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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 06:51 PM
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Default Inside the Performance Build Center

We just posted up a new article that follows a customer through the build of his new LS7 at the Performance Build Center in Wixom...

http://www.corvetteonline.com/tech-s...-build-center/



I think it's a pretty interesting story, plus there's a huge photo gallery with it.
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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Paul Huizenga
We just posted up a new article that follows a customer through the build of his new LS7 at the Performance Build Center in Wixom...

http://www.corvetteonline.com/tech-s...-build-center/



I think it's a pretty interesting story, plus there's a huge photo gallery with it.
Thanks for sharing, Paul. I love it!

PS: your name tells me that you have Dutch roots.
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Old Jul 15, 2011 | 08:47 PM
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Great photos! I noticed that LS7 has the LS9 fluid-to-fluid oil cooler. Is this new for 2012?



Last edited by Motorhead-47; Jul 15, 2011 at 08:59 PM.
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Z06Ronald
Thanks for sharing, Paul. I love it!

PS: your name tells me that you have Dutch roots.
Glad you like the story. And yes, somewhere back in the family tree... But I am sure we are mispronouncing the name :-)
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Motorhead-47
Great photos! I noticed that LS7 has the LS9 fluid-to-fluid oil cooler. Is this new for 2012?


Good eye! I will have to ask my GM contacts...
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Motorhead-47
Great photos! I noticed that LS7 has the LS9 fluid-to-fluid oil cooler. Is this new for 2012?


Every time I see factory using air tools to torque fastener - I cringe in disbelieve. Maybe they are using calibrated air tools along with inline calibrated relief valve for each size fastener. Remember every time when we are having hard time removing fastener and having fasteners yielded prior to reaching their specified torque! Wow!
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Old Jul 17, 2011 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by victorf
Every time I see factory using air tools to torque fastener - I cringe in disbelieve. Maybe they are using calibrated air tools along with inline calibrated relief valve for each size fastener. Remember every time when we are having hard time removing fastener and having fasteners yielded prior to reaching their specified torque! Wow!
They don't use pneumatic tools. Everything is electric- I used to work in the business. They are all computer controlled VERY expensive and precise tools. See below is from the article:

During the assembly process, mistakes in torque specs are nearly impossible thanks to their specialized system. Tom Read, GM Technology Communications representative, explained the process used by the Experimental Assemblers and their Engine Build Experience participants. Each and every bolt used in the facility has a specific UPC code that must be scanned in order for the torque gun to function. Once Haase scanned the UPC code at a work station, the gun would automatically adjust to the proper setting for the particular bolt and would only remain active for the specified number of bolts needed to complete installation of the specific part

Read explained that once the torque gun completed the specified number bolts, it would not work again until a new UPC code was scanned. For example, if the installation of a valve cover requires 8 bolts the UPC code would be scanned and the gun would know the specific torque setting and number of bolts required for proper installation. This system has the specific torque settings for every bolt used in the entire 100,000 sq. ft building; if the gun stopped prior to installing the all of the bolts or it was still active after all of the bolts were installed, then it is obvious that improper code was scanned or the wrong parts were installed.


Last edited by jasonberkeley; Jul 17, 2011 at 08:54 AM. Reason: add'l info
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Old Jul 17, 2011 | 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by jasonberkeley
They don't use pneumatic tools. Everything is electric- I used to work in the business. They are all computer controlled VERY expensive and precise tools. See below is from the article:

During the assembly process, mistakes in torque specs are nearly impossible thanks to their specialized system. Tom Read, GM Technology Communications representative, explained the process used by the Experimental Assemblers and their Engine Build Experience participants. Each and every bolt used in the facility has a specific UPC code that must be scanned in order for the torque gun to function. Once Haase scanned the UPC code at a work station, the gun would automatically adjust to the proper setting for the particular bolt and would only remain active for the specified number of bolts needed to complete installation of the specific part

Read explained that once the torque gun completed the specified number bolts, it would not work again until a new UPC code was scanned. For example, if the installation of a valve cover requires 8 bolts the UPC code would be scanned and the gun would know the specific torque setting and number of bolts required for proper installation. This system has the specific torque settings for every bolt used in the entire 100,000 sq. ft building; if the gun stopped prior to installing the all of the bolts or it was still active after all of the bolts were installed, then it is obvious that improper code was scanned or the wrong parts were installed.

Neat!
I noticed the exotics overseas are using it too!

Thank you!
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