1978 Malibu Project, 4th times a charm

Wraith

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Jan 13, 2013
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The Term X should be able to control that pump with one of the outputs. It is relatively straight forward and fun with a 2D table. Assuming of course that is controlled like most any other variable rate fuel pump setup.

How is the Boost a Pump triggered?
Boost a pump only increases voltage to the pumps and runs all the time, has a variable knob so you don't "have" to run 17 volts all the time if not needed or wanted, I always ran mine wide open, I wasn't tracking fuel pressure. Best thing is, wired properly it mitigates normal voltage drop to the pumps. No PWM, I'll have one pump running off the Terminator fuel pump trigger wire through a solid state relay, the other will be triggered through another solid state to activate after 50% throttle or I have a Hobbs switch if I want to run off a boost pressure increase.
 
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Wraith

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Jan 13, 2013
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Almost back to current times. Next up the Monte SS Gov-lok is not gonna hold up to the sort of abuse I'm going to throw at it. Enter the Explorer 8.8 and a kit from Macguyver for the win. Spend too much time cutting off brackets, spend even more time overthinking Mac's instructions, call Mac and it makes sense and you feel silly. :blam:

Goodbye future let down, hope the new owner has good luck



Chop, chop




Weld, weld



Mock up





Measure 50 times before getting ready to weld



Plumb bobs and angle finders abound




And then a screeching halt the end of August, broke my right leg in an ATV accident. Booooooooo

For the last 6 weeks nothing but chair sitting with my leg in the air, was finally able to get into the garage this last weekend and start back on the 69 Camaro that is in the main spot, the Malibu is tucked to the side and surrounded by too many Camaro parts but it hasn't stopped a spending spree on parts for it, plenty of time to think about all the little bits and pieces that you forget about, relays , wiring, fittings, etc. Ultimate goal for this year is to drive it down the street. It may be with one seat, no windows, hood or trunk, but I'm driving it this year.
 
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Wraith

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Jan 13, 2013
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Are you leaving the 8.8 the stock width?
Yep, not going to touch it. I will build another later as this is a 3.73 posi unit and I want to drop down to a 3.08 with a locker. Between the 4.8 and the 8.8 these are place holders to get the car going. I have a spare rear and a 5.3 to go full zoot on in the wings "when" these break.
 
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Wraith

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Jan 13, 2013
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Let's throw some ugly in here too, first time trying out TIG o_O I better get some more practice in before the intercooler and exhaust

First try



Second try



May have to MIG :LOL:
 
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64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
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spend even more time overthinking Mac's instructions, call Mac and it makes sense and you feel silly.



And then a screeching halt the end of August, broke my right leg in an ATV accident. Booooooooo

What's your status now, the break probably isn't healed up yet? Sounds like it sucked, alot, but hopefully it's healing for a permanent, non-limp, 'good as new soon' deal.


Regarding the 8.8 truss kit install, your experience sounds almost identical to mine. Mac was great in terms of support. In the end, I'd do it over again, I don't believe there is a cheaper option for the HP that the 8.8 can handle. As far as aesthetics from under the car, hmmm, not so much lol. I spent too much time overthinking the install, but that's difficult to not do the 1st time doing much of anything. Next one will be a snap lol.

My son has a properly built factory 8.5 with double adjustable arms, new posi, Moser Axles, Seville disc brake setup,etc. And I have less in my 8.8 with the Mac's truss kit, 9" wheel ends, spool. etc. If the 8.8 is short term rear setup for you, then I'm sure you'll be able to get your money back from it selling the entire thing to someone.
 

Wraith

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Jan 13, 2013
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DFW, TX
What's your status now, the break probably isn't healed up yet? Sounds like it sucked, alot, but hopefully it's healing for a permanent, non-limp, 'good as new soon' deal.


Regarding the 8.8 truss kit install, your experience sounds almost identical to mine. Mac was great in terms of support. In the end, I'd do it over again, I don't believe there is a cheaper option for the HP that the 8.8 can handle. As far as aesthetics from under the car, hmmm, not so much lol. I spent too much time overthinking the install, but that's difficult to not do the 1st time doing much of anything. Next one will be a snap lol.

My son has a properly built factory 8.5 with double adjustable arms, new posi, Moser Axles, Seville disc brake setup,etc. And I have less in my 8.8 with the Mac's truss kit, 9" wheel ends, spool. etc. If the 8.8 is short term rear setup for you, then I'm sure you'll be able to get your money back from it selling the entire thing to someone.
Just started therapy yesterday, still weight on it for two weeks, hopefully by then they will let me start driving. Everything has been healing great so they expect a full recovery.

I'd say the 8.8 isn't a short term as much as how long til it breaks or how long until I build a better one. I've been looking at the Strange full floater kit and Eaton TrueTrac but we'll see how this one does. I love the value of the rear end and agree on the looks of the truss but nobody really sees it.
 

Wraith

Royal Smart Person
Jan 13, 2013
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DFW, TX
So a quick "I'm stuck in a chair, what parts can I order" recap.

1- 3 port Mac Valve
3- Pressure Transducers(fuel pressure, boost pressure, and something else)
2- Fragola ORB fittings for fuel filter
1- Borgenson Pressure reducer kit for power steering(have a smaller factory pulley, may go with the Dirty Dingo 5" to be safe)
3- Solid state 40amp relays
6- Various power distribution studs, back and red
4- Various upper and lower radiator hoses
1- Spal fan connector harness
1- Factory C7 Z06 PWM fan
1- Hobbs switch
1- Trick Chassis frame boxing plates(body coming off for paint eventually
1- Pair of Speedtech Chicane front coil over brackets
1- Weatherpack Crimper set

And I'm sure more after today.
 
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64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
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How are the Speedteck Chicane coil over brackets used? I googled them, but I'm not clear on how they are installed and why?

Why SSR's if you aren't pulsing them? Is there an advantage to them over a stock 4 or 5 pin relay?

I still haven't made it through the 1st 6 pages, what's your intention with the car? Race mostly, street and show mostly?
 

scoti

Royal Smart Person
Sep 5, 2019
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Texas
How are the Speedteck Chicane coil over brackets used? I googled them, but I'm not clear on how they are installed and why?

Why SSR's if you aren't pulsing them? Is there an advantage to them over a stock 4 or 5 pin relay?

I still haven't made it through the 1st 6 pages, what's your intention with the car? Race mostly, street and show mostly?
The Speedtech 'Chicane' set-up allows the use of a true C/O shock arrangement vs the limitation of the factory upper shock mount position the the 'hybrid' set-ups utilize (like RideTech).
It requires more fab work for the install vs the 'hybrid' kits as well.
 
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