Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)
Soooo...I've been slacking on updates but I have been working on some stuff since I've been out of school.
I'm actually working on 3 things at the moment: the stereo system, the fuel system and a heat shield/cold air cold for the air filter.
Starting with the heat shield, part of it is actually installed in the truck right now.
It is sort of hard to see installed so here is what it looked like before I attached some rubber strips to the bottom and bolted it in.
I started with a cardboard template, transferred the idea onto aluminum sheet metal and made it happen.
I went ahead and covered it in heat reflective film as well.
Next thing to do is to make a new top for it. Still haven't completely decided how I want to mount the top yet, but I have a few ideas. After the top is finished, I'll be pulling the driver side fog light and routing air ducting up through the inner fender to the air filter.
As far as the fuel system goes, I have decided to convert my truck over to run on E85. I wasn't too sure my current bosch fuel pump was up to the task so I decided to upgrade.
I went ahead and ordered a magnafuel 4303 fuel pump as well as the pre and post filters. This should provide more than enough fuel for now and give me plenty of room for more power down the road. I already have a -8 fuel line feeding my current pump so I will probably stick with that. After the pump I will more than likely go ahead and run -10 braided steel up to the fuel regulator and a -8 return line back to the tank. I'm going to start working on this as soon as the stereo is finished.
On to the last project....I've had this truck since I was 16. It is the first vehicle I have ever owned. Until last week it still had the stock head unit and may as well have had stock speakers considering how damn awful it sounded. So I've decided to finally change the stereo situation. It is nothing crazy but I think it will suit me just fine as a nice little upgrade.
I started with Q-form kick panels...
After getting off work one night I decided to go pick up beer and fiberglass materials. After some beers and a first time attempt at fiberglass work, I came out mostly victorious with a decent buzz and some stronger kick panels.
Next I added some dynomat to the mix...
Figuring I had come this far, I went ahead and bought some 6.5'' component speakers to fill the kicks.
My original plan was to just go with amped kick panel components and some dash plate speakers. I figured this would sound ok since I mainly just listen to metal. But eventually I threw out the dash speaker idea altogether and decided to go with components and a small 10 inch sub behind the seat.
This resulted in my bank account being punished...yet again.
I went ahead and bought a JVC arsenal head unit which I installed last week. Not entirely happy with how it fits in the dash but the dash will be getting swapped out eventually anyways. I'll live with it for now.
to give the system some power I went ahead and got a small 4 channel alpine amp:
I finished the rough install of it this past weekend.
I decided rather than making a completely new mount I'd use the existing stock jack mount which hasn't been in the truck for years anyways. After cutting some 3/4 MDF and covering it with black carpet I ended up with the nice low key install that I was hoping for.
Plenty of clearance behind the passenger seat even with it back all the way.
As the cables laying on the floor and lack of kick panels would indicate, the stereo is still a work in progress but it is coming along. I'll be sure to take more pictures of the progress as I get it done. I'm just working slow at the moment because quite honestly it sucks working in a black truck with a black interior parked out in the driveway during the summer in Arizona.:rotf:
More updates soon,
-Taylor
PS...Justin you got an update. The 383 out of the other truck yet? haha
wned:
