Shifter solved, and Intake pics!

[Blitzu]

After much frustration by having my shifter replaced by the dealer with a new shifter that rattles, I took it upon my self to find out how the damn things comes out.

Here is what I found...

The boot is easily removed by opening up the center consule and then pulling up on it. It is held in by clips so it comes up with no hitches. I wasn't able to fully remove it because I was afraid of braking something up near the radio part of it but as long as you pull it up alittle you will be able to remove the boot. Note the following pictures, but let me remind you I already installed one of the qwik shift stiks and stock T/A knob.
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/4.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/5.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/6.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/7.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/8.jpg

[Blitzu]

Next, if you slightly lift up on the sides of the boot you will see that it is surrounded by a plastic piece that just pops up alittle. If you push one corner of that piece down you will be able to then manuver it up through the center counsel opening. Then you will see the boot is just held on by a zip tie around the shift knob. Just clip it off and the boot will be free. It is a pretty tight squeeze, I dont think you will be able to fit it around the knob, so the shifter will have to come off. Note the two bolts that hold it on. On the stock application the bolts go on the oposite side, but for the qwik shift this is how it will look....

http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/9.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/10.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/11.jpg

The stock shift knob is all one piece. With the expertise of Speed INC's finest they where able to get the stock shift knob off. It seems it is held on by a similar clip as one ou would find on a fuel line fitting. After popping the four sides of those white clips the pulley just sides straight up. Note the bottom of the stock knob.

http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/12.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/13.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/14.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/15.jpg

[Blitzu]

To put it back in just do itthe exact same way but in reverse, but to fit inthe stock boot it is easy if when you get it back in the center counsel to then first get in the back end and then slide in the front end. It will rest easy when it is in the proper place.

http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/16.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/17.jpg

The finished product....

http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/18.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/1.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/2.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/3.jpg

This is something I did on my own, but Speed Inc. does carry all the parts required for if some strange reason someone else wants to replace their stock shifter for this one.

[Blitzu]

Now for the fun pictures :) Speed Inc.'s new intake system!

I like it a whole lot so far, it does give a noticable difference.

http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/19.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/20.jpg

Just a few suggestions, something the guys at Speed Inc. did say needed to be done when installing. Make sure you twist the MAF alittle bit so that the bottom end where the sensor plugs in is close to the radiator side of the car. This will prevent any rubbing against the pulley underneath it.
I already found out the hard way when I first ran the car with home made intake system. It almost went throught the sensor, so be sure to tilt it alittle and there will be no problems.

http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/21.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/22.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/26.jpg

[Blitzu]

Just a few more pics to add of the intake, and one of the HID's!

http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/23.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/24.jpg
http://www.blitzu.com/GTO/25.jpg

Hope you guys enjoyed the pics!

[ls6gto]

Sweet! How much all that cost you?

[AmesGTO]

How noticeable is the extra power from the intake?

[Tails]

Absolutely top drawer with the pics and instructions!!!
:thumbs:

[VelodromeRacer]

Great going!
Thanks for the pics...the shifter part is just nice to know!

I can't wait til my intake arrives! I need to fabricate a cold air box!

[Blitzu]

Sweet! How much all that cost you?

-I got in on the pre-sale for the intake with Speed Inc. so the intake was cheap. I think their pre-sale was $139 ??
-The Qwik shift is about $40 for the shaft, and the shift knob is about $35. Seems like a lot, but to save my sanity from the rattling any price was worth it. Speed Inc. can also get this.
-The HID's were by far the most, right around $400 to $500 to get all the parts together. I knew it woud be a lot, but worth it to me :) Many of the parts are found at Casper's electronics.

How noticeable is the extra power from the intake?

Quite honestly I have been moddifiying cars for awhile, and I have never acutally felt such a noticable difference as I do with ths car. (I know it sounds like a cheap plug, but it is not) The engine becomes a tad bit louder through the RPM range, and you can feel just that little bit more of grunt on the peddle, and the feel of the engine when it slows down is increased meaning to me, more air is getting to it. The K&N does help, but it is surprising what a wider, and smother path of the air to the motor can do.


Absolutely top drawer with the pics and instructions!!!
Great going!
Thanks for the pics...the shifter part is just nice to know!

I can't wait til my intake arrives! I need to fabricate a cold air box!

Thanks a lot guys, it took me quite awhile to put that all together, I wanted to get more detailed but there was too much to show. I am going to try and put up a better, more detailed write up on removal of the shift knob later on. I just wanted to get this one up here for now to help others.

Just to note, for now the intake is wide open, but Speed Inc. is working on a enclosure for the air filter. I have usually in the past just ran a open cone in the car like it is now, so it will be no big deal to wait for their's, at least for me :D

[AmesGTO]

Does the intake void the GM warranty?

[speed_demon_freak]

Maybe the Z06MAF will work on our cars too.

Did you do the throttle body coolant bypass for your car?

[Tigger]

Not to sound totally ignorant, but what's a MAF? Based on this discussion, I know it has something todo with the air intake. Is there an online glossary of all these terms somewhere? Maybe that might be a good thing to add somewhere to this board, like maybe in the media section or create a reference section.

[Blitzu]

I already went to the dealer with the stock airbox removed and a K&N cone filter. I specificly asked the service man if it or any air intake modification will void warrenty and he said no, he even has one on his T/A.

He said that nothing really even changes (which is true) so therefore nothing came be blamed as to causing a malfunction. The only thing that probally could void a warrenty if you were experiencing problems such as some internal engine malfunction, and you removed the stock MAF ends which does remove the screen on the intake. Maybe then could it be said that there was a possiblity of a particle getting sucked into the throttle.

Other than that Intake is the same all the way through just a smoother flow, and high velocity air filter. It really increases performance all around.

Even headers are a modification that SHOULD not void the warrenty. They are no different from the stock concept, except the fact that they increase the flow out of the engine.

The only things I have found to void a warrenty (successfully) are internal engine work. Anything that deals with opening the engine up to change a part, or replace with a aftermarket piece can be used as a possible reason for a internal part failure.

If the dealer ever did say a intake modification, or exhaust voids my engine warrenty I would have no problem proving them wrong. Most service men won't look twice, but there are some who are quite stupid who might want to try to argue it. Mainly the techs will be the ones who will bring it up if they feel a modification you made could be the fault of a malfunction. Usually they know better than to say a intake caused it because they know they could not prove it.

Sorry for the length of this but there really should not be any problems with what was said above.

[AmesGTO]

Not to sound totally ignorant, but what's a MAF? Based on this discussion, I know it has something todo with the air intake. Is there an online glossary of all these terms somewhere? Maybe that might be a good thing to add somewhere to this board, like maybe in the media section or create a reference section.

MAF = Mass Air Flow

I have seen MAF sensor and sensor electronic changes to gain power. Its the silver box in between the filter housing and the air intake tube.

[Blitzu]

Not to sound totally ignorant, but what's a MAF? Based on this discussion, I know it has something todo with the air intake. Is there an online glossary of all these terms somewhere? Maybe that might be a good thing to add somewhere to this board, like maybe in the media section or create a reference section.

The "MAF" is the Mass Air Flow sensor, it is that metal piece inbetween that black intake pipe and the air filter. It is basically a few sets of tiny wires that determines how much air is coming into the motor, and with the help of a few other sensors they work together on making the air to fuel adjustments, timing adjustments, and basically the way your car makes power. Very critical, very sensetive, be carefull with it so that you dont touch the thin metal sensors.

I don't know too much just yet about the ZO6 MAF, how is it different?

No I havent done the coolant bypass for the throttle body. Is the point of it to cut down the temps of the throttle by cutting off the coolant line to it?

What gains have people seen from it?

[AmesGTO]

I already went to the dealer with the stock airbox removed and a K&N cone filter. I specificly asked the service man if it or any air intake modification will void warrenty and he said no, he even has one on his T/A...

That makes sense. I had some trouble with my TrailBlazer and you'd be suprised what gets blamed sometimes. I think I'll get my dealers service manager to "approve" the intake before I try it.

[Blitzu]

That makes sense. I had some trouble with my TrailBlazer and you'd be suprised what gets blamed sometimes. I think I'll get my dealers service manager to "approve" the intake before I try it.

Good idea. Is there more than one dealer near by you? I have about four in close proximity, and I know which ones to go to, and which not to. They are all beginning to know me as someone who enjoys modifiying the cars which is bad, but they also know that I know what I am doing so they really dont ever try to side step me.

Try to find a dealer that is nice to you and make friends with the service tech, it will definetly help :)

[AmesGTO]

Good idea. Is there more than one dealer near by you? I have about four in close proximity, and I know which ones to go to, and which not to. They are all beginning to know me as someone who enjoys modifiying the cars which is bad, but they also know that I know what I am doing so they really dont ever try to side step me.

Try to find a dealer that is nice to you and make friends with the service tech, it will definetly help :)

I work very close to a large Pontiac dealer and 2 large Chevy dealers.

I live close to a medium sized everything GM dealer. I have a really good relationship with this dealer. I know everyone in the service department well and I know most of the salespeople. Most importantly the salesman I buy from is a good friend.

Unfortunately they didn't order the right color combos for their inventory cars and by the time I ordered in Nov. the arrival date got pretty late. I bought my GTO out of state. I still took the car by my dealer and showed it around. Everyone was pretty excited to see the red interior and M6.

I just called the service manager and he said if their is a K&N filter of any shape on the end of the intake and it's not just sucking unfiltered air there won't be a warranty problem.

[speed_demon_freak]

The "MAF" is the Mass Air Flow sensor, it is that metal piece inbetween that black intake pipe and the air filter. It is basically a few sets of tiny wires that determines how much air is coming into the motor, and with the help of a few other sensors they work together on making the air to fuel adjustments, timing adjustments, and basically the way your car makes power. Very critical, very sensetive, be carefull with it so that you dont touch the thin metal sensors.

I don't know too much just yet about the ZO6 MAF, how is it different?

No I havent done the coolant bypass for the throttle body. Is the point of it to cut down the temps of the throttle by cutting off the coolant line to it?

What gains have people seen from it?




http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=928&page=5&pp=20


starts at post #97


From my understanding the stock LS1 MAF is 74 mm. The Z06 MAF is 85 mm. It would increase the air going into the throttle body for improved gains in HP. I'm still learning so dont quote me on this stuff.

As for the throttle body coolant bypass it is nothing more then disconnecting the coolant lines to the throttle body and rerouting them. It keeps the throttle body cooler and says to give a few more HP.

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1535

[RAZRS EDGE]

Awesome pics and very good instuctions! Congrats! :drink: :bubbrub

[speed_demon_freak]

http://www.paceparts.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=308&1=317&2=1094

[Blitzu]

Good news about the warrenty, it was like I said there is really nothing different to the concept of it, Im glad you got approval, and have good friends there. It pays off :)

I just read that thread about the MAF alittle bit ago, and I guess it's a good idea being larger in diameter. Something I will have to play with :)

About the coolant lines, I can see how cutting them off will decrease the temperture of the throttle therefore decreasing the intake air temps. Almost the same concept of putting in a throttle body spacer on the grand prixs, that too blocks the coolant passage way and more importantly spaces it from the hot supercharger.

Good idea to cut down the heat of the intake temps, helps prevent detonation, therefore creating better potential of power. I'll look into it.

Staying on the subject of reduced air intake temps, along with that coolant line delete, I will be installing a 160 thermostat when it warms up abit, right now the outside temps dont allow the engine to get too hot. Also I look forward to getting the box for the air intake which will block off the heat created by the engine which should also cut down the intake temps.

I am also going to post a few more pictures tonight of the same weight reduction mods tterbo did, that I also did about a week ago. Removal of the brace in the trunk, and the oil catch plate under the engine. That with the spare removed should help eliviate close to 100 lbs.

This should be a interesting race season :)

Thanks for the link to the MAF, Ill probally just stop by Speed Inc. and see what they have.

[speed_demon_freak]

Good news about the warrenty, it was like I said there is really nothing different to the concept of it, Im glad you got approval, and have good friends there. It pays off :)

I just read that thread about the MAF alittle bit ago, and I guess it's a good idea being larger in diameter. Something I will have to play with :)

About the coolant lines, I can see how cutting them off will decrease the temperture of the throttle therefore decreasing the intake air temps. Almost the same concept of putting in a throttle body spacer on the grand prixs, that too blocks the coolant passage way and more importantly spaces it from the hot supercharger.

Good idea to cut down the heat of the intake temps, helps prevent detonation, therefore creating better potential of power. I'll look into it.

Staying on the subject of reduced air intake temps, along with that coolant line delete, I will be installing a 160 thermostat when it warms up abit, right now the outside temps dont allow the engine to get too hot. Also I look forward to getting the box for the air intake which will block off the heat created by the engine which should also cut down the intake temps.

I am also going to post a few more pictures tonight of the same weight reduction mods tterbo did, that I also did about a week ago. Removal of the brace in the trunk, and the oil catch plate under the engine. That with the spare removed should help eliviate close to 100 lbs.

This should be a interesting race season :)

Thanks for the link to the MAF, Ill probally just stop by Speed Inc. and see what they have.

Wait with the MAF. I think there will be some calibration involved and its possible the software isnt out yet.

http://www.paceparts.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=308&1=317&2=1094

Also from what I read about the thermostat, it might be a different thermostat then the one piece design that is on our cars now. Plus from what I'm reading if you change the thermostat it helps to change the fan on-off temps using a power programmer.

I'm going to wait a few more months before I start doing mods that require a power programmer.

[tiggerfan]

Great, you just sold me on the intake. I'm ordering it on monday.

That was exactly the kind of information about it I was waiting for.

Now if only I had my car. They are waiting on a couple of more parts but they have all the sheet metal finally. They are thinking about a month to month and a half as it will be a very slow tear down/rebuild since they only have one place to get info as to how everything goes together and thats the smashed up car in their shop.

[CMNTMXR57]

Ok, from the pictures you have shown, this is the same location and looks to be relatively the same base as the F-Body unit. In which case, an F-Body unit should work. You just won’t be able to use the nice GTO shift knob. But that’s Ok, I kinda am preferable to my big 8 ball style ball on the top of my Camaro’s shifter.

[Taco]

OK, I'm confused. Not being a GTO owner, take it easy on me.

I thought the GTO had the knob with the 6-Speed shift layout on the top???

I really want to put one of those knobs in my Trans Am, but since my shifter is threaded, and that particular knob is a clip-on type.

From what I can see this looks like a possible modification, anybody see reasons that I couldn't swap the shifter from the base up with that one that comes in the GTO???

Sorry so long, and excuse my lack of knowledge!

Taco

[svede1212]

hi taco. glad you could make it over. the shifter pictured is a hurst i think. mine has a brushed aluminum insert with the shift pattern on top. from what i've read there's something different about this shifter from the TA. i know someone here can shed some light on it. this is a pretty knowing group here.

[Blitzu]

Only reason I put that shifter in was for temporary use. The dealer installed a new stock shifter after my original shifter broke. The one they installed was also broken making a horrible rattling noise whenever I went over 2K RPM's. Their "GM tech" insisted it was the LEATHER shift boot that was making the noise. I emphasis on leather because I have never known leather to vibrate???

Anyways they were not going to replace it anytime soon and told me to just "deal" with it for about two weeks until they would get another in. I was furious but stuck at their mercy so I went out and purchased this one to install until they got in the new one.

I like the stock shifter and would not replace it for the T/A one that was in my pics... just a temporary thing ;)

About using our shifter, you would be able to use it, just purchase the entire shifter... the bolt holes at the bottom are the same. Other wise you will have to make a custom shaft for the "snap on" knob to fit on. Get it??? :)

[mrgto]

Is anyone making an AFTERMARKET SHIFTER, not the handle, not the knob, but the actual part that bolts to the tranny.

I have owned 2 Kirban Kwickshifters and they were awesome.

[Taco]

Hey svede, thanks for the invite, this seems to be a great website, much like LS1Tech.com.

Blitzu, I totally understand now, thanks so much for the pointers.

How much, if anyone knows, is just the "stick" (I hate calling it that, but I can't really think of a better word for it :confused: ) and the knob???

If nobody knows, can somebody get me the part numbers and I'd be glad to do the footwork!!!

Thanks again for the help!

Taco

[Blitzu]

Hey svede, thanks for the invite, this seems to be a great website, much like LS1Tech.com.

Blitzu, I totally understand now, thanks so much for the pointers.

How much, if anyone knows, is just the "stick" (I hate calling it that, but I can't really think of a better word for it :confused: ) and the knob???

If nobody knows, can somebody get me the part numbers and I'd be glad to do the footwork!!!

Thanks again for the help!

Taco
Call any Pontiac dealer and get a part number for the shaft and knob and ask their price. Then go to gmparts direct online and enter the part number in there to see how much cheaper you can get it from them.

If you want one right away the Sulivan Pontiac in Arlington Hieghts IL has one.

[2004Goat]

Good news about the warrenty, it was like I said there is really nothing different to the concept of it, Im glad you got approval, and have good friends there. It pays off :)

I just read that thread about the MAF alittle bit ago, and I guess it's a good idea being larger in diameter. Something I will have to play with :)

About the coolant lines, I can see how cutting them off will decrease the temperture of the throttle therefore decreasing the intake air temps. Almost the same concept of putting in a throttle body spacer on the grand prixs, that too blocks the coolant passage way and more importantly spaces it from the hot supercharger.

Good idea to cut down the heat of the intake temps, helps prevent detonation, therefore creating better potential of power. I'll look into it.

Staying on the subject of reduced air intake temps, along with that coolant line delete, I will be installing a 160 thermostat when it warms up abit, right now the outside temps dont allow the engine to get too hot. Also I look forward to getting the box for the air intake which will block off the heat created by the engine which should also cut down the intake temps.

I am also going to post a few more pictures tonight of the same weight reduction mods tterbo did, that I also did about a week ago. Removal of the brace in the trunk, and the oil catch plate under the engine. That with the spare removed should help eliviate close to 100 lbs.

This should be a interesting race season :)

Thanks for the link to the MAF, Ill probally just stop by Speed Inc. and see what they have.

Thermostat swap is useless unless you adjust the fan settings on your OBD

[Gravana Jim]

I wasn't able to fully remove it because I was afraid of braking something up near the radio part of it but as long as you pull it up alittle you will be able to remove the boot.

If you pop the rubber insert up from below the radio face, there is a screw fastener that holds the front of the entire assembly onto the dash. Back that fastener out and you can pop the entire center console piece up. Then, unplug the wire connectors and you have it off.

Jim

[Blitzu]

Thermostat swap is useless unless you adjust the fan settings on your OBD


Not necessarily, the coolant will begin to flow through at a lower temperture... the fans will help but not make all the difference. It really doesnt matter I already adjusted the fans, I am waiting on my LPE thermostat to come in now.

Thanks Jim for the info on the screw, I saw that awhile ago... it seems like ages ago when I originally posted this :D