Post build initial report

[Erik W. Treves]

Tagged on Thursday - did the initial "test" run through all the gears to check alignment, steering, brakes and general noises and fit and finish....The only main "issue" I would say is that I am getting a little heat into the cockpit... the last build I used a welding blanket in the tunnel - this build I only used DEI wrap... That stuff isn't good for this application... I put an order in from Shane for a vented lower cover... but if that's all I have to deal with then I think I will call this a win... the throwout bearing does squeak a bit - but that I guess that's gonna have to wait until the first clutch service :) Anyway - accumulated 63 miles already and grabbed a couple shots at the Saturday morning coffee get together.... here are 2 shots right before everyone showed up...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164253&d=1647785710

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164254&d=1647785710

[ohmygosuness]

That's badass, Erik! I'm a few weeks into my build. I'll be happy If mine turns out half as successful as yours.

[cob427sc]

On my early GTM build I ended up removing the bottom tunnel cover to reduce the heat. If I did another I would run the cooling tubes through the rockers and then foam fill the rockers. The heat off the cooling pipes, even when insulated will roast a turkey sitting on the console!

[Erik W. Treves]

Yeah exactly.. I have a plan B and C right now.... so I will make removing that panel plan D :)

[beeman]

Erik I thought you ran your coolant lines outside the cabin?

[Erik W. Treves]

no Sir... It was recommended in my thread but I had already moved beyond that point and my body wasn't in the garage any longer - so there would have been significant risk for free-handing the engineering.... With my Gen 2 - I put a welding blanket in the tunnel which worked really well- but was aesthetically "ugly" - so I went for the DEI wrap - which doesn't work for this application.... so I get to take the belly tray off and fish the blanket back in there and then install a vented tray - I think it should be good after that....hopefully.

[LCD Gauges]

The car looks good! Not a bad rap sheet for the shake down. As for interior heat, I ended up putting some treatment on the waterfall cover to help with the water pump and hoses.

For the tunnel, I stuck an aluminum shield around the coolant pipes, wrapped in DEI to reflect the heat down. I haven't driven it enough to assess whether it's sufficient, but I'll update within a few weeks.
165229

[Erik W. Treves]

Yep - I did the Shane vented lower belly pan, closed off the 6x10 hole behind the radio with some packing foam, and then placed a welding blanket over the DEI wrapped coolant tubes... I went for a quick ride and the car is WAY cooler inside - as a matter of fact I didn't notice any heat coming from the tunnel at all.... I closed off the the hole behind the radio and noticed about a 60% improvement - the vented belly pan and welding blanket did the rest....on to the next 100 miles.