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Messages - digitalsolo

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1
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 28, 2024, 06:51:28 AM »
So, I think I mentioned before that I ended up with a C5 torque tube and C6 bellhousing.  It was supposed to all be C6 stuff, but whatever.   Since I'm deep into this torque tube due to the custom length and Driveshaft Shop custom propshaft, I'm not going to swap that out.

The issue I found is that the clutch hydraulic stack up was problematic, with too tight of tolerance between the slave and pressure plate (insufficient air gap).  I originally had WAY too little gap but that was due to the C6 hydraulic setup I originally bought.   Went to a C5 slave and my stack is VERY close, but still a little too tight.   So what do I do?  Well, I -assume- a C5 bellhousing would solve it, but that's annoying and expensive.   So instead I measured the alignment dowels and found them to have >3/8" of engagement.   Same with the input shaft to bearing pilot bearing (plenty of engagement).   So my solution? 

3d scan the mating surface and model a small spacer to push the gap out 0.125" to get my gap right.   I did a quick scan, modeled a spacer in CAD and 3d printed a mock up.  Gotta love 3d scanning, because the spacer literally snap fit into place on the dowels.  I ordered up a couple different thicknesses from SendCutSend so that I can dial it in perfectly, but this should solve the issue and not move the rest of the drivetrain back enough to matter for my purposes.

This stuff is why these projects take forever...

2
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 27, 2024, 07:13:16 PM »
I’ll get another put together shortly.  I was wanting to get the chassis fab done and drivetrain in as the next step.  That should be in the next week or two.

3
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 25, 2024, 03:23:39 PM »
I need to actually make a video.  The process slows me down, and I've got deadlines, so video is usually the first thing I skip.

4
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 25, 2024, 10:23:32 AM »
Progress.   Lacking pictures currently, but lots of progress!

Shifter is in place, linkage is done.  I machined new brackets for the shifter and located/welded them to the torque tube.  I still need to machine some spacers to set height, but I'll do that once it's in the car.   Linkage was easy enough to setup, and the shifter feels great.   I also added some more clearance to the rear "bell" area on the torque tube to make sure I have enough room in the tunnel.   I should have PLENTY now.

I also tore apart the rear suspension and dropped the subframe.  This let me clean up the subframe (and suspension) and do the modifications to clear the diff pump on the transmission.   I braced up the subframe, cut out the rear "x" on it, and welded in a new one spaced back 1" to get the clearance I needed.  I also finish welding up the drop out on the bottom rear of the crossmember where the transmission would hit.   Finally I added tabs to the subframe to let me install a later model Aston Martin Vantage roadster/S "shear plate" that braces the subframe to the chassis for better rigidity.   I had previously setup the chassis side mounting for it, and added one up front. 

Along with the shear plates, I have the upgraded 2 piece brake discs and DB9 GT/Vantage GT swaybars, which should be a solid handling improvement.   I'd like to add some poly bushings to the arms all around before I reassemble it all as well.

Next up is bolting the subframe back in, mounting a few things in the engine bay while the engine is out, then getting the wiring harness on the engine and mounting the drivetrain for hopefully the last time before it runs.   Then finish wiring, plumbing and fuel system.

The last real fab work is just sorting the rear half-shafts, which shouldn't be too bad, just fussy.

5
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 20, 2024, 12:47:46 PM »
Right now I'm just continuing to bug Haltech, and if they get GDI going, and an LT "base map" I can build from, I'll probably look into it then.  Mostly because I already run their stuff on the Mustang and don't want to learn yet another system, haha.

6
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 19, 2024, 10:17:09 AM »
Just in case you're not aware, you can do an EMTRON KV8 and a pair of BRZ injector drivers for a V8. Emtron supports DI with an external driver.

Holley, Emtron and Link (and Motec of course, if I want to wipe out my 401k) can do it, with the right add-ons.   Here's where I went with the process:

Holley: $3000+ for a Terminator X Max.  Limited ability to fuss with the direct injection side in the future, some debate around managing drivability on modded stuff with the DI.   Seems best suited for stock swaps in muscle cars.
Emtron: $4000+ with the drivers.  Need to do advanced modeling of pump/injection timing on a dyno.
Link:  $4000+ for G5 Voodoo Pro with the drivers.  Need to do advanced modeling of pump/injection timing on a dyno.
Motec:  $7000+.  Need to do advanced modeling of pump/injection timing on a dyno.

If I had a tuner that could deal with the Emtron or Link locally, and had experience/track record getting them going on a Gen V, I'd probably have gone that way.  I don't have the depth or experience to greenfield a DI tune, and I expect getting someone in the US that could would mean shipping my car somewhere and adding another $4-5k in getting it there/tune/back.   At that point, I'm realistically $8-10K into a standalone that doesn't really do much the OEM ECU can't with HP Tuners and an external wideband.

I don't particularly like HP Tuners (had a bad experience with the company years ago) but a stock ECU + HPT seems like a slam dunk for cost/benefit.   I used to work with a guy who is a top tier Gen V tuner with HPT who is semi-local (90 minutes away) and has owned Gen V records on Cadillacs and Corvettes a bunch of times.   That was my end deciding factor.   I'll be able to get the car running/driving fine myself with HPT, and then trailer it over to him to properly dial it in.  At least that's the theory, anyway.  :D

To be clear, I appreciate the feedback/info.  Just thought I'd share my thought process with ending up on tuned stock ECU.  If Haltech had a good DI solution, I'd probably have looked a lot harder at that option as well, just because I like their company/support.

7
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 18, 2024, 03:18:44 PM »
Haha, that's a pretty great story.

My friend used to have "GO ON 3" which the BMV gave him some crap about, but let through.

8
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 18, 2024, 02:48:03 PM »
Ya'll hatin' on me being stylish.

I thought that plate was easy, haha.   Maybe it's not and that's how I got it past the BMV.

BLDDY EL == Bloody Hell

Because, British car.

9
Build Threads / Re: Laminar's RX-8 EcoBoost swap thread
« on: March 18, 2024, 11:28:15 AM »
This is a ton of progress. This detail work is what takes forever, and you seem to be cooking through it quickly.

I just decided to TIG a 4AN fitting on the end of a clutch hard line to better serviceability in a tight area vs. a tube nut + coupler.   I may yet regret welding to old grimy brake lines similar to your turbo drains.  We'll see how upset future me is with current me...

10
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 18, 2024, 11:23:50 AM »
Plate came in:



Drivetrain is fully in, on it's own mounts.   Well, it was.  Now it's on the floor to mount the shifter, adjust shift linkage, add a little more clearance on the rear of the torque tube, and add clutch hydraulics.  Oh and modify the rear subframe.   But, it does fit!








11
General Tech / Re: What is my FC worth?
« on: March 15, 2024, 09:31:23 PM »
I think ~12k is reasonable for that in today’s market.

12
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 11, 2024, 10:11:41 AM »
Yeah, I'd rather not be messing with an OEM ECU, but can't justify the cost/expense of aftermarket DI stuff right now.

On another note, my torque tube turns out to be from a C5, not a C6.  This means that my C6 slave cylinder that I upgraded to billet sleeve, AN4, etc. doesn't work.   Poop.    C5 slave cylinder ordered...

13
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 08, 2024, 12:06:16 PM »
New parts came in, and I was able to just pop the lash cap on the new lifter by hand easily.   Verified clearances stack up properly with the 0.060" lash cap.   Engine is now all back together.  I'm installing the accessories and cleaning up the subframe now, and then I should be able to put the drivetrain fully together for the first time, figure out how the hell I get it all in the chassis at once without an engine lift table, and then build those transmission mount adapters.  :D

14
Build Threads / Re: Laminar's RX-8 EcoBoost swap thread
« on: March 08, 2024, 12:04:26 PM »
Heck yeah, congrats!

15
Build Threads / Re: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
« on: March 06, 2024, 07:24:05 PM »
I did it.  And just before it failed I thought “man, this is dumb”.  Oh well.  Hahaha

I’m gonna to use a dremel to take a few thou off the lifter where the lash cap hits, if it hits.   It sounds like it’s common to need to do so, partyin earlier engines.   I’ll have a brand new lifter now, so maybe it’ll just fit.

I’m not super bummed to have a new lifter for this anyway, the cam and other lifters were new anyway.

I did get the phaser lock installed tonight and the cam timed.   Will get the pushrods in tomorrow and put the covers on, minus the valley.   Should be no problem to get this back in the car this weekend and get started on those transmission and shifter mounts.

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