Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Yea the AC delco is the stuff most recommended for the rear diff because it has the additive. The old stuff didnt used to, you had to add it in manually, but now it does.

Progress looks great! Nice job! Excited for some warmer weather, getting the itch to get the car out too. haha

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Yup, I could have went with that stuff as well, but I've had good luck with Mobil 1 fluids. I just couldn't decide which aftermarket was the best to use for the T56 I have in my car so I went with OEM.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Either should be good!

What NGK plugs did you go with? The colder copper plugs (non iridiums) can cause issues with the charging system in C5s and C6s. Hopefully you dont have to deal with that, but if after a couple hundred miles you start seeing charging issues, that could be the cause.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I used this stuff:
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/...1019152102.jpg

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

^ bought the same, well see how she shifts with it soon!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Looks awesome! All these Corvettes!!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Rocking the NGK TR55's.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Wideband review:

So being a tuner and a DIY car owner on a budget, I constantly find myself at a crossroads when it comes to tuning things. Knowledge is power and for me I end up chasing details that truly don't matter. This is especially true when I am logging micro changes to get 02 feedbacks to within 3% and other parameters tighter than the factory runs things.

What does matter is accurate sensors. I dug around and looked at other options and came across a product from 14Point7.

https://www.14point7.com/products/sp...a-controller-2

I have been running two of these Spartan sensors and they are very responsive and accurate. The housings themselves are weatherproof so I mounted them in the engine bay of the corvette.

I don't have many pictures of the install unfortunately, but here are the widebands in the x-pipe
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...29&oe=594C5E14

I've been tuning with them using Lambda as my logging PID and I can say they are very responsive, very accurate, and I will be recommending them for customers in the future that need a wideband. Cost effective, reliable, fast to warm up, accurate, responsive, rugged; you need nothing else but a gauge.

You also can't beat the price of $125 each using a new Bosch LSU 4.9 sensor. Granted this isn't lab grade stuff, but for a permanent install they are the way to go. Readily available sensors and easy to find. Much better than the older 4.2 LSU sensors and closer to the older NTK sensors I am used to using.

You can order them even on Amazon and get free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT4RDNF

With how cheap these are, there is absolutely no reason to not have a wideband in your car. What is really nice about these is they will also emulate a narrowband sensor output, I haven't tried that as I added them and kept all my stock 02 sensors hooked up; yes that means I have 6 on the car. Standard 0-5V output means any gauge can be used, or you can feed them directly into the ECU or logger; such I am using with HP Tuners PRO.


I would say 2 thumbs up for sure.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I've always heard good things about 14point7, just never had any hands on experience.

They are back from the homemadeturbo days i believe.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

14 point7 is what I used to run on my car. Some people would ask why I got that instead of the more well known brands. It's because I did the research, they are so knowledgable. Glad to hear you are having good luck with them too. Very good choice! Only reason I don't run them now is Infinity has a built in WB Controller so you no need for an aftermarket Controller anymore, just plug the off the shelf bosch sensor right into the ecu.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Car is finally coming together, did a little photo shoot last night. Got the Z06 Speedlines and the RE-71R's on there this weekend.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...12&oe=5959D438
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...53&oe=5958AC06
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...91&oe=596262AD
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...a8&oe=599283FB
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...73&oe=59517A45
Only a few more parts to install prior to the season start which includes:

Doug Rippie Motorsports Steering Rack Bushings
Rear tow hook
Then brakes all around including:
Doug Rippie Motorsports Stainless Steel front brake caliper pistons
Russell DOT stainless brake line kit
Centric Brake Rotors
Stoptech Street Performance Pads (Sport)

Then it's STU autocross time! :spin:

Pictures were noisy due to being shot will cellphone in twilight hours, I'll see if my real camera got anything better and swap these out.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Looks amazing.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I went from those pads to the Girodisc S/S pads on my Evo X and the difference was night & day in both initial bite and stopping power. Dust and noise was about the same between the two.

http://www.girodisc.com/Pads_c_200.html

I'm currently running the Powerstop Z26 pads on my C7 are they are practically dust-free and silent, but they did give up some initial bite vs. the OEM pads. If I were to do any autocross or track use with the car I would definitely either go back to OEM or throw in a set of those Girodisc S/S pads when/if they ever release them for the Z51.

Truth be told, I'm now a bit tempted to try out Autozone's new Duralast GT brake pads since they supposedly have some pretty legit R&D testing with Team Penske to back them up. They're priced about the same as the Girodiscs I mentioned.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Awesome! I'll have to try those next, thanks for the recommendation.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Great track mod, very nice!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Car looks great! Really dig the white!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Looking good!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Rebuilt the driver's seat this week, installed a DRM steering rack bushing and got an alignment. Novice school practice tomorrow, first MOWOG event next Saturday!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Went autocrossing at the novice school on Sunday with the below settings:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...5b&oe=5996E98A

Car setup and ready to rock Saturday night:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...b9&oe=5976DB3E

After the sessions were completed, collected 2 cones all day:
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...07&oe=59904203

And also one final image of it lined up.

Overall impressions: :sasmokin:


Car is wicked fast. I haven't fallen off as a racer/driver as much as I thought I would have. I heard nothing but compliments all day and I think I nearly set FTD, had one instructor beat me out in a Golf R that I know of. I was told I was faster than the rest of the novice group and the majority of the instructors; so I am REALLY excited to see what this car is capable of throughout the season with Ryan and I campaigning it in Street Touring Ultra.

There were a lot of great cars and drivers out there and everyone showed great progress. It was awesome to corner work and see it "click" for people. For me the course had a few elements that were very challenging. If I could have gotten a clean run I think a 37.9xx was possible, my best run I recall was 38.3xx. I know I ran a 38.4, 38.5, 38.6, 38.6, 38.7, 38.8, 38.8 and a few higher ones. I also had 2 mistimed runs that would have been mid to low 38's by "feel" as well; overall consistent and fast. I can't stress the importance of seat time and how valuable these sort of events are. Hopefully the car and driver(s) will be towards the pointy end of the stick.

This week, weather permitting, I'd like to install the upgraded brakes to get a bit more initial bite. I may actually throw some toe out on the front at MOWOG, depending upon how tight the course really is. Overall the car is fairly neutral and an absolute hoot to drive. The input you get and the confidence the RE-71R's inspire is mind boggling.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Every time I click on this I'm hoping to see an On3 turbo kit was purchased lol

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Haha, I don't need any more power right now to go faster. If anything a wider tire setup may be helpful here soon or a dedicated set; but more power puts me in another class to where I won't be competitive for autocross.

Honestly not sure if I'll turbo this one. I may just build it up for 400+ NA and then spray it for drag racing when that time comes.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

https://jet.com/product/detail/6f3db...a:2&code=PLA15

Look, it even lets you order 2 of the big ones!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Damn if they were on amazon prime I could get them by tonight and be ready for racewarz next weekend!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

You are in luck!

https://www.amazon.com/NOS-05029-Sne...rds=nos+system

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Got the brakes and new shocks installed the first weekend in May.

I really like the DRM (Doug Rippie Motorsports) valved Bilstein shocks compared to the C5 Z06 shocks (2003 stuff). I spent a good half an hour one night chatting with Randy about the settings/valving and was pleased with the responses.

I also forgot how good it feels to have stainless steel lines.

Parts installed in this go around:

Doug Rippie Motorsports custom valved Bilstein shocks
Doug Rippie Motorsports Stainless Steel front brake caliper piston upgrade
Russell Performance DOT Brake lines
Centric Brake rotors
Stoptech Street Performance Pads
Motul RBF 600 Brake fluid (did the clutch too)
Russell Performance Speed Bleeders

The theme of this car of "bang for the buck" continues with these parts selections. As this car is a street warrior with triple duty as autocross car and drag racing (which every event I try to go to get's rained out), I needed a compromise on the pad and rotor material. I feel these are the perfect solution to those 3 uses. I know they are not a track pad and rotor combo, but the lines + caliper pistons + brake fluid allows me to swap the rotors and pads for track duty when that time comes.

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...bb&oe=5976DBF4

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...de&oe=59B9EE39

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...01&oe=59AE20F9

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...5a&oe=59B035FA

I was going to paint the calipers while I was there, but figured I'll have time to do that later when I am bored; time didn't permit for this install period.

So that's it. Until I start another round of upgrades I no longer have parts to install for this car. I am deciding what needs to be done next, but for now just more seat time in various styles of racing to flush out the bugs. So far the car is fairly stout in autocross and I think adjustable swaybar end links may be helpful if I need to start to dial in preload perhaps (or get to my other holes in the front swaybar I drilled). Another thought is pick up another pair of 18" wheels to go square setup for autocross use only.

Drag racing I am thinking a built rear end with possibly a shorter gear ratio would be helpful, but the gear swap and that puts me in another class. I think a chassis belly brace and a rear differential brace are allowed by rules, still trying to determine the spirit of the wording on that (Street Touring SCCA rulebook)

Of course I'd LOVE to do head/cam upgrade on it, but then I for sure have to go to CAM-T versus STU; and I am not done seeing how this thing does in Z class STU. The 5th (Ryan) and 8th place (Me) finishes so far (Mowog 2) are promising, I should have taken 7th in that event as I blew one corner. Next event is June 4th at what I consider my home base, DCTC; so I'll see if I can catch Ryan; but I have to really learn to read the course better. Once I catch Ryan I'll be comfortable adding more power.

In the end, I'll probably just start building a wicked oil cooler setup that'll hold up for track and street duty. I don't like the corvette tax associated with what is on the market, so DIY it is. If I can make a nice enough of a setup, maybe it'll become a Complete Tuning Solutions product offering.

Overall I am very happy with this purchase and how this car is setup right now. I set out a goal of building a 110% better C5 FRC and that is what I have. I truly think of it as a Z06 light. A bit short on power and the shorter 2nd gear ratio in the Z06 shines on the autocross, but handling/braking/weight/driver feel is much improved compared to the canvas I started with. But for a car that *should* go low 13's, high 12's in the 1/4 mile, is a blast to drive and competitive on an autocross course, and is averaging 22mpg city/highway (30+ on the highway is normal); I couldn't be happier.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Good stuff man. Solid incremental mods!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I dig it! I used those same rotors and pads on one of my Evos.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Yeah, love the small incremental mods. And the best part, there's no mention of race gas like the old days of slapping on bigger and bigger turbos. I love the idea of a high 12-second car that you can run in many types of race events and still easily drive home without a thought. Maybe Curt Gendron was on to something all those years ago. :D

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Love this thread, i agree totally for a NA build then spray to take care of the straight line/power desires.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

How did the brake pads do? Or how are you liking them so far...just ordered me a set of stop tech front pads...finding rear pads for a 1G dsm is quite the pain so ill just go with some ceramic of the shelve pads and flush the system with motul 600 as well. Gonna have to brake boost quite a bit to get that new turbo to spool up lol

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

My 1.5-cents: My biggest complaint with the Stoptech Street pads was the dust; performance-wise they were fine for the street and casual autocross. With that said, there have been a lot of pads I've liked better. If I'm going to put up with dust, it will be for the Girodisc S/S "orange" pads. For low-dust, RacingBrake ET500 or PowerStop Z26.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

They are "okay" pads. Stop well on the street but dusty. I'll use them and try a different street compound later.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Finally got the car to the drag strip at the end of July.

XS Power longtubes - Catted
Corsa Catback
Air Bridge from Southern Car Parts
Blackwing Intake
MSD Wires
Tuned by me (Complete Tuning Solutions)
83,500 miles, untouched drivetrain and engine from throttle body to exhaust ports.
Bunch of autocross bits and other non go fast straight line mods: including alignment, DRM Shocks, DRM steering rack bushing, DRM caliper pistons, SS brake lines, C6 Z51 swaybars, six shooter shifter, etc.

Which category?

- External Engine Modifications (Bolt-Ons)

Example for 1/4 mile:
60'............. 2.012
330'........... 5.546
660'........... 8.405
660’ mph... 86.45
1000'.......... 10.832
1320'.......... 12.877
1320’ mph… 110.42

Comments:
OEM clutch wouldn't take more than a 2500 rpm slip without turning the car into a CVT with massive clutch slip. Best 60' was a 2.001 with a slightly more agressive slip, ran a 12.95 and a 12.96 to back it up. Rockfalls Raceway 7/31/17, 838 foot elevation.

Density Altitude: 2721 feet
Relative Density: 92.28 %
(per drag times calculator)

Next up is a clutch upgrade!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Very nice. I plan on going this weekend with my vette. I hope i can pull off a 12 sec pass. Might be hard as I don't have headers or much seat time launching the car. Congrats on the time slip. Think you could of gotten 12.5x with a better clutch?

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I hope they have some test and tunes in September as we are out of town every weekend this month. I might even run up for Wednesday night drags at Brainerd some night. I'm itching to see what this thing will do with just an intake.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Yeah the car should have a 12.5x in it with cooler temps and a better clutch. I'll find out later this year hopefully.

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Good job.

And hey I like that term "Engine untouched from TB to exhaust ports". I'm gunna start using that on the supra boards! Huge turbo sure, but its stock from TB to exhaust ports!

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

I always list my oil type as a mod, so mine's not stock. :D

Re: Back into the big leagues: Project FRC
 

Haha the vet guys are particular. The post was written keeping them in mind. Essentially I can upgrade throttle body, intake, maf and pick up more power and still be "bolt on" category.

When I put a cam in it, opens up to another group.

Essentially the car has most of the easy bolt ons.

New clutch ordered. Hope to install weekend of 19th and back to track the 27th. I'd like to see a 12.5x and 111+ mph next time out.