Project Deimos: An LS '65 Coupe Build: Engine no longer overheating!

[neilkuy]

I will venture a guess that when opening the hood, seeing a 427 will put a bigger smile on your face! If the purse allows it, 427 gets my vote.

[Silent T]

I built a hot rod back in 2014 - put in a stock LS3 crate - (430 hp engine) in it with a 5 speed. The car tried to kill me every time I drove it. I think it will be overpowered with any option so you should choose what makes you smile more. go with the 427.

[JimStone]

Been chipping away, but sure seems like progress is slow. Most of that is all the rabbit holes I find myself going down. I'd have this car done if I'd stick to the manual, but there's very few spots I've done that. In fact, I don't think I've had the manual out since before Christmas.



Powder coated most of the panels.

Word of advice: DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM RED LINE INDUSTRIES!! Total crap! The $400 powder coat gun from them (EZ-50) is junk. Blew the power supply the 3rd time I used it. Took a month to get another power supply, then blew that one within an hour. So the gun is clearly the problem. But, I found out the warranty duration is only ONE MONTH! I should have known better, I guess. Now an expensive paper weight

Anyway, good old Eastwood gun is getting it done. And my oven works like a champ:






I'm doing a black out theme, so I used Eastwood radiator paint on the radiator and condenser. Used 2 cans. About 4 light coats. Came out looking really nice, but we'll see how durable it is










Put the radiator tunnel together again and riveted in place. Felt great to finally rivet something permanently in place







Been working on sound and heat insulation for the engine bay panels. Maybe I went a little overboard, but I really want to do all I can to insulate the cabin from the engine bay.

First, I used Vevor stick on 80 mil butyl sound deadener (love that company): https://www.vevor.com/insulation-c_1...0U0N31f8F5tu1B. Then I rolled on several layers of Lizard Skin sound control, then rolled on Lizard Skin ceramic heat shield. I think this will work really well.




Did my first silicone and riveting of actual cabin panels. Still so much to go

[JimStone]

Also finished the instrument panels. Skinned them with vinyl I bought from Braum that matches some accents on my seats. Carbon fiber mimic. Also will be using it a few other places in the interior, sparingly. Got it all wired up. Kind of a mess of wires, but the best I could do. Turned out pretty awesome
















Now, my latest rabbit hole: custom upholstery

Knew nothing about it, but learning these side project skills have been a big part of the fun

After a bunch of research, it became apparent that sewing upholstery requires legit equipment - not your mother's sewing machine. For home use, the Sailrite Ultrafeed machines are pretty much the go-to. Definitely not cheap, but will last a lifetime, is portable, and do anything I'd ever want to do, including doing canvas and sails (we're a boating family, so that is an actual future need)





Have a bunch of learning and practice to do still

[Higgybulin]

I am going to use that line next time I buy something for the shop..."that is an actual future need" LOL. That gauge panel turned out nice!! Keep it up!
Higgy

[nuhale]

Nice Jim, going into business? I'll need some interior work!

[PNWTim]

You've been busy and making good progress. Like you, I find the journey is at least as enjoyable as reaching the destination. Those rabbit holes are all part of the process.

That Sailrite is a nice machine. I went down that particular avenue many years ago and you are correct - the only thing limiting what it can stitch is sitting in the chair behind it. Sewing sails is a whole different animal. When I lived in Southern California I used to visit a sail maker in Newport Beach and they had these huge layout and sewing tables, it was quite incredible.

Keep up the good work and I'm glad you finally worked out your powder coating woes.

[460.465USMC]

Nice Jim, going into business? I'll need some interior work!

Me too!

The side excursions do take up a lot of time. But I couldn't agree with you and PNWTim more, they are very satisfying not to mention all the learning that takes place. Industrial sewing machine! You ain't afraid! I love it. It's been fun to see the outcomes of your "rabbit holes". Great stuff!

[lewma]

Wish I'd have thought of that industrial sewing machine. I hand stitched a leather shifter boot and e-brake boot. My thumbs were hurting for days after

[burchfieldb]

Looking good! I am a huge fan of the rabbit holes myself. I ended up picking up an industrial sewing machine on Facebook a while back. We will have to share learnings. That one is a new adventure for me as well.

[JimStone]

I've been having a good time learning to use the Sailrite Ultrafeed. It's such a well constructed machine, and the Sailrite tutorials and manual are iincredible. Makes getting up and running easy for a beginner like me.

I decided to just jump in and start with some diamond stitching to match my seats.



This will be controversial, but I decided to upholster the engine-facing firewall panel. I got the idea from P100DHG's incredible build https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...oupe-138/page7.

After the body is installed, it won't be very visible but will tie the engine bay to the interior





Turned out pretty darn nice. Even my wife was impressed



Next, I started on the transmission tunnel panel Ive turned into a second instrument panel and place for buttons/switches





I'm almost done, but waiting on a replacement Hazards switch from Billet Automotive Buttons. Somehow I got a momentary switch instead of latching.





But the big news is that On Wednesday, a big package will arrive.

It weighs 630lbs and comes in a crate!

[PNWTim]

Look at you go! Pretty impressive so far. I am guessing the package arriving has a lot of aluminum, 8 can like things that go up and down and some steel spinning around inside? Curious if your final decision was "go big or go home"?

[Skuzzy]

Look at you go! Pretty impressive so far. I am guessing the package arriving has a lot of aluminum, 8 can like things that go up and down and some steel spinning around inside? Curious if your final decision was "go big or go home"?

Probably also has that clicky-steppy-thingy which causes the round thingy to change how many times it can go around with each tick of the time-keeping-thingy. Know what i'ma sayin'?

[JimStone]

Look at you go! Pretty impressive so far. I am guessing the package arriving has a lot of aluminum, 8 can like things that go up and down and some steel spinning around inside? Curious if your final decision was "go big or go home"?

I'm not really the "go home" type

Probably also has that clicky-steppy-thingy which causes the round thingy to change how many times it can go around with each tick of the time-keeping-thingy. Know what i'ma sayin'?

I know whatcha saying.

[JimStone]

I had a good excuse to take off from work today. Was waiting on a package to arrive. I wasn't disappointed













I was pleasantly surprised by the included Dyno report:



Of course, I'll peel the tire tread off before I see max engine output, but that's ~ 28 free horsepower and ~12 torque over Blueprint's listed specs. I'll take it

[PNWTim]

I had a good excuse to take off from work today. Was waiting on a package to arrive. I wasn't disappointed













I was pleasantly surprised by the included Dyno report:



Of course, I'll peel the tire tread off before I see max engine output, but that's ~ 28 free horsepower and ~12 torque over Blueprint's listed specs. I'll take it

Holy blistering horsepower Batman! I think when you take your Skip Barber racing course and you learn how to steer with throttle it will be unstoppable.

Also badass going to the store for beer...

[JimStone]

Holy blistering horsepower Batman! I think when you take your Skip Barber racing course and you learn how to steer with throttle it will be unstoppable.

Also badass going to the store for beer...

It may never see a track, but I think it'll win fastest car in the school pickup line

[lewma]

Nice engine selection

[JimStone]

Nice engine selection

Thanks! I've reviewed your engine bay photos frequently to figure out how it'll all fits in there


Question for you:
Did you connect the rear two steam vent ports or leave them blocked, as they come from Blueprint?

[lewma]

Jim. I left them blocked. The front driver steam tube routes to my coolant tank

Mark

[460.465USMC]

Wow! That's impressive! Did it come with a complimentary set of wheelie bars?

[PNWTim]

Jim - I just reread your entire thread and I tip my hat to your willingness to jump in with both feet. From the powder coating booth to the industrial sewing machine, you're covering the gamut of DIY.

I was also looking at your dyno sheet and I am always amazed at the torque produced by these LS engines. To have 500 ft lbs at 3300 rpm will really make you feel it in the seat of your pants. You're going to love it!

[JimStone]

Thanks Tim!

It's definitely been a journey, but an enjoyable one.

Yeah, the numbers on these little engines are incredible. I can't wait to drop it in and fire it up, but I've got a ton of work to do

[lewma]

Jim, you planning on tuning it yourself, or taking it to a shop ? I went the self taught route using HPTuners then ended up working with an email tuner. The Blueprint tune is 'stock'. Will get the engine running but it's 50/50 if it gets you to the end of the driveway

mark

[Sharris2]

So I'm picking up my 65 coupe, first week in August ( I hope) I like the idea of using a 6x12 U haul trailer. It looks like you used 6x8, 3/4 ply and rubber mats under the frame. Could you email me everything you used as I coming from Toronto (canada). Thanks in advance Scott, scott_harrison@bell.net

[JimStone]

Jim, you planning on tuning it yourself, or taking it to a shop ? I went the self taught route using HPTuners then ended up working with an email tuner. The Blueprint tune is 'stock'. Will get the engine running but it's 50/50 if it gets you to the end of the driveway

mark

Hey Mark,

I didn't get the ECU from Blueprint. I went with the Holley Terminator X Max system, which I bought separately. I see Blueprint now offers the engine with the Terminator X Max, but you can get it on sale for a few hundred less than they offer.

Holley claims it is "self learning", but I know there will be further tuning needed. I'm excited to learn how to do that, so over the winter I can read up on it or maybe take some online courses.

Maybe when I get it on the road in a few years, I'll take it to a professional, but I kind of like doing everything myself

So I'm picking up my 65 coupe, first week in August ( I hope) I like the idea of using a 6x12 U haul trailer. It looks like you used 6x8, 3/4 ply and rubber mats under the frame. Could you email me everything you used as I coming from Toronto (canada). Thanks in advance Scott, scott_harrison@bell.net

Hey Scott,

Good luck with your pick-up. I'm really glad I did the pickup myself so we could tour the factory and meet the staff, and talk with Dave Smith.

The 12x6 Uhaul trailer was perfect (make sure to get the one without the ramp). Big enough to have the car on top with most the boxes underneath. I did need to put some boxes in the back of the SUV, and room was tight. I didn't even get some common extras, like wheels, which take up a lot of space.

I just used four 2x8's as joists. I screwed 2x4's on the outside of the joists to lock them in against the trailer's railing, so they can't move side-to-side. Honestly, the plywood on top was probably not necessary since the bottom of the Coupe is flat frame. It would have rode just fine on top of the joists, but I felt better having a "floor" and it did further stabilze the joists.

That was it. And lots and lots of different sized straps, towels, and moving blankets

[Sharris2]

Thanks very helpful info

[Lugnut Mark]

What ecu are you going to run ? holley teminator x max

[lewma]

Hey Mark,

I didn't get the ECU from Blueprint. I went with the Holley Terminator X Max system, which I bought separately. I see Blueprint now offers the engine with the Terminator X Max, but you can get it on sale for a few hundred less than they offer.

Holley claims it is "self learning", but I know there will be further tuning needed. I'm excited to learn how to do that, so over the winter I can read up on it or maybe take some online courses.

Maybe when I get it on the road in a few years, I'll take it to a professional, but I kind of like doing everything myself

Jim, please keep us updated on this. Very interested to hear how it turns out.

mark

[JimStone]

What ecu are you going to run ? holley teminator x max

Yup, Terminator X Max. Had to be the "Max" version to enable drive-by-wire throttle body

Jim, please keep us updated on this. Very interested to hear how it turns out.

Will do Mark


Progress so far:

Have mounted the ECU in the passenger foot box under the AC. This took a surprisingly long time to decide on. I really wanted to keep the engine bay side foot box tops clean, so I put the ECU and heater valve inside. Yet, I also wanted to see the indicator lights on the front of the ECU from the drivers seat. The Terminator has no accomodation for a MIL light, so those lights are all you have to see if there's something amiss



I actually put rivnuts directly into the bottom of the AC evaporator box to mount the ECU (plus RTV so it doesn't leak)


I'm messing with the Terminator X wiring harness. I'm going to try to make the wiring as clean as possible.




The harness will get into the engine bay via this aluminum grommet I got. Plus any other wires going into the engine bay that are not in the "Front harness". This is an old photo. I've since powder coated and mounted this panel.

[Lugnut Mark]

Thanks for the info Jim .... i'm currently deciding for my coupe if i want to do a coyote engine or go with what i know which is the LS and HOLLEY EFI will be following your build closely .... So far everything you have done looks amazing and your attention to detail is far greater than mine

[JimStone]

So of course, the first thing I do to my brand new crate engine is take it apart.

Here it is being test fit with the FFR headers, which fit perfectly



I am adding some cosmetic touches, so that's why I have it apart.



I got the urge to test fit the engine in the car, so went ahead and popped it in without the trans



I'm really spoiled with my electric winch and gurney system. Zero effort and maybe 3 minutes.







I was concerned about my choice of starter not fitting, but there's plenty of room





Already knew the oil pan won't work. I have a Corvette C6 low profile pan that I'm preppng to powder coat




Pretty fun seeing the engine in there

[JimStone]

This is the garage today





No, I didn't sell it.

But I was told by someone I care about that, in so many words, I have become obsessed. And perhaps neglectful of my other home duties.

After some thought, and perhaps to make a point, I decided to put it in storage for a while. Maybe until I learn to strike a better balance

[JTG]

Wow! That is a tough decision to make, but well done for realigning your priorities.
I hope you're able to get back to this after a little time away.

I will also take this into consideration as we're about to start our build.

Jon

[JimStone]

Wow! That is a tough decision to make, but well done for realigning your priorities.
I hope you're able to get back to this after a little time away.

I will also take this into consideration as we're about to start our build.

Jon

Hey Jon,

Yes, try to make sure to keep everything in perspective and focus on everything that is important in your life.

I know I tend to become engrossed in my projects, but I don't think I realized how absorbed I was in this one. When I'm not working on the car, I'm still thinking about it. Watching a movie with the family - on my phone researching. Laying in bed - researching. Etc. Etc. I'm at work, distracted and writing this now, haha.

[Its Bruce]

Hey Jon,

Yes, try to make sure to keep everything in perspective and focus on everything that is important in your life.

I know I tend to become engrossed in my projects, but I don't think I realized how absorbed I was in this one. When I'm not working on the car, I'm still thinking about it. Watching a movie with the family - on my phone researching. Laying in bed - researching. Etc. Etc. I'm at work, distracted and writing this now, haha.

I thought all that was a feature, not a bug...

[burchfieldb]

I feel your pain, especially after starting a side buisness focused on these cars. However it is to help offset the cost of college for the two kids. Which gives me a pass on a lot of things.

[JimStone]

I feel your pain, especially after starting a side buisness focused on these cars. However it is to help offset the cost of college for the two kids. Which gives me a pass on a lot of things.

My wife has tried to convince me I could make money doing various social media channels about the build. I vetoed that. I'm not a social media personality.

Maybe if I was making some money with my time/effort it'd be different, but I doubt

[Fat Larrys Garage]

Jon before I got married I told my wife I will be building cars until I can’t function anymore so if you have an issue run now after 30 yrs she is still here one thing I always say you know where I am at all times plus if you do it right it can become your side hustle

[460.465USMC]

I totally understand. I've stepped away from my Coupe build twice for 2+ months each time, and did the same on my MK4 build. I applaud you for doing what you think is best. Honestly, it can be addicting. Keeping the important things (i.e. people) in the center of your vision is a long-term win IMHO. The good news is your excellent build will be ready when you are, no matter how long you step away. Enjoy the time with your family, etc.