Bee’s 2010 SS/RS Rally Yellow Build

[Bee]

Next up on my long overdue list was to install my AutoMeter Tach/Shift light. Way back in 2010, I installed a dual gauge pod on the A-pillar. I had some gauges from my ’02 Camaro…one was a G-force gauge and the other was a digital Air/Fuel gauge. The G-force gauge just needs ignition hot and ground, but I never fully hooked up the A/F gauge. Since digital doesn’t really provide any meaningful data, I wanted to replace it with something that would. In comes the Tach/Shift lift. This displays the digital RPM’s and has a bunch of different features like a Launch Stage, Shift/pre-shift points, playback, etc. However, in order for it to get an accurate reading, Autometer suggested using this with their Tach Adapter. In order to make that hook up easier (and not have to splice into the factory ignition coil harness), I also picked up their LS tach harness.

The intall was pretty much plug and play. I previously ran a wire out to the fuse box under the hood when I was installing the cup holder switch plate and connecting the grill lights. I still need to run through all the configuration options and set the shift points, but it seems to be spot on with reading the RPM’s. Plus, it gets me one step closer to my next project…adding the line lock.

Here’s a picture right after I shut off the car. Apparently, the shift light comes on until I open the door and the power cuts off. On start, the RPM display just reads 0 until the car is running.

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

This car is really looking sharp. Lots of quality exterior/interior mods, nice paint work and just overall good taste. Keep posting, I want to see more of this beauty!

[Bee]

Originally Posted by The_bald_eagle_machine

This car is really looking sharp. Lots of quality exterior/interior mods, nice paint work and just overall good taste. Keep posting, I want to see more of this beauty!

Thanks man, I really appreciate that!

I spent the day washing/waxing (went old school with American Wax) and finally was able to get out to a local car show yesterday evening.



Why is it always such a challenge to back straight into a spot with these cars?

[Bee]

I have had a new set of colored wires on my list for awhile, so I ended up installing a set Granatelli’s Malevolent Coil Packs and their 0 ohm wires. I was really only going for looks to have a splash of color to compliment the valve covers, but thought 80,000 volts going over wires with little to no resistance couldn’t hurt (unless you’re on the receiving end of it ). After installing and firing it up for the first time, my initial thoughts were the car seems to idle smoother now. After taking it for a short spin around the block, I would say it felt slightly more responsive...it’s not the power gains felt from long tube headers, and certainly no where near the gains from the cam…but it’s probably a little less noticeable from when I replaced the air intake. Granatelli claims NA cars could see a gain of 12-15HP, which based on a butt-dyno, seems about right. At this time, I’m not really chasing HP…at least not until I decide on a set of heads and have it re-tuned on the dyno.

However, the best and most unexpected improvement is this has eliminated the cam surge/chug (i.e. the bucking felt when the R’s are below 2000 with little to no load on the throttle). Over the years I have gotten used to either cruising in a lower gear or holding the clutch down and coasting until the car in front of got out of the way.

Today, I was on my way to get the car inspected and got stuck behind another car doing 30 in a 45 zone. It’s usually at this point when I am reminded how much I really need to get 4.10’s installed. But I ended up leaving it in 4th gear as I slowed down to 30 and continued to maintain that speed. I then realized my car wasn’t mad at going that slow and saw my R’s were around 1400. The rest of the way there (and on the drive back home), I kept the R’s within the 1200-1600 range with a light to no throttle load just to see if I could get the car to buck and not once did it even feel like it was going to. If anything, I may have actually bogged a little at times for being in way too high of a gear at a very slow speed. On a side note, my car hasn’t seen 6th gear on a regular/non-highway road since before the cam was installed.

So overall, I am pleasantly surprised by the outcome of this mod and think it was worth every penny...at least for me at this stage of my build.

[0stones0]

That red looks nice in the engine bay. You did a great job!
Did that myself awhile back along with a few other touches.

[joekono]

Originally Posted by The_bald_eagle_machine

I applaud you for having nerves of steel and the balls to cut into your car like that. I have been wanting to do the 4teen or ZL1 hood insert but I don't think that I could mentally handle cutting into my car like that. Everything came out REALLY nice though. Good work!

This is something I wouldn't have the balls to do. The_bald_eagle_machine, hit this right on the head. Man, what a beautiful CamaroGen5 and great job doing the work.

[0stones0]

Originally Posted by joekono

This is something I wouldn't have the balls to do. The_bald_eagle_machine, hit this right on the head. Man, what a beautiful CamaroGen5 and great job doing the work.

Joe,
It’s really not that bad (the hood insert). More than a few YouTube vids and threads detailing how to do it. Laying out the cut pattern is key. Get those right and the rest is just the process.

[Bee]

Originally Posted by joekono

This is something I wouldn't have the balls to do. The_bald_eagle_machine, hit this right on the head. Man, what a beautiful CamaroGen5 and great job doing the work.

Thanks Joe!

Originally Posted by 0stones0

Joe,
It’s really not that bad (the hood insert). More than a few YouTube vids and threads detailing how to do it. Laying out the cut pattern is key. Get those right and the rest is just the process.

So true...it's all about getting the template laid out. There are some nice TL1 insert videos out there and was the easiest one to install (I think the Fourteen insert is installed in a similar fashion). The T3 hood ports were the most challenging for me...the outter cuts were easy using the template, but the inner cuts had to be offset and I had to cut blindly along the front edge.

[Bee]

Even though I’m not ready to fully surrender the season yet, I thought I should at least start to prepare for the inevitable. I noticed my new tires are more susceptible to flat spots, so I picked up a set of Race Ramps Flatstoppers. They are definitely a higher quality than the floor stops I have been using, and with the car about an inch or two higher it feels like it is sitting up on a pedal-stool. I’ll see how they do over the winter, and will give an update in the spring.

Of course, one drawback to backing the car into the garage is now I don’t want to cover it.

[V8Girl_721]

Very impressive! 🥺🫶🏾😍

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

Where did you fuse in the guages if you don't mind me asking? I have the add-a-fuse links and I'm wondering where I should wire my gauges to. I also have 2 that need power.

[Bee]

Originally Posted by V8Girl_721

Very impressive! 🥺🫶🏾😍

Thank you!!

Originally Posted by The_bald_eagle_machine

Where did you fuse in the guages if you don't mind me asking? I have the add-a-fuse links and I'm wondering where I should wire my gauges to. I also have 2 that need power.

I combined both wires into the add-a-fuse and then plugged it into the Power Outlet (F17). The gauges still have power after shutting the car off (until the door is opened). I also ran both grounds into one connector and used the bolt in the upper-left corner.

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

Originally Posted by Bee

Thank you!!



I combined both wires into the add-a-fuse and then plugged it into the Power Outlet (F17). The gauges still have power after shutting the car off (until the door is opened). I also ran both grounds into one connector and used the bolt in the upper-left corner.

Attachment 1115219
Attachment 1115220

Perfect... This is exactly what I will do.

[Joe.G]

Nice Job, I am on the NY/PA border I googled the area in your Profile and it appears you are a hike from me, I'd have really liked to see your car in person.