S197 3V Fabman's build; How did we get here? Build Thread

[Fabman]

I didn't much like some of the features of some aftermarket components so I made some new stuff that allowed clearance where clearance was needed and support where support was needed.


Sway bar was completely bound in its bushings:

The sway bar bracket snapped off almost immediately on this aftermarket piece so a new improved radiator support was supplied by BMR.

 

[VoodooBoss]

You've got skills. Are you a machinist by trade?

 

[Fabman]

Cortex supplied the JRI single adjustable coil overs after I read some threads about them my very first day on TMO.com. Thank you all for that input.

A buddy hooked me up with a great deal on a used torque arm and watts link.

 

[Fabman]

You've got skills. Are you a machinist by trade?

I am an R&D fabricator.
Before you buy it in the store, I prototyped it and built the machinery that tests it for a boatload of of popular products for the food, chemical, semi conductor, medical, nuclear and aerospace industries.

Plus, I used to design and build stock cars and components back in the day so I know a little bit about cars too.

 

[Fabman]

BMR supplied the relocation brackets and we fashioned up some control arms in the shop.


There's those loops for tie down/tow hooks again....

 

[Fabman]

Last time out oil slopped all over my rear end housing so I whipped up this little quickie breather tank on Saturday.

 

[Fabman]

When I installed the drop ball joints and bump steer kit It took many many measurements to get it just right.

One .060 shim makes a sizable difference. I've seen guys just throw all the spacers on there and say "I bump steered my car". (SMH)

 

[Fabman]

Here is a before and after video to show the difference between just throwing it on there Willy Nilly and doing it properly.

Uncorrected video:

.240 bump out in 2 1/2" of travel

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154109212173535

Corrected video:

.016 Bump out in 3 inches of travel

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154109190708535

 

[ArizonaBOSS]

Wow, doing it RIGHT!! 8)

 

[Fabman]

Wow, doing it RIGHT!! 8)

When it comes to bump steer there are only 3 things that can happen:
You can do it right, you can make it worse, or you can leave it alone. Stock bump is really a lot better than you'd think. I see a lot of folks on various websites and at shows that either just throw all the shims on there or try to match the angle of the control arm. I made this video to show just what guessing gives you in the real world. The best two choices were doing it right and leaving it alone. Using all the shims was off the hook bad. Matching the angle of the control arm was way better, but still out to lunch. Do it right, or don't bother. If you go to the drop ball joints you have to bump steer it. It's best to get someone who knows how to do it properly and has a proper gauge to do it for you. It's an arduous process so get your checkbook out. A sixteenth of an inch can be the difference between perfect and unacceptable, so in my opinion, if you plan on doing it without a gauge or without taking the springs out, you are going to have to be one hell of a good guesser.

 

[Fabman]

Here are a couple of fun graphics that illustrate how simply matching the control arm angle is only PART of the pie.





There is more going on than meets the eye.
The ONLY way to really know what you have, is to check it and correct it.

 

[Fabman]

Okay, off my soap box and back the the build thread.


This was my very first track day with the car after denouncing drag racing forever.
I dumped the auto trans in favor of a Tremec Magnum XL 6 speed, aluminum fly wheel and RXT clutch.
I learned a lot about what else needed improvements that day and got right to work.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153621902833535

 

[Fabman]

Next up, a set of Cortex Coil overs and a trip to Buttonwillow.
Not about to set any records here, but I sure learned a lot in the process.

 

[VoodooBoss]

Looking good. Are you joining us at Sonoma on August 25th? If so can you please check in there. Several of us are going to TH on August 26th too and run the 3 mile track.

 

[Fabman]

Looking good. Are you joining us at Sonoma on August 25th? If so can you please check in there. Several of us are going to TH on August 26th too and run the 3 mile track.

I'd love to, but it's in the middle of the week and my shop is busy as hell so I can't go this time.
I'm at Thunder Hill 3 mile this Saturday though if anyone is slummin'....

 

[Fabman]

Only got one pass here as the Corvette brought out the red flag on lap 3 ending the session.
Oddly, my brakes locked up while we were waiting for the track to be cleared and wouldn't release.
I had to open a bleeder to get it back in the trailer. I'll investigate next week.
The new Hoosier tires and 18mm rear sway bar felt way better, too bad we had to go home early.
There is a lot more speed in this car and I have a lot of practise ahead of me.

 

[Fabman]

Mustang Flyby...145 down the front straight.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154378466413535

 

[VoodooBoss]

Wow 145 on the front straight is moving.

 

[Fabman]

Id like to think there might be more once the tires heat up...

 

[VoodooBoss]

How was NCRC to run with? Several of us will be at TH on the 26th with them and I've never run with them before.

Also what width tires are you using?