RedRocket's 01 Z28 build - S480, Tick Cam, SBE LQ4, 4L80E, E85
06-29-2012, 08:55 AM
#1
RedRocket's 01 Z28 build - S480, SRD Cam, SBE LQ4, 4L80E, E85 - 9.54 @ 147, 15-16lbs I figured I would start a build thread to show my progress so far on the car. I am terrible about taking pictures while working on the car so forgive the lack of detail I have.
Anyway, I sold my 2000 SS, with 43k miles on it and in mint condition, in the fall of 2010 to buy a house. I have owned several Fbodys and knew I wanted to get back into another. After looking last fall for the perfect car on the cheap, and driving to other states as well to look at piles of junk, my 01 Z28 popped up on Craigslist about 30 minutes from me. It had a blown motor with 139k miles on it, 6 speed, 1SC hardtop car with no options whatsoever. I went and looked at it and bought it for $2800. It is in good shape, came with a set of chrome 5 spoke rims and a set of Torque Thrust II's. Funny tidbit, every Fbody I have owned has been red. Strange, but it seems they are the ones I find.
At first the plan was to get a JY LQ4 and do a nice H/C/n2o package. My buddy talked me into doing a budget turbo build though. I sold the 6 speed for $1300. I did not want to go through the same thing I did with 2000 SS car and have to be constantly trying to get the manual transmission and hydraulics to function correctly at all times.
Onto the parts list:
Engine:
103k mile 03 LQ4 stock rotating assembly - local yard
TU1 cam
Lunati dual springs
LS7 lifters
LS9 head gaskets
Stock LS6 intake/TB
Transmission
94 4L80E with supposedly 80k - $250 craigslist find
HD2
Circle D 3500 stall
Stock A4 shifter/pedals
BMR crossmember
Turbo parts
On3 76mm .96ar turbo
Tial 38mm wastegate
RPS 50mm BOV
CXRacing intercooler
AEM Truboost
Fuel system
80# injectors
dual walbros
stock rails/lines
Rear end
Stock 10 bolt for now - have the 3.42 rear that the car came with and a 2.73 rear as well. Suggestions on which would be best?
Off the top of my head, I think those are the main components. I will be running E85 on this setup. I am wanting to make at least 600+ RWHP through the stock 10 bolt for now. I think this should be attainable, even with the not so ideal turbo. If I fall short of the goal, I will buy a better turbo. I am not too concerned with what it makes as long as it runs well and traps 125+.
Now onto a few pics of where I started and where I am at...
The stock LS1 - head gasket blew. The owner tried to start it when it was seized and snapped the starter off the block
Painted engine bay
Shot of the turbo kit. My buddy welded everything up with a Harbor Freight welder I got on Craigslist for $60. The welds are not pretty, but they will function.
Motor in
Where I am at now.
Next is install the transmission. I have a bit left to do but hoping that it will be running in July some time. Any comments, suggestions, or the like are welcome. I know the setup is probably not ideal, but I am working with a budget.
Anyway, I sold my 2000 SS, with 43k miles on it and in mint condition, in the fall of 2010 to buy a house. I have owned several Fbodys and knew I wanted to get back into another. After looking last fall for the perfect car on the cheap, and driving to other states as well to look at piles of junk, my 01 Z28 popped up on Craigslist about 30 minutes from me. It had a blown motor with 139k miles on it, 6 speed, 1SC hardtop car with no options whatsoever. I went and looked at it and bought it for $2800. It is in good shape, came with a set of chrome 5 spoke rims and a set of Torque Thrust II's. Funny tidbit, every Fbody I have owned has been red. Strange, but it seems they are the ones I find.
At first the plan was to get a JY LQ4 and do a nice H/C/n2o package. My buddy talked me into doing a budget turbo build though. I sold the 6 speed for $1300. I did not want to go through the same thing I did with 2000 SS car and have to be constantly trying to get the manual transmission and hydraulics to function correctly at all times.
Onto the parts list:
Engine:
103k mile 03 LQ4 stock rotating assembly - local yard
TU1 cam
Lunati dual springs
LS7 lifters
LS9 head gaskets
Stock LS6 intake/TB
Transmission
94 4L80E with supposedly 80k - $250 craigslist find
HD2
Circle D 3500 stall
Stock A4 shifter/pedals
BMR crossmember
Turbo parts
On3 76mm .96ar turbo
Tial 38mm wastegate
RPS 50mm BOV
CXRacing intercooler
AEM Truboost
Fuel system
80# injectors
dual walbros
stock rails/lines
Rear end
Stock 10 bolt for now - have the 3.42 rear that the car came with and a 2.73 rear as well. Suggestions on which would be best?
Off the top of my head, I think those are the main components. I will be running E85 on this setup. I am wanting to make at least 600+ RWHP through the stock 10 bolt for now. I think this should be attainable, even with the not so ideal turbo. If I fall short of the goal, I will buy a better turbo. I am not too concerned with what it makes as long as it runs well and traps 125+.
Now onto a few pics of where I started and where I am at...
The stock LS1 - head gasket blew. The owner tried to start it when it was seized and snapped the starter off the block
Painted engine bay
Shot of the turbo kit. My buddy welded everything up with a Harbor Freight welder I got on Craigslist for $60. The welds are not pretty, but they will function.
Motor in
Where I am at now.
Next is install the transmission. I have a bit left to do but hoping that it will be running in July some time. Any comments, suggestions, or the like are welcome. I know the setup is probably not ideal, but I am working with a budget.
Last edited by RedRocketZ28; 08-02-2017 at 01:34 PM.
06-29-2012, 11:22 AM
#2
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Well ill be the first to say...
Good looking build. Very clean work! Looks great!
I really wanna yank my motor and trans and paint everything, i just dont have the patience for all the sanding, lol
EDIT: I might be overlooking it, but where is the wastegate?
Good looking build. Very clean work! Looks great!
I really wanna yank my motor and trans and paint everything, i just dont have the patience for all the sanding, lol
EDIT: I might be overlooking it, but where is the wastegate?
06-29-2012, 11:52 AM
#5
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Man, I am so jealous of you! How I wish that I had your automotive talent, experience, and ability to accomplish such extensive work on my car! You're living my dream, man — I plan to follow your thread, and I look forward to seeing more of your great work!
06-29-2012, 11:57 AM
#6
Appreciate the compliment. I do have to admit that none of this would be possible without the help of my buddy. Honestly, he has probably put quite a few more hours into the build than I have.
06-29-2012, 02:00 PM
#7
Launching!
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I would fo sho test out the 2.73's I have a buddy with a 4l80 and 28" tires and he says it's a bit high in o/d. He runs 3.08's. The 10 bolt will probably last a bit longer with the 2.73's
Trending Topics
09-07-2012, 12:44 PM
#18
What's everyone's thoughts on a blanket? My turbo sits VERY close to the water pump and I believe that a blanket would rub on snout. Any suggestions, thoughts, or comments?
Car should be running in the next couple of weeks. Installing the trans this weekend and starting the wiring. Not sure what to do about the radiator hoses either. Might buy some different ones and do a little trial and error unless someone has anything else in mind.
Car should be running in the next couple of weeks. Installing the trans this weekend and starting the wiring. Not sure what to do about the radiator hoses either. Might buy some different ones and do a little trial and error unless someone has anything else in mind.
09-07-2012, 01:33 PM
#20
For the radiator hoses, bend a metal coat hangar in the shape you need and take it to the parts store and look for one that matches or is close. As for a blanket, thats always reccomended but not necessary. If you dont have the room, dont run one.
