Chevelle Engine Swap

[Sharp shooter]

I'm hoping to do this in the next few weeks. I yanked off all the exhaust today and I'll likely yank the old 396 out next weekend. Stay tuned!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNDwDG3T8Ng

[HB Vic]

What's going in its place???

[Sharp shooter]

60 over 454 with the Edelbrock Performance package. Nothing fancy, but should be enough to at least run with the new mustangs, Camaros and Challengers (I hope). :smilies_mit_hut019:

I've got new 1 7/8"th Patriot Headers, a Coan 3000 stall convertor and a Griffin Radiator going in with it. I'll be using my John Avery 850 dp and air gap manifold and I've got some stock appearing (taller) valve covers that I'll be using instead of those pictured. Engine will be all chevy orange (probably next weekend) aside from the intake, cam cover, dampner and my fancy chrome looking Edelbrock water pump that I already have.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/add8e63b-d430-4462-8354-006cc3349f6d_zpsc4319e42.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/add8e63b-d430-4462-8354-006cc3349f6d_zpsc4319e42.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

Wow that's gonna be nice. What about the tranny?

[Sharp shooter]

Wow that's gonna be nice. What about the tranny?

The trans is a turbo 400. I'm gonna leave it as is for now and go through it later also adding a gear vendors overdrive to it at that time.

[HB Vic]

The trans is a turbo 400. I'm gonna leave it as is for now and go through it later also adding a gear vendors overdrive to it at that time.

Yeah that's what mine needs too

That things gonna be a beast [emoji106]🏼

[Sharp shooter]

Yeah that's what mine needs too

That things gonna be a beast [emoji106]��

I thought yours was a 4 speed?

Beast no not really, but it will wake it up quite a bit. What's the parts list for your engine? Heads, Cam, compression, carb intake etc....?

[HB Vic]

I thought yours was a 4 speed?

Beast no not really, but it will wake it up quite a bit. What's the parts list for your engine? Heads, Cam, compression, carb intake etc....?

It is but you can always use another gear lol

Mine is pretty much stock but 30 over. Heads were done and it has a mild cam. I think the carb is a Rodchester with holly intake

[rschap1]

Good luck with everything
:)

[Sharp shooter]

It is but you can always use another gear lol

Mine is pretty much stock but 30 over. Heads were done and it has a mild cam. I think the carb is a Rodchester with holly intake

Yep, more gears are better. :D When I get mine done we should hit Fontana and have a little fun. I think our combos are comparable. :smile:


Good luck with everything
:)

Thank you very much. I need all the luck I can get.

[Mrs.K034]

Nice, Jerry!!! [emoji106][emoji106]


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[Sharp shooter]

Nice, Jerry!!! [emoji106][emoji106]


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Thanks. :)

Just need to swap intakes for the air gap and put it in.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09963_zpsgi9lvvno.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09963_zpsgi9lvvno.jpg.html)

These black valve covers won't clear the brake booster so had to go with stock appearing but tall valve covers.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09967_zps2nvoqygq.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09967_zps2nvoqygq.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09968_zpsvcdmtnuc.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09968_zpsvcdmtnuc.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

Wow looks beautiful [emoji106]🏼

[Sharp shooter]

Wow looks beautiful [emoji106]🏼

Thanks Vic! Maybe I can start pulling the old engine this weekend.

[Sharp shooter]

Ok, we've been working over here.

Out with the 396.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOfMOmyR_F0

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09998_zpsvz4stujk.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09998_zpsvz4stujk.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09996_zpsyw9u7k8y.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09996_zpsyw9u7k8y.jpg.html)

Got to swap intakes and take off water and fuel pump and install on new engine.

[Sharp shooter]

New engine going in. I got some help from my buddy Jim. :thumbup:

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC00001_zpsmlc4xiyf.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC00001_zpsmlc4xiyf.jpg.html)

Jim sold me the engine and races NMCA.

Here's one of his 3 Chevy 2's


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYArYQhVEuk

[Sharp shooter]

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC00004_zps3y3avsbj.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC00004_zps3y3avsbj.jpg.html)
As of 2:13pm Sunday (lunch break), engine is in but motor mounts and 2 bell housing bolts aren't tight and I need longer torque converetor bolts. Also need longer header bolts, need oil and order new valve cover gaskets. After that use oil primer, install distributor and accessories and pray everything works. :D

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC00008_zpswgteaofs.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC00008_zpswgteaofs.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

Wow looks good. [emoji106]🏼[emoji106]🏼

[Sharp shooter]

Wow looks good. [emoji106]��[emoji106]��

Thanks Vic!

I think it definitely looks better, but until I get the car painted (engine compartment and all) it's still kinda rough, but I still love this car. :)

Someday I'll make her pretty. Hopefully it will run better now.

Losing 100 pounds off the nose I now need to lower the front end.

[HB Vic]

Thanks Vic!

I think it definitely looks better, but until I get the car painted (engine compartment and all) it's still kinda rough, but I still love this car. :)

Someday I'll make her pretty. Hopefully it will run better now.

Losing 100 pounds off the nose I now need to lower the front end.

Any issues with the headers??

[Sharp shooter]

Any issues with the headers??

Not at all. They fit good and have decent ground clearance. Patriot 1 7/8" and were under $500 from Summit.

[HB Vic]

Not at all. They fit good and have decent ground clearance. Patriot 1 7/8" and were under $500 from Summit.

I had to change mine. They were longs and scraped too often. I don't remember what I installed but they were a pain getting in. Especially around the starter and upper A arms.

[Sharp shooter]

They're tight at the a arm passenger side only, and easiest to install without most of the plugs in. Also worth mention is use of 5/8 plugs and 3/8ths header bolts. Someday when I'm rich I'll get a set of Lemons but these will have to work for now.

[Sharp shooter]

Not much progress. Got my 7/16's torque convertor bolts delivered and installed. Degreased, wire brushed and painted these brackets. I have to work tomorrow so that's probably gonna do it for this weekend.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/DSC00015_zpspwgocis6.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/DSC00015_zpspwgocis6.jpg.html)

[Mrs.K034]

Not much progress. Got my 7/16's torque convertor bolts delivered and installed. Degreased, wire brushed and painted these brackets. I have to work tomorrow so that's probably gonna do it for this weekend.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/DSC00015_zpspwgocis6.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/DSC00015_zpspwgocis6.jpg.html)

Nice, sucks you have to work tomorrow! I'm sure you're doing all your Mother's Day stuff today then?


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[Sharp shooter]

Nice, sucks you have to work tomorrow! I'm sure you're doing all your Mother's Day stuff today then?


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No not really. :D

My wife works graveyard and sleeps during the day. I'll take her to breakfast in the morning before she goes to sleep and then I'll go to work after lunch.

How about you, big plans tomorrow?

[Mrs.K034]

No not really. :D

My wife works graveyard and sleeps during the day. I'll take her to breakfast in the morning before she goes to sleep and then I'll go to work after lunch.

How about you, big plans tomorrow?

Well, that sounds nice. We are going to go boating & hit up Topock tomorrow.. That's what I want to do... So it's pretty much set in stone lol


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[Sharp shooter]

Well, that sounds nice. We are going to go boating & hit up Topock tomorrow.. That's what I want to do... So it's pretty much set in stone lol


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Oh it's like that? haha!! :thumbsUp:

Well, happy (early) mother's day! :)

[Mrs.K034]

Oh it's like that? haha!! :thumbsUp:

Well, happy (early) mother's day! :)

Thank you!! lol, like Chris is going to complain about Topock and boating? Not like I have to twist his arm or anything!!

Can't wait to see more updates on this btw!!


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[Sharp shooter]

Thank you!! lol, like Chris is going to complain about Topock and boating? Not like I have to twist his arm or anything!!

Can't wait to see more updates on this btw!!




Thanks! I'm anxious to get it going! You guys did get the videos I sent right?

[Mrs.K034]

Thanks! I'm anxious to get it going! You guys did get the videos I sent right?

We did, thank you!! Haven't had a chance to watch them yet.. But we have them. We only watched one.


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[Sharp shooter]

We did, thank you!! Haven't had a chance to watch them yet.. But we have them. We only watched one.


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Great! It's good to know they made it. :)

[Mrs.K034]

Great! It's good to know they made it. :)

All your videos are always great!! Sorry we didn't let you know we got them!


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[Sharp shooter]

All your videos are always great!! Sorry we didn't let you know we got them!


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Oh that's ok. No sorry needed and thanks for the props!!!! :D

[Sharp shooter]

Ok, so it's been a couple weeks. I had to order some things and I finally had some free time this weekend. So I got a big box in from summit last Thursday and was hoping to get this thing lit off by Monday.

A few things got in the way.

1. I'm an idiot and ordered the wrong tranny pan and header bolts. This is the second time on the header bolts- first ones were .75 which is too short and the 2nd order was 12 points which I overlooked. No biggie I got the right bolts from SoCal bolt and returned the pan.

2. When I tightened up the headers I did have a couple of clearance spots- lower control arm mount pass side and drivers side proportioning block for the brakes. Got that handled and moved on to starter. The starter is a brand new Summit brand Hitachi mini starter. The whole point of a mini starter is to clear big headers right? No dice! And my headers are on the smaller side as far as headers go.

Here's a pic. The starter nose would need major cutting or grinding to get in there so I returned it on Saturday. Exchanging for a power master.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3573_zpse7rkrhyd.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3573_zpse7rkrhyd.jpg.html)

So header problem fixed, starter on the back burner so on to the spark plugs. I had broken one so I bought some extra's. Got the new ones gapped and all the rest in and tight.

- Next, valve cover gaskets installed as well as new ARP valve cover bolts.
- Poured in Lucas high zinc oil and secured, checked and sealed the aftermarket dipstick that came with the engine.
- Install power steering bracket and pump.
- Install Alternator bracket and Alt.
- Strip and paint A/C mounting bracket and line up the belts with all pulleys mocked up.
- Installed AC.
- Hooked up heater hoses and ground cable.

I bought a chrome crank pulley and it's smaller in diameter. Because of that, my alternator belt no longer fits so I need a shorter one.

So the list of things to do is as follows.

1. Install new trans pan when it arrives as well as change filter and add Trans Fluid.
2. Install and shim new starter when it arrives and it's probably going to need a little trimming.
3. Add power steering fluid.
4. Install new to this car Griffin Radiator that I bought used for a hundy. It's narrower so I'll likely need at least one new hose.
5. Install trans cooler.
6. Install fan and shroud.
7. Prime Engine
8. Install distributor and route and secure wires.
9. Tie up loose ends with carburetor (return spring, throttle bracket and throttle connect) and install 82 and 84 jets.
10. Start and adjust engine checking for leaks and set timing and pray for good oil pressure.
11. Road test and adjust as necessary.
12. Drive down to Rogers Exhaust shop in Fontana and drop $700 on complete 3" exhaust.

That's it. I'm not sure when the trans pan and starter will arrive, but I went through this with the headers already and it was about 3 weeks for those.

Here's a progress pic thus far.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/DSC03570_zpsa2yra15n.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/DSC03570_zpsa2yra15n.jpg.html)

[Sharp shooter]

Ok, made some progress today. Got the new starter in, and buttoned up the trans after having to grind shift linkage bracket to clear pan.

Here's my updated to do list.

1. Install trans cooler.
2. Add trans fluid.
3. Order new radiator rubber.
4. Install fan and shroud.
5. Install new to this car Griffin Radiator. It's narrower so I'll likely need at least one new hose.
6. Prime Engine
7. Install distributor and route and secure wires.
8. Tie up loose ends with carburetor (return spring, throttle bracket and throttle connect) and install 82 and 84 jets.
9. Start and adjust engine checking for leaks and set timing and pray for good oil pressure.
10. Road test and adjust as necessary.
11. Drive down to Rogers Exhaust shop in Fontana and drop $700 on complete 3" exhaust.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08108_zpsidhotkgy.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08108_zpsidhotkgy.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

Looks good you're almost there [emoji106]🏼


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[Sharp shooter]

Looks good you're almost there [emoji106]��


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Yeah, I'm starting to feel like I've got that ancient Chinese disease...- Dragon Ass. :D

I'd like to do my tranny lines in black nylon and plumbed all the way through the cooler with fittings.. That should set me back at least a week.:bangmyhead: :D

[Sharp shooter]

2 more set backs. Gonna have to buy a new radiator ($650) and power steering box is hemorrhaging fluid ($200).

Today I went for a ride around the neighborhood in a cool10 second car. It's capable of 9's without the throttle stop.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjLoZoXLHrw

[Sharp shooter]

I ordered a new radiator from Dewitt's last weekend. They're made to order so it will take a few weeks to get.

[HB Vic]

They had a beautiful 69' on Mecum last weekend with a built 502 and some other goodies. Didn't sell at $35K when I last saw it.

Wonder how they shoehorned that monster in there?

[Sharp shooter]

They had a beautiful 69' on Mecum last weekend with a built 502 and some other goodies. Didn't sell at $35K when I last saw it.

Wonder how they shoehorned that monster in there?

It should be the same as a 396 for the most part as far as fit.

It's hard to get over $30 unless you have an all original numbers matching 375 hp, 4 speed car. The copo and yenko cars will always bring big bucks.

The cars born average or with non spectacular power have to be modified to the 10's and perfect in every way to bring any money.

[Sharp shooter]

A little update.

With the new power steering leak that came from nowhere I had the pump rebuilt locally and replaced all the hoses. I even went a little nuts and painted the pump 2 tone. :D

The radiator came in today and looks to fit great, but I'm going to need to trim the shroud. If I can borrow an oil primer I might get to fire it this weekend. :action-smiley-035:

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08197_zpsm61wz872.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08197_zpsm61wz872.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08200_zpsrwoyy6vu.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08200_zpsrwoyy6vu.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08201_zpsp0p7mh5t.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08201_zpsp0p7mh5t.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08199_zpsbovrm9qi.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08199_zpsbovrm9qi.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08204%202_zpsjnf4v1g9.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08204%202_zpsjnf4v1g9.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08205_zps6pag5bgz.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08205_zps6pag5bgz.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

Wow looks great [emoji106]🏼[emoji106]🏼


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[Sharp shooter]

Wow looks great [emoji106]🏼[emoji106]🏼


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Thanks Vic, hopefully next update will have some noise in it.

[Sharp shooter]

"It's alive!"

56199


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atnf7ajijYk

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08208_zpsqduixvge.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08208_zpsqduixvge.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08209_zpsdjspdpki.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC08209_zpsdjspdpki.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

Wow that thing sounds wicked!! Time to smoke some tires.

[Sharp shooter]

Wow that thing sounds wicked!! Time to smoke some tires.

Yeah, it's a little obnoxious without mufflers. I can't wait to fine tune it and see what it can do.

[HotWater]

Sweet! That's sounds good!


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[Sharp shooter]

Sweet! That's sounds good!


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Thanks Sean! Nothing special there, just a good size hydraulic cam.

[Sharp shooter]

A visit to Roger's Exhaust shop (Fontana) got the db's down. $700 out the door for everything. I went with 3" pipe and I love how it came out and how it sounds!

Roger has a pro charged Ultra that he runs in Blythe. Cool guys that do really nice work reasonably!:thumbup:

Next stop Engine dynamics this Friday to have John Avery tweak the tune to perfection to wrap things up. In the future I'll get some cheater slicks and 35 spline axles, but I'll try it as is at the drags possibly next month. Who wants to go?

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3963_zpspcfzlm10.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3963_zpspcfzlm10.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3962_zpsrxmgbpi7.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3962_zpsrxmgbpi7.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3964_zpsxtxedjxm.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3964_zpsxtxedjxm.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3968_zpsb6ojgusx.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3968_zpsb6ojgusx.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

Looks real good. I want mine to be a little louder but I don't want to redo the pipe, it's all new.


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[Sharp shooter]

Looks real good. I want mine to be a little louder but I don't want to redo the pipe, it's all new.


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What size pipe do you have? What mufflers?

[chevellesb406]

Quite a few chevelles on Hot Boat I see. Mine was re piped in 2000 if memory serves me correctly. Pretty radical at the time, 3" mandrel bent x pipe with 3 chamber flows, up and over rear diff and side exit. Its definitely a unique sound with the x and my whiny small block. Hot boat fontana trip?

5624756248

[Sharp shooter]

Quite a few chevelles on Hot Boat I see. Mine was re piped in 2000 if memory serves me correctly. Pretty radical at the time, 3" mandrel bent x pipe with 3 chamber flows, up and over rear diff and side exit. Its definitely a unique sound with the x and my whiny small block. Hot boat fontana trip?

I like your car! Do you have bigger axles on it? How much convertor is in there?

I'm in for a Fontana Hotboat day. You in Vic?

[chevellesb406]

I like your car! Do you have bigger axles on it? How much convertor is in there?

I'm in for a Fontana Hotboat day. You in Vic?

I ended up building a 12 bolt for it with an auburn unit, 33 spline Tom's Axles, ford housing ends so no pesky c clips. Its an 8" 4000 stall by ATI, does pretty good on the street actually, I drive it from OC to Fontana, no trailer for this thing. 3.91 gear, 4k stall, 28 inch tall tire, so.... certainly in the right hand lanes on the way there though. She does alright for a naturally aspirated iron head small block :wink_002:

[Sharp shooter]

I ended up building a 12 bolt for it with an auburn unit, 33 spline Tom's Axles, ford housing ends so no pesky c clips. Its an 8" 4000 stall by ATI, does pretty good on the street actually, I drive it from OC to Fontana, no trailer for this thing. 3.91 gear, 4k stall, 28 inch tall tire, so.... certainly in the right hand lanes on the way there though. She does alright for a naturally aspirated iron head small block :wink_002:

What does it rev?

I'm bringing a trailer from 3 miles away just in case. :D

[chevellesb406]

What does it rev?

I'm bringing a trailer from 3 miles away just in case. :D

It cruises there between 3500 and 4000, so, if I have to put my foot in it on the freeway, I can usually pass who I need to. I shift on the track at 6300 now a days, I was spinning the piss out of it for a while to 7200, but it was running the exact same ET when I brought it down. Now, not saying mine hasn't ended up going home on the hook a few times :), I had a nasty very unusual problem of heat seizing valves for a while where every trip out I was pulling off a head. Only took doing that I think 9 times, not exaggerating, to figure out what was causing it. Hasn't been on the hook since, fingers crossed.

[Sharp shooter]

It cruises there between 3500 and 4000, so, if I have to put my foot in it on the freeway, I can usually pass who I need to. I shift on the track at 6300 now a days, I was spinning the piss out of it for a while to 7200, but it was running the exact same ET when I brought it down. Now, not saying mine hasn't ended up going home on the hook a few times :), I had a nasty very unusual problem of heat seizing valves for a while where every trip out I was pulling off a head. Only took doing that I think 9 times, not exaggerating, to figure out what was causing it. Hasn't been on the hook since, fingers crossed.

Do you run ladder bars or something else? Turbo 400?

I'm gonna get a gear vendors at some point because I like going to some car shows and the right lane kinda sucks. lol

[HB Vic]

It cruises there between 3500 and 4000, so, if I have to put my foot in it on the freeway, I can usually pass who I need to. I shift on the track at 6300 now a days, I was spinning the piss out of it for a while to 7200, but it was running the exact same ET when I brought it down. Now, not saying mine hasn't ended up going home on the hook a few times :), I had a nasty very unusual problem of heat seizing valves for a while where every trip out I was pulling off a head. Only took doing that I think 9 times, not exaggerating, to figure out what was causing it. Hasn't been on the hook since, fingers crossed.

Holy moly you run that beast


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[chevellesb406]

Do you run ladder bars or something else? Turbo 400?

I'm gonna get a gear vendors at some point because I like going to some car shows and the right lane kinda sucks. lol

Suspension wise I run the southside machine lift bars, which are now made by Lakewood if memory serves me right. It is a turbo 400 done by Leo in San Dimas at Remac trans, and in all honesty, its the best upgrade on the car, did more for driveability and time in the quarter than even the motor, rear end, etc, and efficient trans is an amazing thing. I like the idea of gear vendors if you don't have too high of a stall, but that wouldn't do me much good as I would just be burning the stall up even if I got the rpm's down, smaller stall speed no problem. 4L80E sounds like a nice deal if I ever re did everything, LS motor, etc.

Hey Hotboat,
I am pulling it out of mothballs these days to start terrorizing Brea :) I stopped cruising around as much as what spare time I do have these days I usually like to have at least a drink, but in that car in that town, those things don't belong together with that police department, and also majorly bummed that the clear on the paint went from its life living outside all those years before I got my own place again, so it doesn't quite look the part anymore, but still runs how it should. One day, hopefully not too far away, I will go through and redo the car again, at least the expensive drive train stuff is all handled now, no changes necessary, but paint, redo interior, wiring, stuff like that, gotta fix my teenage fuck ups.

[Sharp shooter]

Suspension wise I run the southside machine lift bars, which are now made by Lakewood if memory serves me right. It is a turbo 400 done by Leo in San Dimas at Remac trans, and in all honesty, its the best upgrade on the car, did more for driveability and time in the quarter than even the motor, rear end, etc, and efficient trans is an amazing thing. I like the idea of gear vendors if you don't have too high of a stall, but that wouldn't do me much good as I would just be burning the stall up even if I got the rpm's down, smaller stall speed no problem. 4L80E sounds like a nice deal if I ever re did everything, LS motor, etc.



I'm gonna need trans work at some point so I may just follow your lead on this. I considered the LS swap, but I guess I'm just too old school. :) I don't think I can fit a 4L80 without modifying the tunnel. My car is a real SS so I'm trying to keep from cutting or drilling anything. :)

[Sharp shooter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMaok4CEu3o

[chevellesb406]

I'm gonna need trans work at some point so I may just follow your lead on this. I considered the LS swap, but I guess I'm just too old school. :) I don't think I can fit a 4L80 without modifying the tunnel. My car is a real SS so I'm trying to keep from cutting or drilling anything. :)

Yeah, there is nothing original left on my car except maybe the roof skin, and its a 307 malibu glide car originally. It had a bad accident in 72, and then I got hit head on it at the end of high school and it took a lot of time and money to get it good again. Our mutual friend Brian will tell you, like he did me, spending some money on the trans with the right guy will do more for daily driving enjoyment as well as time cuts at the track then adding 200 hp. My car is great example of this. After the 406 grenaded I built a pretty healthy street small block for it:

421 inch
Sportsman II iron heads with 2.08 valves and some blending work
.601/.625 cam 258/262 @50 duration
10:1 even pump gas motor, super comp headers 3" x-pipe 3 chamber flows, full exhaust deal. It probably makes some decent power.

With a turbo 400, 2400 stall, peg leg rear end, car ran 13.7 at 118mph, in second gear :)
put a locker in, 13.2
put the rear end with 3.91 and an auburn, could get down the track, maybe 15 something that whole day almost hitting everything including the safety safari
put drag radials on, 12.70's
had trans work done, 11.59 at 118 mph, still haven't played with the carb, and I as well as the car need to go on a diet. :D

[chevellesb406]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMaok4CEu3o

Gave me goose bumps, small block sounds very different up top, but a 3 inch x on a chevelle was mighty familiar on start up, eerie almost.

[Sharp shooter]

Yeah, there is nothing original left on my car except maybe the roof skin, and its a 307 malibu glide car originally. It had a bad accident in 72, and then I got hit head on it at the end of high school and it took a lot of time and money to get it good again. Our mutual friend Brian will tell you, like he did me, spending some money on the trans with the right guy will do more for daily driving enjoyment as well as time cuts at the track then adding 200 hp. My car is great example of this. After the 406 grenaded I built a pretty healthy street small block for it:

421 inch
Sportsman II iron heads with 2.08 valves and some blending work
.601/.625 cam 258/262 @50 duration
10:1 even pump gas motor, super comp headers 3" x-pipe 3 chamber flows, full exhaust deal. It probably makes some decent power.

With a turbo 400, 2400 stall, peg leg rear end, car ran 13.7 at 118mph, in second gear :)
put a locker in, 13.2
put the rear end with 3.91 and an auburn, could get down the track, maybe 15 something that whole day almost hitting everything including the safety safari
put drag radials on, 12.70's
had trans work done, 11.59 at 118 mph, still haven't played with the carb, and I as well as the car need to go on a diet. :D

It's pretty cool that you still have a car you drove back in high school. That's a decent size cam for a street car. :D I bet you've made a ton of passes in that thing if you add up the years. How much does it weigh? Do you run NMCA events?

[chevellesb406]

It's pretty cool that you still have a car you drove back in high school. That's a decent size cam for a street car. :D I bet you've made a ton of passes in that thing if you add up the years. How much does it weigh? Do you run NMCA events?

Yeah, definitely a lot of passes over the past 20 years, not nearly as much in comparison to others in the group, but definitely a ton with 4 different motors and various set ups. If memory serves me right, I believe the car comes in at 3100 lbs on the fontana scale. I haven't ran any NMCA yet, I did the summit series off and on for a few years with the guys, but I am very interested in doing a couple of events in the NMCA true street class next year for fun. I would love to finally put the nitrous on it, a lot of the build was spec'd for it, but since I won't do any of the required safety features and cut up the car, it would just be a one time thing in the end I am sure. I doubt a low 10 second pass with factory belts, no cage, that whole deal would be very welcome, I don't comply as it is. One day I would love to pull the drivetrain out of it, put it in something I don't care about, go faster, and put a 6 speed LS cruiser set up in this car and really hold onto it forever and enjoy it more, only money right?

[Sharp shooter]

Yeah, definitely a lot of passes over the past 20 years, not nearly as much in comparison to others in the group, but definitely a ton with 4 different motors and various set ups. If memory serves me right, I believe the car comes in at 3100 lbs on the fontana scale. I haven't ran any NMCA yet, I did the summit series off and on for a few years with the guys, but I am very interested in doing a couple of events in the NMCA true street class next year for fun. I would love to finally put the nitrous on it, a lot of the build was spec'd for it, but since I won't do any of the required safety features and cut up the car, it would just be a one time thing in the end I am sure. I doubt a low 10 second pass with factory belts, no cage, that whole deal would be very welcome, I don't comply as it is. One day I would love to pull the drivetrain out of it, put it in something I don't care about, go faster, and put a 6 speed LS cruiser set up in this car and really hold onto it forever and enjoy it more, only money right?

3100 lbs!!!! How the hell did you get it so lite? I bet mine is north of 3500!

Yeah, going fast is just money. I'm sure the nitrous would be fun to play with.

It's hard to beat the overall package of the LS drivetrain. Go anywhere with decent mileage, dependability and performance. :action-smiley-035:

[chevellesb406]

3100 lbs!!!! How the hell did you get it so lite? I bet mine is north of 3500!

Yeah, going fast is just money. I'm sure the nitrous would be fun to play with.

It's hard to beat the overall package of the LS drivetrain. Go anywhere with decent mileage, dependability and performance. :action-smiley-035:

Big block to small block has to be 150 lbs or so I presume, heater core/AC maybe another 100 if you have those in yours, the vette buckets I run are a bit lighter than the original bench anything fancy aluminum along the way has to have been good for something along the way :) Spare tire and Jack out. That's all I have done.

[Sharp shooter]

Big block to small block has to be 150 lbs or so I presume, heater core/AC maybe another 100 if you have those in yours, the vette buckets I run are a bit lighter than the original bench anything fancy aluminum along the way has to have been good for something along the way :) Spare tire and Jack out. That's all I have done.

I have factory AC, heater core, full interior pretty much everything. I do have aluminum heads, wheels and radiator so I'm sure those things help a lot.

I'll weigh mine when I get a chance.

[Sharp shooter]

So I had the car tuned last Friday at Engine Dynamics. I still had a trans leak and a p/s belt alignment issue. We wnt to the grand canyon over the weekend so I just got back to the car yesterday and today and replaced a vacuum modulator O ring and adjusted the p/s belt alignment. All looked good so I went for a good long drive to check cooling, leaks, hot start etc. Knock on wood but so far so good.

The engine wants to rev much better than the old 396 and gassing 1st gear even from a roll it just lights the tires. 2nd gear pulls pretty good, but it might need a little more tweaking to get everything out of it. That being said, I think it's ready for a track day. :thumbsUp:

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3988_zpsnsvhcfli.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3988_zpsnsvhcfli.jpg.html)

[chevellesb406]

So I had the car tuned last Friday at Engine Dynamics. I still had a trans leak and a p/s belt alignment issue. We wnt to the grand canyon over the weekend so I just got back to the car yesterday and today and replaced a vacuum modulator O ring and adjusted the p/s belt alignment. All looked good so I went for a good long drive to check cooling, leaks, hot start etc. Knock on wood but so far so good.

The engine wants to rev much better than the old 396 and gassing 1st gear even from a roll it just lights the tires. 2nd gear pulls pretty good, but it might need a little more tweaking to get everything out of it. That being said, I think it's ready for a track day. :thumbsUp:

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3988_zpsnsvhcfli.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/IMG_3988_zpsnsvhcfli.jpg.html)

Mickey Thompson drag radials sound like they are in your future. If we can make it on the same weekend, you are free to make a pass with mine, they will fit, I intentionally left the rear end in factory dimensions to take the mystery out of rim choice. 4.5" back spacing :) 275 x 60 x15 tuck up real nice, probably could go a little bigger on a custom rim.

[Sharp shooter]

Mickey Thompson drag radials sound like they are in your future. If we can make it on the same weekend, you are free to make a pass with mine, they will fit, I intentionally left the rear end in factory dimensions to take the mystery out of rim choice. 4.5" back spacing :) 275 x 60 x15 tuck up real nice, probably could go a little bigger on a custom rim.

I run the same size tire and back spacing.

I think I'll drop air pressure to about 20 and see if I can get the bfg's to hook first. I'll get some Mickey thompsons eventually.

[chevellesb406]

I run the same size tire and back spacing.

I think I'll drop air pressure to about 20 and see if I can get the bfg's to hook first. I'll get some Mickey thompsons eventually.

Which BFG's are you running, comp T/A's?

[Sharp shooter]

Which BFG's are you running, comp T/A's?


Radial T/A's and they're 10 years old. :D

[chevellesb406]

Radial T/A's and they're 10 years old. :D

I played that game for a long time :) I ran a high 14 second pass once with smoke still coming off the tires, full track haze. Tires are everything, treat yourself. And street driving on drag radials is not an issue at all, unless its raining, then 30 mph max. Had mine on for years, they last.

[Sharp shooter]

I played that game for a long time :) I ran a high 14 second pass once with smoke still coming off the tires, full track haze. Tires are everything, treat yourself. And street driving on drag radials is not an issue at all, unless its raining, then 30 mph max. Had mine on for years, they last.

I'm gonna do that. Aaaaand,,,,, I'm gonna have my factory stock a/c working soon. :captain:

[Sharp shooter]

Hey Vic, is your engine running v belt or serpentine? I'm having trouble keeping the power steering belt on.

Here's a quick clip with my friend giving his son a ride. His son likes old musclecars.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqooVQS4RDY

[HB Vic]

I'm still V belt. No issues but I'm easy on my baby [emoji4]


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[Sharp shooter]

I'm still V belt. No issues but I'm easy on my baby [emoji4]

With your $$ you don't have to baby that thing. Have some fun with it!! :schreck:

[Sharp shooter]

I got some advice from chevelles.com and switched to a 7/16" goodyear gatorback p/s belt. Went for a drive and zinged her up a few times without issue.

I'd like to go to the track, but on the street the 2nd gear shift kicks the car loose for what seems like forever. Can't be good for safety or et. :D

[HB Vic]

I got some advice from chevelles.com and switched to a 7/16" goodyear gatorback p/s belt. Went for a drive and zinged her up a few times without issue.

I'd like to go to the track, but on the street the 2nd gear shift kicks the car loose for what seems like forever. Can't be good for safety or et. :D

Good info [emoji106]🏼


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[Sharp shooter]

So to wrap up this thread, here's a list of what this cost me. All things considered I think I did pretty good. The initial engine cost and doing things myself saved me quite a bit. :thumbup:

These figures include shipping costs.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/cccbe0b7-c4af-45db-8964-82be12c42c83_zpsc7o4ftpl.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/cccbe0b7-c4af-45db-8964-82be12c42c83_zpsc7o4ftpl.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

That's not bad at all. Good info and good thread and it came out nice. But all that really counts is if it's fun to drive [emoji106]🏼


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[Sharp shooter]

That's not bad at all. Good info and good thread and it came out nice. But all that really counts is if it's fun to drive [emoji106]��



After 2 months I'm kinda used to it now. Definitely more fun to drive Vic and because it's pretty loud it get's more attention (not sure if that's good or bad). The kids love it though.

Oil pressure is great, it runs nice and cool and no engine leaks. The front brake's are starting to leak so I'm gonna replace the brake calipers next.

I did replace the old alternator and it's upper bracket and cleaned up and painted the hood latch assembly and added cowl vent grills. I'm itching to go to the track even though good et won't happen with the street tires, but I'm afraid street slicks will break something. :D

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09129_zps0hjrkiob.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09129_zps0hjrkiob.jpg.html)

[Sharp shooter]

Popped in some new sounds yesterday. This is a Retrosound stereo which is a modern receiver designed to appear original. It sounds pretty good and being able to plug in the ipod is great.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09141_zpsf5ytk5ct.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09141_zpsf5ytk5ct.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09140_zpso51pwir0.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09140_zpso51pwir0.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09149_zpsx4cevgnt.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09149_zpsx4cevgnt.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09148_zpsuil65w4x.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09148_zpsuil65w4x.jpg.html)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Roadroamer1/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09153_zpshejjzcdo.jpg (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Roadroamer1/media/Chevelle%20Pics/DSC09153_zpshejjzcdo.jpg.html)

[HB Vic]

That's pretty cool, been thinking about doing the same. Mine has radio delete and I kind of enjoy just listening to the exhaust so I'm not sure lol


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[Sharp shooter]

That's pretty cool, been thinking about doing the same. Mine has radio delete and I kind of enjoy just listening to the exhaust so I'm not sure lol


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Well, the retrosound is a nice option and the model 2 is loaded with features.

I bet you have a radio in your dcb right? :D

I like the radio for extended freeway driving and when Im parked waiting (happens a lot).

[HB Vic]

Well, the retrosound is a nice option and the model 2 is loaded with features.

I bet you have a radio in your dcb right? :D

I like the radio for extended freeway driving and when Im parked waiting (happens a lot).

I do but you can't hear it past 70 lol. Blower whine sounds better anyway [emoji4]


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[Sharp shooter]

I do but you can't hear it past 70 lol. Blower whine sounds better anyway [emoji4]



True!! :)

[Sharp shooter]

First trip to the track . After I add slicks and 2 stages of NOS I'll be ready for Gwin's truck. :sheep:

I was right lane.
58701

[HB Vic]

That's pretty damn good [emoji106]🏼


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[Sharp shooter]

That's pretty damn good [emoji106]🏼


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Vic! I think it's a decent starting point. 😊

[rioracr]

It is but you can always use another gear lol

Mine is pretty much stock but 30 over. Heads were done and it has a mild cam. I think the carb is a Rodchester with holly intake

sounds like time for a trimec 5 or 6 speed...........:bananadance:

[rschap1]

congrats

[Sharp shooter]

congrats

Thanks!! :bananadance: