Dark Shadow

it all fits perfect. everything was built in the car and then taken out for engine dyno.

the reason the piping is like that is because of the way the engine bay is.

Formula350

iTrader: (3)

Weird heh I just can't picture that working! But, glad it does

Dark Shadow

lol even his wife asked if it would fit. but he built in the car and then took it out.

Bad93TA

iTrader: (2)

why not dyno it in the car??

PNYKLR-TA

iTrader: (1)

that just sounds too easy if you ask me

jk

Dark Shadow

lol b/c it dosnt have a tranny yet. and just want to get a base tune in it before driving it around

cgroh89

iTrader: (15)

Holy Crap -

Props on the build man.

Jeff F

iTrader: (1)

Technically, Formula 350 is correct. The intake manifold needs to be removed to remove the AC compressor. The alternator can be changed by just removing the air horn, but it's a pain to do that way.

And yes the DIS system is housed underneath the plenum. The DIS module is bolted to the bottom of the intake and and the coil packs and driver board sit on top of a grounding plane just above the starter.

No crate motors are left at GM. The last crate motor dump was done around 2002. I picked one up for 6,500. GM retailed these motors for about 20-25K when the car was still in production.



Picture of the timing area with oil pump/crank sprocket and idler sprocket removed on a recent customer car.

Jeff F

iTrader: (1)

BTW, the motor is a prototype from 89. Probably came out of the GM salavage units that were sold over the past three years.

buffman

iTrader: (9)

Any Champion Lab filter will do. Delco, Purolater, Bosch, etc. As mentioned I'd probably run the VR1 stuff for the initial break in, then switch to a good synthetic such as amsoil, redline, castrol, mobil 1, etc.

Formula350

iTrader: (3)

$6,500!? Good lord, you bastard lol The whole ZR1 package I think was like $28-32K, so $20-25 for just the motor sound about right.


Any pics of your's all done and in the vehicle? Or is it still a work in progress?


What do you mean by prototype? That Dark's probably is one?

Jeff F

iTrader: (1)

I'm certain my parts guy paid only 5,500 for it when he got it in. He ordered it knowing I would buy it. Can't beat that.


Mine is actually mounted in my ZR-1. I own a 90 that has been bored out to a 368. I have a 4" crank sitting on the shelf that will go in this winter.






Yes, the one Dark is working with is a late prototype. GM sold off a bunch of motors about 4 years ago that were warranty returns, test motors from development and some of the Phase 3 motors from 89.

Dark Shadow

i didnt know that but either way everything in it is new. we got a call 2 months ago saying that if we wanted anymore lt5's that they just found that there was 10 or so that they just found. dont know how that happened but thats what they said.


by the way vary nice!

Dark Shadow

just wondering how do you know it was a prototype?

Jeff F

iTrader: (1)

The fittings on the back of the plenum for one. Plus a couple of casting differences.

Then the cam covers the way the breather tubes are actually a nipple on cam cover.

How much boost are you going to run?

Formula350

iTrader: (3)

Looks very nice, Jeff. Now, I'm not 100% sure, but didn't all the ZR1s from 89-95 all have LT5s? If so, NM, but if not then is yours just the standard C4 width?

I need to get around to checking out my friend's RPOs. He has that 3-setting adjustable suspension, and from what I read on zr1netregistry in an article, is that it was only an option on ZR1s. Also that it basically was a marketing gimmick after, I think, 1991. However I KNOW his works, and works very well. Even as the passenger I can tell the difference in the settings.

Jeff F

iTrader: (1)

The only 89's that were produced were pilot cars. None were sold to the public. They finally hit the streets as a 90 model late in 89. The previous owner of my car, took delivery in Oct of 89 and paid 85k for the car. And yes, all ZR-1's have the LT5.


The FX3 option was standard on all ZR-1's. The only way to get it on a 89 model was with the Z51 suspension package. very few were done in 89. I would hesitate to say it was a marketing gimmick. It does work, I still retain my system, even though I have upgraded to coilovers.

383LT1S10

6,500 for a motor that stock for stock can't beat a LSx now. God bless progress. ha

For flat tappet break in use Rotella and STP additive. The stuff with hig ZDP content. The problem with oils these days is the low ZDP content.

Interesting build. Subscribed.

Jeff F

iTrader: (1)

Technology marches on, of course, if not GM would be out of business. Well they are almost out of business.

As far as a LT5 not being able to keep up with a LSx, you probably have never driven a ZR-1.

383LT1S10

Not driven, but rode in one. I have also ridden in a 06' and the 06' would rape the ZR-1 easily. They were badass cars but these days they aren't kings of the street but more of a unique rarity do to the limited numbers.