X25

I could not do the T1 suspension today, since I need a tool (J-43631) to be able to separate ball joints without damaging them. I did install the T1 sway bars, though. Both front and rear sways were substantially thicker and heavier:
Front sway bar:
FE3 OEM 8 lbs
T1 11.6 lbs

Rear sway bar:
FE3 OEM 7 lbs
T1 8.9 lbs


Front sway bars: FE3 vs. T1


The rear-end of the car is complete (besides T1 control arms/shocks). The car is beginning to look prettier : )

I will get the alignment done, today. I already removed a washer from all control arms, so hopefully I will get enough adjustment range. I will also bring along my caster measurement tool.

BaylorCorvette

Good work sir!

CDH76

You taking the baby seat to the track?

Chets LS3

...if this afm relocation works!!!!! oh boy!!!

X25

I've been driving around, and so far no problem whatsoever. I also tried ECO mode and V4 mode; it's just quiet, and I didn't hear anything. It's mind boggling that GM invests load of money on an acoustics issue, yet leaves the cooling incomplete. Oh well, whatever sells cars most Isuppose.

If nothing goes wrong, I'll track-test it on Sunday at an open session format. Here's hoping my layout works fine at the track, too.

Chets LS3

this makes me think...

In my c6, i disabled the onstar box in the rear. Car would not start, the bcm had to see the Constar box for the car to even start. With a multimeter we tested all the plug insets. We found the 2 pins that needed to complete the cycle. Wired the two pins together and bam the car started because the circuit was completed. Im curious if this AFM could be something similar. how "extensive" is this arm check by the computer. Could be as simple as the Onstar box bypass i did. basically we checked the ohm loads on the pins. found the two matching ohm loads on the pins and joined those pins together.

///ADMAN

Impressive

X25

You talked too soon

I hit an issue: the steering wheel bolt (T50) stripped all in a sudden while removing it, even though it was already broke loose! I don't know if local dealers even have the part, so I might have to skip this weekend's track day afterall

I'll call the dealer first thing in the morning.

UPDATE: ... aaand it's official, I won't make it this weekend! The bolt will be here on Tuesday. Oh well, more time for installing the cooling mods. I am actually not even sure how I will get to remove that stripped bolt. Could a shop weld in a nut on it? We'll see.

X25

It was great for the break-in miles; I got to break-in the car doing easy miles, and have some time with the babies, too; win/win : )

X25

I got the stripped bolt out!


Masked and put away the harness. Even sprayed water (mist) around just in case.


Followed advice of member viperdrew and used a heat source to 'melt' the excessive loctite.


Voila!

I would like to finish up front end mods over the weekend (aux rad, z06 fan, splitter). We'll see how much I'll get to progress.

X25

A small update:


Finally received the tool (J-43631)! Cost me $150 : (((( I will use it to remove the joints of lower control arms to install T1 LCAs.



Improved racing lug nuts were 50% off during July 4th weekend ($49). They are made of aluminum (not Ti), but still they only weigh 1.1 lbs.


The OEM lug nuts weigh 2.2 lbs. The chromed lug nots that came with CCW wheels weigh 2.7 lbs.


Suede-wrapped shifter and steering wheel!


Decided to do all frontend mods at the same time (fan, aux rad, power steering ducting, T1). Things will be easier when the bumper, etc. are already off.


Z06 grille installed.


The arrow-shaped pan will be cut for the Aux rad cooler. The install seems to be extremely easy, big thanks to the easy-to-use template it comes with that shows where to cut this pan. The flat belly pan right after the arrow shaped pan will also be cut, this time for the power steering ducting. Everything looks straightforward. Honestly, I'm only worried about T1 install (in case control arms don't want to come out).

KLdy

Is it possible for me to carry all four wheels in my trunk and seat..

265 and 305 s?

Possible?

X25

I don't think so..

KLdy

ahhhhh

Dont have another car to two it to the track

Guess I'll just stick with OEM Set up

Really want wider tires

silky1

You could get one of these. A buddy sent me this pic the other day.

X25

We know that GM recommends 40/60 coolant/water mix for the coolant, but did you ever wonder what percentage mix GM ships the cars with? Well, I did, and this is what my glycol refractometer tells me:


As you can see, the coolant ratio already comes pretty low from the factory! I was going to do 30/70 anyway (considering how mild the climate is here), so it will work great


The Aux rad's instructions were good, but they are missing a few steps. For instance, the cover up top that we install, covering the ports is never mentioned, even though it tells you to drill holes, which are actually used by it.


Aux rad installed!


4.8 - 0.6 = 4.2 lbs of increase in dry weight, and the core should also increase the coolant capacity.


Surprise! It turns out, Z51 already comes with Z06 type fan. I bought the fan, and also removed mine for no good reason Anyway, I will return it.

juanvaldez

Tell me about the difference in the T1 Bilsteins and the Z51 Bilsteins.

08G8V8

Man, great thread! Very detailed and excellent pics. Thanks for detailing this for everyone.

I lived in Edmonds up until 2.5 years ago(wish I still did). Where are going to be tracking the car? Pacific Raceway? I probably missed that, but I know I saw you say something about 2-2.5 hours away, so I'm not sure where that would be.

AKKutz

You might want to take a closer look at the fan, although same size one is marked 500 and I bet your z06 fan is marked 600. I too was baffled when I had them side by side, but I did notice a sticker on each with different wattage ratings.

X25

What grabbed my attention was that both had the same motor (ABL-600 or something like that). Then I looked up the part numbers. What came with the car is 23297387. Look up this part, and you'll see it's listed for both Z51 and Z06:
http://www.iamgmparts.com/chevrolet/..._name=fan-assy