Hi from victory_red_SS

victory_red_SS

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Okay, I have been waiting a while to get the time to do a couple of updates but work/overtime has been really killing me lately. That is the price I have to pay to keep the wife happy which keeps the project rolling forward.

One of the biggest concerns that has plagued the project has been the front suspension and cross member. There has been considerable time spent looking at how this car was going to track correctly whether it be on the race track or on the street. Keep in mind that originally this project was going to have a 4 cyl Ecotec and it is easier to see where the concerns come from. While the Ecotec was parts of the plan there were still issues with the front suspension/steering and at one point I was told that that I had to choose, either track or street. As most of you know, I chose option C; street & track.

Largely due to the many years of Resnick's racing experience, I have been benefitting from his large resources of contacts and knowledge. With Resnick knowing many places to get certain components, he found the cross member/double wishbone suspension that we are now using in the car. These parts were in no way designed with my project in mind so while Resnick chose the kit, he knew that he would have to make this kit fit. I have some pictures with the new parts before and after install, as well as pictures of what the front suspension/cross member looked like before Resnick started cutting and changing things.

While the pictures show the differences it is hard to see all of the technical components of changing the front end. The car has been squared within .01 of an inch. Resnick was only able to get 104.5"s for the wheel base. Anything longer would have required redoing the front end style extension similar to the FWD Race Cobalts. That expense isn't an option so I will live with the 104.5"s. The dual wishbone suspension will allow me to drive this on the street and not struggle with turning. The new cross member also allows for a positive number scrub level, which is needed to pass a government inspection.

I believe I have already mentioned that because I bought skinnier Weld Racing Prostars for the front and a set of Prostars with a larger back space for the back, I will now use the originally purchased Prostars for my street wheels. Considering that I am old as dirt, these style wheels will do me just fine for the street use. Heck, while the wife and I watched the Rock in Faster last night I told her that the wheels on his Chevelle SS looked just like mine. :lol:

Anyways enough jammering, here are the pictures. The pics that have the Paint lines are the original parts that Resnick cut out and replaced. The other pics are the new parts installed. The install isn't complete yet as Resnick figures another 2-3 days to have it all working seemlessly.

Thanks for caring enough to keep following along with me,

Rod :)











Today I was dropping off the 4.5" skinnies for the front of the car. These tires are narrower and 1" taller than the ones I had before. These differences make a big difference in how the car sits as well as in how it will track on the drag strip.

While I was at the shop I saw a few more items that were done and some being worked on. The frame cross member is completely installed and all of the suspension parts are installed. The steering rack had to to be changed as the Mustang 2 didn't properly. Instead we are using the steering rack from the 79-93 Mustang. Everything looks clean and very strong. The workmanship is great and the complete setup looks as if it belongs there. The suspension geometry is dead on and the car is all squared up. The suspension's articulation is also spot on and this car truly will be able to be streeted. We have a minimum 5.5"s of clearance under the car so it will easily pass government inspection.

The stock dash has been fitted into the car and is almost complete. We do have the issue of the dash being moved further back into the passenger area but Resnick has a plan to deal with it. By the time we are done, I will have as stock of a look/feel as possible considering all of the modifications done to the interior.

Resnick is now working on getting the windsheild wipers and the emergency break mounted. It won't be too long before we are ready to start wiring and doing the body work.

Today was really positive as Resnick and Grant (the other mechanic) were both talking about having this on the track soon as race season is fast approaching. Finally I am becomeng more hopefull of driving this car soon. ;) :nuts:

crossmember5.jpg

crossmember6.jpg

crossmember7.jpg

dashboard1.jpg

dashboard2.jpg
 

victory_red_SS

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THE CAR IS NOW HOME!!!

Finally I have the car sitting in my garage and I can finally start my part of the work. The engine will be ready to assemble in 10 days so the faster I accomplish my tasks, the faster I get to the track/street. :D
 

Cobalt Tom

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noice!!!! let us know if you need any help with anything :) I will be going to get my enhanced DL soon so I can come up and see her :p
 

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