| last updated: 02/15/04 | |
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| Last
of the Breed 1967 - 2002 |
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12-31-01 latest addition to "our" performance stable A.K.A.: Red Car / Wife's Car / MBA Test Mule |
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a base line 02 Bright Red Trans Am A4 (less the WS6 performance
package) ........as in 16" wheels / tires, non ram air. VIN:2G2FV22GX22119245 |
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| From a six year run of LT1 everything, this LS1 seems to be such a different animal! Having an A4 to top that is also part of the learning curve. But, I've pulled together the 3 volume factory service manuals, purchased what may be the best [least it is the most expensive] diagnostic scanning software available and have pasted idle time learning what makes this LS1 tick. Still much to learn. After all, it's only been 7 weeks and 1300 miles. | |
| Comments on the motor / stock base line | |
| Where did the spark advance go? | |
| 01-02 f-cars got 6.0L Vortec cams, WOT timing curve is very different.........5-1.3 degrees of KR on shifts......... up to 3% split in LTFTs bone stock | |
| And the LS1 Cold Knock is most annoying | |
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2004 Winter Dress (a study in Photography and Photoshop effects] |
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MODS |
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| Jan 02 thru March 02 | |
| As it's driven daily, first was snows tires all round! Winter has been mild, but I did managed to sneak in a few things. | |
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click on the images for a larger view |
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| Added the K&N FIPK [less big black steel base plate]. That thing was "FUGLY." Our [MBA] LT1 radiator shroud fit perfectly. |
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The supplied small
breather filter from K&N was "supposed" to be the correct
one, but the air pump hose inside diameter is 3/4 and the breather has a
1/2" hose fitting. I then cut off the hose connection from stock box and
drilled the inside diameter to fit the K&N.... no biggie. |
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I've noticed that many LS1 "lid" owners just leave the air pump intake hose in the engine bay (strapped to some handy item on the fender wheel) Seems so out of place to me, so I cut the hose all the way back to the air pump and mounted the filter there. |
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| While I was at it, I pulled apart the MAF and added our ends into the picture too. |
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| The aluminum bracket supporting the K&N was a quick, down and dirty job. Time for anodized production bracket in the near future. |
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| Not sure about all the
red trim. I think it's too much red ......... Notice the soon to be release LS1 Engine plate (proto-type) |
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| April 02 | Snow tire removal, polished center caps and chrome lug nut covers for the stock wheels. |
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click on the images for a larger view |
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| Tried the Z06 covers. Too much red, just doesn't do it for me. |
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| Besides the red overdose, my cuts on the driver's side didn't "exactly" come out where they should have and the fitment was off. They also seemed to rattle as the attachment points to the fuel rails seemed very loose. |
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So, on to the 98
Corvette black covers. Already set up for the 2 fuel associated lines on
the driver side (less cutting) |
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Added some clear anodized parts here and there (less red) to try and break up the under hood color scheme (pictures are somewhat dark) |
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| Another view. Now, if only I could design an inexpensive billet cover! |
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| Another shot of the LS1
motor plate. Some engraving will be needed here.
"The Wife's Car" sounds right (....not) |
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| On to the interior. After 6 years of "avoiding" queries about auto shifters, now that I have one, R & D takes place. Can't say that I am totally pleased with this one, yet......... |
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| Fitment of dash trim was just what I expected. Just need to find time to pull the dash and add the lighting plate |
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| Not a very good picture of the wheel treatment, but, maybe, you'll get the idea |
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| May 02 | |
| Baseline Trans Am cast aluminum tips absolutely SUCKED, so now we have a Corsa cat back. Very nice exhaust system, very deep rumble to it. |
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| June 02 | |
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| These are plain aluminum letters we are sizing for best fit. After playing around | |
| with various "stickers" that are available with mixed results (nothing seemed to fit well) | |
| it was due time to make some. Production will be 304 stainless steel. | |
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visits since we started counting:
May 18,2002
