Project FrostFire: New Chapter- Shootout

[Ghettogmc23]

Started a thread about my build but wanted to move it from the motor swap section to the project section. Just seemed more appropriate at this point.
Old thread-
http://ltxtech.com/forums/showthread.php?22745-LTX-Jimmy-Beginners-Swap-Guide

So just to recap truck is for the most part done. Will be doing just minor changes at this point but will all be oriented a bit towards the shootout. Current list of plans are:
• relocate battery
• poly leaf spring bushings/ lowering springs
• newer shocks, possibly with poly bushings
• rear sway bar with poly bushings
• some weight reduction
• maybe a few engine mods if I can find any lol
• AWD setup
• possibly a new transmission, maybe a 4l60e
• Hotwire kit
• some much needed body work
• might do a new wiring harness- truck and motor both
overall I want to be able to do true street, although currently I'm ineligible based off last years rules due to fiberglass fenders and non-operating windshield wipers (need rewired). I've decided to go AWD for a few reasons. Even though its added weight I feel its worth it because I like how it drives AWD, the traction is a definite bonus, and I feel that since it was designed for it I may as well run it since it was my original plan.
Project funding will be slow for now, still settling in our new house and everything plus just this week my wife's grandfather passed away in New Hampshire so that sets back what would have been the initial start of the 2014 shootout funding.
So here's to the beginning of my road to the 2014 LTX Shootout! Updates soon to come!

[Ghettogmc23]

Think I might start by finishing my brake upgrades. Started with a rear axle swap to convert drums to disc. Then the front was converted to 98+ spindles to utilize dual piston calipers. Then I realized that if I were to upgrade the front brakes to something more powerful it would be cake to pull the current setup and throw it on my other jimmy, saving money and bumping the brakes up on both to their next respective level. So after deciding that I purchased some ZO6 calipers for the front. They're currently red powdercoat and I like them that way but still unsure if they would be nicer in blue.
Currently I have the calipers, caliper adapter brackets, and of course the spindle. Now I only need the rotors and brake lines. Hoping to get them on before I go AWD so I can get one good burnout in.
Been driving since 15 and have never done an actual burnout cuz I was always afraid to hurt something lol.

[Ghettogmc23]

Never a dull day. After exploding two different rear ends in his truck my brother has decided to finally break down and buy a complete setup. Posi unit with 3.73s front and back to replace his stock 2.73 gears, better match for the Lingenfelter 350.
Decided to pull the calipers out and clean them up only to go to the store for brake cleaner and find out my bank account has been locked for suspicious activity. Awesome. So for now they're gonna be dirty til I get my account unlocked.

[Ghettogmc23]

Spent some time at the junkyard today. Was gonna get my front diff but decided I'd get my oil filter relocation, cv shafts, etc before I pull the diff.
So instead I grabbed a rear sway bar off a 2nd gen 2 door blazer since the 4 door was designed with the newer fuel tank and won't fit the 1st gen too well. Also grabbed a new set of hinges for my rear window and got some stainless steel sheetmetal for my next idea. Updates to come after some bracket work.
Gonna start keeping a running tab til the shootout
Money spent for Shootout: $25
Money saved for Shootout: $20

[Ghettogmc23]

Been a while since I updated. Over the last few months I got my C5 Z06 brakes installed thanks to Kore3 brackets and Renzfab from syty.net for the brake lines. Also went to the local machine shop for some stainless sheet metal to make a rear wing to replace the stock one. It might not help much but it seems a bit more stable on the highway like there is less turbulence. Not bad for $20 and some time. Also hit up take a part during a 50% off sale and picked up a 3.73 front diff, 4L60E, and a few other small things. Went ahead and put poly bushings in the diff and started designing a paddle shifter setup for the new trans to make the install a bit easier. More updates to come when it gets warmer.

[Sahara54]

I really like that rear wing.

[popo8]

Lovin it man. Hope u can make it to the shootout this year.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ghettogmc23]

Hope to make the shootout this year too, just not sure what's gonna end up happening. It's on my list but getting my garage built is a bit higher on my list so I can finally get the truck out of the elements. Right now I don't have any solid ground to use a jack so I still have to go to my parents any time I gotta get under the vehicles. Good news is aside from that pretty much all the extra money can go towards a shootout budget lol and with tax exemptions on the house kicking in Jan 1st and getting a raise at work there's even more to go towards it so fingers crossed. My phone is still having issues uploading photos but not videos so here's a few.

Just to prove I finally got it starting good...


http://youtu.be/tw9-pbYSzRk


And a little exhaust video


http://youtu.be/LijNfW45M9g

[Flyinz]

Thats gonna be a fun ride, man. Keep with it!

[Ghettogmc23]

2685426855Well not much to update. Found out my oil filter relocation won't work due to different diameter of the lt1 oil filter and the 4.3 oil filter adapter. So going to run a block filter above the front diff and hope it doesn't torque and crush it.
Also finished up my wireless paddle shifters and bought an external gear display to mount on the column/ gauge cluster/ top of dash haven't decided yet.
saturday is supposed to be 40 so hoping to get the diff and cv shafts in it. Been up in the air too long

I did make cover photo of the week so just wanted to say thank you to Popo8, my awesome supportive wife (even tho she complains about the dirt and grease), and the whole LTXTech conmunity. To some people stuff like this isn't important but to see my prized project being recognized is just one of the greatest things I could ask for.

[Ghettogmc23]

Made some good progress the last few days. Front diff is in, cv shafts are mounted up, and everything clears! For those not familiar with the s10 front diff the drivers side mounts into the frame with horizontal mounts. The passenger side mounts to the bottom of a cross brace. A common issue with the canton v8 4wd pan is that they made it slightly too deep so when trying to mount the diff it hits on the axle flange. So I took one of the metal sleeves from the old bushing, cut it in half, and then used it as a spacer in the passenger side to gain clearance and the cv shafts make up any geometric issues from it. Tight fit but should be ok.
Still haven't gotten an oil filter to work. Bought a shorty to use on the block but the pan is wider in the back so it cuts off the install path. Didn't feel like having to drop the diff for an oil change so just gonna break down and buy some AN fittings and line for my trans dapt remote filter.
So at this point all I have to do is mod the drivers side exhaust to clear the shaft and then the transmission is ready to swap for the paddle-shifted, full manual control, AWD 4L60E. So excited!
Also got my external indicator and wired it up. It has a delay to it compared to the box but shouldn't be any issue.
So at this point all I have to do is
26902


26905
26906

[Ugod02010]

Awesome! I like this style blazer I was actually gonna build one with a carbed 350 awhile back. Still kinda wish I would have..

[popo8]

2685426855...

I did make cover photo of the week so just wanted to say thank you to Popo8, my awesome supportive wife (even tho she complains about the dirt and grease), and the whole LTXTech conmunity. To some people stuff like this isn't important but to see my prized project being recognized is just one of the greatest things I could ask for.

My pleasure man. She reached out to me and asked what she needed to do to get pics submitted. She knows how proud u are of it.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ghettogmc23]

I wasn't a big fan of the truck to start with. Shortly after buying it we picked up an 84 Caballero and I had a choice to sell the truck and buy the caballero from my dad or help him clean it up and resell it. I'd wanted an El Camino since I was probably 10 years old but the thought of sellin my truck bout made me start crying lol. I think that's when I started liking the idea of a v8 swap s-series but it wasn't until I saw the LT1 that I found a V8 I liked lol.
Since I've swapped I know of three of my friends swapping to a V8. One is a carb 350, one is a carb 305, and the last can't decide between a tbi 350 or an LT1. Definitely doing some persuasion on that last one lol.


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

Anybody else hate exhaust work? Got an L piece off the header collector that slips in on the passenger side and I went to pull it off today and it's wedged in place. I decided it would be easier to just chop the pipe since it won't be reused anyways. From the beginning of owning it I've now had these exhaust setups: stock, Glasspack, straight pipe, turndown, rear mounted muffler, headers/ cat delete straight pipe, and now the true duals with Glasspacks and turndowns. That's 7 different exhaust setups from start to now and I thought I would finally be done. So hoping this is my last exhaust mod until I get my new motor in it. I wouldn't mind it but getting it leak free is hard but getting it to clear the trans crossmember, torsion bar crossmember, transfer case, rear axle, and the gas tank makes it a nightmare without a tuning bender.
To too it off its the first day nice enough to not freeze outside and it's been raining since sunrise. Sorry just had to rant while I'm waiting in the rain to stop. If not soon ill deal with it and go out n cut it while getting soaked


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/02/yma2yvar.jpg

Need a 90* on the end but it's formed for the most part to clear. Just need to figure out how to make the crossover removable for when the trans gets swapped.
Once the exhaust is done I gotta finish my oil filter setup and it will be road ready again.

Also thinking I want to redesign my front layout. Trans cooler will be put in front of radiator, air filter will be sealed to a scoop on the bottom of the front splitter for a ram air style intake, and the air dam cutouts will be used for brake ducts. Just a thought but would be better for all parts involved and give it a more aggressive look I think. Well see how it turns out tho


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/03/y7uga6uh.jpg

Gonna measure the driveshaft before welding it because it has the bulky dual universal joint thingy I wanna make sure will clear. Ready to cross this 4L60E/AWD swap off my list and just be able to enjoy it


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Flyinz]

My shop guide calls that a "double cardan joint." Ford has them in the F150/F250's as well. There's a pivot ball in the middle of that joint, I believe.

[Ghettogmc23]

That's the name lol. Goofy looking thing. my dad sent a pic and I remembered that it goes by the t-case anyways so I got tons of clearance now
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/03/uty8emyr.jpg

Pipes all welded, before I take the jack stands out im going to route the trans wiring and temp sensor. Time to pony up the cash for some AN fittings for the oil filter relocation and then it's off to my parents for the trans swap when the roads clear up.



JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

Who loves a good bargain? While working on my truck I've compiled a nice inventory of -6AN fittings and probably about 30ft of braided line. I was all set to buy fittings for my oil relocation and get it all done when I do a little searching and find most recommend -8 or -10AN for the oil lines. Broke my heart since to buy enough line and fittings I was looking at well over $180.
So I'm searching ebay for a good deal in -8AN to 1/2npt fittings and that's where I found a bunch of deals on used NASCAR dry sump oil lines. I ended up with two nice -8AN lines with fittings at around 40" long each (I needed 35) and I won the auction at $20.50 with I think $13 shipping. I know -10AN would probably be a better fit for restriction reasons but still this will get it running and allow me to get everything situated and mounted, plus if it holds good pressure I'm not even gonna bother stepping it up. Oil psi already hits 80-90 range when not at temp so it's good to drop a tad lol.
Just thought I'd offer a heads up for anyone needing some oil lines but not wanting to drop serious coin, search BMRS on ebay and they have quite a few options in all different sizes for super cheap


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/08/ty2utypy.jpg

Got the lines to finish my relocation. The filters are huge compared to the stock one.
Also ordered a list of parts for the truck that should be arriving soon: ARP bolts, new trans cooler, some aluminum stock to brace up the front end, and to follow soon will be a new transmission pan and poly transmission mount.
I also placed an order for some naca ducts and accidentally got two sets ordered. So one set will be for brake ducts, and the other set I'm sure I'll find a use for. Also got some flanges to mount the pipes to the spindles that should arrive soon. More updates to come, still waiting on the weather to cooperate to actually install everything on the truck


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/10/zaqymy7u.jpg

Needs oil filled and the front diff filled and it's ready to drive again. Now I get to wait until the snow melts to do the trans swap. Really excited to find out how it drives with the AWD and paddle shifters!


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Chris]

I wish I had half your motivation in that weather

[popo8]

aint that the truth...

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ghettogmc23]

It hit 17* today so I took advantage lol. I feel the quicker I get it ready the less ill notice how long winter is taking


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/12/e5evybe4.jpg

Brake ducts installed onto the splitter. Also got the flanges to mount to the brake shield but still have to get that done.
Only thing that I'm worried about is with the air dam blocked completely off now and having the splitter underneath, how is my air filter going to get air....


JAG- Project FrostFire

[96z28SideSwype]

Attach a tube from a open area to where the filter is located kinda like a cold air set up?


Silver 96 Z28 SideSwype-DD
Green 96 Z28 NightMare-Drag car

[Ghettogmc23]

That's bout what I was thinking lol. I have an idea in the works...


JAG- Project FrostFire

[96z28SideSwype]

Good luck I've been watching this build I'm interested on how the awd is gonna work with a lt1 I've been thinking about getting rid of my green car and picking up a old s10 or Sonoma and doing a swap in the future


Silver 96 Z28 SideSwype-DD
Green 96 Z28 NightMare-Drag car

[Ghettogmc23]

Thanks. I know a few have done sbc with AWD and loved it, one even races the canyons in a 2 door with a 383 and that thing is wicked lol. Plus it should be even more fun with paddle shifters lol. This setup has been my dream for years and so I'm really excited to see how it all comes together


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

Well got the oil system installed, started it up and almost had a heart attack when it showed 0 on the oil pressure gauge, but after about a second it started to pick up pressure and fill the system. Checked everything and had a small leak on the block adapter so had to seal that up a bit better. So at this point it needs front diff oil, double check all the bolts in the front end, put some holders on all the lines, and install the new transmission cooler and it'll be ready for the road again


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/19/qusebu7e.jpg

Mounted my external display, I don't have the dash back together but the tach sits right off to the side of this part of the dash so it'll be in my vision but not in the way.
Also got my big Derale cooler. Something like 13x12 with -6AN fittings so I don't overheat the new trans since it'll be shifting at full pressure.
Then to top it off my plugs fouled out. I started to the other day to check the oil system and it must have been too cold and not ran long enough cuz they're soaked in gas again. I'll grab a new set once I know it's not gonna get cold again lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

All im gonna say is... ur creativity truley impresses me. Keep it up.man.

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ghettogmc23]

Thanks Popo. I guess I owe it all to my parents tho. While other kids played sports and when on family trips i was in the garage with my dad doing oil changes, motor swaps, stuff like that. Plus when I got older I got to help do paint jobs (my dad would paint, my mom would tape it off, I got to do the sanding lol) which I think kinda sparked my creativity cuz it showed me that even old rusty cars could be turned into something unbelievable. Plus I think it was always in my blood to go fast lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

My pleasure man. Love the back story

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/20/8utyqava.jpg

Got it all installed. Pic is a little off cuz of the angle it makes the wheel look huge lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Blackbird96WS6]

Man, this looks awesome! I'm loving your ideas, too. I also noticed you have a gauge pillar pod as well, I'm gonna PM you with a question about that.

[Ghettogmc23]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QpyQgd3fJ8

It missed a shift on the downshift. The paddles work good but the buttons need quite a bit of pressure. I don't push hard enough sometimes lol. Personally I like the click on the shifts (provided by the remote setup) and the beeping when in final gear (provided by the shift box)


JAG- Project FrostFire

[96z28SideSwype]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QpyQgd3fJ8

It missed a shift on the downshift. The paddles work good but the buttons need quite a bit of pressure. I don't push hard enough sometimes lol. Personally I like the click on the shifts (provided by the remote setup) and the beeping when in final gear (provided by the shift box)


JAG- Project FrostFire

Video unavailable for me
Edit* now it works lmao cool I want to see how it work when you're driving


Silver 96 Z28 SideSwype-DD
Green 96 Z28 NightMare-Drag car

[Ghettogmc23]

Well soon as it warms up my brother has to change his rod bearings cuz they're starting to knock a bit, the weekend after that I'm installing my 4.3 in my friends s10 in trade for his Tahoe, and it should be the weekend following that one that we swap the transmission in my truck so I can hook it all up. So even tho the weather is nicer I got at least a 2 week wait lol but it's coming soon.
I managed to clean the plugs and get it started. Soon as it did the exhaust fell off the drivers side so it's gonna need welded to the collector before we swap the trans bit I'm waiting to get my cutout setup done before I weld it all up and install it. I've got a small list of stuff to get done before the swap but I've got a longer list after it lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

waiting.....lol

LTXtech.com is my drug.

[Ghettogmc23]

Lol I could hook it up in my black jimmy but that would be anti-climactic


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

Well bought what I'm hoping will be all I need: poly trans mount, zinc plated trans pan with drain plug, and a 2800 stall Night Stalker converter. Then for the rest of the truck I purchased some exhaust adapters, 3" piping, and some billet tie rod sleeves for when I do the alignment and correct my steering wheel. My dual exhaust is 2 1/4" and my cutouts are going to be 3" with the TB opening at 3.5"! So it should get loud lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

So..... waiting for everything to arrive for the exhaust...... waiting for the streets to clean up before I swap the trans..... also went to take a part and got a new LT1 harness, S10 engine harness, and S10 dash harness. So made good progress so far, stripped the LT1 harness down to what I need, got most of the s10 harness cut down, and cut out most of the dash harness.
So probably in the morning I'll start pulling the dash and harness, relocating the pcm and LTCC under the dash, and tucking all the wiring so less is seen. Hoping to have the wiring and the exhaust done by the weekend.


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ugod02010]

wiring is one of the more tedious parts of a build. Its always nice when that parts done. I'm on the exhaust on my t/a now too. Got the longtubes and y in and most of the catback but i still have some to do. What clamps did u use? like the regular ones or band clamp ones?

[Ghettogmc23]

Wiring is my worst part to do lol. I went from a dash mounted pcm to an engine bay pcm trying to simplify it and then when I was done I realized dash mounted would have been easier and looked better so rather than rewire I just started from scratch lol. Plus the two main reasons I wanted to start over were :
1. I added a bunch if wires for new gauges, relays, etc that I wanted to clean up
2. I didn't know how to solder when I did it and just use clamp connects and the old twist & tape method. Got it running but had a few issues that made me worry...
So $30 for a harness and a weeks work is worth the peace of mind it won't lose connection and burst into flames lol
So far I haven't had to use any clamps except for at the very back on the mufflers. I used just the basic autozone style u clamps on them but I think if I use some up front I'll get the band clamps just to try to reduce leaks.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/ynabymur.jpg


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

I'm so glad I started rewiring my truck. So far I've found a few connections that weren't loose but were starting to look like it. I've also cleaned up the harness so it'll fit a bit better. I had a few wires I think I had too short just by the look of them.
Current progress is the fuel injector power wires are tied and tucked neatly, the coil power and grounds are tied and tucked neatly next to the injectors, and after I tuck the logic grounds the same way I'll be done with the multiple connection wires and moving on to the individual sensors: iac, map, etc.
Best part is this. I had issues with power draw during cranking before which led to hard starting issues. To solve this I would unhook my EWP and then hook it back up once it was running, not the best way to do it lol. Now that I've been looking thru the wiring diagrams I found a wire that's hot in only run so when I crank the motor over it will automatically cut power to the water pump and once it starts it'll kick back in. Not only that but the alternator wiring is a lot nicer than the one I had so hopefully my power issues will be better to start with. Hoping this weekend I can get it started back up and check everything


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/28/gy9a2eha.jpg

Bay harness is finished for the most part, dash harness needs a double check but should be ready to go back in, and the motor harness needs a few more sensors ran but for the most part is done. Once it is I'll cut all the wires to length and pin them for the pcm and wire it all up and see if it all works again.
Also ordered a set if relocation wires for the battery so if this all works out ill move the battery to the back again. Then if I feel like it I can pull the inner fenders for a more aggressive look lol.
Work on the exhaust is on hold since it started snowing a bit again, should make some progress this weekend tho


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

So truck is all wired up again. Went to start it just to check all my work and I got nothin. I hear my fuel pump relay clicking off but never on and I'm also not getting signal to the pump itself. So gonna do some probing in the morning and hoping it ends up being a weak ground so I don't have to pull the whole dash harness back out lol.


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

Getting so impatient. Got the wiring all finished, threw the gauges and switches in it and checked it all out. Got turn signals and hazards, still need to check the brake lights, headlights, and license plate but lights should be good. Best part is the truck starts easier than ever now with the new wiring! Guess I had something hacked real bad in the old setup lol. So I gotta wire my cooling fan signal wire and ten the wiring is finished aside from plugging my power windows and everything in.
Still need to fill the front diff, double check all my bolts and everything underneath, put the dash back in, and mount the bumper back up but it's almost ready for a test drive! I wanna test out those Z06 brakes!


JAG- Project FrostFire

[96z28SideSwype]

Who needs power windows just leave them up they don't need to go down lol sounds like you're really good at wiring I'm ok at it I just hate doing it


Silver 96 Z28 SideSwype-DD
Green 96 Z28 NightMare-Drag car

[Ghettogmc23]

Lol that's about how I am. I spent hours just staring at wires trying to decide if I needed them or not. I've got a few that I could have removed just cuz I got an s10 harness instead of a blazer harness so it was a bit different but still works since I deleted most of the options out if it


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

I couldn't resist it lol
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/12/7e9a4y2e.jpg

Dash is all back in and now it won't start again, so this time I decided new plugs are needed cuz they were soaked. Good thing is I can get my plugs out in about 5 minutes thanks to my special tool lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/19/u6yte2un.jpg

Well managed to get the front clip back on after filling the diff and tightening up all the bolts underneath. Finished up my wiring by running the signal wire to my cooling fan relay and wiring my horn.
Pros of my new wiring harness: have a horn again, windshield wipers work again, turn signals blink normal again, and the dimmer switch works for the first time in over 8 years! So aside from climate control, radio, and a dome light all the factory options work and remain.
Still need to tie up the loose ends: need to install brake switch, install steering wheel, mount wire holds, and a full rundown of everything I can think to check just to be safe. Plus my brother is fixing his truck so as soon as it's fixed the trans swap will be ready to go.


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/22/7atuzeda.jpg

So everything is in good working order on the truck aside from having an issue with the master cylinder. So next update should be the transmission swap!


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/27/uryzehu5.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/27/du8y9u8e.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/27/a5anu9up.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/27/je2uruje.jpg
Special thanks to TwinTurboV8Ty on syty.net for the awesome new crossmember.
Now to just clean it all up, replace the body mounts, hang new doors, and install the transmission and cooler


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

Damnnn... Stripped that thing. Why new body panels?

LTXtech.com is my DRUG!

[Ghettogmc23]

When I bought it the passenger floor and body mount were rusted out, then the drivers side went about a year or so later and it let the front of the can drop which caused issues for the door hinges so they split n stuff. So when I bought my parts truck we cut them out and saved the doors but never got around to replacing them until now, figured with the trans out its the perfect time to lift the body up a bit and weld in the new metal


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

Very nice.. Ok.

LTXtech.com is my DRUG!

[Ghettogmc23]

Can't install my trans until the new body mounts are installed, and not confident enough to to do it by myself so I've been finding some small projects to keep me from getting bored.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/01/erepyta6.jpg
Battery relocated, ran the power through the firewall to the starter after finding a perfectly sized unused grommet.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/01/6e8urabu.jpg
Painted my lettering white cuz I wanted to see what it looked like. I'm really liking it.
Also ordered my new shift box and everything to control the new 4L60E along with ordering some new parts to compliment everything that I'm working on updating. Planning to cut the passenger floor out tomorrow and have the new mount and trans installed by the end if the weekend


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

I like the letters man... Excellent "busy work."

LTXtech.com is my DRUG!

[Ghettogmc23]

Drivers before
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/03/pa4utu4e.jpg
Drivers after
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/03/e2a8yryr.jpg
Passenger before
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/03/nuza2amy.jpg
Passenger after
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/03/a3u5u5aj.jpg

Going to finish the body work through the week but first comes the trans install so I can get it off the jack stands and have it mobilized. Getting so anxious to drive it with the paddle shifter setup and all the new mods


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/05/jy2a4e4u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/05/uhu6a9y9.jpg

Almost finished


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

Those BEFOREs were not good. Lol

LTXtech.com is my DRUG!

[Ghettogmc23]

That's 23 years in northern Indiana lol.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/06/ty6y4ynu.jpg

Love how the AC Delcos look compared to the Bosch. Hopefully they make as big of a difference as everyone says.

Also finished the lettering on my rear tires.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/06/e8etuda5.jpg

So now I'm down to finishing body work, installing my shift box, putting the body back on, and adding ALL the trans fluid into it.... and the seats cuz I forgot about them today lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/11/e2eze9ah.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/11/aga5u4uh.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/11/gady2yde.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/11/u3enuzyh.jpg

Getting down to the finishing touches. Runs better than ever and looks kinda cool with no fenderwells. So anxious to get this thing on the road but still have the smaller details to tie up


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

Ur doin awesome man. I love this project.

LTXtech.com is my DRUG!

[Ghettogmc23]

Thanks Popo. I work on my black jimmy and my acura from time to time but all mods lead back to wanting to work on the LTX lol

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/12/y7ujebyr.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/12/sysaje4u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/12/usy9y7a9.jpg

Moved it outside for a test drive and it ran good. Welding the exhaust and the new o2 sensors seem to have fixed all of my lean issues. As for the AWD and paddle shifters it is amazing! Only did about 15 and hit 2nd and it was nice and crisp, had that feeling where it just put you into the seat. Still anxious to run it through all the gears, didn't wanna drive too much without the front end on it lol.


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Flyinz]

I bet that AWD and paddles are badass. If you go to the shootout, Id like a ride!

[Ghettogmc23]

I'd definitely give you a ride, still not sure if well be at the shootout tho cuz still saving up for a garage and everything


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/14/eve2u7yq.jpg

So truck is all good to go, just need to get clips for the door panels, full tank of gas, and renew the registration. Once I test drive it and make sure everything works it should be heading back home to finish up the body work and everything.

On a sadder note my wife's cat started to get sick over the past few days and when she took him to the ve the had to be put down for feline leukemia at less than a year old. She thinks we might have cursed him because we named him Opti lol. So it's been a bit of a stressful week between all of that and trying to get the truck done.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/14/6avabetu.jpg

Needless to say I really need to get the truck home and stop spending all my time at my parents. So hoping for a trouble free test drive


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

Happy bout the truck.. So sorry bout opti.

Awesome name. Please tell the wife Im sorry.

LTXtech.com is my DRUG!

[Fastbird]

Given that you're in Decatur, literally less than 15 minutes from me...........I need to see this in person sometime.

Sorry about the kitty......that's rough.

[Sahara54]

Sorry about Opti...Not gonna lie and kinda feel bad cause I literally Lol'd when you said you wife thought he was cursed. We just had to put our 15-16 y/o Chesapeake down due to skeletal issues and a cognitive disorder.

[Ghettogmc23]

Thanks guys. She said it wouldn't bother her so much but she had to make the decision to have him put down. I feel bad mainly cuz there's nothing I can do to make it better.

Sahara54 that's kinda how I was. I felt bad but it was funny just the thought of it lol. Sorry to hear about your Chesapeake.

On a good note I got the truck finished up today. Inner fenders installed, pcm tuned up a bit, and had to put the battery back up in the engine bay cuz it didn't have enough power to start the motor when hot from the back. Thinking maybe an LT4 high torque starter will help with that though. I want to get it out in the country and open it up a bit and see how it runs but ran outta time. Since I don't have the pcm connected to the trans I want to run it through the gears with the paddle shifters and see if my manual tcc lockup switch works. If that works I should be able to get it home and get it cleaned up and ready to cruise for the summer.
Fastbird once it's running decent I'll probably be cruising around quite a bit if you ever wanna meet up sometime. Last time my truck was in Fort Wayne was right after the 4.3 was rebuilt about 4 years ago lol it's due for a nice drive down Coliseum.



JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

Took it around town today. Ran real good and thought I had all my problems fixed. The. I took it out later in the day and it never got up to temp and had a bit of a stumble when cruising but the afr didn't drop like it used to. So gonna try remapping the timing to stock. Just curious what timing everyone else has with tunercats? I've got a few different tunes I've been using to reference but for timing they are all over the place depending on which tune I look at lol. So for now I'm gonna set it to Stock and see if that's my stumble. Just sucks I did all my tuning with bad o2s and bad wiring now it's all wrong and practically had to start over


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/18/eqe6enuz.jpg




JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

So been trying to finish the truck up. Found out my stumble hasn't been caused by the timing but is actually a voltage drop issue. Put a battery from my dads truck in and the voltage drop issue went away, so hoping a good charge on my yellow top fixes it. Also bought a new summit mini starter and heat shield to fix my hot start issues. Should be showing up tomorrow so hoping for a good weekend. Once these two problems are fixed I should be able to trust it driving somewhere lol.

Also got my custom made steering wheel adapter installed. Wanted one a bit taller than the one I had plus the aluminum matches the interior more than the textured black one
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/22/reqejeja.jpg


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/27/dujesypy.jpg

New starter, retuned the timing a bit for better starts, and put the old cold air intake on against my will. Now it runs good but the starter needs a shim or two and the exhaust has a slight rattle to it I need to take care of. After that it needs an alignment and then it's heading back home to upgrade the cooling system because it doesn't like sitting still lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/26/2yry2egu.jpg

Slowly getting my truck cleaned up. New manual steering box to tighten up steering and a new alternator tensioner setup to keep the belt tight. All that's left is the front end alignment and then some computer tuning.


JAG- Project FrostFire

[Ghettogmc23]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/05/6agedy5e.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/05/9y6aqemu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/05/ma8e6ena.jpg
After fighting with the pcm and eventually just putting a different one in I had good results.
Entry #14 at my hometown car show! Decided not to stay all day but still made an appearance. Had to get home and get some work done on some other stuff lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

Its lookin great man... love the "schwag" she is sportin...

[Ghettogmc23]

Thanks. I had the same shirt on but I wasn't in any of the pics.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/07/yrumuqud.jpg
This is what happened yesterday. Got about halfway home and smoke started rolling out from under the truck. We still aren't sure what happened but it looks like the brakes weren't fully releasing at the brake booster and they started to heat seize. It boiled the fluid out of the rear diff and we had to keep stopping every mile or so to let it cool down til we got it pulled back to my parents lol


JAG- Project FrostFire

[popo8]

Ophhh...

[Ghettogmc23]

Happy to update that after checking out the brakes and doing some adjusting I think my problem is fixed. Not to mention the heat seize got the pads all nice and bedded against the rotors :)
Also blew a header collector gasket so got that fixed as well. So still going to pull the diff cover to check for damage and maybe do new u joints for safety cuz it was sounding funny pulling it but should be back on the road and in good shape soon


JAG- Project FrostFire