The beginning of my heads/cam swap...

[The_Bishop]

My self-ported 243 heads were dropped off at the machine shop yesterday, along with a set of Brian Tooley Racing valve springs. 5-angle valve job and a light resurfacing and assembled.

Now I finally have to decide what cam I'm going to run. I was looking at the EPS cams and the texas speed cams...

[LTb1ow]

MS5

[MyFirstZ]

How radical of a cam where you planning on going?

Personally I love the torquer v2 in my car but I wouldn't have went any larger with stock ci.

[The_Bishop]

Why go small? I should just jump to the Texas Giant cam.

In actuality, it's a toss up between the EPS LS 222/226, .597/.598 113 lobe separation and the texas speed 224r on a 114... or possibly on a 112.

[LTb1ow]

My LT1 will have the same sized cam. You are doing it wrong.

[KirkEvil]

Start looking at cams the next size bigger, you will always want more and assuming your heads flow well, you would be leaving some power on the table. I think you would still meet your torque and midrange power goals with the 224/228 or 228R but the power wont fall off as quick.

[coolmanvette75]

Was about to say 228R but Kirk beat me to it. My buddy just put one in that has a very similar setup to you and loves it...

[The_Bishop]

I'm just concerned with RPMs. This is, after all, a 98. Popular internet hearsay says the rod bolts are a weak spot.

Also, the car is predominantly street driven.

As far as cam choices, that EPS 222/226 (ground on a 115 if I remember right) went into a crate LS6 and made 430 RWHP. Since I'll have an LS6 for all intents and purposes, I'll be happy in that neighborhood.

It's all still up for debate. Cam choices make my head hurt.

[steverc0034]

I am running a 235/243 comp cam with close to the same parts as you.

[The_Bishop]

Really? What does it run, or dyno at, and where's the peak HP? What shift point are you using?

[steverc0034]

Havent dynoed the car yet pretty much full weight she went 11.33 at 119 let out of it with a baby launch. I have a fast 90/90 setup on my car also red line is around 6800 rpm only drive the car twice still messing with it but ill let you know what she puts down hopefuly by the middle of may she will be on the road. As for the bottem end put a set of arp rod bolts in it and u'll be good I changed mine out.

[The_Bishop]

I'm trying to avoid dicking with anything in the oil pan. If/when I go that far I'll be doing a whole short block. This is strictly a top end deal, I'm tying up enough funds doing it as it stands now.

[steverc0034]

Yea man heads and cam aren't cheap my cam kit alone was $1100 pluse the heads.

[The_Bishop]

Anyone have any luck reaching EPS? I sent them an E-mail two days ago, haven't heard anything back.

[NJ Torque]

My stock 98 bottom end was fine with a 237/242 cam... spun it pretty high too.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Anyone have any luck reaching EPS? I sent them an E-mail two days ago, haven't heard anything back.

My friend was looking for a package for his Vette and has been waiting a few days as well. I guess he's busy.

[The_Bishop]

Finally got in touch with EPS. Best bet is to call.

Cam is ordered. After discussing current mods, what heads are being used, and project goals with Geoff, the proper cam was chosen. Lead time on getting said cam is 2-3 weeks, which is fine as I still need to acquire parts.

Reluctant to post cam specs, as the 'go big or go home' crowd will surely rip me to shreds, but I am building to a goal/purpose not for ultimate top-end-screaming power. Shift points will still be in the 6500ish range, though.

[Jersey Mike]

I'd actually love to hear what you went with. I was hoping to have them grind something for me down the line. Personally, I'm interested in hearing your feedback and seeing your results. It will definitely help me make a decision for when the time comes.

I have signatures off, but if memory serves me correctly, you're running a 4L60E with a SS3600, right? Tell us what cam you went with! :lol:

[sweetbmxrider]

Street racer can't post his shelf cam specs, eh?

[LTb1ow]

Bet its a 224/224 area cam on a 112

[The_Bishop]

Ok, ok - You're twisting my arm.

It's the EPS 222/226 - .597/.598 on a 113. After talking to Geoff at EPS, it matched my goals for the car, and complimented the package I'm putting together.

I'm not looking for top-fuel idle quality and 7k shift points, along with changing valve springs every 2 weeks. A broad powerband, and torque that doesn't quit along with a quiet long lived valvetrain is what I'm looking for.

A similar setup (thread on LS1tech) with the same cam in an LS6 put down 430HP/415Ft-Lbs at the wheel through an A4. Only difference is the cam was on a 115 to tame the idle to stock like quality, and his heads were bone-stock 243 LS6 (crate motor).

As for the car - It's a '98 Z28. Power items: SLP lid, ported throttle body, LS6 intake, Dynatech stainless headers and catted Y pipe into a Magnaflow cat-back. Tuned the car myself with HP Tuners and a wideband. Trans is a stock 4l60e, with a Yank SS3600. Rear is a low-mileage 3.42 takeout from a M6 car, with the T/A style girdle on it.

Suspension mods: Weld-in subframe connectors, adjustable lower control arms, panhard bar and torque arm. Bolt-on LCA relocation brackets. All UMI stuff. Strano springs and sway bars, Koni shocks, 17" C6z06 wheels.

BMX: Yeah, I'm a big-time street racer! :laugh: I just wanted to avoid the "You should have gone bigger!" stuff.

LTB1ow: Close.

[Blackbirdws6]

Should have gone bigger.






Just kidding. Always choose what fits your needs.

[LTb1ow]

Huzah, was pretty close indeed

[sweetbmxrider]

Can we race at etown? I wanna get walked on by a h/c barney!

[The_Bishop]

Blackbird: See, I knew it! Hahaha

LTb1ow: Yeah, you were. At least the cam will be good for when I get bored and slap turbos on it. Yeah, I'll do that right after I hit the lottery...

BMX - Not sure if srs or trolling. :)

[sweetbmxrider]

You have a tire? I run qtp's so I don't get to race with the street cars :( Unless I just say **** itttt

[The_Bishop]

I have a set of relatively antique BFG drag radials that I really should replace, but monies are being eaten by my pending upgrade parts list.

[sweetbmxrider]

Hmmm maybe I'll borrow some et streets....

[LTb1ow]

I have a set of relatively antique BFG drag radials that I really should replace, but monies are being eaten by my pending upgrade parts list.

Hmmm maybe I'll borrow some et streets....

I have a brand new set of hoooosiers on pro stars I can lend to the barney mobile to beat your slow LT1 car

[Jersey Mike]

I'd donate some ET Streets to blondie to watch a good race.


Will be taking side bets soon.

[sweetbmxrider]

Its your move, Barney. :)

[Featherburner]

Should have gone SR!

[The_Bishop]

Holy crap, let me get the heads and cam in, at least!

[KirkEvil]

Your trans needs a HD2 kit, 2 spacers in the accumulator, and a transgo separator plate.

[The_Bishop]

Is that the voice of experience? I'm not kidding, I'm serious. I know the stock trans isn't up to the task without a little help.

[LTb1ow]

Is that the voice of experience? I'm not kidding, I'm serious. I know the stock trans isn't up to the task without a little help.

Thats all he has and his seems to like to run 10s

[The_Bishop]

I was looking at that stuff last night. The HD2 kit I get. There are apparently 3,256 separator plates, though - How do I know which one?

[LTb1ow]

I was looking at that stuff last night. The HD2 kit I get. There are apparently 3,256 separator plates, though - How do I know which one?

You get the right one. :bertstare:

I only have an LT1 number, Kirk should have the LS1 one

[KirkEvil]

I was looking at that stuff last night. The HD2 kit I get. There are apparently 3,256 separator plates, though - How do I know which one?

Yes, these shift kits are great IMO. I have them in both my camaro and tbss. Its a very noticeable difference in shifting, even compared to bumping the line pressure via tuning.

I bought the trans plate through summit narrowing down the search. Its the same as the stock plate except twice as thick to keep check balls in check. It should fit 4l60e/65/70e. You will still need to drill out some holes in the plate depending on how firm you want the shifts to be.

It would also be a good idea to pick up a vette servo kit to do at the same time. I'll have to look but Im pretty sure I have an extra one I bought to put in my tbss but it ended up having it stock for that year.

[The_Bishop]

I'm fairly sure I have a corvette servo kit in my parts pile. Meant to install it when I did my torque converter install, but got pinched for time as I was on a borrowed lift.

Kirk, did you install the transgo kit yourself? From what I was reading I'll have to drop the trans to do the full install, I guess to install the clutch spring kit?

[KirkEvil]

Yes, Ive done 3 or 4 of them. I have never installed the full kit with the clutch springs, just drop the VB and install everything else without removing the trans. You should be able to do the servo kit with the trans in too.

[The_Bishop]

Ok, sounds like a plan.

Huzzah! More parts to order. At this rate I'll have to invite the UPS guy over for the holidays.

[KirkEvil]

You will also need long snap ring pliers to get the pump valve out, and a good set of picks to work out the valves in the VB.

[The_Bishop]

The picks I have covered. The long snap ring pliers, not so much. Well, I like buying tools anyway.

[The_Bishop]

This the sort of long snap ring pliers you mean?

These pliers? (http://www.amazon.com/EXTRA-RETAINING-PLIER-INTERNAL-STRAIGHT/dp/B0031R7LKQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

[sweetbmxrider]

Hurry up, I wanna race!

[KirkEvil]

This the sort of long snap ring pliers you mean?

These pliers? (http://www.amazon.com/EXTRA-RETAINING-PLIER-INTERNAL-STRAIGHT/dp/B0031R7LKQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

yeah thats what I used, but they dont leave a lot of room to work.

[The_Bishop]

Ok. Looks like some more mail-order shenanigans is going on today...

[The_Bishop]

Kirk - Mow many miles on your trans? From the looks of mine, it's original and has 97k on the clock. Works fine, though. Anything to worry about?

[LTb1ow]

Kirk - Mow many miles on your trans? From the looks of mine, it's original and has 97k on the clock. Works fine, though. Anything to worry about?

Worry about grenading driveline parts coming through your legs.

[KirkEvil]

Kirk - Mow many miles on your trans? From the looks of mine, it's original and has 97k on the clock. Works fine, though. Anything to worry about?

I put in the shift kit around 60k and I have 85k on it now, with about 40 track passes at 400+ hp. Considering your timid cam choice, you should be worried about a lot of things :rofl:

[The_Bishop]

LTB1ow - I'll wear my kevlar socks.

Kirk - What, me worry? The car runs what it runs. I quit stressing about that a long time ago, as there's always someone out there running faster. Usually they have more money to spare than I do, too.

[sweetbmxrider]

Orrrrrr there car isn't purple! HaterBuilt

[The_Bishop]

Hahahahaha :laugh:

[The_Bishop]

Ok, Vette servo kit found. All other parts are being overnighted from Japan.

[KirkEvil]

About 3 plates in the second accumulator and it will decimate all

[The_Bishop]

the parts.

Finished that for you.

So, everything's ordered. Transgo kit, separator plate, and the long snap ring pliers. I will be happy if this can keep my transmission intact, at least for a while.

Thanks for the guidance, Kirk.

After looking at all the stuff out there on the 4l60e, I'm kicking around the idea of finding a running stock trans and doing the rebuild on it myself. How hard could it be?! (Famous last words, I know) This way when it doesn't work I still have my original to throw back in.

[LTb1ow]

They are one of the toughest transmissions to rebuild as your first rodeo.

[The_Bishop]

It has never been said that I tackle easy projects, or that I'm particularly smart about getting in way, way over my head, so sounds about right for me.

[LTb1ow]

T56 or lenco it.

[PolarBear]

lenco it.

+1

But go for the 6 speed version :nod:

[The_Bishop]

Sounds awesome. I'm all for it! So, which of you is donating the lenco?!

[PolarBear]

Sounds awesome. I'm all for it! So, which of you is donating the lenco?!

I will just as soon as Josh donates to me a Pro-charger :rofl:

[The_Bishop]

Shift kit, separator plate and vette servo all in hand. Transmission shenanigans to commence soon, probably followed up with an "I set it on fire" post.

[WildBillyT]

Shift kit, separator plate and vette servo all in hand. Transmission shenanigans to commence soon, probably followed up with a "why do I have 4 reverse gears" post.

Fixed.

[The_Bishop]

Wait, are you implying I bought a french army jeep shift kit?

[The_Bishop]

As a late update, last night I was bored so I did all the separator plate drilling. I thought the included .090 drill bit was too small so I upsized to 1/4" for epic shifts.

[sweetbmxrider]

:rofl:

[The_Bishop]

Looks like my epic transmission rodeo takes place tomorrow. Was able to borrow a lift, so no 'Where does *this* part go' nonsense while on my back. I'm getting too old for that crap.

[sweetbmxrider]

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/$(KGrHqF,!ocFBZi)rSHpBQcdf!P-(w~~60_35.JPG?set_id=8800005007

Pepper

[LTb1ow]

Looks like my epic transmission rodeo takes place tomorrow. Was able to borrow a lift, so no 'Where does *this* part go' nonsense while on my back. I'm getting too old for that crap.

:rofl::rofl: Sureeee

[KirkEvil]

You also need to delete all torque management for the full performance of the kit

[The_Bishop]

Yeah, saw that in my research. I'll be bringing HPTuners along with me to do just that.

[WSex]

Shift kit, separator plate and vette servo all in hand. Transmission shenanigans to commence soon, probably followed up with an "I set it on fire" post.

fuegoo

[The_Bishop]

WSex - What?

In other news, farking trans just bukkake'd me when I took the filter off.

[WildBillyT]

WSex - What?

In other news, farking trans just bukkake'd me when I took the filter off.

Fuego = fire en espanol

[sweetbmxrider]

Money shot!

[KirkEvil]

You should get a bigger cam to compliment the shift kit

[LTb1ow]

You should get a bigger cam to compliment the shift kit

Would be nice.

[The_Bishop]

Well, I'm done (ish).

Everything is buttoned up. Test drive:

1st, 3rd and 4th - Perfect!

2nd, not so much. No 2nd gear. No DTC's set, I'm hoping it's a servo thing as it gave me problems going back in. FML.

Going to pull the servo as soon as it cools off again. I hate transmissions. No fire, though... At least that's something.

[The_Bishop]

Good news everyone! The 2nd servo seal popped out and got fubar'ed on install. Where da FAQ do I find a new one?

[WildBillyT]

Bulkpart.com?

[The_Bishop]

I was hoping for local. Not looking good.

[The_Bishop]

Ok, so I'm back in business! The old servo seal was in good shape (Looked just about the same as the new/damaged one) so it got re-used. 2nd gear! Woo-hoo!

Nice crisp shifts. Has a decent bark to the 1-2 shift at high throttle openings.

Kirk - In your tune, what are your shift times set to? I zero'd out the trans torque management already.

[The_Bishop]

Pretty sure this isn't supposed to look like that...

http://home.comcast.net/~The_Bishop/camaro/servo-oops.jpg

Sometimes, when things don't seem to fit, "get a bigger hammer/prybar" is *not* the answer.

Sorry for the blurry pic. It's hard holding a phone when your hands are covered in ATF.

[grazi]

What? I thought you were just barking gears?

[The_Bishop]

I was/am. That's the part I screwed up earlier when I didn't have 2nd gear.

[KirkEvil]

Ok, so I'm back in business! The old servo seal was in good shape (Looked just about the same as the new/damaged one) so it got re-used. 2nd gear! Woo-hoo!

Nice crisp shifts. Has a decent bark to the 1-2 shift at high throttle openings.

Kirk - In your tune, what are your shift times set to? I zero'd out the trans torque management already.

How many spacers did you put in the 2nd accumulator? If you zeroed out all the TQ management then you're good to go. Shift speeds are more preference and dependent on your power band. My settings werent changed much from stock since I have a high stall that eats most of the firm shift during normal driving.

[WildBillyT]

Pretty sure this isn't supposed to look like that...

http://home.comcast.net/~The_Bishop/camaro/servo-oops.jpg

Sometimes, when things don't seem to fit, "get a bigger hammer/prybar" is *not* the answer.

Sorry for the blurry pic. It's hard holding a phone when your hands are covered in ATF and tears.

Fixed it for you? :mrgreen:

[The_Bishop]

Yeah, almost. More like tears of joy when I found out I didn't have to dick with the valve body again. :laugh:

Kirk, I stuck with one spacer. I didn't mean shift speeds, I was talking about the time-to-shift table. The one that reads in .000 of a second for how long a gear change should take.

[WSex]

on these occasions i like to pour premium fuel and then throw lit ciggs at it.

are you tuning this yourself

[KirkEvil]

Yeah, almost. More like tears of joy when I found out I didn't have to dick with the valve body again. :laugh:

Kirk, I stuck with one spacer. I didn't mean shift speeds, I was talking about the time-to-shift table. The one that reads in .000 of a second for how long a gear change should take.

Im not seeing a table like that, maybe the 98 pcm os is different? Anyway I wouldnt mess with those timings, the new valves, springs, and the holes you drilled out in the separator plate should increase pressure and flow to change the shift timing.

I think you should have gone with atleast 2 shim plates with your 3600 stall speed. You wouldnt really notice a difference except at WOT.

[The_Bishop]

Actually, even with the one shim the shift from 1-2 is pretty snappy. The Yank converter is a fairly 'tight' 3600.

Thanks for the pointers, Kirk. This kit made a big difference.

[sweetbmxrider]

Common newb mistake, is why I bought a trans :lol:

[Featherburner]

Common newb mistake, is why I bought several transmissions :lol:

Repaired.

[sweetbmxrider]

Hey hey hey, I broke the first one, had it repaired by Curt and he told me to do the servo ****, I ****ed that up and threw a stocker in till performabuilt had mine done and now I'm considering a t56 :lol:

[WildBillyT]

now I'm considering a t56 :lol:

Do it

[The_Bishop]

WSex - Missed your question... Yes, tuning this myself.

I'm thinking about the possibility of a T56 transplant in the future. I miss shifting. My wallet says, "Not at this time."

BMX - Hey, at least it was relatively simple fix, and it didn't cost me a transmission!

[sweetbmxrider]

Ya, my wallet is saying that too. I can only listen for so long before parts start showing up :lol:

So when we racing?!?!?!

[The_Bishop]

Well, you have two options. Wait for me to finish my heads/cam or put a stock set of heads/cam on yours. You pick.

[sweetbmxrider]

The heads are stock? The cam, well that ain't comin out for a stocker :lol:

[KirkEvil]

Full race car LT1 vs a baby cam LS1? Should be a close race

[sweetbmxrider]

Ya, might have to yank a hundred pounds out of it to keep within a bus length of teh almighty!!!11!!1!

[The_Bishop]

I like how I started a build thread, and now I'm like Dom with everyone wanting to race me. WTF?

I didn't hop on here and start waving my LS1enis around when I wasn't paying attention, did I? :laugh:

On a semi-related note, took the car out for an hour cruise through the back roads. Trans shifts great.

[sweetbmxrider]

Ok tough guy, you name the time and place and wager and dress code and rsvp number and how many guests and should I bring a towel for the pool? and rain date and....

[The_Bishop]

Bring swimmies, part of the pool is deep. :laugh:

Purple only, though. :rofl:

[sweetbmxrider]

Will there be an inflatable catfish?

[The_Bishop]

According to you LT1 guys, all us LS1's are full of hot air already... :laugh:

[Featherburner]

According to you LT1 guys, all us LS1's are full of hot air already... :laugh:
Oh, you guys are full of something but we don't call it hot air!:kneeslap:

[The_Bishop]

Hey, that's uncalled for! You keep that up and I'll spray your opti with water! ;)

[Blackbirdws6]

Hey, that's uncalled for! You keep that up and I'll spray your opti with water! ;)

His lt1 doesn't run anyway :). So when do you think the build will be wrapped up?

[The_Bishop]

Don't know. Heads should be ready any day, cam is ?? weeks away. Still need moar parts. My tools say go, my wallet says woah.

[sweetbmxrider]

My opti could use a wipe me down.....

[The_Bishop]

Just give it a good power washing, I hear that always works well.

[LTb1ow]

When will this begin, thread page wise, like 10 or so?

[The_Bishop]

Possibly. Have patience, grasshopper.

I will have some parts pron pics this afternoon. Heads are finally ready.

[The_Bishop]

These are heads.

http://home.comcast.net/~The_Bishop/camaro/head1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~The_Bishop/camaro/head2.jpg

I did stuff like this to them before the machine shop did their thing:

http://home.comcast.net/~The_Bishop/camaro/head3.jpg


On a related mechanical note: Today I had to weld my muffler, change my oil, and adjust my valves... On my ride-on mower.

[LTb1ow]

So now that you have a truck, you gonna tow your car down to Atco for race wars?

[The_Bishop]

:shrug: Too much shinola going on right now. Work is being no fun at all, any spare monies is going towards parts, and it all depends on what day it's going on. Hard to get days off out of the blue, we usually schedule all our days off for the year by the end of January.

So, that being said... Maybe?

Anyway, I did the fuel pump rodeo today. I think you guys that told me not to cut an access panel were trolling the hell out of me, it was a PITA. :laugh: But, fuel pump is pumping, new regulator is regulating. Now all that's left for the fuel system is to put the racetronix harness in and replace the fuel filter of unknown vintage.

All in all, it only took until page 5 to actually see some build action. You thought it would take to page ten!

[PolarBear]

I think you guys that told me not to cut an access panel were tolling the hell out of me

I was not, I have an access door in my 91 and I will eventually weld it shut

[The_Bishop]

I know, was just making a joke about it. The filler neck made me a little crazy, but it wasn't terrible. Just tedious.

[V]

I know, was just making a joke about it. The filler neck made me a little crazy, but it wasn't terrible. Just tedious.

should have just installed a 99+ plastic tank with the rubber filler neck now, to make next time easier. lol

[LTb1ow]

Its easy after the first couple times, just install walbros with timed self destruct modes.

[sweetbmxrider]

All in all, it only took until page 5 to actually see some build action. You thought it would take to page ten!

You ain't even in da bounce house....makes me wonder why I'm not banned actually? But you should feel good about not cutting up your car.

[The_Bishop]

V - Great idea! Don't have one, though.

LTb1ow - Figured I might avoid that by using racetronix, being as it's supposed to be an authentic walbro and all.

BMX - We'll see if that good feeling sticks around if I need to get back in there again any time soon. :)

[V]

V - Great idea! Don't have one, though.



I have 2 for sale... ;-)

[The_Bishop]

Now you tell me. :banghead:

[The_Bishop]

Some more minor progress today; the racetronix wiring harness is in along with a spiffy new wix fuel filter, so the fuel system is more or less finished.

Apparently my old stock fuel pump setup was a bit worn out, because the wideband is now showing 12.5 at WOT. :banghead: Looks like I need to bust out HP tuners again and re-check my mass air calibration, as it should be 12.9-13.0, which is where it was before the pump/regulator/wiring swap.

Got word on my cam from EPS, they're supposed to have it and ship it out on the 1st. Told them to hold it until I'm back from vacation, don't want it sitting on the porch getting rained on and whatnot.

Figures that the first weekend of Island's re-opening I'll be away in Florida. :bertstare: I could be tuning and running faster. It'd be cool to crack a 12.0 or so on the stock stuff before I take it all apart.

[The_Bishop]

And, in a further update, I finally put my NJFBOA sticker on the car. I'm sprinting along at a lightning pace, here.

[Blackbirdws6]

Should be good for a 11.9 now :)

[The_Bishop]

Cam showed up today. The parts pile is slowly growing.

[The_Bishop]

Slow progress: LS6 oil pump (Melling M295), Cloyes 9-4205 (LS2) timing chain and cam retaining plate added to parts list.

Edit: Oh, yeah. Coil packs. Thanks, Kirk!