blackvert's n/a buildup thread

update ... it is running! he started it up over the weekend. sounds awesome, but too loud for my tastes. it has 3" collectors,
3" magnaflow x-pipe, 3" mufflers (flowmaster delta 50s). it goes down to 2 1/2" over the axles and out. i am worried about how
low the headers hang though. i wonder if it is possible to use different motor mounts to raise the motor up 1/2" or so ... that
would raise the headers up too. or i can adjust the coil-overs to raise it up higher too, but i don't want to look like a 4x4 again.

here's some pics of the exhaust:

exhaust-tomufflers.webp


kooks-low1.webp


kooks-low2.webp
 
update ... it is running! he started it up over the weekend. sounds awesome, but too loud for my tastes. it has 3" collectors,
3" magnaflow x-pipe, 3" mufflers (flowmaster delta 50s). it goes down to 2 1/2" over the axles and out. i am worried about how
low the headers hang though. i wonder if it is possible to use different motor mounts to raise the motor up 1/2" or so ... that
would raise the headers up too. or i can adjust the coil-overs to raise it up higher too, but i don't want to look like a 4x4 again.

The Kooks headers make good power :nice:
and
They are built with good quality :nice:

I've never understood why they don't hug the floor pan tight :shrug:
for maximum ground clearance :nice:
like plain ole store bought Mac & BBk LT's :scratch:

Congrats on getting it up and running Chris :D

I know you are anxious to get it home and start havin fun with it :)

Grady
 
It is not much worse (ground clearance) than those of use with the darn vert brace...

Although I would rather have this hit than my exhaust OR my oil pan... Have you thought about making some sort of skidplate?
 
If that is too loud, get yourself some cheap Hooker..O I can't remember the name of them now I have had so many mufflers..same ones as the super turbos but cheaper.

I have them in my garage. The difference is they have packing. From what I hear, we dont have BOOM with these engines so you can run them for quietness at idle and such. It will drown out some of the tinty sound that we all like though..you know, the rain on a tin cup sound?

Chris, when you say LOUD ..in what respect? Thanks.
 
If that is too loud, get yourself some cheap Hooker..O I can't remember the name of them now I have had so many mufflers..same ones as the super turbos but cheaper.

I have them in my garage. The difference is they have packing. From what I hear, we dont have BOOM with these engines so you can run them for quietness at idle and such. It will drown out some of the tinty sound that we all like though..you know, the rain on a tin cup sound?

Chris, when you say LOUD ..in what respect? Thanks.
when i heard it, it was like below in the picture ... through the mufflers, but no tail pipes. it was pretty loud, but it was also over the phone, so i don't really know. with the drop down to 2 1/2" and the bending around the axle housing, it should be much quieter.

if it is still louder than i like, i have the option of putting some flo-pro twisters (http://www.flopro.com/Twister.htm) after the bends, like this guy:

http://www.superstang.com/Exhaust/index.html
 
:scratch: :D

Sorry I had to point that out.

Looks good man, but yeah exhaust hanging that low would make me nervous too. I guess maybe raising the car 1/2" wouldn't be so bad, just avoid speed bumps like the plague.

i only get cheap hookers :lol:

problem is, they are speed bump obsessed in my area. this might really suck ... :(

what about raising the motor at the motor mounts? that would also raise the exhaust, wouldn't it?
 
i just got off the phone with "leezure" (he has a 351 stroker too with kooks) and he looked at my clearance pics. he's a really nice guy. he said they look like there is alot more clearance on mine than there was on his. for his, he machined some spacers for the motor mounts which lifted the motor up about 3/8" and that helped alot. so that is another option. so long as it stays under the hood.

or if i need to, i guess i can get another hood and stop whining about it ... :lol:
 
Awesome. :nice: When do you get to drive it?

Your headers look to be about where mine were with the stock k-member and sportlines. They would drag occasionally, but not too bad. I would definitely raise either the car or engine about a 1/2", because it's better to have a not-so-perfect stance than to trash $1000 headers. Mine are pretty flat on the bottom now :(

The tailpipes should quiet it down inside the car, but it'll still be very loud outside. I'm thinking about adding a couple dynomax race bullets to my exhaust if tailpipes don't quiet it down enough. I love how it sounds now, but I'm afraid to get on it most of the time cause you can hear me a 1/2 mile away. :lol:
 
he has probably a couple days left of buttoning stuff up, so it might not be ready to pick up until next week sometime. and with everything going on around me (my kids' end of year stuff, moving my in-laws being to assisted living, ...), it might be june before i can get up there to get it, unless someone wants to "take one for the team" and drive it down to dc for me .....









nah, i'll get it myself, thanks :D
 
hey man i graduate next week so i'm good to go up and get it for you if you want me to:D

it'll be my senior trip:nice:

and since i'm following in your steps i guess i need to see if its worth the work or not :nice:


i'll just need to borrow some cash for a plane ticket....and gas.....and food.....and a hotel room:rolleyes: