my new toy

[The_Bishop]

Did you have the A/C, defroster, or blower running? The motor can get a little noisy at low speeds when it's getting old.

[bigz28man]

So it was from the front? That rules out fuel pump.

Depends but the fans could have kicked on at that point.

Yup it's coming from the front. I can switch my fans on manually. I'll try that when I get out there tonight.

[bigz28man]

So the car stalled out again. I can't make sense out what it's doing. No codes and it all appears to be random. I set up November 1st for it to go to tune time. Im going to trailer it over there so to avoid road issues.

[Blackbirdws6]

How is that ICM looking? It was the only issue I had where the car would just stall out of nowhere with no warning or CEL. It would only do it once the car was warmed up.

[bigz28man]

How is that ICM looking? It was the only issue I had where the car would just stall out of nowhere with no warning or CEL. It would only do it once the car was warmed up.

It appears to be fine. The car seems to stall about 4 minutes into a cold start just idling there.

[sweetbmxrider]

Stalls and won't restart?

[bigz28man]

Stalls and won't restart?

It will restart, though it takes a bit almost like it's floaded

[bigz28man]

Though it doesn't stall in this video. You guys can see it idles fine at a steady 1100 and out of the blue it will stall.
https://youtu.be/PLAf6ljo-k4

[sweetbmxrider]

Maybe take a look at the idle air control module, the tps sensor voltage, the cleanliness of the throttle body and idle air passages, and vacuum leaks. No egr, correct?

[bigz28man]

Maybe take a look at the idle air control module, the tps sensor voltage, the cleanliness of the throttle body and idle air passages, and vacuum leaks. No egr, correct?

No egr. My buddy and I are going to go through those. I've had vacuum leak on the back of my mind. Just don't know if a leak would explain inconsistency. Then again if a vacuum hose is loose it would.

Would a vacuum leak cause it to run rich? Seems like it's running rich.

[sweetbmxrider]

Yeah, unmetered air the maf isn't seeing but the 02's are so it compensates and adds more fuel. If you have a scanner with datastream, one or both long term o2s will be reading high positive numbers like 15+ at idle. If you rev it up to say 2-3k, the numbers will drop to at or near 0 which would indicate a vacuum leak.

[bigz28man]

so after checking for vacuum leaks and the fuel pressure regulator and finding nothing the car did throw eventually throw a code. i was able to bring it to tune time (driven) and from what Ive been informed the opti spark is the issue. So the 24x conversion is in order. my question is will this conversion give me more power and what should I expect after its retuned. thankx guys

[LTb1ow]

The only reason you should see more power is if whoever did the LT1 tune sucked and the new tune fixes all those shortcomings.

Otherwise, its a very expensive opti.

What exactly did TTP say the code was? And or, why not just replace the opti...?

[sweetbmxrider]

Definitely get us the actual code.

[bigz28man]

P1371 was the code

[sweetbmxrider]

Ah ok. Just make sure you check the opti harness first. If that looks good, opti/ignition upgrade time.

[bigz28man]

So I decided to go with the 24x conversion kit by torquehead. 3k with parts labor and new tune and the car is back running. I know the Ls motor should have been where to go to but with 12k into this 396 motor that option was off the table. I look at this way when it comes time to sell it and swap to my 408 I'm building the 24x kit will be a nice selling feature. Again thanks guys for your help, everything you guys had me check, checked out ok. Opti failure was the issue.

[sweetbmxrider]

Good to hear its back up and running

[Blackbirdws6]

Time for it to race? Glad it's back up and running...with more tuning flexibility too.

[bigz28man]

Well it's not back up and running yet. Parts will be here Wednesday.

[bigz28man]

A photo of my torguehead 24x taken from tune time performance facebook page

[bigz28man]

I also wanted to add this photo. Its the entire kit i got, photo taken from torquehead website. Its to bad i could not trailer the car down here in flordia where I'm at now. Some really nice cars down here.

[bigz28man]

I asked tune time to send out my valve covers to be powder coated. They came out awesome...I'm getting rid of some of polished looked.

[bigz28man]

Some photos at tune time time. Nice new Ls computer and coilpack assembly

[Blackbirdws6]

Black PC valve covers came out nice. If you ever need to get another set, def try and find the composite covers. They just work damn well.

When should TT be done with the work?

[bigz28man]

Black PC valve covers came out nice. If you ever need to get another set, def try and find the composite covers. They just work damn well.

When should TT be done with the work?

TT should be done with the conversion by tomorrow, then the electric fans are getting replaced. The whining noise started to happen all the time. Defiantly a bearing going in one one the fans. Should be dynoed next week.

[bigz28man]

Torqhead 24x conversion done

[bigz28man]

I also purchased this tb plate, just shipped from canada

[ar0ck]

It fits so nicely underneath, I just can't justify the cost though. After this thread I did my own investigation and boy must be nice!

[bigz28man]

It fits so nicely underneath, I just can't justify the cost though. After this thread I did my own investigation and boy must be nice!

All said and done I'm in for it at 3500 with labor (kit, spark plugs, powder coating valve covers, and retune). I was hoping to put my 408 in this car down the road. but now its not worth it. Its physically a Lt1 and in a way, mentally a Ls

I just now hate how bad my headers are rusted. it has crossed my mind swapping them out for a set of stainless (cermic coated ) kooks w kooks y-pipe

[bigz28man]

Some more photos I took today.

[bigz28man]

What my opti spark did to my plugs.

[LTb1ow]

An opti doesn't do anything but distribute spark. A tune did that to your plugs.

Just like coil packs will do the same thing with a lousy tune.

I am all for LSX stuff, but don't drink the koolaid that much.

[bigz28man]

An opti doesn't do anything but distribute spark. A tune did that to your plugs.

Just like coil packs will do the same thing with a lousy tune.

I am all for LSX stuff, but don't drink the koolaid that much.

would a failing opti cause the plugs to not spark enough, meaning sometimes the plug would spark and other times it does not, in turn all that excess fuel not being burnt. those plugs say "rich" all over them but... All i can hope for is this car performs like a beast, that i built it to be.

[bigz28man]

Torqhead tb plate came in today

[FlyingDutchman]

That's awesome. I really like the torqhead kit and have been considering it, a bit expensive though. Could save some money getting coils and other parts from a junkyard I'm sure, would help if he was located in the US, too. Worth the money for reliability and more tuning options. If I pull my motor out again I'll probably swap to 24x.

[bigz28man]

That's awesome. I really like the torqhead kit and have been considering it, a bit expensive though. Could save some money getting coils and other parts from a junkyard I'm sure, would help if he was located in the US, too. Worth the money for reliability and more tuning options. If I pull my motor out again I'll probably swap to 24x.

Torqhead does have cheaper forms of the kit, I kinda went a little overboard with it.

[bigz28man]

Anyone know anyone selling kooks headers and y-pipe?Looking for a set of lt1 kooks long tube off road headers part #22402200, and off road y pipe #22403100.

[bigz28man]

So I got the z28 back. The throttle response is throw you back in the seat instantaneous. Had a question for you guys through. I went to put on the torqhead tb plate and found that the bolt holes don't line up the same as the holley tb plate causing the back of the torqhead plate to not clear the front of the intake by a 1/16". Just frustrating. Any ideas on what to do guys?

thinking about cutting out a aluminum spacer and putting that between the gasket and tb to raise the tb plate, drilling the holes and calling it a day.

[Blackbirdws6]

I'd ask torque head. If they machined it wrong, they owe you a new plate. A spacer would do it but may look a little odd.

[bigz28man]

I'd ask torque head. If they machined it wrong, they owe you a new plate. A spacer would do it but may look a little odd.

I will speak with the owner Paul over at torqhead tomorrow

[sweetbmxrider]

I thought I remember reading around that holley tb's are slightly different and aftermarket plates don't work, its been awhile though.

[Blackbirdws6]

I thought I remember reading around that holley tb's are slightly different and aftermarket plates don't work, its been awhile though.

You are correct. Just wasn't sure if the plate he purchased was specified for a Holley so best to ask them.

[bigz28man]

I thought I remember reading around that holley tb's are slightly different and aftermarket plates don't work, its been awhile though.

Adam you are right, Holley centers there bolts where stock is more offset forward. Paul at torqhead is having one made up for me to fit on the Holley tb.

[bigz28man]

Stupid question for you guys, I'm in the middle of cleaning up this engine bay on this car and while doing so I wanted to remove the radiator shroud to have it powder coated black. Besides the 3 10mm bolts what else holds this shroud on? Without being in front of the car I'm trying to picture what else is there.

[Blackbirdws6]

Just the three bolts. There is a rubber U piece under each side where it basically secures to the top of the radiator.

[bigz28man]

Just the three bolts. There is a rubber U piece under each side where it basically secures to the top of the radiator.

thanks man, needle nose pliers to remove rubber U piece?

[Blackbirdws6]

thanks man, needle nose pliers to remove rubber U piece?

That works but be careful not to rip those little nubs on top.

[bigz28man]

That works but be careful not to rip those little nubs on top.

Any trick on removing them?

[Blackbirdws6]

Little squirt of WD40 and push them from the top vs pulling from the bottom.

[bigz28man]

Little squirt of WD40 and push them from the top vs pulling from the bottom.

Thank you Sir.

[bigz28man]

So if anyone knows of a cliff I'd like to throw this car off of it. Decided to take it out for a drive today before I left for vacation and it stalls. Defiantly a tune issue...just tired of this. 5k spent on and a verighty of things done. Yes it made more hp but come on. It's going back to ttp, when I get back, and I don't want it back till it's fixed for good.

It's a cold start problem. But when I give it gas and let off the clutch and give it gas, it falls on its face now.

[Blackbirdws6]

Ugh that sucks. The good part is you know what it is and how to get it resolved. Hopefully TTP will get it squared away with some more tuning. This is one of those skills I hope to improve upon.

[LTb1ow]

Drag it to TTP and then drag Matt out to fix it.

You paid for a tune, and he did not deliver, don't relent.

[bigz28man]

Drag it to TTP and then drag Matt out to fix it.

You paid for a tune, and he did not deliver, don't relent.

I just don't get it the week I get it back (3 weeks ago today) it's breaking the tires loose going into 4th gear to this. What I have found is it got a "ticking" burn your eyes pre 02 exhaust leak. I feel and have pin pointed it to that slip joint hooker headers have. I'm done with these headers, they have a 4" band clamp from 3 years ago. Kooks long tubes and y-pipe have been ordered and getting ceramic coated. Should be 4 weeks. I just don't see this exhaust leak was not seen through live info.

Now i sit and ponder obout this opti spark sitting in my garage. Yes it did through opti codes but it needs to be tested on what failed. My stomach is turning slightly thinking this opti spark is fine

[ar0ck]

Sounds like you have a bigger problem than an exhaust leak.

[bigz28man]

Sounds like you have a bigger problem than an exhaust leak.

What comes to mind? Lifters? anyway to check without tearing motor apart? Just seems like that sound is down real low by that slip joont

[LTb1ow]

Could be as simple as a burnt coil wire, or burnt 02s

[bigz28man]

I spoke with Doug over at east coast supercharger said he would take an hour and tell me what he thinks...what do you guys think?

[MDSheds_SS]

Have you spoke to anyone at TTP about your issues? Maybe they can help you since they just worked on the car.

[LTb1ow]

I spoke with Doug over at east coast supercharger said he would take an hour and tell me what he thinks...what do you guys think?

If TTP did the work, they should fix it.

Once you bring it elsewhere TTP will never agree to work on it

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Have you spoke to anyone at TTP about your issues? Maybe they can help you since they just worked on the car.

+1 rule of any contracting field, never take it to multiple people or have multiple companies look at the same problem. You'll never figure it out that way, or it'll cost 10x as much.

[bigz28man]

I spoke to ttp the other day when the issue was accruing prior to me leaving. They did say bring it right over, when i get back. So next Thursday (1 week from today when I get home) we'll see whats up.

[The_Bishop]

Any Updates?

[bigz28man]

Any Updates?

None Sir, I got back mid afternoon last Thursday and have been stuck working. spoke with Tom over there, it's going to go this Thursday. I hope its something stupid. I also developed that oil leak again from the rear of the oil pan. Trying to determine if it's the drain plug, oil pan seal, or rear main. Oil is dripping from the plug area onto cardboard. Insert photo of me bashing my head against wall.

[bigz28man]

Got the car to ttp this morning. On the way there every time I get to a stop light, the rpms would drop as low as 600 then slowly climb back up to 1000. Usually its the opposite, I'd get to said stop light rpms would stay at about 1700 for a few seconds then drop to 1000.

[Blackbirdws6]

Good you got it there. Now let's hope they figure it out with little trouble.

[bigz28man]

So ttp says there is nothing wrong with the car. Ummm What? After mother nature gets done with her nonsense, I'll be picking the car and bringing it home.

[Blackbirdws6]

So ttp says there is nothing wrong with the car. Ummm What? After mother nature gets done with her nonsense, I'll be picking the car and bringing it home.

Well thats more than a little bit frustrating. Do you think you can easily repeat the issue? If so, I'd suggest they put someone in the car with you to show them the problem.

[LTb1ow]

So ttp says there is nothing wrong with the car. Ummm What? After mother nature gets done with her nonsense, I'll be picking the car and bringing it home.

Unless you want start from scratch some where else, just bite the bullet and be a pain in the ass to TTP.

Force them to show you that its not a tune issue.

[bigz28man]

I don't know guys. I told them about the drop in idle approaching a stop, maybe the hesitation is just me. I'll talk more with them when I can get over there

[sweetbmxrider]

You'd know better than them

[wretched73]

can you do any data logging on your own and show logs of the issue?

[WildBillyT]

can you do any data logging on your own and show logs of the issue?

Or get a GoPro and take a video of the behavior.

[bigz28man]

Spoke with Matt and expressed my frustration, they are keep the car through the weekend to log more miles on it and try to get it to duplicate this extremely low idle it had. Matt said he may add more timing down low. I don't have the ability to data log on my own.

[bigz28man]

car is back home aka storage unit (for now) all seems good. cant say what was wrong cause nothing showed up. Later this spring Im going to get it over to East coast supercharges. I just feel the car needs a different eye to look at.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

You're in Manahawkin, why not just cruise down to EFX Tuning?

[bigz28man]

You're in Manahawkin, why not just cruise down to EFX Tuning?

Where is that?

[bigz28man]

Where is that?

Nevermind I googled it.

[bigz28man]

Radiator shroud is now textured black, I took apart my alternator apart and had that powder coated as well.

[bigz28man]

Getting this engine bay cleaned up.

[Blackbirdws6]

Looking good. Have you considered moving the wire harness on the passenger strut tower and getting a fuel line kit to relocate the factory lines?

[bigz28man]

Looking good. Have you considered moving the wire harness on the passenger strut tower and getting a fuel line kit to relocate the factory lines?

I have considered it, maybe next summer. This summer the car is getting better headers

[bigz28man]

I washed my hands with ttp. Took the car over to Kevin at wickedmotorsports. He found they changed the firing order from what Paul over at torqhead sets, tps was way off, and a bunch of other things wrong with tune. Car idles and runs like a champ.

[Blackbirdws6]

Glad to hear you got it all sorted out.

[bigz28man]

Made 469rwhp

[sweetbmxrider]

:facepalm: unbelievable but glad its back in action