My go to machinist/welder did it up right:
Even smoothed the interior:
New gaskets:
Solo exhaust install is a full body experience, but managed:
And we have success! I believe the tapping noise to be the mechanical high pressure fuel pump on the high lift aftermarket cam lobe (32%)...smooth idle cam is still a bit rowdy even in stealth mode (video below):
Looks good on the welds!
It can be rough getting a good tune for mods that gives you all the driveability of an OEM tune, especially for an FI application, this is why when I rebuilt my C6 Z06 motor I made it mostly stock so I wouldn't have to deal with tuning it. That said, this is a worthy goal! You can do it!
Harvey: Thanks! I do agree the weld looks solid and has held for the last 500 miles although not on the track. I wonder if I went 'thin' on other areas...we shall see!
Agree on the tuning. Adding the blower really added to the complexity. My LT1 car doesn't have all the sensors/wiring as the OEM LT4 cars (blower equipped) so some degradation is expected. I did come across an app that will smooth the throttle...I haven't used it yet, but it looks promising. At the very least, the current tune/throttle response is in the ball park and doesn't scare me with 400 hp wallops! Thanks for the post.
Took a short trip to Austria...416 running like a top. We've seen 21 mpg at 82 mph without traffic. Today, 30 mins of stau's...German/Austrian traffic jams...:
And arrival:
Check out that white top in the background - we are sitting at 4200 feet...beautiful area Soelden, Austria.
The new engine has passed nearly 12,000 miles since born - a success in of itself! Piece of mind, but likely unnecessary, I swapped in a new set of the same PSI 1516 Beehive valve springs.
Compared to my previous C4 Corvette (with clamshell hood), this car is bit harder to work on. Took ~7 hours (included loosing 3 valve locks in the bowels of the lower engine compartment)...and the TI valve retainer, due to their deep design, were a bit of a pain to 'dislodge'.
My tools:
Fresh valves seals (since I was in there):
And what makes 7100 rpm possible:
Plugs looked great! (I was a bit hamfisted on one of them...)
Lot of work for likely no gains...bit more confidence as we have another drive to UK scheduled in a few days via the Chunnel again. Destination - Goodwood Festival of Speed...where we are allowed to park in the 'Supercar Parking!' Looking forward to it!
Still can't believe this Chevy makes such power...;-)
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