New ZL1 inspired First Gen with LSA

[hammdo]

Beyond awesome -- that engine in that light of a car -- wow--- love the 1st gens...

-Don

[tabio42]

That's badass.

[jon6.0]

Awesome build.

[DwRed1LTV6]

Awwssuummm Camaro !!

[pktrusty]

Awesome

[Chrispy]

That is simply awesome! I love the story about you and your son working on it and where he is today in the field.

I think a set of black 10 spoke ZL1 wheels on that car would be just killer and fully integrate the new and old themes merging together. (If the 20s don't fit they sell 18 replicas too)

This is my new favourite first gen build hands down.

[JD-ZL1]

TOTALLY AWESOME CAR, FACTORY 14' Z/28 WHEELS would set it off..

[Battlezone580]

Wow this is amazing!

[Wayniez]

Lou I loved watching your car go together. V8 did a great job on it. Are you using the stock ZL1 fuel pump? Did you have it tuned on a chassis dyno? Can you share the numbers and any upgrades you did to the motor and fuel system? I'm getting ready to put an LSA crate motor in my 69 also. Wayniez on Lat-g. I love the way your car came out. Your son did a great job designing the grill.

[Lous69]

WaynieZ,

Thank you for the compliments. They are much appreciated. Here are some answers to your questions:

Are you using the stock ZL1 fuel pump?

We used the dual pump unit like that used in the CTS-V. Power for the pump is controlled by a Vaporworx Pulse Width Modulation unit set to 450kPa



Can you share the numbers and any upgrades you did to the motor and fuel system?

Here is a rundown of the package we put together in Lou's Change:

ENGINE:
We started with a brand new LSA crate motor
We swapped out the CTS-V Intercooler top hat with a new ZL1 top hat. (I'm pretty sure that was an idea Brian Thomson of Thomson Automotive suggested to me when he talked to me early on in the build. I had no idea they could be swapped out so easily)

ENGINE MODS:
Supercharger Pulley change (2.56:1 to 3:1)
Cam Swap (Thomson Spec.)
Valve springs (Thomson Spec.)
Injectors (Thomson Automotive Spec.)

ENGINE CONTROLLER:
We used the GM Performance Parts E67 LSA controller that came with our LSA crate engine.

FUEL SYSTEM:
We have the full Vaporworx system installed in our DSE tank complete with the fuel pump and controller they provide (rated for up to 1000 HP).
We will use Dave's advised 450kPa fuel pressure

ENGINE COOLING:
We have a C&R cooling module along with the 2 fans they provided (rated for up to 1000 HP)
We have installed 2 brand new PWM fan control modules like those used in the C6 Corvette.

INTERCOOLING:
We are running a Mazierre 55 GPM intercooler pump
We are using the same intercooler heat exchanger used in the GT500 complete with fans.

AIR CONDITIONING:
We are using the Vintage Air Generation 4 A/C system
We are using a Sandene Compressor
We have installed a GM A/C pressure switch
We are still using the Vintage Air Trinary switch to the control compressor

TRANSMISSION:
Brand new T56 Magnum
We have a Vehicle Speed Sensor installed and connected to the VSS lead that was included in the GMPP engine harness as purchased.

REAR END:
Ford 9 inch with 3.7 gear ratio

Dave Mikels modified the harness and did all the tuning. Here is an overview of what he did:

Installed pin out and a labeled wire for the PWM control module.
Installed pin out and a labeled wire for the GM A/C pressure sensor.
Installed pin out and a labeled wire for reverse lock out.


Enabled and programed PWM fan control:
- PWM vs. Discreet
- 128 Hz PWM frequency
- 204 degrees engine coolant = 10% duty cycle
- 235 degrees engine coolant = 90% duty cycle

Programed fan control parameters for “after run”:
- If engine coolant temp. greater than 235 degrees or A/C pressure greater than 260 psi at key off = 50% duty cycle until engine coolant drops below 230 degrees AND A/C pressure drops below 241 psi.
- Otherwise, fans shut off after 2 minutes regardless of temperatures.

Enabled Vehicle Speed Sensor control of reverse lock out.

Reprogramed table for AC pressure control of fans. In order to use Vintage Air/ Sandene compressor, needed to change table as follows:
- Fans all in at 90% duty cycle at 260 psi as measured by GM A/C pressure sensor.

LSA Engine Performance tune per modifications selected
- Supercharger Pulley change (2.56:1 to 3:1)
- Cam Swap
- Valve springs
- Injectors

Did you have it tuned on a chassis dyno?

Yes we did. Dave Mikels tuned the car on the chassis dyno at Thomson Automotive Dyno in Wixum, Michigan. Thomson Automotive is now owned by Lingenfelter but Brian still runs the operation like he always has.

It is a Mustang dynometer. Dave said he could have squeezed a little more power out of the car but he knew I don't want to worry about reliability or getting a bad batch of gas here and there.

The final numbers at the rear wheels were

581 Horsepower
571 Ft. Lbs.

Here is a video of the dyno session:

[Lous69]

We've been pretty busy building a new shop but I thought I ought to post a few picks of the carbon fiber grille installed.

When we showed the GM designers our 3D printed grille and emblems at SEMA they were complimentary but also warned us that 3D printed parts typically have a limited life span in real world use.

Even though our 3D printed parts were still holding up just fine, we just installed the first prepreg carbon fiber version.

We worked with a U.S. company that uses the same materials and process used to make the OEM hood scoop so it matches perfectly in appearance and quality.

While we were at it, we also had all the 3D printed emblems including the front and rear bow tie assemblies CNC machined out of billet aluminum.

[vnxcvh]

Awesome project. You and your son have created a masterpiece. Best of both worlds, old and new.

[Sales @ CAI Inc]

Great work guys! Looks very nice

[Jeb114]

Love the car perfect, not criticizing, the LSA on the fender only very few people will know what it means.