Winter Upgrades

[Martin0660]

I was going to post this into the "winter upgrade" thread, but figured I would start another and update as this went along ;) Last year for me was pretty much about getting the chassis where I wanted it. I needed the car to be predictabe, and repeatable, and really ran low(er) boost, and didnt worry too much about going fast to get it where I wanted it.

This picture made it all worth it for me ;)
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/39672/2955301860066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2955301860066453426FwbnRd)

And actually, this is exactly how I want the car to leave. It does that now, and I can adjust it as needed.

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/32907/2698723570066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2698723570066453426OdwpfO)

I'm very happy with what I got done there now, so now, I'm going to make some power :D

This winter, I'm switching to a header and the SC50 turbo I picked up last summer. It killed me to have this turbo around and not bolt it on, but stuck with the agenda for suspension. Beyond the header and turbo, I'm also going to do a little bit of head upgrades and move to a (much) bigger cam.

More pictures to follow.

[Martin0660]

Frankie helped me drag an old short block into my basement, threw and old head and valve cover on, and voila, mock up engine ;)

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/42786/2865807400066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2865807400066453426rKSuAG)
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/28494/2351152630066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2351152630066453426DeQobp)

[97LaserRed]

thats really nice. i wish i could get my car to leave like that!! i cant wait to see what else you have coming for it. maybe this summer you can teach me sum tricks of the trade. im hoping to get a mid 13 sec time slip this year!!

[Martin0660]

Bolted the header up............

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/42725/2580823420066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2580823420066453426tlXGSq)
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/41919/2944244000066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2944244000066453426AxHvMI)

Nothing exotic on the header. This is one of the XS-Power SS units. Cheap, but will need modified for how i'm going. I will get all the braces welded up, and won't be using the external gate as set-up.

[Martin0660]

Dropped the turbo in place..........

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/25451/2919605450066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2919605450066453426iPNBHF)
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/8947/2545500830066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2545500830066453426tPEfrQ)
http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/44888/2854157180066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2854157180066453426PXQvAu)

Turbo is a sweet piece. It is a Precission SC50, TO4E 50 trim wheel in a 60 housing, .63 Stage III turbine housing. This will be super efficient with this new combo. Really should be able to get me where I want to go with still more headroom to grow (turbo will outrun my injectors).

[Rodeheaver's]

Looks good Bob, it makes me wanna build a 2.3 turbo...

[Martin0660]

As I mentioned, I'm not going to use the external gate as set-up on this header. Most of the guys runing this header have struggled with boost creep and lousy control with the placement. After seeing it first hand, it's clear why to me. The port is so near the one runner, at least two, if not three of the runners are not being vented well. This would likely work well with a tight turbine T3, but aint going to cut it with my new turbo.

My game is all about repaeatability, so I'm going to take a lesson from the Buick boys and just go with an internal gate with an adjustable rod. I will still be able to use a boost ontroller, plus this is a dual port piece, so I effectively can do rod adjustment, boost controller, plusa bleed set-up if needed to keep the boost spot on.

The actuator here is what i'm using, but the elbow in the pictures is just a stocker for mock-up. The real piece is on it's way to me and will be a full 3" v-band outlet.

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/11120/2066673930066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2066673930066453426UYEvMx)
http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/11382/2667329690066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2667329690066453426ePvYcS)

You can see in the pictures, the wastegate rod will be real easy to access this way, it will be right along the turbo by the frame rail.

That's where i'm at now. Got it sort of mocked up, and a good game plan to get to the end. Need the real outlet to get here to start the downpipe, and need to get at the oil lines and such.

[Martin0660]

thats really nice. i wish i could get my car to leave like that!!

Like i said, I basically gave up a summer of trying to go fast to get it so that it leaves like I wanted it too. With only 140 cubic inches, it's got to be efficient ;) Anything you ever need help with let me know.


Looks good Bob, it makes me wanna build a 2.3 turbo...

lol, you don't need all that stress in your life. It's my hobby, but they can frustrate your ass off.

[turbo83coupe]

that header and turbo is straight up TurboFord porn!! It looks good Bob!! Gimme a call, I want to drool :3gears: BTW, that short black has paid its dues!! Lots of passes on it :D And you were ahead of that blown transam when it gave up the ghost, I was there :D

[97LaserRed]

Like i said, I basically gave up a summer of trying to go fast to get it so that it leaves like I wanted it too. With ont 140 cubic inches, it's got to be efficient ;) Anything you ever need help with let me know.




hahaha will do:goodidea: ill need practice with my launch. thanks bob!

[Martin0660]

BTW, that short black has paid its dues!! Lots of passes on it :D And you were ahead of that blown transam when it gave up the ghost, I was there :D

Actually, this is the old Thunderbird shortblock, so even more passes ;) The "Trans AM" one is still in the garage.

Yeah, you where there, but a little way back :D

[turbo83coupe]

Actually, this is the old Thunderbird shortblock, so even more passes ;) The "Trans AM" one is still in the garage.

Yeah, you where there, but a little way back :D


yeah, I was real far back!! That was back in the days of like 15 second Frank and I was WELL into 5th gear and I will be pushing it to say you had 30 car lengths on me!! hahahahahha

[yeahloh95]

nice pics bob , i wonder if i can run the internal gate with my holset ? hmmm boost creep sounds like fun to me ....

[Martin0660]

i wonder if i can run the internal gate with my holset ?

Do you have an external gate? I have a new 38mm with v-band top I would let go cheap ;)

To your question, maybe, maybe not ;) I know it's not a direct answer, but that's the best I can offer. Guys have been more successful with the Holsets because the turbines are much tighter (more back pressure) thn what I'm running. My one buddy in particular has good boost control with the external gate I have, that's why I bought it before deciding to punt.

[Martin0660]

Just a few more random things.

I went with a Precission turbo because of they effectively are the only ones out there that make thier own turbine housing. All the rest are modified versions of the original Garrett castings. A few pics, hopefully you can see the extra size, cross section, and turbine wheel differences. I'm getting excited as turbine flow was the real bottleneck in my junk, that problem should be solved ;)

These are both .63 AR, the one in the front (bottom) is a stock Garrett casting.
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/40481/2399177940066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2399177940066453426AqSznJ)

You can see the difference in diameter of the housing, and the obviuos changes in wheel design.
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/44762/2169208210066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2169208210066453426doJYiZ)

I don't have it in hand yet, but ordered ATP's Ultimate gate for this combo. This will allow me to use a 3" V band connection for the down pipe, and should pose no restriction to flow ;) The way this will be set-up, I should be able to pop a turbo off in 15 minutes or less, and still could drop a stock style one on the car in a pinch.

http://www.atpturbo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ATP-WGT-023&Category_Code=WGT1

It's coming together :) Exciting stuff

[Balaska347]

Looks good Bob. What kind of numbers are you looking for this year.

[Martin0660]

What kind of numbers are you looking for this year.

12.00 dial in for racing, still going to to run Trophy next year, street once in a while. Hope to be able to tune it in to run that at any time, then turn up the boost on occasion to run with the fast street cars :D The parts will be there for 11.50's when needed ;)

[CobraII]

X2, looks real good Bob. I hope it does what you want. That is some cool stuff... and proof size doesn't matter! lol :hyper: You'll probably be quicker with 140ci than I'll be with 461ci.

[lib88stang]

Looks great Bob, are you changing injectors and doing the mass air swap for this combo or will it be on the Vam with stock injectors?

[Balaska347]

Good luck Bob. I ran my T-type for years and it never repeated with the turbo. Turbos just aren't that consistent. It will be good enough for trophy though since you can only dail to the tenth.

[somethingclever]

Lookin good!! :goodidea:

[Martin0660]

You'll probably be quicker with 140ci than I'll be with 461ci.

LOL, we will see ;) As long as neither of us move up to mod, it's going to be a wash at 12.00 :D Sandbagger showdown.


Looks great Bob, are you changing injectors and doing the mass air swap for this combo

Car already has 55#'s in it, this turbo will out flow them although I do plan to start out there. I don't want to chase tuning 75# injectors while sorting everything else. Mass air is mandatory, and will be worked out as part of the new combo ;)


Turbos just aren't that consistent.

Agreed, although mine being a stick is better. The Buick stuff you had to deal with converter flash as well. Mine leaves off the limiter on a clutch drop, so it's better there. Between the 4 cylinder, stick, and turbo, dialing to the tenth is enough of a challenge although the old combo would run within .04 worst case any given day and most of that was 60'. This should be better, we will see ;)

[yeahloh95]

yeah let me know about the waste gate bob i don't have one yet,

[sutyak]

Great looking turbo!

[Martin0660]

Header is wrapped and coated. Probably cost me a few points at the show and shine, but I've got enough scars from working on hot turbo's ;)

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/42376/2326354720066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2326354720066453426Sezzgn)
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/21857/2216177210066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2216177210066453426RfFtmH)
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/41942/2983559520066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2983559520066453426xWZXEo)

And my help. He isnt very good with a wrench, but he doesnt bitch about the work, and is good company :D

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/36765/2338712070066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2338712070066453426FYQbgd)

[lib88stang]

header wrap looks good bob

[yeahloh95]

yeah that looks great ,nice job

[MBH]

that's gonna be sick!

[yeahloh95]

Did You Paint It After Wraping? Or Is The Wrap That Color?

[biminiLX]

Also would like to hear your review on the wrap Bob, I plan on doing my headers in that black.
-J

[Martin0660]

I bought the black wrap (DEI). the wrap itself is relatively easy to work with if you take your time and work the details to get it tight and right. For the four runners and the collector, I spent maybe an hour and a half fiddling with it to make it the way I wanted. The biggest time for me was in the middle at the collector where the tubes come together, the tubes are really easy. After wrapping it, it is coated with the DEI black "silcone" wrap spray. I swear to you it is nothing more than high temp black paint, but we will see. The spray is supposed to help hold it in place, make it more waterproof, and resist rot. We will see long term. I expect the header to crack long before the wrap is an issue ;) 1600 F EGT's tend to do that :D

[biminiLX]

Thanks Bob, that was the kit I was planning to use.
-J

[yeahloh95]

i think i am going to try swain tech on mine, then wrap it .

[Martin0660]

i think i am going to try swain tech on mine, then wrap it .

I'm not sure I would put that much into one of these headers. It's not "if" it will crack, but when ;)

[Martin0660]

New gate came UPS today :D

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/36443/2955836680066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2955836680066453426DsAwcP)
http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/44459/2275191070066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2275191070066453426kpCJVH)

Shouldnt be a lot of restriction to flow here :D

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/40930/2172302880066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2172302880066453426XAuZOO)

Even the gate puck is pretty well open ;)

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/1124/2808479090066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2808479090066453426eEIOhL)

Still waiting on the rest of the V-Band parts to build the downpipe, and a big old box of AN stuff for the oil return and feed lines.

[yeahloh95]

wow thats awsome , that should flow a little better than the stock elbow

[biminiLX]

i think i am going to try swain tech on mine, then wrap it .
That Swain tech stuff is supposed to be the sh1t. I'm going to do my DP with it. I'd wait to wrap it to see if your good w/o it. It will come back white but you can paint any high temp over it.
Only going to DEI wrap the headers and crossover because I have a nice high temp black coating thats holding up nice and want the wrap for the heat protection.
And lookin' good Bob. :goodidea:
-J

[John4cam]

I wanna see this car run this year..

[Martin0660]

Thanks guys!

Looking at those last pictures, it looks like the WGA rod is on some funky angle. Kind of weird because it's not.

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/5989/2414485160066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2414485160066453426NUXDfj)

Still lots of work to be done, but I'm happy with this stuff so far ;)

[Martin0660]

Have been out of town for a while here, lots of parts came, but nothing 100% (damn backorders ;) ). I did get the rest of the V-Band parts, all the bits to build the downpipe, plus most of the oil line stuff. I need to get the return line done, and of course what I'm missing is for that :rolleyes:

Anyway, couple pics of the V-Band assembly to start the downpipe.

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/7410/2396083290066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2396083290066453426iGyApA)
http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/27310/2513061310066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2513061310066453426VGbZFh)
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/37549/2148195360066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2148195360066453426QVsTIv)

This stuff is sweet! Basically loosen the clamp and I can drop the exhaust. I'm thinking about using some of these for intercooler piping too. They arent cheap, but should never fail / leak / blow out, and not that bad if you look at the price of a coupler and two t-bolt clamps versus one set of flanges and clamp.

Hopefully more parts come this week :D

[2001GTTT]

I've been hearing lots and lots about this, I may just have to head over one of these days Bob.

[Martin0660]

lol, anytime Clark.

[Martin0660]

A little more done ;) Downpipe is made up and tacked up. Will need fina lwelding but goig to haul a bunch of stuff to a buddy to be tig'ed

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/43207/2198389690066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2198389690066453426EmKBap)
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/42241/2482567160066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2482567160066453426PSkBqJ)
http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/4105/2508925340066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2508925340066453426WZEWTt)

Should breath okay :D

[94svtcobra]

looks good bob

[map351]

I have a roll of .035 SS safety wire & good military safety wire pliers if you need it for the header rap.. :yes:

[Martin0660]

if you need it

Put it on my list ;)

[John4cam]

Awesome, when do you plan to have everything done and ready for the track??

[Martin0660]

when do you plan to have everything done and ready for the track??

FOR SURE it will be ready for the start of points at the latest. I want to make a TnT at Mason Dixon, but that's looking bleak. Beyond this stuff that's real visual, I have some other pretty significant upgrades going on and those are behind. As i said at the start of this thread, last year was about sorting suspension, this year i'm making power.

[yeahloh95]

that looks great bob and should really make the power , let me know if you will be working on it i'll make a trip out.

[Martin0660]

Thanks Troy, will let you know. My issue now is that work will have me away more than home for the enxt months. Kind of tough to work on it when you arent in the same country as the car ;)

[AdamantiumSilvr]

Nice, great to see the progress as it comes along!

[2001GTTT]

Give me and Frank the keys to the garage, we'll take care of her while your gone. :rofl:

[Martin0660]

Give me and Frank the keys to the garage

Who is this Frank you speak of???? I thought he fell off the earth??? You need to hang out with a better crowd ;)

[2001GTTT]

Who is this Frank you speak of???? I thought he fell off the earth??? You need to hang out with a better crowd ;)


How could you forget about your adopted son like that?

Im disappointed.

[turbo83coupe]

Give me and Frank the keys to the garage, we'll take care of her while your gone. :rofl:


Who is this Frank you speak of???? I thought he fell off the earth??? You need to hang out with a better crowd ;)


How could you forget about your adopted son like that?

Im disappointed.



I am missing something!

on the subject, the turbo stuff is really lookin good!!

[Martin0660]

I am missing something!

Nope, you are the one missing :D

No new updates on this stuff since I'm out of town through the end of next week. Good news is Wifey has been getting deliveries all week. Should be like Christmas when I get home. There are some suprises in there :D

[Martin0660]

Finally home long enough to get something done..........

Block off plate
http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/5008/2689352400066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2689352400066453426livVEK)

Oil return at block
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/41892/2638651130066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2638651130066453426sIBzWQ)

Oil return where it snakes down through the header........
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/44034/2537410030066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2537410030066453426UQIxru)
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/41720/2164076920066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2164076920066453426udayIo)

For anyone that might be considering this header, talk with me about the oil lines before doing anything. There really isnt a good way to bring it out the bootm, with any of the kits or AN parts you can get out there. I went through the middle of the header and down, part of the line is solid, the other part has a flex line in it, then it's all covered with fire sleeving to protect it. This should work better than the kits, no matter what I did they all had an uphill run in them.

Oil feed Line.......
http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/25383/2861473810066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2861473810066453426atQyts)

Top view with Oil Lines
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/5395/2638829990066453426S500x500Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2638829990066453426XmSuHC)

Everything is basically mocked up now :D I need tog et the downpipe welded to the V-Band end and will be welding a cast 90 to the turbo outlet. Now that all of this is mocked up, I'm pulling my head for some suprises ;) and it will be ready to fab up the hot side intercooler pipes, then back together.

I'm happy with everything so far, it better make a little power now ;)

[biminiLX]

lookin good Bob
-J

[turbo83coupe]

kick ass!!

[yeahloh95]

that looks great bob, i had a pic of how to run the oil line, but its on my work computer.