SlowProgress Project Introduction

[DT69Cam]

Wow, awesome skills here.

[SlowProgress]

DT69 Thanks for the compliment. I need to get more like Sonar Chief and just get-r-done. Sometimes I spend too much time on things. Ok I almost always spend too much time!! I sent you a couple PMs on the bracket question.

Scott

[SlowProgress]

I put the oil pan on this weekend. It is a simple job but there are a couple easy gotchas with the LS style pan and pickup tube, also with the Mast pan. I thought I would post up a little bit of detail in case it helps someone else. Make sure to order the right windage tray nuts. My engine has aftermarket studs and they were M10-1.25. I should have ordered this type of nut but I didn’t plan well and ordered the stock GM nuts that were too small.

https://i.imgur.com/pUKjkqzl.jpg

Rather than lose the weekend I just bought some all metal locknuts and used hardened washers underneath, more on that later below.
The pickup tube only uses one bolt but I decided to install one the little braces from Improved. It is probably overkill but a nicely made product and satisfied my need to have a bolt in every pickup hole. It twas a little tight to get it installed but it fits even with the cover already on.

https://i.imgur.com/pWCTF0pl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/X7YUQSvl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nzhkbA8l.jpg

Remember I said above that I used standard M10-1.25 metal locknuts. Well they are really big and here is where I had a clearance issue with the pickup tube. I could have removed it and made a little dent but I didn’t want to start over. I just worked the nut down slowly until I could tighten it with an open end wrench. This time waster could have avoided by buying the special flange nuts ahead of time!

https://i.imgur.com/8UVHwdzl.jpg

The Mast instructions reminded you to measure the pickup clearance. I have done this before on other engines, but it was a good reminder to set some clay on top and adjust it. I had to hit mine with plastic hammer to get it square and establish the right clearance, so I was glad I did take the time to do this. Mostly I just wanted to use Play-Doh!

https://i.imgur.com/n8i9Dlkl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Skduzm3l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r21LOl2l.jpg

The Mast pan comes with special fittings and a reminder to take the plugs out and check for debris before the final installation. I was glad I did this because the long fitting actually had cut the O-ring and there were two loose pieces in there. I am not sure where those little O-ring pieces would have ended up (probably the filter). Also Mast tech support told me not to use the small second O-ring. They apparently quit using it about two years ago, so I know I won’t have the cut problem when I re-install it.

https://i.imgur.com/bhzkqDll.jpg

After blowing out all the oil passages I put the final torque on the pan bolts and installed a filter to keep dust out. It really is an easy job, but I learned more than I expected since this is my first LS engine.

https://i.imgur.com/9QC2Axyl.jpg

Well that was a little long but hopefully it helps someone.
Next week back to the stainless exhaust. I spent a few hours on the LH tailpipe today but still not quite ready for final welding. Pretty sure the exhaust is my worst subject. If it was school I would be earning a C- !

[paulk68]

why did you have to replace the stock windage trey nuts? my mast instructions did not make any mention of that?

[paulk68]

never mind i just looked back, looks like your motor did not come with the stock oil pan or windage tray.

[SlowProgress]

I didn't have a lot of time this weekend but finally got the LH tailpipe trimmed and tacked together. I have a lot of time in it and looking forward to being done with exhaust. Overall if fits pretty well. I still need to trim a few things, raise the differential and mount the tires to make sure there are no tight spots.

https://i.imgur.com/JNIaSdsl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PHUbbawl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4BVqpIjl.jpg

A while back I sketched up a hanger bracket for the tailpipes. I need to get two of these made this week and start doing some of the final welds on the exhaust. The frame rails are really thin so these brackets will mount with Rivnuts, similar to the DSE sway bar bracket.

https://i.imgur.com/VghXCFcl.jpg

Not quite out of the exhaust business yet but getting closer!

[Heather1124]

Finally got a chance to read through the entire thread. Love the fab work that you've done! I'll be looking back through this when I get to my VA system and exhaust.

[SlowProgress]

Hope there is some helpful stuff in there. I can say if you have a choice take the "git-er-done" approach like Sonar Chief (and others). Mostly just have fun because that is what it's all about!

Scott

[SlowProgress]

I think the tailpipe hangers came out about like I planned. It was fun to sketch something up and then make it and have it come out about like it was designed. We do that for a living at work, but mostly I just like to freehand and have fun in my garage. Here are the LH bracket rivnuts installed and the bracket in place.

https://i.imgur.com/TvjK0xpl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PqFURmLl.jpg

I was a little worried about drilling the one horizontal hole because there is very little clearance. I messed around with a few ideas and the first one took an hour or so experimenting. Since others may run into the same problem I decided to shoot some images on the RH side.
I cut down a ¼ inch drill and used the angle grinder to start the hole. Then put the step drill in the air ratchet to get the size stepped up. I paint a stripe on the correct step so I don’t forget how far to go. After that just a little clean up with a drill held in vice grips. Seems clunky but it worked fast the second time.

https://i.imgur.com/h81epHll.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/saXfz07l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rjHpEtbl.jpg

I was thinking about using my rivnut tool to do all this work but I ended up buying fine thread inserts. Turns out they don’t have any fine thread adapters after I wasted a couple hours on the internet. I found a company that makes a little hand adapter that worked pretty well. I will admit I botched a couple of rivnut installs and had to cut them out and start over. Fortunately they fall out of the frame towards the back.

https://i.imgur.com/MLTi8qdl.jpg

I need to get some screw jacks because it is a lot of work to get the car at ride height because the differential is so heavy. I jacked it up and there are no interference points and the exhaust is at least ¾ inch away from everything on the suspension and 1-inch from the tires. I still need to weld the hangers but the mockup was good.

https://i.imgur.com/O1rBssYl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1qC2XB0l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1uPUsghl.jpg

It is starting to get pretty crowded under there and I still need to order a driveshaft and add some sort of travel limiter so the differential won’t drop so far, and add the fuel and brake lines, vents, etc!

https://i.imgur.com/XzMYLUyl.jpg

That’s if for now. I keep saying I am going to weld this exhaust up but little details demand attention. Hope to start that next week!

[JohnJ@RideTech]

I had been putting nickels in my piggy bank for some time and honestly I was just hesitant to spend it. The economy, family issues just seemed to keep me stalled out. Finally after settling on the wheels and tires I ordered some of the first pieces needed. This was a relief because it set the direction and it also allowed me to commit.

http://i.imgur.com/L6CDEaLl.jpg

I had a simple plan to install Tru Turn system from Ride Tech and drive the car around a little. The plan was to motivate me and also find out what sort of sheet metal mods I needed in front. Ride Tech had just built the 48 hour car so I just ordered the kit and wheel backspacing to match, along with their Muscle Bar. I had run my hand over the fender lip at Goodguys and had a pretty good idea how far I would have to roll/flatten the wheelwell.

In the mean time I ordered the brakes and all the DES rear suspension parts in order to have that ready. I also picked up some Ring Brothers hinges. Their designs are really nice and I knew from previous years that the Camaro hood always sits high in the rear after closing. I am hoping to eliminate that and walking around the car manually pushing the rear of the hood down every time I shut it.

http://i.imgur.com/d6dchSEl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7fPS8drl.jpg

In the process I found out that all the vendors I was working with were really good to deal with. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rushforth, DSE, Ride Tech, Ring Brothers or Baer to anyone.

Having the tires mounted up was super cool. I just had to post the mandatory new tire versus old tire photo. I settled on 325s with 12 inch wheels. The thought process was to reduce the front/rear stagger (a little), knowing I could only get a 275 up front with the factory clip.

http://i.imgur.com/kVOjLKZl.jpg

Nice! Keep it up!

[SlowProgress]

I decided to take a week off and catch up on things around the house and really focus on the car. I have been stuck on the exhaust, so I decided to put in some serious hours this week. I started by practicing a lot and working out the back-purge settings. I figured if I practiced 4-5 hours it would really help. Well I figured out more like a 100 hours to get even moderately proficient. Finally, I just decided to jump in both feet and get something done. There is no better way to get experience than just get the experience

https://i.imgur.com/EJoZl3Ll.jpg

You can see there is no sugaring on the inside of the tubes after welding with a purge. This was my main goal and I was happy about that.

https://i.imgur.com/sgelKnwl.jpg

Here is an assortment of photos showing the in-process work. You can see the Kapton tape used to seal the un-welded joints in some photos. I got this idea off the Burns stainless website and it was a good idea.

https://i.imgur.com/b4CWOqCl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gie7B61l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AX9nU0ql.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xI9aqqol.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YLL2sQtl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8TVeA5Ol.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IIVTkiel.jpg

Overall my technique is improving but I told someone I go between skillful welder and 5 year old at the drop of a hat. Here is a photo showing the welds are more-or-less OK but the technique isn’t consistent. I think I also need to work on my patience. I need to slow down and let things cool to minimize the oxidation, which definitely wasn’t done in this photo.

https://i.imgur.com/tpPaEQJl.jpg

Tomorrow I start on the X-pipe. It has about 150 inches of welding, so I will probably empty the second argon bottle and move to the third.
Next up I am going to add a door in the trunk floor. I spent a little time on the computer figuring out what it might look like. For simple things I am finding a 3-D model really helps because you can rotate it around and play with the design. I still need to drop the tank to start on this after the exhaust is finally welded.

https://i.imgur.com/7mLNeDOl.png

I am going to try to get out to Goodguys this Friday but hope to get more done over the next couple days and the weekend and post up some more images. Thanks for looking!

[preston]

Looks better than my stainless TIG welding !

I think you're doing great.

[SlowProgress]

Having a week off helped a lot. There were so many things to do around the house, but I focused mostly on getting the exhaust welded so I could move on. I had a couple of small breakdowns on the welder that I had to stop and fix. The gas solenoid was leaking and the post flow timer was shutting off early. The solenoid was a trip across town to Grainger and the timer was a couple of hours trying to figure out how to wind up this little clock spring and get it all put back together without pieces flying out. Afterwards the welder purred like a kitten. I should have fixed those long ago but the expensive argon back purge finally motivated me!

https://i.imgur.com/1ldRtjjl.jpg

I laid down some clean paper to keep my rusty table away from the stainless and taped all the joints with Kapton tape. Then it is just remove the tape and weld one joint at a time. I still have a lot to learn but I feel like it came out fine as far as strength goes.

https://i.imgur.com/efJgbLUl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NejvtANl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qIRNWwWl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FrxVy5ol.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fVPlKs3l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RobV7mel.jpg

I ended up using almost two full tanks of Argon for the whole exhaust, partly the solenoid leaking and also I just move slower than a real welder!
The overall setup is fairly heavy and I don’t think my original muffler hanger idea is strong enough. I am planning to copy this idea from Detroit Speed, but didn’t get the parts, or get it properly figured out yet.

https://i.imgur.com/eNmg1dYl.png

I moved on to the fuel pump access cover. After lowering the tank I realized I had to grow the size a little bit and that took some time. I have it figured out now, but didn’t have a wide enough piece of metal to cut it from and the metal store was closed. I will pick some metal up on Monday.

https://i.imgur.com/bTtzRhdl.png
https://i.imgur.com/o1MMz08l.jpg

I have this old lathe I use for spacers and whatnot. It has always had a bad gear in the change box. I took a short diversion to get that removed and the gear on order. It was sort of a simple/fun way to wrap up the weekend.

https://i.imgur.com/qor99X0l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lY1x1b1l.jpg

Next week work on the fuel pump access panel and think more about the muffler hanger final solution.

Scott

[WSSix]

You're welding looks good to me, Scott. I'd be happy if I could lay down welds like that. Good job on the exhaust!

[98ssnova]

I agree great fab work and maybe taking a week off is a good idea to get some stuff done around the house and car.....maybe just the car:yes:

[Sonar Chief]

Looks great :hail: Is that a corvette sway bar link on the DSE exhaust pic? huh?

Michael

[SlowProgress]

Thanks for the kind words guys.
Chief I think you are correct that looks like a C5 Corvette link. I know there are other designs but that seems like a good place to start. Thanks for spotting that.

Scott

[CamaroAJ]

Thanks for the kind words guys.
Chief I think you are correct that looks like a C5 Corvette link. I know there are other designs but that seems like a good place to start. Thanks for spotting that.

Scott

They are. The part number is 20822934 for them.

[SlowProgress]

Thanks, great info. I will pick up a couple and see how they work out.

Scott

[SlowProgress]

I got a pretty good start on the fuel pump access door this week. I decided I liked the shape of the sketch and rough cut the opening. I put the tank up to make sure I have access to everything and it looked pretty good.

https://i.imgur.com/Y6kBGjyl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2ZeKiSrl.jpg

Using the sketch I cut my template out of 11 gauge material for the door frame, hacked it out and sanded it to shape. I pre-drilled the .125” pilot holes for later.

https://i.imgur.com/bhoFj3yl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G3n215ul.jpg

After trimming the frame, I cut the cover out of 18 gauge and rolled some stiffening beads, then match drilled the cover so everything will line up. I don’t know what I was thinking, this door has 24 fasteners. My friends were joking that it will be easier to take the gas tank out than take out all those screws. After taking it apart a couple of times they may be right.

https://i.imgur.com/oIzljBul.jpg

With all the holes drilled and tapped, I put the door frame in the trunk and started final sanding the trunk floor to shape until it fit pretty well. I only had time to get it tacked in place this weekend. I put the door on just to see how it fits and I think it will fine. After looking it over I may wait and weld this from the bottom while it is still on the rotisserie. I think that will be easier and will provide a better looking result.

https://i.imgur.com/KTEutazl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7MS2BtXl.jpg

I spent a little time figuring out how far to cut down the trunk hinge braces. The height is about right but the angle is wrong so I need to work a little more on those.

https://i.imgur.com/BXUHkCVl.jpg

Next week I will be working in the trunk area to finish up some of the fuel system and differential vent system ideas. I will move back to the exhaust hangers when the fuel line, and brake lines are worked out.

[tubbed69]

Amazing job on the exhaust,can I bring you another one?

[SlowProgress]

Thanks but the exhaust almost single-handedly killed my project progress. If you take it on I will give you pointers though. Number one buy a powerful belt sander. I wasted way too much time hand trimming everything.

[SlowProgress]

I messed around in the trunk until I got tired of it then worked on the clutch linkage for a while, then back to the trunk.
I finally installed the Finch vent for the diff. and gas tank. It came with a nice metal template so just put that down, drill the holes and use the step drill to get everything enlarged to size.

https://i.imgur.com/iRd10kVl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jJC6m13l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/X44LWzUl.jpg

I think it looks really clean from the bottom. Still don’t have the hoses yet.

https://i.imgur.com/1Mm87fjl.jpg

I decided not the cut the cultch rod shaft down like DSE recommended. By fabbing a tab if I ever need a new one it will be easy to find at any dealer. I just tacked it in place for now. When I get the clutch in I can check the travel and feel. It looks pretty good so far.

https://i.imgur.com/lr3hhcel.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ehRrUXfl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AEEHsl9l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4fd89Wdl.jpg

I also picked a spot for the clutch master reservoir. I just clecoed it in place for now. When I get everything else positioned and it still looks good I will permanently mount it.

https://i.imgur.com/BAVUf8wl.jpg

I have had the trunk hinge braces hanging around for over a year and still haven’t fit them up. I decided I may lose them at this pace. They get cut down about ¾ inch but the angle is all wrong with the new tubs and also one of the feet is at the wrong angle with the wider tubs. After I cut the first one down and it didn’t fit I was wondering if there is a better way to get them to fit. This weekend I just gave up on thinking and cut and pieced them back together so everything lines up. It was probably a waste of time for such a simple non-visible component but I think they came out OK.

https://i.imgur.com/4e5tCnKl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DwlIxNAl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wK4QYApl.jpg
They are ready to weld. Next time I crawl back in the trunk I will plug weld them in.

https://i.imgur.com/u61ceAll.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fDm4NyTl.jpg

Next week work on the fuel line for sure!

[SlowProgress]

I didn’t get that much done this weekend, some progress last weekend and a little during the week. I finished up the trunk braces. Tried something new and cut some slugs with the Rotabroach to fill in the large holes from drilling the spot welds. I am not sure it was worth the effort, but it is always good to try something new. The braces came out OK.

https://i.imgur.com/M4DvTXsl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PetFI08l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QMUYTc5l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZNXJDkjl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FNGfMOYl.jpg

I decided to lay the old fuel line in there to see where the new stainless one will run. I already knew I was going to have to notch the subframe connector.

https://i.imgur.com/xF472lAl.jpg

I had this old tube laying around so I cut it in. I will weld it and cut the top off probably this week. I may fab a cover also.

https://i.imgur.com/K9xEJPDl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fv98Zaql.jpg

I started bending the fuel line. The bends came out OK even though I am not really happy with the overall fit yet. I made a couple of small mistakes and a tighter bend radius would have been helpful.

https://i.imgur.com/GG7mJzGl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wFTdsMgl.jpg

I will tweak the bends some more and see if I can improve the fit. If not, I may cut and weld to improve, or maybe start over, still not sure.
I will keep plugging away on the fuel line this week.

[Che70velle]

I didn’t get that much done this weekend, some progress last weekend and a little during the week. I finished up the trunk braces. Tried something new and cut some slugs with the Rotabroach to fill in the large holes from drilling the spot welds. I am not sure it was worth the effort, but it is always good to try something new. The braces came out OK.

http://i.imgur.com/M4DvTXsl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PetFI08l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QMUYTc5l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZNXJDkjl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FNGfMOYl.jpg

I decided to lay the old fuel line in there to see where the new stainless one will run. I already knew I was going to have to notch the subframe connector.

http://i.imgur.com/xF472lAl.jpg

I had this old tube laying around so I cut it in. I will weld it and cut the top off probably this week. I may fab a cover also.

http://i.imgur.com/K9xEJPDl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fv98Zaql.jpg

I started bending the fuel line. The bends came out OK even though I am not really happy with the overall fit yet. I made a couple of small mistakes and a tighter bend radius would have been helpful.

http://i.imgur.com/GG7mJzGl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wFTdsMgl.jpg

I will tweak the bends some more and see if I can improve the fit. If not, I may cut and weld to improve, or maybe start over, still not sure.
I will keep plugging away on the fuel line this week.

Glad to see you notching the connector to run the fuel line. Many builds I see the fuel line hanging beneath this spot, and it would be too easy for some trash in the road to fly up and take the line out. Great idea!
Car is looking great! Mad skills!

[WSSix]

Looking good! I approve of the notch for the fuel line. It works well in my opinion if you're not having to make a radical fuel system. Keep up the great work1

[waynieZ]

Nice fix, that will definitely stiffen that up. The plate will be icing on the cake.

[YAMATHUMP]

This thing is really starting to take shape.
Nice work, attention to detail. Outstanding.

[SlowProgress]

I got the ½ fuel line all hacked into shape. It has some warts and bruises but looks pretty good overall. Here are a few photos of the progress.
I had to make a couple of brackets to support the flex tube and keep pressure off the plastic gas tank fitting.

https://i.imgur.com/kybNWxnl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/H2fIKVsl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UWDFAhyl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UEb4NKbl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/a8RRlgml.jpg

I made a couple of stupid mistakes bending the first line and it was too close to the exhaust. So I started over and the second one came out much better.

https://i.imgur.com/tOlVCbwl.jpg

Here is the flex line all connected between the brackets.

https://i.imgur.com/3YvgTQ0l.jpg

I put in rivnuts where there was double wall and they wouldn’t poke through the inside. I may have to add a couple more later. I haven’t decided if I will stick with this style line clamp?

https://i.imgur.com/OKyNf2Nl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kCPebLul.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Hp5ovdll.jpg

The fuel strainer needed some support but there was no place to put a rivnut without going through the inside. I just made a little box and spotted it in place for a support clamp location. It worked out well the filter is secure now.

https://i.imgur.com/EOk7W65l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KRgEVUdl.jpg

I just routed the line into the engine bay but it isn't finished until I know more about where the flex line will be

https://i.imgur.com/4e9YEsel.jpg

One thing I was thinking I should have kept all my paper patterns. It would have been fun at the end to hang all those on a nail as a reminder how far I have come. Too late now but I think it is a good idea for someone just starting.

I dug the old brake lines out to give me ideas and next week I will start on the stainless brake lines. I have my brake tubing on order from Classic Tube. This weekend I will just do a little clean-up and planning, maybe prepare the old tubes as patterns so I hit the ground running when my stainless is here?

[waynieZ]

I love all the custom touches your doing, It's looking really good. Nice work.

[DT69Cam]

Excellent craftsmanship!!!

[SlowProgress]

Thanks for the kind comments guys. In the end it's not really craftsmanship but mostly persistence to learn new things that keeps me going. I do wish I was faster though!

[im4u2nvss]

I am really enjoying your build, keep up the great work! From what I can see you are using 80 grit to prep metal surfaces(with a combination of DA and die grinder), is this correct?

[SlowProgress]

I am really enjoying your build, keep up the great work! From what I can see you are using 80 grit to prep metal surfaces(with a combination of DA and die grinder), is this correct?

That's pretty close. The car was sand blasted and I just touch it up with 80 grit on the D/A every so often. If I am working in an area, and I spot a little surface rust, I just sand it out. I also use the flap wheel quite often to smooth out welded areas and a little hand held die grinder, smaller D/A and a tiny belt sander for the tight spots. I learned the hard way using junky tools and finally bought a couple of really good Dynabrade D/As and use good quality paper, it really cuts fast. I do need a better die grinder though. About the only thing I hate to use are carbide cutters. The little metal shards end up everywhere and they are sharp and painful wherever they stick you. I also have a little bit of conditioned air (stolen from my house) pumped in the garage. I realize keeping it bare metal won't work in some parts of the country, but AZ is pretty darn dry!
Also, avoid touching metal with bare hands. Gloves keep your skin moisture from starting new rust spots, but I forget that one all the time! Hope that helps.

Scott

https://i.imgur.com/Vf1nrUUl.jpg

[SlowProgress]

Beautiful evening in the garage for brake line work. Won't be able to work with the door open much longer !

https://i.imgur.com/Z6DbkIXl.jpg

[im4u2nvss]

That's pretty close. The car was sand blasted and I just touch it up with 80 grit on the D/A every so often. If I am working in an area, and I spot a little surface rust, I just sand it out. I also use the flap wheel quite often to smooth out welded areas and a little hand held die grinder, smaller D/A and a tiny belt sander for the tight spots. I learned the hard way using junky tools and finally bought a couple of really good Dynabrade D/As and use good quality paper, it really cuts fast. I do need a better die grinder though. About the only thing I hate to use are carbide cutters. The little metal shards end up everywhere and they are sharp and painful wherever they stick you. I also have a little bit of conditioned air (stolen from my house) pumped in the garage. I realize keeping it bare metal won't work in some parts of the country, but AZ is pretty darn dry!
Also, avoid touching metal with bare hands. Gloves keep your skin moisture from starting new rust spots, but I forget that one all the time! Hope that helps.

Scott


Thanks Scott!

[SlowProgress]

I made a little more progress on things. I bought some Earls vapor guard hose and fittings for the fuel tank and differential vent and got those all plumbed.

https://i.imgur.com/Rw69jhMm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/w0ma9Mel.jpg

I ordered some 3/16 and 1/4 inch brake line from Classic Tube. I also ordered a really nice tubing straightener from Inline Tube. It looked heavy duty in the photos and I liked the gear drive. It was huge when it finally arrived, sort of overkill for 3/16 brake tubing. My friend and coworker Dustin also loaned me his hydraulic tubing flare tool – nice!

https://i.imgur.com/U6ykbXhl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Z2cznwvl.jpg

I jumped in and started making patterns with aluminum welding rod. You can see how different the tubes are from stock to clear the DSE 4-link brackets. It took a little while to figure everything out but the results were good.

https://i.imgur.com/CXnrhfGl.jpg

I made these little brackets for the brake hoses from some stainless angle.

https://i.imgur.com/zTALg6Fl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5fQgGWBl.jpg

One trick I stumbled on when a magnet accidently stuck to a bracket, use magnets to keep small parts from dropping to the bottom of your glass beading cabinet. Not sure why I didn’t think of it before!

https://i.imgur.com/0jQXndql.jpg

The differential brake lines are almost complete. I ordered some little stainless clamps to secure them in a couple more spots. I also need to find a center differential brake hose. Here are some images of the installation.

https://i.imgur.com/pfuAgzFl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FmiwD7al.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/B8T8s0xl.jpg

I am going to route the brake line through the subframe connector like I did on the other side with the fuel line. I got started on the channel and picked up some scrap stainless to make the little cover.

https://i.imgur.com/dFwudxVl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/frumTGvl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TJ9BwuUl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ijialoul.jpg

I ordered a proportioning valve bracket so I can get that mounted and this week will finish the subframe cover and start on the rest of the brake lines.

[DT69Cam]

Scott, that is just awesome. I finally mounted the ECM bracket I made from your template. Thanks again!!!

[SlowProgress]

Hey that's great I am glad it worked out for you. Hoping to get into wiring mine later this year!

[waynieZ]

Looking good! Nice tools and you did a nice job on the lines.

[SlowProgress]

The best thing that happened is I finally decided to put a mini-split A/C in the garage. Yes it is a luxury and I used to not care how hot it is out there. Last year the Summer temperatures really stopped progress, especially the dog days in Oct and Nov when you still can’t always work with the door open in Phoenix. So yes it was nice to get this done. We had some “special” weather last week so timing was great.

https://i.imgur.com/6oNC6IWl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BK8debcl.png

Here is the result with the A/C running.

https://i.imgur.com/HvtizZYl.jpg

I finished the frame notch on the LH side and pretty much just copied the right side.

https://i.imgur.com/5dwV9Hml.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ErIPrrpl.jpg

With that out of the way I got the proportioning valve installed with the DSE bracket and one short tube fabricated.

https://i.imgur.com/9G2fYr2l.jpg

I went back and forth where to put the line lock. I almost augured in but finally just mounted in on the inner fender tub brace. The bottom lines will be a little hard to reach but I think it will be fine. That will be a busy corner with the clutch cylinder close by also.

https://i.imgur.com/QgxNxsWl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bc5MeHul.jpg

With that finally figured out I started the LH brake tube about one flare away from it being complete. I added some extra squiggles in the brake line because there will be a little flexing.

https://i.imgur.com/1YgVvStl.jpg

So that’s not much to show but I probably sat around too much staring at the new A/C unit !

[SlowProgress]

No excuses, I just haven’t been working on the car very much. I decided to push it outside, clean and blow all the dust off. I hid parts everywhere to make room to work on it again. Keeping a neat work area isn’t something I am good at.

https://i.imgur.com/1sazlX9l.jpg

I have all the brake lines figured out and connected to the various fittings. The line lock was a little hard to shoe-horn into the location I picked. I still have a couple of supports to work out but need to do those when the frame comes off. I went through a bunch of tube patterns in aluminum and had to make a few of the stainless tubes over. The long tube from the master to the rear end still needs some tweaking, but best to do that with the body separated. This is actually pretty hard because so many things are in the way!

https://i.imgur.com/hJSUUPcl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EEoWjsMl.jpg

Overall I am pretty happy with the routing.

https://i.imgur.com/OpsscYDl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cKO2XGzl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1pIQ7TTl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ya11zpcl.jpg

I bought a small fuse/relay panel from Eaton for the trunk. Next I need to figure out all the connector locations, re-install the exhaust and route all the rear-body harnesses (or at least mock them up). I am still not sure about the battery, remote shutoff and large fuse to protect the long battery cable. There is a lot more going on in the trunk than there was with the stock Camaro!

https://i.imgur.com/1GV1csQl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QDPNRn3l.jpg

That’s it for now. I will try to be a little more active on the car this year. Goal is to install and start the engine this year, so I can blow it apart for paint. That doesn’t sound like much but will be a challenge for me.
Happy New Year !

Scott

[214Chevy]

This car is coming along nicely. I love what you did with the rear of the car.

[SlowProgress]

I played around with the location of the trunk fuse box and finally decided where to stick everything. I bought some stainless bolts and machined a little nub on the hex end, center punched the fusebox holes and drilled 1/8 pilots for the little nub. This made it easy to get all the bolts in the right spot, and also holds the box up off the surface a little.

https://i.imgur.com/Bxqbcsbl.jpg

With the fuse boxed tacked into place I step drilled the connector holes and test fit the connectors.

https://i.imgur.com/M0mglpJl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/j9h6hYYl.jpg

Here is the box and connectors mocked up. I still need final weld, the little holes to mount the connector screws, and figure out which backshells to order for wire routing. I also added an underside view.

https://i.imgur.com/fXWv4h4l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RTHc8HFl.jpg

Next week I will mount the pump controller and figure out the wire routing and maybe add a few clamps.
Still need to figure out which battery and the exact location as well!

Scott

[JoeLightning]

Is it next week yet? :poke:

Love this build. I suspect you have been working so hard on it you haven’t had time to update your fans. All the best.....

[waynieZ]

[QUOTE=JoeLightning;676300]Is it next week yet? :poke:

It must be next week! :underchair:

[SlowProgress]

I have been busy on the car but only about 6-10 hours per week. I did get the pump controller mounted weeks ago but got distracted working other things

https://i.imgur.com/z8t8g5xl.jpg

Also the pump wiring cleaned up pretty nice. It is almost ready for prime time.

https://i.imgur.com/Cceemsgl.jpg

The shop is covered with body filler and I have just been slow to get a post made (apologies for that). My good friend John has been coming over one night a week and throwing mud at the car. The body is clean metal but I really warped it as a kid removing paint with a body grinder. John has been a lot of help and we have fun eating pizza, drinking beer and making a lot of noise.

https://i.imgur.com/ea7DYMJl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ey3iXmtl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HPbRaXMl.jpg

While John throws filler, I am TIG brazing some of the body seams. It is slow because I am not good at it.
I am also trying to figure out the rear muffler hangers. I realized when the exhaust was all welded together that thick stainless is just really heavy and my planned hangar idea was probably not strong enough. I didn’t want to weld tabs because I thought they might crack and pull out. I came up with this idea to design a strap that wraps around because it will be strong and easy to position. It is sort of tapered to help conform to the areas close to a bend radius where is will be located

https://i.imgur.com/kjE0FRTl.png
https://i.imgur.com/IhTDkd4l.jpg

I bought these adjustable swaybar links so it will be easy to adjust the height and mocked up one of the spares. I thought I could blacksmith this but I think I will take them to a sheet metal person to roll the radius a little smoother and make a crisp bend in the tabs. There will probably be some sort of spacer to keep the ears parallel.

https://i.imgur.com/hKVoNkNl.jpg

I am working to get the battery and mount on order from Summit this week and plan to keep plugging away at metal work, and wiring while John keeps putting filler in the low spots. He is really patient at that type of thing and greatly appreciated.
Not much of an update but I didn’t want everyone to think I had given up.

[tubbed69]

glad to see some progress:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Nice progress, What did you use on the roof to guarter seam ? is that the aluminum filler? Looking good.

[SlowProgress]

Thanks guys. Wayne that is aluminum filled body filler (all-metal brand). I was going to lead it but I took some advice from someone who has prepared a lot of cars and he told me not to worry about the metal filled products. I tend to over-think and needed a little kick to move forward.

[rixtrix1]

Project really is coming along nicely. I respect your perseverance, patience and attention to details!

[SlowProgress]

Well I took a long break from the project, a dangerous thing to do when you are so far along. I keep trying to get back at it, and something like laziness seems to get in the way. Thankfully my friends keep pushing me along, and John comes by on Wednesdays to work on fill and prime to get the body further along.
The exhaust hangs without temporary supports now, and the crazy hanger idea worked, just need some small finishing tasks and fabricate the tailpipe turn-downs

https://i.imgur.com/Z3RuRrHl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ues7vLyl.jpg

Just having the car back on the cart, and seeing some primer really has been a motivator. I was definitely getting a little burned out on fab work, and any sort of color has been a good thing.

https://i.imgur.com/iW7mVrml.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0C5f2Hjl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QVcE1uHl.jpg

It was a real milestone to get the engine set in the car. I was a little worried that some of the fabricated parts wouldn’t fit, but the exhaust connects nicely, and just a small rub on the intake I think will be a relatively easy fix.

https://i.imgur.com/IFjAnncl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ieTP6Oql.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6znA8c0l.jpg

I am starting to work on the little fitment issues, connect all the sensors, and will be trimming and cutting the wiring harness to route everything as cleanly as possible, but not show car clean. I want it to be functional. There will be some MS style connectors to break the harness apart, but I don't know how that will work yet.

https://i.imgur.com/nSbWXddl.jpg

Lastly it has been a lot of fun lately. Here we are pretending we dropped the engine on my friend John. Beer may have been involved!

https://i.imgur.com/dkXF0bul.jpg

Going to keep picking at the wiring, inlet duct, cooler hoses, everything needed to run the engine. Goal is to actually start it this year and go out with some loud noises!

Scott

[SlowProgress]

The plan is to keep putting systems in the car so I can have all the brackets fabbed, holes drilled, and get the engine started to make sure everything works before paint. There is a long way to go, but I have been picking away at the wiring steadily the last couple of weeks, and have a good start with the rough- in.

I decided to put a bulkhead grommet on the right firewall for the pedal harness and all the wires headed to the gauge controller. The A/C is going to get power from the new fuse box in the trunk.

https://i.imgur.com/yBUYOyAl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WIKEtmwl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zRDniwol.jpg

I picked up the battery and mount. Just about have it pinned down so I can start terminating wires, circuit breakers and probably some sort of shutoff, and large system fuse. There is a lot of work to do here and I am pretty tired of working in the trunk so it can sit for a while.

https://i.imgur.com/inptZrAl.jpg

I also ordered a Wegner Serpentine accessory drive. I am really looking forward to getting that on the car because it will make the engine look closer to complete.

https://i.imgur.com/NoZjFT0l.jpg

Things not worked out yet.
• Where am I going to put all the coils
• Figure out the fan PWM control
• Run all the water, Oil and P/S hoses
• Figure out that huge 4-inch air inlet
• Pick valve covers (sort of related to the coils) haven’t figured it out yet.

I will post some photos when I get the Wegner drive installed.

Scott

[SlowProgress]

I just neglected my build thread and apologize for that. I am going to post up a few times to get caught back up to avoid one really long post. Lost my mom at the end of last year to dementia and needless to say 2020 has been a dumpster fire so far!
The Wegner box showed up and it was a lot like Christmas. Really a well-made product and it all fit perfectly. I had a ton of fun putting it on the engine.

https://i.imgur.com/umuIHNSl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PhaHHbyl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LTVurI7l.jpg

I started plumbing up the oil cooler lines which was also fun, nice new parts are like that! General routing is figured out but need some brackets and guards to complete it.

https://i.imgur.com/TCg1N2sl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hXi7zwHl.jpg

I was working the mechanicals and my good friend John kept plugging away at getting all the panels cleaned and primed.

https://i.imgur.com/w2PFzUAl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MeuEKJol.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ofWSkZSl.jpg

Somewhere along the line I had to shove the car outside to clean-up the mess to keep working. It is always nice to see it outside!

https://i.imgur.com/rTpOWP7l.jpg

Good stopping spot for this post.

[Gmachine1911]

Amazing craftsmanship, thanks for sharing! I always look forward to seeing updates on this build. My sincere condolences on losing your Mom.

[SlowProgress]

I picked up the Detroit Speed variable speed wiper kit and finally the Mast Valve covers were back in stock

https://i.imgur.com/G33Hx1gl.jpg

Working out the steam vent lines, I bought a kit off e-bay because the hoses looked small and it came with a bracket. Still need to modify the bracket since it won’t work with the 102mm intake and probably need to re-make at least one of the hoses.

https://i.imgur.com/bI5caEil.jpg

There is still a ton of work to do on the air inlet, but I need to get all the sensors located so I can start to clean-up all the wiring.

https://i.imgur.com/5GEyrBFl.jpg

Right about mid-March things changed and I have been working from home since, still getting used to it.

https://i.imgur.com/IXypdUIl.jpg

I also realized I could not use the built in P/S reservoir because it was lower than the heat exchanger. Dumb mistake so I had to order and plumb a remote reservoir. Wegner was great they swapped out the reservoir style pump for one with a fitting.

https://i.imgur.com/mgb9kzFl.jpg

This is a little big but functional (sorta ugly maybe). I may customize it as a later project ..... someday?

https://i.imgur.com/WyOObsfl.jpg

I bet you’re thinking I am going to keep posting these and boom the car will be finished. I wish that was the case but probably one more post and we’ll be caught up on the little projects underhood!

[Goosesdad]

Fantastic!!

[WSSix]

Condolences on your losing your mom. I'm glad to see you plugging away on the car. It's coming along nicely. Keep up the good work!

[SlowProgress]

I spent way too much time looking at catch cans. In the end I decided to buy this Radium unit because it looked really nice and had a well-design internal filter. It came with a nice LS bracket that I hoped would fit behind the Wegner A/C unit. The dip stick feature was pretty cool too! I also ordered an optional banjo fitting so I could mess with the hose exit angle easily.

https://i.imgur.com/XtfQpZ9l.jpg

The bracket didn’t fit so I had to make one as usual
I started with a thin mock-up, something easy to cut out.

https://i.imgur.com/Ud1NzHMl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/J87dreKl.jpg

The thin mockup also had to be modified but it got pretty close then I have a paper template.

https://i.imgur.com/S9CC0vYl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qWihKOul.jpg

I like this photo because it shows how ugly things start out when you hand make them.
Drilling big holes on the lathe because my drill was not powerful, or smooth enough.

https://i.imgur.com/AF4wjefl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XhZdECol.jpg

Initial fit-up and the finished part next to the original

https://i.imgur.com/hzqluwIl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0DM3i85l.jpg

Added a 45 deg fitting and really happy with the final results

https://i.imgur.com/yByKrZSl.jpg

That’s a lot o photos for a simple catch can bracket but it shows the process which may be interesting to some people.

[214Chevy]

I have that same PSC power steering reservoir. Yeah, it's kind of big, but I'm going to make it work somehow. When I ordered mine, it didn't look that big to me in the pic of course. Didn't think it would be a problem until you start cramming a motor in your car, then suddenly realize how much space you don't have.

[SlowProgress]

Yeah that thing is huge and like you I didn't think it looked so big in the photos. Good news it should keep the power steering fluid nice and cool with all that extra volume!

[waynieZ]

Nice job on the bracket. I've been looking at the PSC and was worried about the size too.

[SlowProgress]

Well I retired last year in March and went to New Mexico for the Summer. Back in AZ now and decided to really work on the Camaro while the weather is cool. My goal is to start the engine by the end of February to simply get me motivated to take the next steps. I won’t be able to drive it yet but that is the next step before blowing it apart for painting.

Bringing the electrical system up one circuit at a time works best for me to avoid becoming overwhelmed. The engine wires will be the last thing I do when everything else is figured out.

I decided to put in a trunk contactor so I can isolate the electrical circuits when the car isn’t in use. I will have a constant battery circuit for the GMPP ECU.

The battery, contactor and a 500AMP main fuse to protect the battery cable are all installed. There is a local place that makes really nice cables.

https://i.imgur.com/QVyrQ7dl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/n7T1YdTl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rLAr0Y5l.jpg

With the contactor I can manually close the relay with a push button and turn it off when not needed. The trunk aux. fuse box and fuel pump PWM controller can be powered now.

https://i.imgur.com/beo3P1Ml.jpg

I bought a new power probe and it is a really convenient way to power individual circuits. I finished the fuel pump wiring and was finally able to spin the fuel pump in the tank by simulating an ECU pump turn on signal with the power probe.

https://i.imgur.com/J5RXpOpl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DQyqnZ1l.jpg

My son also bought me a nice Fluke meter for Christmas.

https://i.imgur.com/M7RtTGOl.jpg

I ran a new power wire from the trunk panel to the original GM fuse box so fuse box power now comes from the trunk panel and not the horn relay in the engine bay. I made a temporary splice to get the engine running but will add a fuse later in the trunk to make it safe. The wires look old and worn out but they are soft and don't have any nicks or corrosion since the car was stored inside most of its life. The stock harness and fusebox will mostly be accs. and lighting circuits. All the engine circuits will be new, modern wiring for reliability.

https://i.imgur.com/yYOSB9Tl.jpg

It was really nice to have the Ignition key working and all the battery and Accs circuits working. Feels like the car is slowly coming alive again.
I created a schematic so I would not forget how it is all hooked up (again).

https://i.imgur.com/9fITZHzl.jpg

I decided to play with the power probe and hooked up the DSE multi-speed wiper circuits and tested them. Everything works fine and I still need a lot of wire clean-up.

https://i.imgur.com/FKUeAHNl.jpg

The RS sail panel lighting was always pretty lacking and I decided to add a dome light circuit and the under-dash courtesy lights. To have both a dome and sail panel light harness meant I needed to make some sort of pigtail adapter. I was going to reuse the original sail panel light harness but it was too stiff after all the years. I bought a new repro. harness and used part of the old harness to make the pigtail to power dome and sail lighting.

https://i.imgur.com/SeGJUQ3l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/U6BuiW6l.jpg

What should have been a 30 minute job turned into several hours trying to figure out the crimping arrangement. I thought I had the right tools but the MSD crimper mangles the little terminal tabs.
I did a little online research and found someone who just modified their crimper inserts by grinding a groove so I grudgingly did that to mine. Hopefully they will still work for normal terminals with a tab clearance groove cut into the one jaw.

https://i.imgur.com/PL4S0HUl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ye9I2Lpl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KUUrXh7l.jpg

The simplest of circuits is done and all the interior lights work now.

https://i.imgur.com/YeFQT2Kl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1d7zmk6l.jpg


The dash lights also work except the VintageAir panel is too dim. I hope there is a burned bulb, or something easy causing that.

https://i.imgur.com/Id6umADl.jpg

Next week I am going to wire up the Dakota dome light dimmer circuit.

https://i.imgur.com/oI2BWGul.jpg

Then I will bring power to the Dakota under-dash control box for the gauges. I also want to get the battery cable to the starter and power up the GMPP fuse panel in the engine bay.
Once the engine bay panel is powered the first thing I want to do is get the drive-by-wire throttle pedal working. That will seem like a big milestone.

[WSSix]

Nice work. It's good to be making progress. .

I put a main circuit breaker on my Trans Am that powered all the accessories. It had a push button to open the circuit. I used it for whenever the car was parked as both a theft deterrent since it was hidden and to prevent battery drain

Good luck continuing to move forward. Enjoy retirement!

[camcojb]

:thumbsup:

[SlowProgress]

Made pretty good progress this week. I got the ECU wiring all roughed in. It still needs all the zip ties removed to clean it up. Check outs were successful.

https://i.imgur.com/u4IqLmbl.jpg

The Engine light illuminates in the fuse box with ignition power and I can feel the fuel pump relay shut off after a few seconds. The code reader connects with my phone when connected to the OBD port.

https://i.imgur.com/zoMiiIKl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YGchr5fl.jpg

It was really nice to hear the electronic throttle reset with power on and I probably played with the electronic pedal more than I would like to admit.
There is a short Video below. It was a great milestone to have the throttle respond to the pedal.

fgatDheyWIE

Still working to start the engine by the end of February to build up the motivational stoke!

[SlowProgress]

I made a bit more progress toward starting the engine. Made a pressure lube tank out of my weed sprayer by adding a Schrader valve.

https://i.imgur.com/6deo1GWl.jpg

Simple connection to one of these LS adapters from Amazon.

https://i.imgur.com/YPj0gJcl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OsD91Usl.jpg

This worked well pushing oil all the way up top and even registered decent pressure on the HP Tuners dashboard which was convenient.

https://i.imgur.com/RiW372Sl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AwbHYTTl.jpg

I also checked all the cylinders with the borescope to make sure nothing slipped inside due to the manifold being off and on several times. Cylinders looked good even after several years. Plenty of oil left inside. Also installed the dipstick.

https://i.imgur.com/f09JR3hl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tTA4nF5l.jpg

I finally ordered the clutch so I can crank the engine over and bought the Vintage Air 850W fan harness to get my fan connected. I tried to find the 9.5mm Yazaki terminals and make my own fan harness but struck out. The VA harness is really nice looking, using 6Ga wire which is correct for the GM fan.

https://i.imgur.com/6sWJuO8l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/f6K4h09l.jpg

Goal is to keep plugging away and do a motivational start-up by the end of February, so far on track for that.

[SlowProgress]

I realized I was missing dowel pins for the block and had some brought over to my local GM dealer. I used dry ice to freeze both the dowel pins and the pilot bearing to help the installation a little.

https://i.imgur.com/jVsKa5Cl.jpg

I have had bad luck hammering pilot bearings in so I tack welded studs onto flywheel bolts bought at the local auto supply.

https://i.imgur.com/fy57GfRl.jpg

I had to tap the pilot bearing in to square it up (after freezing). The press tool did a good job once the pilot bearing was started and square.

The flywheel and clutch went in fairly straight forward. The Dyad seems like a nice product!

https://i.imgur.com/NTnzLYQl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1MTLdK0l.jpg

Now if the bell housing will fit and the trans will stab ok I can move back onto the last few tasks to get this engine started.

[WSSix]

Very nice looking clutch. It should work well for you from what I have read.

[SlowProgress]

I put the top end together for the final time before engine start.
There was a minor interference between the throttle body and water pump I hadn't noticed before. Good thing I caught it. I had to grind a little of the throttle body and the water pump to make it better.

https://i.imgur.com/V69KnqRl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/c0M5Pe0l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/l7bytYul.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dYO3LbIl.jpg

Today was supposed to be first start. It was a gorgeous day in the Phoenix area. Everything appeared to be working but one of my stainless connections stared dripping gas. We decided to not risk starting a fire and will pull that fitting apart and try again in the next few days.

I was still a fun day.

https://i.imgur.com/TVbOOtql.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rmhcI5bl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WtW8xmql.jpg

Some bonus video of the 850 W Cadillac fan running. It is pretty impressive at maximum power. I am not happy with the wiring and plan to clean it up as a future project before putting the car on the road. Actually all the wires need a major clean up.

xUbhdijDCrw

[SlowProgress]

Today was a beautiful Spring Day in the Phoenix area. Last time a fuel leak postponed starting the engine. I had some issues getting oil pressure to read out on the VCM dashboard even though it was working fine when I pre-lubed the engine. Not sure if I killed the sensor, have a wire issue, or just made a mistake in VCM. The plan was to run a few seconds and shut off early if no pressure reading which is what happened.

0lWxsZTBcbM

I bought a ratty mechanical gauge, pulled the sensor and we had a nice restart with plenty of oil pressure (about 100 psig over 3000 RPM).

3tDAV9eQFBI

We had to do a quick throttle snap and my son shot a short video of the screen.

RqIR1WidWe8

We didn’t do any tuning. I noticed the idle is rough after throttle snap. Plenty of work to do to get it dialed in although surprisingly ok as-is.

Impressions:
• The install is a compete mess. All the wiring needs to be cleaned up, gauges installed, A/C wiper motor, lights wired, etc.
• The VCM suite is surprisingly user friendly for an old guy
• The engine sounded good to all of us, not too loud, good deep rumble but spicy with throttle
• The exhaust note is more like the big block I previously had in the car which was a little unexpected (both 427 CID)
• Not a drop of fluid leaked out of anything (newer engines are like that)
• No black smoke out the exhaust just clean and lean
• It was motivating to hear it run after all this time stuck building things and I do feel energized
• Thanks a bunch to my friends Joel and John and my son Tristan for helping out

[camcojb]

:thumbsup: