Lewma's Gen3 Coupe Almost Built Thread

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Originally Posted by JimStone

Mark,

Thanks for the response. Lots of good info there.

Happy to hear you and your son are enjoying the end product of your labors. It certainly looks and sounds like a beast. Whether it's 625 hp or 530, it'll be a handful and require a delicate right foot.

You do have me worried about all the tuning concerns. I'm a complete novice when it comes to that. I am planning on using Terminator X Max EFI/ECU which has self-learning capability, but I'm sure that opens a whole other set of potential problems and won't be just set-it-and-forget-it. I hate farming anything out, but I'll probably need profession help when it comes to that.

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Off topic here but the X is anything but self containing. It’ll get you started but it still needs fine tuning. When you’re at that point pay “projectgattago” Andrew, the $500 to tune it remotely. Additionally the X will give you waaayy more data points, additional sensors, two step, trans control, traction control etc. it’s a no brainer that you’ll be going with the right choice.

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Originally Posted by Kbl7td

Off topic here but the X is anything but self containing. It’ll get you started but it still needs fine tuning. When you’re at that point pay “projectgattago” Andrew, the $500 to tune it remotely. Additionally the X will give you waaayy more data points, additional sensors, two step, trans control, traction control etc. it’s a no brainer that you’ll be going with the right choice.

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Thanks. $500 would be a bargain to get it tuned correctly

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Originally Posted by lewma

I'm a complete novice too when it comes to tuning but I'm reading a lot and taking it slow. Documenting each change then reverting the change if needed. There's a load of videos to watch where they explain it step by step. I can already see the improvement and the logs say I'm moving slowly in the right direction.

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Would you care to share a log and your tune file? I'm interested to see how comparable it is to my own LS427 tune.

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Originally Posted by Its Bruce

Would you care to share a log and your tune file? I'm interested to see how comparable it is to my own LS427 tune.

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Bruce

This is a work in progress. started on MAF tuning only at this point.

Please comment as I'm a complete novice at this point.

tune.hpt
log.hpl


mark

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Originally Posted by lewma

Bruce

This is a work in progress. started on MAF tuning only at this point.

Please comment as I'm a complete novice at this point.

tune.hpt
log.hpl


mark

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I had issues DL'ing the files so I commented on your HPTuners post.

Bruce, I saw you reply on hptuners. Thanks for doing that. Your tune looks very different to mine. Who did your tune ?

Also, what engine do you have? Is it the GM427LS package from Blueprint ?

thanks
mark

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Originally Posted by lewma

Bruce, I saw you reply on hptuners. Thanks for doing that. Your tune looks very different to mine. Who did your tune ?

Also, what engine do you have? Is it the GM427LS package from Blueprint ?

thanks
mark

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I'm doing my own tune (and it's still in process) but it's on top of the base tune sent from BP.

It's the BP 427LS, but I'll note that the first computer BP sent me was corrupt and didn't have the right tune file pre-flashed. Needless to say, between that and seeing your tune with the wrong injector data, I'm less than impressed with BP's handling of the ECM.

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Originally Posted by Its Bruce

I'm doing my own tune (and it's still in process) but it's on top of the base tune sent from BP.

It's the BP 427LS, but I'll note that the first computer BP sent me was corrupt and didn't have the right tune file pre-flashed. Needless to say, between that and seeing your tune with the wrong injector data, I'm less than impressed with BP's handling of the ECM.

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Bruce

Would you be willing to share the base tune you received from BP ? I'd like to compare that with the base I received from them. It's a little scary to me that they are way off for the same engine

thanks
mark

Would you mind sharing both of the tunes with me too? I have yet to start my BP LS427, but once i get around to it, few extra maps would really help to see if there are any irregularities or problems.

@lewma - What air filter did you use for your car? Is the intake pipe custom made, what size is it? I have ordered the LS intake kit from BP, but on my first mock up when i had the engine in the car, it wouldn't fit. The filter itself is massive and it won't fit due to the battery getting in the way.

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Originally Posted by nick729

@lewma - What air filter did you use for your car? Is the intake pipe custom made, what size is it? I have ordered the LS intake kit from BP, but on my first mock up when i had the engine in the car, it wouldn't fit. The filter itself is massive and it won't fit due to the battery getting in the way.

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Nick. The intake you see in my pics did not work. The MAF sensor was too close to a bend and was causing all kinds of issues. The intake I have in there now is made from 4" intake tubes cut down to size so it will fit in the chassis. I have it pointing down towards the power steering rack and it just fits. The most important part is to get at least 6" of straight tube for the MAF sensor and make sure the sensor is at least 3" from the filter.

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Originally Posted by nick729

Would you mind sharing both of the tunes with me too? I have yet to start my BP LS427, but once i get around to it, few extra maps would really help to see if there are any irregularities or problems.

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Nick. I'm trying to get some support out of Blueprint Engines on this. Both myself and Bruce seem to have received ECUs with wrong data flashed into them. Bruce has already highlighted some inconsistencies and I'm trying to get information out of Blueprint too. Once we get this fixed up I'll definitely share what I have.

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Originally Posted by lewma

Painter is done, hopefully bringing her home tomorrow if not raining
Attachment 194886

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Very nice!!

EFI tuning can be a bit of a challenge in my experience, and easily confounded by "the build".

I bought a 347 c.i. SBF for my coupe from BP, with Sniper. At some point I decided to install one of Jim Inglese's Weber-style EFI 8-stacks, complete with Holley TerminatorX, Holley Dual-sync Distributor, MSD ignition, ..., etc. That was a steep learning curve, in part because of part shortages during Covid, and having to modify a TermX targeting a Fox-body Mustang to work with a different set of sensors (e.g.: IAC) that my eight-stack was rigged with. Let's say, I have learned a lot about tuning the Holley system.

Spend a bit of time digging in to the EFI tuning. It will pay long-term benefits. And dig into the BP engines stuff a bit too. For example, the distributors that are part of their turn-key engines, are their own knock-off of a Holley distributor. The springs and advance curves and all those bits are a bit unique.

I had problems with leaky FFR ball flange header couplers causing a false lean signal to the closed-loop Holley EFI system. I have ditched the FFR header / side-pipe exhaust and have moved to GasN. It has been a learning path I did not anticipate, but I have learned a lot about EFI as a benefit.

I look forward to hearing your report out on how your beasty breaks in :-)

Great thread!

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Originally Posted by nick729

Would you mind sharing both of the tunes with me too? I have yet to start my BP LS427, but once i get around to it, few extra maps would really help to see if there are any irregularities or problems.

@lewma - What air filter did you use for your car? Is the intake pipe custom made, what size is it? I have ordered the LS intake kit from BP, but on my first mock up when i had the engine in the car, it wouldn't fit. The filter itself is massive and it won't fit due to the battery getting in the way.

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https://forum.hptuners.com/showthrea...357#post786357

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Originally Posted by lewma

Nick. I'm trying to get some support out of Blueprint Engines on this. Both myself and Bruce seem to have received ECUs with wrong data flashed into them. Bruce has already highlighted some inconsistencies and I'm trying to get information out of Blueprint too. Once we get this fixed up I'll definitely share what I have.

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Any update?

I spoke to Blueprint and they sent me their latest tune. The tune was very similar to the original tune that I pulled from the engine. The injector table data still does not indicate 42lb injectors and their response was that they knew the data was incorrect but they compensated for the lower injector data numbers with other tables in the tune. I've been out of town since receiving that information and I plan on loading up both tunes and seeing where the difference is.

On another topic, received my SB100 sequence number the other day. If they are issued in order, i received #72 out of 500 in July so plenty of numbers left each year. Got my virtual smog referee appointment next tuesday then just need to schedule the in-person visit then hopefully done with registration!

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Originally Posted by lewma

I spoke to Blueprint and they sent me their latest tune. The tune was very similar to the original tune that I pulled from the engine. The injector table data still does not indicate 42lb injectors and their response was that they knew the data was incorrect but they compensated for the lower injector data numbers with other tables in the tune. I've been out of town since receiving that information and I plan on loading up both tunes and seeing where the difference is.

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That is certainly not a best practice, but I suppose if you never expect to change the injectors to a different type/flow then it'll never be an issue.

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Originally Posted by Its Bruce

That is certainly not a best practice, but I suppose if you never expect to change the injectors to a different type/flow then it'll never be an issue.

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I agree. I'm planning on unwinding it all but need to read more first about the tuning process before I start on that effort. I bought the Greg Banish engine tuning book here and i'm also making my way through a GM LS Gen4 engine tuning online course with Evans Performance.

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Originally Posted by lewma

Got my virtual smog referee appointment next tuesday then just need to schedule the in-person visit then hopefully done with registration!

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Virtual, damn that sound way too easy. Good luck, hope the smog check goes well.

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Originally Posted by Alan_C

Virtual, damn that sound way too easy. Good luck, hope the smog check goes well.

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This is virtual to make sure all the commifonia rules and regs have been satisfied before we get the honor of visiting a real smog ref in person :)

Well, the 'virtual smog referee' appointment is not going too well right now. A couple of years ago this was easy ( with the Coyote ). Single smog ref appt. He reviewed the paperwork, examined my PCV then I was done. No issues.

Now, with the LS3 based engine and a virtual appointment by an assistant to check over my paperwork, that assistant is bent out of shape with the PCV hookup that I have. According to him, I should have a hose running from my rear driver side valve cover to the clean air supply. That goes against GM and BluePrint that both say leave the rear side capped off then run a hose from the front passenger side valve cover to the clean air supply.

Anyone with an LS3 tangled with the CA smog referee lately ? Any words of wisdom to get passed this ?

thanks!
mark

Move out of Cali.

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Originally Posted by Its Bruce

Move out of Cali.

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thanks

I'm from Cali, so I have immunity.

But seriously, either show them the GMPP instructions to defend your position or route it like they want and change it back after inspection. It's not going to hurt anything temporarily.

Bruce, you got room at your place ? I'm packing up now

I have immunity too. I lived in Houston 93-96

Communicated with the smog referee one level higher than the guy on the phone. Seemingly we're good to go when it comes to PCV.

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Originally Posted by lewma

Bruce, you got room at your place ? I'm packing up now

I have immunity too. I lived in Houston 93-96

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Lol. Glad you got it sorted.

Hey Lewma,

Was wondering your thoughts on the stock FFR side pipes with the LS427. From your Google album vids, it sounds pretty awesome. In person, does it sound pleasant? Would you consider going with Gas'N? Obviously it's loud, but that's expected.

Whenever Gas'N goes on sale I think about getting their pipes, but if the stock are okay I'd rather save the $.

Thanks

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Originally Posted by JimStone

Hey Lewma,

Was wondering your thoughts on the stock FFR side pipes with the LS427. From your Google album vids, it sounds pretty awesome. In person, does it sound pleasant? Would you consider going with Gas'N? Obviously it's loud, but that's expected.

Whenever Gas'N goes on sale I think about getting their pipes, but if the stock are okay I'd rather save the $.

Thanks

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Jim

The stock pipes are loud but I have never heard any other type of pipe on a coupe so I have nothing to compare them to. Many people talk about the GasN pipes, I've never seen or heard them personally.

I just got the car legal in CA today, drove it to the smog inspector then back home again. About 1hr round trip. I bought ear plugs and I'm glad I wore them today. My ears are not ringing like they were over this past weekend when I was doing some test runs.

So overall it's loud but we all know that going into this. Its still a very fun car to drive!

mark

Had my first start today with the Gen V. I gotta say, I’m underwhelmed. It’s amazing what an x-pipe and both exhausts pointing towards you does for sound, say on a corvette. I’m sure I’ll find it load while driving, but truthfully the tone is awful.

Thanks guys. I've never heard a coupe run in general, much less with an LS. Know anyone with an LS coupe with the Gas'N's?

Thinking more on this, I'm wondering what the overall effect would be with different pipes. Yes the pipes are loud but there is also a lot of internal noise from the engine in the cabin bouncing around.

Your Google pictures album continues to give me a lot of direction for my build, so thank you for that.


Do you happen to have the part number to the springs you used on the e-brake cables?

Thanks!

Jim. I went to home depot and bought a bag of mixed springs then picked a couple that would work. I had to cut them so I could still get enough pressure on the parking brake

Glad you find the pics useful!

Mark

The pics and videos from the Open Road Challenge looked awesome! Cool to see 3 Coupes together

Question: could you guestimate how much clearance room there is above the LS intake manifold to the hood? I'm thinking of using a different intake that is a little bit taller.

Thank you!

Jim. About 3-4 inches from what I can tell

Thanks
Mark

Question for you Mark,

Do you happen to recall what your drivetrain angles were? And if you needed to adjust anything to get the crankshaft and pinion angles parallel? Like transmission mount shims, etc

My IRS diff/pinion is pointing downward 0.5 degrees (I guess this isn't common), while the crank/trans shaft is also pointed down (but in opposite direction, obviously) so I'm nowhere close to being parallel. If I add shims to the trans mount then my driveshaft angles gets crazy large since the trans is already higher than the diff.

Thought I'd ask since you have the same package as me. No worries if you don't recall.

Hello Jim

Sorry but I can't recall that at all. I'll be under the car in the next couple of weeks to disconnect the driveshaft so I can drop the trans a little to work on adding a shifter boot. ( to stop the T-56 leaking through the shifter ). I'll take a look at the angles then, and probably check them too ;)

mark

Thanks Mark!

When you have a chance, please do tell about this T56 leaking situation