Whats next???

[V8 Vum]

Guys...some pearls of wisdom are needed!

OK. my build had been on hold for nearly 8 months now, but its time to move on.

Status:

Chassis, plumbing, breaks, aircon, rad, loom done
Body prefitted (lovely grey!)
Engine about to come over from the states.

To Do:
Fit engine/gearbox and all the stuff.
Fit dash clocks and seats etc
Paint car
SVA
Modify bodywork to my spec


so what is the best order??????

cheers

Keith

[donkeasy]

so how are you getting on, still fillergrey car?

[Steve_D]

The engine bay.
Be prepared to lift the engine in and out several times whilst you try and get all the ancillaries in place around the bay. You will need the headers on to make sure nothing gets in the way (ask me how I know). Fit all the engine bits and check that you can still adjust the aircon compressor or alternator belts.

The dash.
You will be climbing in and out and getting stuck upside down in the footwell so you do not want paint around at that time.

I think I would build the whole car before paint even if it means taking it apart again. The factory have done a few painted cars ask them how they do it as I suspect the body is left on and the clips sprayed separately.

Steve

[donkeasy]

Was only joking, I have same awfull "fillergrey" color.
When I ordered Ted said: "are you sure?"

Thx for the advice steve,
You are right that's exactly what I am going to do.
Build the car completely and then take it apart to spray it.

PS: You forgotten another time waster: all the friends and relatives
who come and have a look in the garage while having a beer.

Edited by donkeasy on Wednesday 10th October 23:02

[Steve_D]

It's not just friends and relatives who come and have a look its the assortment of children, boy racers and dog walkers who come in off the street to have a look. Not saying I mind it's just that it all takes time.

Steve

[V8 Vum]

Hey - Hey -Hey!

Well....after a very extended break (A Year!), and many episodes of sheer depression...

MY ENGINE HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!!!!...and the new GT2 Geabox, and the SS exhaust, and ..and ..and!!!

Thanks Jeff!

Had a bit of a problem at the last minute with the agents, who quibbled about using a power-tailgate truck to deliver...even though they knew it was to delivered at home...(how the hell else do you get it off the truck?)..thankfully after a few heated discussions, and Jeff stepping in at the last minute..all was sorted and this huge crate turned up last week!
Piccky to come!

So as you can imagine I literally ripped the case off with my bare hands I was so excited!...

And...a beautiful new LS7 (limited factory special I am told)carefully tweaked by Mr Schwartz ..to ....a conservative 648BHP so he tells me! (waiting for the dyno printouts as evidence for bragging purposes down the pub!...Jeff?)


So it all starts again......Sound!

[San Diego GTR]

Congrats on getting the project back on track. Jeff is a great supplier and advisor. Good to hear you're going with an LS7 too.

Tell us a little about your decision to get the GT2 gearbox. Is it better suited for this motor due to the increase HP?

Waiting for pictures............

Paul

[V8 Vum]

Thanks Paul,

The GT2 box seemed popular with the LS7 and Jeff said he could get one....so....
Time will tell!

Anyhow, the next problem that I cam across (as mentioned in a different thread) was that I forgot to get the AC compressor from Jeff with the engine, so I am hoping this will not delay the first trial fit.

In addition I was told by the factory who did the prefit of the body that I got the correct route of the clutch pipe and the rear brake pipe on the wrong sides (after much confusion looking at diags), so either I go with this and mod in the engine compartment, or have to take the body off (and presumably the side-pods..arrgh!)to re-route these before doing much else?

One point though...having had the battery for the last 6 months, I am wondering if I should put it on trickle until I need it, or will it be ok as is? Its not connected to anything!

cheers

Keith

[Steve_D]

V8 Vum said:

In addition I was told by the factory who did the prefit of the body that I got the correct route of the clutch pipe and the rear brake pipe on the wrong sides (after much confusion looking at diags), so either I go with this and mod in the engine compartment, or have to take the body off (and presumably the side-pods..arrgh!)to re-route these before doing much else?

One point though...having had the battery for the last 6 months, I am wondering if I should put it on trickle until I need it, or will it be ok as is? Its not connected to anything!

cheers

Keith

If the clutch and brake pipes arrive in the right places (even if they need extending) then why worry. As long as they don't get in the way of anything else then leave well alone.

Yes get a battery charger/conditioner like the 'Optimate 3' and leave it on all the time.

Steve

[V8 Vum]

Thanks Steve,

That will save some time....

Compressor is now on its way...

Time to play with my engine hoist I think!

...and look for a good welder (in the Cheltenham/Evesham area) to make that rear gearbox bracket needed for the GT2 box!

I can weld...but it looks like some dimented pidgeon with the squits has visited the joints!


Keith

Edited by V8 Vum on Wednesday 24th October 09:05