bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

Update: The car needs to be able to launch this season so I've made a few upgrades. Added a Circle D 2B multi-disc converter with a Hughes SFI flexplate and a MSD 2 step. Also, the new fuel system is installed. Should have nice enough weather next month for a some track numbers on the new setup.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

Excited to see your progress this summer.

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

This weekend, I made it to Byron dragway to test out the new converter and 2 step. I ended up with a new personal best of 10.91 at 125 mph, however, I think the converter is slipping too much. With 3.25 gears and a 28" tire, the trap rpm is about 5950 at 125 mph. Still running the stock 5.3 cam so the rev limiter is set to 6000 rpm.

3 window

iTrader: (1)

What's the rpm drop on the shifts? Also, seems like you're at 14 degrees of timing right off the bat?

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

The rpms bounced off the 6k rpm rev limiter before the shifts and it looks like 1-2 dropped to 5000 and 2-3 dropped to 5400.. Some shift tuning needs to be done after the converter swap yet.

My timing table..

3 window

iTrader: (1)

Up the limiter a few hundred so you don't hit it unless something goes bad. I'm not familiar with the cyl/air mass axis. Gimme an idea of kpa or boost vs cyl/air mass.

toyin

Haven't been on here in a while!!! I really like that tank set up, makes me wish I didn't have the ractronics setup...

I got a lot done on the car over the winter but she's not running yet but after reading through your thread I really want to get back to it and start picking away at all the parts I do have!

Good luck getting the little bugs worked out can't wait to see how the season goes!

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

Good to hear from you Nate. It should be a fun summer with lots of updates.

I bumped the limiter up to 6300 and I think I found the issue with the late shifts. The trans revolutions/mile value was off a bit, which is what the ecm references for shifting/tcc.

To be honest with you, I cant tell you how cyl air mass value converts to boost or kpa. I built the table with help and also referenced other turbo tunes. With that said though, I want to say the spark table gets maxed out at fairly low boost and just maintains the last value in the table as boost rises. I'm certainly open to suggestions to improve the table.

Thanks Toyin. I'm really happy with the new tank/pumps setup so far. I had no complaints about the racetronix setup either. Unfortunately, there was just no bolt in option for dual e85 pumps.

Glad to hear the car is coming along and glad I can help get you back at it! A lot more work goes into these builds than it looks. Keep things simple to get the car going and to build your motivation. Im having a blast taking things one step at a time, enjoying the car and only bringing the car down for one upgrade at a time so I can keep enjoying it. Its too easy to get burned out on a snowballed project.

toyin

Now your making me nervous... I was told when I bought the racetronics kit that it was a duel fuel pump gas or E85 I was going to start making a list of what I have already and probably start a build thread here soon as I get time! If you don't mind me asking how much do you think you have in your current fuel set up?

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

Haha. Don't be nervous. Tons of guys are running walbro style 255/340 pumps on e85. I just wanted the extra reliability and flow of the e85 designed pumps and I really like how quiet they are.

It looks like I have $8-900 in the tank/pump setup and probably another $100 in wiring. Pm me if you're looking for help modifying a tank.

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

New parts arrived for the Buick..

Trickflow 216/220 cam
ATI Super Damper with A/C pulley
LS2 timing chain
LS2 timing chain dampener with trickflow bracket
160 thermostat





Also, it was time to finish up the A/C install.


My original oil drain just barely sneeks in under the compressor. This was a relief and saved alot of effort.


I used the stock hard liquid line from a cutlass with an adapter for the pressure transducer and crimped the other two lines with a mastercool manual crimper (worked great!). The compressor needed adapter fittings, which I bought off ebay and the rest of the fittings were from coldhose.com


Cam and A/C install all buttoned up.

408GT

iTrader: (2)

Very nice build. I like what you did with the fuel tank.

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

Track update:
This weekend I made the 200 mile round trip to Great Lakes Dragaway with the Buick to make some passes. This is after the road trip to Byron on Saturday that was a bust when the track would not open for weather. So 500+ miles on the car this weekend.

Anyways, the weather on Sunday was great in Union Grove, WI and the car was able to make a couple passes. I made 2 turns on the manual boost controller to increase the boost from 12 psi. It turns out, two turns equates to 20 psi of boost haha. That was a complete surprise as the plan was around 17-18psi. Air/Fuel was also pig rich at 10:1 and timing was at 14 degrees. On the first pass, my goal of 10.5 at 130+ was easily met but I still needed to make another pass to log it with hptuners. Apparently, the magnetic mount that holds the tablet to the dash could not handle the extra boost and as soon as the car launched it flew off the dash and into the back seat, unplugging itself at 18mph.



This cheap TrickFlow cam made a hell of a difference! As far as the converter goes, it's still slipping about 16% at the traps. I can still get the free re-stall from Circle D so Ill send that back while i'm welding in the roll bar.

408GT

iTrader: (2)

Great passes man. That thing is going to move once you get it dialed in and get the converter slip down.

3 window

iTrader: (1)

That thing's gotta out you in the seat pretty well once it's rollin! To go 10.20s at 135+ with a 1.60 60 foot time is pretty good. Nail down the 60 and you've got a 9 second ride all day long. One that you can dive to the track, no less.

svslow

Any idea what it weighs?

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

Thanks guys. The plan from the get go was a 9.99 car and only a 6 point roll bar. I would like to stick with it for my wallet's sake. With that said, that 9 second pass is taunting me now. If I launch on more boost than I did yesterday(2 psi), I've got it easily. This car hooks really well considering how simple the suspension setup is. 1.4/1.5 60 fts shouldnt be too much of an issue.

I've never weighed it. The car does have an iron block, 4l80e, A/C, all steel car and a full interior. I'd guess 3800 lbs with me in it.

408GT

iTrader: (2)

That's very impressive, especially at that weight! Can't wait to see some 9's out of it. Do you have any videos?

bigmandengo

iTrader: (21)

Theres a local truck stop I can get it weighed at. I might swing down there next week.

Nah, unfortunately I don't have any videos.

jimmyg

Man that's things fast