Gearing up for Spring 14'

[sleepyalero]

Well, I'm bored at work. and figured why not make a pointless thread? sounds great right, yeah okay.

so as most of you know, the car is being stored this winter (again) and now i am going to be "fixing" her up with some small issues, while also adding a few new things.

first off, the car is on jack stands, no wheels on it at all. been up in the air for about 2 weeks now. my 18s are still for sale. with one bite but who knows how it will go. once the rims sell i will be removing the tires off them and using them on my new wheels, right now i have 2 new wheels... still need 2 more, but they are still a secret, probably until spring when i can actually get the car out of the garage.


next up, get stock tails. i sold my led tails and now im in need of some new stockers. so thats on the list. and they arent easy to find.


also, remove both front axles and take them in to an axle shop. the outter CV boots are ripped on both driver side and passanger side (driver side is worse) i dont know what caused it. but they leaked axle grease all over my wheels last summer. and im just now getting to it. really dont want new wheels covered in axle grease, (especially because they arent cheap) and ive been meaning to get this taken care of. depending on weather, they might get removed tomorrow. then quoted for boot replacement.

I will also have to go to GM for some trans fluid to replace whats lost when pulling the axles out.

still have some other things for sale too that im trying to push along to help fund this stuff.


plan on cleaning up my brake calipers as well as the wheels are off, gives me the advantage. and whenever i hit 200k miles the car will get an oil change as well, but its only been out twice since ive put it away for the winter. (weather permitting) but now the car is not drivable... i mean unless i dont care to have tail lights. :lol:



thats it for now, i dont think ill be fixing anything else for the time being, the car is in pretty solid shape still (which is good) just the pesky CV boots need done. :)



Oh ans cant forget finish tuning with paul. But that wont be till the car is out of hibernation.

[mfuller]

Let's see...
Car is currently at the shop having the old motor ripped out and the new motor installed. Tuning shortly thereafter.
Installing Quaife limited-slip differential.
Installing NGK AFX wideband O2.
New water pump, tensioner, and serpentine belt.
Power steering pump being sent to Turn One for a rebuild. New all-metal power steering pump pulley.
Installing the rear STB/V-brace that I got from jabartram some time ago.

Hopefully will sell my old Kosei K-1 wheels sooner rather than later. But if not, I'll ditch the old rubber, re-finish them and wrap them in Hoosier road race rubber for track days. :)

[sleepyalero]

Matt. Id just trash the rubber and use them as drag wheels. Im very interested to see track times on that motor. So please go asap.

[[ion] C2]

Need stock tails? Maybe I'll part out/scrap my red car. I'm feeling lazy and don't know if I want to get it running again.

[sleepyalero]

Yeah I need a full set! Dont want ones that are dull, scratched or leaky!

[[ion] C2]

they're fine (http://ion-productions.com/homecoming13/4.JPG)

[sleepyalero]

Rubber around them cool too? If you sold the set... how much?

[sleepyalero]

technically anyone can post in here on what they are doing to get ready for the non snow season. so post up. :)


honestly, i shouldnt have put this in LA1 section.

[tw0123]

Glad to see I'm not the only one with a winter to do list... only problem is my shed is burried in snow and frozen solid, so until it thaws a bit, I'm not getting anything done!!
-install suspension
-install front sway bar
-redo entire stereo
-pull motor for cam, heads, drtc install
-fix rust spots
-finishing osv
-paint

Aiming for the long weekend in May up here to have her all done and on the road after 18 months of storage...

As for the 5 speed, I have a list there too...
-install rocker covers
-finish grand am interior swap
-install headers and idi cover (whenever i get it ;) )
-change out suspension and drop it :)

Lots to do in a short time... sometimes i wish i was unemployed to play lmao!! Wouldn't give up my job for anything though!!

[sleepyalero]

Tim, if you make the May deadline, you are cutting it close for its debut for homecoming 2014. :)

IT MUST COME.

[S8track16]

Since my car is parked for the winter and with school I don’t have too much time to get vehicle work done. But here are the plans before April:

-Get the new valve cover installed
-Install the 250A alternator
-Find a driver side tweeter pod (screwed up my last one)
-install the other Crescendo FT1 Super Tweeter
-find some passive crossovers
-finish up the trunk with vinyl, carpet, suede
-add some custom amp mounts
-get more 12 gauge, 4 gauge and wire everything up

[fisdad]

Try not to hit anything else... Figure out why my ses and trac off lights are on and why am I suddenly getting like 15mpg? Get the car detailed professionally. Get my new tails done and installed, hopefully get a spring touch up in the paint again?

[sleepyalero]

nothing but system work, nice.



and those are alot of questions ryan, not liking that.

[tw0123]

Hey Brandon, i have a set of factory tweeter pods if you need them... also the extra radio bezel if you still need it too... let's work out a deal for that battery and get it done haha!!! :)

[fisdad]

Hey Brandon, i have a set of factory tweeter pods if you need them... also the extra radio bezel if you still need it too... let's work out a deal for that battery and get it done haha!!! :)

I need to find a better radio bezel when I get done kicking my cars ass.

[sleepyalero]

Hahaha

[tw0123]

Bwahahaha.... i might another extra one lol... i don't know what all i have in the shed anymore!!! And with it being buried in snow i wont know til spring at this rate!!! :p

[S8track16]

I don't need the radio bezel anymore since the in-dash tablet plan is no more, but I would be interested in the tweeter pods.

[tw0123]

ok sounds good... as soon as I can dig out the shed, I can get them... damn winter! supposed to warm up over the weekend, so here's hoping I can get in there!!

[MMGT1]

SLP Lid and a 85mm MAF going into mine as soon as the MAF gets here. Not much this winter, but at least its something! LOL
Having it sitting in the garage is making me crazy!!! In all the years I had the Grand Am, and all the work I did, never once did I park it... this sucks! I don't know how you guys park the rides for winter, I'm loosing my mind here!!!!!!!!

[tw0123]

believe me Paul, I feel your pain... my car has been parked for 14 months now... especially after you opened it up for me, it's been eating me every day I pull in the driveway and look at the shed... probably why I have kept buying parts for it... gonna be sweet when she comes out again!! hopefully to paint, then a trip out your way for some more tuning!! lol

[sleepyalero]

Im going to replace the front strut mounts while im at it.

[sleepyalero]

well I got quite a bit started today.... lets see...


whats been done/needs to be done.

- find new tail lights.
- front brakes removed.
- front struts removed.
- front hubs removed.
- axles need to be removed.
- finish tuning with Paul.
- replace front strut mounts.
- replace axle boots.
- get two more wheels to complete my set. (they are still a secret)
- possible alignment since struts have been pulled.
- swap tires to new wheels (getting 2 tires put on the new wheels tomorrow)





plan on removing the axles when I get wheels put on the rear end, im afraid me pulling the axles out will rock the front end of the car off the jack stands. (rear end is up in the air too. held by a jack)


who knows I might reveal my new wheels tomorrow once the nitto tires are put on them. :)

but I got a good start on the car today, now its more of the waiting game. need cash, and have to send things in to get replaced. I will not be doing the axle boots myself, nor will I replace the strut mounts myself. that will be done by professionals. lol

[fisdad]

So sleepy broke my car today while we were tuning! Bastard! He needs to learn how to drive! First he takes out his underbody and radiator support on 465 by hitting a semi tire??? Now he's driving my car and plows a pot hole... We saw someone else already pulled over changing their tire in the rain too. Sadly, after my big brake "upgrade" we had to get the rear wheel off of the car and out it on the front so we could get the spare on the rear. Now my car is on a doughnut, with the trac off light on, washer fluid light on, funky idle, rear window regulator broke, needs an ok change and the idle is bouncy and rough!! My poor car! I need to get that honda so I can put my Alero away.

[sleepyalero]

I said im sorry ryan!!!! It was an honest accident. Im as sad/mad as you are about it.

The offer is still there for me to replace it. :)

[Nas Escobar]

get stock tails. i sold my led tails and now im in need of some new stockers. so thats on the list. and they arent easy to find.


I can run to a yard if you want... Aleros are plentiful in my yards... sadly so is the turnover rate. The only thing is my yard charges $30 for each tail light housing and the Alero has 4... Don't know if you're gonna like the final price. Shipping would be $10 on top of it. I'd only do you the favor of sourcing the parts... no profit at all.

Actually come to think of it... have you asked Certifit how much they will charge for new ones?

[03glgold]

There is a yard out in hays when I go back out that I got a new outer for mine from and paid $15 for it and got 99-00 hvac knobs for free with it...Unfortunately they only have one so while I could get the rest, I couldn't get the driver's side outer

[sleepyalero]

I can run to a yard if you want... Aleros are plentiful in my yards... sadly so is the turnover rate. The only thing is my yard charges $30 for each tail light housing and the Alero has 4... Don't know if you're gonna like the final price. Shipping would be $10 on top of it. I'd only do you the favor of sourcing the parts... no profit at all.

Actually come to think of it... have you asked Certifit how much they will charge for new ones?

I dont want to go through a jy cause its risky in getting leaky tails.

And no I haven't heard of that place.

[Nas Escobar]

I dont want to go through a jy cause its risky in getting leaky tails.

And no I haven't heard of that place.

Well considering that it rains and snows in Maryland a lot (because DC doesn't have junkyards), I think it would be pretty obvious to see a leaky tail with all the condensation build up. Plus you gotta remember that the east coast disposes of cars more quickly than the rest of the country.

There's one in Indiana... although IDK how far it is from where you live. Look it up... Certifit.com

They're known to be used by the shops when they need brand new parts. It's very cheap too. A bumper costs $50 there... same as what my yards charge. Equal for the fenders... $40 or what the yard charges.

[WIALERO]

look for a new alero.... thats my plan

[sleepyalero]

Cool man, ill check it out. Thanks.

[sleepyalero]

Well got a little bit done. Pulled both axles out today. Now I just need PARTS.

[a.graham52]

you SHOULD get an alignment after pulling the front struts. it will easily effect camber. you might even consider trying GAGT alignment specs. hopefully someone knows better then i did, but i thought they were different specs.

[mfuller]

If he really want it to handle like a slot car, I've got some decent alignment settings he can try,,,,

[sleepyalero]

Hahaha I planned on getting an alignment. Didnt know you could align the car any way special.

[Nas Escobar]

look for a new alero.... thats my plan

Wrong thread perhaps?

[03Alerosil]

I am doing a few things when spring hits and one thing this afternoon. My fuel pressure regulator is leaking so gotta change that.
1. Serpentine belt (cracked and original GM factory belt with 142k on it and 13 years old.
2. Tensioner (Frozen)
3. Idler Pulley (loose bearing)
4. Possible driver side front door replace(found a good junkyard one)
Already got my new subs and amp installed. Nebraska weather been really warm lately so it's allowing me to get some stuff done.

Have to fix coolant leak on the wife's car and change her plug wires, didnt do it when I did plugs.

It's all easy stuff I have to do. Contemplating changing the motor mount while I am at it being you have to take it off.

[mfuller]

Hahaha I planned on getting an alignment. Didnt know you could align the car any way special.
Well, caster is non-adjustable but you can get a bit more aggressive with camber and toe settings.

[sleepyalero]

And still be okay on tire wear?

[mfuller]

And still be okay on tire wear?
The way you drive, you'll be fine. :haha:

[sleepyalero]

Whats that supposed to mean; )

[fisdad]

The way you drive, you'll be fine. :haha:

Whats that supposed to mean; )

Means you drive like a grandma!:lol:

[sleepyalero]

Psh! Not on weekends. ;)


But I dont use my car for track racing. Only drag. And street use. But rarely drag.

[xXManwhoreXx]

-5 camber gogogo

[sleepyalero]

Hahahaha

[MMGT1]

I couldn't take it anymore... stuck the ass end of the TA out the garage door today and tuned idle for the new 85mm MAF. Ordered a 4" tube from http://www.siliconeintakes.com/ today to connect the new SLP Lid to the 85mm MAF. If you guys have never dealt with silicone intakes I highly suggest you check them out! Ive used them for a few builds now and always top notch stuff for a wicked good price!!! I used them for the Supercharged Grand Am, a supercharged Jeep that I built last year, and am going to use them exclusively in both the builds in my bros Firehawk and my WS6. If your looking for couplers, connectors, pipes, bungs you name it, check them out!!!!

[fisdad]

I couldn't take it anymore... stuck the ass end of the TA out the garage door today and tuned idle for the new 85mm MAF. Ordered a 4" tube from http://www.siliconeintakes.com/ today to connect the new SLP Lid to the 85mm MAF. If you guys have never dealt with silicone intakes I highly suggest you check them out! Ive used them for a few builds now and always top notch stuff for a wicked good price!!! I used them for the Supercharged Grand Am, a supercharged Jeep that I built last year, and am going to use them exclusively in both the builds in my bros Firehawk and my WS6. If your looking for couplers, connectors, pipes, bungs you name it, check them out!!!!

Hehe... He said bung.... Hehe... Bunghole...

[sleepyalero]

Just ordered some strut mounts for the front struts.

[MMGT1]

Hehe... He said bung.... Hehe... Bunghole...

So off topic but couldn't help myself... hahahahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HilVFpvzuBM

[sleepyalero]

I love that show

[tw0123]

Put some confirmation on buying a muffler and a roll of fiberglass... picking them up on Monday ;) now to find a local shop that can bend and weld some pipes...

[MMGT1]

I was going to suggest Pipes Performance in Scarborough but I cannot find a listing for them anymore, looks like they are gone man. Out here in Burlington the only guys I use are Budget Brake and Muffler. They are dam good at what they do bud. Those are the guys that worked with me in my Grand Am build. More than once they bailed me out of a tight spot!

[tw0123]

Thanks Paul, but that would be a long drive with just a straight pipe to the rear axle...

[xXManwhoreXx]

I drove with it open at the downpipe for a month... you will be ok...

[tw0123]

I just don't want it that loud... lol I know id be ok, just couldn't stand the noise haha

[fisdad]

So off topic but couldn't help myself... hahahahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HilVFpvzuBM

Exactly what I was thinking! Lol

[sleepyalero]

well I got quite a bit started today.... lets see...


whats been done/needs to be done.

- find new tail lights.
- front brakes removed.
- front struts removed.
- front hubs removed.
- axles need to be removed.
- finish tuning with Paul.
- replace front strut mounts.
- replace axle boots.
- get two more wheels to complete my set. (they are still a secret)
- possible alignment since struts have been pulled.
- swap tires to new wheels (getting 2 tires put on the new wheels tomorrow)



well I got my strut mounts replaced today, and re installed the struts on the car as well. its 15* out. glad it was only 3 bolts. car is dead sadly from the cold, I usually try and start her 3 times or so a week in the winter to keep things flowing, but now since I have the axles pulled, I cant start the car without transmission fluid flowing out, so shes gonna have to be dead for awhile till everything is done. :(

[fisdad]

well I got my strut mounts replaced today, and re installed the struts on the car as well. its 15* out. glad it was only 3 bolts. car is dead sadly from the cold, I usually try and start her 3 times or so a week in the winter to keep things flowing, but now since I have the axles pulled, I cant start the car without transmission fluid flowing out, so shes gonna have to be dead for awhile till everything is done. :(

Dead is no good buddy.

[sleepyalero]

Just need a battery recharge once everything is done. :)

[tw0123]

get a trickle charger and take the battery inside ;) that's where mine is!!

[Ecotecalero02]

Complete exhaust, h&r drop springs, tce kit, cam, crank. Mabey wheels with big brake kit but I have to wait till October when I get bake from the dessert.

[sleepyalero]

Eh. I plan to just use my winter car to jump it once I need m/want to start it. :)

[Ecotecalero02]

I just can't wait to start the engine build and get the custom lim made for my top secret project

[sleepyalero]

Top secret huh....

[tw0123]

Don't see this top secret build being more exciting than Kyle's blueprinted stroker or nickg's turbo over on gagt... Nick's had a reverse mounted 3500uim... friggen crazy!!

[MMGT1]

Have a bunch of stuff coming from a Holden builder in Australia. Wasn't going to go that far this year but this guy knows LS builds like no one I've met yet, and is working with me for every step of the build. Should get the order in this week for the custom grind cam. Not going too crazy as I'm keeping the car fairly streetable. Not giving away too much, but if you know your cams you will be able to decipher the hint, car is getting a 3600 stall to make it work properly. This summer should prove to be very interesting once its all together. Getting pretty excited. Picking up the rest of the install parts tomorrow for my brothers cam install too... we should be into his in the next two weeks and have him up and running long before spring thaw. Hoping to have his together and out of the way and have time to do mine before car season is upon us again! So, I'm about to embark on my second car build, I missed this feeling I tell ya!!!!!

[tw0123]

Hahaha... Nice Paul!! I got a joy ride in the Grand Am, cant wait for a follow up in this beast after she's built!!
I will be getting my maf by the end of next week, and just waiting on the motor quote to get that done as well...
This is going to be a fun summer again as long as everything gets done in time!! :)

[sleepyalero]

Very nice paul. I want dyno numbers. And once spring comes along. We can get my tuning out of the way. Atleast until I add something else ;)


As for me.... things are coming along slowly but surely. Lets see.....

- strut mounts replaced.
- struts have been reinstalled.
- picked up 2 more bbs wheels last week. (Now have complete set.) :)

- mount the tires to the other 2 wheels. (2 already mounted as you have seen)

- get 4 qts of trans fluid from GM.
- Take axles in to get boots replaced.
- got myself inner tails today.
- find a set of outer tails
- get alignment.
- finish tuning.
- and of course piece the car back together.


Getting closer every week.... im just ready for spring. I miss her.

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/20140125_193349_zpswfbyrn1j.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/natesalero/media/20140125_193349_zpswfbyrn1j.jpg.html)http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/natesalero/20140125_163355_zpscak9hlqa.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/natesalero/media/20140125_163355_zpscak9hlqa.jpg.html)

[MMGT1]

I hate to put a hex on anyone, but I kinda need this winter to drag out a little so I can get everything done. LOL If spring breaks early I'm going to loose my mind if the car is not ready

[tw0123]

^^ agreed... I have so much on my list to get done, I could use the extra time as well... thought the list was supposed to get shorter, not longer :P

[Ecotecalero02]

I'll hve to post a pic when the motor is done I will say it's going to be a bit of a Frankenstein setup though

[sleepyalero]

Interested to see it.

[Ecotecalero02]

Yeah I'm torn on the color I can't make up my mind either color match to the rest of the car or all black

[sleepyalero]

Depends on color of car.

[Ecotecalero02]

It's the dark blue

[sleepyalero]

Hmm dark blue motor or black would look pretty good either way

[MMGT1]

Black with red accents would get my vote. I like a blue/red combo but not big on an all red engine, just would not look right to me

[sleepyalero]

Where did a red engine come into the story here? :lol:

[Ecotecalero02]

I don't think red would go well with the dark blue

[MMGT1]

Got one of my Corvette fuel rail covers yesterday. Spent a good part of the afternoon modifying and installing it. Came out awesome! The other one should come this week. Looks like the one I'm waiting on will be a lot easier to install. My bro and I have decided to wait for some warmer weather for our cam installs. Kinda bummed about it, but its the right way to do it, he's right. Sometimes a little brother can speak with reason you know... sometimes, hahhaaha

[sleepyalero]

Yeah its been pretty cold here as well.

[sleepyalero]

Well im getting somewhere!


Axles were takin in to get all new boots. Picked up today.

Trans fluid was picked up today from GM.

Replaced ryans tire I messed up. Also got my other two wheels mounted to my tires.

Driver side suspension all back in, driver axle installed. Driver brake all put on. New wheel put on. Driver side is done other then torquing the wheel down.


Whats left. Put the passanger side axle back in. Install brake, suspension. Etc.

Add trans fluid to transmission.

Alignment.

Outer tails.