VR Senator with LSx454

Pretty good week end. Made up the brake hard lines from the ABS module to each of the front wheels. Used some 2mm wire as a template, then replicated it with the 3/16" tubing. It turned out really neat. I had planned on also going hard line to the master cylinder, but I think it would be neater to use braided lines with banjo fittings. That way the lines will be well away from the rocker covers and ITB / Air Box. Going to call Karl at PB do chat to him about the pro's/cons of doing that.

Also did a lot of research on fuel systems. Like most things on this build there is the relatively easy option (ie twin 044's. separate surge tank) and then there is the better (but more difficult/costly) option.

The issue is I will "only" be making around 650HP to start with, but I know once the cars up and running I ma going to chase a lot more. That's why I went the iron block LSx in the first place. So its really a case of do I do enough to get me by at 650, or go the extra and build a system capable of supporting up to a 1000 with E85.

Pretty sure I am going to go for a custom alloy fuel tank, with inbuilt 3L surge, and a rear positioned improved swirl pot. Another member has put me onto Weldon pumps in the states. They make awesome gear, pretty much the best there is, I really like the controller that uses pulse width modulation to regulate the pump flow so its not working its nuts off when it doesn't need too. The benefit of going a single pump, is with twins if one fails, the engine will still run and there is the possibility of it leaning out and going pop. Of course its way more expensive, but then do it once do it right I guess. Also think the idea of using the original 5/16" fuel lines isn't really going to cut it. Think I may run a single 1/2" line, and am still looking at the benefits of running a tank return from the front of the car, still looking into that.

Also have bitten the bullet and ordered the fuel injection set up, I have gone for Marelli injectors, should be here is a couple of weeks, also the coil packs and lead set to make up my custom leads. Cant wait to get the ITB set up to arrive

 

LOL, cheers for that

Got a few more small bits and pieces for it today, only small cosmetic stuff, but I am waiting on some of the cool big ticket items over the next 2 or 3 weeks which will be great to get. Injection is on its way over from the UK, custom fuel tank is ordered and fuel system chosen and ordered.

 

Good solid day today just doing lots of the little bits and pieces. Did decide to pull the fuel tank in prep for the new tank. Went to paint it with under-body texture coat and the bloody full spray can is seized up bugger it, might try and pop down quickly tomorrow morning before I head to a bbq to do it. I know it wont be seen but I would rather it was all done neatly before I put the new tank back. The new tank should be here in 3 or 4 weeks. Here a gumby before pic for posterity. I am hoping to get some progress pics as the tanks fabricated, if i do i will post them.



The other thing I did is a few people have said about changing to VS clear side indicators. I had wanted to stay with the original square orange but on mine the tabs are broken and I cant get any more from Holden. I could fix them in, but I was chatting to my son and basically he said Dad the reason everyone does it is because it looks better, and it will look sweet. So given the build (and apologies for the crap photo) but what do people think, clear or orange?

 

Cheers, yea I am thinking the clears, I will keep the original orange ones so if I change my mind I can go back. I am up north in Gawler, but rather not have visitors until she's done, I plan on doing some low key shows and cruises once its finished, will be great to catch up then with you guys

 

I am def interested in looking at them, I can't find an pics of them though, any idea what exactly I should search for or have you got a pic?

 

Well finished off using the texture coat around the fuel tank, looks nice and neat ready for the tank. They have all the pump/filters etc so they are about to start manufacturing it, should be sweet.

This is how the rear came up.


And this is the fuel pump system I am going for, it will flow up to 1000HP on E85, and the controller uses pulse width modulation to turn down the flow when its not required so you don't have the pump going flat out when your driving it sedately.



This is the fuel circuit I am going to use, its a full return flow. Could probably get away with a basic dead end system up to 600 or so, but if I chase big HP, especially FI this will easily cope. Do it once do it right.


Also had another look at the side indicators. I like the VS clear style. I think given they are original on basically the same model I would rather go for those than something not off a VR/VS sedan. So I fitted them properly. Not sure if this is problem specific to my car but I couldn't get them to fit easily into the guard. In the end I ground down the tab that was restricting the spring tab using a dremel so it could spring closed more and then they went on sweet.

This is what I did in case anyone has a similar issue.


And lastly have started looking into the battery relocation. I have fired off some questions to my engineer just to make sure there isn't anything I miss, but I like the look of this box. I plan on fitting it, and running the cable etc up to the starter, then I think I will use an electrician to do all the engine loom etc, but will wait and see.

 

Both this pump, and a smaller lift pump for the inbuilt 3L surge are external. They are mounted on the front face in a area specifically for them. He wanted the pump etc so he can make all the inlet and outlets line up to make it all neat. I think I have made the right choice, given what else is done, really didn't make sense to leave the tank standard. Dual pumps are OK but trouble is if one fails the engine still runs and can lean out.