Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Found this on craigslist last month and with 2 little kids and plans for a 3rd at some point, time is limited on my '70 Skylark Convertible build so this seemed like a quicker way of reaching my pro-touring goal. Plus I have a deep love for third gens!
Long list of go-fast parts, only catch is coolant in the oil so I'm in the process of yanking the engine for an overhaul. Ran it long enough to get on & off the trailer and into my garage and it ran real well. Prior owner had bought it about a year ago from the guy that built it, pulled the intake to fix an oil leak and then discovered coolant in the oil afterwards and parked it.
He did give me the name & number of the guy he bought it from who originally built the car & I was able to talk to him for about an hour a few weeks ago. Turns out this car has been around including being in Germany and on the autobahn and has hit 154mph on Richmond International Raceway. However, he blew a head gasket when he added the nitrous, fixed it, then discovered the aforementioned oil leak and the car then lost its garage spot when he bought his wife a 72 Chevelle and the car basically sat from 2004 on. He claims less than 2500 miles on last rebuild which I believe now that I have the heads off the engine. Anyway, here's a list of what it has:

ZZ4 block w/ TRW flat tops
Pro Topline 220cc 2.02/1.60 heads w/ ARP head studs
cc305 cam w/ 1.6 Harland Sharp rollers
TPIS mini ram w/ TPIS 58mm TB, 30# injectors & modified MAF
MSD Billet distributor w/ Paxton/MSD ignition box w/ boost control
Paxton SN2000 SC w/ Procharger intercooler
TPIS Level 6 chip
NEX 125 shot (for sale)
SLP 1 5/8 shorties into 3" gutted cat & 3" Hooker Aerochamber exhaust
Raptor 700R4 w/ Precision Industries 2600 convertor
Auburn Posi w/ 3.73s
GW Wonder Bar & Subframe Connectors
Hotchkis Swaybars, springs, rear control arms & adj panhard bar and strut tower brace
Front LCA's have Del-alum bushings
Koni adj struts/shocks front & rear
C5 front brakes w/ slotted & cross drilled rotors front, stock rear discs
Centerline Billet stars w/ 275/40/17 Mickey Drag radials on rear (for sale)

Plans are to get it running again and drop in the T56 I have from my Buick build. Also looking to step up the wheels to so late model 18" vette wheels. Guy said the car ran consistent 12.6's at 109 which I think is pretty lame considering there are guys on here running low 12's n/a so it is in dire need of a proper tune. Poor tuning is also indicated by some pitting in one of the heads on cyl 8 from detonation.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Looks nice man! Congrats on your CL find. Post more pics as you take them

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Went to yank engine Friday night but my brother brought the hoist and forgot the chain & eng. leveler. So instead we pulled off the nose and removed some the rest of the intercooler & plumbing so I can clean it up & reposition the intercooler. As I believe I mentioned before, the intercooler was mounting parallel with the ground using a makeshift scoop (made of sheetmetal & lots of what looked like HVAC tape) underneath to direct air to it. I plan to modify the inner bumper to mount it vertically and cut out the area where the license plate goes, similar to how Orr89RocZ has his setup.

So front is off, will try to yank engine this week if time allows as I now have the chain and leveler in my possession. Attaching pics of how it looks now and the crafty makeshift scoop setup (filled with electrical tape roll, bottle cap, used cigarette & leaves)

karl's-92'-z28

iTrader: (5)

Nice find, keep us posted....

camaro1185

Saw this on PT. Good luck!

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Was doing a google search for supercharged Irocs and this was one of the first posts I saw...found it amusing https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cama...oled-iroc.html

Ad pre-dates the brake conversion & nitrous install but further verifies what he told me about the car and the mileage/timeline of things.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

From the looks of the previous add... you probably got a smoking deal on that car!

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Half the original asking price but w/ a blown headgasket. Still can't complain!

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

That being said, it needs some tlc and the engine is getting an overhaul and one head needs to be repaired. Since that ad the car lived primarely outside and did more sitting than driving. However, a little love will get it back to where it needs to be.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Long overdue for an update to this thread but work, kids, life, etc have been preventing me from working on it as often as I'd like. What started out as a quick fix has developed into a more involved project...isn't that how it always is though? Anyway, some updates:
Engine/Trans:
700R4 & Converter - Sold
Nitrous kit - Sold
Pro Topline heads - Sold



Got it back from machine shop (about 3 months ago - man time flies) and ready to be reassemled. Aiming for next weekend actually. Block was fine, still had cross-htatching. I had them pressure test it, ball hone, hot tank it, new freeze plugs & cam bearings, new ARP rod bolts and polished crank (still standard on both main & rod). Sold the Pro-Toplines and have a set of AFR 1094 195cc Comp Port heads coming (used w/ dyno time only). This should drop compression down to a boost friendly 8.8.1. Been in talks with Craig at Paradise Wheels and they're making progress with the VR4 upgrade kits for the older Paxtons like mine so I'm hoping the kit is available in a few months when I'm ready for it. In antiicipation of the VR4, I upgraded to SVO 42# injectors and a slightly larger but still fairly mild cam (228/236, .514/524 113lsa) which should yield about .544/.554 lift with the 1.6's. Also scored a Canton 244T road race pan (new but was on a display engine, $100 shipped on ebay...don't hate!) which I know of several guys on here are using with the SLP header system so I was really stoked.
I bought a Spohn crossmember and the 6-speed is in, pedals are in, hydraulics are in...it's just waiting for an engine to mate to. Plan to order a Competition Clutch Stage 2.5 clutch...they're under $300 and rated at 600hp...a lot of the 4th gen LT1 guys are running them on LTX forums with great feedback so for the price, I figure I'll give it a whirl.

Engine Bay:
Today's project actually, well, started it the other weekend but b/c it was Father's Day today, I was able to spend a large portion of the day in the garage. I bought a small steam cleaner the other week and have been using Simple Green & Degreaser to clean the engine bay. The steam cleaner actually works pretty well and doesn't leave a big mess like a pressure washer. Dupli-color makes a spray touch up paint that matches (although different name & paint code) so I've started rattle canning the engine bay. I used a Rustoleum self-leveling primer after a thurough prep job of cleaning & sanding and it turned out pretty nice. No runs & laid pretty evenly. I'll hit it with a couple coats of clear too. Most of this won't be seen once all the "stuff" is back in but at least what will be seen will look decent. It was pretty scratched up & dirty. One side down, other side & firewall to go!




Interior:
The dashboard & pad were both badly cracked so both were replaced. This allowed me to tidy up the wiring some and also made it easier to install the manual pedals. I also installed a Phantom Monster tach and Autometer triple gauge pillar with Phantom boost & fuel pressure gauges & AEM wideband AFR gauge.



Wheels:
Centerlines are sold! I actually sold them to a member of Pro-Touring.com and he's super happy with them. I now have the ROH's that were originally on the Iroc. I drove down to Fredericaksburg, VA (2.5 hrs each way) and bought them back from the guy who originally built the Iroc (for only $700 with tires!). No current pics of them on the car b/c car is up on jacks but they're in really good shape. All 4 are 17x 9.5 which is rare in itself with almost new Sumitumo 275/40's front & 315/35 rear. Here's a pic he sent me with the wheels when he had the car over in Germany.

I'm aiming to finish the engine bay this week and my buddy has me on his calender to help me with assembling the engine this Saturday so more updates to come soon.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

This is a video of the car prior to me buying it (actually, the guy who built it sent it to the guy I bought it from, but anyway...this is how it sounded when I pulled it into my garage).

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

sub'd

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Finished Engine Bay



Stage 2.5 Competition Clutch arrived today

CaliChevyLover

nice work

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Finally making some more progress...engine is together and we're looking to drop it in tomorrow night. The AFR heads I had initially bought fell through and ended up with a set of Trick Flows. Not my first choice but won't prevent me from reaching my goals with the car. A couple pics...

Bullydawg

iTrader: (7)

Great project! Can't wait to see it finished... I am rocking a CC Stage 4 clutch... Works great, but takes a bit of getting used to... I am wishing I had gone with the 2.5, come time for replacement I will.

Either way, you got a smoking deal on that car. One of my favorite colors for the Iroc. Should be a blast once it is done!

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

I like my competition clutch so far. Pretty sure the 2.5 is what I have. Has kevlar plates on one side and regular organic on the other. I dont think that gimmick really amounts to much, but it was a cheap clutch and maybe it grabs a little harder than stock. My main concern is if it will tear up the flywheel over time with the kevlar plates on it. But thats not a big deal to me.

1986Z28OWNER

iTrader: (1)

Good looking project! Cant wait to see it done!

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Yeah, like I mentioned before, read a lot of positive feedback regarding the Stage 2.5's from the LT1 guys and very nicely priced so I fiugred it was worth a shot.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Me either! lol. Thx!

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

More progress this weekend... (ignore valve covers, have nice fabricated covers but put old ones on while installing, also fuel pump block off plate was painted after photo)

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Clutch pic

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Finally back in its home!

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Trans is in...still need to wire it but need a VSS (don't have one currently so still hole in trans where it goes) and want to hook up the reverse lockout. Will use a GPS now for speedo and then probably send out the tailshaft and have it machined for a mechanical speedo later. Plenty of other areas to spend that $300 on right now. Also need the outer piece of the torque arm mount that goes around the bushing. I must have dropped it somewhere along the way...DOH!
I also need a new mount for the exhaust at the converter as the current mount doesn't match up to the T56. But, at least the trans is in...with the trans jack the trans lined up easily and went in no problem.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Good news, found the piece to the torque arm bracket so that mystery is resolved.

Got the intake on the other night. Also pulled out the steam vac over the weekend and cleaned up the center console using OxyClean Carpet cleaner. Did a decent job and will eventually tackle the rest of the interior with it as well.

D&S 85 IROC

looks great good luck with it.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Little more progress on engine.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Welded in O2 bung for AFR and wrapped in more of the DEI Titanium wrap. Crossover pipe is tight between the crossmember & Canton oil pan but definitely clears with no issues. Nice & tight install.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Trans is wired up, had to marry the T5 & 700R4 trans to converter brackets to get it to work but it fits nicely now, and shifter in place. I was able to finally sit & pretend to row through the grears.
I just zip tied the speedo cable to crossmember for now so it's out of harms way.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Helping my Dad some on this "new" project too...'71 Datsun 240Z my folks bought brand new. I think I was brought home in '75 from the hospital in this too. It was last tagged in '83 and has been in storage since '85.

BlackenedBird

iTrader: (5)

Are those 3rd gen fitment Snypers? If so? I've always heard of them as 17x9s, not 9.5s. But either way....You have 315s on that narrow of a wheel? I always knew that the Sumitomo tires ran narrow compared to other makes of the same sized tires.

EDIT: Since I have 8 of the 3rd gen offset ROH Snypers, 2 without tires, I figured I'd go measure them. They are 9" wide wheels, not 9.5", as measured on the tire mounting surface as it is supposed to be measured.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

They're the ZR6's but may only be 17x9..as stated, I bought with tires already on them and the prior owner had been running this combo on this car for years. Not sure what brand(s) prior to the Sumitumo's though. I agree, 315's wouldn't have been my first choice and may go to 275's all around, we'll see.

BlackenedBird

iTrader: (5)

Dunno why I mistook them for Snypers. Maybe the ZR6s were made as 9.5"s...Dunno

Stay with the 315s & when they need replacing? Get the rear 2 wheels widened & get some real 315s.

Sumitomo 315s vs Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 315

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

That's a pretty big difference in width. lol
Future plans are for 18's so I won't be widening these.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Decided to pull the third gen pedals for a set of 4th gens after much research. I didn't realize though that the 4th gens were missing the bracket at top to bolt pedals to the dash. No biggie though, we just cut the tab off my old auto brake pedal and welded it to the 4th gen pedals along with a little gusset for added support.

On the down side, I discoverd trans fluid leaking from T56 between case & midplate...looks like I'll be pulling it back out and resealing it,...can't anything just go smoothly???

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

So I thought she was going to be running last weekend but lo and behold...we have a short somewhere! It keeps popping the gauge fuse when turning the key from accessory to run. No fuel pump either. This past weekend I pulled the dash out some and rechecked the harness for any pinched wires that may have occured when swapping dashes but no luck. Lights work, dash lights, ignition buzzer, as well as brake lights & reverse lights so I know the wiring of the pedals/trans aren't the issue. It doesn't help that the harness is pretty crappy with splices and connectors in need of being repinned. Research shows numerous possiblities but most pointing towards a short somewhere. Will keep tracing wires for possibilities. Fortunately, I drove it into the garage so I know the car did run!


In other news, we're expecting #3 in early June so I have a deadline looming over my head now!

kmcn47

well, its a camaro, so........no

APACHE JOHN

why do you want such low compression with alloy heads? I'd shoot for 10.5 unless your goning to boost it

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

As stated in several posts in this thread and in my sig, it's supercharged. ;-)

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Wow, long time no updates. As some may know, this is now being parted out. Since my last post, I've run into recurring obstacles with this car, had a third child, took a time consuming promotion at work, planning to now put our house on market in Feb and reached point of enough is enough.
Soon after my last post, decided to go all motor so sold the old school Paxton setup. I had to fight tooth and nail to get the TFS heads from the POS I bought them from, finally got them, then had an unfortunate valve train mishap during break-in that left top end of engine trashed (don't want to talk about it beyond that). Yanked it and found a low mileage L98 locally to drop in due to money & time constraints. While putting in stock L98, decided to install poly engine mounts and discovered frame was badly cracked at steering box. Not a huge deal, common issue and figured I'd get it welded up after other issues worked out. Then, get a call from wife while at work back around April or May that shelf on wall of garage pulled from wall and old intercooler and misc parts came crashing down on drivers rear quarter panel. Continued the fight of sorting out the hacked to hell factory MAF harness and finally did get it sorted out so car was somewhat drivable but never did get it fine-tuned. Should have just installed the FAST system I had bought but never did. I was motivated to fix up the car bc it did have a cool history of being overseas, on the autobahn, etc., but that only carries so much weight. Prior owner spent good money on parts but matched them together poorly and did hack installations. Power windows for example, he installed at some point and the wiring under dash is a nightmare as a result. Engine harness was so ridiculous, we're pretty sure after tracing through the splices, that the MSD 6AL BTM box was actually bypassed! Will post a pic of what I discovered when I untapped the harness by the distributor. Doors are both rusted on bottoms and passenger door now has filler cracking from prior repair work. Additionally, the interior is pretty trashed minus headliner, seats and dash (which I replaced after buying car). So, although it does look good from 10 -20 ft away, that's about it. Eng bay does look good though!
So...found a nice buy on a '91 convertible firebird on here the other week. Have since sent a deposit and picking it up next weekend. Although only a stock 305TBI car, it is stock (minus new coated headers and exhaust) with just under 51K original miles. I will be transferring the new Racestar wheels, T56 and various suspension components from the Iroc over to the 'bird. After moved, will revisit other engine or maybe do an LS install. In the meantime, I can hop in and just enjoy the 'bird.

Partout thread is here:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...art-out-f.html

IROCgiraffe

iTrader: (3)

Can't say you didn't try... Good luck on your next project!

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Was definitely a valiant effort but just not the quick-fix-and-go as I had originally expected.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

One final post on this build thread...Iroc has been completely parted out with everything sold or saved to transfer over to my bird. On a positive note, my brothers friend ended up buying the body and some parts to build a 275 DR car with it so it has survived and will begin another life with a new owner.