Getting Ready for the 2006 Race Season...................

[Greg Collier]

maybe cover the bolts in rtv before passing them through?

I made a gasket with smaller bolt hole openings and did the rtv thing, then double nutted it.

 

[underradar92]

It maybe too late now, but welding an AN fitting to the pan would work.

 

[Greg Collier]

It maybe too late now, but welding an AN fitting to the pan would work.

That's probably what I should have done... but there ain't no way I'm pulling the motor now!

 

[Greg Collier]

This one is for Mitch....

 

[prostreetdsmx1]

looking great bud.

 

[Greg Collier]

looking great bud.

Thanks Marti! Everyone seems real impressed with the "V" mount intercooler install. It looks like it should still be able to get plenty of air to the radiator. The true test with be at Cal Speedway in a couple of weeks with over 150mph speeds. I'm expecting to break the sound barrier with the new engine setup

Greg

 

[Zero Bar]

Thanks Marti! Everyone seems real impressed with the "V" mount intercooler install. It looks like it should still be able to get plenty of air to the radiator. The true test with be at Cal Speedway in a couple of weeks with over 150mph speeds. I'm expecting to break the sound barrier with the new engine setup

Greg

I can't wait for Nationals so I can see this car in person!!

 

[mavisky]

That center support wasn't there before was it? Is that anchored to something other than the fiberglass?

 

[Greg Collier]

That center support wasn't there before was it? Is that anchored to something other than the fiberglass?

I'm assuming you're talking about the aluminum support that connects to the front of the car. The aluminum pan support bolts to the car and the bottom of the valence is attached to that for that paticular attachment (remember the old support system where you noticed the bolt was missing a while back) I attach it to the valence first to make for quick install and removal. Once it's bolted to the car the valence sits on it.

 

[Greg Collier]

For Kyle... aluminum support tray for front valence.

 

[mavisky]

Wow, awesome. I owe you big for that shot as I've still not yet worked out how I'm going to actually support my chin spoiler once I get it. I've got a little less real estate up there than you do with the routing of my fmic, but that'll give me some good ideas.

 

[krisj144]

Greg, I'd like to say that from following your progress last season and preparation for this coming season, you're a real asset to the DSM community in many more ways than you can possibly realize. We're all tremendously proud of your accomplishments, not to mention the fantastic efforts of the individuals who support your endeavors and the helpful nature of those who help to make your sacrifice and hard work really hit the competition hard. It's just a fantastic achievement and really shows the best of what I've come over the years to know as the true nature of the DSM enthusiasts.

I was also curious about a few things on the car, that perhaps you'd be able to clear up. You mentioned at one point a problem with the oliver rods that Mitch addressed. Was this interference with the moroso pan perhaps by adding material to the block mating surface of the pan? Another minor point is it seemed that the pistons were not ceramic coated, nor did they appear to have the 'black' moly coating on the skirts. Is this so? I did notice that the block was drilled for oil squirters. Also, I noticed the bung for the AIT sensor tig welded to the intake manifold. Would this not cause heat soak of the sensor that could be avoided by placing the sensor in the intercooler pipes? Finally, which head gasket did you select and did Mitch o-ring the head or the block as well?

These, of course, are minor points of personal interest in an incredibly well prepared and capable car. Your attention to detail, foresight, and unrelenting efforts really show through and I'm eager to read more about your inevitable successes!

 

[Greg Collier]

Greg, I'd like to say that from following your progress last season and preparation for this coming season, you're a real asset to the DSM community in many more ways than you can possibly realize. We're all tremendously proud of your accomplishments, not to mention the fantastic efforts of the individuals who support your endeavors and the helpful nature of those who help to make your sacrifice and hard work really hit the competition hard. It's just a fantastic achievement and really shows the best of what I've come over the years to know as the true nature of the DSM enthusiasts.

I was also curious about a few things on the car, that perhaps you'd be able to clear up. You mentioned at one point a problem with the oliver rods that Mitch addressed. Was this interference with the moroso pan perhaps by adding material to the block mating surface of the pan? Another minor point is it seemed that the pistons were not ceramic coated, nor did they appear to have the 'black' moly coating on the skirts. Is this so? I did notice that the block was drilled for oil squirters. Also, I noticed the bung for the AIT sensor tig welded to the intake manifold. Would this not cause heat soak of the sensor that could be avoided by placing the sensor in the intercooler pipes? Finally, which head gasket did you select and did Mitch o-ring the head or the block as well?

These, of course, are minor points of personal interest in an incredibly well prepared and capable car. Your attention to detail, foresight, and unrelenting efforts really show through and I'm eager to read more about your inevitable successes!

Thank you for your praise. I just hope I can live up to the expectations that I’ve probably created for myself. I’m personally very proud to be apart of this community and Ludachris’s inspiration for a responsible and intelligent forum to discuss the nature of the animals that we drive.

The problem with the Moroso pan is the inherent warping of thin aluminum. Moroso didn’t even contest the fact about being .125 out of square. Mitch, (Mr. Perfectionist) could not in all conscious install this imperfect pan. He and his partner Bud spent painstaking days in creating the perfect mating surface (sounds almost sexual), but this is Mitch’s passion for what he does. I spent hours prior to the motor build discussing Mitch’s vision for a powerful and durable road racing motor. It became obvious that his expertise in engine building is in a league of its own and sometimes (ok a lot of the time) beyond my comprehension. He also has some secrets that are his signature for the strength and performance of his builds. Yes, you saw oil squirters.

As far as the AIT sensor in the intake manifold, this is a RRE design that has proven to be reliable for years without any problem of heat soak.

The head gasket is a Cometic.

Thanks again for your kind words…

Greg

 

[Greg Collier]

Another 12 hour day on the car and I fell like I’m going at a snails pace. The oil return line is still giving me problems so I did a “Permatex Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance” coat this morning. I’m gonna let it setup over night and see what happens tomorrow.

Still don’t have the PWR radiator and they’re not giving me any clue as to when it will arrive… (I have the Fluidyne in for now)

I installed a Greddy radiator breather tank and I continue trying to figure out the pipe routing. The instructions are in Japanese and I only have pictures for the install. One pipe seems to go out into infinity so a sub atomic calculation may be in order.

I’m trying to clean up the body from last years contact with the wall and was able to get most of the scratches off with lacquer thinner. The fender that needed all the bodywork is still primed and I have no idea if I’ll be able to get it to the painter and back in time. I’ll probably use a couple of spray cans until after the first race of the season “which is now less than two weeks away.” (This includes installing new sponsorship logos) FP’s graphics is a four-part overlay… air bubbles, on top air bubbles, on top of air bubbles!

Tires have to be mounted, gas has to be purchased and stored, the entire interior of the car needs to be cleaned and pressed after last years dirt and dust storms. The oil temp gauge seems to be broken, I need to change the rear pads and bleed the rear brakes.

We have the use of a dyno the entire day this coming Sunday. Break-in and tune-up with Mr. Gray!

When I mounted the front valence it seemed like it was for a different car. A lot of head scratching, bolt hole enlarging, and pushing and pulling did the trick (only took two and half hours)!

Tomorrow’s another day…

The exciting news is that Mitch is flying out from Chicago for the season opener at California Speedway!! How cool is that!! I think he wants to be within striking distance of me in case I do anything to his baby (the motor that is)!

Greg

 

[mavisky]

The exciting news is that Mitch is flying out from Chicago for the season opener at California Speedway!! How cool is that!! I think he wants to be within striking distance of me in case I do anything to his baby (the motor that is)!

Greg

God forbid anything should happen, but if so I'd leave the helmet on for the rest of the day. Might want to keep the HANS device attached too. Just incase Mitch takes a swing ya know

 

[Slow old poop]

My car is not nearly as advanced as Greg's, but we got it going.

We started it last weekend, and discovered that the downpipe had warped from the intense heat (when we melted the timing case covers). So, the downpipe is off getting a new flange welded on.

Other than that, the Blue Eclipse is ready to go.

It starts and runs. We hope to fire it up again this weekend, put a safe break-in tune on it (max 10 psi!), and then put 500 break in miles on 'er.

Be good to get back on the road again. Thank gawd for global warming. The weather in Iowa has been downright tropical, so we hope it will stay that way for 500 miles.

Rich

 

[Greg Collier]

My car is not nearly as advanced as Greg's, but we got it going.

We started it last weekend, and discovered that the downpipe had warped from the intense heat (when we melted the timing case covers). So, the downpipe is off getting a new flange welded on.

Other than that, the Blue Eclipse is ready to go.

It starts and runs. We hope to fire it up again this weekend, put a safe break-in tune on it (max 10 psi!), and then put 500 break in miles on 'er.

Be good to get back on the road again. Thank gawd for global warming. The weather in Iowa has been downright tropical, so we hope it will stay that way for 500 miles.

Rich

That's great to hear Rich Warped downpipe flange... thats hot! I'd love to be able to actually drive the car. My only chance to drive my car is in a parking lot or at the track (especially bad here in San Diego)

Greg

 

[ldstang50]

Greg
You never cease to amaze me with the time and effort you put into your racing. I know how hard this can be on the pockets and your mind as I went through last season with no car. I blew it up at the very first race.
I really look forward to reading your diaries again this year. They were always well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I inspire to grow young like you

Liam

 

[Greg Collier]

Greg
You never cease to amaze me with the time and effort you put into your racing. I know how hard this can be on the pockets and your mind as I went through last season with no car. I blew it up at the very first race.
I really look forward to reading your diaries again this year. They were always well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I inspire to grow young like you

Liam

Hey Liam,

To read about your recent success and top time of the day, then to find out you're leaving in August was a high-low that made me dizzy. You obvioulsy have a talent for driving and should pursue the sport come hell or high water.

As far as growing young, I'm feeling a hundred years old right... but this too will pass

Greg

 

[mavisky]

I know it is little compared to Greg's accomplishments and buildup, but I got some positive news today. Many don't know that my turbo failed on me about a month or so ago and the first few events have been in limbo due to its failure. Well today Brian from FP called me up and told me he'd be getting my new one out to me as soon as possible. I owe him a big thanks and once again FP's proven to be a fantastic company in the dsm community.

I also am tomorrow selling off my handgun (which I love very dearly) in order to help fund my new stainless feed line and oil cooler to keep any issues with the turbo from ever re-occurring. All that's left is picking up my new tires this weekend, and re-shimming the tranny and throwing a few new seals in her and the car will hopefully be back out terrorizing the autox courses until later in the year when I can get my cage and harnesses installed.

 

[terefic181]

Greg, keep on doing, one of the things, you do best.

"Work under pressure"


We're still trogging along, waiting on a new turbo, so we can hopefully get David's Laser up and going for the Cal Speedway trek. I still have to set up the front end on my car, switch out the turbo's, with David's, re-do the pressure testing, rewire my kill switch to include the alternator, and finish up some graphics. Ken's Laser (the 3rd car) is definetly not going to make Cal Spdwy and has offered his turbo to David, if mine doesn't come in today or tomarrow. We'll get there, and it's going to be FUN!!!

Hang in there, Greg, We'll see you at the track.


Tom

 

[underradar92]

I don't have nearly as much to do as you guys, props all around btw. I do have most of the little stuff here though. (fuel line, pump, etc.) Still don't know how much my tax return will net so I haven't ordered my brakes yet. I may just do it, cause I'm running out of time. Got my rear upper control arms in though. Can't wait to drive it again!

 

[Zero Bar]

Wow Greg, what a busy schedule! Make sure you get some sleep in there somewhere. I'd volunteer to help but it's a bit of a drive for me from Ohio.
I'm almost ready to go, tires are on their way, seats on their way also. Just waiting for everything to get here.

 

[Slow old poop]

I don't have nearly as much to do as you guys, props all around btw. I do have most of the little stuff here though. (fuel line, pump, etc.) Still don't know how much my tax return will net so I haven't ordered my brakes yet. I may just do it, cause I'm running out of time. Got my rear upper control arms in though. Can't wait to drive it again!

James, you are the Great Fabricator, so why don't you try this:
Instead of spending a billion dollars on Stoptechs, see if you can make 2nd gen 3000GT calipers and rotors fit on a DSM. You can buy them dirt cheap, the wheel lug pattern is the same, and those brakes stop a 4,000 lb 3000GT just fine. You'll need 17 in. wheels to clear the calipers, but you need those with Stoptechs anyway. I bet stock 2nd gen 3000GT wheels would clear. The last time I bought a set of 3000GT wheels, they cost me $100 a wheel. I also ran my street tires on Milli Miglia alloy wheels ($125 each), which cleared the calipers, but they are only 7.5 in. wide -- just wide enough to mount 235/40 Toyo Proxes!
If you can make all that work, you'd make the new generation of DSM racers very happy!

For those who think the Stoptechs are wonderful, IMHO they pale in comparison to the brakes I had on my 3000GT: 13.5 in. Coleman two-piece rotors and Porsche Big Red calipers. If you can make the stock 3000GT calipers work, then the Big Reds probably would work, too.

Rich

 

[Slapnut]

I just wanted to say... great work! not only to greg.. but the rest of the racer out there. it's nice to see what has taken place with all of your cars over the past year. with that said, i wish you all the best of luck this racing year!!

Now, what i have to do to my car is:

install the engine and dash harness
weld and install the rollcage
install stiffer springs
install new racing seat and 5pnt harness
OHHHHH get the car running after installing the harness!!!
get header tape for cast for the future

btw i start racing 4-8-06