Finally in an F-body
#81
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So long time no update.
Well in good news I just graduated from college with my BS degree and accepted a position with a very large and good paying company. So that's the best news.
Now I'm trying to figure out which direction to take my car.
->Wheels, The first thing I want to do is to upgrade the wheels. I am pretty set on gun metal OEM c5 Z06 wheels.
![](http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-130529976527296/BillF3.jpg)
->Brakes, mine squeak from time to time and trying to figure out which direction to go. My friend has vette brakes on his, but wants to upgrade further. Said he would sell them to me for a good price. Still have more research to do, but input greatly appreciated.
NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF.
I don't want to build just a drag car. I just want something fun for the weekends and to go on cruises with and can do a fun burn out from time to time.
->Transmission First on my list is pull my transmission. Shifting is rather clunky and I can feel a lot of heat coming from ebrake boot. I've driven a cars with the t56 before and it shifted very smooth. Mine is not smooth at all and you have to really push/pull it into each gear. 2->3 change is still pretty smooth, but that's about it. So I would like to have the trans pulled and gone through to make it shift like a hot knife through butter. Still looking into a possible clutch upgrade during this time.
->Gears, Was told that gears were an easy way to bring a car alive. will be during research ti find out what is best for a weekend car.
->Engine,, I know I definitely want to do some engine work. I have heard the ls6 intake was an easy way to get some power, but I want to do it once. I'm thinking doing a fast 90/90 intake/tb set up for sure. Cam will obviously be purchased and have only recently started looking. I'm sure there will be other things added.
->Exhaust, I have pacesetter LT with an ORY ready to go on. Undecided on what exhaust to do. I'll be moving to oklahoma in a few weeks where there is no emissions tests.
So that's where I'm sitting right now. I greatly appreciate input in all categories. But just wanted to give some sort of update for you guys.
Well in good news I just graduated from college with my BS degree and accepted a position with a very large and good paying company. So that's the best news.
Now I'm trying to figure out which direction to take my car.
->Wheels, The first thing I want to do is to upgrade the wheels. I am pretty set on gun metal OEM c5 Z06 wheels.
![](http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-130529976527296/BillF3.jpg)
->Brakes, mine squeak from time to time and trying to figure out which direction to go. My friend has vette brakes on his, but wants to upgrade further. Said he would sell them to me for a good price. Still have more research to do, but input greatly appreciated.
NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF.
I don't want to build just a drag car. I just want something fun for the weekends and to go on cruises with and can do a fun burn out from time to time.
->Transmission First on my list is pull my transmission. Shifting is rather clunky and I can feel a lot of heat coming from ebrake boot. I've driven a cars with the t56 before and it shifted very smooth. Mine is not smooth at all and you have to really push/pull it into each gear. 2->3 change is still pretty smooth, but that's about it. So I would like to have the trans pulled and gone through to make it shift like a hot knife through butter. Still looking into a possible clutch upgrade during this time.
->Gears, Was told that gears were an easy way to bring a car alive. will be during research ti find out what is best for a weekend car.
->Engine,, I know I definitely want to do some engine work. I have heard the ls6 intake was an easy way to get some power, but I want to do it once. I'm thinking doing a fast 90/90 intake/tb set up for sure. Cam will obviously be purchased and have only recently started looking. I'm sure there will be other things added.
->Exhaust, I have pacesetter LT with an ORY ready to go on. Undecided on what exhaust to do. I'll be moving to oklahoma in a few weeks where there is no emissions tests.
So that's where I'm sitting right now. I greatly appreciate input in all categories. But just wanted to give some sort of update for you guys.
#82
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Congrats on the new job!
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Put some new speakers in the car so now I have something other than just tweeters.
I'm taking the car next week to get tinted and hopefully found the set of wheels I found can be picked up as well.
I'm looking into doing the CTS-v caliper swap. I really want to the 6 piston calipers but I know the 4 will do. The 4 and 6 use different sized rotors right?
I'm taking the car next week to get tinted and hopefully found the set of wheels I found can be picked up as well.
I'm looking into doing the CTS-v caliper swap. I really want to the 6 piston calipers but I know the 4 will do. The 4 and 6 use different sized rotors right?
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I believe GMHTP did that brake swap recently. Check out some of the back issues for more info.
#89
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I've been looking around a lot of build threads, each is a tad bit different. So I'm going to pick which one I feel is best, and just follow it with the thread starters guidance if necessary.
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Still waiting on my extended brake lines to get here so I can install the brakes.
I want to give some thought into the suspension. I want to lower it a bit and I want it to handle like it's on rails. This won't be a drag car, just for the streets. What can I get to make the suspension better without breaking the bank?
Input is appreciated if anyone even comes through my thread.
I want to give some thought into the suspension. I want to lower it a bit and I want it to handle like it's on rails. This won't be a drag car, just for the streets. What can I get to make the suspension better without breaking the bank?
Input is appreciated if anyone even comes through my thread.
#92
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Still waiting on my extended brake lines to get here so I can install the brakes.
I want to give some thought into the suspension. I want to lower it a bit and I want it to handle like it's on rails. This won't be a drag car, just for the streets. What can I get to make the suspension better without breaking the bank?
Input is appreciated if anyone even comes through my thread.
I want to give some thought into the suspension. I want to lower it a bit and I want it to handle like it's on rails. This won't be a drag car, just for the streets. What can I get to make the suspension better without breaking the bank?
Input is appreciated if anyone even comes through my thread.
What is "breaking the bank" to you?
You can wait until these go on sale in the next couple months (I think) but you won't find a single part, or combination of parts that will make this much of a difference in handling for the same or less money:
http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...D=20&ModelID=7
By FAR the best thing Ive done to the car, and its quite a bit too:
H/C forged stroker, full bolt ons typical stuff
Strano spring/swaybars, FAys2watts link, UMI SFCs, STB, rotojoint LCAs, full length torque arm, relocation brackets, HPS brake pads + blank rotors.
Yeah thats right give me just the Konis over all that. Nothing compares to how much better it makes the car drive/perform. Spend your money once and do it right, you won't regret it.
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Really for just shocks? I never thought just shocks would make such a difference. I've knows the shocks weren't great. But I've never heard that before. That price doesn't quite break the bank, so I'll think on that one. Thanks for the advice man.
On a side note. I used to live in Lake St.Louis. Glad to see MO guys on here.
On a side note. I used to live in Lake St.Louis. Glad to see MO guys on here.
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make sure you have a buddy and a book full of new curse words because I had to replace the window motors on my 97 firebird when I bought it too and it took 2 weekends and lots of new sentences. Good luck though!
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Just wanted to show off todays work. Wilwood 6 piston superlite kit with C6 wheels.
Attachment 726047
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Have to order new spacers for the front. The wheels did not clear the brakes. So I bought a universal 5/16" adapter and it cleared. Don't worry, car won't be getting any miles on it until the proper spacers are on. I'll be doing some research on the proper way to do it, so all advice welcome on properly spacing the wheels. The brakes need to be bled again. But there she is.
Also started taking the trim off yesterday, but my 3M wheels showed up today. So next time you see the car and I can take some decent pictures, It won't have the side trim. Next step for the car is to have the paint corrected followed by lowering the car and having the right exhaust sag issue addressed.
Attachment 726047
Attachment 726048
Attachment 726049
Attachment 726050
Have to order new spacers for the front. The wheels did not clear the brakes. So I bought a universal 5/16" adapter and it cleared. Don't worry, car won't be getting any miles on it until the proper spacers are on. I'll be doing some research on the proper way to do it, so all advice welcome on properly spacing the wheels. The brakes need to be bled again. But there she is.
Also started taking the trim off yesterday, but my 3M wheels showed up today. So next time you see the car and I can take some decent pictures, It won't have the side trim. Next step for the car is to have the paint corrected followed by lowering the car and having the right exhaust sag issue addressed.
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For spacers just make sure they are hub-centric.
As far as shocks go. Shocks, new front control arm bushings, BJs, and tie rod ends are the best things I have done with the car yet, and I've got quite a bit in to the car too lol. I went with Bilsteins because of budget and the car drives just like a sports car should and is just much more fun to cruise in. Konis would be great, but if your going to stay away from the track for the most part then Bilsteins might be the way to go for you. Something you should talk to Strano about really.
Sweet car though man!
As far as shocks go. Shocks, new front control arm bushings, BJs, and tie rod ends are the best things I have done with the car yet, and I've got quite a bit in to the car too lol. I went with Bilsteins because of budget and the car drives just like a sports car should and is just much more fun to cruise in. Konis would be great, but if your going to stay away from the track for the most part then Bilsteins might be the way to go for you. Something you should talk to Strano about really.
Sweet car though man!