IT LIVES! My Z/LE ZL1 + 1LE + 2SS = Z/LE ;o) LSA SC [COTW 2/09/15]

[hammdo]

Driver's side plugs in. I found my #3 a bit wet -- will need to keep an eye on that to see if an injector might be leaking:



THIS TOOL makes taking out and putting in plugs a SNAP -- its just awesome:









Got it from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This thing just works! Makes taking out and putting in plugs super easy-- just loosen the plug enough, put this on, and out it comes! Use it to put them in -- super easy and NO cross threading. The top of the handle turns and you can 'snake' the tool to make it fit any obstical -- just something...

Torqued the plugs to 11 ft lbs -- no anti-seize -- not needed for the NGKs...

Done for the night...

-Don

[hammdo]

Passenger's side header is done! New ARP bolts (little anti-seize) and gaskets (torqued to 18 ft lbs):



Plugs and items put back (plugs torqued to 11 ft lbs):



Dip stick was the only item where I had to put the light @ the bottom so I could find the install location. #4 plug was also a bit wet -- will need to keep an eye on that.

So with the real heavy lifting done, its now on to plug wires, oil change, exhaust, Hotchkis, and diffuser!

Been over a month she's sat -- will be nice to hear it roar again -- then wash and when the radius bushings get here, upgrade!

-Don

[hammdo]

Plug wires on, oil changed -- no one but the dealer has the gaskets -- so I ordered some. Dealer wants $3.00 each for a rubber o-ring, 12 mm o-ring, oh well...

Next is the exhaust, diffuser, Hotchkis, and then test drive ;o)...

-Don

[hammdo]

Well, my luck continues -- the resonator from the Magnaflow kit does not fit. My exhaust had the cat back slide over the cats. This one slides 'inside' the cats -- not sure why its that way, but, I'll have to take it to a muffler shop and have them open it up so I can slide it over the header reducer -- figures. Glad I tried it tonight to make sure as the shop closes @ Noon on Saturday.

15089 is the cat back for a 2011 Camaro 6.2L convertible from Magnaflow so be aware -- even though MF's web site shows it for a coupe...

-Don

[hammdo]

Got it back together today! Took it out for a spin (locally, slowly) and after checking out everything -- took it for a cruise!

I did the 15089 Magnaflow cat back, belly pan, Hotchkis, wheels, and diffuser.

First the exhaust.

I had B&B muffler expand the openings of the resonator and was finally able to get it installed. I rearranged the piping so it all fits:









Diffuser installed:

Before (did the exhaust while it was off - much easier!):



After:



I do have a clip of the exhaust (I'll post it later) -- it is much quieter for sure, but when you gas it -- very nice...

Now the Hendrix Bushings -- offset is very nice -- they are noisy as you would expect (hear the clunks, gear whine, everything you'd expect from a more solid bushing). These are not quiet -- if you daily drive this, you'll hear all the 'load' changes in the diff, so if you want quiet, go for the 'combo' poly/delrin. Myself, I'll live with it -- I'd rather have it 'solid' than moving. Wife may say 'dynamat it' ;o)

The TrueTrac -- LOVE IT -- this thing is so smooth compared to posi-mod. With the posi-mod you had to warm up the diff and, if you have wider tires, it could 'chuck' while cold and backing up. Now if you want a 'street/drag, I believe the posi-mod is a great choice (BTW, I do have one rebuilt by GPI for sale ;o). Its 56° today in Dallas so I couldn't do too much, but I like the way it reacts in concert with the JPSS sway bars. I got loose a bit on the back end around a turn and I just 'gassed' my way though it (nothing severe) -- FUN ;o)

Nothing to report on the motor mounts -- they do their job.

So, with all the new 'clunks', 'whines', etc., I'll need to get used to the car again ;o)

Next -- a bath (for the car that is ... ;o)

-Don

[QUICRNU]

Grats on the successful test drive.

And just as the many before me, I also thank you for these write ups.

I am about to embark on Part 1 of this journey myself.

[hammdo]

Thanks! It has been a heck of a ride for sure. I do get satisfaction from overcoming these obstacles ;o).

Even as meticulous as I am, things can still happen. Part of the pay to play ;o)...

Enjoy yours!

-Don

[hammdo]

Here is an article on the Eaton in a Gen5:

http://www.lsxmag.com/tech-stories/d...gen-camaro-ss/

For those who want some context...

-Don

[hammdo]

Here is one on road racing a Gen5 and Eaton TrueTrac:


http://www.streetmusclemag.com/tech-...th-gen-camaro/

-Don

[hammdo]

For Sale:

BMR front and rear swaybars complete with bushings/mounts (29 MM front, 32 MM rear adjustable for FE4):

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...70#post9415470

GPI Rebuilt Posi-Mod with upgrade clutches (12K miles and in excellent condition)
NOTE: this is a 'grabby' mod when cold so you will need to warm up the diff (usually like 1 minute of left right motions) until the friction modified oil is distributed. Excellent shape (this is the JRE mod done by GPI):

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...72#post9415472

-Don

[hammdo]

Gave it a bath today and then took it out again tonight for another shakedown - Really liking the Eaton TrueTrac -- very responsive and so much smoother -- noise level is getting better. I'm guessing once everything settles, it will get consistent. Love the way the Eaton performs when you do straight line takeoffs and it really likes curves -- looking for some winding roads around here to safely test it.

After I put 500 miles (have 100 so far) on the Eaton, I'll change the oil just to be safe. Really getting to feel the car and how it likes the latest changes -- its like a different car now...

-Don

[1KillerSS]

Originally Posted by hammdo

I do have a clip of the exhaust (I'll post it later) -- it is much quieter for sure, but when you gas it -- very nice...


-Don

.....Still waiting....

[terry_b]

Seriously, this whole build is just awesome! I love how often you're switching parts out and finding new cool things to buy!

[hammdo]

Ha, I know... ;o)...

I'm crazy that way...

-Don