V1 Stretch’s ext. track goblin #386 SS/TC

[Stretch2126]

Day 1: I finally started tearing the car apart after getting my truck back. The car had some rust from its short time in New York so some bolts fought their best but there’s always a bigger wrench.

 

[Ghostknife]

Just remember, can’t be stuck if it’s liquid!

 

[Rttoys]

That’s right.

 

[Stretch2126]

So quick update, my friend came over and we kept working on the car until pretty late. Total of around 7 and a half easy hours.

 

[JBINTX]

So quick update, my friend came over and we kept working on the car until pretty late. Total of around 7 and a half easy hours.
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dang that carpet is CLEAN!!!!

 

[Stretch2126]

dang that carpet is CLEAN!!!!

Courtesy of my friend. We actually found a 1 cent euro under the seat and a torx bit that fit the shift knob.

 

[Stretch2126]

So currently we are working on the front suspension but the steering tie rods are not agreeing with us. Anybody have any advice on handling those?

 

[Brett]

So currently we are working on the front suspension but the steering tie rods are not agreeing with us. Anybody have any advice on handling those?

The ones from the donor go on the back and a new set came with the kit for the front. Also, the stud goes from the bottom up.

 

[Ross]

Some people have cut holes in the Cobalt floor to get better access to the rear subframe bolts.

 

[k.rollin]

So currently we are working on the front suspension but the steering tie rods are not agreeing with us. Anybody have any advice on handling those?

I needed to put a lot of heat into the jam nuts before they would move at all so I could replace the outer tie rod ends.

 

[Stretch2126]

I needed to put a lot of heat into the jam nuts before they would move at all so I could replace the outer tie rod ends.

I’m sure I’ll have to do that as well. We ripped out the majority of the interior instead up to the dash. I tried using a tie rod splitter but it just crushed the grease cups. I’m going to try to drop the tank and at least disconnect the sending unit so the wiring harness will be up to the front.

 

[Rttoys]

Knock the pickle fork into the tie rod, like you were doing, until it’s jammed in there. Them take a hammer and hit the knuckle And/or tie rod stud. Don’t worry about messing up the threads, you should replace the rod ends, just because.

 

[Stretch2126]

Knock the pickle fork into the tie rod, like you were doing, until it’s jammed in there. Them take a hammer and hit the knuckle And/or tie rod stud. Don’t worry about messing up the threads, you should replace the rod ends, just because.

I’ll have to try that next time. I planned on getting new ones as most people recommended. Especially after the beating we gave them last night.

 

[Stretch2126]

Here’s some shots of the donor so far.

 

[Stretch2126]

Engine harness and accessory/headlight harness are out. Just need to make my under to the tank and get the sending unit.

 

[Stretch2126]

Finally got the subframe and the engine out last night. The front subframe bolts spun the fixed nut so we had to wedge so screwdrivers in the cavity to hold it. One of the bolts was missing threads just from rust lol.

 

[Stretch2126]

Currently have the dash out and apart. Just need to drop the tank and get that harness and sending unit out and I should be done with the shell. I also need to take the cats off since I disconnected the engine at the manifold. Other than that I’m just about done with the donor and just need to sell/dispose of it.

 

[Stretch2126]

Disassembly is complete! Now just have to clean and coat some parts before the chassis is done. I’ll change the water pump and clean the engine up a bit in the meantime. I knocked about ten pounds of rust off when I was dropping the tank lol.

 

[Stretch2126]

Currently just working on the motor while it’s out. I learned that the previous owner has a different axle on the passenger side. I’m guessing an lsj since the splines matched on both sides but didn’t have the same diameter and didn’t have the funky shape at the inside of the shaft. I changed the water pump since I think mine had a leak and after pulling it apart the gaskets looked like they had rtv on them. Now I’m just waiting on the chassis to set the motor in and probably powdercoat the valve cover. Also, has anyone a lever had a crack on the inside split of their manifold? I have one photo of it one the exhaust manifold and there is another split on the turbo side.

 

[k.rollin]

That crack in the divider for the twin scroll turbo setup shouldn't harm anything. Every used turbo Ecotec exhaust manifold I've seen has it.