Carl’s 1977 Stingray build may be on the road, but it is far from done! Prepare to continue to be entertained, enlightened, and inspired by Carl’s talent. Before we jump into today, if you missed any previous episodes for Carl’s 10-second turbo build, (or need a review), here are the links: part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten, and part eleven. Each episode is a quick read, with lots of pictures.
New Bonus Feature: Compilation of Carl’s videos at the end of each episode
Viewer Advisory: This build has some serious meat on the bones, as Carl has some crazy technical skills (especially with electronics), and he is going to tap into all of them to turn his 1977 Stingray into a 10-second quarter-mile monster!
Today we start with Carl’s first complaint, as he notes, “I was very disappointed by the Vette’s wavy gravy feel, it was all over the road. After all that work, the car was not fun to drive. So I did a wheel alignment at my friend’s BMW shop. First the solid axle rear. I trued up the 4link to aim straight. Then for the front, 1/32 toe in, .25% neg camber, 5.1 Caster.”
Did it fix the issue? Carl says, “Before the alignment, the car would wander and was scary when I mashed the gas. After the alignment, it’s not quite a BMW, but it’s much, much nicer now.”
Before we move to Carl’s next challenge, how does a car show sound? Carl remarks, “Went to a Corvettes and coffee event this weekend sponsored by NCRS (National Corvette Restoration Society). I wasn’t sure how the car would be received since my car isn’t exactly a “restoration” project. Turns out they were happy to see one of the less desirable years car get a new, more vigorous, lease on life. There was a great deal of interest in the LS swap and the turbo and the electronics.”
No surprise with this interest, as Carl’s electronics wizardry has impressed me since day one.
What were the top questions? “The first question I get is how did you get it all to fit and how much HP does it make.” We car guys are all the same, aren’t we?!?
Now, time for the next project! “Got one of the hood vents installed. I’m waiting for the mate. It’s from an 86 Shelby Charger.”
And speaking of non-GM parts for Carl’s build, he comments, “My car has lots of parts from other cars… So my son suggested I put the badges of cars I borrowed parts from around the Corvette or Stingray badge. I’m going to have to make a JY run to pick up F150, Silverado, S40, Eclipse, Range Rover, Neon, Shelby charger and maybe some other badges.”
What’s next? How about another car show?
“I took the Vette to a local cruise night to shoot the bull with other gearheads. All of a sudden I hear my name called over the PA. So I go over there and they hand me a trophy. Apparently someone saw past the ratty body and noticed there was more goin’ on than meets the eye. It was a Best of Show trophy.”
Woah, Best of Show?!? Congrats Carl, that has to feel good. Things are heating up next week, as Carl begins to focus more on tuning and heads off to the dyno! I hope you will join us. We have the fastest-growing Corvette community on our Facebook page, with over 158,000 followers (39,000 since January!). Come join other hardcore enthusiasts and let me know what you think so far of Carl’s 10-second turbo build, Douglas B.
Video Compilation
Video 1
From Part 2
Video 2
From Part 3
Video 3
From Part 11
