Deysha = saves the day!

 

Glad to see you in here, Deysha. I can send the service order number if needed.

Please let me know if anything can be done to get the updated part in sooner.

Thanks again!

 

So cool to have a Rep here on this forum!

 

Completely UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!! I am so looking forward to your evaluation on the track. If I didn't have two more track events in September I'd pull the part off my car and ship it to you. Hopefully they get your part expedited so you can make your track event.

 

Gary:

I've decided to say "**** it" and just go anyways. I picked up 6 quarts of QS (at $23/quart, OUCH) and I will be checking the level after every session and filling as needed.

Looks like the track I'm at will be around 4500' elevation, plus 90*-95* ambient peaks. Should be a good test for the coolant system.

Already ordered a high-flow grille to swap in as well...that news about the grille removal was outstanding. I'm going to drain the coolant and replace with 1 gallon coolant, 1 bottle water wetter, and the rest distilled water.

NT01s arrive today/Monday. All other parts/preparations in-hand

 

What grille did you order?

 

I ordered a generic replacement GT grille surround from RockAuto ($57), and a black billet grille from American Muscle ($149). I can just swap the whole thing in/out as an assembly in a few mins.

 

Looks like it should do the trick. Is there a lower grille option that fits our cars? I'm dreading the effort to comb out that condenser. I'm going to have to talk to the guys at MMP about the condenser delete. I'll seriously consider that option for next season.

 

Dunno about a lower grille but I've seen many of the grand am cars simply run a wire mesh attached to either the front or rear of the fascia opening.

 

Drew... can you take some photos of the grill surround when you get it (right out of the box). Wondering if we can just buy that, chicken wire the entire thing, and just run that (flat or matte black) on track days?

I was cleaning all the rubber buggers off the front of the car this morning and spent some time looking at the lower opening. Doesn't seem like it would be too hard to chicken-wire the rear of it (if you can pull it off the car). Paint the wire black and you would hardly notice it. Might not be a bad solution either.

FWIW, my condenser looks pretty good other than some snake guts and grasshoppers.

 

Off-roading in the desert John?

 

Can do.

Here is the stock photo from RockAuto, if that helps:



Yes probably.

 

Thanks, Flagstang and jacostang! I'm waiting for someone to add the super smilie to the forum so I can use it!

Sent you a PM today, 06GT!

Deysha

 

Saw this earlier, thank you!

Still waiting for a call from a rep. Edit: Rep contacted me and part availability investigation is underway!

 

Wait, Are you serious? Your changing your grill??? I got the Boss Grill earlier this year cause I want my Pace Car to look like the original.. Is it that restrictive?? Or just when your pushing it around the track??? I know how hot that 5.0 gets right now in the 115 degree blast furnace...

 

Jaco--the stock grill is a flow restriction, pulling it gives the cooling system enough capacity to deal with heavy track use. I'm only going to use it at the track. I love the look of the stock grille.

 

Gotcha! It is the easiest grill to replace, I set aside an hour and had it done in 10 Mins.! Mustang Night this Saturday at Pavillions but it will be 109..UGH

 

Probably not going to make that, unfortunately. Finishing up prep work on my buddy's race car for our trip to Inde Motorsports Ranch next weekend!

 

Filled up today, took about 200ml for 110 miles of driving.

Got my lil dipstick here...

 

Drew - Thanks for the heads-up on the grill surround at Rock Auto. Ordered one yesterday and will be playing with it, chicken wire and safety wire in the coming week.

In a slightly inebriated state, I went to Home Depot and found wire mesh in a 1/2" square. Think it is 3' x 5' (may have been 3'x15') that looks like it should do the trick. I'll form it around the back of the surround, cut to shape and then paint it matte black. Will probably leave the grill in it's delivered state (looks like matte black) until I can prove / disprove the functionality. If it works, I may get it painted CO... or just leave it black.

Will report back and try to take photos along the way (no blood this time... hopefully ).