16v continued

[polopharm]

Sorry for resurrecting Mike's thread.
I have started a new one instead.
As per my posts in the factory race car thread - car is super super fast , and super fun. In fact I must say it is one of the most fun cars I have driven. Its a real super car experience.

Some issues have arisen the number 4 oil passage was leaking and I understand the is a common one weak spot in the t3 This head was repaired prior at some point. It just came back from the machine shop. I will post pictures asap.

The powder coating all looked great but did not hold up to the heat well.
It looked great on top , but after pulling head , it was largely peeled off underneath and along turbo.
It was very hard to see when it was in place.
The huge turbo might be a factor too! We had high exhaust temperatures for sure. I am not sure how this product has held up for other people. In this car it didn't last.

The jet-cool stuff is supposed to be the best product for thermal protection , and is guaranteed
I will have it back on Friday.
Pictures to follow.

All said , great car , still working out some kinks.



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[DaveSkrab]

I had the opportunity to take this car for a 30min drive over the summer. What an amazing experience. Flattest, and fastest on ramp merges I have experienced. The power it makes is very seductive, it's also great how the power never seems to stop building.
Also for being as stiffly sprung as it was at the time, I was amazed how well it soaked up bumps, and bridge joints on the roadways.
The car seems to have fallen into the right hands. I am glad you have decided to be a part of our group and keep us in the loop.

[168glhs1986]

Andy I am grateful you are building on what I had started. The interior looks great. The AF ratios were always in check so not sure why the exhaust temps would be melting the coating...interesting for sure.

My one issue with the car is it was severely under tire'd. I could have turned much faster times if the wheel wells were enlarged and you could fit fat 17 or 18's.

Looking forward to peeking in here every now and then looking forward to hearing stories about the GTP kicking --- on the track.

One note ... Keep an eye on the banjo fittings to the wastegate and make sure they are tight. When they get hot they loosen. Easy to check on this car ;).

[jacob mosler]

all the race versions had at least some extract ducting and often electric fans pointed at the turbos.

[polopharm]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160426/55046edd9e7251ea9cb49e7690461b54.jpg
Hard to take decent interior shots http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160426/fbeeedbf51175c388dda930a12b90746.jpg
Couple more http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160426/f25b02796b85b6208725cc4bebaff466.jpg



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[Reaper1]

This car is simply epic!

[polopharm]

Adjusting the doors on the double hinge series 2 is a total -----. This car has tight enough door gaps that the lexan guides do not fit.
Took the chance to repair windows as per Johnny.

Head is back, weld repaired , pictures to follow. had a competition valve job done ,
Mike was right about banjo fitting being loose.

Headers on way back ,
Hope to be at track on May 7th. Will be a stretch.


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[contraption22]

Continued from previous thread. When did you notice the exhaust coating starting to flake?

[polopharm]

I would be concerned that it will not last. Over all this car has been driven hard but i doubt it has 1k on it since coating. I have put less then 200 miles on it. (But all at track and at redline), I am guessing Mike didn't do a lot either.
It was apparent right away close to the turbo on top , but after pulling the manifold it had peeled off in big sheets underneath.

Cosmetically it was nice ,but the Jet -hot people (literally just now) confirmed that it was not a ceramic coating ( it cost less to re-coat as it came off so easily)




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[contraption22]

I would be concerned that it will not last. Over all this car has been driven hard but i doubt it has 1k on it since coating. I have put less then 200 miles on it. (But all at track and at redline), I am guessing Mike didn't do a lot either.
It was apparent right away close to the turbo on top , but after pulling the manifold it had peeled off in big sheets underneath.

Cosmetically it was nice ,but the Jet -hot people (literally just now) confirmed that it was not a ceramic coating ( it cost less to re-coat as it came off so easily)




Well that's disappointing.

[jacob mosler]

try rustoleum BBQ paint?

[cudagirl77]

There is also high temp engine paint that usually does a good job.


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[minigts]

Well that's disappointing.

Very. Hope it's not the same shop that did mine. That would explain why it came off as well. :\

[polopharm]

Head pictures http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160430/d12d62c8ba73d1282b38783ede692be6.jpg

Will have headers back on Monday. 3rd valve job in about a year too.

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[GLHNSLHT2]

So what is that that they did to plug it? obviously not aluminum?

[2.216VTurbo]

And did they coat the combustion chambers or is that the lighting?

[polopharm]

So they ground out the old weld as far as possible, re -welded it , decked it , pressure tested the crap out of it , and then has some type of coating on top. On monday i will find out what it was called. It was pressure tested at hightest pressure they could generate and is guaranteed.



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[polopharm]

Just got sent this picture, over curb , burning grasshttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160501/6bd41c3676385496d46f7af8b2cc7710.jpg
Cant wait to be back up and on the track! Hoping for next week
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[rx2mazda]

Let's go over the basics of image uploads and picture rotation...

This is one bada$$ car. It's acceleration is so liner and pure. Can't wait to see how you make it better, seems like you're on the right track!

[polopharm]

As an over 45 year old you should just be impressed that i can post a photo!!!



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[2.216VTurbo]

Let's go over the basics of image uploads and picture rotation...

This is one bada$$ car. It's acceleration is so liner and pure. Can't wait to see how you make it better, seems like you're on the right track!


Since you mentioned it tough guy, HOW DO I rotate a pic after I hit upload and it automatically lays it on it's side?? It's upright when I load it but the auto resize feature turns mine sideways too. I'm over 45ish and have never figured out how to fix it:p

[polopharm]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160503/6e9288a7425170a9712f2410437278b1.jpg
Head going back together.
Thats the jet-hot titanium coating , guaranteed for life. Its less pretty then the old coating but should work better

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[rx2mazda]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160503/6e9288a7425170a9712f2410437278b1.jpg
Head going back together.
Thats the jet-hot titanium coating , guaranteed for life. Its less pretty then the old coating but should work better

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That header is so sexy!

[polopharm]

Brian slowe and mike wah built some cool stuff for this car.

I am also trying to get another oil pan like Brian made- huge capacity , highly baffled aluminum. For the race car.

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[2.216VTurbo]

I had a very odd pulley noise coming from the engine bay of my TIII Rampage last weekend, it's been getting louder and louder. Turns out the belt 'guide' rings on the exhaust cam gear had both become loose and they rotate and squeal at various RPM's. Really annoying but there is not much I can do about it without some disassembly. You have the same aftermarket adjustable cam gears so you might want to see if they're loose while you have things apart. That is an awesome header:eyebrows:

[polopharm]

Blue car is buttoned back up. Put 100 miles on it today.
New exhaust Manifold gasket (old one was leaking) makes the boost much smoother n more predictable.
Going to run to track tomorrow, do a couple laps and see how we go. No leak from the head repair , nor from the new freeze plugs.
Fingers crossed.

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[polopharm]

Great fun at the track. As per normal car gets more attention then all the others put together. The flame shooter on down shift gets a lot of comments as well. Head and freeze plugs showed no sign of leaking.

But the tranny , where Consulier modified the gear selector at the tranny is pissing fluid when in 5th gear. They changed the a555 gear selector from back to front and welded on a rod that appears to have a non-serviceable bearing. I think the rod will need to be cut off, cover removed, sent to machine shop for bearing and to re-weld the rod perfectly straight. I believe mine is not straight , and therefore not sealing well. Belly pan covered in fluid after the first run.
Also had fuel injector seals leaking raw fuel. Quit after that for safety/ fire concerns.

Handling was great , brakes great ,
The car seems to really like low tire pressure. Handled best when i started at 26 psi all around.

Pictures to follow.

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[Reaper1]

Sweet!!

[polopharm]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/ec037a2383bea041462a204f38d71d58.jpg
Had to re-route breather from catch can, was not venting well. This way it can vent through the engine cover opening.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/bb69f50cb1bb43c11281160e9d132cd0.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/4880f77af77a835c8df27f00bb3bf160.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/ba723e103c723d166cce3c24e524f872.jpg
How can you call this car ugly

[polopharm]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/5d94720a0aa2f7f0fbb404c80424f107.jpg


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[DaveSkrab]

Excellent!

[2.216VTurbo]

Can't tell, is there suction on the breather from the lowpressure side now before the turbo intake side or just pure VTA?

[wheming]

Cool pics! Thanks for sharing!

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[polopharm]

Found a fuel leak in the car. The vents from tank , thru the bulkhead, had no hoses and with full tank and hard cornering was spilling fuel. Injector o-rings replaced. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160510/2ff6b89767a69a3c9db8350aedadad27.jpg


Back track tomorrow
Gonna run tranny as is tomorrow, then we are gonna take a stock gear selector and fab up a couple new consulier style gear selectors.



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[polopharm]

Did I ever tell you guys about my luck??

At track , 2 laps in and then - http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/f7ebfc182495a1ffad018ea62f23ed68.jpg

Car cuts out at boost. Ecu shuts down engine , get towed off.

Waste gate explosion, all 8 bolts gone!! Several sheared off. Waste gate cooked inside.
And it was just apart and re torqued etc when manifold was off.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/fc5ab993344964bb68b9a0a5335ce960.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/2fd091972acb34ab9e50bb72e422ae11.jpg

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[polopharm]

It appears that there are 2 fittings to run coolant to this waste gate , but it was never plumbed that way. Any thoughts on that ??
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/dbbcb4635af34d403ec39d8428bd6b93.jpg
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[minigts]

It's optional. I have the same wastegate and haven't had issues, but I'm also not running 25psi.

[polopharm]

Yeah i did some research , it says due to smaller size it dissapates less heat. And "under prolonged boost ,in extreme applications it requires coolant plumbing". It may also involve redesigning the headers etc i dont think they get adequate cool air around them and they are so close to many parts that have so far already been cooked.
I am leaning towards quitting useing this car on the track, and just wait and use the red car.

It seems like a lot of this was built for the 1/4 mile and for show. Not for prolonged "go"
The back straight at pbir is longer then a 1/4 mile and it is done at WOT ,every lap is only 1:30 secs. I am leaning towards installing an exhaust temp guage before throwing in the towel

As you guys have seen mosler added several additional air ducts to blow fresh air onto the turbo, the intercooler and the manifold. Some of these ran 12v blower fans to actively push air.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/48b4e480ae6b7b114620e968628532a0.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/a1332d85cf8dd9b78cb085bd6126539a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/746f7481e966c0b3c6609a7a40d9a634.jpg

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[wheming]

It appears that there are 2 fittings to run coolant to this waste gate , but it was never plumbed that way. Any thoughts on that ??
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/dbbcb4635af34d403ec39d8428bd6b93.jpg
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Is there another coolant port on the backside in the pic? I think i almost see it. Is there clearance enough for a 90° fitting, or anther banjo type fitting?
Did any of the racecars get header wrapped?
It appears though you probably will have to do everything they did with the racecars, in order to have a reliable streetcar that you are racing.
They determined the need for these cooling ducts somehow, either proactively, or reactively.

But even though you might have to modify the car further for your particular racing pursuits, you are starting off with clearly one of the nicest builds in a very exclusive ownership community. I enjoy knowing that you are really dedicated to taking good care of this car, and pushing it to new levels.
Kudos for that!

[polopharm]

Going to also heat wrap entire headers. Plumb the coolant ports. Run less boost and primarily switch over to street use as red car build moves on


On a positive note, 3 hours at rossion and i found 2 of the consulier specific tranny shift selectors. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/e79f89fa197296bb85ac9e9b61eb1d15.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/08fb432e644597d65fb24bff399db95d.jpg
Note the nut is welded to the rod. Must be cut off to service the seal. My seal is leaking terrible in 5 th gear.

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[polopharm]

And we are adding the water cooled option to waste gate http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/9e3c334b8aa0cfce844be9dcf50dde62.jpg
Tial says -" prolonged time operating at boost , high boost levels , extreme use - require water cooling.
While not required this compact external wastegate does not have air cooling fins and will not cool as efficiently with water cooling "
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[player1up]

...sometimes racing is the hunt for the weakest link... Do you have a couple of series 2 engine covers ? If so, it might be time to cut into one and add a scoop. I've been thinking about that but in my case I either have to cut into the original stock fiberglass cover or cut into my carbon fiber one...I'll probably end up cutting the CF one, but man it looks to nice to cut into.

[polopharm]

Got the car back on the road. Wastegate plumbed and water cooled.
Had to notch out the subframe, to make clearance.
Tied in to waterpump and then back to the overflow tank.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160522/723d83d8848eb49f711dd31a77044ad0.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160522/76b2c09f1fb6b9b29f613d2daa5e11dd.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160522/e1eae1c6c30cf8d9d5c725615283d526.jpg

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http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160522/24286f5668ca1bdc593ff45a9120059d.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160522/2f278d3bca22f255405cf64ac8a3843b.jpg
Locktighted the allen bolts, good coolant flow through the wastegate.
Discovered a coolant leak in radiator, pulled it and recored it.

Replaced the shifter selector with one scavenged from a engine/tranny from Rossion. I found a couple that had already had the shifter modified.
So far no leaks.

[polopharm]

The "new" transmission gear selector I scavenged from Rossion also appears to be leak free. Drove the car a couple hundred miles hard and so far everything is working well. Car feels great.


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[polopharm]

Did some "spirited" driving late last night.
Going around a 90' right hand turn , engine cut out , would not restart.
Waited for 30-40 min , tried again , started right up.
Like a classic vapor lock.
Had under half a tank , over 1/4 tank. Pulled sender , looked inside tank - the baffle around the fuel pick on the right side is not enough to keep fuel from sloshing away from the fuel pick up , on a right turn.
This car moves a ton of fuel has #10 lines, a big walbro pump etc.
For now i will keep tank fuller when driving hard.
After the summer i will modify return lines and the baffles.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160525/51ec40793a2895bcbddee2503ae1f96d.jpg

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[2.216VTurbo]

Hmm, if it was slosh/starvation it should have restarted after 30 seconds not 30 minutes. Curious...

[polopharm]

Sorry yes , i failed to mention that it sucked air , and then that heated etc , and vapor locked.
It was reproducable using a jack to lift up the right side of the car.

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[polopharm]

On way to California
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/9cbccca053da38cf93dd5464a8dd1788.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/225d1ffb305517817a3fca463fc82dcb.jpg
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[2.216VTurbo]

Come on out, the weather is good :-)

[Reaper1]

This car is calling my name!

[polopharm]

Come n go for a spin. Be at rods n roses show in carpinteria last saturday of june

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[polopharm]

Need to find some good twisty drives near me.

Driving out now in the 1978 gmc motorhome , aka urbanassault vehicke from Stripes.

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[Reaper1]

Come n go for a spin. Be at rods n roses show in carpinteria last saturday of june

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I am hoping to be at SDAC! You should be, too...turn that truck around!

[polopharm]

Went for first ride here in Cali , and...
Ignifion switch is going bad. I hit a bump, it shuts off all electrics, wiggle key and it comes back on.
What ignition switch is this ?

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[polopharm]

Found a sweet spot in the ignition switch , waiting to see if a 1989 Daytona one will work.

On a more fun note going out for a drive. No roads like this in Florida!http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/0100b64ea39ed598d8a436e2263e85bc.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/9d572de694fe980265e8bbe2e32ae400.jpg

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[GLHNSLHT2]

You should hit the LA Crest out of LaCanada-flintridge to I15. Half way through you can cut out to the Mt Wilson Observatory and get a killer view of L.A. at night. Just be wary of the Coyotes around there. Also Glendora Mtn Rd rules as the bottom half was paved for Land Luge back in the early 2000's and while the asphalt has aged some the lines are still awesome. The top half is probably a little rough for a low slung car but in a good handling civic with the right camber it was a lot of fun. Should also hit Ortega hwy from Lake Elsinore(smell some more). Once you get to the O.C. Line though watch your speed. They like to sit on the straight by the mental hospital up there. Mullhouland is ok but the sections I've been on have been to crowded. But ya, best part of L.A. is the roads. 90% of them are killer. That can be taken literally too. I've almost gone over 2 5000ft+ cliffs driving hard in the mountains there.

[player1up]

parts list should have the ign switch...give me a few and I'll post the number.


Here you go CH 4378169... and yes, looks like it cross references to the 89 Daytona, lancer, shadow, Aries, 600 and town & country

[polopharm]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/dc3e5d1af66efcbf3dba69347e445a63.jpg

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[GLHNSLHT2]

ok?????/

[polopharm]

Was on way back from mountains. Trying to figure out posting video.


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[polopharm]

It appears that my original thread has been locked.
I am not sure why.

Went to the car show on Saturday. The Gtp got more attention then anything else by far.
We won the sponsors award and peoples choice. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/06613294f6991cb961e6a3f811dd5862.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/693d6c61377c1e327c6e9a4ab5574eb8.jpg

I was hoarse from all the talking by the end. And the "is it a kitcar" question got old. Only 1 person recognized it.

Most people were guessing value at $150k. I can only hope that will be true someday!

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[135sohc]

I am not sure why either so I reopened it and merged them.

[2.216VTurbo]

You were horse from talking so much:lol:?

[polopharm]

It appears that my original thread has been locked.
I am not sure why.

Went to the car show on Saturday. The Gtp got more attention then anything else by far.
We won the sponsors award and peoples choice. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/06613294f6991cb961e6a3f811dd5862.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160704/693d6c61377c1e327c6e9a4ab5574eb8.jpg

I was hoarse from all the talking by the end. And the "is it a kitcar" question got old. Only 1 person recognized it.

Most people were guessing value at $150k. I can only hope that will be true someday!

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[polopharm]

So saga continues,

Replaced ignition switch, but still would not start.
Fuel pump would run with key in start position, then quit and not hold pressure.
Replaced relays - fuel pump and asd
No change , HotWired the pump, it ran and held pressure but started would not crank!

AJ suggested looking for a bad engine ground strap which I will do later today.
Any other insights??

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[cordes]

Test the starter relay. If that's good and it's getting power then you probably need to replace the starter.

[polopharm]

Even though it was working fine till I HotWired the fuel pump??

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[cordes]

Even though it was working fine till I HotWired the fuel pump??

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That's the easiest way to test it. If you have power at the relay and the relay is good then it's the starter or actual wiring to the starter. I guess I would do a voltage drop test to make sure the wire to the starter isn't causing a problem before replacing it.

[polopharm]

As per my post in the I need help section , the problem was kind of a needle in a hay stack. ,
2 wires coming out of sbec had shorts leading to the coil. ,
Asd and sensors were fine as was ignition switch.

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[polopharm]

So that turned out not to be the only issue. The main ground going to the sbec was also corroded inside the shrink wrap. It was intermittently failing to have good contact.
One sbec toasted in the "repair" process.

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[polopharm]

Milestone- have reached the 1k mark since rebuilding head http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160902/4e1ad8131cd5595af00b65e45e34fbf0.jpg
Not without its share of headaches along they way ,
But what a car!!

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[polopharm]

Taking the beast to Sebring on Monday. , can't wait. There are a couple super high speed WOT turns that will be terrifying./ amazing.
Going to have boost way less then the 20+ I have been running.

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[polopharm]

Getting ready to head back to Santa Barbara with the blue car. Looking forward to getting a chance to drive some twisty roads.
Hopefully with out a roll back across the road.
There are monthly autocross's 30 min from where I live.
Havent done an autocross in 20 years , and never in a turbo car.
Boost in this car comes in at around 3k rpm. And comes on HARD.
So my thoughts are to turn boost way way down , and run car this way ( avoid throttle/ power induced oversteer ) , if there are some long straights i could increase the boost.

So please , turbo people , provide some insight.

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[Reaper1]

Left foot braking

[cordes]

Left foot braking

Yep. And keep the rpm up.

[polopharm]

The left foot brake becomes mildly problematic if course requires a lot of shifting

But combining both posts , keep it in a lower gear shift less , left foot brake. Very difficult to shift without the clutch in this car , regardless of how well you match revs.

In this car on the track, deep trail braking is likely to set up a spin. So will have to practice with my left foot braking.

If nothing else this will be good "skid pad" practice


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[player1up]

....
If nothing else this will be good "skid pad" practice


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At least cones don't hurt as much as tire or concrete barriers. Do they still do autocross out at the fairgrounds? If so, from what I've seen of the area, it's a low speed course, less than 60mph. The consuliers ( specifically Frankenstein ) seem to be more suited to a track day...pbir ;)

[polopharm]

The autocross's I will be running in Ventura Ca are an airport/runway course. Evidently some "high" speed sections.

I agree with your assessment- but there are no tracks within 2.5-3 hr from where I work/live in the summer.
So I will try and have some fun anyway i can get it.

Funny , everytime i drive by the South Florida fairgrounds , I think about sneaking (or more mature option - organizing)in and running an autocross course.

Barret Jackson runs a mini- autocross there during the auction. Mainly dealers trying to sell expensive sports cars.

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[jacob mosler]

just go to sebring/homestead/daytona :P

if anyone needs any help getting started at the race track let me know! we can make it a fun painless experience!

[polopharm]

Yeah Sebring has been a blast , Homestead 2nd , Palm Beach a distant third , in terms of fun.

Gonna be in Cali all summer so looking for some other stuff as tracks are all far away there

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[2.216VTurbo]

Yeah Sebring has been a blast , Homestead 2nd , Palm Beach a distant third , in terms of fun.

Gonna be in Cali all summer so looking for some other stuff as tracks are all far away there

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Sears point and Laguna Seca are a reasonable drive from where you spend summers right?

[polopharm]

Prepping the blue car for trip to California.
While doing an oil change, pulled the filter and the check valve going to the oil cooler fell out in my hands.
So who knows for how long , but no oil was getting to the cooler.
We decided to swap out to a remote oil filter and upgrade the cooler and lines. Stock lines are AN 8, a bit on the small size. So went to a 10 and a bigger cooler .

Also decided to vent the inner fender liner , to allow air to exit easier. The series 1, came with this liner vented already.
Drivers side scoop has inner cooler and oil cooler.
Passenger scoop has a/c condenser and fuel pump/ filters.

Also wanted to say kudos to Mike and Brian Slowe, they made an amazing much larger, custom inner cooler. Amazing fabrication job.

Brian had run huge size 10 fuel lines , 2 pumps and 2 filters. Hard to see , but here are a couple shots.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/9daffd8e6d91d50aa149e512ec6704da.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/78be04db0c7b027c8c2defbc2e8cc6b8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/8e286259a3abf01fc7a91c81ee70a86a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/d682b394c86fbd57086a3aaef70008ac.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/962522c21dbe5712facdedd2d3ba817b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/c259311a636ac2433be746e56f73ccdb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/952d18f4c00b4ccd6036e39420c405c4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170527/5ddc3fb6e6a8e7f19587e28da048d80d.jpg

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[polopharm]

On way back to California, lets hope for no errant roll back trucks.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170606/f07ede2901d97d682f3d502974aa2194.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170606/b4bb44e5be3ff5338ab7468e77da60ac.jpg

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[polopharm]

Been getting the chance to do a bunch of great canyon driving. Put around on 500 miles since June 1st.
Heading to an autocross on the 15 , 16. Have never done one.
Was advised to left foot brake to keep rpm's up , and minimize turbo lag.

I have been doing this whenever I drive it. The biggest thing I have noticed is that the car feels much more balanced on corner entry , and especially on corner exit.
Anyone else had same experience in their GTP?

This car has a modified 555 with some 568 parts ( I am not sure what was done)
But it is very easy to shift clutch-less. Rev match well and it pops in as smoothly as with the clutch.
3 to second is the most tricky but still not bad. Not sure how rugged these tranny's are but assume they are pretty bullet proof based on all the drag racing.


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[johnl]

Have you driven Hudson Ranch Road? It was formerly known as Cerro Noestre. If you take the 33 all the way up to the 166, turn right, or east toward Bakersfield, it comes up in a maybe three miles, turn right and head toward Pine Mountain Club/Gorman. One of the best roads I have ever experienced. If I ever met the road engineer who built/designed it, I'd buy him a steak dinner. Get lunch in Pine Mtn Club and head straight back to the 166. Don't bother with the "loop" of Lockwood Valley Road as Lockwood is half the road that Cerro Noestre is.

Great thread, BTW. Can't wait to see the car. Yeah, tracks are a long way, Willow Springs or Button Willow?

[polopharm]

Thanks for the tip , I will give the 166 a run later this week.
How long is the drive on 166?

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[johnl]

166 is a bore but you are only on it for a short hop. Take 33 up the mountain from Ojai keep going until you hit the 166, turn right until you hit Hudson Ranch Road, right again. Be careful, it is easy to miss Hudson Ranch Road because it is right over the other side of a rise; you're looking into the sky, and "there it is, on the right." Proceed on Hudson Ranch Road for maybe 20 miles of pure driving joy. Then you can continue through Pine Mountain Club and turn right onto Lockwood Valley Road which will take you back to the 33, or, you can just turn around and run Hudson Ranch Road the other direction - which is my choice. Lockwood's road conditions are worse and it's just not as well designed with lots more long straights and parts that are water crossings in the winter.

I've attached three maps, the last one shows the big picture, Ojai to 166 to Hudson Ranch, another the 33/166 junction and the other the 166/Hudson junction.


It's not a short drive, figure 2/3 of a day including an hour for lunch. There's no cell coverage for a lot of that area.


BTW, Buttonwillow is near Bakersfield - which is not terribly far from the 33/166 junction.

[Reaper1]

Was advised to left foot brake to keep rpm's up , and minimize turbo lag.

I have been doing this whenever I drive it. The biggest thing I have noticed is that the car feels much more balanced on corner entry , and especially on corner exit.

But it is very easy to shift clutch-less. Rev match well and it pops in as smoothly as with the clutch.
3 to second is the most tricky but still not bad. Not sure how rugged these tranny's are but assume they are pretty bullet proof based on all the drag racing.


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Yes, you certainly have the right idea it sounds like. The results you are describing are all reasons why it works well when executed correctly.

As for shifting "clutchless"...while the trannies are strong, this eventually will wear out the synchro blocker rings. You really do want to disconnect the input from the engine when shifting gears (up or down) so the synchro blocker rings are only trying to speed match the gear set, not the entire engine. Unless you've flubbed a shift a LOT, doing it a few times isn't going to mess anything up, but keep doing it and eventually gears will start to grind. If our trannies still had parts available...then maybe I'd say it's worth it to just replace parts, but since this isn't the case, taking it a little easier will keep the smiles going and the wallet closed for a lot longer.

[polopharm]

Thanks for the input. The shifts are normally smooth in worst case are just a little clunky, but not grinding. As i said before 3-2 is the worst shift to get perfect. And the shifts are not significantly different when done with or without the clutch. Car has an aluminum flywheel and 4 puck clutch.
I did not realize that tranny parts were NLA. It amazes me how many parts are NLA for these turbo mopar drivetrains considering how many were made and how many are still out there.
(Consider that almost every part is still available for a Delorean)


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[cordes]

Thanks for the input. The shifts are normally smooth in worst case are just a little clunky, but not grinding. As i said before 3-2 is the worst shift to get perfect. And the shifts are not significantly different when done with or without the clutch. Car has an aluminum flywheel and 4 puck clutch.
I did not realize that tranny parts were NLA. It amazes me how many parts are NLA for these turbo mopar drivetrains considering how many were made and how many are still out there.
(Consider that almost every part is still available for a Delorean)


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The one thing we have going for us is that the synchros are the same for all the cars for 3/4 and 5th. Other than that, once they're worn out, it'll be time to have more made.

[polopharm]

I guess I should never plan on more then 500 miles without a somewhat major repair!
Went out for a quick drive over the mountains. 10 miles in blew a hole through the header. Man, what a drag.
Its the custom header that Mike had made.
I have been running +/- 20 lbs of boost. Been driving somewhat hard , never been up to rev limiter(6500 rpm)
Will be looking for someone to weld it back together.
Looks like my autocross will not be happening.
Went back and looked at a picture my son took the last time i drove the car and you can see that it had already started cracking. But I really could not detect a sound change and the afr was reading normally right up to when it blew out. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170718/7724b644b5c9130d33f6a201440dcfb0.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170718/be3bfc430938def6ea169870853aa1c6.jpg

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[2.216VTurbo]

Looks kinda like it 'tore' loose from the weight of the WG. I'd have a small supporting bracket made when you have it welded.

[polopharm]

Ding ding ding. Good call !
Just spoke to Brian.
I am going to pull it off and send it to him. That was his idea as well.
Amazing how heavy the waste gate is. I started taking it off and the whole section of pipe just fell off in my hands
So yeah he will figure out a supporting brace, and hopefully not too much down time.


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[wheming]

Maybe it can simply be gusseted back to itself from underneath to support the cantilevered weight?

[polopharm]

Thats what Brian planned on going, good call. I was thinking it was going to require more support. Hopefully you guys are right.

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[polopharm]

I will try and shoot a picture of the engine cover , it was getting cooked. Luckily didnt have to drive it too far.

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[Wastelands Warrior]

Guess when you have one of the coolest cars in existence unique problems develop.

[polopharm]

Header off and on way back to Brian Slowe.
Going to swap over to Cindy's exhaust studs , vs the current bolts.
Looks like the cometic manifold gasket was leaking a bit from 2nd and 3rd cylinders. Thats part of the reason to go to the studs. Hopefully can get it on tighter.

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[Wastelands Warrior]

Might want to put some high temp silicone on the gasket when you replace it. Always works for me when sealing up exhaust leaks.

[polopharm]

Good call. Thanks.
Hopefully be up and running for the autocross Aug 12.

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[Wastelands Warrior]

Very cool!

[polopharm]

I am hoping not to jinx myself but....
I have driven the blue car 2k miles since June.
The only setbacks were the faulty temp sensor and the cracked header.

I did the recall function on the tach. The majority of those miles were at 4.3k rpm , the highest was 6.8k. Running 15 - 20 psi.
The engine has been running great. The tranny as well. I feel like the tranny linkage is kind of " breaking in" , it is far less notchy and hard to engage into gear.

Question for all the T3 people - what type of maintenance schedule should I have based on this type of driving? What kind of longevity should I expect?

Thanks again for your input.

Ps I took Johnl 's advice and have been doing weekly runs on rt 33.
I am pretty sure they filmed the Leno's garage Mustang gt350 episode on this road.
Great part is - as John said- you have great visibility of the road ahead, and can drive full on race track style - using both lanes, late apex's , full throttle out of the turns .
And be confident no one is coming the other way.
Super super fun, 100 miles of twisty road .


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[polopharm]

Heading to Willowsprings this weekend , then back to Florida.
I am going to miss the roads out here. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170913/f5477779aefe8d6f2943957bf2561969.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170913/f7306568a67fb9430dc99b411de46919.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170913/d732aa05d2dd070546f028b9678f1e1e.jpg

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170913/d058202dd65e6f985bc5c77f5a308eed.jpg

[GLHNSLHT2]

You've been spotted enjoying those roads too. Skip to the 6 minute mark for the good stuff :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFvTdd0w5rU

[polopharm]

Thats hilarious! And I must say it does sound good going by.....
His reaction is classic!!

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[Thrillz]

Still puts a smile on my face every time these cars get that reaction!

[player1up]

Still puts a smile on my face every time these cars get that reaction!

Me too. I love when it stops people in their tracks. Priceless!

And it does sound awesome going by!

[Reaper1]

What!? WHAT!? *slow mo* wwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttt tttttt!!!!!!!??????????

That looked like a straight race car! (basically.....yeah!)

[polopharm]

His reaction is so funny.
Who was first to identify it? I am guessing it was someone from here.

I have to admit I re-sent it to a lot of friends. Thanks again GLHNSLHT2



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[2.216VTurbo]

What kind of event at Willow, big track? I gotta admit, I love the primitive nature of willow, S's thru turn 5, wide open sweeper thru 9:nod: Also gotta admit, I hate the primitive nature of Willow.:mad: I swear they haven't put a single dollar into upgrades in the 30 years I've been going. lousy concessions, even worse bathrooms, car destroying boulders 10' feet off track...

[83scamp]

What kind of event at Willow, big track? I gotta admit, I love the primitive nature of willow, S's thru turn 5, wide open sweeper thru 9:nod: Also gotta admit, I hate the primitive nature of Willow.:mad: I swear they haven't put a single dollar into upgrades in the 30 years I've been going. lousy concessions, even worse bathrooms, car destroying boulders 10' feet off track...

You ought to run Waterford Hills... 10' off the track you're into the fence...:wow1: That was one of the big warnings we got this year at SDAC, that track is not forgiving of screw ups...

Still, it was an absolute blast. My first time ever running a road course. With better wheels/tires, and a little more power, I could see myself getting into that... Guess I need to start gathering pieces to duplicate the engine in the Scamp for the Daytona...

Uh oh, here I go again....:banghead:

[polopharm]

@ 2.216VTurbo-
You were dead on about willow springs. Did 1 track day in Gtp, and 1 in a friends Miata. Blue car did great. Was fast , and so easy to drive at high speeds. Did not get as light in the front as I expected. On the roughest asphalt it got a little squirrelly at high speeds.
For those that don't know it , Willowsprings is called " the fastest road in the West" . Its insanely fast , and equally insanely poorly maintained. So you can hit 150 in the Consulier, take turn 8 at WOT , and just as likely hit a pothole as not.
Literally ever inch of the track has tire tracks going off into the dirt , even the straights!( there are no curbs , nor paved run offs)

It reminded me of after the Zombie apocalypse. A crazy ghost town feel.
Note the Ford graveyard. I counted 10 el camino's.

Will post pictures of the Consulier when I get them.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/7edee687521a46992692305725c591bd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/f726ce11041e269b8b54a80563937b38.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170923/70878825d7e943012e0b9f9e772d222e.jpg

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[2.216VTurbo]

I bent a rear control am and trashed an expensive wheel on my 2005 SRT6 slamming into a basketball sized boulder that *shouldn't* have been 20' off of the racing line. I've sworn off Willow since. BTW, your front strait speeds will be +20MPH over WSR at the Fontana Auto Club Speedway if you get a chance to run there. If you've never been 10/10ths on a track with 17degree banking, it's an experience! SpeedVentures (my favorite 'on track experience' company) runs there often.

[johnl]

Yep, turn 8 through 9 is a spooky fast right right and there are bumps out there that will bottom your left front bump stop, provoking front end slide/rotation.

Nice pics at Wolf's on 33. Did you get over to Hudson Ranch Road (formerly Cerro Noestre) ? If not, you really should before Florida.

[Rrider]

150!? Nice.. I've bent a wheel there too.

[johnl]

When my MC friends do track days at Willow, as AJ says, I don't do the "big track" but I will if they're doing "Streets of Willow" You meant to say, Rancheros in that graveyard.

[polopharm]

Yeah that was a bad mistake. Good thing this is not a Ford forum.

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[johnl]

You've probably driven by "The Place," that bar/restaurant on Hwy 33 in Ventucopa. Over the weekend I camped there with some Velocette guys and come Sunday AM we rode a loop - 33 to 166 to Hudson Ranch Road (aka Cerro Noestre) to Pine Mountain Club and back by way of Lockwood Valley.


A friend who was there just bought Buell XB9S which he let me ride, not this particular one; his is black/silver, 5000 on the clock. He couldn't get me off of it. What a hoot! Cornering fool. Rode the whole loop.

Chassis is modeled after a TZ250. 52" wheelbase, 21* rake, superlight wheels, 385 pounds dry, 984cc Buell modified HD Sportster, 75 horse, dry sump oil in swing arm, gas in frame, giant air box. It's 2/3 scale, Feels like a 450 Ducati single; comfortable sit up naked bike; you don't see the headlight/front end in your peripheral vision. Short.

It is so responsive that it goes there without thinking. Best handling bike I EVER rode. I don't understand reviews that knock that perimeter rotor front brake; the thing was faultless; plenty strong, not that Cerro/Lockwood are super demanding on brakes. My only handling complaint is that the fork/brake had a bit too much dive/bite on speed correction trail braking; too touchy on the initial light squeeze. Fixable fault.


The thing was giggly fun. Perfect for low altitude fly by of Cerro/Hudson Ranch. Flat wide rheostat power band, forget the gearbox, leave it in 3rd and concentrate on cornering speed, fast in fast out, throttling it out to the edge. Didn't go so fast or get so familiar with it that I could over steer it with that torque but I know that that action is just a couple of rides away. Engine is sneaky fast, speedo easily swings past a hundred and without trying I saw 120.


Not only is it a marvel of collectible one man design, it is truly competent; I want one to the point of selling something to make room.

[polopharm]

Went to Sebring this weekend , was at Palm beach international a couple weeks ago.
While at palm beach the coolant line from block to turbo melted. It was a stainless hose with additional insulation around it. It was running too close to the header. The rubber inside the hose was toasted.
We re-routed it , and tried one of those " boy-racer" looking turbo blankets.

At Sebring , it all went smoothly. Also had brand new Toyo R888r tires on (225/45/16 on all 4 corners)
Tire rack did not heat cycle them , so I took it easy the first 2 sessions.
Last 2 , I went at it a bit harder. In the pictures i will leave it up to you to decide who I had passed and who was trying to pass me!

I can drive the car much faster left foot braking. Sebring, for me, requires a lot of shifting. So rather then shift clutch-less ,I went back and forth - left foot brake and clutch , right always on throttle. Trying to not to put too much wear on gearbox.

All told I am excited to get the race car going , and wont worry about using the clutch at all! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/8b751dae5b374bda3e9dd5c679835921.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/9d0fd3b2cab642c1fea073ab664d1356.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/d0ec8c0f335015e72d229fef2aa96c3b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171109/74add3f23ccde45ed75b7ec222aafff5.jpg

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[wheming]

Pictures look good, but i bet it looks great real-time slinging around the course!
We need video! ;)

[polopharm]

I got some video but my mounting point was vibrating too much. Next time!

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[Reaper1]

I say there was probably a lot of people *trying* to pass you, but very few that could even keep up, let alone get close.

[2.216VTurbo]

I'll bet your E36 buddies were PI$$ED:lol:

[Rrider]

Car looks good on course!

Somebody could maybe run the video clip through a "deshaker" video filter to salvage it. Unless its total garbage.

[polopharm]

Huh , i didnt know that existed. Is there a specific program?
Going to another event on 12/5. Will try and use my son's go pro.

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[Reaper1]

Yeah, it picks reference points in frames, then reframes each frame on those points making the desired image "stable".

[Rrider]

Virtualdub its deshaker plugin seem to be the most popular free one. I'll give it a shot if you don't want to mess around with it.

[jacob mosler]

lower that thing down!

[polopharm]

Any lower and the front tires touch the fender. Going to increase neg camber and see if we can drop it some.
Back has plenty of room to come down.
But not the front. Am going with some softer springs.

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[polopharm]

Going to run car back to alignment shop, they specialize in race cars.
Going to have him make set up more aggressive , more negative camber , see if we can drop it down a little. Enclose are specs from my original series 1 , second is current set up on blue car. Note the red car has more neg camber , different toe etc. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171118/caa49b51bf10af4f12bcd5becbda6dca.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171118/4255df6ee3a6d6f90344e6b76cd929e7.jpg

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[GLHNSLHT2]

LOL, my wife's Jeep GC Overland has more camber and caster than that. So do all of my cars actually. I'd give some advice on what to set it too but I can't find anywhere where you mention what problems you are having with it or what you'd like it to do more or less of. But I bet it understeers pretty damn good especially at bumpy places like Sebring. But if it were mine I'd see what I could do about increasing the caster if possible, and then set the the camber at -1.6 at all 4 corners.

[polopharm]

One of the issues to remember- its a mid-engine, rear drive car. So you need to be careful as they have the tendency to get tail happy.
But i agree with you. Thats my plan. More neg camber , caster.
I need to get car lower, but as you assumed , it understeer's , except when you induce throttle oversteer. And the car does not like being up on curbing. The bumps on a straight arent too bad. But as stated before going to a softer spring rate also.

Ideally looking for a better in between of under/over steer.

The current alignment was based on the shop owners experience with similar style race and street cars. I dont believe there are any Consulier specs anywhere.

So he's going to play with it this week then off to Pbir on 12/5.

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[GLHNSLHT2]

Yea I'd go even camber all the way around @ -1.6 and see if you can increase the caster at all. Increasing the caster should help with it hitting the curbing and being ok. No one has any info for any turbo-mopar no matter what it is so you have to learn to figure it out yourself. But I'd bet this setting would balance it out based on what you're saying and the specs you're already set at.

[polopharm]

Just had the alignment done.
The most interesting thing to me is the change since the alignment was done 3k miles ago( when every suspension part was brand new).
Front toe
Rt side went from 0.05 to 0.1
Lt side went from 0.04 to 0.22.

Rear toe
Rt went from 0.07 to -0.18
Lt went from 0.04 to -0.13.

Today's specs are included.
Front camber was maxed out at -1.3 , to get anymore would involve slotting the upper control arms.
Rear camber was kept at -1.3.
Caster was maxed out already , but he felt the numbers were ok.

The shop specializes in race cars and the owner based these numbers off of his own Porsche Cayman race car, and experience with mid-engine cars.

He tried to minimize front toe , and did not add rear camber in an attempt to minimize oversteer. He dropped car as much as he could.

Going back to track next week. Looking forward to seeing how it feels. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171128/e1255da83593b04c8fcd83a012141413.jpg

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[GLHNSLHT2]

Much better.

Any way to mod the Suspension arms to gain a little more adjustability? I don't recall what the suspension looks like exactly off the top of my head but if you could shorten the upper arm it'd increase camber gain as the suspension compresses which would allow you to run less at a static load. Also if you could move it rearward any that'd increase the caster which helps too.

[polopharm]

Went to track this afternoon, aside from my early exit due to shifter cable issues( see my other post) , car was great.
Best ever. Much less understeer, better grip and nice ability to power oversteer as needed.

Set cold tire presuure at 20 front and 22 rear. It was much better at this lower pressure.

So I dont plan on any further suspension changes till I get some laps in.

Will add some video once i have it together.

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[bfarroo]

What would you guess was the adjustment that made the most difference? I'm guessing front camber.

[GLHNSLHT2]

Increasing the front camber would give more grip but also the change in rear toe would help the car to rotate better. I'd say they both have a similar gain.

[polopharm]

Its hard to say , but i can say with 100% certainty that it feels great. Changing a couple variables at once....
The lower cold air pressure also was much better.

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[polopharm]

As I posted prior I had the shifter cable break at the track and the tranny leaking through the fill plug.
Got the shifter cables done , fixed a couple engine oil leaks. Drilled and tapped filler hole , added a proper threaded plug.
Drove down the parking lot and had a terrible gear noise coming from tranny. Very difficult to hear from inside the car due to the super loud exhaust noise. But from outside was like nuts n bolts in a dryer.
----!
My mechanic pulled the tranny( which can be done without dropping engine as some GTP people have asked)
Removed the shifter selector cover and found lots of bearing chunks.
Also the throw out bearing was broken , was still in place, but cracked.
Mike Wah had the tranny rebuilt and it is a modified A555 with some parts from an A568. I always heard these were pretty bullet proof.

So my question is - are there any tools required that are specific to this tranny?

I am thinking I should buy an old Lotus Europa with Lucas wiring , as I may have better luck with hours of driving vs wrenching!!

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[cordes]

They're not bad to rebuild at all. The only thing I could think of that a well equipped shop would potentially need is the tool to remove the intermediate shaft bearing.

This is from the dark ages of my videos, but you'll get the idea.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qZkXYXMWno

[polopharm]

Hey thanks for that video! , I am hoping the tools for the BMW Gertrag tranny's are the same. Fingers crossed.

Does anyone know what parts from the A568 would have been swapped over? Are the bearings the same between 555& 568?


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[cordes]

Hey thanks for that video! , I am hoping the tools for the BMW Gertrag tranny's are the same. Fingers crossed.

Does anyone know what parts from the A568 would have been swapped over? Are the bearings the same between 555& 568?


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The intermediate shaft bearing is different, and I believe the input shaft bearings are too. The main thing which can be used between the two transmissions are the 3/4 and 5th synchro. The 89 555 1/2 synchro is the same as the 568. You can use the same 3, 4, and 5th gear between the two also.

[polopharm]

This was what fell out of the tranny and the magnet is full of metal sludge. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180104/f03b30f2ac450b2d33f707a2d0f2d96e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180104/56bdaebc0bc61738d7b9b90c2fded353.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180104/8a5bc8b769dd89e60b6b6896f9447c3a.jpg

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[cordes]

It doesn't look like that trans is very happy. How does the gear set look when you peek in the area behind the selector cover?

[polopharm]

Gears look ok , I will post pictures of them tomorrow.

I have heard some people Jack the cars to raise the fill side of the tranny to get in extra fluid- I have never done that. How important is that to do? And I also had leaking from the filler hole - perhaps this was enough to toast the bearings? The combo of less fluid to start as well as some leaking.

Tranny never shifted badly, no grinding, no indication of this failure.

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[cordes]

Low fluid is bad. Especially on a car that handles well. You'll lose 5th gear first because it's the highest and on the outside of everything else. I've always jacked it up high and filled. I've never had a problem with a trans. I would not be able to stomach a leak at all. Eminent failure for those who let their trans leak for any period of time. It's just too hard to keep up on and there's only so much fluid in there to begin with. Add hard turns, higher friction from the higher RPM and more power and that makes things even worse.

These are perhaps the most stout FWD transaxles ever produced, but they don't like to be run low on fluid. If your gear set is in good shape still, I'd call that a victory.

[Reaper1]

Looks like maybe a pinion tooth and some intermediate shaft bearing... :(

[polopharm]

Was tinkering with the car last night waiting for tranny to be rebuilt.
Started thinking of what pieces of the car have not been replaced or worked on since I got it 2 + years ago. Hopefully the shifter cables were the last pieces!

So far I could only come up with the rear bumper - so I took it off and replaced the nuts that secure it to the body.
Other wise I could not think of a single part.
Try and think of any bit or piece and I bet fingers have been laid on it - replaced , fixed , adjusted....




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[Reaper1]

Do you know what ended up being broken in the tranny?

[polopharm]

Finally got tranny fully torn apart. The output shaft is bad, all bearings and synchros will be replaced as well. Not all were bad. The 5th gear synchro was the worst, which surprised me.
Also trying to figure out which parts of this tranny would have the 568 parts swapped in?
Why does it have 2 springs per gear? Seems like it would just make shifting harder , but is there a reason?

So now the big question- where do I buy this stuff?
I assume the parts are all NLA?
I would like to get tranny back in car by Feb 4. So time is of the essence. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180124/a31848f9e4786cb78d802760bbef2661.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180124/39ed26a4e613656dbaeefbab80e0f1f2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180124/dd0fe52fa3ad091fe5023ef8731e222d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180124/21c8b87fddefbff0c682b6d824319eeb.jpg

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[Chris W]

OUCH!!! Edward Papp or Jackson can probably hook you up.

Chris-TU

[tryingbe]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BK375WS-BEARING-KIT-FITS-DODGE-5SPD-NP520-555-1987-1990-W-SYNCHROS/152483332332?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[2.216VTurbo]

Super commin failure point on the nose bearing race on the input shaft. Depending on what you decide to swap, that input shaft is NOT junk! It just needs to be sleeved, been done a thousand times on 555's.

[player1up]

From what I remember , the double spring is to reduce the 2nd gear crunch. I think it makes the syncro work harder.

[polopharm]

The shaft has about a 1/4 inch of wear , with a giant step notched into it , my mechanic didn't think there was anything left to sleeve.

[polopharm]

Thanks for the link on the bearings!
And maybe if anyone has a spare shaft to sell I would buy it and then deal with this one later.

I have a spare tranny but am trying to save time and labor to completely tear it down if I can source another one

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[johnl]

Yeah, you might make a "parts wanted" post. Someone might have a rebuilt trans on the shelf, ready for a car that's a long way from running.

[135sohc]

Super commin failure point on the nose bearing race on the input shaft. Depending on what you decide to swap, that input shaft is NOT junk! It just needs to be sleeved, been done a thousand times on 555's.

Normally I would agree but look closer at the journals where the gears are riding, that shaft has been oil starved severely.


Just a freak occurrence or a tell tale sign of how bad the oil starvation was. Never seen the thrust washer/spacer between 2nd and 3rd self destruct like that.

[polopharm]

That's what my engine guy said too. I think I did the damage via a leak thru drain plug , and not jacking up the side of the car to overfill tranny. And higher G force type driving.

So as I am such an ignorant Mopar owner -
This a555 tranny would have had the input shaft changed to an a568 in order to work with the t3? I think Mike said something involving 1st and 2nd gear were rebuilt with 568 parts.

My particular tranny has double springs on all the gears.
Shifting was very notchy but also very positive. Recommendations- keep the double springs or go to 1?

If I were to look for a used tranny, do I get a 555 or a 568.

( Once my race car is done this car will revert to just spirited street use)

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[johnl]

Either one, try for one built with a 3.50 final. Let others chime in.

[135sohc]

That transmission has an 87-88 input shaft, fifth gear is secured with the reverse spline and lock ring. Intermediate shaft looks like an 89 if first and second do not have a single large brass ring but a 3 piece ring setup. That would support using parts from a 568.

[polopharm]

So we pulled an A555 tranny off of one of the NOS drivetrains I got from Rossion.
We had to modify it for the crank sensor for the T3 , and for the Consulier shift linkage. Some of the seals were dried out but overall was relatively straight forward.

The only problem now is 5th gear. It seems that this 5th gear is much taller then the old one. We used the old final drive/diff , so no change there. Did some of these tranny's have an overdrive and others a 1 to 1 fifth?

The car has the power to handle the taller gearing but I don't like it.

PS - Rossion brought a car out to the track for my friend and mechanic Peter ( also an SCCA National champion) to do some shake down runs.

The Consulier is significantly more powerful and faster in the straights and sweeping turns, but the bigger rubber on the Rossion made it easier to keep the power on during tight turns and for rapid acceleration with less wheel spin.



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[cordes]

All the 5th gears should be the same, or very very close to it. It's probably the easiest gear to customize though, so I wouldn't rule out that possibility.

[86Shelby]

The standard 555/568/520/523 5th gear ratios are .71:1 and .72:1. Generally you'll find the .71 paired with the 3.85 final drive.