Quote:
|
Originally Posted by subtlez28 Maybe I'm just tired, but... Are you now able to clear the stock hood? |
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that I can with these brackets.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by subtlez28 What about just spacing out f-body or C5 accessory brackets? |
Well, the only option available when I bought these was to build the spacers yourself, or have 'em fabbed up
(which I actually briefly considered). I figured that buying these would involve a
lot less hassle, since one-off fabrication projects frequently require 2nd & 3rd attempts...
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by subtlez28 You have one of GMs masterpieces in that body. I really hope you can make the stock hood work! |
Yeah, I hear ya, I'm really not 100% sold on the RA-II hood, but at the same time, I'm a little crazy for losing weight when possible,
especially off the front end... We'll see.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by bfrank79 how much did those brackets set you back? |
There are prices shown on the page I linked to, but if memory serves, it was right around $300 with shipping. After having bolted 'em up, I'm liking them pretty well - they're really solid, & look like they'll last a good long time. Of course the real test will be when I have all the parts hooked up & I wind the engine up to 6k a few times...
OK, as promised, here is a shot of the VVT-equipped engine's clearance to the stock F-body radiator with dual fans. As you can see, the little bit of additional length on the front of the engine poses no problems whatsoever!
(Which surprised me a little bit, since everyone who discussed it made it sound like the snout of the water pump was going to be poking into the radiator...) 
Now unless I'm mistaken, I suspect that this post will
(should?) eliminate a lot of the reticence that people have about retaining VVT when swapping into a thirdgen. Front-to-rear physical clearance simply isn't an issue, and the "too-high" placement of the alternator can be resolved using the Kwik bracketry. The only
potential fly in the ointment that I can see now
(at least in terms of fitting the engine into the chassis) is clearance for the P/S pump - but I'm cautiously optimistic in that regard.
(Now of course the VVT adds a whole 'nother layer of complexity to the tuning, but as time passes, I'm sure that the knowledge base for that will increase as well.)
I hope that this post specifically, & this thread in general is helpful to someone - God knows I'm sure starting to look forward to firing this beast up!!