GPI Build Journey

[Armyavi8r]

I picked her up from GPI and drove some winding roads, etc. Awesome! Handles so much better on tight turns- no noticeable body roll. I'd say there's a small penalty in ride quality, but really not much different from stock suspension. Steering may be a bit more responsive as well- not sure if the upgrade resulted in slight oversteer but it feels like it shifted from slight understeer to slight oversteer. Also, noticeably less squat during launch (probably more due to the BMR trailing arms). Hopefully this is helpful for anyone considering this upgrade. Recap of the build- 1LE suspension upgrade kit (including installation of compatible lower control arms- REQUIRED for 2010 and 2011 and not included in the kit, GM part # 23484878). Also BMR toe rods, trailing arms and strut tower brace. Very pleased with this upgrade!

[morepowerjoe]

Originally Posted by Armyavi8r

I picked her up from GPI and drove some winding roads, etc. Awesome! Handles so much better on tight turns- no noticeable body roll. I'd say there's a small penalty in ride quality, but really not much different from stock suspension. Steering may be a bit more responsive as well- not sure if the upgrade resulted in slight oversteer but it feels like it shifted from slight understeer to slight oversteer. Also, noticeably less squat during launch (probably more due to the BMR trailing arms). Hopefully this is helpful for anyone considering this upgrade. Recap of the build- 1LE suspension upgrade kit (including installation of compatible lower control arms- REQUIRED for 2010 and 2011 and not included in the kit, GM part # 23484878). Also BMR toe rods, trailing arms and strut tower brace. Very pleased with this upgrade!

I've been looking into a set up like the one you just got, sounds killer. How's it do going over bumps and pot holes?

[Armyavi8r]

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

I've been looking into a set up like the one you just got, sounds killer. How's it do going over bumps and pot holes?

It's definitely more rigid so bumps are a bit more noticeable, but really not as bad as I expected, and I'm still breaking everything in as well. All in all, the handling improvements far outweigh any ride quality penalty IMO, and it's my daily driver.

[LCPLPunk]

Just FYI, unless you changed the springs to something non-OEM, your ride height should be the same. The SS and 1LE springs are the same.

[Armyavi8r]

Originally Posted by LCPLPunk

Just FYI, unless you changed the springs to something non-OEM, your ride height should be the same. The SS and 1LE springs are the same.

Yep, that's a fact. Ride height didn't change as far as I can tell.

[Armyavi8r]

What do you recommend next?!!

So my 3 Big upgrades that I planned have been completed (intake/exhaust, Cam and supporting mods, and chassis/suspension).

I'm happy with the power and performance of this daily driver (she's at 60k on the odometer). Great power for my needs (subsequent dyno came out at 475 rwhp), love the sound, and she handles just awesome now.

I'm not looking to make 700whp, not looking to go FI, not looking to change the exhaust from current config and I don't plan to lower it or convert to E85.

Really looking at making current configuration optimal and durable. That said, considering the following but would love to get some other recommendations from you guys; your recommendations have really helped out thus far!!!

- Oil Pump
- Fuel injectors
- Lower thermostat
- Exhaust header wraps
- Stronger starter
- 1LE wheels

Recommendations on the above or anything additional?

Thanks again to all of you that have helped and I hope documenting this is helpful for those who are setting out to do a build.

[LCPLPunk]

I don't see solid rear subframe bushings on your mod list, have you done those?



Oil Pump - could upgrade to a Melling!

- Fuel injectors - not worth it at your power level
- Lower thermostat - could do...but the car will get up to temp anyway
- Exhaust header wraps - not a bad idea! If I could go back in time I would have wrapped mine before I put them in


As far as wheels, find the lightest you can! In fact, if you can get some 19s you'll save weight there too!


A stronger starter wouldn't be a bad idea, you can also add extra grounding cables, one at the alternator, one at the battery in the trunk.



Have you seen the JRE intake scoop/washer bottle relocation kit?


Have you done the fuel rail flip?



Have you done the heater hose upgrade?


How about an aftermarket tranny pan? It has more fluid and maybe fins too to help with cooling.

[morepowerjoe]

Originally Posted by Armyavi8r

What do you recommend next?!!

So my 3 Big upgrades that I planned have been completed (intake/exhaust, Cam and supporting mods, and chassis/suspension).

I'm happy with the power and performance of this daily driver (she's at 60k on the odometer). Great power for my needs (subsequent dyno came out at 475 rwhp), love the sound, and she handles just awesome now.

I'm not looking to make 700whp, not looking to go FI, not looking to change the exhaust from current config and I don't plan to lower it or convert to E85.

Really looking at making current configuration optimal and durable. That said, considering the following but would love to get some other recommendations from you guys; your recommendations have really helped out thus far!!!

- Oil Pump
- Fuel injectors
- Lower thermostat
- Exhaust header wraps
- Stronger starter
- 1LE wheels

Recommendations on the above or anything additional?

Thanks again to all of you that have helped and I hope documenting this is helpful for those who are setting out to do a build.

I highly recommend the melling 10355HV oil pump..

[Bigdumogre]

You have a trans cooler? Dipstick mod?
Also a deeper tranny pan is on my list too.

[Armyavi8r]

Originally Posted by Bigdumogre

You have a trans cooler? Dipstick mod?
Also a deeper tranny pan is on my list too.

I've seen some other references to the dipstick mod. What can you tell me about that? I do have a trans cooler.

[Armyavi8r]

Originally Posted by morepowerjoe

I highly recommend the melling 10355HV oil pump..

Yeah that's what I'm thinking too. I almost pulled the trigger during the cam mod but my oil pressure is always right on the money where it should be. Still, I like the idea of a stronger, zero-time oil pump for the long haul.

[Armyavi8r]

Originally Posted by LCPLPunk

I don't see solid rear subframe bushings on your mod list, have you done those?



Oil Pump - could upgrade to a Melling!

- Fuel injectors - not worth it at your power level
- Lower thermostat - could do...but the car will get up to temp anyway
- Exhaust header wraps - not a bad idea! If I could go back in time I would have wrapped mine before I put them in


As far as wheels, find the lightest you can! In fact, if you can get some 19s you'll save weight there too!


A stronger starter wouldn't be a bad idea, you can also add extra grounding cables, one at the alternator, one at the battery in the trunk.



Have you seen the JRE intake scoop/washer bottle relocation kit?


Have you done the fuel rail flip?



Have you done the heater hose upgrade?


How about an aftermarket tranny pan? It has more fluid and maybe fins too to help with cooling.

Yeah, will most likely go with the Melling oil pump. I didn't do the subframe bushings because I heard it translates a lot of road noise- have you experienced that?

Yeah I wish I had done the wraps during the LTH install as well. Live and learn.

Good info on injectors; was kinda on the fence here.

I've done the additional grounding cables, when I put in a higher CCA battery.

JRE intake scoop/washer bottle relocation? Unfamiliar- Tell me more!

the fuel rail flip is a good idea; did you do it?

I think I'll look into the tranny pan, makes a lot of sense.

Thanks Bro! Great input!

[Armyavi8r]

Originally Posted by Bigdumogre

Also a deeper tranny pan is on my list too.

Is there one you are looking at in particular?

[Armyavi8r]

Originally Posted by LCPLPunk

Have you seen the JRE intake scoop/washer bottle relocation kit?

I'm guessing this is more for K&N type CAI and wouldn't do anything for my Vararam?