Today was a very long and tiring day. I did the radiator replacement with the new Breeze radiator top mount. I already had the lower mount, shroud, and cowl piece.
First I had to get the old radiator out of the car. Not too bad a job with the lift. Once I had it out, I removed the fan and the shroud. At this point, the area of the leak was obvious.
I'll take it in to see if it can be repaired at a reasonable price. That way, I'll have a spare if I ever need one. Next was prepping the new radiator with the top hinge and using all the new hardware in the kit to mount the fan and shroud. Much better than what I'd used on the first installation.
Next was the worst part of the install. I had to remove the two small sections of the 3/4" tubing. I covered the car with old blankets to protect the paint from the sparks and used a cutoff tool and a grinder to remove the unwanted pieces. I then cleaned up the area and rattle canned some gloss black paint. This would have been so much easier without the body on the car. If anyone reading this is debating using the Breeze setup for the top mount, do it before the car is done!!!
Now it was time for the install. With my wife's help, we got the new radiator positioned and clamped in place at the top. I was then able to reset the lower mount. In addition to the new hardware, I installed the NOMEX honeycomb that I never installed during my build, but had sitting in a box still. Some satin black paint and in it went. I then re-drilled and riveted the lower radiator aluminum back in place. Last, I drilled and tapped the 3/4" tube for the top bolts. It was tight, but I had just enough room to get my small pneumatic drill in the opening at the front of the hood to drill the tubing and then tap from the top and the bottom. Three of the four bolts actually went in as they should. The last one didn't line up. I'll need to fix that with a longer bolt at some point.
After reconnecting all the Boig tubes, I filled it with fresh coolant and started the car -- no leaks! Once the roads are clear and dry again, I'll do a road test. If everything checks out, I'll get in touch with the tuner and see if we can get this thing running like it should.
Did you get the ball-flanged headers from FFR, and still needed spacers?
Originally Posted by Papa
The new FFR headers are awesome for getting things adjusted, but I still required 1/2" of spacers (not wedges) to get the passenger side to be right with my Gas-N pipes. There are so many variables with the body position on these cars that simply can't be accounted for with headers. Half an inch at the flange equated to over two inches at the end of the pipe.
Did you get the ball-flanged headers from FFR, and still needed spacers?
Yep -- on the passenger side the header flange was too far from the body. Remember, every car will have some variability and had the body not already been positioned, there may not have been a need for the spacers.
I thought I would throw a little different perspective into the mix to really broomstick things for your decision making . Have not built a Cobra yet but it's in the works. I spend most of my time with my Camaro buddings on Camaros.net. Although I have no personal experience there are lots of guys in those forums who have tried out the different MPFI options out there. The big pros are ease of installation and ability to self tune. The big con is Holley/Edelbrock only provide real support until the next latest and greatest comes out. It may not be an issue for you but something to consider. I also thought I would throw this out there:
Seems like a pretty well established option to originals or the Borla. I have no personal experience but when the time comes to order my kit I am going to give Jim's option a very hard look. Your build is top notch and I love the fact you continue to push forward with upgrades and modifications. Like you, my LS3 69 Camaro is finished but will never be done.
I thought I would throw a little different perspective into the mix to really broomstick things for your decision making . Have not built a Cobra yet but it's in the works. I spend most of my time with my Camaro buddings on Camaros.net. Although I have no personal experience there are lots of guys in those forums who have tried out the different MPFI options out there. The big pros are ease of installation and ability to self tune. The big con is Holley/Edelbrock only provide real support until the next latest and greatest comes out. It may not be an issue for you but something to consider. I also thought I would throw this out there:
Seems like a pretty well established option to originals or the Borla. I have no personal experience but when the time comes to order my kit I am going to give Jim's option a very hard look. Your build is top notch and I love the fact you continue to push forward with upgrades and modifications. Like you, my LS3 69 Camaro is finished but will never be done.
Oh I've definitely looked at the Inglese 8-stack. It's beautiful and would really look nice sitting on top of my engine. Maybe someday.
Next was the worst part of the install. I had to remove the two small sections of the 3/4" tubing. I covered the car with old blankets to protect the paint from the sparks and used a cutoff tool and a grinder to remove the unwanted pieces. I then cleaned up the area and rattle canned some gloss black paint. This would have been so much easier without the body on the car. If anyone reading this is debating using the Breeze setup for the top mount, do it before the car is done!!!
I was nervous just reading through your 3/4" tube surgery with that beautiful paint job. Glad you got it done with no damage! You made me glad I went with the Breeze upper mount now v. the future. Thanks for sharing, Dave.
Chris Coupe complete kit.Index. Delivered: 4/22/24. Build Thread. Coyote Gen 4X. T-56. IRS w/3.55. Wilwoods. PS. HVAC. Side windows. MK4 Complete kit. Build Thread Index. Delivered: 10/15/2020. Legal: 7/25/23. Coyote Gen3. TKO600 (0.64 OD). IRS w/3.55. PS. Wilwoods. Sway bars. This build is dedicated to my son, Benjamin. Build Thread.
I had my first remote tuning session with the guy from the Holley forum today. Interestingly, he asked me to check the timing and when I went to loosen up the distributor bolt, it was already loose. It looked like we were at about 12 degrees initial, so we set it to 16. Once we did that, the car started to surge between 900 and 1140 rpm. Something it's never done to me before. I was having a heck of a time seeing the timing marks with all the accessory drive stuff in the way, so I can't even be certain of what I set it to. At this point, he asked me to do the following:
1. Get a fuel pressure gauge and install it on the outlet side of the Sniper
2. Change the PCV over to a fixed valve
3. Double check all my ignition components (spark plug wires, distributor rotor, etc.)
So, I have some things on the way and will follow up with him once I complete those steps. Also, since I was working in my garage and not going anywhere, I was wearing my comfy, fleece PJ pants. Well, they don't do well when they contact the hot side pipes. I spent about 30 minutes scraping melted polyester crust off the pipes with a razor blade. Once I get the nerve, I'll try to go back and verify the timing (wearing jeans).
Today I was able to install the fuel pressure gauge on the Sniper. Following my tuner's advice, I installed it on the outlet side of the Sniper and fired up the car. It was reading 0 PSI. I moved it to the inlet side and now the gauge is pegged at 100 PSI. So, it looks like my Sniper's pressure regulator is dead. I'm going to remove it (the internal part - and go with the Aeromotive external regulator based on advice from this thread:
Sorry about the PJ's!! Glad it wasn't your skin you were peeling off the pipes!
I am really happy to see your progress on the EFI situation. Also happy to see your radiator results. I don't know if I could do all that grinding on a painted car -- huevos grande!!
Thanks for letting us come along on the upgrade. Frustrating and rewarding (hopefully!) at the same time.
I look forward to seeing everything working as you hope.
Big news!!! I had a nice discussion with Jim Inglese today and I'll be getting one of his hand-built 8-stack EFI setups. It should look a lot like this:
In addition, I'll be getting a set of filters for the horns, a new Holley Terminator X ECU, and a new Holley Dual Sync distributor. It will be about six to eight weeks before the parts all arrive, so in the meantime, I'll continue tweaking the Sniper to see if i can at least make the car drivable.
Thanks, guys. I'm excited and a little nervous at the same time. Jim addressed all my concerns about drivability. He probably asked me more questions than I asked him; questions about my fuel pump, cam specs, headers, etc. From that, he offers either a standard or Webber style setup, preferred ECU, and ignition control setup that will all work together. He even ships the entire system, not just his products, so there isn't any question that you'll have the right parts.
I think you'll have a custom-tailored solution by the man who is truly a legend in this field.
It is going to be cooler than cool and I suspect work extremely well.
That’s going to look awesome! Too bad the sniper is not working out for you. I have the sniper on mine but it is not one the road yet.
It's not that the Sniper didn't work. The most recent issues are a combination of a failed pressure regulator and tuning. Both can be addressed and overcome fairly easily. I wouldn't blame the Sniper itself, other than the failed pressure regulator. There are many thousands of them working perfectly on cars all over the world. My motivation is more "want" than "need".
Oh dang Papa!!!!!!!! That will be beautiful!!!! Can't wait to see this next step with your rig.
Last edited by nucjd19; 01-25-2022 at 10:04 PM.
FFR MK4 Roadster (9945) complete kit, delivered 12/4/2020, First start and go kart 5/7/2021. Legal 8/14/2021, Paint finished 7/18/2022 (Viking Blue). 347BPE CI, TKO600, Moser 8.8 3link 3.55, Halibrand 17x9 17x10.5, power steering. Carbon Fiber Dash. Carbon Fiber trans tunnel, adjustable Kirkey Lowback Vintage seats, Vintage gauges, RT drop trunk mod, FFmetal drop battery mod and trans tunnel, Forte front sway bar. Forte mechanical throttle linkage, RT gas pedal. www.covespringsfarm.com
YOLO! Send it... that is going to look amazing! Cant wait to see it all done. Sorry you had so many issues with the Sniper system, hope this one works out better for you.
I spoke with Jim Inglese again today and all my parts are ordered. The Holley parts get drop shipped directly from Holley. The other parts get assembled, tested, and shipped from Jim. He told me I got the last 302 intake he had on the shelf and it's going to be 60+ days before he gets any more in based on his suppliers. I bumped up from the short horns to his standard horns. He thought I might even be able to go with the next size up, but the measurements I was getting made that too close for comfort and I don't want anything rubbing when the hood is closed. He's thinking about five weeks (maybe less) for his parts to arrive and believes Holley is shipping the Terminator X ECUs (they were held up for a while due to parts shortages), the Dual Sync distributor, MSD 6415 CD box, and MSD Blaster Coil for EFI.
That is going to be awesome! Can't beat the look. I've got a 427 with the Borla system and Terminator X going on the dyno this week so I should have a lot of info on it. There are some really cool things you can do with that system. My winter project was adding the Holley digital dash. That takes the tuning capability to a whole other level!
That is going to be awesome! Can't beat the look. I've got a 427 with the Borla system and Terminator X going on the dyno this week so I should have a lot of info on it. There are some really cool things you can do with that system. My winter project was adding the Holley digital dash. That takes the tuning capability to a whole other level!
Bob
Thanks, Bob. I may pick your brain a bit once I get everything set up. I'm hopeful that the guy I've been working with (remote tuning) will get me dialed in.
I know you are excited to get this set up installed, and everything dialed in. But, I gotta tell you, I have been checking back every day to check on your progress myself! I am stoked to see how everything turns out for you; I suppose I am living vicariously through you! HA
I look forward to checking things out when she is all done and looking amazing. I also look forward to hearing all about how different the driving experience is. I know how the engine bay open experience will be!!
Man I am so bloody jealous…awesome decision on your part.
Kyle
Complete Kit pickup 09/05/2015, 351w, QF680, 3.55, 3-Link, 15" Halibrands with MT's, Painted Viking blue with Wimbledon white stripes on 03/15/2017. Sold in 08/2018 and totally regret it.
Big news!!! I had a nice discussion with Jim Inglese today and I'll be getting one of his hand-built 8-stack EFI setups. It should look a lot like this:
In addition, I'll be getting a set of filters for the horns, a new Holley Terminator X ECU, and a new Holley Dual Sync distributor. It will be about six to eight weeks before the parts all arrive, so in the meantime, I'll continue tweaking the Sniper to see if i can at least make the car drivable.
I first met Jim in the early 80's when I had Webers on my 28 Sedan. He knows his stuff! And it's no different with stack EFI, you are in very good hands with Jim.
I first met Ji in the early 80's when I had Webers on my 28 Sedan. He knows his stuff! And it's no different with stack EFI, you are in very good hands with Jim.
I'll second Jim's praises super nice guy and always willing to share his knowledge. I reached out to him via email after I bought my MK II with the 4 Webers. Even though none of it was sold by him he was really helpful in helping me get them sorted out and running right. Even spoke to me over the phone several times.
I received the MSD CDI from Holley yesterday. Still expecting the Terminator X ECU and injector harness.
On the Sniper, I replaced the internal fuel pressure regulator, and it is now reading 60psi on the inlet as it should. I have not been able to get the car out due to the weather but expect this will likely make a huge difference in the drivability issues I've been having. Don't let my wife know that, though!
The weather was halfway decent today, so I moved the car to the shop and installed the spinner retainers I got from Dave's Workshop (SJDave). These are very nice quality rings that slip in behind the center cap. There are three pointed set screws that hold the ring in the wheel, and three flat set screws that hold the cap firmly to keep it from spinning.
This is a very elegant solution to the problem of the cap spinning when you try to remove the spinner.
That's a great solution to the spinning cap issue. I'd like to get a set for my roadster. Do you have any contact information for Dave's workshop that you can share?
Thanks!
Mk IV Roadster #9749, Kit received Jan 2, 2020, Blueprint SBF 347 TKO600 Holley Sniper EFI, Dual roll bars, IRS, 17" Halibrand, Nitto 555 G2 245, 315 Road legal Oct 20, 2020
That's a great solution to the spinning cap issue. I'd like to get a set for my roadster. Do you have any contact information for Dave's workshop that you can share?
Great thread Dave, thanks for keeping it going. Many of the questions I had along the way were eventually answered, but I'm left wondering, how much did your insurance end up costing you?
I live in Tampa and insurance is berserk for some reason, but that's not stopping me from building my Roadster. I'm just curious.
Great thread Dave, thanks for keeping it going. Many of the questions I had along the way were eventually answered, but I'm left wondering, how much did your insurance end up costing you?
I live in Tampa and insurance is berserk for some reason, but that's not stopping me from building my Roadster. I'm just curious.
Thanks.
There are so many variables that make it really meaningless to compare quotes with others. Age, coverage limits, insurance provider/underwriter, etc. I will just say that it's very reasonable and comparable to my other cars. I cary higher than required limits and have agreed value at $64,500. It's probably time to get another appraisal and make sure I'm properly covered.
I just received word from Jim Inglese that my stacks are expected to ship out early next week! Once I get that, the only item I'll be waiting on is the Holley Terminator X ECU, which is expected to ship around the 18th of March. Evidently Holley has had a shortage of electronics on hand to manufacture the ECUs.
Hey Papa.........this is Joel, a voice from the past! I am so interested in your experience with the Inglese setup. If it works for you, I will be predisposed to install on my 302. Right now I am running a straight 4 BBL with an externally mounted electric fuel pump. I did plumb in a return line when I built the car so at least that is there. What fuel pump are you using?
Hope all is well with you. Thanks, Joel (attached a picture of my car to jog your memory)
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Originally Posted by Papa
. Have not built a Cobra yet but it's in the works. I spend most of my time with my Camaro buddings on Camaros.net. Although I have no personal experience there are lots of guys in those forums who have tried out the different MPFI options out there. The big pros are ease of installation and ability to self tune. The big con is Holley/Edelbrock only provide real support until the next latest and greatest comes out. It may not be an issue for you but something to consider. I also thought I would throw this out there:
