C5 427 forged motor?

[DropTopGal13]

Hell to the NO it WONT be until March..I can PROMISE you that..I'll get on the phone and talk to whoever I need to talk to to get whatever needs to be done,DONE !!!! TRUST ME ON THAT ONE!!!
So Chris is thinking they got machined wrong??? I have not talked to him yet, he was finishing some fiberglass stuff last I spoke about 1.5 hours ago so I dont know whats going on with all this....

We have a CURSE over us for some reason....I am hoping when it ends I'll WIN THE POWERBALL...lol...then you'll see me on that show "the lottery cursed my life" !!!! :crazy03:

Luck is NOT on our side lately !!!

Excuse me, but March 2010 is less than a week away.

Guys, how many months has it been since Rich put his car in for a new engine?? Just look at the crap Rich is dealing with. Sorry, but to me, this whole situation is ridiculous.

I may not know how to build an engine, but I do know when something is wrong and how to call my attorney(s).

Oh, I could sure point fingers from what I've read in this thread. Live and learn, huh? How much will this cost in the end, not to mention the down time of not having your Vette for so long?? :banghead:

Rich, did you expect this Vette to be your daily driver? If so, there is a discount on the platinum AAA right now. :ack2:

Perhaps next time, get a second job for a few months to pay the difference for a new ZR1 and be content with what GM engineers have put together for you. :yesnod:

Again, this entire situation is so ridiculous, as if it were a 16 year old trying to supe up his car or something. :banghead:

 

[Shadow]

A lot of people mod thier cars here. That's part of the fun of having them.

Other than the Z and ZR1, and even with them from several standpoints, the Vette can use some modding over what the engineers gave us.

The Z and ZR1 engines are/were hand built. The ZR1 is in such low numbers and high cost, that GM can afford to be more careful with the overall build.

Even then, from what I've seen, the interiors are still crap compared to most cars of similar cost.

Modding isn't relegated to motors. suspension, body, interiors, drive train, all get modded by different people.

GM gave us a great platform as a base, but it's still mass produced. To individualize it takes...well...the individual and his/her imagination.

There's a guy locally that has a Zr1, and several other C5/6 vettes. He's modded every one of them I believe with the possible exception of the Zr1, and possibly that one
It's just a "thing" among a long a lot of vette owners, always wanting more, and not being satisfied with the norm given us by GM.

The new GS is my favorite at the moment and a car I'd love to be able to afford. That said, I'd still mod it!

Just like having sex, I'd do it gently so as not to void the warranty, they when the warranty was history, I'd mod the hell out of the engine

Nothing like seeing an 80k+ Z06 in the rear view mirror of a "lesser" stepchild vehicle (LOL).

As far as the $$ to make the Z or Zr1 happen, with recent changes in Rich's life, I'm pretty sure he could have made either the Z or Zr happen without the need of a second job

Instead, he happens to like his C5 Z though and decided to be different. Can't fault a person for that
Besides, think of the aforementioned statment and the grin looking in his mirror

Lawyer? We've been down that road here on another thread. A lot of this was manufacturer error with the block builder and such.

While I agree with you and tend to have a low tolerance for stupid, arrogance and incompetence, I think that in this case, unless they happen to be engine builders or speed shop owners as well, a lawyer would probably have only "muddied the waters" as they like to say

So far, everyone has done what they've said they were going to do. The rest, just takes time

I'd be pretty livid by now though and definately ticked about not driving the vette...then again, he has another one to drive when he needs a fix

G

 

[Rich Z]

Excuse me, but March 2010 is less than a week away.

Guys, how many months has it been since Rich put his car in for a new engine?? Just look at the crap Rich is dealing with. Sorry, but to me, this whole situation is ridiculous.

I assume you read the whole thread. Personally I can't see where Chris is responsible for the crap that World Products sent to LME and then to Chris.

I may not know how to build an engine, but I do know when something is wrong and how to call my attorney(s).

And that would gain you what exactly? Besides a bill from that attorney, that is.

Oh, I could sure point fingers from what I've read in this thread. Live and learn, huh? How much will this cost in the end, not to mention the down time of not having your Vette for so long?? :banghead:

Actually Chris has spent a LOT of time and effort that is now completely wasted on that Warhawk block and heads. I would HATE to see what the bill would be if he were charging me by the hour for that labor. But he is doing all this extra stuff simply because he knows I am behind the eightball too, and is trying to help out a customer that is also a friend. And I'm going to turn around and kick him in the teeth in return? Sorry, but I just don't do things that way at all.

Rich, did you expect this Vette to be your daily driver? If so, there is a discount on the platinum AAA right now. :ack2:

Nope. I'm retired. And even before becoming recently retired, my business was located on my own property, so I didn't really have to drive anywhere every day. Plus I have three other vehicles I can use while my Z06 is at Chris's shop. Yeah, I WISH I had it here to drive over the past few months and into the next, but that's just the way the cookie crumbles. And yes, Chris generously offered to put the car back together with my old LS6 so I could drive it while waiting for the new engine, but sheesh, that's a lot of damned work he would have to do, for FREE, and I just couldn't be a prick about it and insist that he do that.

Perhaps next time, get a second job for a few months to pay the difference for a new ZR1 and be content with what GM engineers have put together for you. :yesnod:

I actually was going to get a ZR-1 with the proceeds of the sale of much of my gun collection, but after seeing what GM came out with, I declined. It fell short of my expectations and desires, I'm sorry to say.

Again, this entire situation is so ridiculous, as if it were a 16 year old trying to supe up his car or something. :banghead:

So? Perhaps I would rather not act my age. Knowing I was going into retirement, I decided to splurge a little bit and have my car nearly completely rebuilt and with all BETTER replacement items.

Some people are perfectly willing to allow their car to remain exactly as GM decided to build it and offer it to the mass public. Connie is that way with her C6. But sorry, that's not me. And since I can afford to heavily mod the car, and have the desire to do so, then why not? Simply because your desires may be different concerning your own car, I don't see the need to belittle someone who thinks differently then you do.

 

[Fatbum]

I can't see how anyone could find fault with Chris with this specific situation. I've obviously had my experiences, so me saying that should hold some sort of merit.

 

[DropTopGal13]

Rich, I simply feel sooooo bad for you. No one should have gone through this. It is obvious that you were so excited to have fun with your Vette. I read through the entire thread while drowsy at 3am and can only imagine your disappointment and frustration. Hugs / kisses to you, you need it!!

Not knowing "Chris" or any other parties involved, I am not pointing fingers at anyone specifically. However, you paid good money for a service and in the process, you have been let down multiple times and been given sub-standard products. Someone(s) must step up to the plate and be responsible. You are the customer who entered this in good faith. That said, this is where an attorney would rectify things if all of the parties involved fail to.

A headache from this is unjustified, particularly in your retirement years.

BTW... I wasn't implying that YOU acted immaturely, rather, the entire situation is so messed up, as if it were coming from a 16 year old trying to supe up the car. You went with what seemed to be a reputable shop and suppliers. Somewhere on that end, you have been let down (multiple times).

More hugs / kisses for you... supporting you during this strife. On the bright side of things, while it is a pain in the arse, in perspective, it is only a car.

 

[Shadow]

...On the bright side of things, while it is a pain in the arse, in perspective, it is only a car.

Now that's something you don't hear every day out of the vette community:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Certainly got her head on straight:thumbsup:

 

[Rich Z]

Rich, I simply feel sooooo bad for you. No one should have gone through this. It is obvious that you were so excited to have fun with your Vette. I read through the entire thread while drowsy at 3am and can only imagine your disappointment and frustration. Hugs / kisses to you, you need it!!

Not knowing "Chris" or any other parties involved, I am not pointing fingers at anyone specifically. However, you paid good money for a service and in the process, you have been let down multiple times and been given sub-standard products. Someone(s) must step up to the plate and be responsible. You are the customer who entered this in good faith. That said, this is where an attorney would rectify things if all of the parties involved fail to.

A headache from this is unjustified, particularly in your retirement years.

BTW... I wasn't implying that YOU acted immaturely, rather, the entire situation is so messed up, as if it were coming from a 16 year old trying to supe up the car. You went with what seemed to be a reputable shop and suppliers. Somewhere on that end, you have been let down (multiple times).

More hugs / kisses for you... supporting you during this strife. On the bright side of things, while it is a pain in the arse, in perspective, it is only a car.

Actually, in my opinion, the source of the letdown in all this was simply World Products. Had they sent quality products in the first place, I would be driving my car right now. But after the misaligned holes drilled in the heads for the intake manifold, then doing a half-assed job "fixing" those holes, then finding that crack in the head casing around a valve guide, well, enough was enough.

I am just VERY fortunate that LME stepped up to the plate and offered to take all that World Products stuff back and build me a new engine utilizing a block and heads from different manufacturers. And an even up swap, to boot, them paying for the shipping as well. Quite honestly, Chris and I were fully expecting to have to get an attorney involved had this all gone the wrong way from here. There was just no way I was going to take it on the chin for the cost of that turkey of a motor. But LME just really saved the day on this one. They COULD have said it was all World Products' fault and just washed their hands of it, leaving me very far up the creek without a paddle. I believe a LOT of other places would have done exactly that.

In any event, apparently RHS only builds blocks in batches so that was out of LME's hands. They have to wait for the type of block I need to be manufactured by RHS and delivered to them before they can do anything they need to do. Then once they get the block, their part of this process installing the parts within the block and heads and checking specs and doing the needed machining will take two more weeks to complete.

Yes, I wish things hadn't gone this way, but there were very few options that could be contemplated. Yeah, asking for a full refund and just walking away completely from this whole idea was one option, but then after all this I would have had absolutely nothing at all to show for it. Which would have been an ugly wound that would have been difficult to heal. At least this way, just maybe when everything is completed, the results will more than justify the aggravation that led up to it. I guess I can only hope that will be the case.....

And btw, quit it with all the talk of hugs and kisses before you get all the other guys jealous here..... :lmao:

 

[85vette]

quit it with all the talk of hugs and kisses before you get all the other guys jealous here[/B]..... :lmao:

 

[Shadow]

...quit it with all the talk of hugs and kisses before you get all the other guys jealous here..... :lmao:

:lmao::lmao::rofl1::rofl1:

 

[Rich Z]

Well, polishing those cradles is really not all that much fun. "Tedious" is probably the word I would use to describe it. I've about got the rough metal removal about done on one side of one of them. Doing this sort of thing just eats up sanding disks, grinding wheels, and Dremel tips. Plus I had to buy some additional tools to do the work. I found out that my new compressor just can't cut the mustard doing grinding work. It's a 20 gallon tank unit that holds up to 200 psi, but the air pressure evaporates faster than the motor can replenish it with constant grinding. I thought the specs would suffice, as I made sure the tools were rated lower than the CFM rating of the compressor, but either the tools are highly underrated for the amount of air they need, or that compressor is severely overrated for the amount of air if can deliver.

So I'm back to using electric tools.

But I'm not sure I'll even do the rear cradle. Depends on how long it takes me to finish the first one and how many consumables that uses up. Aluminum just gunks up the Dremel stone grinders and eats up paper sanding disks like there is no tomorrow. If you've ever done something like this, then you know why polishing on a Maggie supercharger costs you $1k extra.

Anyway, just killing time waiting for word that my engine has shown up at LME and they are starting to work on it. If the timetable is correct that Bryan indicated to me, then I'm guess LME will get the block maybe the end of this upcoming week or the beginning of the next. Then LME will have it for two more weeks. Sigh... wish I could hurry this up, but I certainly don't want them the RUSH through this and make any mistakes.

Oh well, back to the grind............. literally......

 

[pmj341]

Rich
I feel for you, I know it's very tedious work!!

 

[shakedown067]

20 gallons of air should be plenty. You may want to put a PSI regulator on it and set it for what the tool needs. Should help from using more air than you should be. Good luck on the polishing. It's certainly very labor intensive. Besides, what else do you have to do while you wait on the engine. :toetap05:

 

[Rich Z]

20 gallons of air should be plenty. You may want to put a PSI regulator on it and set it for what the tool needs. Should help from using more air than you should be. Good luck on the polishing. It's certainly very labor intensive. Besides, what else do you have to do while you wait on the engine. :toetap05:

The compressor does have a regulator. I set it for 90 psi, which is what the tools I am using recommend. Oops I just checked and it's a 15 gallon tank and not 20 gallons. But maybe you have given me an idea. Maybe I can set the regulator to 75 psi and see if that helps lengthen the time substantially that I can use the tools.

Anyway here's the specs of the compressor:

The DEWALT, D55168, Heavy Duty 15 Gallon, 200 PSI Wheeled Compressor is an oil-free compressor that delivers 5.4 CFM at 90 PSI and an efficient high pressure technology that allows for longer tool runtime and increased pump/motor life. This compressor is perfect for: sanding using a dual action sander or a random orbit sander; fastening using impact wrenches and ratchet wrenches; paint, glue, lacquer spraying using a spray gun; metal fabrication using grinders, cut off tools, and reciprocating saws.

200 PSI max pressure allows for longer air tool run time
5.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI allows for quick compressor recovery time
78 dBA (tested per ISO3744) operational noise level for a quieter work environment
Efficient high pressure technology allows for longer pump and motor life
Oil free, maintenance free pump, for convenient use
Efficient high pressure motor allows the compressor to be run with an extension cord (12 Ga. or heavier, 50 ft. or less) due to consistent amp draw requirements of the compressor
Compact design allows for the compressor to be easily moved, transported, and stored
Robust dual purpose handle provides additional protection to the compressor along with serving as a hose wrap
MFG Brand Name : DeWalt
MFG Model # : D55168
MFG Part # : D55168

Specifications
Amperage : 15 A
Assembled Depth (In Inches) : 24.5 in
Assembled Height (In Inches) : 44.75 in
Assembled Weight (In LBS) : 88 lb
Assembled Width (In Inches) : 22 in
ETL Safety Listing : Yes
Energy Star Compliant : No
Fuel Type : Electric
Height : 44.75 in
Horsepower : 1.8 hp
Maximum Pressure : 200 psi
Tank Capacity : 15 gal (US)
Voltage Rating : 120 V.
Width : 22 in

I think there's a good chance I may spring for an 80 gallon unit sometime in the future. This was really just an experiment to see if I would have any use for a compressor at all. Never really used one before, but every time I turn around I'm thinking of more things I could use it for. The portable unit will still be nice to cart around when I need to, though..

 

[shakedown067]

Well, check out the military surplus site. They have them on their site quite a bit. Just a few months ago, they had a lot of three. 80g, 90, and I think a 140. All three I think sold for $150 together. I haven't bought anything yet, but it's fun to watch what they basically giveaway.

I really want one of these...now if I just had a place to park it.

 

[Rich Z]

Well, check out the military surplus site. They have them on their site quite a bit. Just a few months ago, they had a lot of three. 80g, 90, and I think a 140. All three I think sold for $150 together. I haven't bought anything yet, but it's fun to watch what they basically giveaway.

I really want one of these...now if I just had a place to park it.

Too bad they aren't auctioning off weaponry.... :hehehe:

 

[navy2kcoupe]

Too bad they aren't auctioning off weaponry.... :hehehe:

They ARE Rich ! I've seen those 5 ton 6X6's they're selling used as a weapon on more than one occasion........:lmao::lmao::lmao:
Andy (cold and miserable up here today......slushy snow earlier that turned to ice when you walked or drove on it.......not pleasant at all!) :wavey::wavey:

 

[Rich Z]

Man, I'm going through a TON of sanding and polishing supplies and only have the top of the front cradle almost finished. I may start on the top of the back cradle next rather than working on the bottom of the front one. Just in case I run out of time.

The 1200 grit sandpaper sure does put a nice finish on aluminum! I'm following up with the buffing wheel to take out the minor swirl marks. I've got 2000 grit paper but it just doesn't work worth a damn on aluminum.

It's not going to turn out as nice as I had hoped because of all the odd places that need to be sanded and polished that I just can't get to with the sanding and polishing tools, but it won't be too bad. At least not from 6 feet away viewing distance......

 

[ironhorse]

Hey Rich, how about beed blasting the cradle?...They can use a fine beed, the finish would come out nice i would think?...:yesnod:

 

[Rich Z]

Hey Rich, how about beed blasting the cradle?...They can use a fine beed, the finish would come out nice i would think?...:yesnod:

Yeah, if my compressor was up to snuff, I would consider that. At least for the undersides of the cradles. I've never looked into finding someone locally that does that sort of work....

 

[85vette]

Yeah, if my compressor was up to snuff, I would consider that. At least for the undersides of the cradles. I've never looked into finding someone locally that does that sort of work....

Rich, there's a guy on Craigslist Tallahasee that has been advertising under the "auto parts" section. Here is the website:

www.sandblastnow.com