Tearin' Down a Red Line (SPIRIT)

[JohnD]

Here are the seals that my mechanic insisted on replacing that were backordered by GM. They are for connections to the cooling system for the tranny and the turbo and other stuff. He just didn't feel comfortable re-using the old seals, and I am glad to have new ones out the gate. These caused a slight delay, but I think it was well worth it to avoid the loss of cooling system pressure or have to deal with this all over again to take care of unwanted drips on the garage floor...

[JohnD]

You can't tell from these pictures, but the sound was fantastic! Music to my ears... SPIRIT was just idling away as I was snapping these! What a great sound.

[JohnD]

Tell me if you can spot the dent in these pictures. It's kinda noticeable.

I am totally and completely cool with it. Laying a hood in the parts locker for seven weeks is likely to have some risk. The dealership was totally and completely on the up-and-up about it, and I have full confidence that they will take care of it for me.

So, I am not posting these because I am all but rather just posting them to be complete in my story here.

[JohnD]

My next pictures - hopefully - will be of SPIRIT all cleaned up and with some other backdrop besides the service department of the dealership!

[MidniteBlues]

Looking Good JohnD-- Yea, I can see the dent, considering what that car has gone thru, a minor issue that their body shop can fix easily @ a later date. I would take it out and fix it laters, not a biggie--

I do have ONE question for you however--READY

Are you going to continue to lend out your R/L for experimental parts development with 3rd party vendors?? OR, are you now gonna just drive and enjoy your wheels--?

Either way my friend, I am truly glad that finally, your getting your Sky back--Good Luck!!

[JohnD]

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

Are you going to continue to lend out your R/L for experimental parts development with 3rd party vendors?? OR, are you now gonna just drive and enjoy your wheels--?

Either way my friend, I am truly glad that finally, your getting your Sky back--Good Luck!!

Thanks, man!

To answer your question... I have two more major mods to do to SPIRIT and then I am at the end of my "Gotta Do It" list. Those are new rims and tires, and some custom paint. Hardly performance-related.

Actually, if you look at everything I have done, very little has been for performance. I am not racing SPIRIT, nor do I intend to. My plan, all along, was to have a really nice-lookin' car that would reflect a very fine line of quality and refinement. In other words, the car that GM would LIKE to build if they didn't care so much about appealing to the masses and maintaining the "gotta keep the price affordable" program.

The custom exhaust and intake parts were all towards that end. I just liked the way it looked and sounded so much better. The rims and the paint will be the same way - just to make it special and dress it up.

I have no desire to go down the "improved turbocharger" route or pursue an ECM retune or anything like that. The horsepower is fine to me just the way it is! I don't need any more.

As for loaning SPIRIT out, I will continue to do that. Magnaflow is still working on a high-flow cat (I know, that violates my rule as it is purely performance and not looks, but I like working with those guys and am curious to see what a complete better-breathing package does for performance on an otherwise stock engine.)

I would gladly loan out to get a built-in nav system, better instrumentation or improved audio. I would probably also loan out to get a little stiffer (but not lower) ride developed. And I might go with drilled rotors or different brakes just to get a little better look poking through those new rims.

But other than that I don't have any plans for more work. If some comes up I will continue to work with aftermarket providers because I enjoy doing that. I find it fascinating to be behind-the-scenes in the engineering process. It sure beats reruns on TV!

[Antonio]

Originally Posted by JohnD

Magnaflow is still working on a high-flow cat (I know, that violates my rule as it is purely performance and not looks, but I like working with those guys and am curious to see what a complete better-breathing package does for performance on an otherwise stock engine.)

really? i think i recall reading somewhere they scrapped it since it was too much effort to make work right for such a low volume car, and still be profitable?

congrats on Spirit's soon arrival

[ChgoBlues]

John, you mentioned HID wiring. So what was involved with changing over to the HID lighting? Were you pleased with the look and is it better lighting? PM me if you dont feel like posting it here or if you posted in another thread. This is one mod I wouldn't mind doing with this and my ION Red Line, I think the Red Lines, Vue included, should have had that as standard.

[JohnD]

Originally Posted by ChgoBlues

John, you mentioned HID wiring. So what was involved with changing over to the HID lighting? Were you pleased with the look and is it better lighting? PM me if you dont feel like posting it here or if you posted in another thread. This is one mod I wouldn't mind doing with this and my ION Red Line, I think the Red Lines, Vue included, should have had that as standard.

Here are my posts:

HID (and other bulbs, too) upgrades: HID & Color Matched Headlights

Cleaning up the Wiring: HID Wiring Improvements

I am VERY pleased with the HID conversion. They work great, they look great, and they really make the car stand out. With the wiring upgrades they look like they were factory installed, too. They look like they are supposed to be there - not aftermarket at all.

Do you think upgrading my headlights could have resulted in metal peas in my cylinder? I hadn't thought about that...

[cruzned]

Wow! What an incredibly bizarre experience. I feel your pain man. I won't bore you with the details my SSR (one of the first 1000) went through in the different dealerships that were clueless to fix problems and created others in the process. We love these unique whips and can't let them go and expect knowledgable service when needed and get, well, you know....The good news is that eventually, all the bugs do get worked out in the new vehicles and you will enjoy your ride more than ever, as I do mine! Take care and good luck. Sounds like your dealership finally came through for you.

[LeloSKYLANM]

What a ride! Glad to hear it's almost over. If you want to "Test drive
" SPIRIT to New Mexico, we got a ride planned for 8-11.
LeloSKYLANM

[Oceansol]

John, have you heard any word on the "autopsy" of your former engine? Will you ever know what happened?

[JohnD]

SPIRIT is home.

The bottom line read $0.00.

I will post a final wrap-up, but for now...

[mbeardsley]

Wow, congrats John.

You've been waiting so long. Have some fun with her.

[Kappasphere]

John i didnt know that you went through all of this. I am glad it is all over.

Take care,
Abel

[ChgoBlues]

Originally Posted by JohnD

SPIRIT is home.

The bottom line read $0.00.

I will post a final wrap-up, but for now...

YAY! Congrats John.

[BlueSkyRL]

John,
I have say your patience was very admirable. I have throughly enjoyed this thread(sorry, at your expense) and I'm glad to see all is well in the end

Mike

[Critterman]

Excellent news This is the only thread I have been following on this site. I am glad everything is sorted out and you are enjoying "Spirit" again.

[rick112]

Man if your dog died right now you'd have everything you need to write a hit country song.

Glad to hear she's back on the road!