V1 Chris’s 2007 SS/SC track frame build for autocross

[Ross]

I made a smaller swaybar after trying the big beefy one on and immediately breaking one of the end links.

This one is another 36 inch bar but 3/4 thick with a .095 wall thickness and adjustable 6 inch long arms.

Is your anti-sway bar made from special spring steel?
Where did you get your pipe or tubing for it?

 

[ccannx]

Is your anti-sway bar made from special spring steel?
Where did you get your pipe or tubing for it?

It is 4130 steel from onlinemetals.com for both the tube and to make the arms for it. It is the type of steel provided for the 1" swaybar kit. You can google 4130 swaybar and get a bunch of hits.

 

[ccannx]

Finally got around to checking the timing chain guide bolt and it was sheared off. I replaced it with the upgraded Dorman bolt and also dropped the oil pan. Found the sheared off bolt and some bonus materials. The previous owner said he replaced the chain. Now it’s time to check and see if he also replaced the guides.
I cut the dipstick tube to get the pan out (pulled the dipstick out first) The tube was already in bad shape and partially rusted through. Now need to find a part number or direct replacement.

 

[k.rollin]

I broke my dipstick tube as well when I stripped my engine for paint prep a long time ago. Ended up using the Dorman 917-429 dipstick tube and Dorman 917-379 dipstick. The replacement dipstick is necessary because the original does not seal with the new tube.

 

[ccannx]

I broke my dipstick tube as well when I stripped my engine for paint prep a long time ago. Ended up using the Dorman 917-429 dipstick tube and Dorman 917-379 dipstick. The replacement dipstick is necessary because the original does not seal with the new tube.

Are you using an LSJ ? I'm not sure of the differences but it appears the LSJ dipstick tube bolts to the supercharger. At least that's what it looked like yesterday but it was dark so I may be wrong. I guess I could always weld a tab on it or for that matter weld the old tube back together.

 

[k.rollin]

I have an L61, but it fits the LSJ when you check fitment for a Saturn Ion Redline; the Cobalt SS/SC isn't listed as a compatible vehicle.

 

[ccannx]

Pulled the baffle and pickup from the bottom of the oil pan found more debris.

 

[ccannx]

The last last 1 inch swaybar attempt ended with a stripped out end link so the car got a new smaller 3/4 inch bar also made up some new beefy adjustable endlinks. Mounted the bar with solid derlin blocks with a 3/4 inch hole drilled out. Bar now moves much more freely than the last.

While the lower control arms were out they got stripped and painted with Steel-it a weldable stainless steel paint that off road vehicles use. Df Kit car is sending me the upgraded 3/8 lower L brackets due to bending the 1/4 Lowers running Hoosiers.

 

[JBINTX]

I am looking forward to seeing how this version works.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Chris, what's the end to end measurement of the crafted bar you're using?

 

[ccannx]

36" any longer and it would have needed to be connected on the other side of the coil-over .

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Thanks. I have been fitting front end parts and taking many measurements to see what clearances there are. I'm a big proponent of using soft springs and swaybars to control body lean but allow the suspension to work properly for a road surface that is less than glass smooth. I will stop hijacking your build thread and move this discussion into a new one for suspension.

 

[ccannx]

Swaybar completed, repainted control arms with Steel-it black and installed the upgraded 3/8ths lower control arm L brackets.

 

[ccannx]

Progress has been made. Replaced the balance shaft chain, timing chain, guides, damaged balance shaft gear and managed to line the colored links up to where they are marked to go.

 

[JeffsGoblin]

This new tensioner bolt thingy will rust and make it look like crap. Mine looked just like that and it took about three months over the winter to make mine look bad. Not sure if it can be clear coated or just painted, but you might want to do that.

 

[ccannx]

Might as well try, I’ll spray some clear on it tomorrow as a preventative measure

 

[ccannx]

Finished the timing chain job, drilled out the oil pan dipstick location and installed a flexible dipstick. Painted the valve cover so it looks Cool. Everything is buttoned back up and surprisingly the motor didn’t explode when I fired it up. No leaks so far so maybe this has been a success

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Lokar? Looks like the same one I had on my 68 SS Camaro. . The build is looking good and great news the engine work turned okay.

 

[ccannx]

Lokar? Looks like the same one I had on my 68 SS Camaro. . The build is looking good and great news the engine work turned okay.

That’s the one, got lucky and the low/full gauge matched up to stock also.

 

[ccannx]

Got some covers on the sides hopefully this will keep all the rocks out next weekend at the practice.