Project Cleaning the Clutter in Our Engine Bay

[NC-V]

Nathan, thought of you the other day...

The carbon fiber guys were grinding down/modifying some IRL wings and pans in our prep booth so I was talking to them about doing a hood for my Cadillac... Talked about doing a hood with completely smooth underside (no visible structure, very thin with internal structure), then cross-laying the weave of our logo on the underside so it is kind of "ghosted" in. We would just need to change out the gas strut as the stock one would destroy a 7lb carbon hood lol. Now I just need to design what I would want the hood to look like and come up with a little over $10k!

[Moreno1]

Originally Posted by NC-V

Nathan, thought of you the other day...

The carbon fiber guys were grinding down/modifying some IRL wings and pans in our prep booth so I was talking to them about doing a hood for my Cadillac... Talked about doing a hood with completely smooth underside (no visible structure, very thin with internal structure), then cross-laying the weave of our logo on the underside so it is kind of "ghosted" in. We would just need to change out the gas strut as the stock one would destroy a 7lb carbon hood lol. Now I just need to design what I would want the hood to look like and come up with a little over $10k!

I hear you Kyle, none of this stuff is cheap! I can't believe I will be cutting up a $3,200 hood

I'm so backed up on the update, I figure I'd post a few more.

Unfortunately I didn't take any before pictures on the arms. Would had made it easier to appreciate all the work that went into them. Trust me they didn't look like this before.




I polished the caps on all the arms including the tie rods on the PS rack (not shown in the pics). When the car will be on the lift I will be able to admire all 6 caps being detailed.



Once I receive the Pfadt bushings I will replace these. I will also finish cleaning the arm. The perimeter gives you an idea of how rough the arms were.



What the heck, you guys already think I'm crazy, why not polish the clip for the boot (look closely). I also polished the tips that will be coming through the spindle.




I can't wait to call the front sub FINISHED!!!!!

[Doc]

Originally Posted by Nathan Moreno

....Hey Doc, the more I think about it the more I like your idea. The brakes I'm using have a nickle finish which would tie in very well with the control arms. Stay tuned.

By the way, I wrote out a rough spread sheet of everywhere that i am losing weight on the car. I didn't think to weigh everything as i go like you have done, but i have gotten the weight of particular parts online through the forums and manufacturer websites. If the data i have gotten is true, i should have lost at least 385 lbs so far, including near future plans, 120 of those lbs being unsprung weight.

I bought a scale to start weighing some more things as i go. The CF fenders are about 3lbs lighter each for those who asked.

*********************************************
QUICK UPDATE:

Did some work creating a fan shroud for the radiator today.

Attachment 478131

The piece is very nice as is, but for my project, I wanted a cleaner look. My plan is to cover up the rad fins completely, with only the fans visible. I will then mount the fans to the shroud by fabricating a 3 spoke mount and welding it to the fan shroud.

I took some measurements and made a template out of thin cardboard for when i go to the local metal fab shop tomorrow.

Attachment 478132

Attachment 478136

Keep in mind the whole purpose of those fins is to "radiate" heat out and away from the coolant, hence the name "radiator". The fans are only there to assist in cooling when the forward speed of the vehicle isn't enough to flow the necessary amount of air through the fins. Blocking those fins like that MIGHT cause temps to be higher than they would otherwise. Especially if you plan on high-performance driving.

I keep thinking I've gotten used to this project but you keep coming up with random stuff that keeps amazing me. This car is going to be so stunning it will almost be a crime to drive it. It should be in a museum under spotlights with lights and a mirror underneath to show off all this incredible work.

I've seen all kinds of builds, custom rods, show cars, restorations, etc. over the years but I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like what you're doing. Just amazing...great job Nathan! I can't wait to see what the final weight is going to be after you're all finished.

[SPCBA]

yes now doc and blue angel posts here!! i was hoping to see the car in action at fontana this past weekend...maybe next time.

couldnt agree more, i have never seen a late model car with so much awesome...and there are a few in this one thread. it is definatly concentrated car porn.

[Doc]

Originally Posted by SPCBA

yes now doc and blue angel posts here!! i was hoping to see the car in action at fontana this past weekend...maybe next time.

couldnt agree more, i have never seen a late model car with so much awesome...and there are a few in this one thread. it is definatly concentrated car porn.

:-) Didn't make it to the speedway due to other things taking priority. I do plan on making the next event there though.

[Moreno1]

Originally Posted by Doc

Keep in mind the whole purpose of those fins is to "radiate" heat out and away from the coolant, hence the name "radiator". The fans are only there to assist in cooling when the forward speed of the vehicle isn't enough to flow the necessary amount of air through the fins. Blocking those fins like that MIGHT cause temps to be higher than they would otherwise. Especially if you plan on high-performance driving.

I keep thinking I've gotten used to this project but you keep coming up with random stuff that keeps amazing me. This car is going to be so stunning it will almost be a crime to drive it. It should be in a museum under spotlights with lights and a mirror underneath to show off all this incredible work.

I've seen all kinds of builds, custom rods, show cars, restorations, etc. over the years but I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like what you're doing. Just amazing...great job Nathan! I can't wait to see what the final weight is going to be after you're all finished.

Originally Posted by SPCBA

yes now doc and blue angel posts here!! i was hoping to see the car in action at Fontana this past weekend...maybe next time.

couldn't agree more, i have never seen a late model car with so much awesome...and there are a few in this one thread. it is definitely concentrated car porn.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the kind words!

Doc, I did some research and there's a lot of track cars running a similar set up.

Here is an example...



But, since I hold your input in high regards, you got me rethinking the whole deal and I am changing the design. Actually it's going to look a hundred times better than what I had planned, so thanks!

Quick update:

Just got tracking numbers for another part that will drop 30+ lbs

Here is a clue: L P L3400

[Synner]

Offset it from the fins so it doesn't touch anywhere. In a puller fan setup its a benefit as it makes the fans more efficient when they're on. That helps more at low speeds though. The existing plastic shroud should then be trimmed so the fans can suck air through the whole radiator with your new shroud making the system more efficient in that way.

With it offset I doubt you would see a restriction at high speeds or if there is one it would be minimal and the temps would be better at low speeds with fans operating through the improved shroud. Just my 2 cents.

[Synner]

Originally Posted by Nathan Moreno

Here is a clue: L P L3400

I know I know. Can I borrow your credit card before it melts?

[NC-V]

Originally Posted by Nathan Moreno

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the kind words!

Doc, I did some research and there's a lot of track cars running a similar set up.

The Spal fan setups cover the entire radiator core, that way when at a stop the fans are more efficient and pull through the whole core. They are also equipped with flaps above and below the fans that allow air to flow freely through the core when at speed.

Quick update:

Just got tracking numbers for another part that will drop 30+ lbs

Here is a clue: L P L3400

I'm with synner, grab one for me while your at it! lol At least shipping should be cheap!

[krusher]

Nathan wanted me to add my update to this thread since I hear a bunch of us noobs are filling his inbox . I have been watching this thread since the beginning and am finally getting enough courage to start some of this stuff.

One year ago I bought my car and started modding right of the bat. once I say Nate's build I wanted to do some similar stuff with mine and make it my own. I started real simple, removed the plastic cover. At a car show someone let me know there was a heater hose relocation kit and thus began this adventure.

Engine 1.1
Then got a new intake and other various parts.
Engine 2.0




Now for the real work. I took the manifold off, took the coils off for later, started putting my new fuel rails on. Over the weekend I am going to start cutting the harnesses apart and wraping them seperately.

[My 5th]

Originally Posted by Synner

Offset it from the fins so it doesn't touch anywhere. In a puller fan setup its a benefit as it makes the fans more efficient when they're on. That helps more at low speeds though. The existing plastic shroud should then be trimmed so the fans can suck air through the whole radiator with your new shroud making the system more efficient in that way.

With it offset I doubt you would see a restriction at high speeds or if there is one it would be minimal and the temps would be better at low speeds with fans operating through the improved shroud. Just my 2 cents.

Ditto that^^
My thoughts are the shroud can create a venturi effect, accelerating the flow of air through the radiator, but provided the spacing between the back of the fins and the shroud is optimal. Too close and the air won't flow behind the fins well, too far away and it loses velocity. But what do I know? I'm a CPA, not an aeronautical engineer.

[Synner]

Its not about venturi but causing the fans to force air through maximum surface area. Smaller shrouds mean the fans pull air through less fins thus minimizing what the fans can do in pulling air through the radiator.

[krusher]

Now with that being said I have a few questions/clarifications. I was likeing the way you made your fuel rails and linked them so I was following a similar style. I am currently waiting on some fittings, but here are where I have questions on your set-up. Are the front of the rails capped as in some of the pics looked like they are and in others they are not.

Then on to the back, I have a 90 deg fitting from the driver's side going to a T-fitting connected to the other rail with a coupler and AN fitting. This is where the real clarification I need, what fitting goes to the stock connection, I have a AN fitting to a 3/8th spring female connection, I don't need a aftermarket regulator or anything do I? I have talked to a few people, but I would assume stock connection and stock injectors why do I need a regulator?

Also, the cables are a daunting task any suggestions? I also saw that you soldered some lines, after reviewing the DIY I am still kinda confused, can you just buy extenders for the injector harness or what? Also this might be a dumb question, but is the only way to put heat shrink tube is to cut the wire, there is no way to pull over connectors???

Thanks

[FurySS]

Originally Posted by krusher

Also, the cables are a daunting task any suggestions? I also saw that you soldered some lines, after reviewing the DIY I am still kinda confused, can you just buy extenders for the injector harness or what? Also this might be a dumb question, but is the only way to put heat shrink tube is to cut the wire, there is no way to pull over connectors???

Thanks

You can order extension harnesses for the coil wiring from Caspers: http://www.casperselectronics.com/st...oducts_id=1225 - little over $100 for the pair shipped. They will custom make them to what length you need. Not sure if that's what you mean, aside from tidying it up some, I left the injector wiring intact.