Rear engine cradle jig

This past weekend I built a jig so I could junk the current engine cradle and the 84-87 rear suspension setup for a 88 style setup, now I have to design the pieces that will make up the rear cradle and new engine mounts, there is still some welding that I haven't completed (busted the ceramic shield on the TIG welder and couldn't continue), I will also be changing some of the current mounts to proper LSJ mounts from the ION donor car. I've also completed the designs of the control arms for the rear suspension setup, now I just have to get some bushings and some tubing and those will be done.

Special thanks to R_Rourke who let me borrow his 88 cradle and suspension for mock up and measurements, also to CCFiero who's been helping out with the design of this project.

Welding on the intake manifold is complete

Got the intake manifold welded and back today, they did an amazing job on it, there is a big problem that I am going to have to work on, unfortunately I didn't do enough test fitting and the intake plenum is in the way of the engines coolant line, I already have a couple idea's to get around this issue, so it shouldn't be that bad.

Intake polished and ready for final welding

Why is it all the pretty parts have to be hidden? First the fire cone in the exhaust header, now the polished intake runners.

Going for final welding in a couple hours.

Intake manifold is coming along

Well its finally coming along, I cleaned up the welds over the last couple days and tonight I wet sanded and started preparing it for polishing tomorrow. I am hoping to drop off the runners, plenum and throttle body plate off for final welding tomorrow, maybe it will be done after the weekend.

Intake manifold welding

Got the intake manifold piece back from welding this morning, the welder did an amazing job, and when I am done cleaning up the runners the piece will be going back to have the plenum all welded up.

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Quick update

I had to send out the aluminum intake for welding, my poor welder and my skills just couldn't handle welding 3/8 and 1/2" material to much thinner aluminum material, I hope to have something more to post with it this week with some progress pictures.

Going onto other things, I have gotten many of my suspension parts in, at least enough to start on it, although I do need to stop at the metal shop and get some tubular piping for the polyurethane bushings and arms.

Unfortunately I'm still doing a ton of work to my daily driver so I am hoping to have a few things updated shortly.

Exhaust welding complete and mounting.

Finished the last of the welding to the exhaust and downpipe, welded the hanger to the frame and installed everything. I think it came out great and there is some descent clearance to all the engine components.

Still working on the intake manifold, somehow I think its going to take longer than I originally thought, hoping to start on the intercooler mounting next week though.