The "WildZL1" Build Journey

[Vicster]

Triple clutch from Mantic. Engine install and new BMR engine mounts. It is easier to install the engine without the level bar, wish I had kept the LS engine hoist plate... The motor mounts transfer more vibration, but the engine is held in place, it does not rock and hit strut brace at full throttle. The engine mounts maybe lower than the SS mounts but I found the to be about 1/8" taller than the ZL1 mounts.
(Have to rev engine higher to get car rolling without stalling due to fly wheel being so light, once car is moving it is only problem when at low speeds it will start to buck a little.)

[Vicster]

Rechecked push rod length 3 times after dropping heads on. My Buddy has to look things over to make sure I am doing it right. Finished making a custom vent line for the heads. Had fittings welded to the supercharger for custom lines. Installed oil accumulator. Used ARP studs and bolts where ever I could. I had to use silicone sealant on the intake rocker arm bolts, the CNC porting cut into the intakes deep enough to open up the bores that the bolts are threaded into. I also smoothed out the holes with some rtv sealant before putting on the intake. I have to say I really like the Red Horse Hose Fittings. (Updated parts list, replaced BBK throttle body)

[Vicster]

Wow, do not remember removing so much stuff...Upgraded to a McNalley catch can (you may see pictures with the old catch can installed). Dewitt radiator was not an exact fit as they said it was, but got it to fit. Painted exhaust parts with VHT 1200* ceramic paint. Installed the Fuel and Oil accumulators. The fuel filter assy from DMS is nicely made but I mounted it a little different from the directions. Awesome to have filtered fuel! Originally installed Brisk spark plugs, to many miss fires, went back to NGK's.

[Vicster]

Used a camaro convertible frame brace under transmission. Installed a BMR driveshaft loop. Oil hook up for the oil accumulator. My buddy Dakota reminds me I have to change the fuel pump. Added a transmission / differential cooler filter from Moroso. Cut access hole in floorboard under rear seat to change fuel pump (some pics are from my red ZL1).

I USED THE OIL ACCUMULATOR I BUILT TO PUT 1/2 THE OIL INTO THE ENGINE, THAT WAY THE ENGINE WAS THOROUGHLY PRE LUBED!!! (Do not rely on using the starter to pre lube the engine)

First engine start up after build.

PARTS:
Livernois - Dual Fuel Pump Assy.
GM - Convertible Trans. Brace
BMR - Driveshaft Safety Loop
Moroso - Trans. Fluid Cooler / Filter

[Vicster]

Changed out the tail lights installed ground effects, splitter, diffuser, canards, fender vents, hood flip, big gulp and custom wickerbill. Upgrade to a exposed carbon hood vent (from my first ZL1). Hood flip all bolts installed with rivnuts, I had to modify the hinge to clear the extra large intercooler, made side supports also made a filler plate for the hood hinge hole Metal Masters welded them up for me, turned out awesome. As I have said all work is done by me with help from my wife, there are a few things I did get help with like machine work and welding.

[Vicster]

Removed interior, yep everything back into the living room. Love my wife! Upgraded all the speakers, amp and subwoofer, Sub Thump subwoofer box. Kenwood receiver. Over 120sqft of 8mil sound deadening mat. All speaker wires upgraded, I originally ran the wires with the battery cable on the drivers side of the center hump. Picked up a alternator whine, had to pull everything out again and move the wires to the passenger side of the hump, whine gone. (sound mat in trunk picture is from my original ZL1). Change my shifter knob to a handle.

[IKILLEDSUPERMAN_ZL1]

[Vicster]

Upgrade allot of the suspension pieces, got rid of a lot of the wheel hop. Michelin tires are over sized. Lakewood rear frame connector. BMR tunnel brace. Stainless brake lines. Vorshlag front camber plates, I had to make some reinforcement plates for the mount bolts,also had to enlarge the passenger side hole to fit the plate. Modified some 1/2" spacers for the rear springs, did not like the front higher than the rear, now it sits right! The Lakewood frame stiffeners also tie into the rear cradle, it is allowed to move up and down but not side to side or shimmy. Installed 5/8" hose onto springs to stop the popping noise. (wet with windex to slide hose on)

[Vicster]

Originally Posted by IKILLEDSUPERMAN_ZL1

Thank You! All done for now, gotto go to sleep work grave yard...
Will add and edit as I remember things...

[StreetRage320]

WOW

1ST, we have the exact same 2013 ZL1 blue ray metallic.
2ND, this was an awesome thread, thanks for taking the time to photo the process for us to see.
3RD, where did you find the exposed carbon fiber hood vent?

super anxious to see this continue. you have my vote for COTW!! (not that I have a vote, LOL).

[Vicster]

Originally Posted by StreetRage320

WOW

1ST, we have the exact same 2013 ZL1 blue ray metallic.
2ND, this was an awesome thread, thanks for taking the time to photo the process for us to see.
3RD, where did you find the exposed carbon fiber hood vent?

super anxious to see this continue. you have my vote for COTW!! (not that I have a vote, LOL).

I moved allot of parts from my previous ZL1, it made 945hp (Crank) on the dyno. It was completed 3 days before I hit something on I-5 that put me into the center divider. The hood vent came from it. You are welcome, I am glad you like it, I did not know if I should post this or not. I will updating and tweaking it. I still need to install my 6 point roll bar and tint the windows. I am also thinking of a custom graphics design for it.

[Vicster]

You can see it on you tube...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mcUBvFbbmo
.

.

[Bigdumogre]

Can you do my car next? lol awesome build
What was the time frame ?

[Vicster]

Originally Posted by Bigdumogre

Can you do my car next? lol awesome build
What was the time frame ?

Updated, spoiler alert...
Has taken about a year to get this far, was pulling my hair out for the longest time doing the driving part of the tune, I am using HP Tuners. As it turns out had a few issues keeping me from getting the tune the way I wanted it. 1st the 95mm BBK throttle body I installed had an issue of the throttle blade fluttering. Replaced with LS3 90mm throttle body. 2nd the fancy Brisk LGS spark plugs. At one point had approx. 1000 misfires in 10 minutes, a person helping with the tune turned down the sensitivity for misfires so I never got an engine light. Went back to NGK Iridium's 1 heat range lower and gapped to 0.030". 3rd some how I messed up my logging charts in HP Tuners, so it was giving me a wrong reading. Deleted and reinstalled new charts. Finally able to tune!