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Thank you for the kind words. I’m trying my best to make it fun. I think she loves it because I want her to, which is wonderfully sweet.
The hard part for me is teaching. As for a replacement car, I will have to wait and see. Certainly the mechanics of this thing are in my wheel house. I can build go carts any day of the week.
However, I’m curious to see how the bodywork goes. That’s uncharted territory.
What’s interesting for me to read is the difference in satisfaction with the parts from builder to builder. Perhaps my expectations are low due to enough years of building with garbage, but I think everything fits great. I have no expectations of anything going together right, once, the first time. Fitting every part is expected.
I’m hoping that’s what my kid learns from all this. Be a problem solver.
Last edited by sethmark; 08-04-2019 at 08:34 AM.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
I think having those expectations really gives you a head start. I really feel for the guys that try and tackle one of these things without much previous hands on mechanical experience. I have been working on cars, motorcycles, aircraft, and even boats for close to 50 years and it is challenging to me as well as frustrating at times. It calls on pretty much every skill I have acquired through the years. And I really cringe at the thought of building one of these cars without the use of a lift - man, I don't think I could do it now without it - but that is largely a by product of getting up in age.
One thing is certain though, your daughter is gonna be one popular young lady. Great job!
She believes deep down inside that she’s going to be driving a 2100#, 430hp to school everyday.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
'33 Hotrod, #1047 Gen 1, delivered on 2/27/18, go cart on 9/24/18.
LS3 w/Gearstar Level 3 4L65e Tranny, Yank converter, Lokar shifter, Electric PS, Vintage AC/Heat/Def, 8.8" 3.55
TorqThrust II Wheels w/Toyo Proxy T1 Sport Tires, F 235/45ZR17 R 295/35ZR18
Garage Built, Driveway Painted.
She will have earned it. Lord knows, by the time we get the go cart I might be tempted to let her drive around the neighborhood. It is a private road.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
I think you hit it on the head about problem solving. Some of the builders here are engineers or automotive professionals. Figuring out how to establish the centerline on the roof or hood isn't a big deal. Some of us have pursued other skills most of our lives and we tend to lose those skills; like how do I get the holes for the roll bar in the waterfall just right. Developing those skills up front in a 12 year old is a priceless parenting point. Having a 12 year old that will hang with you and is interested means you've done something right. I raised two daughters. I'm still betting you'll be waving to her as she drives off to school.
I hope you’re right.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Sophia and I pushed the car out today to check out the firewall in the sunshine and get the chassis turned on the lift for the engine install. We’re pretty much at an impasse until the motor install. Cooling, fuel and electrical are all prepped.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Minor change of plan.... upgraded to 3 link.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Fuel system is basically plumbed. We decided to mount it behind the waterfall and out of the elements. Lots of piddling until the motor FINALLY arrives next week.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Pressure tested the brake system this am. Failed! FOMOCO rear caliper is leaking. No wonder I’m a Chevy guy.
I actually think the banjo is leaking, but haven’t gotten a replacement yet.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
With the LS on a truck due in on Tuesday, we’ve been messing with busy work. Nothing like a couple of hundred holes to teach a kid to drill.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
This is highly convenient.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Lucky you. That's one job that never seemed to end.
'33 Hotrod, #1047 Gen 1, delivered on 2/27/18, go cart on 9/24/18.
LS3 w/Gearstar Level 3 4L65e Tranny, Yank converter, Lokar shifter, Electric PS, Vintage AC/Heat/Def, 8.8" 3.55
TorqThrust II Wheels w/Toyo Proxy T1 Sport Tires, F 235/45ZR17 R 295/35ZR18
Garage Built, Driveway Painted.
We counted 216 rivets. So that means 432 drilled holes. She drilled the aluminum on the table before we fitted the panel. She did All the aluminum and half of the install drilling. Nothing overhead or potentially dangerous. The last thing I need is an optometrist visit to boot.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Surprised how quickly she's able to drill into the steel without putting much weight into it. My bits must be extremely dull.
After she's done there, send her on over to help out here!
Gen 1 '33 Hot Rod #1104
347 with Holley Sniper & Hyperspark, TKO600, IRS, 245/40R18 & 315/30R18, DRL, Digital Guard Dog keyless Ignition
Mk IV #8901 - Complete kit, Coyote, TKO-600, IRS. Ordered 5/23/16, Delivered 7/14/16, First Start 8/13/17, First Go-Kart 10/22/17, Registered and Completed 10/18/18. Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...V-Coyote-Build Graduation Thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...-Roadster-8901
Close your eyes if you’re embarrassed by LS porn...
Now to paint and park....
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
I Can't Look!.png
LOL
Another milestone, have fun!
Gen 1 '33 Hot Rod #1104
347 with Holley Sniper & Hyperspark, TKO600, IRS, 245/40R18 & 315/30R18, DRL, Digital Guard Dog keyless Ignition
I preach the importance of details to my guys and my daughter like a psycho.... today I failed to heed my words. Badly.
The kid and I started strong. Took the floors to work to powder and they turned out lovely.
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So then we checked parallel of the flywheel, concentricity of the Bellhousing and did the clutch.
2DED6A5F-CEF6-4EDE-B325-EAE52D249D29.jpgBAAE4002-EBBA-40EB-96FE-3A5F8F240015.jpgC505C7C3-AF8F-488F-9FCF-A65BADBFA626.jpg
Finally, I installed the throwout bearing. Measure gap and assembled.... and found that 0.50 is more than 0.050. Pretty sloppy for a machinist. But I’m getting old.......... at least that’s the excuse.
Either way, pull it apart and add shims.
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Hopefully install all Sunday with exhaust and floors.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Love that intake.
'33 Hotrod, #1047 Gen 1, delivered on 2/27/18, go cart on 9/24/18.
LS3 w/Gearstar Level 3 4L65e Tranny, Yank converter, Lokar shifter, Electric PS, Vintage AC/Heat/Def, 8.8" 3.55
TorqThrust II Wheels w/Toyo Proxy T1 Sport Tires, F 235/45ZR17 R 295/35ZR18
Garage Built, Driveway Painted.
This went well. Everything lined right up and dropped right in. Having the lift worked a trick. Being able to raise the car to the motor instead of trying to drop the hoist was super convenient....
95ABC226-B1BF-453A-AA37-EE0EAAD68810.jpg
8CD818EC-8F05-4649-8F1A-5AE7C593C06D.jpg
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Passenger Side exhaust hits the frame at the end of the J pipe.
4CF8A07C-A8B6-4DF3-947A-BC8B9EB4731D.jpg
I went ahead and stacked the included spacer, tig welded them together and requested a third spacer from factory five. Problem solved.
E626B687-6616-4468-9E17-923CCE8C0DD1.jpgAAE14034-36BE-4209-83E8-5720619D0C2E.jpg
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
I can taste the first start........ soon. Ls engine side wiring is complete. I hate the alt. mounted high, that will have to change. The kid really liked plugging in the harness. Something tactile about it I suppose.
01D9B917-69BF-480A-87D5-1B0716523153.jpg
0F5A4D20-59A2-4CD9-9C88-A4CECF628D6B.jpg
I think the underside of this car may be its prettiest. The gloss black floor pans and plated oil pan pop.....
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24258D36-9483-4349-8BDE-A022356F1C7A.jpg
Last edited by sethmark; 08-20-2019 at 09:32 PM.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Looking great Seth. Hey part of the problem with that alternator location is the size and look of the alternator itself. The one I got with my March pulley system is significantly smaller and is chromed - would be less obtrusive than the one you have IMO.
Gen 1 '33 Hot Rod #1104
347 with Holley Sniper & Hyperspark, TKO600, IRS, 245/40R18 & 315/30R18, DRL, Digital Guard Dog keyless Ignition
Are you gonna keep the knock sensors? I don't have any previous experience with the LS but what little I have read seems to say that as soon as you stray from the stock configuration re: engine mounts, chassis, different cam, etc that they will no longer work correctly.
It also looks like the FFR downpipes put the o2 bungs right on the very bottom of the pipe - where they will collect condensation - i.e. not where you want them to be.
This is an early gen iii and is pretty stupid. The later reluctor wheel motors are more finicky. If it doesn’t work, I’ll deal with it.
As for the 02 sensor, it’s not mounted in a horizontal tube, so I would expect condensation to be minimal at that angle. Again... if they start acting up, I’ll fix. But for now, I don’t see any problem. My approach is very practical. If it’s a problem it gets resolved. If it MIGHT Be a problem, I’ll be prepared but not fearful. The internet doesn’t scare me.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
I’m running a LSX 408 in my Chevelle with factory knock sensors and stock type ECM with no issues. I’ve had several modded LS Engines over the years and haven’t had any knock sensor issues. Sensitivity is easy to adjust if something gets funky.
33 HotRod #1142
Started 5-9-19
Kingwood, Texas
Busy day of problem creating and solving. Exhaust is still an issue. I had to space the trans up a quarter which killed the exhaust work. It needs another 1/2" spacing down. Not a deal breaker.
Started muddling through the harness and it’s a packaging quandary. The ac evap unit eats a bunch of space.
F008E8D9-8A69-41EC-A78F-AD717E87C051.jpg
I have to get the computer, tac module, fuse panel for the engine and the factory wiring in that space. Just takes time. Meanwhile, I needed some measurements and some questions answered, so I drug out the body and tires.... tires won’t work. The rear is huge and doesn’t package. They’re bias anyway.
I spent several hours getting the suspension and ride height nailed down. Not a big deal, but not as it sounds isn’t the book.
Anyway. Onwards.
741CCCF5-B029-4DB5-8059-D5D94AE931DE.jpg
70EAA649-0B0F-49CB-BB1E-3C7A901FC294.jpg
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
I’m starting to see the light on electrical packaging. The big key was thinking 90°. I think I’m going to permanently mount the ECM this way. It’s the only thing that frees up any floor space for the remaining fuse panel and TAC module.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
I took off most of the plastic corrugated tubing off the wires then wrapped the wires with automotive cloth tape. This reduced the diameter of the bundles by up to 50%.
'33 Hotrod, #1047 Gen 1, delivered on 2/27/18, go cart on 9/24/18.
LS3 w/Gearstar Level 3 4L65e Tranny, Yank converter, Lokar shifter, Electric PS, Vintage AC/Heat/Def, 8.8" 3.55
TorqThrust II Wheels w/Toyo Proxy T1 Sport Tires, F 235/45ZR17 R 295/35ZR18
Garage Built, Driveway Painted.
LS and chassis?
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Mostly on all of the ECU wiring that was behind the dash and under the tranny tunnel.
Also both fuse boxes. I left the wiring on the engine side of the firewall as it was.
DSCN2297.jpg
DSCN1897.JPG
'33 Hotrod, #1047 Gen 1, delivered on 2/27/18, go cart on 9/24/18.
LS3 w/Gearstar Level 3 4L65e Tranny, Yank converter, Lokar shifter, Electric PS, Vintage AC/Heat/Def, 8.8" 3.55
TorqThrust II Wheels w/Toyo Proxy T1 Sport Tires, F 235/45ZR17 R 295/35ZR18
Garage Built, Driveway Painted.
I used a modified version of what Jim did. 376/480 LS3 & Gen 1. I kept all the rear wiring inside the car. IMG_0011.JPGIMG_0016.JPGIMG_0020.JPGIMG_0050.JPGIMG_0096.JPGIMG_0100.JPG
33 Hot Rod (Gen 1) Stage 1 delivered on 4/27/2017, Stage 2 delivered on 9/21/2018
LS3 495hp/480 lb. ft., 4L70E, Electric PS, Classic Auto Air, Lokar electronic sport shifter, 13 inch Wilwood front and 11.68 Cobra rear brakes, Ford 8.8 w 3.73 w 4 link, Billet Specialty Legend Series MAG wheels and Mickey Thompson
Sportsman S/R 26x8x18 front and 29x18x20 rear tires.
It’s remarkable how much time I spend thinking about wiring the car and how little time I spend actually wiring the car. Lay out the harness, be unhappy, put it all back. Rinse and repeat. The rear section took way too long. The front section took way too long. I don’t wanna look at it, I wanted to all be totally hidden. Unfortunately, it takes wires to make a car go bang.
under dash makes me want to cry. My ocd is being tested.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k
Totally feel that pain Seth. On my Chevelle I built the wiring harness from scratch in order to hide it as much as possible. I have PDF wiring diagrams that might help if you want them.77DF641D-4D95-477F-A8D1-BA7EB4FEC817.jpeg
33 HotRod #1142
Started 5-9-19
Kingwood, Texas
Thanks. I’m just about done. But I sweat the details. Takes longer.
33 Hot Rod #1133. LS/TKO600
Delivered 6-17-19. Started work 7-3-19. First start 9-6-19. First drive 9-24-19
Titled 2-28-20
MkI.IV 2643k