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85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

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Old Apr 30, 2016 | 04:46 AM
  #101  
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From: Windsor Ontario
Car: 1987 Z28
Engine: 2005 5.3L, LS6 Cam
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: DTS 9" 3.50 TrueTrac
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Looking great! Which manual brake master did you use? Like it? Debating swapping just for esthetics. Also debating going TT as well so it will buy some extra space

Jay
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Old May 3, 2016 | 01:52 PM
  #102  
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Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: Magnacharged LS1
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Axle/Gears: Ford 9" 4:11's
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Jealous of the VA unit. Which one is it?
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Old May 21, 2016 | 02:06 PM
  #103  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by Jay_rich
Looking great! Which manual brake master did you use? Like it? Debating swapping just for esthetics. Also debating going TT as well so it will buy some extra space

Jay
Thank you! I went with the strange master. It has been decent with the wilwood brake upgrade.


406TPI: I purchased the magnum IV. It looks like a very nice unit. I will take pics and document the install soon.
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Old May 21, 2016 | 02:12 PM
  #104  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build





I can't weld to save my life, but this has been a fun challenge. I purchased just a little Eastwood AC/DC tig 200 welder for this. Aluminum butt welds are tricky, but about the time I welded my last pipe I had the hang of it.. LOL I know I used too much heat and filler rod, but ya live and learn.

I should add that I used a ban saw purchased from harbor freight with a metal cutting blade to make all the cuts. It goes through the aluminum pipes like butter.

Last edited by coolmarocrzy; May 21, 2016 at 02:26 PM.
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Old May 23, 2016 | 08:54 AM
  #105  
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From: Windsor Ontario
Car: 1987 Z28
Engine: 2005 5.3L, LS6 Cam
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: DTS 9" 3.50 TrueTrac
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Looking good. Aluminum I find is tricky to find the right settings. We messed around and goobered my buddies cold side. The very last bead we got it dialed in and was like of course! After doing so much aluminum I was terrible at steel lol. I wanna say I was set around 50-60% cleaning and 200hertz or something and around 70amps. Most say 120amps or so for intercooler piping, but I find the fitment has to be perfect and you gotta be pretty quick

Jay
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Old May 26, 2016 | 09:50 AM
  #106  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by Jay_rich
Looking good. Aluminum I find is tricky to find the right settings. We messed around and goobered my buddies cold side. The very last bead we got it dialed in and was like of course! After doing so much aluminum I was terrible at steel lol. I wanna say I was set around 50-60% cleaning and 200hertz or something and around 70amps. Most say 120amps or so for intercooler piping, but I find the fitment has to be perfect and you gotta be pretty quick

Jay
Great info! Thanks for that. I still have to drill a hole and weld in the bov flange, so I'll try those settings and mess with it a little more. At least the bov flange has thicker material to work with. The thin piping is very tricky.
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 03:30 AM
  #107  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Been a slow summer for cars. The wife and I found a home and there is a good size second garage on the property just for the Camaro! I plan on working on the car again now that we are all settled in the new house.

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Old Sep 6, 2016 | 10:29 AM
  #108  
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From: McGregor TX
Car: 91 RS T-top
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42 fourth gen disk brake
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Awesome build. Well both builds. Which turbos did you go with on the twins?
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Old Sep 6, 2016 | 01:52 PM
  #109  
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Car: 87 iroc Arctic White w/gold ss stri
Engine: Turbo'd 5.3 in process
Transmission: T-56 w/SPEC stage 3+ clutch
Axle/Gears: 9" Moser w/3.25's
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Car looks great man! Keep up with the good work. My car has been sidelined for a couple of years and I am getting ready to dig back into it.
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Old Jun 24, 2017 | 12:02 AM
  #110  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Decided it was crunch time on this bad boy. I want to finish it so stay tuned cause things will be coming together quickly here within the next few weeks. First I want to tackle the hot side and get it to point where it functions when i start the motor. The upper radiator inlet was going to be in the way, but it screws in and I couldn't find any decent 90* elbows out there so I made an aluminum 90* for the upper radiator inlet. Had to pull the radiator out to screw the pipe on since everything in the engine bay was in the way, but its in and tight. Now the driver side could be finished. Tackled mock up on the waste gates last night. Purchased some 1 7/8" piping online and a pipe notcher from harbor freight to make a decent flange for the 44mm vs racing waste gates. I want the waste gate dump tubes to flow back into the exhaust so I'm trying to line that up for a smooth transition. All and all I'm happy with the final placement so far. I have been using a manual steering box from an s10 and told people I liked it.. but I hate it. I am going back to power steering and purchased a pump relocation bracket that brings the pump closer to the engine so there is room for the up and forward headers.

Now I'm pulling the dash and ripping out the old hvac to install and plumb the vintage air unit. Big thanks to Thridgen60 for letting me pick his brain on some of this stuff.



















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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 01:59 PM
  #111  
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From: Windsor Ontario
Car: 1987 Z28
Engine: 2005 5.3L, LS6 Cam
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: DTS 9" 3.50 TrueTrac
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Any more pics and details on the vintage air? Debating putting AC back in my car this winter and leaning towards the vintage Gen2 for the price. I hear the airflow isnt as good as the GenVI but anything has to be better than a stock 3rd gen blower lol

Looks great man!

Jay
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Old Jul 2, 2017 | 12:33 AM
  #112  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by Jay_rich
Any more pics and details on the vintage air? Debating putting AC back in my car this winter and leaning towards the vintage Gen2 for the price. I hear the airflow isnt as good as the GenVI but anything has to be better than a stock 3rd gen blower lol

Looks great man!

Jay
So much to do.. so little time. I haven't tackled the ac yet. I purchased everything for the fuel system and started routing lines. Also power steering goodies are showing up. Time to see where everything lines up. Pics to come soon for the last week's progress.
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 03:11 AM
  #113  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

I really want to see just where everything will line up in the engine bay before I move on to the interior part of the vintage a/c. I purchased the fuel system last week and started routing lines. My tank is sumped from before, so the magnafuel 4303 with pre and post filters was an easy choice. Purchased braided line and fragola fittings are coming out of my ears. I hogged out a couple factory holes in the frame to make room for both feed and return lines. I'm routing along my subframe connectors, but want to make an aluminum shield and run through the wheel well into the engine bay using bulk head fittings.

Steering gearbox showed up and I purchased a pump and pump relocation kit for up and forward headers. Its very clean, came with an fittings and lines. I had to get the pump moved closer inward and power steering lines run quickly. The ribbed idler pulley by the alternator will be replaced with a smooth pulley wheel so the top of the belt can route up and over from the balancer. Everything is just mock up right now. The motor is coming back out. I want to repaint the engine bay again and clean up the inner fender wells. I had a small fire on the driver side back when it was on the single turbo setup. There was some seam sealer there and my garage built header was just too close and too hot during a dyno tune so she caught fire. Still have alot of work to do, but progress is moving in the right direction.









OUT WITH THE OLD



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Old Jul 13, 2017 | 04:31 AM
  #114  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Notice any progress? That's because I'm fixing mistakes. 1 step forward and 2 steps back... My driver side down pipe was in need of a rework after the power steering gearbox and fittings were installed. It was rubbing against the lines and dangerously close to the fittings and the steering shaft. Also the v band to the turbo was rubbing on the inner wheel well.. I couldn't handle it. Had to make changes and I'm glad this night is over. 11pm to 3am in the books. I've powered through till 8am before, but tonight is not one of those nights.



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Old Jul 13, 2017 | 06:38 AM
  #115  
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

That is a really poor decision to put fuel hose in the wheel well.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 01:48 PM
  #116  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
That is a really poor decision to put fuel hose in the wheel well.
I agree. It goes against my better judgement. Its just the best option for me and the lines will be protected by a steel cover. Here are my options and I'm not impressed with option 2 as it would be routing next to hot exhaust pipes. A poor decision was the way they built these subframe cars. The underside layout alone does not favor any sort of sensible routing for much of anything other than the drive train itself. My spohn torque arm is twice the size of the stocker and almost rubs the tunnel now. There is no room for lines there anymore. I'll take my chances in the wheel well for a few inches over routing the lines next to the drive shaft or hot exhaust pipes running down past the firewall. Like is said, the 6 inches of fuel line in the wheel well will be protected by a steel shield I'm going to make. The lines will not be exposed or visible. My skinnies up front won't be near these lines. Can you can suggest a better idea. I'm all ears?



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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 06:10 PM
  #117  
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Car: '89 Firebird
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Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

What size is the fuel line?
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Old Jul 15, 2017 | 02:47 AM
  #118  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
What size is the fuel line?
10 feed / 8 return
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Old Aug 4, 2017 | 06:32 AM
  #119  
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From: Denver CO
Car: 1986 2.8 Camaro
Engine: TPI 350
Transmission: Tremec TKO
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Amazing build!! Looking forward to seeing more pics and what else you have planned for it..
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Old Aug 4, 2017 | 10:33 PM
  #120  
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From: Minnesota
Car: 89 IROC-Z
Engine: 370 LSX, LS3 Top End
Transmission: Built T-56
Axle/Gears: 9" Aluminum Center 3.89's
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

What turbos are those?
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 12:54 AM
  #121  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Have no clue why I couldn't fit this beefy setup down here all in single file like I planned. After I mounted everything to my removable bracket it just would NOT fit as planned. It was rubbing the fitting coming directly out of my sump or the pump rubbed the tank straps and that just isn't my way of doing things. I want clearance and piece of mind knowing I did the job the best way I saw fit. Here is what I ended up with on the pump and filter setup. There is plenty of clearance between all mechanisms.. This particular setup is a -12AN 90* feeding the pre- filter and -10 all the way forward after that pre-filter. I hope since everything is below the fuel tank that its not running up hill much to feed that pump. I had no other decent options for placement of that pre-filter. Its a beefy Bi***. Guess I'll find out in due time. My last setup was -8 feed and -6 return which is still in use and runs 9's on a friends car.

Last edited by coolmarocrzy; Aug 5, 2017 at 01:51 AM. Reason: Added text
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 12:59 AM
  #122  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by GM Man
Amazing build!! Looking forward to seeing more pics and what else you have planned for it..
Thank you! After much debate I decided on finishing the fuel system this week. Having trouble posting photos tonight so well see how this works..

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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 01:06 AM
  #123  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by 89ROC-Z
What turbos are those?
GT35R's
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 01:19 AM
  #124  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

This is how much fuel line actually ended up in the wheel well. This will be covered with a custom fabbed shield. Magnafuel dual relay kit showed up this week. That is my final task of this fuel system.

Moving on to the plumbing of oil lines and coolant lines to the turbos this coming week. Then! The vintage air system is going to be installed! Almost there boys! Tune in next week for another episode. LOL
Magnafuel dual relay kit is worth every penny

Last edited by coolmarocrzy; Aug 5, 2017 at 01:54 AM. Reason: edit text
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 01:23 AM
  #125  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Thought you might want to see a few more progress pics of the setup before it all went together.










Last edited by coolmarocrzy; Aug 5, 2017 at 02:02 AM. Reason: just cause
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 09:28 AM
  #126  
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From: Minnesota
Car: 89 IROC-Z
Engine: 370 LSX, LS3 Top End
Transmission: Built T-56
Axle/Gears: 9" Aluminum Center 3.89's
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Looks GREAT!

I was looking at some Gt35's with the Tial v bands, but not sure they'd support my HP goal. They fit great though...Fuel system/yoke/clutch is what I've got planned this winter, turbo(s) next.

Thanks for posting pictures, helps me plan out what i'd like to do!

Another ?? How do you like the HF notching tool? Holding up OK?
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Old Aug 5, 2017 | 01:11 PM
  #127  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build

Originally Posted by 89ROC-Z
Looks GREAT!

I was looking at some Gt35's with the Tial v bands, but not sure they'd support my HP goal. They fit great though...Fuel system/yoke/clutch is what I've got planned this winter, turbo(s) next.

Thanks for posting pictures, helps me plan out what i'd like to do!

Another ?? How do you like the HF notching tool? Holding up OK?

Thank you! Be sure to make a thread and post your progress! I was going for something streetable but still quick with the twin Garrett's. They do sell larger exhaust housings with the GT35R for bigger cubic inch motors.

I have learned so much from others on this site and photos can speak a thousand words when it comes to clearance and how things fit. So I try to do my part and post mine too. If it can help anyone else, that is the main goal.

That HF notching tool is a little champ! Can't beat it for around $50. It does take some patience and I did use some cutting oil a friend brought me from his work. I think the oil helped. I still went through 2 hole saws with all my cuts.
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Old Sep 13, 2017 | 11:10 PM
  #128  
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From: East Moline, IL
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: LS
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9inch/3.50 gears
Re: 85 Z28 Turbo ls1/T56 build


Originally Posted by QwkTrip
That is a really poor decision to put fuel hose in the wheel well.
My twin turbo wet dream.. Wheel well? WTF is a wheel well? LOL
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