Aikidoshadow's Build (SHelia that Whore)

[aikidoshadow]

I originally had started to build up a 2007 ION 3 2.4 LE5, but I finally got the call in November 07 that I could trade it in to get the Redline model that I wanted to begin with.


The trade included a $4000 negative equity hit. I know that fails. Fortunately the parts that I had attained for the 2.4 would swap right over to the Redline. So here is my build, the build of a mechanical retard.

2007 ION Redline Deep Blue Metallic
9k miles

Engine
Cobalt Addiction Header
Cobalt Addiction STGII 2.79 Pulley
GMPP LSJ Stage II Kit
HP Tuners VCM Suite Pro
Innovate LC-1 Wideband
K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake
Magnaflow ION Redline 2.5 cat back exhaust
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
XTC Downpipe with Cat 2.5"

Suspension
Bwoody Redline Front Sway Bar Links
BWoody Redline Traction Bars
Coppertop01's Subframe Brace
Jason Smith Front Strut Tower Bar
Progress Rear Anti Sway Bar
U-RaceCars Subframe Connectors

Interior
CG Lock
Cobra ESD 8285 Radar/Laser Detector

Exterior
35% Tinting Silver
Antenna Mod
Blackout Badges
Brake vent mesh insert
Mesh Grill inserts front and back

Alloys & Tires
Falken Ziex ZE912 Tires
Konig Toxxin v2
Here it is first brought home so I could pick up the black car to leave it at the dealership.





Hooked up the CG Lock and the Birddog.

[aikidoshadow]

The first thing I did was to hide the antenna, swap over the front and back custom mesh grill inserts, and put on my super badass STC sticker.


Then I took both cars over to my buddy Albert's house and we swapped the exhausts from the manifold back.






The next day I put on the front strut tower bar.



My favorite angle of the engine bay


I then started getting some of the suspension mods down to Albert's to have him walk me through it. (Laugh at my pathetic attempts and then does it in 1/4 of the time.) Front Sway Bar End Links, Traction Bars, rear sway bar, and Jer's subframe brace.




Getting everything together for the STGII upgrade, purchased it from Crate Engine Depot and went to the dealership to do the install to keep in tune with warranty. Then HP tuners to immediately change some torque management.

I ordered my rims and tires from Discount Tire and had to wait about two months for Konig to finish making them.
In the mean time the same co-worker that fabbed the front and rear mesh grills made some brake vent mesh inserts for the front bumper, and I blacked out the badges.




With the wheels and tires finally made and delivered I went down to the local discount and had then slap them on.

[aikidoshadow]

Picked up the K&N Intake, some NGK Iridium BKR7Eix plugs (Step Colder), and the Cobalt Addiction STGII 2.79 Pulley.




I picked up a limited slip differential since I didn't have the G85 package. But finding out later that it would have been an enormous PITA to install and I would be better off just getting a new transmission I sold it and made some money back.

I finally began to try my hand at connecting the LC-1 and with the help of Arthur SC2 (actually did most of it) it was installed. My car was finally Christened with zip ties.


Recently I had to replace the rubber isolators that connected the cat back to the exhaust hangers since we were in a hurry to switch the exhausts we had put the OEM isolators on and I needed to use the ones that came with the Magnaflow system, that being done no more skid marks on the bumper. I jumped on the chance to get a coil pack and injector cover custom made by Jer.


Well after the regular install time plus two days and bugging AC66Bronco long distance over the phone for failure re-assurance (honestly thanks though Andy)
I have gotten this far on installing a set of Bixenon HIDs....this picture represents as much fail as my install skills. (Different ones once I get the another bulb.)


My beloved 4.2L LS4 Throttle Body and Adapter, :mrgreen: installed this with the help of my buddy Albert and could not drive the car. The throttle response was too touchy for daily driving, so the next day Arthur and I put the stock one back on. I made sure to tell everyone to get the ridicule I deserved...lulz.

Here is a week after shots of the U-RaceCars Subframe Connectors finally fully welded in.







I need to get more pictures of the parts installed and new ones that I have recently been working with.
Making my list for the future.
Roll cage $500
HID fogs $70
Clear corners $80
LED tails $100?
B&G Coilovers $1000
60# injectors with harness $230
ZZP or CX Racing Heat exchanger $200
GMPP Dual pass end plate $250
Power slot or GMPP Brake rotors and Hawk HPS pads $480
Silver star DRLs $25
Infinity Speakers with ?powered sub? $600
Pioneer DVD-NAV Head unit (Double Din with On-Star Adapter) $1000
Coppertop_01's door speaker covers $?
Recaros $800

After Xmas I should have some pics of the Infinity Basslink install and the Garrett/Cobra secondary heat exchanger.



Here are pics of the engine bay, before I took the LS4 off again.

Closeup shot of the LS4

I view of the CA 2.79 on the STGII hub, it looks just like the STG pulley but is smaller on the inner diameter if the grooves.

[aikidoshadow]

I got the Infinity Basslink installed today over at the local stereo place. They are highly recommended from shows in TX and CA, especially the guy I worked with Shaun. Good fella, did a top notch job on the special installs at my work. They let me hang out in the shop and let me be picky with the work during the install. I will get some finished pictures later tonight.



Finally got a hold of the comp pack boost gauge/ladder tach. Whoray for one of a kind OEM parts! Spending money to bring it up to OEM....lulz



I also picked up Jer's Custom Speaker cover for the front speakers.





ArthurSC2 and I got the Cobra Heat Exchanger installed tonight. We curse GM for their hose clamps. I'm gonna run it for the next couple of days testing for IAT2 temps, leaks, and to finish bleeding air out. Ill try to get pictures later.

Got the Hawk HPS front and rear on the car this last week.
Summit Racing FTW!


Also got the Eibach springs from Joe and put them on too.

Halfway through the lowering spring install...lol

Finally done

From the evening


New Shots from yesterday got the windshield replaced, note they begin to crack at 150 mph (lol Joe)

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...orVideo001.jpg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...orVideo002.jpg

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...orVideo003.jpg

[aikidoshadow]

OTTP Billet Rotated Engine Mounts, time to get the jacks out.....


Well time to tally up general maintenance stuff from Christmas:
Clean K&N - PITA but does a good job with K&Ns stuff
Clean Throttle Body
Clean MAF - CAC MAF Cleaning spray is good stuff
Alignment
Fuel Filter
New Stock Heat range NGK Iridiums (All they had ASAP, lol)
New Intercooler pump
Wheel Balancing

Parts in Closet:
ZZ Performance STGII 2.9 Pulley - Installed
OTTP Rotated Mounts - Installed
OTTP Steering rack spacers - Installed
Carbon FIber badges - Installed
GMPP Dual Pass endplate - Inbox
Powergrid Endlinks - Shipping
Hurst STS - Inbox
Comp pack Boost Guage - Forever Inbox




---------- Post added at 10:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 AM ----------

Installed the AEM Wideband, due to a year of my LC-1 not ****ing working. Next some lousy pics in an A-pillar pod I got to mount this thing in. It works! Even with the uber-lousy after-the-cat O2 bung placement. (**** you Speed Factory in El Paso)
Cell Phone pics!



---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:49 AM ----------

I got the A-pillar pods and LED instrument lights in last night. I will get some picks of the A-pillar today sometime.
Here is a daytime pic of the A-pillar.



---------- Post added at 10:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 AM ----------

Installed the powergrid endlinks today, its SO nice not to have the front end rattle anymore.
Pic is from ls1fbody's how to thread.
How To: Install PowerGrid Inc. adjustable swaybar endlinks from OTTP - Cobalt SS Network


---------- Post added at 10:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 AM ----------

I installed the Hurst STS this weekend with the Saab aluminum shifter mount bushings.
Pros:
Didn't have to re-adjust the shifter cables, reverse lockout works, stiffer setup and smaller throws noted especially 2-3, 3-4.
Cons:
**** 07 center consoles for having the god damn cup holders as an integral part of the entire console.
With the bushings its nice and solid in shifts, but it twists about a 1/4 turn slightly....
But my shifter doesn't look like a normal Hurst, I polished it down to the aluminum. Ill get pics when its daylight.
I didn't have time before due to another redline in my driveway getting a CX racing HE installed.
oh yeah **** GM hose clamps too.

[TbandiT]

Very nice and detailed build, the car looks amazing keep up the good work.

[cobalt123]

sweet build

[06_ion2]

Hookerz is here!

[twitch]

love it, other then your tint.


that sub box is sick.

[aikidoshadow]

Got the FE5 control arms in and installed. Hosed my alignment during the process but ended up with more positive caster in the end. Good stuff.

[ac66bronco]

you has a part in the mail

[aikidoshadow]

you has a part in the mail

always win

[aikidoshadow]

I just put the ZZP 3" catless DP on this weekend. It doesn't sound that much louder (surprisingly)but with the 3" its a deeper tone. Torque curve is just right now too.
In a real world comparison of the CTI DP I had and ZZP I have now, ZZP did a far better job at making theirs. Hands down better welding.

[ac66bronco]

glad you like it hooker.

[qwikredline]

sweet car. gonna have to polish my lca ugh...just to keep up lol

[aikidoshadow]

sweet car. gonna have to polish my lca ugh...just to keep up lol

Its not polished lol. Its Beck's pic iirc. I just wanted a prettier picture for the thread. rofl

[aikidoshadow]

Finally finished with the dual pass and option B install. I screwed up and installed the cores incorrectly the first time. Take two required blood to complete the look.

[aikidoshadow]

Got the 60s in last night. Pig rich and idle surging lol.

[BlackBaltSw]

Nice set up man, i wanna see the polished hurst tho. PICS! I just got a hurst sts.

[aikidoshadow]

Finally a pic of the Hurst STS

My whore is dirty.