Rocket Man's 02 Denali Build Thread AKA "THE BEAST"

[Rocket Man]

I couldn't stand the patch on the trans cooler line, especially because it was right at the bottom of the radiator area so every time I opened the hood and looked down, there it was with it's 4 hose clamps. I'd already replaced that line before and I knew it was hard to do, but I'd also learned since then that reinstalling it was easier if you put the spring clip into the quick connect and then push the line in until it clicks. The place where it connects into the side of the trans is almost impossible to get your hand in, and last time I had to push in on the line while I put the clip on. It was still hard but not nearly impossible like last time. Then after I got that done, I replaced the other hose clamps with PEX plumbing clamps that I had left over from some home plumbing projects. The 1/2" fittings worked perfect on the 3/8" hose and look way better than hose clamps. Then I decided to wrap my brake booster hose in braided sleeve and used heat shrink at the ends to keep it tidy. Just some little things but everything makes it look a bit better. I have more braided sleeve so I'll probably do more of that under the hood.

 

[#1taho]

Do I see hydro boost in the near future???????

 

[Rocket Man]

I think it depends which BTU unit you get. I have the 40,000 and the hoses go into the bottom like the factory.

I stand corrected after looking at their pictures. You are correct, the 40,000 btu has the connections at the bottom. Weird that that's the only one of the 3 that do that. I'm glad I didn't get that one, the side works better for me.

 

[Rocket Man]

Do I see hydro boost in the near future???????

I thought about that awhile ago and decided no. But headers or a cam, now that's a different story. But then I did just calculate my MPG on my first tank after the blower and even though I have to take into account that I was probably driving with a heavier foot than I will be normally, it was NOT good lol.

 

[Rocket Man]

I just got an email from Whipple. I messaged them yesterday asking for a complete new set of gaskets and installation hardware since it looks like I'll have to (eventually) pull the blower again and reinstall new intake gaskets to fix the small intake leak that Blackbear told me I had after they reviewed my logged data I sent them. (As promised, I have had a lean code thrown- P0174 Bank 2 Lean ) They are overnighting me a set of lower intake manifold gaskets, O-Ring gaskets for the bottom of the blower, the large O-Ring that goes between the blower and lower intake manifold, and the Allen head mounting bolts for the manifold and the blower. Not looking forward to the R&R again but I feel it needs to be done. It had better seal this time.

 

[TM98]

What spring clamp tool do you have?

 

[Rocket Man]

What spring clamp tool do you have?

Just some cheap ones I got off eBay.

 

[PG01]

Gotta tell you red, the pex clamps almost look like something from the factory..... betcha you are the only one who'll notice..... unless you have plumber friends.....lolol...

 

[Rocket Man]

Yeah, kinda cool how they happened to fit and tighten just right. And I have no plumber friends. Or friends period lol.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

You win them with Whipples. Don't worry, you'll turn it around now, Red.

 

[Rocket Man]

I've been thinking about a cam upgrade since even before the blower. With all the research I've done I keep hearing good things about the Vinci Trucker Cam for the 6.0 in an SUV. I emailed Roger Vinci at Vinci Performance and described what I have and he told me the Trucker, grind #045, would be perfect for me. It wouldn't need a new stall converter either which I told him I didn't want to at this time although it would benefit from a 24-2800. He also told me I need to watch my RPM's until I get stronger valve springs. He said new factory springs only have 65# of seat pressure and with the blower I've exceeded that. I will ask Justin @blackbear about that but I think I'll be upgrading the valvetrain regardless. Roger quoted me a good price on the package with the cam and matching springs and pushrods. If anybody has any input on this please chime in. I haven't installed a cam since the last time I completely built a 460 Ford back in the 80's so any help would be appreciated. Here's the cam specs.

DUR @ .004" 278*/ 286*
DUR @ .050" 216*/ 224*
LIFT .551/.551
LSA 115*
5A

 

[bottomline2000]

I've been thinking about a cam upgrade since even before the blower. With all the research I've done I keep hearing good things about the Vinci Trucker Cam for the 6.0 in an SUV. I emailed Roger Vinci at Vinci Performance and described what I have and he told me the Trucker, grind #045, would be perfect for me. It wouldn't need a new stall converter either which I told him I didn't want to at this time although it would benefit from a 24-2800. He also told me I need to watch my RPM's until I get stronger valve springs. He said new factory springs only have 65# of seat pressure and with the blower I've exceeded that. I will ask Justin @blackbear about that but I think I'll be upgrading the valvetrain regardless. Roger quoted me a good price on the package with the cam and matching springs and pushrods. If anybody has any input on this please chime in. I haven't installed a cam since the last time I completely built a 460 Ford back in the 80's so any help would be appreciated. Here's the cam specs.

DUR @ .004" 278*/ 286*
DUR @ .050" 216*/ 224*
LIFT .551/.551
LSA 115*
5A

Loving this. I have the Vinci Trucker in my 6.0. I ran a circle d 26-2800 stall. I do have dual titanium springs from BTR because of the ramp rate with hardened pushrods. U don't want to dump a valve because of a broken spring. The cam seems to start making power right around 2k like Roger has on his site and my stall engaged right at that rpm. Only flashed higher with aggressive throttle. Stall should be 500rpm above that so u right on target.

It's a strong setup n/a so watch ur drive train especially with the blower. I'm in the process of upgrading and going to a triple disc 3k stall.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

 

[Rocket Man]

I ordered the cam kit today but it will be awhile before it's installed. I've had some time off from work and will be going back next week so I'll be trying to catch up for awhile and won't have much time to work on the truck. I plan on pulling the blower in the next few days and reinstalling it with the new gaskets and hardware to eliminate the intake leak. Then I'll take a break from wrenching for awhile while the cam stares at me. @bottomline2000 did you install your cam or have a shop do it?

 

[bottomline2000]

I ordered the cam kit today but it will be awhile before it's installed. I've had some time off from work and will be going back next week so I'll be trying to catch up for awhile and won't have much time to work on the truck. I plan on pulling the blower in the next few days and reinstalling it with the new gaskets and hardware to eliminate the intake leak. Then I'll take a break from wrenching for awhile while the cam stares at me. @bottomline2000 did you install your cam or have a shop do it?

I did the cam install myself. I cheated and did it on my engine stand before installing the motor. I did a billet timing gear while I was in there. Make sure you replace the cam retainer plate since it can be a source of oil pressure loss. Also did trunion upgrade on the rockers.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

 

[Rocket Man]

I did the cam install myself. I cheated and did it on my engine stand before installing the motor. I did a billet timing gear while I was in there. Make sure you replace the cam retainer plate since it can be a source of oil pressure loss. Also did trunion upgrade on the rockers.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

Did you do the complete timing set or just gear? Do you have p/n's for what you used? I see on Vinci's site they mention a Crane timing set p/n 144984-1 and say they machine the retainer plate. I see 2 different retainer plates on Rock Auto but don't know which one I need. I just want the parts that will just bolt up without a trip to a machine shop.

 

[bottomline2000]

Did you do the complete timing set or just gear? Do you have p/n's for what you used? I see on Vinci's site they mention a Crane timing set p/n 144984-1 and say they machine the retainer plate. I see 2 different retainer plates on Rock Auto but don't know which one I need. I just want the parts that will just bolt up without a trip to a machine shop.

Complete timing gear and chain..https://www.briantooleyracing.com/c...llet+Gear+Set+for+LS1/LS2+Single+Pole+JP5622T their stock photo shows the bearing on the back of the gear. This is how it looks installed. No shimming the oil pump..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

 

[Rocket Man]

Complete timing gear and chain..https://www.briantooleyracing.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=JP+Performance+Single+Roller+Billet+Gear+Set+for+LS1/LS2+Single+Pole+JP5622T

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

You went with single roller?

 

[bottomline2000]

You went with single roller?

Yeah single roller. Didn't see a need to go double.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

 

[bottomline2000]

Did you do the complete timing set or just gear? Do you have p/n's for what you used? I see on Vinci's site they mention a Crane timing set p/n 144984-1 and say they machine the retainer plate. I see 2 different retainer plates on Rock Auto but don't know which one I need. I just want the parts that will just bolt up without a trip to a machine shop.

Cam retainer plate..https://www.briantooleyracing.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=Cam+Retainer+Plate+12589016

4 Retainer bolts. New ones are countersunk..https://www.briantooleyracing.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=Cam+Retainer+Bolt+11561455

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

 

[Rocket Man]

Cam retainer plate..https://www.briantooleyracing.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=Cam+Retainer+Plate+12589016

4 Retainer bolts. New ones are countersunk..https://www.briantooleyracing.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=Cam+Retainer+Bolt+11561455

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using Tapatalk

Thanks, I figured those parts out and already ordered them. Now to decide on the timing set. I've heard good things about the Cloyes True Roller and it's about the same price as the JP performance set you got so I'm leaning that way.
edit: I went ahead and ordered the Cloyes.