Vortech T Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,767
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Just did my kitchen, bathroom, baby room and hallway, down to the studs with new electrical/foam insulation, sheetrock, new cabinets/appliances, large tile flooring in kitchen and bathroom and laminate on 2nd floor etc. Took me longer than 1 month lol... unless you work faster than 1-3 normal people it will more than likely take longer than 1 month. Did the granite tops too... love them. Good luck!
oh and good luck with the car too lol.
oh and good luck with the car too lol.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Just did my kitchen, bathroom, baby room and hallway, down to the studs with new electrical/foam insulation, sheetrock, new cabinets/appliances, large tile flooring in kitchen and bathroom and laminate on 2nd floor etc. Took me longer than 1 month lol... unless you work faster than 1-3 normal people it will more than likely take longer than 1 month. Did the granite tops too... love them. Good luck!
oh and good luck with the car too lol.
oh and good luck with the car too lol.
Electrical and plumbing are done, ceiling is done, insulation done. Just gotta drywall and mud this week then I can play with my cars and boats again.
Back to topic, I'm starting to wonder if the J-trim is a little too big for the combo. I wonder if I should trade it for a T-trim.
-- Joe
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,401
Likes: 5
From: Utah
Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
How much you got in your paypal account ? 
I still think it's too big. It would be the right blower for a 1000+ hp combo. My target is 600 with this 2 bolt main 400. I can pulley it way down, but I wonder if that's just plain silly.
-- Joe

I still think it's too big. It would be the right blower for a 1000+ hp combo. My target is 600 with this 2 bolt main 400. I can pulley it way down, but I wonder if that's just plain silly.
-- Joe
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,401
Likes: 5
From: Utah
Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Supreme Member
iTrader: (17)
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 2
From: Leicester,Massachusetts
Car: 1983 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28
Engine: Forged 355 with a GT45 turbo
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: built 4th gen rear with 3.27s
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
-- Joe
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,401
Likes: 5
From: Utah
Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
just keep the one u have and pully it down , if u get rid of the big one now u will regret it later when u do want to build something that can handle more power
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,432
Likes: 1
From: garage
Engine: 3xx ci tubo
Transmission: 4L60E & 4L80E
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I am with them. Finish it with what ya got and enjoy it. The thing about building stuff is that second guessing is always a factor. If ya go big you always have room for smaller............but who ever goes smaller in the long run. It will bolt right on to a bigger engine later, and someone else can do 8's with it.
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 13
From: St. Augustine, FL
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 383
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt-3.73
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I would trade you, but that blower turns the wrong way for me and won't fit my brackets.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 13
From: St. Augustine, FL
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 383
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt-3.73
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
yes, pulley faces the radiator, so it is a clockwise rotation
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I bought a T-Trim from 89gta383, which seems like it fits my L31 vortech brackets (passenger side mount). With only minor denting of the wheel well.
Right now I have a 6" crank pulley and 3.33" blower pulley, 10 rib. I have the air-water intercooler. If I can get a reliable (as in I could go on a 4 hour cruise if I wanted to without coming back on a flat bed) 600+ hp out of it, and trap 120+ mph I'll be more than pleased with the car.
The J trim is just a huge blower, and even mounting it was a choir. Under driving it didn't make much sense. The T-Trim flows only a few hundred CFM shy of the J trim but does it in a smaller package.
-- Joe
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,532
Likes: 204
From: NYC / Jersey
Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Turbo 305 w/MS2
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Originally Posted by anesthes
If I can get a reliable (as in I could go on a 4 hour cruise if I wanted to without coming back on a flat bed) 600+ hp out of it, and trap 120+ mph I'll be more than pleased with the car.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I suspect the SWP + 3 core alum radiator should cool the motor fine, but 400s are sometimes problematic. I do have steam holes in the heads.
I've got about another week on my kitchen, then I can concentrate my weekends in the shop. I'd really like to drive the car this summer so hopefully it won't have any gremlins.
-- Joe
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 13
From: St. Augustine, FL
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 383
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt-3.73
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I made 480 to the wheels with that blower at 7.5 lbs with a slipping belt and the wrong cam, running out of fuel on the dyno. You should make 600+ easy with 10 lbs. That was using the 3.47 blower and 7.8 crank pullies at 6000 rpm which is 46,530 blower speed. Not sure how high you plan on spinning the motor, but the 6 inch crank will get you 37k blower speed at 6k. Might need the 7 or 7.8 crank pulley. Look for one on ebay just in case.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I made 480 to the wheels with that blower at 7.5 lbs with a slipping belt and the wrong cam, running out of fuel on the dyno. You should make 600+ easy with 10 lbs. That was using the 3.47 blower and 7.8 crank pullies at 6000 rpm which is 46,530 blower speed. Not sure how high you plan on spinning the motor, but the 6 inch crank will get you 37k blower speed at 6k. Might need the 7 or 7.8 crank pulley. Look for one on ebay just in case.
Here is the T-trim on the L31 brackets. I need to either give the inner fender a whack with a BFH, or re-drill the mount plate like you did for your carb brackets.
-- Joe
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 631
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
This threads making me so egar to get my V3 in the next few days. I cant wait to see your car on the move!
Last edited by 86CamaroDan; May 19, 2016 at 07:08 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I had a Procharger P1SC for a little while and it was just a hair dryer.
The Turbo is cool, but just too much hot piping burning everything up.
-- Joe
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,532
Likes: 204
From: NYC / Jersey
Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Turbo 305 w/MS2
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Meh, I've gotten so used to the turbo's heat it doesn't even bother me anymore...
Cut/shorten that damn heater core hose to the manifold/waterpump, it's driving me crazy seeing it like that lol...
Cut/shorten that damn heater core hose to the manifold/waterpump, it's driving me crazy seeing it like that lol...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I'd like to get rid of both of them, but I need heat. But they are both in a crappy place. Any suggestions?
No water ports on the rear of the manifold.
-- Joe
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,532
Likes: 204
From: NYC / Jersey
Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Turbo 305 w/MS2
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I know I pulled my pictures of my build, but I drilled/tapped for coolant fittings in the back of the iron heads. I have not experienced any overheating, nor any heater core leaks, and I have been putting the engine through its' paces since I finished the build...
In your case though, I would run a steel tube of the same diameter of the hose going to the radiator the entire length of the frame rail, securing it with brackets of course, then attach the hoses on the heater core side and the radiator side with shorter lines. You can even paint the steel tube the same color of the body so you won't even see it. The one leading to the manifold though I would just target an area on the back of the engine side and drill and tap for it. Napa has the right size taps for the job...
In your case though, I would run a steel tube of the same diameter of the hose going to the radiator the entire length of the frame rail, securing it with brackets of course, then attach the hoses on the heater core side and the radiator side with shorter lines. You can even paint the steel tube the same color of the body so you won't even see it. The one leading to the manifold though I would just target an area on the back of the engine side and drill and tap for it. Napa has the right size taps for the job...
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 631
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I feel like a little kid again. Everytime the UPS guy at my work shows up im jumping at the door........ only too find out its paper towels
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I ran that car a few seasons until a fueling issue, too much timing, etc detonated two pistons.
The next build I ran a FMIC, alum heads, 358 cubic inches. The intercooler actually slowed it down quite a bit. It barely made 8psi.
I think I'm going to run my air/water intercooler on the T-Trim, although a lot of people do run them without intercoolers - they are very efficient blowers. The Air/air intercooler is just too much plumbing and too much restriction.
-- Joe
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
So here is what is going to be the blower plate. 3/8" steel. Bolts to the head adapter/spacer at 3 bolt holes. Should be strong enough. Now I wonder how long it will take to cut this out on my bandsaw..
-- Joe
-- Joe
Supreme Member
iTrader: (17)
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 2
From: Leicester,Massachusetts
Car: 1983 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28
Engine: Forged 355 with a GT45 turbo
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: built 4th gen rear with 3.27s
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Looks like fun sir. I'm sure you'll be there cutting it for a little while.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I mocked it up with the other plate I had, but it only bolted on with 2 bolts so I figure might as well make a bigger plate so it is stronger.
I need to find some 3/8" grade 8 studs. fastenal doesn't appear to have studs longer than 3 1/2"..
-- Joe
Member



Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 497
Likes: 4
From: El Sobrante, California
Car: 1984 z28
Engine: Crate replacement L31R 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 7.625" 28 spline 3.23
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
So I cut out the plate today. Bolted it up, and it looks pretty good. It's much stronger than the L31 plate and spacer I was using. I'm using a marine spacer, and the plate is 3/8" steel. Attaches to head.
I gotta stick my crank pulley spacer in the lathe and take .340 off of it, and it should be ready to rock.
I'm still on the fence about intercooler, meth, etc. I've got the blower clocked to the passenger fender. I was going to run my air/water intercooler in the battery tray but it's a tight fit.
-- Joe
I gotta stick my crank pulley spacer in the lathe and take .340 off of it, and it should be ready to rock.
I'm still on the fence about intercooler, meth, etc. I've got the blower clocked to the passenger fender. I was going to run my air/water intercooler in the battery tray but it's a tight fit.
-- Joe
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,767
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
So I cut out the plate today. Bolted it up, and it looks pretty good. It's much stronger than the L31 plate and spacer I was using. I'm using a marine spacer, and the plate is 3/8" steel. Attaches to head.
I gotta stick my crank pulley spacer in the lathe and take .340 off of it, and it should be ready to rock.
I'm still on the fence about intercooler, meth, etc. I've got the blower clocked to the passenger fender. I was going to run my air/water intercooler in the battery tray but it's a tight fit.
-- Joe
I gotta stick my crank pulley spacer in the lathe and take .340 off of it, and it should be ready to rock.
I'm still on the fence about intercooler, meth, etc. I've got the blower clocked to the passenger fender. I was going to run my air/water intercooler in the battery tray but it's a tight fit.
-- Joe
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
http://members.cisdi.com/~anesthes/p...s/intercooler/
Problem with the firebird is just not enough airflow through the cooler.
-- Joe
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Theres an aw intervooler on ebay thats identical to mine. Its polished yuck but it will fit under the stock hook and has a nokt in flange for bov
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,767
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
When I ran the FMIC on the Procharger I had 3" piping.
http://members.cisdi.com/~anesthes/p...s/intercooler/
Problem with the firebird is just not enough airflow through the cooler.
-- Joe
http://members.cisdi.com/~anesthes/p...s/intercooler/
Problem with the firebird is just not enough airflow through the cooler.
-- Joe
That looks pretty close to what I want to do. Except flipped. My issue is that you didn't run the piping out of the SC through that tiny hold where the horns are located and then down to the IC. Thats how I want to do it but on the driver side next to the battery. I verified I can fit the pip past the battery but no idea how to get the bends to fit without hitting the fender or the battery tray lip. I won't know till I get everything friday but I hope it will work.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I'm pretty happy with the way this came out. Here is some pictures of the finished bracket.
I do need to relocate my heater hoses somehow.
The only question now is what to do with the intercooler. It doesn't quite fit on top of the battery tray, but maybe if I cut the bottom of the tray out and stick it half way through..
-- Joe
I do need to relocate my heater hoses somehow.
The only question now is what to do with the intercooler. It doesn't quite fit on top of the battery tray, but maybe if I cut the bottom of the tray out and stick it half way through..
-- Joe
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
That looks pretty close to what I want to do. Except flipped. My issue is that you didn't run the piping out of the SC through that tiny hold where the horns are located and then down to the IC. Thats how I want to do it but on the driver side next to the battery. I verified I can fit the pip past the battery but no idea how to get the bends to fit without hitting the fender or the battery tray lip. I won't know till I get everything friday but I hope it will work.
I still have the IC and all the piping, but the Formula nose just doesn't allow enough direct airflow, and I have my transmission cooler in front of the radiator so I don't think the spall fans can pull the air through all 3.
One of the reasons the air/water works better for me (I hope!) is that I can run another heat exchanger next to my transmission cooler, so I'm only sucking air through two things. I might even end up adding a 8-10" pusher fan on the other side.
-- Joe
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
So, bracket is completed and painted. My pulley alignment is off by about .030" so I need some shims for the blower pulley.
Oil feed and oil drain done. Now I just need to work on the plumbing/intercooler.
-- Joe
Oil feed and oil drain done. Now I just need to work on the plumbing/intercooler.
-- Joe
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,767
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Looking good! Just finished my FMIC. Waiting on my TB spacer. Mine was also very close to the shock tower but I run solid mounts and even with 1/8" clearance it hasn't touched!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,767
Likes: 63
From: Trumbull CT
Car: 87 TA clone
Engine: 70/70 Turbo 5.3 LS
Transmission: bullet proof 2004R
Axle/Gears: ford 8.8, 3.55 gears
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I used a cheap chinese IC piping kit that I got for like $100, which limited my bends. This is before I got my tig, so I couldn't weld aluminum at the time. So I went down the center of both battery trays.
I still have the IC and all the piping, but the Formula nose just doesn't allow enough direct airflow, and I have my transmission cooler in front of the radiator so I don't think the spall fans can pull the air through all 3.
One of the reasons the air/water works better for me (I hope!) is that I can run another heat exchanger next to my transmission cooler, so I'm only sucking air through two things. I might even end up adding a 8-10" pusher fan on the other side.
-- Joe
I still have the IC and all the piping, but the Formula nose just doesn't allow enough direct airflow, and I have my transmission cooler in front of the radiator so I don't think the spall fans can pull the air through all 3.
One of the reasons the air/water works better for me (I hope!) is that I can run another heat exchanger next to my transmission cooler, so I'm only sucking air through two things. I might even end up adding a 8-10" pusher fan on the other side.
-- Joe
Agree on air flow. I too run a trans cooler in front and it's a massive one from a ford super duty about 27"x17"X11" so it's the size of my radiator core. I have lowered my rad and such 1.5" from stock and moved it closer to front of the car. I'm not super worried about how efficient it is as its not my only form of cooling but if it takes the edge off my cruising IATS and when boost kicks on and the meth engages then I'm happy and it doesn't cause me to over heat. I've been running 178 on the street and 165 on the highway so we'll see how it does. Just need to pressure test the whole system and wait for the TB spacer.
What are you planning to do for a water/fluid container? How much boost are you planning and expected HP?
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 66
From: MA
Car: 1989 IrocZ
Engine: 421 Dart Stroker
Transmission: 4L60E Cahall Performance Built
Axle/Gears: Midwest Chassis Fab 9/ 3.55 gears
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
So this where Joes been hanging out. Nice build. Good choice on swapping the intake and smaller head unit. I like the water / air idea better than a/a . For a nice a/a setup you need to spend the money and its alot of piping. With a big water tank and heat exchanger you should be good.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
I agree. My cheap 173$ IC and piping kit limited me big time so I had to cut the U bends up and I bought some bellow couplers so it doesn't have to line up perfect. I haven't learned how to TIG aluminum yet but I'm going to learn!
Agree on air flow. I too run a trans cooler in front and it's a massive one from a ford super duty about 27"x17"X11" so it's the size of my radiator core. I have lowered my rad and such 1.5" from stock and moved it closer to front of the car. I'm not super worried about how efficient it is as its not my only form of cooling but if it takes the edge off my cruising IATS and when boost kicks on and the meth engages then I'm happy and it doesn't cause me to over heat. I've been running 178 on the street and 165 on the highway so we'll see how it does. Just need to pressure test the whole system and wait for the TB spacer.
What are you planning to do for a water/fluid container? How much boost are you planning and expected HP?
Agree on air flow. I too run a trans cooler in front and it's a massive one from a ford super duty about 27"x17"X11" so it's the size of my radiator core. I have lowered my rad and such 1.5" from stock and moved it closer to front of the car. I'm not super worried about how efficient it is as its not my only form of cooling but if it takes the edge off my cruising IATS and when boost kicks on and the meth engages then I'm happy and it doesn't cause me to over heat. I've been running 178 on the street and 165 on the highway so we'll see how it does. Just need to pressure test the whole system and wait for the TB spacer.
What are you planning to do for a water/fluid container? How much boost are you planning and expected HP?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/401123669287?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I've got the intercooler, the cobra pump, and hoses. Just need to mount it all. I've got a box of pipes and bends and silicone, but I might need a 2.75-3.0 transition out of the blower. Was thinking start with that, and If I still have heat soak I could add a 3 gallon tank somewhere.
I don't know what it's going to make for boost. I'm gonna spin it around 45k eventually. I'm hoping it makes between 600-650 crank HP. I figure, I've got 57 more cubic inches, better heads, and a slightly better blower(T vs S trim) than my last thirdgen and that made 565hp.. It's gotta be faster, right?!?
-- Joe
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
So this where Joes been hanging out. Nice build. Good choice on swapping the intake and smaller head unit. I like the water / air idea better than a/a . For a nice a/a setup you need to spend the money and its alot of piping. With a big water tank and heat exchanger you should be good.
I'm hoping it works out. I've been really stretched between projects. Would be nice to finally get this thing out of the garage.
-- Joe
Supreme Member
iTrader: (17)
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 2
From: Leicester,Massachusetts
Car: 1983 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28
Engine: Forged 355 with a GT45 turbo
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: built 4th gen rear with 3.27s
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Really looking forward to seeing you finally get this 5hing driving around man.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,093
Likes: 126
From: SALEM, NH
Car: '88 Formula
Engine: LC9
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.89 9"
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,401
Likes: 5
From: Utah
Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: Vortech J Trim build Winter 2015/2016
hey joe i might of missed it but did u sell the big supercharger or do u still have ?
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,401
Likes: 5
From: Utah
Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's









