[Sephx1]

Got the Borla S-type 3” cat back install going and working on connecting it to the headers. First had to cut off the rest of the old exhaust still welded to the headers. I will be using V-band connections so I can take out the high-flow cats and install off-road pipes before going to the track. Can’t wait so see how it sounds.

Took the ECU out to get a base tune installed, will do full tune in the next week or two. Once the exhaust is done I need to take it to get a windshield and A/C recharge.

[Joshinator99]

Good call on the v-bands. After my shop realized my car would be in there 2-3 times a year for work, they quickly got sick of fighting to get the exhaust apart. So with the v-bands it’s short work!

[Sephx1]

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

Good call on the v-bands. After my shop realized my car would be in there 2-3 times a year for work, they quickly got sick of fighting to get the exhaust apart. So with the v-bands it’s short work!

Thanks, I think it’s going to be a good setup. I came up with another idea after measuring the space between the headers and the S-pipe where the exhaust starts. I have 12” to fill in, so I’ll weld 3 inches of straight pipe on to each end of the cats to get to 12”, then instead of a straight pipe delete for the track I’m going to use these 12” long straight through resonator pipes:

[ninetres]

What a bad ass read/project. WHAT AN UNDERTAKING!!!! So close to the finish line!!

[Sephx1]

Got the exhaust mocked up tonight ready for welding in the morning.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by Sephx1

Thanks, I think it’s going to be a good setup. I came up with another idea after measuring the space between the headers and the S-pipe where the exhaust starts. I have 12” to fill in, so I’ll weld 3 inches of straight pipe on to each end of the cats to get to 12”, then instead of a straight pipe delete for the track I’m going to use these 12” long straight through resonator pipes:

Good call. Headers are damn loud on these cars! High flow cats don’t make a huge impact on sound and neither will resonators, but they’ll still help a little.

[Sephx1]

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

Good call. Headers are damn loud on these cars! High flow cats don’t make a huge impact on sound and neither will resonators, but they’ll still help a little.

Here’s the first startup - lots of smoke from the new exhaust burning off. This is with the cats:

https://youtu.be/CTfOhOjvzj0

Also a couple photos of the exhaust and V-band setup. Unfortunately the resonators wouldn’t fit so it will be cats or delete pipes.

[jjgi5150]

Sephx1,

This has been a great rebuild to follow. Congrats on doing such a fantastic job. Look forward to seeing you at cars and coffee event sometime soon in the Phoenix area.

JJ

[Sephx1]

Originally Posted by jjgi5150

Sephx1,

This has been a great rebuild to follow. Congrats on doing such a fantastic job. Look forward to seeing you at cars and coffee event sometime soon in the Phoenix area.

JJ

Thanks JJ, I look forward to showing you the car and meeting you in person

It’s funny you mentioned cars and coffee, as I often think about how my goals and standards for the car have changed. I started out building a track car that I didn’t want or need to look perfect, now I have something I’m worried about getting a rock chip in. Same thing happened with my last Camaro build.

[jjgi5150]

Originally Posted by Sephx1

Thanks JJ, I look forward to showing you the car and meeting you in person

It’s funny you mentioned cars and coffee, as I often think about how my goals and standards for the car have changed. I started out building a track car that I didn’t want or need to look perfect, now I have something I’m worried about getting a rock chip in. Same thing happened with my last Camaro build.

I used to do auto X when I was young and way too poor to do it right! These cars totally stock are 15 times better than the car I had in those days. I spent most of my income trying to have something competitive. In the end it was a big waste of money, but I did have fun.

Now I’m enjoying the tremendous stock capability of the ZLE on weekend drives to anywhere! The stock power, to me, is more than adequate, and the TR 6060 is the best manual trans I’ve ever had. I love the handling and power even just driven as a street car. What you’re doing with your project, and involving your son as well, is just a fantastic thing.

I’m looking forward to seeing your project completed.

JJ

[ninetres]

Definitely cammed! 1st drive is going to be so rewarding!

[Sephx1]

One step forward three steps back today. Took it to the body shop to have a windshield put in. All good there, GM windshield with PDR and HUD. They were also going to charge the A/C but one of the lower lines by the compressor has a leak. Would have been easier to get to before I put everything together in front of and on top of it.

Worst of all, the steering rack and ABS modules that I bought out of a wrecked 2018 ZLE with low miles can’t be programmed. I learned (the hard way) that once they are programmed to a vehicle they can’t be programmed to another vehicle. The software will see the VIN that’s already in the module and say, “Nope” and stop the procedure. Paying for and replacing either of those parts was not something I wanted to do at this point.

[sr71bb]

Originally Posted by Sephx1

One step forward three steps back today. Took it to the body shop to have a windshield put in. All good there, GM windshield with PDR and HUD. They were also going to charge the A/C but one of the lower lines by the compressor has a leak. Would have been easier to get to before I put everything together in front of and on top of it.

Worst of all, the steering rack and ABS modules that I bought out of a wrecked 2018 ZLE with low miles can’t be programmed. I learned (the hard way) that once they are programmed to a vehicle they can’t be programmed to another vehicle. The software will see the VIN that’s already in the module and say, “Nope” and stop the procedure. Paying for and replacing either of those parts was not something I wanted to do at this point.

Ok I would not assume that that steering rack can’t be programmed with your VIN. There is a company called Protech in my area for instance that have the ability to program all types of GM devices. Insurance companies use them with damaged electronics in collision repairs I will see if I can get the their contact info for you.

[cvp33]

*exhaust* that Z wants to eat a Kia.