More Nurburgring Fun...

[twistedwankel]

Tim you win the coolest father award for this temp relo.

I just imagined your car ad here in the states a couple years from now:

"For Sale. 2018 pristine, stock, 1LE SS. All Highway miles."

[Tim_M]

Doug: I like it. You might consider a job at CNN.

Spent some time on an airplane recently...put some notes down on my flailings on the last visit...not pretty!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuifUr_JJl8&t=61s

I'm ready for more camber so...located a 'race' shop that would take on a Camaro (primarily GTR's and Porsches)...and spoke English! Does wonders for communicating desires and confidence in the job.

My old specs on the car (rear is untouched from the factory / the front was tweaked before I left the states). Notice toe out on all 4...explains some of the nervousness and tramlining that I attributed to 285 front tire/20 inch wheel side wall. It drives much better on the street now!



I had front camber maxed (-2.1), rear -1.5 and corrected the toe to .05 in on the front and .10 in on the rear.

Clean shop...got me in on a walk in basis - excellent! Looking forward to see how it feels on the next Ring visit (8 Sep):



Cost was $132 - good deal!

[Tim_M]

Had another trip back to the states/VA...did a quick jaunt to Seattle for leave @minimal cost to visit my brother. He is smitten with autos a bit too. I got to ride and even drive his 95 RX7! The images are nicer than in real life and it still has driveability issues he continues to work thru (had it for a year and bought for $5000!). I loved these cars when they were introduced - one of the most striking bodies. It was one of the first high performance cars I ever drove - metal pedals, tack right in front...it was a 93 R1 with 4000 miles on it. I recall hearing a beeping and realized I was passing 7500 rpm. Such a smooth engine.



He also has a 1969 Caprice with 620 HP BBC with a stick shift. What a ride, but he doesn't get it out unless I come visit (once a year). He was out of practice with a 12.8 run at Pacific Raceways. With skill, it ought to run high 11's. What opposites he owns!



The Ring is wet tomorrow so skipped the attempt. Instead swapping new spark plugs and rotating tires...yawn!

[Tim_M]

Back in Germany for a weekend trip to Paris:

While the family slept, I was in awe at the 197 MPH ride we were experiencing on the TGV bullet train...3 hours from Stuttgart to Paris...with stops!:





Thing looks all about speed:



Seen on the streets of Paris - New Mini Yokes?:



and with a body guard - 300 mph Chiron:



Updated the plugs in the car and ready for another lap...but first a 6 hour foray to the Frankfurt Auto Show. I'm not much of a car show guy, but @ 13 Euro a ticket...impressive at the displays and selection of marques. Disappointed at the lack of performance cars...all about electricity - yawn. One might say Frankfurt is about efficiency/technology and Goodwood is about performance...the displays at Goodwood exceeded the German show a good margin.

Coolest thing:



New Lambo?



Is that a wing?:



Sat in an NSX (likely the closest I will ever get to one):



10 piston caliper brakes:



Some on this forum might enjoy this:



and since I was none to far from the Ring...hoped to do a few laps on a quiet weekday...unfortunately, it was no quiet, but medium in activity. Precluded any clean laps...ran a couple of 8:01 B to G rounds...perfect conditions otherwise-55 degrees and blue sky.



Drive home was uneventful and without traffic surprisingly. The Camaro pulled a couple of 250 KMH runs...fuel mileage is atrocious. The Ring laps were 5.3 mpg!

[Tim_M]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omqAyyWX6p0

0600 on Sunday, fresh OEM tires, and 50 degrees...455 HP tapped out.

I located a new in box one of these:



Seems few folks want these - they move up to a Whipple, Magnuson, or Edelbrock blowers. Quite reasonable for 200 CHP increase using factory parts...may add a few more mph on top. I will say, it is totally unnecessary for the Ring - my skills are the limiting factor.

[Jamie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omqAyyWX6p0

0600 on Sunday, fresh OEM tires, and 50 degrees...455 HP tapped out.

I saw that: you got the last 4 mph from going downhill! Still impressive...coming into Frankfurt, we didn't push the Alpina beyond 140...Sam wasn't sure how old the all-seasons were, and I didn't want to take too much of a chance.

[Tim_M]

Jamie - Alpina is still around - see previous post! 140 mph is pretty darn quick for a BMW.

The video is deceiving...was actually on a slight ascent to level off plateau. Chevy rates the 1LE at 175 (SS at 180) and the PDR is supposed to be pretty darn close. Nonetheless, on another visit with a slight descent the car has seen 179 mph.

The fuel mileage is atrocious at that speed...

[Jamie]

Jamie - Alpina is still around - see previous post!

I saw the pics. And station wagons.... They import to the U.S. now, too.

[Tim_M]

I like station wagons...just not the gutless, money pit of a 320I I have now. 127 HP...yawn.

Today was busy...gave the car a bath at sunrise...then off to the dyno shop.

Used BHP outside if Stuttgart. French made dyno machine (eddy current/load bearing) that uses tow hook attachments vice straps. Camaro lacks a toe hook in the rear so still used straps.





Also used one heck of a cooling blower...likely to replicate the wind at highway speeds - recall reading some European cars don't like standstill runs. No issue with cooling for sure as it was hurricane force winds.



Did 4 runs (2000-6600)...performed as expected for curves/AFR (lambda).



DynoJet returned 405 WHP.

This French Dyno stated 375 WHP or 440 corrected "PS." Note: it appears they system uses a significant wheel to crank conversion factor of 25.72% vice US typical of 17% on manual transmissions. Nonetheless, this visit was to establish a base line for a delta of change on the next visit after updates.

We then topped up the tank to the very top and weighed the car with corner scales (final number was minus 19 gallons * 6.3 pounds per gallon).



Car has no options (except PDR) and nothing inside (no people, no fuel, no floor mats, no owner's manual, etc) weighs in at 3633 pounds.

Will be interesting to see what the supercharger adds to it...I hope less than 90 pounds.

Sunday is trip to the Ring for some birthday laps...expect traffic so more track study only.

[Tim_M]

Birthday laps at the Ring were limited to a single wet circuit (with a full car load). Two cars in the grass on that single lap meant not much fun and decided to head to Ramstein AB (for some Chilis!)

We also inspected our new car! A 2008 Honda Jazz! Stateside it is called a Fit.



As expected, these cars are in high demand by the Americans (for second car, etc) and are not plentiful in Europe. Believe we did well as this one was priced below typical at $1500.

This model is a 125,000 mile, 1233 cc model (78 HP)/5 speed with 175 tires on 14 inch wheels. I was surprised to learn it was built in China! A Chinese/Japanese Honda Jazz...great.

It returned 38 mpg on the 2 hour drive home...with tires that were a fair amount under inflated.

It will replace our unreliable/expensive BMW 318 wagon, fit in out parking spot, and is a ton of fun to drive - always at the limit (walking speed).

Soraya has provided a quite a few tips on how to make this car dance-thanks!

We may end up freshening up the suspension (add lowering springs), brakes, and doing a good cleanup (appears to be used as a cat house for a spell!)

We did bleed the clutch and the stuff that came out was not hydraulic fluid...works a bit better now!

[Tim_M]

Attempted one more visit to the Ring...temps were between 32 and 40 for the day/drive...



Unfortunately, the moisture and shaded areas resulted in ice on parts...keeping the track closed. So 500 of my friends wandered for a bit and I headed home after an hour twiddling my thumbs.



Gave the car a wash (removing all the salt solution that was applied to the autobahn - I love winter!) and put my time toward the winter machine - 2008 Jazz.

After thorough washing a second time...coat of wax (it had been a long time, it appeared!):



Vacuumed the interior a third time...new floor pats installed!

Then to look at the 1244 cc power house. I learned, embarrassingly that this engine is not a 16 valve engine...but 8!



Someone swapped my valves for spark plugs! As I also learned that I needed 8 spark plugs for this model! Rather unique 4 cylinder...2 plugs per cylinder...



At least they are reasonably priced, typical plug - Amazon.de to the rescue.

And as expected, I enlisted the help of my other assistant to learn about automobiles...:



I couldn't keep her hands off - a bit excited she was. The plugs had been in there a long time...gaps were supposed to be 1.1 mm, we measured nearly 1.8 millimeters. Might explain the occasional miss/Check Engine light illumination - we are hoping.

[Native]

Fingers crossed. I'm taking bets with myself as to what the engine swap will be.

[Tim_M]

Steve! Ha...funny you should ask, as we spy a USDM Fit looking to be abandoned on base...they came with 1.5 liters (25% increase in HP!). Nah...likely this will be a money saving machine for the overseas tour. It does need new suspension (leaking shocks will fail the German inspection.

[Tim_M]

Well the temps are unfun and moisture common...although no white stuff yet in this southern German area.

Had the itch so ordered new Bilstein struts/shocks, top strut mounts, battery, serpentine belt, rotors and pads, and finally Eibach lowering springs.





I enlisted my assistant to do the wrenching...I just watched!





Not much is offered for this Jazz (stateside Fit) in the way of performance parts. Figuring out which model and what part is more challenging as I've found out this particular car was built in China...a Japanese Chinese Honda. It is different than the UK models and as well as the Japanese domestic models. The Bilsteins are OEM replacement and the springs were slightly firmer as well as a 1 inch drop.

End result - attitude:



I've got a set of OEM alloys (believe to be 1 inch wider wheel) bought for $50. Upon weighing, the current steelies are about 2.5 pounds lighter each! The mounted tire is a variable...

Car drives like a nice riding slot car now...definitely notice a change. Soraya suggested crash bolts up front...currently no camber adjustment so those are on order. I will max out the front and get it aligned for zero toe.

Already 3000 kms covered...39 mpg average...car is making us money and with the improved handling - more smiles!

[Tim_M]

Another 1000 kms added and little fuel used.

Swapped the good all season/snow tires to the new/used alloys ($50!)...mounted them up today. Looks good lowered...as any car does.



Germany requires true snow tires...if you impede traffic or are in a collision...police/insurance will negatively view your choice... I see folks swapping tires in the street - rather odd. But great for the economy/tire sellers!

Camaro: Black Friday sales was beneficial with a remote tuning kit $175 off from Jannetty Racing. He is one of the better LT1 (direct injected) tuners currently. I need all the help I can get with adding 200 HP stress to an engine not designed for it.



Wide band sensor, gauge/cup, and HP Tuners software. I will have to weld in a O2 bung prior to commencing.

Targeting February to begin the transformation - should be the coldest in the garage at that time...I was spoiled in FL!

[Tim_M]

Blitzed to Pisa to climb the leaning tower...



Also did a side trip to visit both Lamborghini and Ferrari...pretty cool to see where it all began at least for the Italian tractor makers. Certainly the most expensive ball cap I've purchased at 40 odd Euro!

The drive down is worth the trip...212 tunnels (yes we kept track!) and countless corners - felt like a video game. Unfortunate I was driving not the Camaro, but a Toyota...maybe next time without the weather...

Snow on one side:



10 miles of tunnel:



Blue on the other...



Whole lot of red:



And green:



Interestingly I spied only 3 Ferraris on the road in vicinity of the Ferrari facility. No Lambos... My visit to the Corvette museum showed nearly half the parking lot full of the plastic American sports car. A bit telling, IMO. Admittedly, it was December, but a near 60 degree Saturday at that.



Lots going on there:

[Tim_M]

Time to put some effort into the Camaro...55 degrees today - very unusual...

Began replacing the front rotors/pads and wheel bearings since I've got a bit of whirring.

Quite an easy job - used to having to fight large torx bolts on these areas of other cars - relief:

19,200 miles original brakes...I'm easy on them:



Time for a change:



Finally, Chevrolet with good brakes!:





And done:



So much better @ $75 a side without doing the front wheel struts/king pin and realign deal of my previous car - Subaru.

[Tim_M]

More parts came in...LT4 fuel feed line:



Part number-GM 12677004:



High pressure fuel pump gasket-GM 12623309:



I even splurged on a high pressure fuel pump mic...to ensure it is on the base circle before installing - yes $55 for it-OTC 6710:



Front brakes/bearings complete:



Also dropped off the front tires/wheels for fresh OEM rubber - thanks Tire Rack for the close out sale on the Goodyears!

Next was to try my hand at HP Tuners...never used it before. Has some keyboard time with LT1 Edit and more with Holley's 950 Commander and more recently HP systems...surprised how smoothly it went from syncing the dongle to connecting to the car and even pulling the OEM program for shipment to JRE for a mail order tune.



and



I think it works...haven't written to the ECU, of course. I did charge the battery just the same.

Since it was early and sufficient parts have accumulated...time to upgrade to LT4 spec...

Pre-tear down:



Crank bolt was no issue with 60 seconds of flame, emergency brake applied, and trans in 5th gear. I was solo or I would have had someone stand on the brakes too, but didn't have to with a 18 inch breaker bar and 20 inch jack handle extender:



Balancer slid right off, thanks to the suggested puller:



LT1 balancer weight:



LT4 balancer weight:



The AC belt took most of the time! Not impressed at the stretchy belt deal. I used zip ties to allow it to slide...note remove before you remove the balancer bolt!:



Decided to upgrade to the LS3 crank seal...compared side by side - now see the reason to do so-much more substantial:



Part number-GM 12585673:



Called it a day with the coolant drained and next step is to pull the fans (it is Valentine's Day!) since my recommended installer will not fit in the space between the balancer and fans:

[Tim_M]

Today was a short day - cycling was the deal...27 mile round-trip to a local castle in the balmy 50 degree weather.



Next was the bumper pull...first time. Few bolts in the wheel wells and few up top:



Funny as I have a number of these plastic tools I've used for various tasks...one item I never thought of was using the slot to pry the plastic push pins! Obviously, their exact purpose...thanks to Youtube for enlightening me! Always was a butchered double screwdriver exercise...



Chevrolet put some thought/effort into the cooling. This radiator turns switches to helping the main supercharger heat exchanger:



And done:



Significant other was a good sport when I came thru the front door with the assembly! No room in the garage...don't want a scratch...

[Tim_M]

Great interior decoration!:



Another big success...likely the last major hurdle IMO...passenger cat removal - some challenge, but no stripped threads:



These two studs had to be removed along with 1 of the 4 on the actual exhaust manifold to allow the assembly to detach and wiggle past the lower chassis brace. I did not remove any more of the exhaust - thankfully. And the exhaust nuts/studs did not give up a fight - amazing:



I'm patterning the location off of others...my actual car:



Now all the 'easy' stuff.