'14 AGM 1SS/1LE Track build [COTW 11/17/14]

[X25]

I'm getting the OEM Z/28 wheels delivered today. The next season can't come soon enough! I also received the Tick remote clutch bleeder. My brother and I hope to install it without removing the transmission. Considering the issues many go through with their clutches, I sure hope we can install it by feel and by using crow-foot wrenches.

Legend: Planned | Procured | Installed

• Engine / Powertrain
  • TSP 304 LT Headers with custom 3" X Pipe (TSP's own x-pipe did not fit perfect).
  • Improved Racing oil pan baffle.
  • DEI coil boots.
  • 2000 degrees F matte-gray header coating.
  • Diablosport Intune w/ custom tune from FSP - $489 shipped.
    
  • DeWitts radiator - $575 shipped.
  • Improved Racing oil cooler with Setrab Series 1 / 72 rows.
  • Improved Racing oil sensor manifold (ENV-150).
  • BMR MM004 motor mounts - $259 shipped.
  • Tick remote clutch bleeder.
    
• Interior
  • Schroth Racing RallyE 3 ASM - $179.95.
  • Auto Meter 5286 Direct-fit Gauge Pod.
  • Auto Meter 6348 Oil Temp Gauge.
  • Auto Meter 6327 Oil Pressure Gauge.
  • Auto Meter 9114 Dimmer For LED Gauges.
• Handling
  • Z/28 suspension package . $3449 shipped.
    
    • Front/Rear DSSV struts,
    • Front/Rear sway bars with end links ,
    • Front control arms,
    • Rear upper and lower arms.
  • BMR BK024 Cradle Bushings,
  • BMR BK018 Front Lower Control Arm Bushings.
  • Tires
    • Hankook Ventus R-S3 305/30/19 for daily driving.
    • Pirelli Trofeo R 305/30/19.
  • Wheels
    • APEX ARC-8 19"x10.5" +22 spin forged wheels for daily driving / rain.
    • OEM Z/28 Wheels 19"x11" +11 fronts, 19"x11.5" +26 rears.
• Brakes
  • Quantum - Competition Brake Cooling Kit - $239.95.
    • Naca ducts: $20.
  • StopTech ST60 Front BBK 15” red (83.193.6800.71).
  • Stock rear rotor (92245929) - $85.31 shipped x2.
  • Pads
    • Raybestos ST43 R2600.18 Front pads for StopTech ST60 caliper.
    • Cobalt Friction XR2 Rear (CRB-XR2-D592-15.0MM-R).
• Fluids
  • Engine oil: Mobil1 0W-40.
  • Differential oil: Amsoil 75W-110 (no additive required).
  • Transmission oil: Amsoil Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF.
  • Brake fluid: Motul RBF 600.
  • Coolant: GM DexCool @50%.
  • Suspension grease: Amsoil Synthetic Polymeric Truck, Chassis and Equipment Grease, NLGI #2.
• Other
  • Blown smart-fuse for skip-shift - $1.
  • HSA elimination - $80 shipped.
  • Gorilla Automotive Spline Drive Lug Nuts (26143BC).
  • Z/28 fender flares.
  • Z/28 belly pan.

[X25]

I finally got my OEM Z/28 wheels!

• They did not get any damage during shipping, which was a big relief.
• There's a little scratch in the back unfinished side on all of them.
• Looks like a tool was used to hold them from there.
• I also checked the GM engravings to confirm.
• Weights:
  • I'd never guess, but all 4 of the wheels weigh the same! The 0.5" wider barrel of the rear wheels are exactly matched by the bigger hub are of the fronts (due to the offset).
  • Both fronts and rears weighed 26.2 lbs. Considering the robust and strong design, it's pretty good!

[PYROLYSIS]

Awesome! How did you get around the part restriction?

[X25]

Originally Posted by PYROLYSIS

Awesome! How did you get around the part restriction?

I suppose I could say: By employing a brute-force algorithm

[X25]

Finally received the hub caps (from Hubcaphaven). $92 for a set is quite a bit of money, but it looks much better with them:


I'll see my friend who works at a body shop next week, and we'll see what would be the best way to install the fender flares. I'm looking forward to the finished look!

[YellowL99]

i wish i could get those fender flares!

[X25]

Originally Posted by aabreu09

i wish i could get those fender flares!

They will be installed the week of 1/26. Here's hoping it does not turn out ugly without the rest of the Z/28 aero (that I don't want).

There's also a possibility that I might source MPSC 2 tires at 305/30/19 for cheap. If so, it would be great to compare RS3, Trofeo Rs, NT01, and MPSC 2 all in one season. Even the thought of it is exciting!

[Black Knight]

looking forward to seing the fender flares installed . Why Didt. You go full areo with the front lip and all?

[X25]

Originally Posted by Black Knight

looking forward to seing the fender flares installed . Why Didt. You go full areo with the front lip and all?

It's very daily-driveable as is, and I wouldn't want to ruin it. I have been driving Corvettes with long chins for almost a decade, and I want a break (not literally)

To be honest the only issues I have for daily driving are the vibrations from the stiff engine mounts (which were supposed to quiet down), and the rather loud exhaust note.

[Black Knight]

That's understandable . Well I'm sure a lot of us are looking to see how the fender flares are going fit .

[X25]

Update:
Just bought a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires in 305/30/19 size! These are normally $550/piece. I was able get them at $425/piece! Winter months are good for something after all...





So now comes the question: What should I start with next season? I have a set of Trofeo Rs, and a set of MPSC 2s, both in 305/30/19 size. I might also get a set of Nitto NT01s by the time season is open since they are just released at this size as well.

I already tried the car with the Hankook RS3s last season. I was thinking of starting with the MPSC 2s, and once they are done, could switch to Trofeo Rs and see if they improve time at all. If I can find the money for it, buying the NT01s as well and starting off with them would be perfect; it would answer the question of how much time you lose with the NT01s in exchange for much longer life and possibly improved consistency compared to Trofeo Rs. It would also be interesting to see where MPSC 2 tires fit in this. They do have 180 treadwear, which is much more than 60-tw Trofeo Rs, and 100-tw NT01s, even though I think that rating will not be accurate at the track once these tires start heating up.

[X25]

Received the MPSC 2 tires. I also bought yet another set of Trofeo Rs from a forum member, which will be shipped next week. Honestly, there is one last member who has tires on sale, but I am broke. Besides, I also want to try NT01s and R7s, so I should not stock up to last for too long.

[jamestown]

Hey just wanted to thank you for the detailed thread. I'm pretty much planning on copying the reliability mods you have done thus far when my 1le arrives.

How are you finding the improved racing oil pan baffles? Is your oil pressures stable on your current tire setup?

[X25]

Originally Posted by jamestown

Hey just wanted to thank you for the detailed thread. I'm pretty much planning on copying the reliability mods you have done thus far when my 1le arrives.

How are you finding the improved racing oil pan baffles? Is your oil pressures stable on your current tire setup?

Thanks, I'm glad you found it useful!

The oil pressure v.s. cornering Gs is such a beast that everything would look normal 99.9% of the time, but that one day you lose oil pressure long enough to cause damage, and the engine is done. So far, I have not yet run into any issue whatsoever, but the real test will be when I switch to R-compound tires in April (when the season opens here). Combined with the the Z/28 suspension/aero, I should be able to hold on to pretty good levels of cornering load.

Actually, my brother insists I am blowing it out of proportion, and he chose not to install any baffling on his '13 1LE. He will be riding on Nitto NT01s, which are very sticky, while I'll be on MPSC 2 or Trofeo Rs (I have not yet decided). If he runs into catastrophic and very costly engine issue, and I don't, then we'll know that it works. If he doesn't, it might also mean that our local tracks just don't have long enough left turns (which is when the starvation usually happens),so that it also a possibility.

In other news, after trying to see how the fenders would work by themselves, I caved in, and decided to get the rest of the Z/28 Aero! Yes, rocker panels, splitter, spoiler; the whole thing. These flares are just not meant to be installed by themselves, and if I trimmed their edges so they would not look out of place, they would probably still look awkward, and I'd lose the chance to add the rest of the aero. FYI, I found the aero kit for $950 ($1200 MSRP).