Robert's build thread 17 white convertible GT PP

[robertwsimpson]

Today I ran some fuel lines (all fuel lines are actually now hooked up!) and got everything ready to set the blower on top. I hit 2 snags (missing 1 fuel rail bolt and missing the evap solenoid bracket), but I definitely need help to set the blower on anyway and those should still be getable after it's on. I spent the most time wrestling with the front mount heat exchanger though. Getting everything in and torqued down was a challenge and I've got the bloody knuckles to prove it! I also changed the oil in the blower (it's a good thing too!)

Front mount heat exchanger

Dirty blower oil

Ready for the blower!

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[robertwsimpson]

Spent some good time in the shop yesterday morning. I had to undo a lot of stuff to do stuff, but I made some good ground! Got the alternator put back on and most of the pulleys. Also, I was able to run almost all of the hoses.

 

[robertwsimpson]

After a little rest, I couldn't stand not working more, so I went back out and put the throttle body on along with the intake tube. It looks done! just a little more to button up and I have to empty the fuel tank so I can fill it back up with E85.

 

[BeastAR]

Awesome progress. Keep it up!

 

[robertwsimpson]

Everything is done and I got my first tune file from Lund so hopefully I'll be able to crank it up tonight!

 

[robertwsimpson]

Welp, I'm just wrapping up everything with this install. I need to finish properly installing the Boost-a-pump (it's installed and working, but it aint pretty), and I found that the tensioner pulley has almost cut clean through the upper radiator hose, so I've got a Mishimoto replacement on the way.

I've logged with my first tune from Lund Racing, and I received my first revision (now I'm allowed to get into booooooost!). The car pulls frighteningly hard. I'm having thoughts like "what did I get myself into." But in the best way possible. And I know that 6 months from now I'll be bored and ready to put more goodies on the car and get re-tuned.

 

[BeastAR]

Nice! Keep the updates coming. Any thoughts for getting some numbers? Or going to wait till you've got the tune all squared away?

 

[robertwsimpson]

Nice! Keep the updates coming. Any thoughts for getting some numbers? Or going to wait till you've got the tune all squared away?

Thanks! I'm not sure when/if i'm going to get numbers... I definitely want to get the tune 100% before doing anything... I am also in desperate need of an alignment, which makes doing those 3rd gear WOT pulls extra fun and exciting.

In the meantime, here is a video with some whining:

 

[robertwsimpson]

 

[robertwsimpson]

Did the forescan thing again to add a boost gauge. I need to be seeing that needle move!

 

[Lorne34]

looks great! Have you considered getting a vinyl overlay for the running pony under the hood? I've seen them and they really add to the under hood appearance

 

[robertwsimpson]

looks great! Have you considered getting a vinyl overlay for the running pony under the hood? I've seen them and they really add to the under hood appearance

I hadn't considered that. After all of the unexpected expenses associated with the Whipple, I'm on upgrade hiatus until I can sell off a bunch of stuff that's been collecting dust in the shed. After that, maybe I can start up again and stay married.

 

[robertwsimpson]

Gonna load up R2 of tuning today. Might be the last one I need!

Pic for attention

 

[robertwsimpson]

The other day, I got some new hose and re ran the catch can for the passenger side. MUCH cleaner install this time around!

 

[robertwsimpson]

Forgot to post about this earlier, but I ran into an issue with interference between the belt/tensioner and the upper radiator hose. I noticed during install, but believed that the bracket would hold the hose out of the way. Well, that didn't turn out to be the case, and I got a nice dousing of coolant all over my newly installed SC kit after the pulley cut a hole in the hose. Fortunately, it was a small leak and I didn't overheat or anything. Here is the stock hose. You can see how everything is really right on top of everything else.

Here is the Mishimoto hose that I modified by cutting about 1/2 an inch off of the end that runs to the radiator to add a bit of clearance. The hose is actually smaller in outside diameter, so I think in hindsight, that might have not been necessary.

Here's the improved engine bay. I love new parts, even if it's just a hose!

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