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Often top HP numbers don't tell the whole story. For a 2-ton vehicle, torque is an important consideration. It doesn't matter how much HP you generate if it takes 20-seconds getting it from 0-25mph. (IOW if that HP doesn't happen until higher rpms)Quote:
Originally Posted by VXorado
Responsiveness is usually a product of cubic inches and compression. OTOH, I haven't driven a dual turbo 4-cylinder.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 89Vette
Hmmmmmmmm....interesting article http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take-road-test There's an upgrade for that 2.0 I4 which consists of an ECU flash and a new MAP sensor. Results: 290hp and 360 lb/ft tq.
The 2008 2.0 engine produces the 260hp @ 5300 rpms, and 260lb/ft tq @ 2000rpms. Considering the VX makes its hp/tq numbers @ 5400rpm and 3000rpm respectively, I think we would be all right ;)
(Source of info: Wikipedia)
Couple things that I think mitigate the highlighted concerns above. First, if an I4 makes more HP and torque than our 3.5 V6 and weighs less it should be all good. Second, the GXP engine is shared amongst the Solstice, Sky, HHR, and Cobalt so there should be plenty of engines out there. I haven't priced them yet though.Quote:
Originally Posted by VXorado
I saw that too, and here's an interesting note. Although the AR-5 is only rated at 260 lb-ft of torque, if you have a certified GM dealership install this turbo upgrade it does not void your factory powertrain warranty. So does that mean the transmission will handle that much more power? Or does the GM warranty not cover the clutch or other parts? In either case GM must believe it will be reliable enough not to piss off upgrade customers.Quote:
Originally Posted by eternal21
+1, my thoughts exactly (mileage AND power without adding the weight of extra cylinders). I wonder if you could just replace the VX instrument cluster with a Solstice / Sky / HHR / Cobalt cluster? You'd lose the TOD lights and odometer, but maybe something could be worked out? I suppose it depends on how integrated the clusters are.Quote:
Originally Posted by eternal21
Feeling better and got a bit more done.
Completed pedals and interior...
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/...e/100_2080.jpg
I took my dremel and opened up the stock console some to accommodate the shift pattern. I am still trying to find a shift boot for this...
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/...e/100_2081.jpg
I took the connectors for the auto and taped them to the harness. Here is the harness ready to be installed...
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/...e/100_2082.jpg
Here is where all the majic happens. I am having a connector sent to me and will make a harness for the clutch switch, backup light switch, and hopefully cruise...
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/...e/100_2083.jpg
I ran the breather tube for the transfer case up into the engine compartment...
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/...e/100_2084.jpg
The big challenge is getting the wires run and connected to the correct O2 sensor. Another challenge is keeping wires away from the hot exhaust parts.
Should arrive on Monday along with all of the interior parts from the Passport...hope it all works out well...:bwgy::smilewink:bgwo::bgwb:Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffy
Can you use the wiring harness from the Trooper? You had to change the ECU, right?
Also it looks like the manual shifter fits in the VX console, thats a nice easy solution.
You have to use the harness from the VX due to the wiring for the TOD. Yes, I used the computer from the Trooper.
Okay, that makes sense.
Very cool, glad to hear you're feeling better.
Earl - I will send you payment tonight as we discussed. Sorry for the delay!
No problem sir...I know you been enjoying time with the family and that always comes first...:yeso::yesb::yesgray::yesy:Quote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
For some reason I am having issues with putting them in my gallery, but I got them in my photobucket so here are the pictures I promised.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/IMGP5634.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/IMGP5633.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/IMGP5632.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/IMGP5631.jpg
I have the main harness installed and all the O2 sensors connected. To connect the last O2 I had to spilt the O2 wires out and make a separate housing. The last VX O2 sensor on the passenger side will now be the last sensor on the driver side, this is because we used the Trooper head pipe. I fabbed a heat shield out of the old starter shield. I am pleased it will protect the wiring.
Here I am separating the O2 wiring from the stock wiring harness...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2085.jpg
Here is where I "Y" the harness...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2086.jpg
Here you can see where I routed the new O2 harness...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2087.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2088.jpg
The connection is made above the transfer case...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2089.jpg
The finished install...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2090.jpg
This is the passenger side of the transmission. The sensor with the blue connector is the backup light sensor...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2092.jpg
I'm late to the thread....sorry.
Did you hang the third pedal? How tight was/is the footwell for you? I have size 13s....I need room, But the box seems big enough...yes? At a glance it seems straightforward enough.
A Deadpedal would be nice too....but that ain't happening with the clutch
I installed both the clutch and brake pedal from a manual shift Rodeo. It is a little tight in the foot well but I have very long legs. Size 13s might be a challenge I would find a manual Rodeo and check that out, the VX would be the same. Hanging new pedals is straight forward, just a lot of sharp corners to deal with. One headace was getting the security computer(s) remounted out of the way. I ended up velcroing them to the ac housing and it worked out pretty nicely.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chopper
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chopper
Chopper - I wear size 13's too so I'll be able to give you a good review when I get it back. Here's a picture with the pedals installed; as you can see the manual brake pedal is smaller than the auto brake pedal, so while it might be a little cramped between the clutch and brake it should actually cut down on the number of times I accidentally hit the brake and accelerator together. I agree that a dead pedal would be nice, I'm actually considering replacing our pedals with 350Z aluminum pedals if they fit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffy
Here's a pic of the new footwell:
https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/...e/100_2080.jpg
And here's a pic of the 350Z pedals:
http://www.johnclare.com/pics/cars/pedals_final.jpg
Greg - Couple questions for you:
First, is that the catalytic converter in the upper left of this pic? If so man that's a lot of rust! :o
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2086.jpg
Second, I assume you have the wires zip-tied to the cross-member. Do you think there will be a problem when I reinstall my Kilby skid plates? And do you think I could just "lay" it in the bottom of the skid plate?
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2090.jpg
Last, do you still need the connector you mentioned in the earlier post? Or did you work something out?
Lookin' awesome Greg!!!
Yes that is the cat in the first picture, there really isn't as much rust on the pipe as it looks in the picture. It just looks dirty in the pictures. If there were tons of rust that I was not comfortable with I would have let you know about it. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
The wire is held to the cross member with factor ties and is in its original location. It should work fine with your Kilby skid plate if you previously did not move these wires.
Jerry is sending me the connector I was wanting. He even went as far as to mark which wires should tie into clutch switch, etc. I hope to get that in the next day or so and get this puppy back on the ground and back in your anxious hands!
Cool, thanks Greg!
Small space = perfect for heel/toe shifting :)Quote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
I have completed the wiring. I tested everything out and it all seems to work perfect. I need to bleed the clutch again to make sure all the air is out. It seemed to be a bit soft after I cranked it up and ran it through the gears.
Here is where I routed the new wire harness through the fire wall.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2095.jpg
This is the clutch switch. This is where you connect the starter relay (large red & yellow wires on connector)
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2097.jpg
This is the neutral switch. This is where you connect the cruise wires.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2098.jpg
Don't get these two backwards. The clutch switch completes the circuit when you press the clutch allowing the are to start. The neutral switch comletes its circuit by being closed so when you depress the pedal you break the curcuit thus causing the cruise to disengage.
Here are the wiring notes on the wiring harness...
The first picture refers to the blue wire and organge wire with black stripe...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2101.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2102.jpg
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2103.jpg
New harness run under the car and connections about to be made...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2105.jpg
I wrapped the wire harness with some heat shielding tape to further protect it from heat...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2104.jpg
:drool2: Absolutely fantastic!!! Now how in the heck am I supposed to sleep tonight knowing that she's coming home tomorrow?!?
:dan_ban: :dance: :_steering :_beer:
Quote:
Originally Posted by vt_maverick
Like a four year old on Christmas eve of course...not at all!
Yay, looks great.:wishes:
So, when can I ship you mine? :bwgy:
Wow. Just... wow. Unbelievable job.
Mav, videos are a must.
X a factor 0f deux...:thumbup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Vendetta
Someone PLEASE get this archived into the "how to" section...:yesgray:.:_wrench:
I will try V, have to figure out how to mount the camera in the backseat so you guys can see the shifting though... :_thinkingQuote:
Originally Posted by Vendetta
We are all loaded up. Ashley is going to have fun driving this thing. If I weren't selling mine I would be out in search of a donor Trooper myself! This thing is FUN to drive!!!!
Heading your way Ashley! I'll post a few more pictures when I get home tonight.
Would you say its best to get a donor Trooper or can everything be gathered easily (other than the trans) from a local junkyard?Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffy
These seem like they are pretty important sheets of paper. Any chance you could type them out and add them to the archive Ldub suggested in post 108. (I deleted most of the photo's to save space)Quote:
Originally Posted by Etfren
Well Greg and I met a few hours ago and I drove the VX back to my place and promptly parked her in the garage (need to do a few things before I leave her tomorrow afternoon for a business trip :(). I've only driven her those 7-8 miles but I can tell you this much: someone at Isuzu should have been fired for not offering the VX with a manual option. It's a completely different driving experience with the manual, way more fun even with the puny stock 215 HP. The clutch is buttery smooth both in terms of pedal travel and the "feel" of moving between gears. The ratios are interesting in the AR-5, 1st and 2nd are strong enough to pull you forward without even pressing on the gas - and I'm pretty sure you could start out in 2nd if you wanted to. Should be LOADS of fun once I get "launching" down... :D And of course the install was just as clean in person as you'd expect from the pictures Greg's posted here - just a little bit of Dremel work was required to keep the stock VX center console.
I am VERY impressed and EXTREMELY happy with the finished product. Now I'm going to go back out to the garage and think up an excuse to drive her again tomorrow morning before I leave. :) Thanks again Greg! Fantastic job!!! :thumbup:
Greg and I had this conversation just before he left and we're both in agreement that working from a donor vehicle is much easier. It really is questionable whether you could assemble everything piecemeal for less $$$, and you can't beat the convenience of being able to look at the way the manual was wired from the factory while performing the install in the VX. For me it turned out to be a real steal - my $800 got us the 94K transmission, ECM, wiring harness, exhaust, master cylinder, shift boots and shifter, clutch switch (or was it neutral switch Greg?), and probably a few other things I can't remember right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by VXorado
I :heart: a happy ending...:yes:
Though for you Mav, it's just the beginning.:dance:
KUDO's to da boda-yuh...:thumbup:
Great work...:_wrench:
If I was you, I'd have a hard time not say'n "F-sleep", throwin' Golden Earring on the speakers, & making the lyrics come true...:naughty:
"I been drivin' all night, my hand's wet on the wheel"...:_steering
ashley was this swap performed to your old (RIP) carcass or the new replacement VX
This swap was on my new (to me) VX.
I am pleased and relieved that Ashley is enjoying the work. I very seldom work for other people because I am too picky and critical of my work. So, here are a couple more pictures to finish this off with.....
Here is the completed wiring harness I made for the clutch swithces...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2118.jpg
The last item to address was the trans cooler lines in the radiator. I just removed one of the lines and looped the other over...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2119.jpg
The transplant is complete and the patient is back better than new. Thats a wrap for Dr. Buffy :bwgy: :smilewink :bgwo:...
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2120.jpg
On our way to make a little boys Christmas wish come true!
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/9...e/100_2122.jpg
Fantastic job Buffy! Looks great and is sounds like Ashley is loving it!
What year range donor Trooper would be best?