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

[X25]

Originally Posted by AG1LE

Great update - look forward to learning more about your brake ducts. I will need something custom that works around the CAI air scoop (The Z28 ducts wouldn't work for me).

Well, I'm sure you've heard it already, but in the worst case, I'd not hesitate dumping the CAI scoop.

Check out my how to:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376822

[X25]

Needless to say, I was not impressed by the oil temps I hit at the track. I know for a fact that a well-cooled LS3 can easily stay at much cooler temps. I am currently leaning on the thermostat not working properly. To test it out, I asked for a simple adapter with no thermostat from Michael @ Improved Racing. If I can receive it by the weekend, I will test it out this weekend at my local track (Pacific Raceways).

One theory I have is based on the fact that we install the oil adapter upside down due to clearance issues. Since I did so, the thermostat is actually at the return side of the oil cooler. I am wondering since I installed such a big oil cooler as well, perhaps the oil is being cooled down close to 215 degrees, which causes the thermostat to prematurely shut?

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 engine mounts - $259 shipped.
    
• 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, Hoosier R7, or similar 305/30/19 for track duty.
  • Wheels
    • Forgestar CF5V 19"x11" (+17, +40 offsets) spin forged for track duty.
    • APEX ARC-8 19x10.5 +22 spin forged wheels for daily driving / rain.
• 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.
• Miscellaneous
  • Blown smart-fuse for skip-shift - $1.
  • HSA elimination - $80 shipped.

[drivrswntd]

I think something in your rear susp was tightened not under pressure at ride height as here is a pic from sema of a SS on z28 susp and it does not have the rake like yours at all.

[X25]

Originally Posted by drivrswntd

I think something in your rear susp was tightened not under pressure at ride height as here is a pic from sema of a SS on z28 susp and it does not have the rake like yours at all.

I'm not sure; I think it's just the angle of that shot that is a bit misleading. Please note these are also 19" wheels, so there will be a bigger gap.

[X25]

I just went to the garage and checked the ride height from hub to fender, and I actually have same rake as before!

Heights before Z/28 suspension install:
LF, RF, RR, LR
16 8/16, 16 15/16, 17 4/16, 17 2/16

I just checked these:
RF 15 3/4", RR ~16 1/8"

Looks like suspension ride height is dropped by a tiny bit more than 1". Combined with the lower diameter tires, my ride height is dropped by 1.8" or so.

I think it's just a bad picture, and yours is on 20" wheels, so it's not a good comparison to 19" wheels.

[X25]

From: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...24#post8059024

I worked on the car for a bit today, and I was able to install the oil cooler adapter upright!!

This means, thermostat will operate based on NOT the cooled oil coming from the cooler, but rather the hot oil coming out of engine. In my case, since I have an over-sized oil cooler, the difference can be huge.

Once I made sure nothing leaked, I went out for a test drive. I hopped onto highway, and set my speed on cruise control @65MPH @4300RPM @3rd gear @~30 degreed F ambient. The V8 quickly starts heating up at high RPMs, but this time, instead of keeping the climb, it has stabilized at 233 degrees, and never went above.

Of course, the real test will be at the track. Weather permitting, I will attend a track day on this Saturday. Michael @Improved Racing has also sent me a few parts to test if I need to (an oil cooler adapter with no thermostat, a 180 degrees F unit, different fittings, etc.), so if this is not the end of this saga, I will get to the bottom of it no matter what!

[paulcabinatan]

Subd

[camaro500]

You are quite talented. I don't think I would ever attempt an oil cooler/gauge install myself.
Very nice build!

[X25]

Thanks, I'm glad you like the build! If you think about it, people do swap cams, or even engines all the time, and that kind of a job is a lot more complicated than an oil cooler : )

[L99CAMA2011]

Are your Forgestars in yet?

[X25]

Originally Posted by L99CAMA2011

Are your Forgestars in yet?

They will be delivered on Tuesday per its tracking info. It might take a long while to put tires on them, too. I also wonder if I should've just made them the street set, and bought OEM Z/28 wheels for track duty.

[Behic2320]

Congrats on COTW well deserved. Loved this thread from the beginning

[Buck Heard]

Congrats on COTW!

[Black Knight]

Congrats on COTW .