1966 Impala update

[kwhizz]

Rather that go back in History about this car.......Let's just say never buy a car that you haven't inspected yourself........With that being said,.......I finished this car in 2011 and drove it on two Power Tours.......Great car .........But.....I built the 66 LSA Chevelle and the Impala basically sat in the garage for two years as I was driving the Chevelle everywhere.......So....Earlier this year I took the Impala out for a drive and was reminded what a great car it was.........except after driving the LSA Chevelle, the Impala was like driving a Yugo........(2006 GTO LS2 drivetrain).........So.....Lets just say it needs some more Torque .........So.........In order to keep up with Lillard and Weld on the road.....I ordered a Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger along with a new fuel system (Vaporworx Tank, Vaporworx Fuel Pressure system, and a ZL1 Pump)....AS with most things that Car guy's do.........there is no Logical reason to do this.........But !!!!........LOL....Things will be updated as they happen.....After dealing with this project , the 57 Nomad you see in the pic's will be getting a LS shot in the arm also.....The last picture is of the small skid from Edelbrock that showed up while we were out of town.........Let the fun begin......





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[waynieZ]

You have some nice projects ahead of you, I'll be watching for your updates.

[TomM]

Subscribed....this should be good...

T,

[kwhizz]

Subscribed....this should be good...

T,


Wait till you start driving your Nova.........LOL........everything changes


Ken

[kwhizz]

Ahh!!!.......Christmas in October.....

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[bonecrrusher]

Looking good Ken!

What part number is your kit?

After I get the last tube of epoxy for my lift - I am going to start on Brembo big brake kit project on my SS - then install my E-Force for my Vette.

If that's not enough - I am also putting together and LSA blower kit for my SS as well!

You can never have enough forced induction!

[kwhizz]

Looking good Ken!

What part number is your kit?

After I get the last tube of epoxy for my lift - I am going to start on Brembo big brake kit project on my SS - then install my E-Force for my Vette.

If that's not enough - I am also putting together and LSA blower kit for my SS as well!

You can never have enough forced induction!



#15470..........and you are correct on that Forced Induction Thingy !!!!



Ken

[kwhizz]

.......Tonight I got a few things done....Had to pin the Crank Pulley to the crankshaft.......Now....In the Instructions (yes as I got older I now read them first)....LOL......It said to buy a GM tool to lock the flywheel in place to loosen the pulley bolt.....WTF.....It can't be that tight ......Right ?????.......So....I pull the starter out and put the Tool in place.......Get out the 1/2" breaker bar and go to break the Bolt loose.......LOL......Nothing......In the Instructions it said that a long pipe might be needed for additional leverage.......Boy...they weren't kidding.......took a 3' pipe and even then I had trouble breaking it loose......Ends up that GM has some type of compound applied to the flange that contacts the crank and it must act as a glue also......So .....followed the rest of the instructions and got the dowel pin in...Put in the new bolt and tightened it to Spec.....Put the starter back in and moved on to the top end..........

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Now.......The Edelbrock Supercharger Belt/Tensioner routing won't allow for the A/C compressor to remain where it is.....gonna have to mount it down low and run it off the inner belt position so it will be all by itself.......Hope this compressor fits down there......Time will tell.....
Had some time so I started to take the top end apart.....Got the manifold off and changed the Valley Cover to the Edelbrock unit.........Pretty soon I'll get that Black thing in the box installed.......

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[andrewb70]

Looking good Ken.

Some black Holley valve covers would look great with that supercharger. Just make sure they will work with your coils (I think they will).

Andrew

[Ummgawa]

You running your custom A/C bracket on this build?

[TomM]

Aannddd we're off..... :gitrdun:


T,

[kwhizz]

Took the easy way out today and used the engine hoist to get the Supercharger in position......worked out perfect.....Got everything in position......installed the new fuel rails and injectors......got the adaptors and wiring for the Injectors installed.....everything going smoothly, until installing the coils.........seems the Coil plugs and Injector Plugs are fighting for the same space.........Have to modify the coil mounts brackets to a new position so everything will fit together........Not a big deal but something Edelbrock should have caught..........


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[califconstruct]

Cool stuff. Great info, keep them photos coming with your progress. :popcorn2:

[V8TV]

Thanks for posting this thread, Ken... it will be good to see your findings on the A/C fit and other things along the way!

[kwhizz]

Decided to grind clearance in the Coil Mounting bracket.......Before and after pic's.....


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But........The coils and the injector plugs are still fighting for the same space......I was just going to leave out the top coil bolts and rotate the coils to clear.......Until I was going to mount the brackets that hold the engine cover in place......they use those coil mount holes so ..........I don't like the way these plugs are jammed together though........I might end up making my own coil mount brackets that will move the coils and still allow for the engine cover to mount correctly......But...again.......Edelbrock should have supplied brackets to allow for this situation.......I can make new brackets but what about the guy doing this in his Garage and doesn't have access to a machine shop to do the job correctly.......Poor Engineering on Edelbrocks part.........Just say'in........


You can see in this picture the upper coil bolt is out and the coil is rotated back to provide clearance........you can see the issue....


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/111080A4-08A1-4E58-A9AA-173B09765BF1.jpg


But......on a better note.....I installed all the pulley's and tensioner........The old belt was a little short so I guessed on the size and went to Autozone and had to go thru the "Sir....What year make and model car routine"........I asked if I could just go and look at the belts.........Guessed at 101.5" .......brought it back home at it fit perfect.........the old belt was 99.7" and just missed going on.........got Lucky !!!!............I got the passenger side Engine cover on........then I decided to reinstalled the radiator band throttle body..........again........everything clears.......


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Enough for today........LOL

[andrewb70]

Ken,

I got an extra TB which is like the one on your LSA, it would plug N play and the motor won't stick out like the LS2 TB...

Food for thought.

Andrew

[Boss 5.0]

Nice job, great project.

[kwhizz]

You running your custom A/C bracket on this build?


Well.......I was going to try and use my current compressor........Ain't gonna happen.......looks like I'm gonna have to go back to the smaller compressor and custom brackets.........

Ken

[kwhizz]

Ken,

I got an extra TB which is like the one on your LSA, it would plug N play and the motor won't stick out like the LS2 TB...

Food for thought.

Andrew



Andrew......Thanks for the offer but I'm gun shy about changing too many things at one time......

Ken

[kwhizz]

The "Ricks" Tank showed up also.........But........The fuel level module was on back order so I'll have to wait to put it in.........Ordered a Heat exchanger and a new smaller A/C compressor to fit into the low mounting space.........

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[kwhizz]

Made a little progress today with a setback also........First.....Talked to the Edelbrock Tech guy today and was told ........"Gee".......You are the first one to have problems with the coils hitting the injectors......LOL........I sent him pictures and haven't heard a word since.........Next......the A/C compressor I had on the car with plans to move it down low fell apart as the compressor is too big to fit in that area available........Gonna have to go with the smaller SD-7 Compressor........So....I made a low compressor mount today just like I made for the LSA in the Chevelle.......Feeling good........Get home and put it on and something didn't look right.....LOL........Duhhhh!!!.......I assumed that the dedicated A/C drive belt position would be in the same place as the LSA.........LOL..........1 3/16" difference.........Guess I get to make another one tomorrow........Darn !!!!..........But......I did get the driver side Aluminum Edelbrock Coil cover clearance for the master cylinder and alternator brackets......Also took the radiator back out so I have some room to get the compressor fit and mounted in that lower position.......two steps backward and one step forward......

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/32E5471B-2B47-49B4-937D-8016831EEFC6.jpg

[Jon69RagTop]

Show us a few more pics of your "clearance" work on the aluminum cover. That looks nice and tight from what I can see. What did you use for this?

[kwhizz]

So........Continuing on with the A/C compressor mounting .........Again.......I made the same lower mount I made for the LSA engine and when installing it I found out the LS2 had different Belt spacing on the Balancer......I measured the difference and started over today on a revised version........LOL.....Again....this is guess work until you actually put it together and see those clearance issues.......I had the other version draw up in Solidworks so I revised it to be what I now thought it should be.......Here are some pic's of designing and making the brackets......Brought them home and other than some clearance issues with the upper piece it went together perfectly......

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[kwhizz]

Checked off a couple more things on the to do list.....When I first looked at the space available for the A/C compressor.....I thought "No Problem"......LOL.......well I had to go with the smaller SD7 and with that I have about a 1/2 " clearance all around, but....It is in and in it's final position.......No room for a tensioner so I'll just keep the turnbuckle in place.......Had to turn over the upper mount and modify it for clearance for the A/C fittings......but it's all good now........

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/57FA34A2-3CB9-4349-9EC8-1E056F9CF4C4.jpg

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The next thing to resolve was the Injector/Coil issue........Thru recommendations I bought a set of Holley valve covers than change the mounting position of the coils........Bingo......

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/76A2F26F-9F3F-4359-B49D-129DBCD10721.jpg

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[130fe]

Ken, what is the round shaped object mounted on the pass side of the firewall?

[kwhizz]

Ken, what is the round shaped object mounted on the pass side of the firewall?



Part of the Alarm system...............

Ken

[kwhizz]

A/C lines finished and installed.........The Heat Exchanger also showed up and needs to be mounted.......I also got the "O" ring tank seal that I needed to finish up the Tank installation (threw out the one that came with the pump with the box.......Duhhhhhh!!!)

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[bonecrrusher]

Man I was just starting to think about getting into my blower setup - and your already almost done!

Those Holley valve covers look great! That sucks about all the custom work though. Is that heat exchanger for the blower intercooler - or for the AC?

[kwhizz]

Man I was just starting to think about getting into my blower setup - and your already almost done!

Those Holley valve covers look great! That sucks about all the custom work though. Is that heat exchanger for the blower intercooler - or for the AC?


Supercharger................

[kwhizz]

One of the last things to do in the engine compartment is to get the heat exchanger mounted and lines run.......so I put the radiator back in for the last time so I can see where the interference issues will be

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[kwhizz]

Two steps forward ....one step back......Got the Intercooler reservoir and pump mounted (waiting for my 90 degree elbows to show up for finishing the system) .......I also installed air intake system with the Mass Airflow Sensor.....Feeling good.......Then I tried to install the supplied wire harness from Edelbrock........Hummm!!.......Plug doesn't fit the GTO Mass Air Flow Sensor......what did I do wrong.........Read everything again........Humm!!!........Call Edelbrock.........Even though I ordered the kit for the 2006 GTO drivetrain and Harness........I was told I can't use my stock MAF Sensor and need to buy a newer version........O.K......I ask the Tech.......will my ECM be compatible with the newer MAF Sensor........... Nope !!.....When finished I'll have to trailer it to the Tuner (ASSC Racing) for Larry to dial the system in......Oh well !!!.........Order the new MAF and take the Air intake system apart and start over
again.........Still had some time left before taking a Nap.....so I put the new "Ricks" Gas tank in.......Now it's time for a nap....

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[kwhizz]

Got a new Air Filter assy that has the provision for the newer style Mass Air Flow Sensor built into it.....Didn't think the Filter would fit into the opening in the fender......This assy was provided by Edelbrock in the Kit.....But...I didn't think it would fit and I modified the old set-up to fit....That's when I found out about the plug being different and the MAF Sensor issue........I guess in the end the way Edelbrock had it set up is actually the right way to do it.......Parts on order......and the Huge air filter fits perfectly in the fender opening.......Again......."I are smart".......LOL........Anyhow.....as you can see it fits perfectly.....I also went to the parts store and pieced together Radiator Hoses to make a new top hose........The shrink clamps will be here on Monday to get that finished also......I also roughly mounted the Heat Exchanger and got the pump and all the hoses hooked up.......Just need to make some upper and lower mounting brackets for the final positioning...........I also hooked up a Vacuum pump to check and see if the A/C system would hold a Vacuum..........as you can see in the picture after sitting for a hour .......no problem.......getting closer

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[Sonar Chief]

Ken .... went through the build thread on the other site, wow ... it's come along way. I am trying to keep up with your builds as one day my Camaro will undergo a LS conversion.

Keep up the good work and progress reports I enjoy your comments and pics.

Michael

[kwhizz]

Back from SEMA and time to get back on the project.......Got all the Radiator hoses in position and sealed up with Gates Shrink clamps......Got the coolant in the radiator and inter cooler lines......Got the intercooler pump hooked up and purged all the air out of the system.........The new Mass Air Flow sensor should be here tomorrow so that part of the system will be completed.......about all I have left to do is make a couple of brackets for the Heat Exchanger and finish up the wiring for the Vaporworx fuel pressure controller system......

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/2340D493-1908-4C8B-8343-C1947A5F45A3.jpg

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Ken

[kwhizz]

So...........Let me start of by saying "I are Smart".........LOL........The last major thing to do was to get the Heat Exchanger final mounted.......got the brackets made and installed......Then I just had to run the wires from the pump to the Vaporworx controller next to the Battery........So.....The Vaporworx system basically controls how hard the fuel pump works.......instead of the normal Corvette Filter/ Regulator with a return line back to the tank.........This system has a pressure sensor in the fuel line and just runs the pump hard enough to keep the fuel pressure where it needs to be........this is the way GM is now running the fuel system in the new cars........So.....I get it all hooked up and crank the car over to see if it will start.........It cranks over but not even a hint of starting.........Humm !!!!.....Seems the fuel pump isn't working..........Crawl underneath and remove the plug to the pump and hot wire it........Pump kicks on......Humm!!!..........Check the voltage at the controller and call Carl from Vaporworx......I tell him what I'm seeing and he tells me that's not right.....Hummm!!! ........After diagnosing the problem with Carl after many phone calls......He ask's me if I had the Ground wire from the Battery to the controller......Oh.....Do you mean the one I forgot to put on..........LOL......Hooked it up and the car started immediately.........Duhh!!!............Now with the different Mass Airflow Sensor that Edelbrock requires in their system.....I need to get the Tune correct.......Right now the car starts and rev's to 3000 rpm and the fades and shuts off........The tune will correct that........A few wires to neaten up and shes done..........Gonna order the new drivetrain for the 57 Nomad next week...........Gonna be a Busy/ Short winter....LOL

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/D7408E7D-039A-4E85-8C0A-637093DC3894.jpg

Notice the extra wire.........LOL

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/380C6B28-81D6-45BB-89E5-0DC21B37EE04.jpg

All Finished.........Except for the Tune......

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/E2091109-1C5E-4F23-8CC4-CE1289AF3B53.jpg

Ken

[GregWeld]

When I saw the fuse holder --- I figured you'd left the fuse out.... LOL



Looks great Ken!!

[CarlC]

We both learned something today Ken!

[kwhizz]

Another detail that popped up and after thinking about it........According to the Edelbrock instructions the PCV system takes air from the inlet Tube (after the MAF sensor and before the Throttle Body) and the hose go's to the passenger valve cover, then it comes out of the drivers side valve cover right into a vacuum port just behind the throttle body....So....I called them and asked if there should be some sort of a PCV valve or something in the system.......they said no........Humm....that didn't make any sense to me as that would be the same as just leaving the hose off and having a dead open vacuum leak...So.....I stop at Frame-up wheelworks and talk to Donnie about my concerns......He agreed and told me the norm was to have a restrictor in the line with a .105 dia hole in it.......this will allow the PCV system to function in a restrained condition.........so.....I made one up and put it in the line and he also recommended putting a Catch can in the line between the throttle body and the valve cover.........Her are the final pic's before being Dyno-Tuned........

Restrictor fitting in the PCV line

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/BFAF7958-3C6F-4A77-954D-4CBF204F52A4.jpg

Catch can.........

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/796538FC-AA22-4CC0-AADC-81917977A0B8.jpg

[waynieZ]

Let me write this stuff down for when I get that close....... Ah doesn't matter I'll just loose the paper anyway. Nice job.

[kwhizz]

The car was just sitting in the garage until Larry at ASSC had time to get around to tuning it....Got the call last week and since the tune was so far off I had the car Flatbedded over to his shop..

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/04974C30-7A69-4BE4-8EBA-7A589A1579A1.jpg

So.....Larry spent a week going thru the car and got everything dialed in quite nicely....

Got it back today........Check it out....

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/4C639DE1-EC28-4043-AE7D-CB730BF69E3E.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/3B0A6155-F191-4CCE-B870-7C92A033F4FD.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/f5f682b4-4ac4-42d5-b425-96ee4ecb5ca6.jpg

[TomM]

Sweet....so how did she run...?

T,

[kwhizz]

Haven't driven it yet..........Darn !!!!!!!!(Weather)

[waynieZ]

Nice ken, it's ready when you are. I hope the weather clears so you can take it for a blast.

[andrewb70]

Nice number Ken. I bet you are going to take her out today!

How much boost are you running?

Andrew

[WSSix]

Nice numbers, Ken. That will help the car move out quickly for sure.

[kwhizz]

I got a chance to drive the car today for the first time with the Supercharger installed..........The drivetrain I built the car with came out of a 2006 GTO......LS2 / 4L65E rated at 400 HP............All I can say is the idle quality and drive ability are just like driving a stocker...........But....the added useable torque when getting in it a little is phenomenal.......Remember that this is a garage built daily driver and Power Tour car that has just been moved to the next level........And this is a "Puppy" compared to the cars that are built on this site..........But........Technology, Fuel Injection,and Supercharging with Computer controls is the way to go........I don't miss any of my old Muscle cars at all........LOL

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/315703E0-372C-46E5-A577-512884909A35.jpg

[kwhizz]

Nice number Ken. I bet you are going to take her out today!

How much boost are you running?

Andrew
\




As I remember it's around 6 lbs of boost ....................

Ken

[waynieZ]

It looks sweet out in the sun Ken. I'm glad the weather cleared up so you could take it out and enjoy it.

[bonecrrusher]

Hey Ken - how did you run the PCV system on the passenger side?

It looks like on the drivers side you ran from the bottom of the blower - to a catch can - into the drivers side rear vent port on the valve cover.

I'm looking into those same Holley covers on my Vette E-force install.

Thanks,
Craig

[kwhizz]

The Edelbrock set-up is a little different from the way GM runs their PCV system...........The fresh air from the air intake runs into the passenger valve cover and comes out the drivers side......then go's thru the catch can and finally sucked in to the throttle body..........Just be aware that in the Edelbrock valve covers.......the connection ports for the lines are not restricted......the GM covers have an approximate .105 restrictor hole in the tube to limit the air flow thru the PCV system...(thanks to Donny at Frame-up for that info ).......I made a inline fitting with the .105 hole in it that went into the PCV line from the air intake to the pass valve cover to duplicate the GM flow pattern............

Ken

[kwhizz]

Craig..........Another thing to watch is.......The Edelbrock kit that I ordered, was the one they told me to get.........when I was finished and ASSC tuned it he discovered that even though the kit was ordered for a 2006 GTO LS2 and ECM......the TMAP sensor was a 2 1/2 Bar unit and the GTO ECM was calibrated for a 1 Bar sensor.........Took a while to figure that out.....and also he had to decrease sensitivity of the knock sensors by 20% to keep the Timing in the engine.........Just Say'in !!!.........

Ken

[bonecrrusher]

Craig..........Another thing to watch is.......The Edelbrock kit that I ordered, was the one they told me to get.........when I was finished and ASSC tuned it he discovered that even though the kit was ordered for a 2006 GTO LS2 and ECM......the TMAP sensor was a 2 1/2 Bar unit and the GTO ECM was calibrated for a 1 Bar sensor.........Took a while to figure that out.....and also he had to decrease sensitivity of the knock sensors by 20% to keep the Timing in the engine.........Just Say'in !!!.........

Ken

Hey Ken - just now seeing this.

I got my car back from the tuner last Friday. I had looked up my TMAP sensor and discovered that it was a 2 bar Ford sensor - and let my tuner know.

My car ended up making 580 HP / 523 ft lbs - making 8.5 PSI with the 3.25" pulley installed.

I also got the Holley valve covers installed and discovered one of my coil park harnesses had a bolt screwed through it and tore up the wires. I ordered a new harness - and all is well.

Thanks for the info!

[kwhizz]

Great Numbers............Superchargers forever........LOL

Ken

[kwhizz]

Update...........The refining process continues......(Does it ever end).........After installing the Supercharger and Hydro-Boost, everything got a lot better.......But.....Fitting everything together with parts in place at that time left a little room for fine tuning.........the car was perfectly fine, but a couple of little issues.......#1.....using the existing down flow radiator with the Supercharger caused a issue........to clear the new drive system, I had to run the upper hose up and over the system and the hose ended up slightly above the radiator tank leaving it with a large air pocket........it ran and cooled fine, but it wasn't a recommended way to do things........I decided to get a cross flow Radiator with both fittings on the passenger side of the car to correct that issue........After seeing the quality of the Auto Rad set-up for the Nomad, I decided to buy one from them........I made the right decision ..................Quality, Quality, and Quality........
Second Issue........After installing the Hydro Boost........I had a little minor issue of while turning, I would get a little intermittent loss of power assist.......I did some research and was told there was a slight amount of air in the system........I noticed that in the reservoir there was some turbulence from the return line in the tank with possible aeration..........I checked online and found that Concept One had a tank they specifically built for these applications that controlled the flow and softened the flow entering the tank to eliminate this problem......So.....
I took the car to Frame-Up Wheelworks and they went thru and installed everything as well as neatened up my mess of wires around the battery........after getting the car back all I can say is....getting everything close and working is O.K..........But......Putting the Bow on the Package and Fine tuning everything makes driving the car nothing but sheer enjoyment......Damm!!.......This Beater is Fun !!!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/BB8F3EB4-BFE0-4EC4-B92B-104BB21B5919.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/IMG_7323.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/IMG_7324.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/IMG_7379.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/IMG_7381.jpg

[Jimbo1367]

I didn't know Auto Dad would just sell a radiator. What gears are in the rear? How is the acceleration? How does it compare to the LSA Chevelle SS?

I'm glad things are coming together.

[kwhizz]

I didn't know Auto Dad would just sell a radiator. What gears are in the rear? How is the acceleration? How does it compare to the LSA Chevelle SS?

I'm glad things are coming together.



3:55 Gears........The Chevelle is much faster.......this thing is a Linear Torque Monster.........(100 R.W.H.P. less that the Chevelle)

[kwhizz]

So..........The refining process continues.......But.....We are getting very close........When I did the car originally, I didn't know how to deal with the LS "Rappy" exhaust sound.........after getting the exhaust on the Impala during the initial build.........I had to go thru 3 sets of Mufflers to get the sound to go away and to quiet it down..........Ended up putting Cadillac Mufflers on it (Choke ,Choke).......since then I've learned that LS engines don't like long exhaust pipes (these go all the way back to the rear Bumper)..........and a "X" pipe helps kill the "Rappy" sound also.......

So....After finishing Gary's 65 and getting the exhaust completed with DynoMax Super Turbo Mufflers, an "X" pipe and tail pipes that exit behind the rear tires........His car sounded perfect........So.....I decided with last Winters mods to the Impala I needed to free up the Exhaust system.........It's going to the Exhaust shop on Monday for this "Correction" ....LOL.....I also bought a set of Headers off eBay that are supposed to fit........We will see........

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/DSC02529.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/DSC02530.jpg

[waynieZ]

I hate a raspy exhaust too, I don't know how the MagnaFlows are going to be. Did you try MagnaFlows on yours ? I don't have a warm fuzzy feeling that they'll be what I like.

[kwhizz]

The Story continues..........Just to go back in time.......the 66 Impala has a complete RideTech suspension front and rear (Coil-overs)......since completion the car has had a Ackermann issue.......driving straight it was a slot car.......turning was a different story.......Pull into the garage and the tires would leave black marks on the driveway, and sharp turns were pretty nasty.........so.....not being a suspension guy and the car driving normal when not turning.....I just accepted it as some nuance with the Ridetech suspension with slightly wider rims.........Keep in mind this car was finished 5 years ago...We drove the car on two Power Tours without any issues.......Then the Chevelle came into the picture and the Impala sat in the garage for two years
After driving the Chevelle during that time (no steering issues) and then getting back into driving the Impala.......I was determined to find out what was going on here.....At Barrett-Jackson last January I happened to stop at the RideTech display and talked to the people there and explained my concerns about the Ackermann issues..........To make a long story short, if this issue was going to get resolved I was going to have to do it myself........So, In talking with Mark Webster, he informed me that GM changed the 65-66 "B" body steering geometry to a new configuration in 67.........Hummmm !!!!
What changed and why???.............After a lot of research and asking stupid questions on a lot of web sites.......I found out that GM knew there were issues with the 65-66 models with wider rims such as Police cars and in Sept of 66 there was a Service Bulletin to address these issues.......This Bulletin basically gave the part numbers of all the new 67 design parts and the position and templates for the mounting holes for the repositioning of the 67 design Idler Arm assy........The Biggest difference is the mounting location of the Idler Arm .......In the 65-66 model years, the Idler arm was mounted thru a hole inside the frame rail.........67 and up it was mounted inside the frame rail and forward of the thru frame position.....



http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/8BB9A8C7-BE50-4353-A852-F2A86B593FFA.jpg




http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/0B924400-8243-4E3B-9B79-A50EDF19E067.jpg



It's pretty obvious by this picture the differences............Here's a picture of the difference in the spindle steering arms....



http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/C7391547-40C3-4E9E-83C5-178481BEEE76.jpg



Pictures of the supplied templates provided in the 1966 Service Bulletin.......



http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/06C07C12-BFE6-4D8B-9DC4-7155AAF377C8.jpg



http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/16C7E347-F0DE-40A4-A8BD-44F0EBC02852.jpg



So........What I did was make the required steering arm spacer with tapped holes......got it in position .....and welded it in......



http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/60EC6F38-006B-46E0-9E46-4CD73EA3B130.jpg





After installing the new Pitman Arm , centerlink, and Idler Arm.......It was apparent that there was something wrong as the centerlink went up on an angle and back towards the rear of the car........Hummmm!!!!..........After thinking about it and looking at what could be the problem.....I noticed that the 67 Pitman arm was about a 1/2" lower than the 66.........The Template must have been made with the 66 arm...........I made the centerlink parallel to the frame and the front crossmember.........Drilled new holes for the Idler arm (which corresponded to the lower 67 arm...........Makes perfect sense now ) and bolted everything in........Installed new Tie Rod ends.........Now everything is new.......Adjusted the toe roughly and when I pulled out of the garage to go to the alignment shop..........I knew right away there was a major difference as there wasn't any tire squeeling or scrubbing...........after alignment.........It is now the complete package.....Ackermann issue solved.........drives and steer's perfectly...............

[Jimbo1367]

Thanks for sharing. This should help others.

[waynieZ]

Good to hear it's fixed, and another great write up that will help someone else with this problem.

[kwhizz]

The Evolution continues.......When the car was finished 5 years ago, I installed the Dakota Digital Instrument cluster available at the time......As with everything, product development moves on....Since then they have developed and improved their product.........they also came out with a module that plugs into the OBD plug and feeds all the info to the cluster from the ECM directly.......Pretty neat stuff......Here are the latest changes.......

Old Cluster

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/98DD3381-7212-4631-A59B-81F5E55A8161_1.jpg

New Set-up........

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/409091DF-E82D-412C-A9D2-140ED2549B7A.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/B8FD515E-9AA5-4D68-B8AA-A7BAF451F3F1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/BE8AA48A-3987-4429-B613-C283D8B712ED.jpg

[Sheck44]

MUCH better Ken, I never liked the 1970's Timex digital watch look

Nicely done'
Cheers
Steve

[gofastwclass]

MUCH better Ken, I never liked the 1970's Timex digital watch look

Nicely done'
Cheers
Steve


You have to admit that look WAS cool... in 1970. Hahaha.

I like the VHX gauges much better than the old stuff too, they're on the list of parts for my car.

Big improvement.

[waynieZ]

I like the new gauges, they make some really nice dashes.

[1badsc]

the best never rests... them are cool

[kwhizz]

Been a couple of years since posting about this "Beater"....... The car has been absolutely trouble free except for a Alternator going bad..... 38,000 miles of great driving across the country in various Road Tours...... So, yesterday I went out to the Drag strip to watch friends race and at the last minute I decided to just run it down the track..... Had the trunk loaded and just left everything in and ran it down the track....... 12.53 @ 114 mph with a 2.1 second 60' time....... LOL.... These engines are crazy...... and I get 23 MPG on the highway.....Awsum for a street car

[WSSix]

That's fantastic, Ken! Really happy to hear the car has worked so well for you.

[glassman]

Thats funny Ken. I'm just glad you didn't road course it or auto-x with stuff in the trunk. I wouldn't know anything about that LOL.

Is the GG road trip still on for you guys?
I pulled my app, not because of Covid but because of timing, and I will miss it for sure!

M

[kwhizz]

The G-G tour was cancelled but we are going on the Barrett-Jackson tour with Ed..... Starts Oct 7th Atlanta to Key West......

[waynieZ]

Ken what date will they be in Daytona Beach, and will there be somewhere to see the cars?

[kwhizz]

https://barrettjacksonroadtours.com/


For Security reasons that info will be given out when we start the Tour


Ken

[pro66tour]

The Evolution continues.......When the car was finished 5 years ago, I installed the Dakota Digital Instrument cluster available at the time......As with everything, product development moves on....Since then they have developed and improved their product.........they also came out with a module that plugs into the OBD plug and feeds all the info to the cluster from the ECM directly.......Pretty neat stuff......Here are the latest changes.......

Old Cluster

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/98DD3381-7212-4631-A59B-81F5E55A8161_1.jpg

New Set-up........

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/409091DF-E82D-412C-A9D2-140ED2549B7A.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/B8FD515E-9AA5-4D68-B8AA-A7BAF451F3F1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Impala%20Convert/BE8AA48A-3987-4429-B613-C283D8B712ED.jpg

Looking real good!

[Bakaruda]

Agree the new cluster is much nicer.

[kwhizz]

A little late for the rest of the Story....... But better late than never as this might help somebody else in this situation......So.... After installing the Edelbrock Supercharger, I put 15,000 trouble free miles on the car...even with only 6 lbs of boost the car was a ball to drive with the added Torque........So... In July of last year we were driving to Des Moines, Iowa for the Good-Guys show......I was driving on I-80 around 80 MPH and all of a sudden I lose power steering and the engine went into Limp home mode.......WTF...... I coast over to the side of the Highway and open the hood......Here's what I seehttps://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a251/kwhizz/Pulley_off.jpg?width=450&height=278&crop=fill

The Pulley broke off the water pump......... Hummmm !!!!.........https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a251/kwhizz/pulley5(2).jpg?width=450&height=278&crop=fill




I called Mark Stielow and sent him a picture and asked him if he had ever seen this before........ He asked me what car that was off of and I told him the Impala......Then he Educates me on the Edelbrock single belt drive set-up..... He explained that all the torque of turning the supercharger is transfered to the belt wrap around the water pump pulley....... Once he told me that it made perfect sense...... Then I wondered why Edelbrock didn't have any reference to this in their instructions...... So..... I go on their website and I see they are now selling a replacement pump with heavy duty bearings and a Flanged pump shaft with a bolt on Billet Pulley.....
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a251/kwhizz/Pulley_edel.jpg?width=450&height=278&crop=fill


So... I told Mark about the pump and said I ordered one..... Then he tells me the same pressure was put thru the Power Steering Pump and I should order one of the TurnOne Power Steering Pumps that are designed to absorb the pressure ..... Put all the new stuff on and I now have the confidence to drive the car across the country again........LOL

[Ketzer]

I already clicked the thanks button but wanted to comment how great follow-up and trouble shooting posts are... so Thanks!!



Jeff-

[ScotI]

I already clicked the thanks button but wanted to comment how great follow-up and trouble shooting posts are... so Thanks!!



Jeff-

x2. Especially for those not in 'the circle'.

[waynieZ]

Thanks for the update Ken.

[Che70velle]

Great info to have Ken. Appreciate the update.

[kwhizz]

So..... The engine in the car is a perfectly stock 2006 GTO LS2 with the added Edelbrock supercharger........ Because of the higher compression in these engines Edelbrock has the pulleys configured to only make 6 lbs of boost .....Other than the pulley breaking off the water pump I have about 16000 miles on this set-up....... So.. last Saturday I went out to the drag strip and made just one pass on the car just the way I have been driving it ....................12.25 @ 115 mph........ LS engines "ROCK" !!!!!!!!!

[waynieZ]

Wow nice time!

[kwhizz]

Had the car out at the drag strip again and left the line at idle and drove it down......12.25 @115 and 12.26 @115.....Crazy....Back in 66 I had a L-79 Nova that ran 13.10......LOL

[kwhizz]

Another issue that popped up recently that others should think about when installing coil-over shocks in the front of the car......In the stock configuration the coil spring sits on the lower control arm and the top of the spring is seated in the inside of the frame.........When switching to coil-overs all the weight of the car is now carried by the top of the shock.......and that load is now carried by the old upper shock mount.......See where I'm going......LOL......https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1463x1097q70/924/Kw2Va8.jpg

Had to take it to a Frame shop to get it pulled back into position, they welded it but when I got back home I was still uncomfortable with the situation so I made up some 1/8' thick gusset places and welded them in on both sides..... Just adding some more info out here for others to think about if you are in the same situation

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1822x1367q90/923/5zfawo.jpg

[andrewb70]

Had the car out at the drag strip again and left the line at idle and drove it down......12.25 @115 and 12.26 @115.....Crazy....Back in 66 I had a L-79 Nova that ran 13.10......LOL

What was the 60 foot time?

Andrew

[kwhizz]

What was the 60 foot time?

Andrew

2.07

[camcojb]

Car runs good Ken! I've seen that failure on the frame before.