did you get any of the small problems fixed?

 

Trewyn15: Well we are getting closer. There is just a couple more issues and we are done. There is a problem in the programming whereby the MAF is not functioning properly and that is due to the fact that the computer has to be changed/reprogrammed to specific defaults and widen some parameter ranges for it to function correctly. The LS4 PCM as I understand it is not designed for a turbo set up and the programmer is dealing with this now - with this we are dealing with specific gravities both air and fuel, volumes of air, fuel volumes etc., etc.. The other problem is getting enough pressure in the transmission to hold the clutches - this is done by increasing spring pressure from the stock 280 to 400 - we already added an extra clutch (by removing all the wave plates) for increased holding power - that increase amounts to about 18% additional clamping assist. We have it up to 330 but that is still not enough. They are in the design and fabrication stage of putting in different springs to do just that. Then I have the odds and ends. My race pedals to install, manifold badges replaced - last ones blew off in dyno when the manifold came apart on the dyno. New flush rear deck latches. Finish the hood/cowl vents (screen them in). Install tranny dipstick with pressure latch. They installed a Meziere inline water pump to assist with the stock one. Stock one just could not do the job - too much clearance between the blades of the rotor and the housing just was not pushing the coolant. The website was updated and you can see the car outside. It is driveable. They also have to put my new tires on 245Rx45x18 Goodyears. I have 2 drag slicks already mounted on original rims (I really like the original OEM rims) I widened 1-1/8" for the M/T's 265 x 40 x 18 for the front only. It's winter here now so there is no hurry to bring it home. They do know I want it here in April and if all goes well I should be going to pick it up in a matter of a few weeks. That's it for now. Thanks

 

Captain Dammit: I don't get on this website too often and I just read your comment from a post earlier. Thank you for the accolade. This project I have been dreaming of all my life and the time has come where I can do it and I am no longer going to waste any more time thinking of excuses why I shouldn't - There are more pix if interested - the car is running with a few more bugs to work out as explained in the prior post. You can see the car outside in full trim if you like. Thanks

 

Well, I guess it's time for a little update. Got a call from Hot Rod Magazine today and they are going to do an article on my car in July's issue - the portion of the magazine called 'Garage Projects' - short of that - the new billet converter is in, some minor valve changes in the tranny, a new Abaco MAF (the old one has been causing some serious problems with inconsistent readings making F/A calibrations almost impossible with the turbo blow thru). Another fuel pump will be used, getting rid of the Aeromotive - the Aeromotive heats up and doesn't function properly. Need to put in one that doesn't have a circuitry step down to avoid overheating - one that just runs cooler. The shop hasn't been working on the car much the last 6 weeks due to the overload of other work but I guess they are back at it now. Hopefully it will be home mid-spring, can't wait.

 

i love this build, can't wait to see it finished!

 

Just spent about 45mins reading at this thread and looking at all the pictures..
wow this is some dedication to your car. I know trewyn is excited to see results and now i am too! You want the car to keep its stock look. idk if i like that or not but i think on the track looks wont matter. This is going to be one bad*** car.

 

To be entirely honest I have truly resisted doing anything to the car that would hint of something different. I just do not want to draw attention to it so much, the less conspicuous the better I always thought. The car has the v-badges, kompressor on the rear trunk lid and the billet SS center caps and GM performance badges in lieu of the standard GM 1" x 1" tags and you really got to look for all that stuff to notice. I thought about stripes, decals, hood scoops and more and I simply think it would actually take away from the basic beauty of the car's original style, which I absolutely think is fantastic. So stock-looking it stays, I will let it's performance speak for it once I get it into my anxious hands. - Thanks

 

Well, I thought I would update those interested. My car of course was on the dyno all week tuning. It seems another obstacle surfaced. I have an intercooler that is not sized correctly. There is a differential pressure factor from input to output of about 20% restricting flow outward. Not good - should not be greater than 2% as I been told. Intercooler is just too small and must be larger. The manufacturer said mine could handle 1000HP but it is more like 600HP - way too small. So more fabrication and fitting will be needed. Had gas tank baffling issues but that was an easy fix. The tranny held up, the radiator doesn't leak any more and we are just about done. Had a cylinder flame out issue but that is due to the computer reading and calculating with improper air intake from the undersize intercooler, should resolve itself once the larger intercooler is in and hopefully do the final dress up, detail and bring her home. Good news guys - is my car did make Hot Rod this issue (July) page 52 - I am simply overwhelmed that it did. Got a couple things wrong but what the heck - It's in the primer magazine - Hot Rod. I will follow up with some later updates. Thanks

 

I saw your car in the July 2011 Hotrod. Pretty neat writeup. I like the engine shot they used next to the shot of the exterior. It looks so stock from the outside and so NOT stock from the inside, lol. Badest sleeper ever. I liked the quote about when you mash the gas its like you are driving on snow while actually on asphault.

 

very sweet! got my copy today!