Random Thoughts about GTM

[LCD Gauges]

As I'm viewing photos of our cars, a few things come to mind:

- how the heck do we change batteries when it decides to finally die? Do we really have to rip most of the front end apart, or is there
an easy access method?

- spark plug changes? With headers installed, I'm guessing we need to grow a third elbow, or use a mixture of universal joints and extensions
to get them out?

- power assisted braking. I just realized we don't have a vacuum booster. How difficult is braking without assist? Has anyone developed a
power option for the brakes?

[fastthings]

In my VW, I used pretty much the same setup,as far as duel brake masters, adjustable bias, no asist. It stops great, yes you have to push harder, but I like the feel, good control. They really come alive when they get heated up.

[mmaragos]

I can eek my battery out right now, but it takes a lot of twisting, turning and grunting - usually gets a hand scrape too. In retrospect, I really should have looked closer at relocating it to the rear of the car.

I have only been go-karting. Braking is firm and takes some additional effort...a little bit of a mindset change after driving a daily driver for a while, then jumping in. I thought there was someone that did power brakes with anti-locks, etc. Might have to search the other forum.

Stock headers? I can't picture the Kooks headers right now, but I thought I had pretty good access.

[kabacj]

I got a Braille Battery B3121 .

21 pounds/9.5 kilograms
6.6 inches x 5.2 inches x 6.8 inches
1380 pulse cranking amperes
31 amperes/hour reserve
Right side positive (+)

Drops right in even with the power steering pump and AC evaporator in the way. I might not be able to start the car when its 15 degrees in the snow, but its going to be warm and cozy in the garage at that point anyway.

Regarding the brakes, after you try them out you can play with the master cylinder bores to change the feel. Of course never somthing for nothing with changing the bore sizes. Always trading effort for travel.

John

[LCD Gauges]

Thanks for the tips/info on the brakes.

I was afraid of going through hell when needing to remove the battery. I'll have a look at
that B3121 when the time comes. Sounds like a great replacement, and alternative over
using a regular sized battery again.

[Mike Downs]

I just changed my Odyssey 1200 last Sunday in the GTM. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't a killer either. This battery is probably a little smaller than a stock Vette unit, but it is heavy for its size (drycell). I have an ABS unit in there as well. I took the bolt out of the A/C receiver drier and move it over a little. I also removed the radiator air deflector which I switch to being mounted with screws when I installed the ABS unit. This battery has large threaded holes in the battery posts so that you can use bolt on cable or clamp/pinch cables. I inserted a large carriage bolt that I had sitting in my tool box into one of the posts and was able to muscle it out by grabbing that with a gloved hand. Gravity helped when putting it back in.

[crash]

You can adjust how aggresive the brakes are with not only the MC sizes, but with the pad material. You gan get them to grab like your favorite street car if you like, but those tyes of pads usually wear more quickly and don't work nearly as well at the upper end performance levels.