69 Camaro v2.0 - Project "Major Havoc"

[chr2002ca]

All done! Wish you all the best of luck with your builds!

[chr2002ca]

A little more room for those wider tires and lower ride height
Since my car will be around 1/4” lower in the front now with wider(275) tires, and because I already had rubbing issues at my previous height with 245 tires, I decided to go with Anvil’s carbon inner fenders. I don’t necessarily like the idea of putting carbon fiber on a classic car, but the function of these instantly will solve that rubbing issue for me so I decided to go with them. The fact that they saved me about 14lbs off the front versus my heavy GM originals is a welcomed side effect also. The folks at Anvil were great to work with and these fit pretty good actually. The outer wheel arch in my original fenders is slightly off so I had to massage a few mount points here and there on the Anvil inners, but overall they bolted without too much difficulty after creating the 2.5” holes required for the RS headlamp door assembly. I also had to drill the holes for fog lamp harnesses and the 3 mount points for the rear support brackets. I added some rubberized undercoating to the bottom to dampen the sound and protect them. I was going to paint the tops satin black to keep my original look and ‘conceal’ them, but the satin carbon look has grown on me so I’ll leave them as-is for now. I may paint them later. I’m sure some old-schoolers will give me hell about them at shows. Oh well.

This is the only picture I have so far. You'll see them a little bit in a few other photos:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2389.JPG

My wallet may be on fire but my new engine shouldn’t be
One thing I completely wanted to avoid with the future bigger, higher-compression, higher HP motor was cooling issues. I decided to play it safe, bite the bullet, and go with AutoRad’s setup. It’s a bit pricey but it’s the right thing to do and worth it, plus it looks much better than my previous setup. The folks at AutoRad were a pleasure to work with, they finished it right on schedule, and I was happy to do business with them. I decided to powder coat the core support and close-out panels satin black to keep the overall engine compartment appearance that I had before. Everything fit pretty good with the exception of where the hood latch assembly bolts to the upper cross bar of the core support. For some unknown reason, the upper bar and mounting holes on the bar were nearly 1/2” lower than where they needed to be. Just seems to me like that the crossbar is simply too low because all other holes and mount points on the support are dead on. There was no way the hood latch assembly would bolt up to this upper bar mount point AND the center support bracket that comes in from underneath it and ties everything together. I had to get the rear mount point to come up somehow. Since the bar itself and mount points on the bar could not be changed, I changed the rear mount points on the latch assembly. Not too difficult since there’s some room(thankfully) on the assembly to move those rear mount points. It just caught me by surprise considering how great all the other mount points had lined up and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to resolve. Overall, I highly recommend this setup to anyone.

I only took a photo of the radiator and you can see the powder coated core support a little in the last photo. I'll take more photos when I get the close-out panels installed and the radiator hooked up.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2355.JPG

[chr2002ca]

Time to shift gears, manually
Part of this project is to switch from an automatic to a manual to make it a little more fun to drive. While I had the front apart and the ease of access, I installed Keisler’s hydraulic clutch setup and swapped out the automatic pedals for the manual setup. Also re-did the front brake lines because I had to move my Wilwood proportioning valve and distribution block to clear room for the Wilwood hydraulic clutch cylinder that bolts to the firewall. When I bolted this Keisler unit to the firewall and installed the clutch rod to the top hole in my clutch pedal, the angles weren’t aligning. The master cylinder angled down at 15 degrees below horizontal, whereas the rod going into it angled down at 22 degrees. The Keisler instructions stressed good alignment so I wanted to get these angles to match as best as possible. I could either tilt the master cylinder further down with the use of shims/wedges in between it and the firewall(ugh), or I could simply mount the rod in the lower hole of clutch pedal and decrease the pedal travel a little bit(so it won’t bottom out in the MC due to the extra travel). I asked Keisler about this and Shafi said the lower hole seemed like the route to go for me, so that’s what I did. The lower hole got the rod angle down to 17.5 degrees, so that’s very close to the 15 degrees for the master cylinder and should be good to go. Hope it works okay down the road.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2391.JPG
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2393.JPG
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2400.JPG

[chr2002ca]

Looking like a car again
With all of the above sorted out, I’ve now been putting the front end back together this week and it’s starting to look my old car again. I still have a few more things to line up properly, a few mount points still to be reckoned with, and need to re-install the front bumper, but I’m almost done. Should be done by middle of next week. Because of the new AutoRad core support and Anvil inner fenders, I’m basically having to realign everything and massage a LOT of mount points which is a PITA doing that all over again. Getting those RS doors to sit just right again on several different axes is a chore also.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2396.JPG

Getting stiff and getting some protection – Nope, not a Trojan ad
Next up was the roll bar and seat harnesses decision. This was a big debate for me. On one hand, you have a perfectly good roll bar setup sold by DSE that I could get shipped to my door for about $650 with their free shipping offer. The alternative was the RideTech Tiger Cage and harness bar shipped to my door for $2750 thanks to a good price from Matt’s Classic Bowties and $10 shipping by RideTech. Quite a difference in price though. Here’s how I approached this decision. The Tiger Cage is much easier to install obviously. With the help of a new set of cobalt drill bits, I could basically bolt it in for a test-fit, unbolt it and paint it, and then bolt it back in. In the future, if I changed my mind about having it, I can simply unbolt it and sell it and it would be like new and I could fetch a good price for it. So I was digging that ease of installation and flexibility. Furthermore, the bars that go from the hoop to the package tray hug the roof line better than the DSE kit, lessening the chance that a rear passenger could wack their head on them. Also, the harness bar is already pre-bent to allow you to slide the seat back further which is very helpful. Lastly, I like how the Tiger Cage ties into the package tray instead of running through it. Seems like that adds some more rigidity in that area. The stainless steel I could care less about because I would spray it satin black anyway, but it’s nice to know it would never rust. So the big question that I pulled hair out on was: Are these advantages worth the extra $2000 dollars? (cuz that’s a lot of f’ing wampum). Well, fark it, I bit the bullet and decided it was worth it and purchased the Tiger Cage. Others would probably decide different, so roast me if you want. My wallet’s already roasting so we’ll pair up nicely. RideTech has always been pleasant to chat with at the shows, they weighed my car for free, etc, etc, so I was happy to pass some business their way. I’ve already spent some good money with DSE also, so I’m an equal opportunist. The cage arrived a few days ago and I’ll install it in the upcoming weeks. I hope it’s as bolt-in as they say it is. I’ll let you know how that goes. :)

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2387.JPG

I’ll be adding these new Sparco Comp 4-pt harnesses and finally make use of the harness holes in my seats. The new camlock and grey(instead of yellow) colors on the belts is sharp looking. I’m sure RideTech is bummed to not see their harnesses going with their cage, but my car has always been a melting pot for vendor’s products so why try to be consistent now? It’s not like I’m getting hand-outs.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2399.JPG
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2397.JPG

[chr2002ca]

The next few months
So the cage and interior will be installed over this next month along with a few new extra gauges and the center console which will need to be revised for the manual shifter. Then the minor rear suspension changes and Aeromotive gas tank the following month. Then probably the new wheels and tires in September/October. I was going to keep my Budniks and just have them rehooped, but the cost to rehoop and get the tires unmounted/remounted is a little pricey. It’s at that price where it’s almost the same cost to just get new wheels and tires and sell my current ones if I can fetch a decent price. Still undecided on it and pricing out my options. After the wheels and tires get resolved, I’ll finally be ready to concentrate on the engine and manual transmission which was supposed to be the original scope of Version 2.0.

Almost forgot, here’s what started all of this
I already have the new ZL Engine block. That’s actually what started this whole fiasco. It’s a gorgeous hunk-a-metal as Todd Akes can attest to(although he heard about my project and immediately put his car up for sale so he wouldn’t have to go up against a faster ZL1-powered Camaro :lol: :cheers: ):

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2401.JPG
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2402.JPG

Can’t wait to get that built out and watch it run on the dyno and see what she produces. That’ll probably start late this year unless our ‘creating-a-family’ adventure continues to sap the life out of us. Since the new motor will be partially blue to match the car and will be a ZL motor, I’m giving her the name ‘BlueZiLLa’. Even got the mascot ready to go as you can see in the photo(yah, I was really bored one day). Not quite the ‘monster’ like other motors nowadays, but hey, it’s enough monster to get my sorry arse in trouble.

New Badging
Also had a chance to swap out my ZZ454 fender badges with a ZL489 badge. I grabbed the ZL letters from the new ZL1 Camaro and found some vintage numbers to go along with it. I like the new look. It’s not as big as it appears in the photo. About the same size as the previous.

Before:
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Picture%20007.jpg

After:
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2345.JPG

[Rybar]

Very cool updates Chris! :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Very cool updates Chris! :thumbsup:

Thanks Ryan. :cheers: Your updates to your gorgeous ride actually gave me some much needed inspiration to make some of my own. Still lovin' those Fikse's you acquired. :thumbsup:

[mdprovee]

Chris,

I like the direction you are going. Great explanations so far.

I am too at the point of a roll bar. I want a four point harness for play days, but still need to get my two kids in the back seat. They enjoy the car too. I am on the fence between DSE and the Tiger Cage. Please take lots of pictures, including how the bars fit in the trunk, and connect to the package tray. Both are done in my car, so I want to see what I need to modify.

Also the inner fenders, did you have to pull your outer fenders to install the new inners? I too want to get 275s up front.

Thanks

[Ron in SoCal]

Fantastic Chris (and about time you came out of the closet). Love your car and everything you do is top notch! :cheers:

[chr2002ca]

Fantastic Chris (and about time you came out of the closet). Love your car and everything you do is top notch! :cheers:

Thanks Ron. :cheers: So sorry it took me so long to get this build thread started. Hopefully I made up for it by being overly detailed. :lol: Anxiously looking forward to your next post to your thread. You've got to be getting close now. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Chris,

I like the direction you are going. Great explanations so far.

I am too at the point of a roll bar. I want a four point harness for play days, but still need to get my two kids in the back seat. They enjoy the car too. I am on the fence between DSE and the Tiger Cage. Please take lots of pictures, including how the bars fit in the trunk, and connect to the package tray. Both are done in my car, so I want to see what I need to modify.

Also the inner fenders, did you have to pull your outer fenders to install the new inners? I too want to get 275s up front.

Thanks

Sure Mike, I'll take lots of pictures of the cage install and post them here. I had the same line of thinking about rear seat functionality as you do when I decided to go with it. As for the fender question, because of everything I was changing in the front end(core support also), I basically had to disassemble the whole front end, including pulling the outer fenders. I've heard you can change the inner fenders without pulling the outers, but it's supposedly not simple to do and most people said you should pull the outers if you want to avoid trouble. Carbon will scratch easy so I think it might be best to go the safe route, but I'd definitely do some more research on that innner fender removal/install process. I think there are some other threads on TeamCamaro and other sites that debate that same question.

[Al Moreno]

Chris, great job on the upgrades, keep it up. It's going to feel like a new car for sure :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Chris, yes! :thumbsup:

Love your planning methods... and you don't follow down the paths of others unless you are convicted in it.... I can't always say that about myself and most others... :lol:

I definitely would tread lightly with that SS700 Keisler deal.... esp after the way the RS600 fiasco went.... but I know you are monitoring it. :)

Goal for timeframe for completion?

[Vegas69]

I'm passing the torch, buddy. :cheers: You are methodical in your planning and execution. I'm really liking your decisions and sticking to your guns on what you want. That ZL-1 with injection is going to be sweet! I'll miss my engine more than anything when my car goes down the road.

I really hate to say it, but that car needs a mini tub. :P Those 275's don't have a chance in hell. :lol:

[Ron in SoCal]

Goal for timeframe for completion?

Coming from you Dave that's a riot...:rofl: :cheers:

[Vegas69]

:lol: :yes: Strange question from our senor moderator.

[Flash68]

Coming from you Dave that's a riot...:rofl: :cheers:

Hey, I do have a goal. And I plan to hit it buster! :unibrow:

:lol: :yes: Strange question from our senor moderator.

Hey I am pretty sure I read you preaching setting goals in the Healthy 101 thread.... not transferable here? :_paranoid

Oh, and I am only Senior when compared to Spiffa. :lol:

[Ron in SoCal]

Hey, I do have a goal. And I plan to hit it buster! :unibrow:

You wanna enlighten us Chief? I know Jerry, Senior Curtis and Gae want to know. Me too...:D

[Flash68]

You wanna enlighten us Chief? I know Jerry, Senior Curtis and Gae want to know. Me too...:D

No. :lol: This is C-Rob's thread and we've been waiting MONTHS for it... :D :thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

No. :lol: This is C-Rob's thread and we've been waiting MONTHS for it... :D :thumbsup:

Well said Dave...:cheers:

BTW, they only say Buster in old movies and South Dakota...:lol:

[Track Junky]

Hey, I do have a goal. And I plan to hit it buster! :unibrow:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: We all have goals....but ours are to complete our cars this century :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

EDIT: Sorry Chris....couldn't help myself. I've read your thread a couple times now and love the direction of the car. Ain't nothin' wrong with stock sub and leaf springs. They are just as fun as any other set up you will ever drive.

[Vegas69]

Hey, I do have a goal. And I plan to hit it buster! :unibrow:



Hey I am pretty sure I read you preaching setting goals in the Healthy 101 thread.... not transferable here? :_paranoid

Oh, and I am only Senior when compared to Spiffa. :lol:

Are you still mad at me for using OUR photo in my marketing? I was just talking to Kelli about making T shirts for the guys.:lol:

[Ron in SoCal]

Are you still mad at me for using OUR photo in my marketing? I was just talking to Kelli about making T shirts for the guys.:lol:

I caught that...:D

[chr2002ca]

Seeing my thread hijacked there for a moment by 'the boys' brought tears to my eyes. I've been waiting for that for so long. I'm official now. Damn that feels good. :) No, wait, Mr. Weld didn't join the party. Still not official yet.

Chris, yes! :thumbsup: Love your planning methods... and you don't follow down the paths of others unless you are convicted in it.... I can't always say that about myself and most others... :lol: I definitely would tread lightly with that SS700 Keisler deal.... esp after the way the RS600 fiasco went.... but I know you are monitoring it. :)
Goal for timeframe for completion?

Thanks Dave! Yes, it's great to finally post this darn thing and start contributing again to this website. Hope to have the remaining mods done by February/March. Things are moving at a good clip now. I hear ya on the SS700. I'm keeping my fingers crossed but staying realistic and keeping my options open as there are some great alternatives readily and locally available. I'm not going to hold up my build because of the tranny.

By the way, fark you and your new home with that rediculous driveway. Freakin' gorgeous, of course. Congrats on that. Hopefully Kandie and I can make our way up there some time soon and check out your new digs. :cheers:

I've read your thread a couple times now and love the direction of the car. Ain't nothin' wrong with stock sub and leaf springs. They are just as fun as any other set up you will ever drive.

Thanks! I appreciate you mentioning that. I've thread through your build thread many times actually and it's helped me make some decisions on the path I'm going down now. So a big thanks for sharing your setup and experiences on the track. :cheers:

Chris, great job on the upgrades, keep it up. It's going to feel like a new car for sure :thumbsup:

Thanks Al. That's much appreciated. :cheers: I sure as hell hope it feels different!

I'm passing the torch, buddy. :cheers: You are methodical in your planning and execution. I'm really liking your decisions and sticking to your guns on what you want. That ZL-1 with injection is going to be sweet! I'll miss my engine more than anything when my car goes down the road. I really hate to say it, but that car needs a mini tub. :P Those 275's don't have a chance in hell. :lol:

I'll gladly take that torch my friend, although it may not burn as brightly as it did in your hands, and kinda sorry you're handing it to me. Wish we coulda run the ZL's together at a few events. I'm sure your next build will be insane though, and I'll get as much inspiration from it as I got from Payback. Yah, the 275's in the rear are going to be way over-matched. If it becomes a real source of frustration, I'll consider the tubs. Or smaller injectors. :unibrow:

[Spiffav8]

Chris,

Well done my friend. Awesome kick off for “Major Havoc”. Subscribed and you know I'll be watching with great interest. I know you've been chomping at the bit.

:cheers:

[Matt@BOS]

Finally! Your car has been apart longer than Dave's. Wait, my car died the same weekend as Dave's. I think that was four months ago, and that means you've been keeping this under wraps and plotting quietly for quite some time :unibrow:

Matt

[chr2002ca]

Chris, Well done my friend. Awesome kick off for “Major Havoc”. Subscribed and you know I'll be watching with great interest. I know you've been chomping at the bit. :cheers:

Thanks Curtis. :cheers: I'm glad to finally be far enough long to have something to write about and also be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for everything you've posted in your build thread, especially those renderings with the different wheels and colors. Since our cars are a lot like in terms of appearance, seeing the different wheel colors and stripes was very useful for me. When we last spoke at RTTC, it appeared at the time that we might be finishing our builds at about the same time and be able to lay down some victory rubber together. My finish date is now looking like around March. How's yours going?

Finally! Your car has been apart longer than Dave's. Wait, my car died the same weekend as Dave's. I think that was four months ago, and that means you've been keeping this under wraps and plotting quietly for quite some time :unibrow:
Matt

Yes, "Finally!", I agree with that. The car has been apart too long with not much to write about. Got delayed with some doctor's bills and other adventures(which are still ongoing). Good to be making progress though. Not quite the skunk works you and your dad have going though, Mr. GT500, GT, and oh yah, that GM award winner '69. What's the scoop on your engine?

[DFRESH]

We just get rid of one all aluminum big block 69 Camaro and bamm--another one pops up.

Really stoked to see progress brother. Your former DSE minitubs are sitting in my raceroom--should you change your mind.

Am also relieved you will be keeping it a driver ---I think that keeps the fun factor greater versus having only a single purpose ride. It would be great to have one for each if funds and time allowed wouldn't it?

I've always loved your approach of being so well documented with respect to your parts, costs, experiences with install and the feedback on them after they've been tested. It's one of the things I have always appreciated about you, and Todd as well---honest feedback about the process from start to finish. Plus, it's a great read--I love all the tech and seeing it from start to finish with the details. It has saved me funds and has helped make decision making easier. I'll never do it---but am grateful for analytical and anal retentive engineer types like you and Todd. :lol:

Listen, Natalie and Christian can come stay with you guys as much and as long as you would like--so just say the word. Last night, Barbie and Ken made an appearance in the back seat of the Camaro--that crossed the "D" line.

Yeah, I see your thread is already morphing danger close towards another DG Project Update Open Discussion thread. What choice do you have when the chief derailer is also a Mod? :lol: God Bless DG, and God Bless America. We just need JerDog and Skip to join in and get some vids going. I'll see what I can do.

If you need a hand on any weekend, just say the word. I will plan a trip down soon so I can check it out---I'll bring the Dub machine.

Doug

[Matt@BOS]

What's the scoop on your engine?

Steve Rupp has been helping with that, and just as we finalized all of the parts selection, I suppose you could say that he got very busy helping to take care of a couple kids. :lol:

I hope to get the car back together in the next couple of months.

Oh, and like Doug said, if you need any help with anything, I'm close by and happy to help. I've gotten good at holding parts in one hand, and a beer in the other. I'm also good enough to only do more complicated things twice now. :thumbsup:

Matt

[Flash68]

Chris, I apologize for the poor etiquette of our other members here who continually attempt to derail your thread. :D

I'm not going to hold up my build because of the tranny.

That sounds like a personal situation buddy. :_paranoid :lol:

Hopefully Kandie and I can make our way up there some time soon and check out your new digs. :cheers:



Thanks and would love to have you and the wifey anytime you're in the area! :cheers:

Keep on keepin on.

[Ron in SoCal]

What, no technical update today Chris? Get busy Sir or you'll be hijacked by someone (Dave Gordon) after dinner...:P

[DFRESH]

Chris--come on--you are killing me here---give us something.

[intocarss]

I heard my name and I'm lurking Great build now add some stripes to the roof would ya ;)

[Flash68]

Chris--come on--you are killing me here---give us something.

He saved up a years worth of normal updates for this thread. The next update might just be him testing and tuning at a secret location in Mexico.

[chr2002ca]

Sorry gentlemen! I'm close to posting a new round of updates and photos. Got the front completely put back together with the exception of the electric fan controller that came in the mail yesterday. Will probably wire that this weekend. It took a little extra time to re-run some wiring, finalize a few rear mount points on the new inner fenders, and I also moved the horns down behind the lower valance so that they weren't hanging in front of the radiator and blocking air flow. I've also got the main hoop and hoop-to-package tray bars test fit and today I'm going to pull them back out and shoot them in satin black. So far, the Tiger Cage has lived up to its billing as bolt-in and it's been a pleasure to install with only minor exceptions and a few broken drill bits. I'll have a full write-up and more photos posted by the weekend. :thumbsup:

[WicKeD_SS]

Looking forward to your build 2.0 Being a BBC guy as well and with alot of the things im doing or wanting to do, I cant wait to see how your car turns out! Love it :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Looking forward to your build 2.0 Being a BBC guy as well and with alot of the things im doing or wanting to do, I cant wait to see how your car turns out! Love it :thumbsup:

Thanks! Yep, us BBC guys need to stick together and pool resources while we try to figure out how to get the headers to fit and the hood to shut. :lol: We're a dwindling breed. Doesn't 'rare' sometimes equal 'valuable' though? Maybe, maybe not, but let's hear it for those fat valve covers.

[chr2002ca]

AutoRad Radiator, Core Support, and Close-out Panels: Follow-up notes
So the AutoRad radiator support and close-out panels are fully installed now. Maybe I’m unlucky or something, but my original hood latch assembly didn’t fit worth a sh_t thanks to the mount for it on the new AutoRad Radiator support. I had all original equipment that fit perfectly so I’m a bit puzzled why I had such trouble. The rear of the latch assembly actually fits up into a slot in the crossbar of the rad support and 2 lengthy bolts run through the entire bar and through the holes in the latch. Well, the 2 holes on the crossbar were about 5/8” too low which caused havoc with the center brace that comes in from underneath the latch and bolts to the bottom of it. The latch had to come back up in the rear to its original location somehow. So I drilled new holes in the rear of the latch assembly and took about 5/8” worth of material off of it along with some other minor grinding. That fixed that. Then, the front mount points on the latch would not reach my upper valance. About 1/4” short. That’s shifting the hole latch assembly 1/4” to rear of the car, which screws with both the close-out panel and the latch piece that attaches to the hood, so you can’t just place 1/4” shims in there to make up the difference. Instead, I had to take a cutting wheel and open up the slot under the AutoRad support upper crossbar to allow the latch to move forward by 1/4". That solved that. Everything else on the AutoRad stuff fit great with only minor massaging of holes or a few shims necessary in a few other spots, but this latch thing was way off and was aggravating. It’s still puzzling to me that nobody else has documented it yet. Maybe it was just particular to the one I received. Moving that slot forward 1/4” in the crossbar and raising the holes 5/8” would have made it perfect for me out of the box. Regardless, I still recommend AutoRad to everyone. Great stuff.

So with the exception of the fan controller, the front of the car is wired and ready to go. I’ll put the RS grill and bumper on later when I know for sure I don’t need to do anything else up front. Those I’ve already test fit so they’re ready to just bolt back on.

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Front1.JPG

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Front2.JPG

Moved the horns down so they’re not blocking air flow to the radiator:

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Front3.JPG

According to a few folks that have used it in AutoX’s, this Lee finned remote reservoir supposedly did a good enough job cooling that they didn’t need an additional cooler, so the small cooler I previously had in front of the radiator should no longer be needed and I’ll leave it off.

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Front4.JPG


RideTech Tiger Cage Install

Hey, this may send some of you into cardiac arrest, but something I just bought that was ‘bolt-on’ actually just bolted on. No sh_t. It took a little 'persuasion' in a few places, but overall RideTech did a great job with this kit. Quality stuff. A number of the holes are little tricky to drill because of the angles or tight spaces to work in, and one of their templates was not printed at the correct DPI so I had to resize it on my copier to 94.5% and that made it exact, but other than that it was a pleasure putting this in. The installation time will vary greatly depending upon how much of your car is already put together and what's in the way. For example, having leaf springs, the fuel line, and tail pipes makes dealing with the rear mount points under the car much more time consuming, along with removing sound deadener at the mount points, and also finalizing the interior around the new mounts points can take time. It took me about a day to get my interior prepped, the main hoop installed, and the hoop to package tray bars installed. Then about 2 hours to remove that and spray the necessary parts in satin black. Then a few days of drying time, and then another full day to re-install those pieces, the harness bar, rear trunk bars, and cleanup. Then maybe another day to re-install the interior and modify the package tray and make covers for the mount points. You might be asking why I painted it? Well, honestly, the finish on it from the factory is a bit ‘patchy’, and it has some scratches/marks on it from shipping. It’s not like the stainless you see on kitchen appliances. You could probably go over it fairly easily with something to get the finish the way you want it though, so don’t let that stop you. Secondly, and more importantly for me, I just didn’t want bright silver bars running through my interior and prefer to have the cage less ‘noticeable’. Having the bars and clamps in satin black and pairing that with the shiny mounting bolts and Ridetech identification plate went nicely together so overall I’m happy with my decision to spray them. I left the bars in the trunk unpainted because you won’t be able to see those anyway and they ain’t gonna rust.

Just in case you’re wondering, the weight of the bars, harness bar, and all mounting hardware, fasterners, and brackets is about 75lbs.

The main hoop and mounts for the hoop go in fairly easily:

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar1.JPG

Either I have the worst tape measure ever, or someone at RideTech needs a lesson on image size/DPI when printing their templates:

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar2.JPG

Be prepared to drill a lot of holes, some in some tight places:

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar3.JPG

2 more close-ups of the other mount points. Yes, I did remove the sound deadener from underneath any of the mount points to eliminate any possible flex. I just trim the deadener edges with aluminum tape:

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar4.JPG

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar5.JPG

I forgot to take pictures of the various brackets that bolt in underneath the car under the trunk and for the main hoop mounts. With the addition of these brackets underneath and the fact the all 6 mount points bolt in on 2 different axis, the mount points and the system are quite rigid.

Sprayed and final fitment:

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar6.JPG

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar7.JPG

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar8.JPG

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar9.JPG

The harness bar is ready to go in also, but I still need to finalize the rear package tray and a few trim pieces so I'll wait to install that later:

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar10.JPG

http://www.69CamaroProject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar11.JPG

Hey RideTech, thanks for making this kit. Quality stuff.

Short-term ‘Up next’:
1. Install, wire, and test the fan controller.
2. Install some additional gauges in the interior.
3. New Aeromotive stealth gas tank
4. New rear AFCO shocks and thicker lowering blocks, maybe GW Del-a-lum rear leaf spring bushings also to decrease deflection
5. Check rear axle bearings and rear brakes
6. Move axle tube vent that Moser placed right under where the tail pipe loops over and they clang together on full suspension travel. Thanks Moser for the great friggin location on that.
7. Bleed the brakes

Then wheels/tires, then transmission, then the engine. Saving the best for last.

[Al Moreno]

Looking good Chris, the headache will be worth it in the end :thumbsup:

[Track Junky]

Lookin' good Chris. Keep pluggin' :thumbsup:

[mdprovee]

Thanks Chris for the write ups.

Would it be posible to get a couple of pictures of the trunk bars routing. I see how they mount, but can you get an overall picture of the routing of the bars in the trunk?

Thanks

[chr2002ca]

Thanks Chris for the write ups.

Would it be posible to get a couple of pictures of the trunk bars routing. I see how they mount, but can you get an overall picture of the routing of the bars in the trunk?

Thanks

Sure, I'll take a few more pics when I get home today.

[waynieZ]

Nice job it looks great in there.

[Matt@BOS]

Looking good Chris! Man, I'm sure you're going to be happy with this car once v2.0 is on the road. It's going to be a good performer. :thumbsup:

I also can't believe that you discovered some genuine bolt on parts that installed with basic hand tools. :willy:

Matt

[Ron in SoCal]

Looks great as usual Chris! :thumbsup:

I've heard of latch fittment issue w Autorad, but not yet experienced it myself. You made it look easy tho...

[Flash68]

Chris you are the man. Finally someone with better install and tech posts than Todd. :D

Seriously, she's gonna be the car you've wanted. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Looking good Chris, the headache will be worth it in the end :thumbsup:

Thanks Al. :thumbsup: I sure as hell hope so. :lol:

Lookin' good Chris. Keep pluggin' :thumbsup:
I'm trying to get somewhere with this thing, unfortunately somebody keeps changing the map. :lol: Appreciate the kind words. :thumbsup:

Nice job it looks great in there.
Thanks Wayne! Much appreciated. :thumbsup:

Looking good Chris! Man, I'm sure you're going to be happy with this car once v2.0 is on the road. It's going to be a good performer. :thumbsup: I also can't believe that you discovered some genuine bolt on parts that installed with basic hand tools. :willy:
Matt

Thanks Matt! :thumbsup: I think it'll be a "solid performer with some rear traction issues". :lol: A fun street car regardless. Yep, I'm still waiting for a bucket of water to hit me in the face on the bolt-in claim actually being true, especially something with so many mount points and brackets.

Looks great as usual Chris! :thumbsup:
I've heard of latch fittment issue w Autorad, but not yet experienced it myself. You made it look easy tho...

Thanks Ron! :thumbsup: I'm not sure if you've done a full front-end assembly with your setup yet, but at least you've been warned if you haven't. :yes: At least that'll eliminate the surprise and head scratching for you if you bump into the same issue. Possible Cliffs notes for the next guy: move rear holes on latch assembly down 5/8" and trim off excess to allow it to go up into the crossbar slot by 5/8" more, open up slot under upper support crossbar to allow latch assembly to move forward 1/4"-3/8", and open up a few of the holes on the center vertical brace to allow a little wiggle room to get things to fit. Then that focker bolts right in. :lol:

[chr2002ca]

Chris you are the man. Finally someone with better install and tech posts than Todd. :D

Seriously, she's gonna be the car you've wanted. :thumbsup:

Thanks Dave. I don't know, Todd's write-ups are pretty tough to beat. Always loved his details and honesty, peppered with a 'hint' of bravado. :lol: Can't wait to see him start a new build and give us some more material.

Look forward to getting through all this 'other stuff' and getting to work on that ZL block. That's the meat right there.

[Vegas69]

Chris you are the man. Finally someone with better install and tech posts than Todd. :D

Seriously, she's gonna be the car you've wanted. :thumbsup:

I thought we was bros? I thought we had worked past that ass slappin I have you at El Toro. :lol:

[Flash68]

I thought we was bros? I thought we had worked past that ass slappin I have you at El Toro. :lol:

That's it. I'm putting the Cal Trac bars back on. :lol:

[chr2002ca]

Well, I was thinking about my current Moser 12-bolt and the new 650ish HP/TQ engine, dual disc clutch, and stickier tires I'm about to change over to and my current 30-spline axles had me a little worried. Sure, they might have held up, but with my luck probably not and I'd be 'that guy' again calling AAA. So I bit the bullet today(a reoccuring theme in my life) and ordered a new Moser 12-bolt. I upgraded to the 33 spline TrueTrac unit with the big Torino-style housing ends. Also had it narrowed a little bit to make up for a slight error I made on wheel backspacing(magnified by the new lower rear ride height), so that'll save me some big re-hooping money on my 19x9.25 custom width rim(would've been $800, yikes). Also had them set the axle offset properly to maintain my Baer rear brake kit. Had to order a new set of caliper brackets from Baer though which they fortunately still had a few lying around. I definitely thought about the Wavetrac and 35 spline axles, but I think that's a little overkill for my mostly streetcar(occasional short road race or autoX) with 275 rear tires and would prefer to just save the rotational weight and additional expense. Moser said the unit would be shipped next week and will probably arrive to my house in 2.5 weeks.

And that means I now need to sell my current Moser 12 bolt which works perfectly and has been trouble-free from day one. Someone should be able make good use out of it like I did. Ad to be posted shortly in the For Sale section.

Also finished up re-installing the rear interior and Tiger Cage harness bar with new Sparco comp harnesses, and rear audio equipment. Had to make a few custom pieces to wrap around and cover up the roll bar mounting points. Good to have the interior all back together with the exception of the center console. Will post some pictures of that this evening for folks who might be wondering what a black tiger cage and harness bar looks like in a black interior.

So it's now rear suspension and differential this month along with the new EFI fuel system(tank, lines, reguator, venting, and $85,000 in AN fittings) late next month.

[Richio1]

Great write up Chris. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing it continue to come together.

[Rybar]

New narrowed Rear and new wheels. No Mini-tubs... :unibrow:

[chr2002ca]

New narrowed Rear and new wheels. No Mini-tubs... :unibrow:

LOL. Yep, get in line for the 'redicule Chris about no minitubs'. Actually, with the new rear coming in slightly narrower to correct my current rear-wheel rubbing issue, I may just stick with my current wheels. I considered swapping wheels because it was going to cost me $800 just to have the backs re-hooped to correct the offset/rubbing issue, but now that issue won't exist so maybe I'll just keep my Budniks. Not necessarily 'racing' wheels, but they're not overly heavy and look good, and it's still mainly a street car. Who knows. Running out of money with a ZL1 motor build on the horizon so that may be the deterrent.

[Ron in SoCal]

...or you can just do like I did (don't, :yes: ). Wheels rub? Rear too long? Replace both :lol:

[chr2002ca]

...or you can just do like I did (don't, :yes: ). Wheels rub? Rear too long? Replace both :lol:

Great minds think alike, so I'll probably be there shortly. :lol:

[GregWeld]

They're never done Chris!


Ya gotta just keep improving and modifying... 'cause that is the hobby!

[chr2002ca]

Here are those final install pics of the Tiger Cage, Sparco Comp harnesses and rear interior pieces. I added some small custom pieces for my custom package tray that will allow me to remove the package tray or the rollbar piece independent of each other. Considering how much I change my mind on things, that might come in handy later.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar12.JPG

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar13.JPG

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar14.JPG

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Rollbar15.JPG

[mdprovee]

Chris,

Thanks for the pictures of the install of the Tiger Cage, it looks really nice in the car. I think I am going to bite the bullet and get it done this winter.

Your car is coming along.. cant wait to hear that motor.

[chr2002ca]

Chris,

Thanks for the pictures of the install of the Tiger Cage, it looks really nice in the car. I think I am going to bite the bullet and get it done this winter.

Your car is coming along.. cant wait to hear that motor.

Yep, I think it's a good setup. Yesterday I was jacking up the rear of the car and in the past I could hear my stainless window trim on the rear window creaking a little bit as the car was being jacked higher and higher. I guess because the body was tweaking just a little. Last night when I was jacking the car up from several different rear mount points it was as quiet as a mouse. So that's some immediate proof of the improved rigidity and I haven't even hit the road yet.

[Spiffav8]

Chris,

Hey man that looks a lot better than I expected. Pretty clean install...better than I expected.

Looking forward to seeing the car in person!!

[DFRESH]

Man, I like the black Tiger Cage---(I wonder how the boys at Air Ride came up with that name). I love those pieces you came up with for the rear bars as they pass through the package tray---those are sweet. So your rear was too big I hear---:lol:

As always, you set the bar on write up, execution and attention to detail. Come up for Labor Day if you are able!

D

[chr2002ca]

Lots of rear suspension work completed in the past 3 weeks including a new Moser 12-bolt, lowered rear, Global West Del-a-lum rear bushings, rear tow hook, and shifting some things around to solve some minor suspension travel issues. Also got the new Aeromotive Stealth tank ordered and my current stainless tank and AC delco pickup is out which will be up for sale shortly. The new tank arrives tomorrow, however all the Aeroquip fittings and PTFE fuel line doesn't arrive until later so I won't be installing it until those arrive. I was going to snap photos of the new rear setup but the new AFCO shocks that arrived were the wrong part number(should have been 3870CR instead of 3870CR-1), so I returned those and I'm waiting for the new ones and I'll get those installed and take some final photos of the rear setup with new tank and other goodies. Rear ride height is much better now also with the 1/2" further drop.

Was able to install my new Rennline front stainless tow hook(universal version) and then put my front bumper back on. For the tow hook's 9/16 shaft I used some thick 1/4" steel to make 2 attach points which I welded to the larger front bumper bracket on the passenger side. Getting those attach points just right is tricky because of everything going on in that area and the tight clearances, especially the front bumper and the upper and lower bolts that hold it down in that area. Took several rounds of install/uninstall/change/try again. Adding a thicker plastic washer to hoop allows you to tighten it down so it's not loose and you can actually fold it up against the valance and it tucks away nicely. A few shots for those who might be searching:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/fronttowhook1.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/fronttowhook2.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/fronttowhook4.jpg

Rear suspension and Stealth Fuel tank setup photos coming shortly.

[chr2002ca]

Making some more progress so it's time to sit down and post some photos and some install notes for the next guy...

My new AFCO front shocks came with heim joints for the lower mounts. That's normal for a lot racing coil over shocks, however I'm not running coil overs. I'm running standard coil springs with the shock running up through the middle, so that means there's absolutely no load on the shock. No load on the shock means a very noisy heim joint as there is slight play in it while it rides and bounces around on the shaft. They would 'clickity-clack' when I pressed up and down on the front of the car. Not good and not AFCO's fault of course. Fortunately, Energy Suspension makes a bushing that fits perfectly on the shaft and with a little work fits into the lower eyelet of the shock. The heim bushing presses right out and with a little fitting, the poly bushing presses in nicely. There are extra grooves/channels on the shaft to allow clips to lock the bushing in place also, so it was almost if AFCO made those for poly bushings also. All set and nice and quiet now:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FrontShockLowerBushing2.jpg

I switched the rear bushings on my rear leaf springs to GlobalWest Del-a-lum bushings to eliminate some deflection and keep my rear tires as centered as possible without a more expensive suspension solution. These are SOOOO much fun to install into the leaf springs and frame rails. NOT. Needed all the tricks to get them pressed in:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/GW-rear-leaf-bushings.jpg

Got the new Moser 12-bolt rearend installed along with the new AFCO rear shocks. The rear shocks also have heim joints on the bottom and will have no load on them also, however they're bolted and are snug up between the bolt head and some spacers versus riding freely on a shaft so they should be fairly quiet:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/RearShocks1.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/RearShocks2.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/RearSetup1.jpg

Also in the 2nd pic you can see that I replaced my 1/2" leaf spring lowering blocks with 1" blocks to drop the rear another 1/2". Because not much of the leaf spring is riding in the spring perch due to the 1" spacer, I added some aluminum bars to the u-bolts as some insurance to keep the springs centered and snug.

I use a Jaz cannister for my rear diff vent overflow/breather. I welded a small bracket to my muffler hanger and mounted it there, up nice and high.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/RearDiffVentCan.JPG

The new rear ride height is much better. After I get some gas in the tank and my trunk panels installed and everything settles in, it'll probably be another 1/4" lower and be just right:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/LowerRearRideHeight1.jpg

The new Aeromotive Stealth Tank arrived. So it's really just the fuel injection tank that "Tanks, Inc." sells and Aeromotive just puts their pump and pickup setup in it and puts it in a bigger "Aeromotive" box. You can buy the same tank from Tank, Inc. with a Walbro pump setup for a few hundred dollars less. Here's the Tanks Inc box inside the Aeromotive box:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/GasTank1.jpg

Here's my old stainless tank next to the new Aeromotive tank. To be honest, I like the look of the stainless tank better, but oh well. No big deal. The stainless OER tank with Delco pickup weighed 19lbs, and the Aeromotive tank with pickup and electric pump setup weighs 23.5lbs, so about the same. The tank installed very easily and the quality of the setup is very good.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/GasTank2.jpg

Here's the tank installed. I don't have a lift like all the other builders here so I don't get the nice camera angles. :(

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/GasTank3.jpg

Purchased and installed the II Much Fabrication fuel vent. Hope it works as nice as it looks. Due to overlapping metal on my '69 original trunk, here's where I had to put it:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/GasTankVent1.jpg

The gasket they ship with it was not sufficient to properly seal it against my trunk pan due to some overlapping metal so I made 2 thicker gaskets of my own that helped give it the seal I was looking for. From underneath:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/GasTankVent2.jpg

Got the Aeromotive fuel filter installed along with hooking the vent, return, and supply lines up with new PTFE 6AN fuel lines and Aeroquip PTFE fittings. F'ing fittings and lines must have gold in them as much as they charge. This new EFI fuel system is going to run me nearly $2K.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FuelFilter1.jpg

Need to complete some relay wiring and toggle switches for the fuel pump and dual radiator fans this week and then I can finally focus on the new ZL motor. Hell yah. :thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

How does a car that gets driven look so clean underneath? :thumbsup:

Great update Chris! Very clean install :cheers:

[chr2002ca]

How does a car that gets driven look so clean underneath? :thumbsup:

Great update Chris! Very clean install :cheers:

$4K in those yellow cloth towels at CostCo and a bucket load of OCD :lol:

Thanks brother. Just trying to keep up with you. Same thing will happen on the track. :cheers:

[CamaroAJ]

Looking good!

[Vegas69]

Your **** is to nice. :D :cheers:

[GregWeld]

Nice work Chris!

[Lenie]

Nice upgrades, great looking car.

[Jano4]

Just a overall great looking car/build. Look forward to the updates.

[Flash68]

Love the tow hook setup Chris! :thumbsup:

Great detail and super clean work for a guy with no lift. :unibrow:

[coolwelder62]

Chris your atention to deteil is amazing.Great job!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Gandalf]

Some nice upgrades there Chris - car is coming along nice. Hope to see it out and about soon!

G.

[chr2002ca]

Some nice upgrades there Chris - car is coming along nice. Hope to see it out and about soon!
G.

Thanks G! Me too. Shooting for end of March.

Chris your atention to deteil is amazing.Great job!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Wow, coming from you and the quality of work I've seen you post here on this site, that's a very much appreciated compliment. Thank you! :cheers:

Love the tow hook setup Chris! :thumbsup:
Great detail and super clean work for a guy with no lift. :unibrow:

Thanks Dave. I was thinking about getting Brett to hook me up with one of the Cartier tow hooks that you and Doug have, but I went another direction. Hope you guys still want to hang out with me. :lol: Yep, it's jack stands and bricks for me. The back of my shirt keeps the garage floor clean as I slide around. :cheers:

Just a overall great looking car/build. Look forward to the updates.

Thanks! I appreciate that. :cheers: Hopefully my rediculously verbose updates and pictures will eventually help somebody one day. Not the most 'cutting edge' mods, but maybe they'll show up in somebody's search results one day.

Nice upgrades, great looking car.
Thanks Lenie. Your Foulplay is absolutely sick and a truly stunning build. Thanks for sharing so much in your own build thread. I've had 2 Trans Ams in my lifetime and I'm still a big Pontiac fan. :cheers:

Nice work Chris!
Thanks Greg! Are you going to attend RTTC coming up here in early October? If so, I'll see you there. :thumbsup:

Your **** is to nice. :D :cheers:
I said the same thing every time I looked in your engine compartment. Thanks for the inspiration. :cheers:

Looking good!
Thanks AJ. Much appreciated. :cheers:

[MisterD]

Looking really good! Thanks for sharing the pics of the new tank. I am in the market so I might give you a call to hear more about your opinions on the installation, part numbers, etc. Your car is coming out GREAT!:thumbsup:

[Swain]

nice work... Can't wait to see it back on the road.

[GregWeld]

Thanks Greg! Are you going to attend RTTC coming up here in early October? If so, I'll see you there.



Not this year! I have a trip to AriDzona now that my new rig arrived... I just got done with a 4000 mile road trip - and on that road trip I bought a place in Sun Valley so am now dealing with the aftermath of that - with the inspection etc...

[chr2002ca]

nice work... Can't wait to see it back on the road.

Thanks Jay. I'll be visiting you guys soon to get my fronts fattened up with a rehoop from 18x8 to 18x9 or 9.5 so I can run a 275 tire. The rears no longer need to be rehooped thanks to the new Moser's narrower width correcting my backspace issue. Will be chatting with you shortly. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Not this year! I have a trip to AriDzona now that my new rig arrived... I just got done with a 4000 mile road trip - and on that road trip I bought a place in Sun Valley so am now dealing with the aftermath of that - with the inspection etc...

No worries. We'll catch up again soon I'm sure. Maybe RTTC in March. Congrats on the rig and the new crib in Sun Valley. With the spare change lying around in my accounts these days I couldn't even afford a place in Death Valley. Look forward to hearing some more stories from you soon. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Looking really good! Thanks for sharing the pics of the new tank. I am in the market so I might give you a call to hear more about your opinions on the installation, part numbers, etc. Your car is coming out GREAT!:thumbsup:

Thanks Daniel! Feel free to give me a call anytime. I keep detailed records so I'll have part numbers ready for you if you need them. :thumbsup:

[Tom.A]

How does a car that gets driven look so clean underneath? :thumbsup:

I agree that looks super clean. Nice upgrades

[snappytravis]

...or you can just do like I did (don't, :yes: ). Wheels rub? Rear too long? Replace both :lol:

thought I was the only guy that did stuff like that, sometimes I want to kick my own ass!

[Lenie]

thought I was the only guy that did stuff like that, sometimes I want to kick my own ass!

I thought re-working things 3 to 4 times before getting it right was the norm...If kicking my own ass will help me save $$$ I'm all in.:lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5STi4yub4xU
http://youtu.be/5STi4yub4xU

[chr2002ca]

I thought re-working things 3 to 4 times before getting it right was the norm...If kicking my own ass will help me save $$$ I'm all in.:lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5STi4yub4xU
http://youtu.be/5STi4yub4xU

Two times has to be it for me or else it'll be my wife kicking my ass, and it'll be severe and righteous. I might join her if I can get my own foot to loop around with some decent velocity on it. Version 2.0 will be it other than fixing something that breaks or doesn't work as advertised(and you know that's gonna happen). The changes are so extensive I feel like I'm basically building the car all over again and it's honestly been a bit of a drain on me and what we're trying to accomplish in life. This remake should put the car where I originally wanted it to be when I built it(but didn't quite have all the money I needed at the time) and it'll be done and I'll enjoy the hell out of it. It's got to be that way and future $$$ has to go elsewhere.

[chr2002ca]

Need your feedback!

So it's getting about that time to start gathering up the parts for my new ZL motor and send it off to Pettis Performance to have it built and dyno'd. I'm hoping the engine experts here on Lat-g(especially that bald eagle) could take a moment to review my specs and parts list and see if things check out okay. I'm including the cam specs that Comp Cams sent me.

Summary: 489 build using newer ZL1 block, shooting for around 625 to 650HP, shifting around 6300RPM, hydraulic roller cam, with about 10.3:1 compression, with multiport fuel injection. This is for high performance street car, NOT a race car. I know that I'm probably losing about 15-20HP by going with the cnc'd Eddy heads instead of AFRs, but the Eddy's leave the exhaust port in its original location which allows me to use my current headers instead of having to spend $2K on new Lemon's headers. I'm fine with that slight loss in HP. I'm upgrading the springs and retainers on the heads to avoid valve float.

High-level numbers:
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/CompressionRatio.jpg

What Comp Cam's wrote and spec'd out for me(I probably need a Gen IV core and not a Gen VI core, but the specs are the important part here):

"Christopher looks like an awesome set up. Here is what I am looking at. This is a custom grind on the gen VI step nose core. This will get you the power that you are looking for as well as enough vacuum to be tuner friendly with the holley efi. "
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/CamSpecs.jpg

Major Components list:
http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/EngineParts.jpg

Thanks in advance for your feedback. :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

This is getting exciting! :D I'd definitely consider a smaller cylinder head. It seems the 295-305 range are best for a street car from all the articles I've read over the last few years. I'd definitely have a sit down with Jason and go over your ideals and goals before you start buying to many parts. I found his prices to beat Jeg's and Summit.

[BBC71Nova]

I'd talk to Chris Straub about what you are doing and let him spec a cam or at least discuss your combo.

I agree with Todd that a 290-310cc head is much better suited to this size build based on everything I've read. I've had a few tell me the same thing. I already had the Dart 325 heads so I'm probably gonna have to use them. I'm considering moving to a 540 setup though to make the heads work. The AFR 290cc CNC head is pretty nice they say. Ovals in general might work out better for street setup.

Your build is similar to what I have planned so I'll be watching closely. :lateral:

[Flash68]

I like those cam specs for what you are going to do (NOT a race car). But agree with the others and would go with a smaller head.

I started reading this and thought the Payback thread was gone and closed. WTF.

:lol:

[chr2002ca]

Thanks for chiming in fellas. Hmmmm...the Eddy heads are oval ports and are recommended for that cubic inch range. Didn't think they'd be too much for this scenario. I'll be sure to talk with Jason at Pettis before we do the build. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! Can't wait to get this mutha built.

[chr2002ca]

I started reading this and thought the Payback thread was gone and closed. WTF.

:lol:

:lol: Sorry, gotta represent the aluminum BBC crew. Todd lives on!

[GregWeld]

This is getting exciting! :D



OMG! I thought you were a friggin' school girl there for a minute....:lol:

[Al Moreno]

OMG! I thought you were a friggin' school girl there for a minute....:lol:

OMG Like .... Totally :D

[PSV]

Chris, Take a look at the Brodix race rites. I'm seeing some great numbers from them and they keep the exhaust is the stock position as well. Spend some time over at Team Chevelle in the performance section and you'll get lots of great info on BBC builds. Glad to see another car keeping it "old school".

[GregWeld]

My buddy Pierre just had a 496 built with Brodix Race Rites.... They're nice heads --- but the should be COMPLETELY disassembled and every spec checked. Actually anything you buy like this should be.... it's amazing what you'll find.

[FETorino]

Thanks for chiming in fellas. Hmmmm...the Eddy heads are oval ports and are recommended for that cubic inch range. Didn't think they'd be too much for this scenario. I'll be sure to talk with Jason at Pettis before we do the build. Thanks for bringing that to my attention! Can't wait to get this mutha built.

Nice choice an AL big block:thumbsup:

I'd pick the heads first and then spec the cam. If you want the most out of it

**for it's intended purpose street car under 6500rpm hydro roller**

you should have your head flow #s and pick the cam based on that.

If Pettis is your guy I'd ask him for an opinion on the best head for your use and then ask him to spec a cam based on that head and the rest of your combo. JMO:D

[Vegas69]

My buddy Pierre just had a 496 built with Brodix Race Rites.... They're nice heads --- but the should be COMPLETELY disassembled and every spec checked. Actually anything you buy like this should be.... it's amazing what you'll find.

We are talking about Jason Pettis. He measures EVERYTHING. Nothing will be untouched. His blue print is ridiculous. My dream job is still sweeping floors over there.:D

I just recieved this email tonight from the new owner of my car:

"The engine, trans, handling are just killer. I can't get enough of the sound of the big block. You were right, Pettis did an amazing job."

[FETorino]

We are talking about Jason Pettis. He measures EVERYTHING. Nothing will be untouched. His blue print is ridiculous. My dream job is still sweeping floors over there.:D

I just recieved this email tonight from the new owner of my car:

"The engine, trans, handling are just killer. I can't get enough of the sound of the big block. You were right, Pettis did an amazing job."

All the more reason to let him pick the heads and spec the cam.:D

[Vegas69]

Couldn't agree more....:cheers:

[chr2002ca]

Thanks gentlemen for the feedback. I'll definitely discuss this with Jason at Pettis before making the purchase on the heads and cam. I didn't the think the oval port Eddys with 308cc(lh)/325cc(rh) intake runner volumes would be too big. I guess they're borderline. I gave the head specs to Comp Cams for them to properly spec out that cam in the screenshot, so at least I had that part of the process correct. Oh well, Jason will guide me in the right direction when I spec out the engine with him and get an estimate. :thumbsup:

[FETorino]

Where is this motor build at?

Is DG running this project also?

:cheers:

[chr2002ca]

:lol: I've been accumulating a lot of parts. It's a long, pricey list so it's just been taking a while. Almost done and can then hand it over to Jason at Pettis. Money and time has been a little short during the holidays. Also been running all the wiring for the Holley HP EFI and mounting the ECU. Also did some massaging/expansion of the trans tunnel to prep for the arrival of my T56 Magnum next week. I'll take a bunch of photos in the next few weeks as the engine heads off to Pettis and I do some test fitting of some things. Still on schedule to have it all put together in late March and hopefully on the street in early April. :cheers:

[GregWeld]

Even if you don't get it together until March 2014... you should still be able to be on the road before DG, Rob, and Ron.:thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

My Tremec T56 Magnum (LS, close-ratio) arrived today via Summit Racing. I'll be taking some pictures shortly of the various components that'll go along with it. It's very interesting that Tremec doesn't include any documentation with this $2900 unit. No warranty card, no instructions for fluids, adjusting the shifter location, nothing. I just called them and they admitted to that and said they'd try to locate something and email it to me. If I get something, I'll post it. If anybody has any documentation like this, please let me know. Thanks. :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Stick the long pointy thing in the back of the motor - fill it with tranny fluid til it runs out the side dumaflodgie - the handle thingy goes on top - and that long shaft doohickey goes in the back.:unibrow:


That what you're looking for??

[JKnight]

Dang Greg. Internationally licensed pyro, love boat captain, world traveler and now...technical writer! Who'd a thunk it?

[chr2002ca]

Smart ass. :lol: A little info on the shifter re-arrangement, adjustment on the tension springs, torque specifications, fluid capacity, etc, would be nice. Same stuff you get with an engine. Not a single f'ing thing in the crate was a little surprising. Yah, I can figure this sh_t out by searching on the net for bits and pieces here and there, but it would've been helpful to have something in the crate for $3K.

[GregWeld]

Dang Greg. Internationally licensed pyro, love boat captain, world traveler and now...technical writer! Who'd a thunk it?



Sometimes I just can't help myself!!




Smart ass. :lol: A little info on the shifter re-arrangement, adjustment on the tension springs, torque specifications, fluid capacity, etc, would be nice. Same stuff you get with an engine. Not a single f'ing thing in the crate was a little surprising. Yah, I can figure this sh_t out by searching on the net for bits and pieces here and there, but it would've been helpful to have something in the crate for $3K.




TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU. That kind of stuff drives me crazy.

[chr2002ca]

Just got off the phone with Jason at Pettis Performance. Will be dropping off my ZL-1 489 shortblock assembly with him this weekend. Very excited about that.
:beavis:

Todd, you're right about Jason, he's VERY detail oriented. I'm liking that a whole lot. I know he's going to do a great job on the shortblock build out and the core assembly will be bullet proof. He estimated middle to end of February to have it back to me, which is perfect for my schedule also.

Hell yah.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/Shortblock_parts.jpg

[tubbed69]

looks alot like Christmas,that should be a killer engine,good luck with it

[WicKeD_SS]

Love this build, so close to what im doing or want to do. What kind of HP/TQ are you hoping to get?

[Flash68]

Jesus, Chris that is a pile of ....





GOLD! :rockin: :morepower

[Sieg]

Nice pile of parts Chris! :thumbsup:

Regarding the T56 Mag, even Tremec doesn't has info basic info on their web site. You can download the T56 service manual here: http://www.tremec.com/literatura.php

The info manual that came with my Mag spec'd 4 qts of fluid (I'm using Mobile 1 ATF full syn), it will only take about 3.25-3.5 before it's seeping out the fill hole which is the level indicator.

I have not been impressed with the lack of docs or tech info for the trans.

Thankfully I'm very satisfied with the performance so it's not as irritating as it could be.

Looking forward to the start-up video. :cheers:

[chr2002ca]

Love this build, so close to what im doing or want to do. What kind of HP/TQ are you hoping to get?

Thanks. :thumbsup: HP hopefully in the 620-640 range, maybe low 600's on TQ with a broad curve. Using a Holley HP MPFI setup up top so hopefully that'll keep it running smoothly. I'll be chassis dyno'ing it and will call on an EFI expert to help me dial it in while the car's on the dyno so I'll post those numbers eventually.

[chr2002ca]

Sieg, thanks for the T-56 doc references. Much appreciated. :thumbsup: Tremec customer service said they'd try to find something and get back to me, and that Post-It note probably went in the garbage right after they hung up the phone with me. When I get around to posting pics, part numbers, feedback, etc, for the transmission assembly, I'll mention anything I found also.

[Ron in SoCal]

I just love this pic :thumbsup:

Hell yah.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/Shortblock_parts.jpg

[chr2002ca]

Jesus, Chris that is a pile of ....
GOLD! :rockin: :morepower

Happy to get this collection to Jason so he can make something out of it. You should see all the friggin parts in my garage now. That's why the parts in that pic are in my living room. :lol: I'm trying to catch up with you on posting parts. Now if I can just get the hang of this trash talking thing you guys got going, I can get my post count up also. :thumbsup:

[Sieg]

Sieg, thanks for the T-56 doc references. Much appreciated. :thumbsup: Tremec customer service said they'd try to find something and get back to me, and that Post-It note probably went in the garbage right after they hung up the phone with me. When I get around to posting pics, part numbers, feedback, etc, for the transmission assembly, I'll mention anything I found also.
Ask for Rob, he's treated me well. :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Happy to get this collection to Jason so he can make something out of it. You should see all the friggin parts in my garage now. That's why the parts in that pic are in my living room. :lol: I'm trying to catch up with you on posting parts. Now if I can just get the hang of this trash talking thing you guys got going, I can get my post count up also. :thumbsup:

I love piles of parts. I love piles of parts put together mo betta tho! :thumbsup:

Yeah hit up Rob and say something about his Betsy... I mean... Forino. That'll will bring the noise.

[Vegas69]

Hells yes...:lateral: Looking forward to the updates. Are you going to assemble the long block? Break it in on the chassis dyno?

[chr2002ca]

Hells yes...:lateral: Looking forward to the updates. Are you going to assemble the long block? Break it in on the chassis dyno?

Yep. Jason said he'd give me a few pointers for the valvetrain. I may have him checkout the heads. All the new $4K worth of EFI wiring, ecu, and new fuel system is mounted and routed in the car and I thought it would best to just chassis dyno and tune it in the car with all that stuff, my full exhaust, my cold air setup I plan to make for the cowl hood, etc.. Besides, I enjoy working on engines(especially one like this) so this will give me part of the build to enjoy. I'm just happy I can let someone like Jason nail down the short block. That'll give me a lot of confidence in the motor.

[Vegas69]

Definitely let him check the camshaft for lobe accuracy. Are you running a 4/7 swap? I'd also let him check your valve job, guide clearance, decks, chamber volume, installed height, and spring pressures. You want to make sure your quench is right. A strong short block is at the mercy of a weak valve train. :D It's on in the details.

Sounds like a good plan to me. It's going to be fun as hell.

[FETorino]

Thanks. :thumbsup: HP hopefully in the 620-640 range, maybe low 600's on TQ with a broad curve. Using a Holley HP MPFI setup up top so hopefully that'll keep it running smoothly. I'll be chassis dyno'ing it and will call on an EFI expert to help me dial it in while the car's on the dyno so I'll post those numbers eventually.

Chris

Looks like you're well ahead of DG on schedule and potential power output. :thumbsup:

Maybe I missed it but what route did you go for heads?

Dyno day will be exciting.

[DaleTx]

Chris,
great job on the build… very detailed planning, and well executed. That engine will look great under the hood! I’m interested to see your design for the cold air intake set up.

For what it’s worth, I just bought a T56 Magnum from Hurst (took delivery last week) and it did come with detailed installation instructions for the transmission, wiring, and kit components… but no OEM info from Tremec.

:thumbsup:

[Al Moreno]

:lol: I'm trying to catch up with you on posting parts. Now if I can just get the hang of this trash talking thing you guys got going, I can get my post count up also. :thumbsup:


Chris, thats some funny $h!t right there, LOL. I hear Greg is holding a seminar on Friday at GNRS with guess appearance from Roger. :poke:

[chr2002ca]

Chris, thats some funny $h!t right there, LOL. I hear Greg is holding a seminar on Friday at GNRS with guess appearance from Roger. :poke:

That seminar is gold right there. :lol:

[chr2002ca]

Chris,
great job on the build… very detailed planning, and well executed. That engine will look great under the hood! I’m interested to see your design for the cold air intake set up.

For what it’s worth, I just bought a T56 Magnum from Hurst (took delivery last week) and it did come with detailed installation instructions for the transmission, wiring, and kit components… but no OEM info from Tremec.

:thumbsup:

Thanks Dale. :thumbsup: For my MPFI I'm running a carb-style throttle body, so I'll be using the standard 14" air filter element with the drop down base(and offset to the passenger side due to the BBC motor mounts). I'm planning to use something similar to a large cake pan to create an enclosure for the filter that seals against the cowl hood. That way the filter is only pulling in air from the outside. I made one before but it was a little too small and didn't give enough room for the air filter to breathe properly. I've heard that an EFI system can get thrown off when the electric fans come on and start pushing hot air into the air filter, so I wanted to avoid that scenario. The only bad thing about this type of cold air setup is that it covers a lot of the engine. Maybe for car shows where the engine is on display I'll just remove it and run the air filter only.

[chr2002ca]

Chris

Looks like you're well ahead of DG on schedule and potential power output. :thumbsup:

Maybe I missed it but what route did you go for heads?

Dyno day will be exciting.

Hey Rob! Yep, I'm trying to keep up with you guys and your dyno war. :lol: I got a lot of great advice from folks on the heads(thanks!) and some engine builders also and I decided to go with the Brodix Race Rite Ovals(270). Folks have been raving about their flow capabilities given the runner size so I should get the flow I'm looking for and have the great throttle response also. I'm getting the CNC'd bowls option and having the .700 lift springs put on them. They should arrive in about 2 weeks. I'll add them to the stack-o-parts in the garage. Can't wait for late February when I start installing this stuff into the car and see it in the engine bay.

[chr2002ca]

Definitely let him check the camshaft for lobe accuracy. Are you running a 4/7 swap? I'd also let him check your valve job, guide clearance, decks, chamber volume, installed height, and spring pressures. You want to make sure your quench is right. A strong short block is at the mercy of a weak valve train. :D It's on in the details.

Sounds like a good plan to me. It's going to be fun as hell.

Yep, he's checking the cam. No 4/7 swap. I'll do as much as I can afford with the heads. Money is spiraling out of control on this and I'm basically going broke along with the other stuff my wife and I are trying to accomplish in the kids department. I have to draw the line or else I start to get angry/frustrated about it and then it takes the fun out of it.

[chr2002ca]

I just love this pic :thumbsup:

Thanks Ron. I think the pic of it all assembled and sitting in my engine bay is going to look a whole lot better. :lol:

[chr2002ca]

looks alot like Christmas,that should be a killer engine,good luck with it

Thanks, much appreciated. :thumbsup: I sure hope it turns out killer or else there may actually be a death involved.

[mdprovee]

Chris, I am excited for you, and I understand about the spiralling money thing. Trying to build these thing like we want them vs. what the whole family can afford is always a little different.

Wish I could have seen it at RTTC in Febuary.

[chr2002ca]

Shortblock part numbers, specs, and labor for those who like details:

GM ZL1 Block - new version of block from GM, 12370850
Pistons - 4.280 bore - SRP Forged, 26cc dome, 212142-8
Callies Compstar Crank - 4.250 stroke, internal balance, 2-piece seal, 2.2" rod journ, BBP425-CS
Callies H-beam Rods - 6.385 inch length, H-beam, ARP 2000 fasteners included, CSB6385ES3B9AH
Piston Rings - JE, Plasma-moly, 4.280 in. Bore, 1/16 in. 1/16 in., 3/16 in, S100S8-42805
Cam - Gen VI step-nose custom grind, billet steel core with cast gear, Comp Cams custom
Timing Chain Set - Comp Cams double roller, billet, key adjustable, Gen VI, 7101
Cam retention plate and screws - for Gen VI cam in Gen IV block (2) 14093637, 10168501
Timing Chain cover - Milodon 1-piece aluminum, Gen IV, 14855
Timing Chain cover seal and gaskets - Mr. Gasket, MRG-17, MRG-4794G
Harmonic Balancer/Dampener - ATI (internal balance), 917060
Harmonic Balance Bolt - ARP, 135-2501
Road Racing Oil Pan - Milodon 31555
Dipstick - Milodon flex stainless, 22010, Streetside
Oil pump pickup - Milodon, 18465
Oil Pump - Melling High Volume M77HV
Oil Pump shaft - ARP, 135-7901
Oil Pan gasket - Mr. Gasket one piece MRG-6663G
Cam bearings: Dart coated
Valley screen kit: Pettis BBC-multi
Oil filter pad plug material: aluminum
Oil filter adapter: GMPP
Windage tray: Milodon
Windage tray mount spacer material / bolts
Oil pump stud: ARP
Rear main seal: Fel-Pro viton
Timing pointer: ATI billet

Specs, compression ratio:
Bore 4.28
Stroke 4.25
Rod Length 6.385
Pistom Dome CC -26
Head CC 119
Estimated Compression Ratio 10.44

Labor (Incomplele list. Some things will be added on as we go.)
ROTATING ASSEMBLY
hone pin bores: pistons <size adjust>
hone pin bores: rods <size adjust>
balance rotating assembly: internal
detail piston domes

BLOCK
align hone mains w/studs <size adjust>
surface / index / set deck heights
bore & chamfer cylinders
radius cylinder bottoms
performance finish hone cylinders w/plate & mains
machine / install valley screen kit: bolt in multi type
machine block for rot assy: first setup & cut
machine cooling system holes in decks
detail casting
measure lifter bores, hone

ASSEMBLY
install / fit standard slider cam bearings
machine timing cover for pointer fit
fab oil filter pad plugs & install
machine for countersink bolt in oil pump
fab windage tray mount spacers
hone damper hub
blueprint / assemble: performance short block

[chr2002ca]

Chris, I am excited for you, and I understand about the spiralling money thing. Trying to build these thing like we want them vs. what the whole family can afford is always a little different.

Wish I could have seen it at RTTC in Febuary.

You're right on the money about that balancing act. :thumbsup: Yah, I wish I could have made to RTTC also with the car, but that's just not in the schedule. Maybe Del Mar Goodguys, but I'm not sure I'll have it dialed in and squared away yet for the AutoX. We'll see. I'll be attending RTTC though as a spectator(again) and look forward to seeing everyone and getting that injection of inspiration.

[Ron in SoCal]

I sure hope it turns out killer or else there may actually be a death involved.

That's the Yogi Berra school of thought: "Ninety percent of this game is half mental." :lol:

[Al Moreno]

Hey Chris, I see you already saw the exert from Greg seminar "Do not multi- quote as it will bring your post count down" :lol:

That's gold right there!

[chr2002ca]

Hey Chris, I see you already saw the exert from Greg seminar "Do not multi- quote as it will bring your post count down" :lol:

That's gold right there!

:lol: I'm learning from the pro's. The higher the post count in my thread, the better I feel about myself. That's so important to me.

[Rybar]

Chris, love the motor parts shot. That is man jewelry right there. Good luck with the build. :thumbsup:

[fleetus macmullitz]

This site should always have at least one ZL-1 powered '69 Camaro active build thread going on at all times. It's important for mens health, like one of the essential food groups or sumthin'. :unibrow:

[WicKeD_SS]

Whats the lbs on the ZL1 compaired to a cast 454? just the block

[Vegas69]

110 vs. 260

[Sieg]

This site should always have at least one ZL-1 powered '69 Camaro active build thread going on at all times. It's important for mens health, like one of the essential food groups or sumthin'. :unibrow:

You make a good point, a very good point. :D

[FETorino]

Hey Rob! Yep, I'm trying to keep up with you guys and your dyno war. :lol: .

Well maybe I should change that thread to ZL1 vs Sideoiler :) since DG ain't getting any closer to actually running against me:mock:

Money is spiraling out of control on this and I'm basically going broke along with the other stuff my wife and I are trying to accomplish in the kids department. I have to draw the line or else I start to get angry/frustrated about it and then it takes the fun out of it.

I think all us mere mortals know that feeling :faint: Seeing some of the builds on here makes it even worse sometimes. You see stuff you just want to do but you have to slow down and think do I really need that? Wouldn't it be better to actually get it on the road and still have $$ to fuel it up.:D

[Flash68]

Chris, that makes a whole bunch of us feel a lot better seeing that whole pile of parts... I mean $... on your floor. :lol:

[chr2002ca]

Chris, that makes a whole bunch of us feel a lot better seeing that whole pile of parts... I mean $... on your floor. :lol:

Yep, when you're knee deep in sh_t, it helps when you look over and there's somebody else there with you. :lol: I got "mo' money" pics coming shortly so these support sessions will continue. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Well maybe I should change that thread to ZL1 vs Sideoiler :) since DG ain't getting any closer to actually running against me:mock:

Well, if we can agree upon a chassis dyno to engine dyno conversion percentage then you can plug me into that battle also. :) I might be lower on the HP but my TQ numbers should be solid.

[DFRESH]

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/Shortblock_parts.jpg[/QUOTE]

Cha Ching.

You've been Lat G'd Chris---LOL--

D

[chr2002ca]

Cha Ching. You've been Lat G'd Chris---LOL--
D

:lol: Yah, no kidding. I owe you a phone call brother! Want to continue that conversation we were having. :thumbsup:

[FETorino]

Well, if we can agree upon a chassis dyno to engine dyno conversion percentage then you can plug me into that battle also. :) I might be lower on the HP but my TQ numbers should be solid.

1. Running on a chassis Dyno is proof the car is drive able. That type of in your face taunting really isn't proper etiquette Chris. Nobody likes a show off :guns:

2. DG is a little frail right now. Having two big blocks school him on torque production ain't cool; So....... :_paranoid I think we need to make it happen :lmao:

3. Good choice on Pettis he builds a lot of fast stuff(Fords)

:cheers: :cheers:

[chr2002ca]

1. Running on a chassis Dyno is proof the car is drive able. That type of in your face taunting really isn't proper etiquette Chris. Nobody likes a show off :guns:

2. DG is a little frail right now. Having two big blocks school him on torque production ain't cool; So....... :_paranoid I think we need to make it happen :lmao:

3. Good choice on Pettis he builds a lot of fast stuff(Fords)

:cheers: :cheers:

1. :lol: Well, it sounds good on paper. Hopefully it survives the dyno and you don't see a Budnik wheel rolling out of the dyno garage in the video.

2. When DG gets his sh_t together, he's gonna bring it. He might be loaded up on metamucil and stool softener when that finally happens, but still, I think I'll tread lightly with him.

3. He works on Fords too? Hmmm...I guess he needs the business. Maybe I'll pitch in a little extra at payment time.

All jokes aside, I like Fords too, so that'll be the last jab you'll here from me about Fords. I'm an 'equal opportunity' motor head. I'll let others rib you about that.

[WicKeD_SS]

110 vs. 260

Thanks Todd!

[Vegas69]

1. :lol: Well, it sounds good on paper. Hopefully it survives the dyno and you don't see a Budnik wheel rolling out of the dyno garage in the video.

2. When DG gets his sh_t together, he's gonna bring it. He might be loaded up on metamucil and stool softener when that finally happens, but still, I think I'll tread lightly with him.

3. He works on Fords too? Hmmm...I guess he needs the business. Maybe I'll pitch in a little extra at payment time.

All jokes aside, I like Fords too, so that'll be the last jab you'll here from me about Fords. I'm an 'equal opportunity' motor head. I'll let others rib you about that.

I'll take yours over those high strung race engines anyday without that much less power. You'll just turn the key and listen to her purr from stone cold. It won't piss down it's own throat on a hot day. While they are lashing valves, you'll be kicking back in your lawn chair enjoying a beer. :relax: After their 2nd or 3rd rebuild you'll be changing the oil for the fifth or sixth time. :lol:

[chr2002ca]

I'll take yours over those high strung race engines anyday without that much less power. You'll just turn the key and listen to her purr from stone cold. It won't piss down it's own throat on a hot day. While they are lashing valves, you'll be kicking back in your lawn chair enjoying a beer. :relax: After their 2nd or 3rd rebuild you'll be changing the oil for the fifth or sixth time. :lol:

You should be selling engines Todd. :lol: I think I'm going to print that out and hang it up in my garage. I'll have an extra lawn chair and a few cold ones there for you also my friend. :cheers:

[DFRESH]

I'll take yours over those high strung race engines anyday without that much less power. You'll just turn the key and listen to her purr from stone cold. It won't piss down it's own throat on a hot day. While they are lashing valves, you'll be kicking back in your lawn chair enjoying a beer. :relax: After their 2nd or 3rd rebuild you'll be changing the oil for the fifth or sixth time. :lol:

He speaketh thy truth.

Isn't it great to see another one of these come together? I am really curious how much average TQ this one will make from 2500 on up with that cam. It should be stout.

D

[FETorino]

I'll take yours over those high strung race engines anyday without that much less power. You'll just turn the key and listen to her purr from stone cold. It won't piss down it's own throat on a hot day. While they are lashing valves, you'll be kicking back in your lawn chair enjoying a beer. :relax: After their 2nd or 3rd rebuild you'll be changing the oil for the fifth or sixth time. :lol:

He speaketh thy truth.

Isn't it great to see another one of these come together? I am really curious how much average TQ this one will make from 2500 on up with that cam. It should be stout.

D

Maybe that's true about the little Chevy that still doesn't run but my motor is way mild. Look at the specs on my cam it's only 660 lift and duration @ .050 is only 258/270 not allot for 496 ci. Mine idles at 800 rpm. I admit it is soft down low.... only 559ft lbs of torque @ 3000rpm. :lmao:

Chris, yours should be a creampuff with the EFI and Hydro cam. Maybe too much of a creampuff :P

For a first gen you have picked the best power source, with that I agree.:D

:cheers:

[Flash68]

I'll take yours over those high strung race engines anyday without that much less power. You'll just turn the key and listen to her purr from stone cold. It won't piss down it's own throat on a hot day. While they are lashing valves, you'll be kicking back in your lawn chair enjoying a beer. :relax: After their 2nd or 3rd rebuild you'll be changing the oil for the fifth or sixth time. :lol:

This is the kind of rambling that occurs once you get out of the game for awhile. :bitchslap:

[Sieg]

Chris I'm sensing a trend, you may need these to navigate your thread in the future.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/314e3j5WgFL._AA300_.jpg

[Vegas69]

Maybe that's true about the little Chevy that still doesn't run but my motor is way mild. Look at the specs on my cam it's only 660 lift and duration @ .050 is only 258/270 not allot for 496 ci. Mine idles at 800 rpm. I admit it is soft down low.... only 559ft lbs of torque @ 3000rpm. :lmao:

Chris, yours should be a creampuff with the EFI and Hydro cam. Maybe too much of a creampuff :P

For a first gen you have picked the best power source, with that I agree.:D

:cheers:

When the words mechanical and 270 duration enter the conversation, the word mild shouldn't be used. :lol:

[Vegas69]

This is the kind of rambling that occurs once you get out of the game for awhile. :bitchslap:

Hey, I'm simply saying that Chris won't need a full time mechanic riding shotgun, that's all. :lmao:

[chr2002ca]

Chris I'm sensing a trend, you may need these to navigate your thread in the future.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/314e3j5WgFL._AA300_.jpg

:lol: I've been wearing those to work lately so I'll just keep them on when I hop online. :thumbsup:

I'm bringing a street engine to a racing fight here, and I think DG's and Rob's engines are kickass for what they're intended for, so I think I'll just lay low on this one and try to dodge the crossfire.

I look forward to when we can all get together again and lay down some rubber. That actually goes for quite a number of Cali folks here on the board. Doug, Matt, Chad, Ron, Stig, Dave, Curtis, Rob, we gotta get our friggin cars on the road and do some SoCal/NorCal/NV cruising and events together. Too many of us have been off the road for too long. Todd, it ain't the same without an active build thread from you here either. Hope you're recharging your batteries and gathering up a war plan over there in Vegas. :cheers:

[Flash68]

When the words mechanical and 270 duration enter the conversation, the word mild shouldn't be used. :lol:

The man has a point. :lol:

Hey, I'm simply saying that Chris won't need a full time mechanic riding shotgun, that's all. :lmao:

Can't argue with that either. :bang:

But in my case that has more to do with ineptitude. :lol:



I look forward to when we can all get together again and lay down some rubber. That actually goes for quite a number of Cali folks here on the board. Doug, Matt, Chad, Ron, Stig, Dave, Curtis, Rob, we gotta get our friggin cars on the road and do some SoCal/NorCal/NV cruising and events together. Too many of us have been off the road for too long. Todd, it ain't the same without an active build thread from you here either. Hope you're recharging your batteries and gathering up a war plan over there in Vegas. :cheers:

Absolutely! :guns:

[Vegas69]

:lol: I've been wearing those to work lately so I'll just keep them on when I hop online. :thumbsup:

I'm bringing a street engine to a racing fight here, and I think DG's and Rob's engines are kickass for what they're intended for, so I think I'll just lay low on this one and try to dodge the crossfire.

I look forward to when we can all get together again and lay down some rubber. That actually goes for quite a number of Cali folks here on the board. Doug, Matt, Chad, Ron, Stig, Dave, Curtis, Rob, we gotta get our friggin cars on the road and do some SoCal/NorCal/NV cruising and events together. Too many of us have been off the road for too long. Todd, it ain't the same without an active build thread from you here either. Hope you're recharging your batteries and gathering up a war plan over there in Vegas. :cheers:

I'm like a charcoal brick with this whole deal. I like to talk about it but the work...:relax: I'm sure my itch to throw my money down the drain and make a mess out of my shop will intrique me again, eventually. :lol:

Until then, I'll just be the cynical asshole I've always been giving you guys hell.:D

[chr2002ca]

Been doing a lot of research for my T-56 Magnum install. Seems like you don't really know what's going to work until you actually get the parts and try installing them. Dale from Texas on his build thread just ran into this. Another perfect and kinda funny example is here. Watch the time frame of 0:39 to 0:54 on the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quukwCTMGUI

Typical marketing stuff right? Now fast-forward in that video and watch the time frame of 2:44 to 3:45. And then later in the Part II video clip, they had to build a custom crossmember also.

That right there is a perfect example of our pro-touring build challenges. The marketing and claims don't always hold up in the garage.

For my build, I'm confident I have all the correct components with the exception of the hydraulic throwout bearing. I think I'll buy 3 different ones(GM LS, GM ZR-1, and RAM) and use the one that fits and return the other 2.

[Flash68]

Chris, will you take over the build on my car? :D

Buy 3 .. use the one that works... return the other 2. Brilliant. :thumbsup:

[DaleTx]

Been doing a lot of research for my T-56 Magnum install. Seems like you don't really know what's going to work until you actually get the parts and try installing them. Dale from Texas on his build thread just ran into this. Another perfect and kinda funny example is here. Watch the time frame of 0:39 to 0:54 on the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quukwCTMGUI

Typical marketing stuff right? Now fast-forward in that video and watch the time frame of 2:44 to 3:45. And then later in the Part II video clip, they had to build a custom crossmember also.

That right there is a perfect example of our pro-touring build challenges. The marketing and claims don't always hold up in the garage.

For my build, I'm confident I have all the correct components with the exception of the hydraulic throwout bearing. I think I'll buy 3 different ones(GM LS, GM ZR-1, and RAM) and use the one that fits and return the other 2.

That video really hit home... Lol.

Even the experts have issues making things fit.

I finally did find the right combination of parts to mate up a T56 Magnum, ZR-1 Twin disc clutch, GM ZR-1 hydraulic throwout bearing, and Quicktime LS steel bell housing to fit my 69 Camaro with a Gen IV LS engine. D&D Performance makes a machined aluminum spacer 0.980" thick that goes between the T56 trans and the QT bell. With the spacer the ZR-1 throwout bearing fits, and the input shaft on the trans slips into the pilot bearing about 3/4". D&D had the part on the shelf so this must be a common issue.

I don't know if these numbers will help you to figure which throwout bearing to use for you set up... but here are the dimensions I ended up with. The total depth of the bell and spacer on my set up is now 6.53", the ZR-1 clutch is about 4.13" thick (from the back of engine to the fingers on the clutch). With these dimensions the ZR-1 hydraulic throwout bearing works. For the pilot bearing I used the stock LS pilot bearing that presses into the larger bore on the end of the crank.

Goodluck with your install :thumbsup:

[6D9]

Killer motor and car Chris! Im another BBC(491 cubes) Camaro guy but on a much smaller budget! Motor is out right now and swapping from solid roller to hyd roller.

[chr2002ca]

Killer motor and car Chris! Im another BBC(491 cubes) Camaro guy but on a much smaller budget! Motor is out right now and swapping from solid roller to hyd roller.

Thanks! Yep, I hope all this stuff works when it goes in! It's a pile of friggin money.

[Matt@BOS]

Thanks! Yep, I hope all this stuff works when it goes in! It's a pile of friggin money.

It will work, at least 98 percent of it should, :lol: . It looks like you've got a good engine builder and some quality parts. Here's to hoping you don't have any major issues. Just my opinion, but if you have a choice, use one of the GM throwout bearings. They always seem to work better than the leaky aftermarket ones, well except the brand new one that didn't work for me and cost us a trip to SEMA.

[chr2002ca]

Well, was hoping to have the engine in and getting close to firing her up, but the shortblock is still at the engine builder. No issues, just some delays due to his cat having health issues a few weeks ago, then some higher priority tasks last week, and now a pulled muscle this week. He gave me an original completion date for this shortblock build of mid February, late February for sure. We're not behind schedule by too much, so not a big deal at this point. He said today it should be ready by Thursday morning, so we'll see. I sure hope so.

Got everything ready to plug that mutha in. Hooked up the fuel system and Holley HP ECU and harness to the completed manifold/throttle body setup(including injectors and all sensors) and everything checks out good now with no leaks and all sensors initialized and working. Customized the bulky harness a bit to remove some unnecessary hookups and get the various lengths just how I wanted them. I did have to fix an issue with the Edelbrock fuel rails not being tapped deep enough for the pipe fittings to make a good seal, and one of the 45 degree Aeroquip PTFE fitting just flat out leaked, but those are now solved. Fuel system now runs solid at 52PSI so I'm happy to clear that hurdle. I upgraded the Holley software and ECU firmware to v2.0 and loaded the initial configuration into the ECU from my laptop. That's all squared away now and ready to fire up and start 'learning'. The fuel system and wiring for an EFI system is actually quite a bit of work, especially if you're trying to hide sh_t and make it look as clean as possible. Tucked the coil up under the dash and have the ECU mounted just above the vent on the passenger's kick panel. Also filled some small holes on the firewall and re-sprayed a few areas to clean it up.

So the engine bay and parts on my workbench are hungry for a friggin' shortblock. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Have some free time on my hands while I'm waiting so took a few pics of what I was describing in my previous post:

EFI Manifold setup and tested. Waiting to be installed:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/EFIManifold.JPG

Meziere water neck adapter made installing the extra fan and EFI coolant sensors a snap:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/CoolantSensors.JPG

46lb Magneti Injectors are the short/pico style which helps lower the fuel rails and allow my drop-down air filter base to fit just like it did on my carb and permit a 14x3" filter under my cowl hood with a little room to spare. I went with the smaller injectors(50lb was calculated to be 'ideal' for my setup and the next step up for pico injectors is 60lb) and will just run a slightly higher fuel pressure(52lbs). The smaller injectors should make idle tuning a little easier, but they're still large enough that they won't be overworked.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Injectors.JPG

ECU mounted here: Getting all the wiring coming out of that thing routed and hidden is a pain. I ran the USB cable into the glove box so it can be easily accessed anytime to hookup to the laptop:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/ECU.JPG

Heard that the Speedtech T56 crossmember tends to flex across this center plate that has a lot of metal cut out of it to save weight. Just to be safe, I welded in a brace across that section to keep it from flexing there. This has been test fitted to the transmission and up on the frame mounts and it should plug right in when the time is right:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/TransXmember.JPG

Installed a set of testing springs on the cylinder head so I can jump right into piston-to-valve clearance, push rod measurement, and valve train geometry checking as soon as the short block arrives:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/CylinderHead.JPG

Magnum setup is already on the jack and ready to plug in. Will measure run-out on the bellhousing first and get proper offset dowels if needed before installation into the car:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/MagnumSetup.JPG

The badass Centerforce DYAD clutch waiting for its shot at delivering the torque from the new ZL:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/Clutch.JPG

Lots of pretty parts just waiting to get jiggy with it.

[Ron in SoCal]

Mmmm....parts! :trophy-1302:

Great update Chris. Can't wait till you get your shortblock and start installing. It won't be long now! :cheers:

[WicKeD_SS]

Very Nice! :drool:

[Gandalf]

Yeah - what Ron said x2. Very nice looking collection of parts. Should be a beast when done. Hope it comes together soon.

"The fuel system and wiring for an EFI system is actually quite a bit of work, especially if you're trying to hide sh_t and make it look as clean as possible."

That sh*t needs to be on a PT bumper sticker someplace!

G.

[Flash68]

just waiting to get jiggy with it.

:dance:

and now a pulled muscle this week.

Seriously, Clark?

Surely, you can't be serious...... I am...and don't call me Shirley.

Todd getting ready to post to defend his boy in 3..... 2...... 1..... :D



Chris, you are an organized and detailed MoFo my friend. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Todd getting ready to post to defend his boy in 3..... 2...... 1..... :D
:

LOL. No defense necessary yet. The reasons for the delay are interesting for sure, but this is only a slight delay, so whatever. If I'm picking up my short block at the end of this week, it's all good.

[Ron in SoCal]

LOL. No defense necessary yet. The reasons for the delay are interesting for sure, but this is only a slight delay, so whatever. If I'm picking up my short block at the end of this week, it's all good.

The sick cat was original :lol:

[DaleTx]

Looking good... nice job on all the prep.

Can't wait to see it come together.

:cheers:

[Vegas69]

Hey, some people love cats. :lostmarbles: I know a couple guys that have had their engines at a machine shop a little longer than Chris too. :idea: :lol: :lol:

Whether the excuses are legitimate or not, I hope his work proves to be as reliable for Chris, as it did for me.

Parts are looking juicy, there, sir!:popcorn2:

[Flash68]

Hey, some people love cats. :lostmarbles: I know a couple guys that have had their engines at a machine shop a little longer than Chris too. :idea: :lol: :lol:

Whether the excuses are legitimate or not, I hope his work proves to be as reliable for Chris, as it did for me.

Parts are looking juicy, there, sir!:popcorn2:

I give Pettis credit for the cat excuse. :lol:

Yeah I agree -- quality cannot be rushed (within reason). I am sure it will be dead nuts when done. At least that makes the waiting go a little better.

[fleetus macmullitz]

X2 on the cat excuse. :thumbsup:

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/sick-cat_zpsb2aeb147.jpg

[FETorino]

LOL. No defense necessary yet. The reasons for the delay are interesting for sure, but this is only a slight delay, so whatever. If I'm picking up my short block at the end of this week, it's all good.

Don't let me near your garage or that T56 will disappear. :D

Hope the cat pulls through :rolleyes: I can't wait to see how she runs.

DG you should be talking about how cool it would be to actually putting your shortblock together at the end of this week :lmao:

[chr2002ca]

I give Pettis credit for the cat excuse. :lol:

Yeah I agree -- quality cannot be rushed (within reason). I am sure it will be dead nuts when done. At least that makes the waiting go a little better.

Yep, that's my position on it also. It doesn't help that I have everything ready to go on my side and I'm waiting(for more than a year to drive my car again). Makes me a bit 'antsy'. If it were a situation where I had plenty of other things to work on in the mean time, it'd be easier to just roll with it.

Any day now hopefully.

[chr2002ca]

Don't let me near your garage or that T56 will disappear.

It's on wheels and I'm up on a little hill so you can just ride that mutha right on out. :lol:

I can't wait to see how she runs.

You got dat right! :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Looking good... nice job on all the prep.

Can't wait to see it come together.

:cheers:

Thanks Dale. Much appreciated. And thanks again for sharing your Magnum install details. Those have helped a lot. I "think" I'm ready.

[chr2002ca]

Great update Chris. Can't wait till you get your shortblock and start installing. It won't be long now! :cheers:

Very Nice! :drool:

Yeah - what Ron said x2. Very nice looking collection of parts. Should be a beast when done. Hope it comes together soon.

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. :thumbsup:

Chris, you are an organized and detailed MoFo my friend. :thumbsup:

I have a condition. :lol:

[DaleTx]

Hey Chris, I know both of us are doing the Magnum conversion and both using the GM ZR1 hydraulic throwout bearing… so I thought I would pass along the latest info I found out on the plumbing for the bearing. I was not able to get a fitting that plugged into the GM quick disconnect. I bought two different lines and neither one fit. Mcleod said they could make me one but it would take several weeks…

So I ended up pulling out the transmission and throwout bearing out… and I had a local hydraulic tubing vendor cut off the GM quick disconnect fitting (the black plastic piece) and silver solder on a 4 AN fitting. Now I can just use standard AN fittings.


http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/daltol/march3013_zpsc55bc9b9.jpg


Throwout bearing with AN fitting ready to go back in

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s364/daltol/march3057_zps8c714db9.jpg



I see you got the new transmission jack... that makes the job a lot easier.

:thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Hey Chris, I know both of us are doing the Magnum conversion and both using the GM ZR1 hydraulic throwout bearing… so I thought I would pass along the latest info I found out on the plumbing for the bearing. I was not able to get a fitting that plugged into the GM quick disconnect. I bought two different lines and neither one fit. Mcleod said they could make me one but it would take several weeks…

So I ended up pulling out the transmission and throwout bearing out… and I had a local hydraulic tubing vendor cut off the GM quick disconnect fitting (the black plastic piece) and silver solder on a 4 AN fitting. Now I can just use standard AN fittings.

Throwout bearing with AN fitting ready to go back in

I see you got the new transmission jack... that makes the job a lot easier.

:thumbsup:

Cool, thanks for that update Dale. Hopefully will be tackling all that next week. Yep, the jack is gonna make things so much easier. I like how you can easily adjust/set the angle.

[MisterD]

Chris, the project is moving along. Those parts look great. Can't wait to hear that thing fire up. Congrats on the progress. That Holley ECU is tucked very nice, like most of your other work on the car, it looks perfect! Great work...

[BBC71Nova]

Anxiously waiting on this engine build :). Gonna be killer.

Hopefully your buddies aren't as hard on you as mine are on me about not going LSx like the rest of the world. They just can't fathom why I'd want to spend the money on a big block. They just don't "get it" I guess :D .

[FETorino]

LOL. No defense necessary yet. The reasons for the delay are interesting for sure, but this is only a slight delay, so whatever. If I'm picking up my short block at the end of this week, it's all good.

Did you pick up that short block? :D

[Flash68]

Did you pick up that short block? :D

I gotta say... you are really good at managing YOUR task reminders for OTHER PEOPLE'S stuff. :lol:

[FETorino]

I gotta say... you are really good at managing YOUR task reminders for OTHER PEOPLE'S stuff. :lol:

I was just planning my trip to pick up my motor and remembered another big block was coming to life. :thumbsup: Even if it's the wrong brand. :rolleyes: Plus I gave up on yours ever running. :action-smiley-027:

[chr2002ca]

Yep, picked up my shortblock on Friday. Jason did a fantastic job. Extremely detail oriented and his experience with Todd's block allowed him to know exactly what to do with mine with no surprises. I was thrashing away in the garage this weekend to take some measurements, test fit some plumbing connections, and order some parts. Will have a long post with lots of photos this week or weekend. Will be installing the motor probably Wednesday and the transmission right behind it on Thursday or Friday. Then it will take a few weeks to get everything hooked up, driveshaft shortened, 2 primaries on my driver's side header to be re-worked for more clearance around the steering box, shifter and center console plate setup, Concept One serpentine system and accessories, power steering lines, PCV/breather/oil separater system, and other minor stuff. I'm not going to rush because this is the part that I'm 'supposed' to enjoy. :thumbsup:

[Matt@BOS]

I'm not going to rush because this is the part that I'm 'supposed' to enjoy. :thumbsup:

I find that I only enjoy taking my time and having "fun" on projects after I've rushed through them once and get to do them a second time. :lol:

You will definitely enjoy it when it holds together because you took your time and built it right!

Matt

[GregWeld]

Best part of this hobby is what I call the "hunting and the gathering"... Seems like when they're all done -- we're looking for something else to do/change/improve. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Best part of this hobby is what I call the "hunting and the gathering"... Seems like when they're all done -- we're looking for something else to do/change/improve. :thumbsup:

Hah, I'm ready to be finished and start driving. I'm actually a little burned out on the hunting and gathering. I probably spent 2 hours of research & purchasing for every 1 hour of work in the garage. Version 2.0 has kicked my ass in that department(I'll exclude the part number and cost columns):

:G-Dub: :G-Dub: :G-Dub:

Interior and Exterior Misc -
RideTech Tiger cage + harness bar
Seat Belts - 4 point 3"/2" harness, camlock, bolt-in, black
Seat belt fasteners
Cage foam and custom interior pieces
Cage paint
Oil temp Gauge, Autometer, Carbon 2 1/16"
GM ZL Badges
489 Engine CID Badges
Front Stainless Tow hook w/ black tow sticker
Rear Tow hook
Lighten trunk panels
Billet upper Hood latch

Engine - 489ci all aluminum
Short-block Assembly and the following parts to be supplied by Pettis
--Pistons + Rings
--Cam Bearings
--Rod Bearings
--Main Bearings & Rear main seal
--Windage Tray and mounts
--Timing Chain Set - Cloyes double roller, billet, key adjustable, Gen VI
--Billet pointer
--Oil pump shaft
--Oil pump stud
--Valley screen kit
--Oil filter adapter
GM ZL1 Block - new version of block from GM
ARP Engine Bolt Kit
Callies Compstar Crank - 4.250 stroke, internal balance, 2-piece seal, 2.2" rod jour
Callies H-beam Rods - 6.385 inch length, H-beam, ARP 2000 fasteners included
Cam - Gen VI step-nose custom grind, billet steel core with cast gear
Gen VI Cam retention plate and screws - GM parts
Timing Chain cover - Milodon 1-piece aluminum, Gen IV
Timing Chain cover seal and gaskets - Mr. Gasket
Lifters - Comp Cams Hyd Roller, .300 taller version, tie bar, S series
Harmonic Balancer/Dampener - ATI (internal balance)
Harmonic Balance Bolt - ARP
Road Racing Oil Pan - Milodon
Dipstick - Milodon flex stainless
Oil pump pickup - Milodon
Oil Pump - Melling High Volume
Oil Pump shaft - ARP
Oil Pan gasket - Mr. Gasket one piece
Fuel pump block-off plate
Brodix Race Rite BB-O, oval port, 119cc, assembled, CNC option
Pushrods - Magnum, one-piece, 3/8", .080 wall thickness, 7.750" / 8.700", retro-fit
Spark plugs - Champion RN12YC
Spark wires and looms - Vertical Wire Looms, Thermo-Sleeve
Valvoline 10W-30 16qts break-in and first 500 miles
Oil Filter
O-ring to 10AN fitting for Accumulator line + Cap
1/8 NPT extension fitting for oil pressure sender
Water pump stainless fittings + manifold stainless fitting
Plugs for water ports on cylinder heads
Short 45 degree bend hose to connect manifold to water pump
Cold air induction system
Concept 1 Serpentine Pulley system, PS pump included, clear annodized, shipping
Air Oil Separator, Moroso, 3/8 barb, (TBD)
PCV Driver's side 6AN black hose and nickel fittings (TBD after engine installed)
12 AN Russell nickel fitting for hose to breather tank, passender side,
3 ft of 12 AN Earl's Pro-lite hose for passenger side valve cover to breather, black
90 Degree fitting for passenger side valve cover, nickel plated, Russell
ARP Head Bolts
Head Gaskets - Fel-pro
Magnum Big Block rocker arms
Valve Covers - GM Performance Aluminum raised letters, gmpartsdirect.com
Valve cover gaskets - Fel-pro blue reusable
Breather tank for passenger side valve cover, mounting bracket, 12AN
Bulkhead fitting(Russell), passenger's side
PCV Valve - Push-in with 6 AN fitting, Earl's, Driver's side
Moroso Baffled grommets
EFI Distributor - gmpartsdirect - comes with melanized gear
Ignition adapter for computer controller dizzy
Coil to Distributor 2-pin harness, www.iboats.com
Ignition coil - Mallory Promaster e Series Ignition Coils
Motor Mounts - Energy Suspension "tall and narrow" poly/zinc/black
Aluminum 90 degree water neck - clear anodized - swivel CSR
Stainless thermostat
Alternator - Powermaster 140 amp

Fuel Injection Setup - Edelbrock/Holley hybrid
Holley HP EFI ECU and wiring harnesses
Fuel pressure regulator, Aeromotive
AN O-ring fittings for regulator, Aeromotive
AN O-ring plug for return inlet on regulator
Fuel pressure gauge for Regulator, Aeromotive
Coupler, female to female, staight, 6AN black, attach regulator to fuel rail
(4) 6 AN to 3/8 NPT fittings for fuel rails - Aeroquip
Edelbrock Victor Jr EFI Intake 454-O
Intake Gaskets - Fel-Pro
Edelbrock 1000 CFM Throttle Body with Delphi IAC
Fuel rails - Edelbrock
Fuel Injectors - Magneti Marelli 46lb Fuel Injectors Pico Short
Fuel rail stands for Edelbrock manifold and PICO injectors
Hose end, 120 degree for driver's side fuel rail, aluminum, 6AN, black, Aeroquip
Hose end, 150 degree for passenger side fuel rail, aluminum, 6AN, black, Aeroquip
Wire clamps
Wire wrap to hide individual injector wires at fuel rails, Black, Painless, .125", 20ft
Electrical connectors, wires, shrink wrap, tape

Exhaust -
Driver's side header re-work
Stainless clamps for wrap
O2 Sensor bung plug
Header wrap
New Header Gaskets, Hedman

Steering, Cooling, Inner Fenders -
Lee P/S finned reservoir, bung mounts, AN fittings, tax, ship
Power steering hoses
Anvil Carbon/Fiberglass inner fenders (blem)
Electric Fan Controller - Flex-a-lite
NPT-style water temp sending unit(to replace radiator probe style)
Thermostat housing/spacer to install NPT sending units into
Extra wiring, toggle switches
AutoRad Radiator, Cooling fans, Core Support, Cap, Shipping
Powder coating(satin black) for AutoRad Core support and brackets

Fuel System - rear of car to front(excludes EFI lines and fittings at engine)
New 2012 Aermotive Stealth fuel tank with pump
(4) 6 AN to Straight-cut O-ring fittings for tank and vent can hookup
Fuel Pump relay kit
Fuel filter, 10 microns, black
Fuel filter clamps and AN fittings
Fuel Vent Canister/Filter
PTFE Braided Teflon Fuel line & Reusable Super Gem Fittings for rear
SwageLoc stainless 3/8" hardline to 6AN fittings (2)
Hose end, staight, PTFE, Earls, 6AN black, attach return line to hardline(swageloc)
PTFE Hose, teflon, static dissipating, Earl's Speed-flex, 6AN, 20 feet
Coupler, male to male, 6AN, black, Earls
Hose end, 90 degree, PTFE, Earls
Coupler, Female to Female, 90 degree, 6AN, Earls, black
Hose End, 45 degree, PTFE, Aeroquip, return line hookup in rear
Hose ends, 45 degree, PTFE, Earls, to connect PTFE fuel line to rails and rear

Wheels and Tires -
Front: 18x9, 6.375" BS - My Budniks rehooped
Front Tires - Direzza ZII - 265/35-18
My front tires sold
Mounting and balancing

Brakes -
Wilwood 14", 6 piston, FNSL6R, black, front brake kit, zinc rotors($75)
Wilwood flex brake line kit
Bearing Grease, Stainless Safety Wire, new 1/2" lugs and locks
Front Brake Lines
Brake fluid - ATE Super Racing Blue

Transmission, Clutch, Driveshaft -
Tremec LS T-56 Magnum - Summit (includes $112 freight+handling charge)
Quicktime Bellhousing
Block to bellhousing Dowels - Moroso 1.5" long
Centerforce DYAD Dual-disc clutch/flywheel, 168 tooth, 26 spline, 2 piece rear seal
--0 balance(internal balance engine), 10.5" clutch
Transmission mount(TH400/T56)
Crossmember - ATS/Speedtech T56 1st gen (price includes $37 shipping)
Clutch Master Cylinder and mounting hardware
Pedal Assembly and hardware
Modo Pedal Covers for manual setup
Transmission jack
Heat shield for TO bearing supply line, Thermo-tec, 3ft, 5/8"x1"
Pilot Bearing -ACDELCO
Yoke - 31 spline, 1350 series
Custom 3/8" Aluminum spacer plate between trans and bell
Offset Dowels to center bellhousing
Change GM quick disconnect to Russell 4AN fitting on slave
Hydraulic Line from slave to MC, 4AN, Female ends, Earl 24"
Hydraulic Throwout Bearing, GM LS1 F-body, 2nd Day Air
Remote Bleeder line, 2nd Day Air
Shifter stick and ball for Tremec shifter, Hurst
4 AN couplers to connect hose to MC
Fluid for transmission
DOT 4 fluid for hydraulics
Driveshaft shortened/lengthened

Rear Differential -
Moser 12-bolt Complete Rear end assembly
33 spline TrueTrac, 3.42 gears
narrowed 3/4" on each end to resolve wheel spacing problem
Big Torino style housing endings to eliminate C-clips
1/2" wheel studs, 2 3/4" axle offset for Baer kit,
Torino style caliper mounting brackets - CNC - from Baer
Stainless mounting hardware for brake brackets
New, shorter stainess axle brake line for driver's side
Diff Fluid 80/90, 4 quart jug

Rear Suspension -
Lowering Blocks
Rear Shocks - AFCO Double Adjustable + Grade 8 Fasteners(Ace Hardware)
GlobalWest Del-a-lum leaf spring bushing and shackle kit
Wheel Spacers(1/2" pass side, 3/8" drivers side), billet
Longer Wheel studs: 1/2" x 3"
Custom tow hook, passenger side

Front Suspension -
Hotchkis Lower A-arms, 1/2" ride height drop, Delrin
SpeedTech Upper A-arms high clearance
ProForged Tall Upper Ball joints
Front Shocks - AFCO Double Adjustable
New Stock Replacement Spindles

Misc -
Acetone, Gloss black paint
Underhood Black paint, Gloss + Satin Chassis Black paint
Stainless and Grade 8 Fasteners, Threadlocker
Spindle Castle nuts (4)
Cobalt Drill bits and grinding bits
Variouis metal plates and stock
Wiring clamps/mounts
Grinding discs and metal jig saw blades

[Ron in SoCal]

^^^[

Chris, you are an organized and detailed MoFo my friend. :thumbsup:

I have a condition. :lol:

Yes you do :D

[Royalworks]

I read 10% of that before I saw how long it was...

[chr2002ca]

^^^[
Yes you do :D

Any recommended medications? Right now I'm drinking Goo Gone and it's not helping much.

[Rybar]

^^^[

Yes you do :D

Chris you must have cut and pasted a spreadsheet for sure. No way you typed that all out a 2nd time. Congrats on getting the shortblock back maybe our cars will be back together pretty close to the same time.

[chr2002ca]

Chris you must have cut and pasted a spreadsheet for sure. No way you typed that all out a 2nd time. Congrats on getting the shortblock back maybe our cars will be back together pretty close to the same time.

I did. I actually had the spreadsheet open this morning while I was logged into Lat-g. Figured I just cut-and-paste to help provide more evidence of my condition. :lol: If you see my mugshots on the news, having failed a major bank heist, just refer back to that list for my motivation. :guns:

Yep, hopefully we'll both be on the road shortly. I wish you lived a little closer. :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Robinson! Go straight to the head of the class!


Holy crap! Dude you're in overdrive.... :lol:

[Vegas69]

Yep, picked up my shortblock on Friday. Jason did a fantastic job. Extremely detail oriented and his experience with Todd's block allowed him to know exactly what to do with mine with no surprises. I was thrashing away in the garage this weekend to take some measurements, test fit some plumbing connections, and order some parts. Will have a long post with lots of photos this week or weekend. Will be installing the motor probably Wednesday and the transmission right behind it on Thursday or Friday. Then it will take a few weeks to get everything hooked up, driveshaft shortened, 2 primaries on my driver's side header to be re-worked for more clearance around the steering box, shifter and center console plate setup, Concept One serpentine system and accessories, power steering lines, PCV/breather/oil separater system, and other minor stuff. I'm not going to rush because this is the part that I'm 'supposed' to enjoy. :thumbsup:

Good to hear, now the real fun begins. We need pictures...:D

[BBC71Nova]

I'm with ^^this guy^^. Pics or it didn't happen :).

Oh, and make sure you pwd protect that spreadsheet. If the wife happens to run across that :warning:

[chr2002ca]

I'm with ^^this guy^^. Pics or it didn't happen :).

Oh, and make sure you pwd protect that spreadsheet. If the wife happens to run across that :warning:

Yah, no kidding on the password thing. :lol:

Okay, this is all I got time for tonight. Just so you know I'm not making this sh_t up. :)

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/shortblock.JPG

[BBC71Nova]

Purty! Don't forget to add the "LS Huh?" vanity plate to your list ha.

What pistons you running? I looked around a bunch and finding any shelf stock that would yield good ratios was difficult. Although the I have heads with large chamber so that doesn't help. Just curious if they were custom and if so, was there any hassle with that?

[Matt@BOS]

You have a spread sheet with all of the costs on it? You are far and away a braver man than I.

[DaleTx]

Any recommended medications? Right now I'm drinking Goo Gone and it's not helping much.


The best treatment is the time spent out in the garage putting all those nice new parts together… and of course time behind the wheel.

Nice plan… looking good :thumbsup:

[sixnina]

Awesome build Chris ant wait to see it come together.:D

[Vegas69]

Two things before I forget.....

The rear cam seal plug weeped when we broke in mine on the dyno. My block had been setting around a while so that o ring got a little crusty. You still may want to pop it out and use some silicone.

I found that a few of the harmonic balancer bolts that hold the unit together actually extend out past the mounting surface a hair. It will make your balancer pulley look like a loose wheel. :D I'd check it and be prepared to shim the pulley.

[chr2002ca]

Purty! Don't forget to add the "LS Huh?" vanity plate to your list ha.

What pistons you running? I looked around a bunch and finding any shelf stock that would yield good ratios was difficult. Although the I have heads with large chamber so that doesn't help. Just curious if they were custom and if so, was there any hassle with that?

LOL. Yep, no LS here. Jason picked the pistons for me. They were 'off the shelf' and we got them in only a day or 2. Details: CP-Bullet BBC5110-030. I think my heads are 119cc with the net dome on the piston at 24.5, compression ratio should be around 10.3:1 or 10.4:1. Haven't done the final calc on it.

[chr2002ca]

Awesome build Chris ant wait to see it come together.:D

Nice plan… looking good :thumbsup:

Thanks gentlemen. Much appreciated. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Two things before I forget.....

The rear cam seal plug weeped when we broke in mine on the dyno. My block had been setting around a while so that o ring got a little crusty. You still may want to pop it out and use some silicone.

I found that a few of the harmonic balancer bolts that hold the unit together actually extend out past the mounting surface a hair. It will make your balancer pulley look like a loose wheel. :D I'd check it and be prepared to shim the pulley.

Thanks Todd for the continued advice and pointers. Did that pic look awfully familiar to you? Bring back some good memories? :thumbsup:

Just went out to the garage and the bolts on the dampener are either perfectly flush or just below the mounting surface by the smallest margin, so I'm safe there fortunately. To check that cam plug I'll have to pull the flywheel back off. It's only 6 bolts now though versus a major 'PITA' later so I'll check on that tomorrow. Thanks!

[Vegas69]

It does bring back some fond memories. That's going to be one sweet piece.

They must have revised the balancer after a few complaints.

One other thing I would recommend after 500-1000 miles is to reset all the valves. I found that my block took a set in regards to it's natural sweet spot in expansion and contraction.

If your clearances are similar to mine, a 10w40 or 15w50 will be the right oil. There will be about a 5 Psi difference HOT.

[FETorino]

LOL. Yep, no LS here. Jason picked the pistons for me. They were 'off the shelf' and we got them in only a day or 2. Details: CP-Bullet BBC5110-030. I think my heads are 119cc with the net dome on the piston at 24.5, compression ratio should be around 10.3:1 or 10.4:1. Haven't done the final calc on it.

Well? What's up with the big block? :popcorn2:

[chr2002ca]

Things are coming along nicely. Engine and transmission are in. Valvetrain geometry was checked and installed the proper length pushrods. Plenty of piston to valve clearance. Waiting for the driveshaft to come back from shortening on Wednesday. Hydraulic clutch setup is fully configured and bled. Most wiring is finished. All accessories are installed. Power steering system is bled and ready. The ConceptOne pulley system is a friggin thing of beauty and designed perfectly. Top-notch quality, far above March and others I've seen and/or dealt with. Cooling system is ready. Fuel system and ECU/sensors were ready a few weeks ago. In the process of modifying my headers and cutting some metal out of the trans tunnel to get the driveline angles I'm looking for. Will have to modify my exhaust slightly also. A few day's work. Should have her fired up in 2 weeks, maybe 3. On the road shortly thereafter. Just taking my time and enjoying the process and trying to get everything right. Lots of custom brackets, hoses, pedal stops, spacers, throttle linkage, etc, etc, and re-routing of things to improve clearance or wrapping to protect. All the little things really take a lot of time. It's really looking sharp in all its aluminum glory though. Will post pics when it's done.

[Vegas69]

Nice to hear somebody making some actual progress in the garae vs. gums flapping around here. :lol:

[WicKeD_SS]

Getting close! Looking forward to seeing it all together.

[Flash68]

Nice job Chris. Lots of forward motion you got goin on over there. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

It's almost showtime. Should be able to crank her up for the first time on Wednesday. Just need to hook up a few more sending units, create the upper radiator hose and put the coolant in, and modify the exhaust. Everything else is finally done. Getting the driveline angles correct(required tunnel cuts) and modifying my headers(both collectors and 1 primary on the drivers side) took me some time, but they're dialed in nicely now. I took this picture Friday evening, but over the past 2 days I was able to knockout all of the EFI wiring, spark plugs, and the spark plug wires and looms. Looks cleaner than I thought it would considering all the EFI crap. Was able to keep in fairly clean. I'll post some final pics later this week with all the other new goodies in the engine compartment.

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2898.JPG

Once I get the ZL running I've got about a week and half of work to create the trans tunnel panels, install the shifter, create a custom shifter plate and put the center console back in, square away the camber/alignment, hook up some wiring to the transmission, break-in the diff, and square away a few other things, put the hood back on, and she'll be ready to drive for the first time in over a year.

Almost there.

[pokey64]

Looking great Chris! Keep at it and you'll be cruising in no time. :hapdance:

Would you mind sharing a pic from the other side? I'm working on BBC efi install and am interested in seeing how you mounted and plumbed the regulator.

[GregWeld]

Chris! You forgot the Air Conditioning!:lol:


Looks great buddy! Gotta love it!

[Sieg]

Quality clean business look - Very nice Chris! :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

It looks nice, keep at it.

[chr2002ca]

It looks nice, keep at it.

Thanks. Much appreciated. :thumbsup:

Quality clean business look - Very nice Chris! :thumbsup:

Thanks Sieg. Trying my best to keep it clean. Not a lot of free space with this big ole chunk of aluminum taking up so much room. Sure has a 'presence' though.

Looking great Chris! Keep at it and you'll be cruising in no time. :hapdance:

Would you mind sharing a pic from the other side? I'm working on BBC efi install and am interested in seeing how you mounted and plumbed the regulator.

Sure thing. I'll post a handful of pics from various angles. I just have the regulator mounted on the end of passenger side fuel rail with an extra little custom bracket that comes up from one of the manifold screws to give it some additional support. Fuel comes in from behind the engine to the driver's side rail and exits out the bottom of regulator back behind the engine. I tilted the regulator so the gauge would clear the valve covers and would allow me to remove them. Added a few gradual 90 degree elbows for the exit out of the bottom get it to clear just right on its exit. Then some heat wrap all the way to frame rail. Supply line just needed a 45 degree fitting and some heat wrap also. Used the PTFE line and fittings.

Chris! You forgot the Air Conditioning!:lol:
Looks great buddy! Gotta love it!

Thanks Greg! Yah, I said the same thing when we purchased our town home. It doesn't have A/C either. :) This San Diego coastal weather is hard to beat. I'm from Florida, so not having A/C is weird, but I'm happy I can do without it. Less weight and clutter. Look forward to catching up with you again some time and chatting. I've been a good student and have been paying attention to your solid dividend stock advice. A big thank you for that. :cheers:

[intocarss]

As snug as a bug in a rug She looks good

[MisterD]

Looks great Chris! I really like the way you kept the wiring clean. Beautiful valve covers, great work!!!

[Vegas69]

Looking fantastic, looking forward to the vroom vroom. :D

[DaleTx]

Nice job on the engine install... looks great!

I wonder if you could replace the hex head bolts on the steering box cover plate with some counter sink style bolts (82 deg flush mount)... you would have to take the cover off and do some machining but you would gain a little bit of clearance on the header. In the picture it looked like the bolt head is very close to touching the header.

Just a thought.

Like the old school look and all the aluminum :thumbsup:

[FETorino]

Quality clean business look - Very nice Chris! :thumbsup:

x2. That is a clean looking install. You must be getting pretty excited about now.

[Matt@BOS]

Nice work as always Chris! I just bought an 8x4 sheet of 18ga for the trans tunnel in my Mustang. Needless to say, I will have plenty extra. Let me know if you want a piece. I don't know where you go to get sheet metal, but at least for me, trying to buy anything less than a full sheet usually proves "difficult."

[chr2002ca]

Nice work as always Chris! I just bought an 8x4 sheet of 18ga for the trans tunnel in my Mustang. Needless to say, I will have plenty extra. Let me know if you want a piece. I don't know where you go to get sheet metal, but at least for me, trying to buy anything less than a full sheet usually proves "difficult."

Thanks Matt. :thumbsup: I usually get most of my metal at Industrial Metal Supply down in the Convoy area, or even the local Ace hardware store(cha-ching). I think I have enough to cover it, but I appreciate it! Look forward to cruising with you soon. :cheers:

x2. That is a clean looking install. You must be getting pretty excited about now.

Thanks Rob. Pretty excited would be an understatement! Friggin can't wait to lay some rubber. :drive:

Nice job on the engine install... looks great!
I wonder if you could replace the hex head bolts on the steering box cover plate with some counter sink style bolts (82 deg flush mount)... you would have to take the cover off and do some machining but you would gain a little bit of clearance on the header. In the picture it looked like the bolt head is very close to touching the header. Just a thought.
Like the old school look and all the aluminum :thumbsup:

Thanks Dale! Yep, you can't see it in the photo, but I actually ground down the edge of that bolt and also the edge of the box slightly to round them off. With the small ding in the header, there's actually some decent clearance in their now. Maybe 1/4". Fortunately, when the engine torques, it comes up on that side, so it actually creates more gap. It's squared away okay now. It's the #7 primary that was really bad with some deep dings I was not happy about so I actually cut out a section of it and added a double chicane to it and now it routes nicely around the box.

On my previous box(AGR) I did what you mentioned though. Great minds like alike right? :thumbsup:

Looking fantastic, looking forward to the vroom vroom. :D

Thanks Todd. Quite a few of the styling cues are coming from your hard work on Payback. Thanks for showing us how to do it properly. :thumbsup:

Looks great Chris! I really like the way you kept the wiring clean. Beautiful valve covers, great work!!!

Thanks Daniel. Much appreciated. :thumbsup: How's your build going?

As snug as a bug in a rug She looks good

'Snug' has been the word of the month in my garage. Big block + power steering box + T-56 Magnum + 8 quart road racing oil pan + original frame with original(tall/narrow) frame mounts + proper driveline angles = a lot of 4 letter words in the garage. And a lot of clearancing and heat wrap.

[WicKeD_SS]

:thumbsup: Not sure how I missed the install, but that ZL-1 looks Sexy in there! Grats

[Spiffav8]

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/IMG_2898.JPG





:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Well you know I like it! lol

[tubbed69]

Chris that engine and everything under the hood is one of the best looking I have ever seen,good luck with getting it running and riding soon,beautiful job man

[chr2002ca]

Well, I took the day off at work and I'm about to walk out into the garage(aka The Maelstrom) and finish off a few exhaust welds, add some coolant, add a little more gas to the tank, hook up the laptop, and see if she fires up. I think I've got everything ready, so hopefully this'll go smoothly...

[Sieg]

Good Luck! :thumbsup:

[BBC71Nova]

Let 'Er rip tater chip.

Interested to get feedback on the Holley HP efi.

[Vegas69]

angi1vwUkQc

[chr2002ca]

LOL. Good one Todd.

She fired right up after 3 seconds. Music to my ears. Idled rough at first of course but then I set the timing to match the ECU and locked down the distributor, let her warm up, and then the 'ECU Learning' kicked in and she smoothed out nicely. She revs much faster than my 454. Sounds a lot 'sportier' also. Absolutely no leaks anywhere, so I'm real happy about that. Instant throttle response with no bog/hesitation like I experienced with the 3 previous carbs. I only have 1 minor issue which I'll work on this weekend. The IAC inlet on the Edelbrock throttle body is howling like a mutha. A very loud sucking sound like a friggin supercharger. Put your finger over it for a split second and not a peep, so it's definitely coming from that inlet. I just ran out of time and energy to debug that. The car idles nicely so I don't think it's wide open or wired wrong. I'll figure out how much it's open tomorrow with the software and adjust the idle screws on the throttle blades to slightly open them, recycle the TPS, and get the IAC down to around 2% open at idle. If it's still howling, I'll call Edelbrock and see what they say. I may have to smooth out the air passage in the thing, but that would piss me off a bit with Edelbrock if that was required. Other than that, couldn't be happier with how easily she fired up, smoothed out, and ran. Electric fans kicked in nicely at 190 as they were suppose to, electric and fuel system were all working nicely. You can feel a little more vibration inside the car due to the poly motor mounts instead of the rubber, and oh yah, that lumpier cam.

I would have shot some video and posted it this evening but that howling from the IAC is a bit annoying so let me get squared away and then I'll do the video. I have few last goodies coming into tomorrow from UPS for the engine bay and I'll take some final shots of it also.

The motor I've always wanted is finally in my car and running. It's a great feeling after all that work. Time to go drink a lot of beer and fall down.

[WicKeD_SS]

CONGRATS! cant wait to see pics and vid!

[Vegas69]

Sounds like a good day in the garage. All that hard work is about to pay off. :thumbsup:

[intocarss]

Congrats :thumbsup: NOW where's the video :guns:

[DaleTx]

Nothing like hearing a new engine run for the first time… congrats! :thumbsup:

I have a 4 barrel TB also and you can hear the air rushing through the IAC valve at idle. I’ll be curious to see what adjustments you make to quiet it down.

[MisterD]

Congratulations! Can't wait to hear the new engine fire up and idle. Happy to hear you will be driving during this beautiful So. Cal weather:lol:

[Rybar]

Awesome news Chris, glad it's coming together for you.

[Flash68]

You're the man Chris! Looks immaculate and potent under that hood. :thumbsup:

[chr2002ca]

Finally some pics of the completed engine and engine bay. Still have a bracket I need to make for the heater hoses and breather hose to attach to the fender, but other than that and a cold air setup that will enclose the air filter to the cowl hood, it's pretty much done. This is as clean as I could get it considering all the new extra wiring for the Holley EFI, AutoRad electric fans, and the few extra hoses for the fuel line return and breather.

Should be able to post a video of it running this weekend.

A little bit of old school with a little bit of new. :thumbsup:

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic1.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic2.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic3.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic4.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic5.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic6.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic7.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic8.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic9.jpg

http://www.69camaroproject.com/SharedImages/v2.0/FinalEnginePic10.jpg

[intocarss]

That just looks so sanitary :flag2:

[Ron in SoCal]

Hey Bro - been off the map and didn't get a chance to comment earlier. YOU R the Man!! Car looks awesome. Can't wait to see it in person :cheers: