March 2006 – Subwoofer and Amp
I built a sub enclosure from ¾” MDF and it takes up every single bit of the rear storage compartment. The compartments are a weird shape, so the final product is cubotetroctahedron that requires an adjustable-angle table saw and lots of spare time. Best of all, the storage lid shuts completely hiding it from view, and retaining the factory stock look.
The sub is a 10” by Image Dynamics. They are supposedly optimized for very small enclosures, like this one, which is about 0.45 cu ft. The amplifier is a JBL GTO 75x4, powering the sub and front components. This is the biggest amp that will fit behind the seat. I’m 5’10” and have just barely enough room back there for it. I would not recommend it if you’re 6 ft tall.

March 2006 – Gears and Drag Radials!
The stock 3.07s are too tall for the 6-speed. 3.45 gears are optimal for a 6-speed TPI in both the 1/8th and ¼ mile, and coincidently is the stock ratio for GM used in 1990. I broke down and paid a gear shop to set up my Dana 44 ring and pinion. I didn’t want to be the fool on the race track bleeding gear oil and shiny bits all over the starting line. Also note, the aftermarket does not make 3.45s, only 3.33s or 3.55s. Also, this version of the Dana 44 is unique to the C4 Corvette, Viper, and Grand Cherokee, and not interchangeable with your standard Dana 44 parts.

Out back are the new Mickey Thompson ET Street Radials. I’ve put 100 burnouts and passes on them in 6 months, and they look like they'll be good for about 25 more. I improved by 3 tenths in the 1/8th mile with just gears and tires, to a 8.64@80mph. M/T recommends 16psi for a 3000 lb car, but I get the most consistency with 12psi. I made it into the bracket finals 3 out of 5 times since, and have pulled off some great reaction times in the process. On this night, I ran a perfect light, a .502 and a .503 in the bracket final.

COMING SOON...

Nitto NT555 tires
ZF throwout bearing failure
Air Conditioning Replacement
Windshield Replacement
Hurst Shifter
Teflon Spindle Washers
Hawk HPS brake pads
Hood struts
Hatch drains
Track day #1 at California Speedway Roval
Track day #2 at Streets of Willow Springs
Bridgestone RE050 Pole Position tires
ZF S6-40 failure!
Track day #3 at Cal Speedway Interior Road Course
LT1 power steering cooler
Tapered Roller Bearings
Banski spherical rod-end suspension
Track day #4 at Streets of Willow Springs
Dewitt radiator