Yelcamino 2.0

[Yelcamino]

Originally Posted by WSSix

Nice work, Herb. Glad to see you put down those numbers. I'm hoping for similar numbers with my engine. It's fun to drive without getting crazy that much power isn't it? Enjoy it while the weather is good!

Thanks Trey! It has plenty of power for a cruiser that will occasionally see a track or autox.

[jy211]

looks and sounds great!

[Yelcamino]

Originally Posted by jy211

looks and sounds great!

Thanks!

[Yelcamino]

Nothing new to report other than getting some seat time in the El. A couple of weeks ago I did a SCCA autocross and last weekend the LS Fest. Here are a couple of shots my wife got of me on course at the NCM...

[Yelcamino]

Since last August I've been pretty busy with going to school full time, but in between classes I made time to replace the TKO600 with a T56 Magnum from Bowler.



Obviously I started with the removal of the TKO600.



Next I installed the LS7 flywheel and block protector. Since I wanted to check the bellhousing alignment and I couldn't get the dial indicator's base to sit securely on the flywheel bolts, I cut a 1/4” thick plate for it to attach to. Not only did the base sit flat and secure, it also made the center post stick further through the hole in the trans plate making it a little easier to attach the dial indicator.



Following that I installed the Quicktime bellhousing and the front plate from the T56. First I checked to make sure the bell was parallel to the block (it was)…



Then I checked concentricity and came up with a total runout of .007”.



Let me back up a bit. Prior to the Quicktime bellhousing, I had originally bought a stock aluminum bellhousing but ran into an issue with the starter not fitting. After doing a little research, it turns out this is common depending on which version of starter and bellhousing you use. At first I did a little grinding on the starter nose to make it fit.





Here you can see where the starter nose hit the aluminum bell (marked with copper color).



I could have ground on the bell to make room, but I acquired a $250 gift certificate to Bowler, so I exchanged the aluminum bell for the Quicktime thinking I wouldn’t have any fitment issues.



Turns out I had the same issue with the Quicktime, so out came the grinder!
In this pic, you see on the left before I clearanced the block protector and on the right after.

[Yelcamino]

And here’s the bell before and after grinding…



With the bellhousing aligned, I installed the LS7 clutch assembly and reinstalled the bellhousing for the final time.



With that done, I installed the TO bearing, measured for the air gap, and adjusted it.



Before I put the T56 in, I installed the new Tilton clutch MC and mounting kit I got from Bowler. It’s model specific to the early A-bodies and it fit very good. Because I have a hydroboost, the MC needed to be mounted on its side so the fittings didn’t run into the hydroboost body. The mounting bracket from Bowler has mounting holes so the MC can be upright or on its side without ruining the geometry between it and the clutch pedal. On this version of the MC, there are two outlet ports to choose from, one on top and the other at the end of the MC body. I used the one at the end.





There’s also this little adapter the bolts to the clutch pedal so the linkage rod pushes into the MC at the correct angle. Overall, this is a nice kit and I’ll be sure to install one of these on the Chevelle when I get back to it.



The next big step was getting the T56 installed. Other than having to massage the passenger side of the trans tunnel and trimming two little casting tabs off the side of the trans body, it fit in my custom trans tunnel like a charm!





Because the T56 is longer than the TKO and the trans mount is further back, I had to relocate the crossmember, which also necessitated modifying the exhaust. To relocate the crossmember, I cut the original mounting tabs off the frame to make room for these new tabs I made.



In this final shot, you can see the new tabs on the frame and the modified exaust (the X needed to be moved back to the clear the crossmember in its new location).



I still have to connect the three trans sensors, build a small console, and get the interior finished. Once I get those things knocked out, I think I'll be ready for the 2017 season.

[DT69Cam]

Great write up. Couple questions, which aluminum BellHousing did you use first ?? Also, was the TKO 600 NG ??? Thank you.

[Yelcamino]

Originally Posted by DT69Cam

Great write up. Couple questions, which aluminum BellHousing did you use first ?? Also, was the TKO 600 NG ??? Thank you.

Thanks. I don't know the part number but it was the OE GM bellhousing for LS1-LS7 engines.

The TKO was fine, no issues.

[DT69Cam]

Originally Posted by Yelcamino

Thanks. I don't know the part number but it was the OE GM bellhousing for LS1-LS7 engines.

The TKO was fine, no issues.

Thanks. I will be installing my TKO 600 and I'm using the 621 LS aluminum Bell Housing, that's why I asked. Thx again.

[Flash68]

Nice job showing the install there.

Always dug your El Camino!