BudRacing

iTrader: (3)

Haha, I get excited when I see this thread at the top of the queue.

Add me to the list of impatient folks.

99camaroY87

iTrader: (4)

Also very interested in being one of the first to get hands on this.

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

Well we have successfully created a process with basic tools, our clamp, and a wooden jig that most people should be able to build. We have done several shafts recently with this new setup and frankly.. It's working fantastically. We will still have to call this jobs difficulty level: difficult with precise involvement.

We still need to creates the plans for the jig, write up the step by step with instructions and pictures. Assemble a few kits.

My plan for the kit is to include the following:
VDC poly bearing unit.
Instructions.
Jig plans.
Horseshoe clamp set.
Shaped chisel.
Small tube of sealant.
Zip ties (keeping rear joint together while shaft is out of car).
Tool return shipping label.

I'm writing this on the fly so I may Ave missed something. The tool set provided will be required to be returned and the small refundable deposit will be refunded upon receipt of undamaged and complete tool set.

How does that sound?

SE-R Spec

iTrader: (2)

Sounds great. I can't wait to get the V off the jack stands for the first time in 6 months! Can I get a sneak peek at the jig plans so I can build it while you finalize everything? Lol

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

Sorry spec, don't have the plans made up for it yet. It's a simple jig made of 2x6 though. Might take you 30minutes to build.

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

I'm all 4 on jack stands currently and planning on 7200RPM-ish. Sixth gear could get that driveshaft moving at almost 13K. I mean, if locusts don't come flying out, something more painful surely will. :-)

Glad to see progress and appreciate your work on this.

SE-R Spec

iTrader: (2)

I understand Voodoo.

x2 on the appreciation for the much needed R&D on this platform!

I love this car even with its shortcomings and I'm glad someone else does too.

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

I don't think your math is correct... 4th gear the shaft will see same rpm as engine.. And then slightly higher in 5&6... From what I recall the shaft will never see above 9,000rpms.. Maybe I'm wrong, I don't have the gearing in front of me.. But at any rate, our bearing can run 13,000rpms as a normal operating speed.

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

With a .56 overdrive sixth it's not just slightly higher...but almost twice right? 7200 / .56 = ~12,857 output shaft(drive shaft) RPM. That's also over 220MPH at which speed I'm pretty sure a V1 has already turned into a pumpkin but on jack stands...glorious destruction. I'm really just kidding around but I thought I did the math right at least.

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

Ahh.. I was thinking 5&6 was just slight under 1... My mistake.

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

5th is something like .85 or so - more in line with traditional overdrives. 6th was designed for time travel or something.

MN_V

iTrader: (5)

The new CTS 2.0T turns lower rpm on the highway than our 6.0L

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

So it....travels further in time?
They are making those 4-bangers put out some torque low these days. And an 8-speed auto lets them get away with 2.8x gears. I don't think I'll ever be able to swallow $50K starting price for a 4-cylinder. This I am willing to be labeled closed-minded about. Would have been a lot more fun though to borrow from my grandma than what she had.. '87 Camry. Though that little 2.0 sure took some abuse from myself and my friends in high school.

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

So need opinions.. Should we include a small hand press and took to install the bearing or let the end user find their own press to remove and install the bearing unit?

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

I am likely biased as I have a press and access to others of different sizes. I think this should be an option at best as that sounds expensive to ship. I am assuming that by "hand press" you mean what the Chinese Freight calls an arbor press? I know these can be had for $50 with a coupon and would likely cost more than that to ship next door due to weight.

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

No, I'm talking about a small unit that I designed which is a fixture that a small 2-4ton bottle jack fits into. Which will press the old bearing off.. Then a weighted tube that fits the shaft to hammer the new bearing on. It would all fit in a medium flat rate prioirty box which can be up to 70lbs and cost the same. Shipping will be worked into the price. As well as return label. This would eliminate the need for the end user to source anything other than standard garage tools like a hammer and flat screw driver.

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

Same price same shipping? Why not include it?

voodoochikin04

iTrader: (3)

Same price for shipping.. The cost of the kit would go up slightly as our cost to produce goes up.

SE-R Spec

iTrader: (2)

I think the idea of an all inclusive kit sounds much better even for the most experienced DIY'er. I know personally how fast a 2 hour job can turn into an all day one if you are spending more time sourcing tools than working.

What would the cost increase to from your initial estimate of $210? As long as it stayed $250 or under, That would still be something most everyone, including myself, would be happy with!

Mercier

iTrader: (15)

Word. Unless this adds to the time.