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Since the last update I have completed two additional track days. The car felt great during the first track day, but terrible at the second. I swapped out the rear end from a 3.15 to a 3.23 hoping to pick up some MPH on the back straight. That didn't happen and in fact I was down by about 3-6 mph. The car didn't handle well either and just didn't feel as strong as it usually does. Also the new LSD locks up so much quicker than my other which led to two spins (see photos below).
I plan to put her on the lift and start digging into the long list of items in preparation of next season.
Here are a few photos for the last two events. Hope you enjoy.
Look at that front passenger wheel haha.
Notice this is not the way you want to be pointed haha.
I haven't had a chance to dig into it yet, but the oil pressure is good and there is no smoke or knocking so I think it is something on the top end. I have to pull the headers to make the new motor mounts so that should help shed some light on any issue, and I plan to pull the plugs to see if any of them look off. The motor just did fell like it had the normal pep that it had at the other events.
One reason why I haven't had a chance to dig into it yet is I have been building a 3 axis CNC mill, and I am very close to having it up and running and actually powered it up this weekend and made it move. I still have a good amount of work, but hope to be close to 100% by next weekend. I need to get it operational since this is part of my solution for the new motor mounts and many other items.
Did you do anything at all at the front of the car/under the hood when you were swapping the diff? 3-5 mph is huge in terms of power loss. Have you pulled codes?
Did you do anything at all at the front of the car/under the hood when you were swapping the diff? 3-5 mph is huge in terms of power loss. Have you pulled codes?
Hey Mike, there are no codes. The only thing that changed under the hood was I went from an open breather to one with a PCV valve in it on the valve cover. Would that have anything to do with a drop in power? Pictures below for reference.
If for some reason the crankcase wasn't able to ventilate properly - yeah, that could impact things. I mean, some racers pull a vacuum on the crankcase to minimize those internal pumping losses. On the other hand, if you were building pressure, it usually finds its way out - pushing up the dipstick, blowing past front/rear crank seals, etc.
Not sure why you'd want a pcv setup on a track car though. pcv does nothing with big throttle openings because there is no engine vacuum. Most just vent both valve covers to a vented catch can. I'd switch back to the vented breather cap and see if your lost power magically shows back up.
I swapped over to the PCV after a track day where I had a little oil come out of the open breather. I was planning on swapping back since that was only item that changed prior to the reduction in performance.
No crazy updates. I have finished my mill and the first thing I designed is a bracket to mount an electric Volvo power steering pump where the old GM power steering pump was. This will help eliminate one more belt driven accessory and also allow for the ability to adjust the steering input from inside the car.
I also got my new motor mounts in and powder coated them. Once I get the new pump plumbed in, wired up and a new belt measured I plan to toss these in.
Hope to have the car down on all fours after the holidays.
@LSswap thank you! I think I am going to run with the two mounting points for the time being. I ran a stress, strain, and deformation analysis on the pump body with the two ears of the pump being constrained and 250ftlb load applied. Unfortunately I can only run a static and not Dynamic analysis, but its enough for me to roll the dice. I will keep an eye on the pump ears and address as necessary.
I was able to get everything plumbed up yesterday and the last bits came in to wire up the micro controller.
I plan to mill a threaded collar and vented cap for the 5/8 barb coming off the top of reservoir next.
Quick update. I have been a little slow to get the car back in shape for this years track season. I have wrapped up my electric power steering pump conversion and it works great! The steering feels tight and smooth. Below are a few pictures of the final bracket, and pump mounting.
Next on the list is to replace the rear struts (one is completely blown), and then get back on to the track.
Quick update. I decided to toss a cheap LTW spoiler on the car. There were plenty of defects that had to be bondo’d away. Shot a quick coat of paint on it and I’m happy with the finished product.
I have a couple track days coming up which will the first of the year for me. Looking forward to getting back on the track.
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