712

LS9 Head gaskets / ARP head studs
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594827776

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1594925471

Fifth 1/2 mile (Hot Springs, VA) - 160mph (higher elevation)
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1595257415


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Original Post:

After watching you guys have all the fun for years, I finally sent a check off to Matt @ FSP this afternoon for an ECS kit. Hopefully I'll be able to install it over Thanksgiving break and start the process of breaking more parts

I guess this is how it always begins??

I'm already adding up how much a decent clutch & meth are going to cost me next..

realcanuk

Don't worry. The beauty of buying at FSP is that Matt guarantees the car bumper to bumper for one full year, even if you install it yourself.

You will have a blast. Enjoy.

schpenxel

Haha, he forgot to mention that little "perk"

Anything else he forgot?

Pitufina

Congrats! My suggestion to you is to read the instructions a couple of times before you start and take your time. A helper will be great at certain points, like when removing the steering rack out the way. I tried removing it from the drivers side like the instructions recommend to no availability. I just did it the same way like when I installed the cam previously and let me tell you that it's just easier.
Since I did it about 3 weeks ago, everything is still fresh in my mind. Pm if you need help.

ATLS2

Best buy I've made in a long time. Matt rocks!

Unreal

Free back rubs and foot massages too

pikkashoe

Get the meth at the same time as the eCS. So worth it!!!!

schpenxel

Thanks--I've read through them a few times. Some of it wont make sense until I have it all in front of me, but I at least have a basic idea of what has to happen

One question--on pinning the crank, I've seen two different methods. One is pulling the steering rack altogether, another is lowering cradle while raising engine to get enough clearance. Seems method #2 would be less work, but not many people seem to do it that way. I think it was the Magna charger instructions that used second method

Any suggestions from anyone on which is best? I pulled the transmission/torque tube in like 2 hours last weekend without a lift, so I think I'll be fine regardless, but still want the easiest way that works

schpenxel

Everyone seems to say that.. That + the price he was able to offer made it a no brainier

I would recommend anyone buying one of these kits to contact him. He offered me the lowest price I've seen for an ECS kit.

schpenxel

Yesss. Head rubs too??!?

schpenxel

Thinking about it, more for safety factor than anything.

But I'll be buying a new clutch soon too, so the cycle begins

Pitufina

No problem. I tried the ECS method in the instructions which happens to be the same as the magnacharger and I thought that it was a bad idea. I just didn't have any luck loosening the craddle nuts since the whole stud would be coming off, and that's a no no. So that was a waste of time and reverted to the passenger side method which I used in the past for my cam install and it worked just fine. I recommend ondoing the abs module bracket and the power steering pump too for added freedom of handling of all the lines for the steering rack.

schpenxel

I read through the instructions for both again and it looks like ECS recommends lowering the cradle a bit to get more room to get the steering rack out.. but still shows pulling the rack. Magnacharger lowers the cradle + raises the engine to get the rack low enough / crank bolt high enough so that the crank can be drilled without removing the rack at all. It also appears the intake has to come off with this method in order to get the engine high enough. Some of the pictures in the magnacharger instructions are taken with the rack removed (I think anyways), I'm assuming that's just to make the pictures more clear. The only mention of the steering rack is disconnecting and then reconnecting the line on top

Or I could be completely wrong. I'm still researching it

neutron82

I just moved the rack over to the passenger side enough to gain clearance to the balancer... I've done it twice this way, once to do my cam and another to install a new balancer... the only way I think it will totally come out from the driver side is to lower the cradle just a bit, but you don't have to go that far if you don't want to

Proracing

Removing the rack is a PITA!! I lowered the cradle by wedging a couple pieces of wood to hold it in place and raised the engine. Waaaaaay easier and had plenty of room. You'll need a 90° air powered drill cause there smaller. It seems harder than it is. It really was easy to do.

Pitufina

Exactly what I did.

OP, my bad I forgot. I removed the steering rack this second time because I had to swap the hb since I installed an ud one when the cam went in. But yes, the steering rack can be a pain and may need to be removed if you're planning to install a better hb.

Proracing

I also installed an Innovators West 10% OD pulley at the same time. It gave me move than enough time to replace the balancer and pin the crank.

neutron82

it can still be done without totally removing the rack, just move the rack as far over to the passenger side as possible and move the driver side tie rod up and out of the way to clear the balancer so it can be removed... I did my cam and then a balancer swap with the rack still in the car on both occasions... the first time it will seem like a pain but after that it's a piece of cake and not as bad as it's made out to be

schpenxel

How long did it take each time, roughly, obviously?

Good to hear.. I think a cheapo harbor freight right angle drill will last long enough to drill one hole.. < $30

leaving stock balance in for now

Again, good to hear.. did not really want to have to totally remove the rack from the car

Thanks everyone. Just curious how long it takes you guys to "work around" the rack, be it by lifting engine or just sliding it over?

Proracing

It took me about 2 maybe 3 hours total to do it and that's that about an hour or so of that was just in pinning the crank with 3 drill bits later. I have a forged crank so it takes fooooorever!! Lol
Drill bit went right through the steel part of the balancer but once it hit that forged crank it slowed waaaaay down!!