Dime Rocket- DNQ

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Thanks, Joe
I think we could use the struts.
The rest has already been addressed or lists only the 3800 (Buick) engine.

I'm thinking we need to change the top of strut swivel to something of a spherical bushing nature. That in itself ought to help with the hard steering problem.
Do you think we could find something close, or time to fab something there too?
You know anything about the rack/pinion tooth count deal?

Mark, the W-body cars have commonality as regards to suspension and chassis components whether the engine.

When I had my Supercharged Bonneville SSEi, I installed Monroe high performance struts (no longer available), and they made a big difference in the launch.

I also installed the Mookeh MK1 universal adjustable camber plates. They are available in all mounting shapes and you just have to drill the holes to match the chassis mount holes. The camber plates are available in Ebay. I kept the OEM spring mount and believe added a spacer.

Use the stiffest shocks in the rear to prevent squatting of the rear; the car will hit the front tires harder. I had air bags in the rear of my Bonneville too.

There are differences in the racks of the W-body cars depending if they had the standard or high performance suspension package. You could also look in to adapting a Fiero or J-body manual steering rack.

[GTOMayhem]

Moog makes a Problem Solver bushing for the lower control arm. Part no.
k200787. As seen here:

http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...nd-feel-for-50

Rick Thomason
GTOMayhem

[Mark Yacavone]

Summer fun :

We got some of the suspension issues worked out .
KYB adjustable struts up front. A few spacers in the rear springs.
We gutted the seals out of the power rack and serviced the bearings on top of the coils spring mounts in an attempt to make it steer easier.It seems a little easier but not enough.
We are going to have to change the steering ratio eventually.
Some of these cars supposedly are 2.6 turns, lock to lock, but this one is only 2.3.
If anybody happens to have a W car around handy ,and could tell me what they have, I'd appreciate it.

I still have to mess around with the camber and toe in before Friday night.

We had the side mount, oil pan, and valve body out to work on the pressure regulator.
I felt it needed a bit more pressure with this heavy of a car and bigger V6 than the trans was designed for. We were able to find a spring that upped the pressure right about to where I wanted it, on the first shot. Got lucky on that one.
We picked up a spare governor with a lighter weight on it and put it in .
I would think 5600 shift points were a bit too low, so we'll see how that works out too.

While I had the rubber side mount out (or is it the rear?), I figured I'd replace it with a solid one. (see pic)

So, Friday night temps are supposed to be down to double digits by 9 pm.
Oh boy. Rocket ship conditions!

Will report

[GTOMayhem]

Mark,

My 98 Grand Prix GTP is at least 2.6 turns lock to lock, if not a bit more. From what I can find it seems the newer ones, like yours, are 2.3.

Rick Thomason
GTOMayhem

[Mark Yacavone]

Thanks, Rick. We'll hit the U Pull It yards as soon as the weather cools off here.

We won't have a report from this weekend now.
The trans shifts better from 1st to 2nd ,but much worse on the 2-3 .I don't know what caused it yet but it's gotta come out again. That means the engine first, then the trans.
That's what happens with these things when you're working without a blueprint.

We're not going to SLC with this thing unless it's right.

[Mark Yacavone]

Bit of a report here.

We got to go out to Wild Horse tonight, after a brief shower back at home.

Some of you guys are gonna laugh, but the humidity was an exceptionally high 37 to 43 % .
It was only in the high 80's ,but the ODA was still around 4000'.

We tried three different staging rpm's but it did run the best ever 60' , leaving at 2500. Anything over that and it wants to wring the tires off it.
I think the adjustable struts did help a bit.

The raised line pressure did make the trans shift like it should now, so we're happy with that .
All three runs were between 1.18 and 1.28 under, and I think this may be the last ET report for this project. We'll be seeing some of you guys in Combo Class before long, I'm sure.

[Mark Yacavone]

Finally got around to changing the break in oil.
In the dime rocket theme, we put some Mobil 1 in it, from Walmart.
Yes, it did go faster.
Anyone interested can PM me.

[GTOMayhem]

3rd Qualifier in first round at Vegas Divisional. -1.113 Only .024 off top qualifier.
Not bad for a front driver.

Rick Thomason
GTOMayhem

[Chipper Chapman]

Not sure what the ratio would be but the early 2000's Buick granny cars always seemed really easy steering. Like the park avenue, not exactly the performance model.

[GTOMayhem]

Mark,

PM sent.

Rick Thomason
GTOMayhem