MACE 25mm Insulator

[Blade]

Just got the IM off the engine. The back bolts weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but I don't look forward to fastening them back up again

Also finally was able to get my TB off, and the broken bolt SMH Stuff looks pretty damn clean, so looks like the catch can is doing it's job.

About to put together the insulator and the IM.

[Blade]

Ok...engine is reassembled. Pretty simple install back onto the engine, the back bolt was hand tightened because of obvious reasons, also the other two short bolts in the back, couldn't be installed back on because of the elevated position of the IM. The one thing I couldn't install back on was the front bracket/post that sits on the left side of the TB. Pictures attached.

The only thing that was weird is that, the bolts Mace sent me could only be fastened using a hex wrench/L-Wrench. So I had to hand tightened them as well, very carefully, I figure I can take it to a local garage and have them make sure it's tightened to torq specs I have a torque wrench, but I don't have the bit with the right size.

Now to performance, took her for a drive and HOLY CRAP! The boost in power is insane, last time I felt such power upgrade was when I installed the LTs. I noticed that the RPM range is a tad big higher while cruising, not a whole lot but a little. The dead spot between 2000-2200 RPMs is gone from gears 1-5. And most importantly the tire marks to pavement test was OUTSTANDING! Fishtail and all

Everyone's seen this....


Underneath the IM....


Insulator attached, being cured....


Back on to the engine, notice the black bracket in the rear, I guess I can't use that anymore....


The front bracket I was talking about....


This is where it usually sits....

[Ventmaster]

I made a little 1" extension for the back horizontal bolts to allow re-attachment. Place them on the manifold before putting it back on the engine with a washer between the IM and new bracket to keep things inline.
Then just loosen it and let it swing down to bolt to the orig. hole. Took some effort but was able to use the driver's side- not enuff room to get to pass. side tho.

Did the same with the front TB attachment point.

[blackswan]

I have to ask this, and it's a genuine question: every manufacturer is trying to squeeze every MPG and HP out of their engines. Why wouldn't GM design it this way?

[Blade]

Originally Posted by blackswan

I have to ask this, and it's a genuine question: every manufacturer is trying to squeeze every MPG and HP out of their engines. Why wouldn't GM design it this way?

I have to ask you this then....when has the last time a manufacturer not left power on the factory floor?

[bmorecam]

Originally Posted by blackswan

I have to ask this, and it's a genuine question: every manufacturer is trying to squeeze every MPG and HP out of their engines. Why wouldn't GM design it this way?

cost over benefit. Conservative over performance. V6 camaro is not an SS. In GM's eyes, V6 camaro is a gas saving highly efficient vehicle. Sometimes what vendors bring to the table does not come into play until years later by the mfg's. Just the same for LFX vs LLT. The extra 11hp come from bigger intake valves, and this is straight from GM's mouth. Couldn't they have done this to the LLT? I'm sure GM could have done alot of different things to raise 312hp but they really don't have to and didn't need to at that time as V6 camaro was the highest V6 rated vehicle at that time.

[hunterv6]

blade that looks awesome. let me know what you think when you get it moving again i have been thinking of doing that my self but want a first hand opinion.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Blade]

Originally Posted by hunterv6

blade that looks awesome. let me know what you think when you get it moving again i have been thinking of doing that my self but want a first hand opinion.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I took the car out for about an hour, check out my post wrote up a description of the drive

[KMPrenger]

Originally Posted by blackswan

I have to ask this, and it's a genuine question: every manufacturer is trying to squeeze every MPG and HP out of their engines. Why wouldn't GM design it this way?

One effect of these insulators is keeping the IM cool. I think GM figured that out for the LFX with they went their their new manifold material which should be less prone to heat soak.

[Kmorpheus]

You must also take into account all the crash test and reliability modles that GM does before they make the car. They may have a engine hood clearence spec. that they are trying to meet. Its amazing how much crap a design engineer has to go thru for any company.

[blackswan]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

One effect of these insulators is keeping the IM cool. I think GM figured that out for the LFX with they went their their new manifold material which should be less prone to heat soak.

Great answers everyone, thanks, some really good points.

Explains why there's none of these available for my 2012.

[Blade]

Originally Posted by blackswan

Great answers everyone, thanks, some really good points.

Explains why there's none of these available for my 2012.

Brand new engine that's all, give these guys a year and they should roll out some stuff. It took us LLT guys almost 2.5 years to get this far.

[MACE_ENG]

That is one clean install Blade Glad to hear you're happy with the upgrade

[MACE_ENG]

As for the LFX team, give it time there will certainly be more parts available