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5 minute(s) of a 390 minute read
5-1-2014
It has been quite awhile.
The update really is that there isn't any updates. I am STILL waiting on my engine to be finished. The builder is definitely moving slower than anticipated. He also, ran into an issue with the block being off, so it had to go back to get decked. The good news is that even though he is taking so long, it's getting done right.
I have all the money together to order my Magnum T56, and plan to order soon. However, until the engine arrives I am holding off. Still saving my pennies, and planning for things to go together well. Ultimately, things are going slow for now.
I am in Halfspec's recent group buy for A/C lines, and I am researching a few other small things to continue to compile my list. I picked up a clean Cobra rear with 40k miles and a nice set of stock inner snubs. I will be sending my FD outers and the Cobra inners to DSS for them to assemble.
Pics of all the cool parts and REAL updates will come when the engine arrives. Until my engine arrives, everything is kind of on hold.
Thanks
5-11-2014
UPDATE
Well, with everything starting to slowly come together I figured I better get to work. I am still saving for a large chunk of parts that need purchasing, but I'm not really too far off. After all, once the engine arrives, I want to work on getting it in, instead of all the things I should have had done already.
I got the car up on 6 stands and stabilized really well. It was a little tricky getting it up where it felt really secure, and I felt comfortable yanking on stuff underneath. I wanted to be able to drop either front or rear subframes without having to move things around.
Go time!....
Cobra IRS 8.8
As I have mentioned I decided on the Cobra 8.8 for two main reasons, strength and gearing. As many of you helped sway me, I really think it was the best choice. I am sticking with the factory 3.55 gearing and OEM LSD. For my needs, I think it will work well. I purchased a 04 differential with 39k on it. After inspection, everything looked in order. I cleaned it inside and out thoroughly in preparation for its final home.
I installed new axle seals. Though the originals looked fine, I figured it couldn't hurt, and they are pretty cheap. I picked up a modified cover, and installed it on there as well. I had a few folks say that I should paint the diff, but I don't plan to. I like the raw aluminum look. In any case, it's cleaned up and ready to go in.
I painted the Samberg 8.8 cradle with Dupicolor 500 deg engine primer, and paint. I have always had great luck with this paint. It's pretty darn tough and I think it turned out well. Should I have went powdercoat, maybe. But I think it will look great for a long time....
I ordered the Energy Suspension bushings for the front ears, and they will be here this week. This is the only thing I am missing to "physically" mount up the diff and cradle. However, I need to rework my fuel system and get my axles together before it goes in.
Out with the old!
Well, the factory stuff is out, and the new stuff is going in!! Next update will include my very minimal fuel system upgrade and getting everything mounted up. Since I already have a solid pump and good wiring I really just need to get the Corvette filter/regulator mounted up. Nothing fancy. Just some OEM style lines likely in the OEM filter location. My current configuration supported 540whp rotary, so I don't see a need to get too crazy.
I am disassembling my axles now. Still deciding if I'm going to have Drive Shaft Shop assemble the new ones, or to just do it myself. Gnx7 advised me to have them do it, but we will see. I got a good set of Cobra inner snubs and my outers are in good shape.
I purchased a 1" socket set from Tractor Supply during an outing with my wife. I have been needing a large set for awhile and saw this one on sale. It has worked great for popping axle nuts and using the large sockets for the press. Overall a handy set that I definitely needed.
