1970 Nova LT1 / 4L60E swap

[JCZNova]

So it is time for one of those heart/lung/liver transplants...

Donor = 1995 Buick Roadmaster with 175k on it. Runs and shifts good.

Hoping to salvage the following also:
-radiator and fans
-power steering setup
-trans cooler
-fuel tank and pump setup
-OBD plug

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/3af8024e.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/226f1720.jpg

[JCZNova]

Other than some frustration finding all the wiring harness, the removal went pretty smooth over a few days after work.

The harness and computer went off to Certified Performance in Missouri to lighten the load, and take the "grandma's grocery getter" out of the ECM.

Engine and trans out in one shot, barely.

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/e1d24b46.jpg

There is the Nova in the back, and the FOR SALE sign is attached to the house not the car.

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/02b944f2.jpg

Fuel tank dropped easy since the car was on E. Not sure it is gonna work since it is 2" longer front to back (can work around) but would hang almost 3" lower with no modification.

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/15d81485.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/788daf33.jpg

Now it is degreasing time and waiting on parts. Exhaust is on the way, and I will hit the local parts store for a power steering gearbox.

More to come...

[79LT1Monte]

Looks like you got a great start on it whle we had this nice weather to work with. We went through the harness and removed everything you didn't need and labled what you will need so the instal should be pretty smooth and clean looking when done. You can loom it all up once you get everything running and checked out. I forgot to grab the camera before I left the shop but we did take a few pics of what we removed and how it looks now. I will post them up on Monday.

[lt1nova]

Good luck with the swap. I used an fittings and hose on my ps setup, Pure Choice I believe. I also used a Z box from the mid 80's for a faster ratio and it required metric fittings.

[JCZNova]

Looks like you got a great start on it whle we had this nice weather to work with. We went through the harness and removed everything you didn't need and labled what you will need so the instal should be pretty smooth and clean looking when done. You can loom it all up once you get everything running and checked out. I forgot to grab the camera before I left the shop but we did take a few pics of what we removed and how it looks now. I will post them up on Monday.

Those pics will be a help to the thread I think. I sure didnt want to be the guy trying from scratch in the driveway trimming the fat. Then having to put it all the way in the car before I could find out if it was a lucky first shot or not. I appreciate the work on that and the ECM. Headers, x-pipe, mufflers, hardware and pan gaskets will be here Tuesday.

Gonna work over those motor mounts tomorrow and get that straight from the start. Trying to decide now on ordering the street rubber, or dropping the extra $100 now to get the drag radials... 30 miles a day round trip commute, or have to buy, mount again in 6 months.

We will see how fast it comes together with ordering parts and having to move too.

[JCZNova]

Good luck with the swap. I used an fittings and hose on my ps setup, Pure Choice I believe. I also used a Z box from the mid 80's for a faster ratio and it required metric fittings.

I am definitely ready to add the power steering. It's not worth 3 hp to me to not have it, just speaking from driving manual with the 6-banger in it for a few months now.

[F.G.]

Cool project

[JCZNova]

Hoping to pull the 6-banger next week. This weekend is moving time, and awaiting parts:
-power steering gearbox
-Long tube headers
-xpipe
-mufflers
-Engine and trans gaskets
-new plugs

Anybody know if the mount is the same on the 4L60E and the 700R ? Found a good mount but it is listed for the 700.

[JCZNova]

Just a few pics of the wiring harness...
1) Immediately after removal from stock donor car.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/b9c5034e.jpg

2) The fat that was trimmed and the old crusty loom pile.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/Harness1.jpg

3) Leaner and meaner "Biggest Loser" edition of the harness needed.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/Harness2.jpg

[lt1nova]

4L60 is an electronic version of the 700r4 so the trans mount will work fine.

[JCZNova]

4L60 is an electronic version of the 700r4 so the trans mount will work fine.

Thanks. Looking at your sig, you have some PMs inbound, lol.

[JCZNova]

The old Roadmaster was picked up and carted off last night. Now, I can have my driveway spot back..... Well, after I clean up a few gallons of tranny fluid that came with the "hill climbing" LT1.


Update:
-Headers and X-pipe arrived yesterday.

[79LT1Monte]

Your PCM and harness are boxed and ready for pick-up this morning, Priority Mail should get it to you by Monday at the latest. We also included the wiring diagrams and a little something for the back window.

[JCZNova]

Your PCM and harness are boxed and ready for pick-up this morning, Priority Mail should get it to you by Monday at the latest. We also included the wiring diagrams and a little something for the back window.

I may have to wait until I can finish getting it in one color before laying vinyl. Don't want to give you a bad rep or anything.

[popo8]

...

3) Leaner and meaner "Biggest Loser" edition of the harness needed.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/Harness2.jpg

Wow, from where it started, to where it ended, that is now like a piece of artwork.....

[JCZNova]

Wow, from where it started, to where it ended, that is now like a piece of artwork.....

I like their idea of not looming it quite yet as well. Then if there are any issues it will be easier to trouble/repair, and add loom once I'm up and running.

[JCZNova]

Quick update. Have all the parts now except the trans crossmember and driveshaft work. Did some prep work on the LT while it isnoutnofnthe car. Pouring down rain all day here, and probably tomorrow too....

Still hoping to get it rolling by February!

[JCZNova]

So as I sat at my desk this morning about 1030 looking at my tasking for the next few weeks, remembering I would be at a conference the rest of the week... So whatever I get done today (at my desk) will not pay any dividend until at least next monday. With that in mind I logged off and headed for the house. After about 2 hours i saw dividends that paid off immediately !!

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/b02838b2.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/cd06fdb5.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/9f366a08.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/a6b77e88.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/6ce6182e.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/b9be6799.jpg

[JCZNova]

Scrapped a bunch of "four-wheelin" mud off from the previous owner. Who would ever take a Nova off-roading?? :whistle:

A little cleaning, and a little black paint grenade.

It was time to call it a day when I started to pull the motor mounts out and dropped my socket down in the front center crossmember. Who knows where my son put the magnetis tool grabber thingy mabobber :hmm:

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/0dbebf4e.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/0f93108e.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/f82e41c6.jpg

[muddyjimmy]

Looks good. Now it's time for some degrease and paint.

[JCZNova]

Looks good. Now it's time for some degrease and paint.

I posted those pics too, but I got the whole has to be approved by a Mod which was weird because the ones of the pull went up right away.

[JCZNova]

So, things took off today. Got the transplant in and just need a little motor mount tweaking tomorrow.

This beast sits so low, I think you could put a blower on there and clear the factory hood!

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/a48d9a55.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/8bb89ec1.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/a6e03a86.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/1a0aa850.jpg

[79LT1Monte]

Getting closer I like it. Made sure you used a thick enough chain this time I see.

And you better check that attendance thread, no way you are going to put this much work into this thing and not show up.

[JCZNova]

Finally got to put in two hours on the Beast today.

Laid out the harness, and got 90% of the connectors hooked up.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/c10f23eb.jpg

Gave each wire a continuity check from the connector and ECM pin, then started looming up some stuff like the transmission and O2 wiring.

My son helped me route the needed wiring to the inside of the car, and I let him crimp for the OBD port hookup. Mounted just below the ashtray. Looks like it will work well for being easily accessible and out of the way if/when a floor shifter makes the parts list.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/4827f7bc.jpg

Not a bad first job, he turned 8 in November.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/ec15f317.jpg

[JCZNova]

Also threw on the AC delete pulley. Made in China, came with the wrong bolts, and felt pretty weak when tightening up the bolts.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/f546af12.jpg

[JCZNova]

Somebody once told me Rome wasn't built in a day, so here is some progress.

The crossmember from CPP finally came in after 6 weeks of waiting. Good quality, and it fits good. Just didn't come with the correct hardware, when I ordered for my specific application that was a little frustrating. I ordered direct from their website because it showed it was their product, low and behold was drop shipped from Bowtie Overdrives.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/dbcf3661.jpg

After getting the engine mount fiasco figured out and corrected, the crossmember went in nice.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/67181e9f.jpg

Mocked up the radiator to check fit and clearance. The Roadmaster radiator wouldn't even fit between the frame rails so I went with a direct fir from Advance Auto, since I had a $50 coupon for there.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/4e944dad.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/141bf58d.jpg

[popo8]

Thats some serious progress man! Looking good.

[JCZNova]

Was able to put about 4 hours into the Nova today.

Mounted the radiator and cooling fans.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/2a7ea21e.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/27850690.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/d74aa429.jpg

Gonna trim the stock battery tray to get her on the road. Then add the nice aftermarket overflow reservoir/tray later on since this one is rusted pretty good.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/4a9ec5eb.jpg

On went the radiator hoses.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/88f06a0f.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/da881ff6.jpg

Passenger side long tube header was next. Gonna have just enough clearance from the floor pan, tranny and only drops below the frame rails about 1/2". Followed by plugs and wires.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/ad1c44fc.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/197407ce.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/c3e5689c.jpg

Then on to mounting the fuse box.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/be7d7433.jpg

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/1377b8f1.jpg

Moved on to the drivers side plugs and wires. NGK R and 8mm.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/f330bccd.jpg

Intake is gonna need some custom work and trial/error.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/d6f3706b.jpg

Looks like the Roadmaster heater hoses are gonna work out as perfect as one could want.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/6e5e04cd.jpg


We will see what kind of weather the rest of the week and weekend bring.

[JCZNova]

You wanna about satisfying... Got to hear the beast turn over and actually run Friday!

Driveshaft made tomorrow, 3 wires to pull off the jumpers and connect correctly, wire cooling fans, finish the x-pipe and mufflers, shift linkage and we are on the road! Hopefully tomorrow night...

Stay tuned.

[popo8]

Thats awesome...... Cant wait!

[JCZNova]

Got the Nova fired up and actually put about 3 miles on her today.

Tomorrow will be the true test, 28 miles round trip to work.

http://emob1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/th_GOPR0009.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/?action=view&current=GOPR0009.mp4)

[muddyjimmy]

It has to feel good to drive it even if it is just a short run. Now its time to work out the bugs and work on the go fast parts.

[79LT1Monte]

Glad to see it moving under her own (LT1) power :devil:

[popo8]

Got the Nova fired up and actually put about 3 miles on her today.

Tomorrow will be the true test, 28 miles round trip to work.

http://emob1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_GOPR0009.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=GOPR0009.mp4)


I know I dont know you for real man... but Im proud of you. Its one hell of an accomplishment.

[JCZNova]

It has to feel good to drive it even if it is just a short run. Now its time to work out the bugs and work on the go fast parts.

I told Brad, the sump kit and two fittings came in today. Next week should be a little slower so I can do some measuring and get with you for the tank to the rails.

[muddyjimmy]

Sounds good. I just placed an order today to check the stuff out.

[JCZNova]

Glad to see it moving under her own (LT1) power :devil:

Yeah man! The exhaust sounds better (when it's not scraping) than I expected, and is quieter than the wife expected. For the early morning warm-ups to not wake Megan up.

Gonna fill up the air shocks first thing in the morning, and see if that will get me about 2 more inches.

[JCZNova]

I know I dont know you for real man... but Im proud of you. Its one hell of an accomplishment.

It feels awesome, watching your video last night helped get the blood flowing! start giving it little 30 minute button-up attention stuff after work everyday I can, and it is only gonna get better.

Big ticket items for now:
-get a PS line made so I can get a serp belt on and not have to charge the battery daily.
-exhaust adjustment. The rear floor pans are way too low, so I think the mufflers straight off the back of the x-pipe is gonna get it the most clearance I could hope for.
-tires are on order to get the BS stock 195/xx-14 rubber off the back so I can touch the gas pedal some :devil:

[JCZNova]

Sounds good. I just placed an order today to check the stuff out.

I was gonna throw you a heads up. Looking into the future of more power I went with a -8 & -10 on my fittings.

[popo8]

It feels awesome, watching your video last night helped get the blood flowing! ........

Glad I could help..... ;)

[JCZNova]

Got the PS pressure side line today for $66. Should be able to get the lines, gearbox and resevoir on tomorrow. Grab a serpentine belt and bleed the system.

Its always that simple, right?!

[popo8]

Got the Nova fired up and actually put about 3 miles on her today.

Tomorrow will be the true test, 28 miles round trip to work.

http://emob1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_GOPR0009.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=GOPR0009.mp4)

So did you get the drive to work in today???

[JCZNova]

So did you get the drive to work in today???

Yes sir. Rode great, one of my flares was a little big so it sliced a tranny line. Fixed that up at lunch, topped of the fluid and hit the scales on the "weigh" home.

I have always like a little thickness on my ladies, but she took it overboard today. 3700 lbs with me. Still a few tools in the back seat, and redoing the fuel system, adding power steering.

Hopefully to Jenny Craig her down to around 3500 by August.

[79LT1Monte]

You mean the car right :laugh:

[abeane4]

Awesome job man glad to see its up and running. Can't wait to see what its going to run at the track.

[popo8]

THIS IS GREAT!!!! Lets get some videos!!!!

[JCZNova]

Hope to get a few more up by the weekend. She is currently still all GO and NO show. My battery left her stranded at work today. Pissing rain all day so I didn't get the PS and belt on. Work truck and a battery charge it is.

[JCZNova]

THIS IS GREAT!!!! Lets get some videos!!!!

The next short clip. I am new to the whole GoPro Hero2, and don't mind the spaghetti of wiring under the hood. Working out a good plan to finish it all up nice and neat.

http://youtu.be/1t9XVAGFzkE

[muddyjimmy]

Sounds good. Looks like it should be wrapped up soon.

[JCZNova]

Sounds good. Looks like it should be wrapped up soon.

Wrapped up, yes. Finished.... Most likely never,Ike any good race car.

[JCZNova]

Came home tonight with dinner to find these on the front porch! Nitto 555R 275/40-17 running on Cragar soft 8s, same as my front wheels, but in 17"x9" vice the fronts being 16"x7".

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_1f894c65.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=1f894c65.jpg)

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_62ce3d1f.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=62ce3d1f.jpg)

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_83704da0.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=83704da0.jpg)

[79LT1Monte]

Now you just have to make them fit :cool:

[JCZNova]

Now you just have to make them fit :cool:

If that is half as hard as getting them here, should be a cinch.

[JCZNova]

Dropped the tires off at 0800 and they were ready for pick up around 0930. Got them put on, and just like the Nova forums say, that axle is not centered from the factory. 1/4" more towards the passenger side.

Driver side has about 1/2" out on the outside before the fender.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_fe71c2a0.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=fe71c2a0.jpg)

Passenger side looks like it will hit if I pull the car forward onto level ground. Going to cut and bend up the inner part out the fender there. Make like little tabs from cuts and block and hammer them up. We will see how that works out before moving to the old baseball bat fender rolling :doh:
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_5aaea3fd.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=5aaea3fd.jpg)

Passenger inside is good.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_0a5d01d3.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=0a5d01d3.jpg)

Driver inside is close the air shock fitting. Want to swap those out ASAP anyways, what a rough ass ride.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_6a32a238.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=6a32a238.jpg)

Digging the look. Now time for some bodywork and paint. Someone told me don't put nice wheels on there with the body looking like that. ;)
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_098e57af.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=098e57af.jpg)

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_75367dd3.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=75367dd3.jpg)

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_bb248a90.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=bb248a90.jpg)

[popo8]

Man that thing looks mean...

WHat do you have in mind for paint?

[JCZNova]

Man that thing looks mean...

WHat do you have in mind for paint?

Thanks man!

I like the denim black on the new Harley's but heard that can be more expensive that a lot of nice gloss options out there.

Thinking probably gloss black, would like to do some white stripes like the chevelle in Dazed and Confused. Open to opinions though. Probably gonna be mid-summer at the soonest.

[AChotrod]

Great work man! Look forward to seeing it run down the track in Sept!

[JCZNova]

I tell you guys what, it has been a very satisfying project. I am surprised at the get up and go it has with those BS 2.73 gears in it. The open diff was able to break loose the right Nitto today. Lol.

I can't believe rear quarters from yearone or alike are only 250 a pair.... And the damn shipping is $340!

She may be coming to the shootout as is with some rattle can black.

[popo8]

Are you doing anything to the rear??? gears , Posi, etc?????

[JCZNova]

Are you doing anything to the rear??? gears , Posi, etc?????

Absolutely. Talking with friends it looks like scooping up an 8.8 is going to be the most cost effective route. Then I can have disc brakes in the rear, most had a factory posi (which I got one of eBay last night for $89 shipped) width is only 1/4 or 1/2 difference, can't remember what muddyjimmy looked it up as. Would like to splurge on a 9" but I am working on evolving my small business too so for now. Budget build is the game.

[JCZNova]

Up in the air over 4.11 / 3.90 / 3.73.

I want 4.11s.
3.90s are probably best for my application.
3.73s are the best price.

[popo8]

Up in the air over 4.11 / 3.90 / 3.73.

I want 4.11s.
3.90s are probably best for my application.
3.73s are the best price.

If it was a 6 spd, Id push you to do 4.xx's.... but being an auto.... Im gonna prob go witht he 3.73s as a suggestion....

[JCZNova]

Yeah, I was just looking at my 14 mile drive to work isnt too bad and the speed limit here is still 55 with ridiculous traffic. Running street stock with probably the least modified car I was looking for a little help off the line. I will most likely drop in the middle and run 3.90s. 4.xxs may give me a traction issue too. Running single rear leaf setup right now.

[popo8]

Yeah, I was just looking at my 14 mile drive to work isnt too bad and the speed limit here is still 55 with ridiculous traffic. Running street stock with probably the least modified car I was looking for a little help off the line. I will most likely drop in the middle and run 3.90s. 4.xxs may give me a traction issue too. Running single rear leaf setup right now.


IF DD'n the car with 4.xx's wont bother you... then go for it.... plus sticky tires, plus some old skool slapper bars... you will be GOOOOOOOD.....

[popo8]

http://delaware.craigslist.org/pts/2880478852.html

[popo8]

http://delaware.craigslist.org/pts/2880457100.html

[JCZNova]

Not too bad. 208 miles and the bay bridge toll I think is $36 roundtrip. Thanks. I don't know why you can't search all of Craigslist at one time. Probably helps with spammers but Richmond is 60 miles away and I have to go search there specifically or I might miss what I'm looking for.

[popo8]

Not too bad. 208 miles and the bay bridge toll I think is $36 roundtrip. Thanks. I don't know why you can't search all of Craigslist at one time. Probably helps with spammers but Richmond is 60 miles away and I have to go search there specifically or I might miss what I'm looking for.


I just searched locally..... Im sure the stuff could be shipped.....

[JCZNova]

So my wife got me a surprise "car part" for the project Friday. Then she told me I had to go to the airport and pick it up.
Bam, out of the terminal walks....













79LT1MONTE ! My best friend from back home, who helped me tear up the neighborhood in my first car... Happened to be a 1972 Nova, go figure.

So we did some, cleanup, troubleshooting, weight-loss, and finish work.

The wiring schematic for the 70 Nova/95 LT1/96 Intrepid fans was a little fuzzy. We got those wired up correctly.
-Fabbed up spots for my CEL and kill switch.
-Mocked up the entire air intake system.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_97337a39.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=97337a39.jpg)

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_c2a0f92e.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=c2a0f92e.jpg)

http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/th_a6595dc5.jpg (http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/?action=view&current=a6595dc5.jpg)

[JCZNova]

We moved the ECM from this first pic to a better spot physically and aesthetically.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/c2a0f92e.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/605d52d8.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/b47353b5.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/e4987216.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/b47353b5.jpg

[JCZNova]

We rolled the rear fenders to ensure I am good on tire clearance. You can't fight fate, the Nitto 275s were cheaper than the 245s. No brainier on that!
Driver side before and after, the passenger side is too fugly with the body cancer.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/0f1648ac.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/2657a0f9.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova LT1 swap/fae19f10.jpg

[JCZNova]

Just wanted to share some of what the LTX community is all about. It would've been great if our schedules lined up for him to fly out for the engine swap. That didn't workout for either of us, but he still flew halfway across the country to see the car, help me tighten up some things, bring in some new ideas with a fresh set of eyes, and flat out have some hangout time to BS and catch up (and inconspicuously critique my work;)) Even got him to try some sushi !

Congrats to Brad, my wife and the rest involved that know how to keep a secret. :metal:
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/f4246cde.jpg
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/163d827d.jpg

Then a quick weekending pic of the four-door "grocery getter" in the Commissary parking lot. And there is no way the milk will get warm before you get home in this monster!
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af236/JKZJK/JCZNova%20LT1%20swap/6c802c77.jpg

[abeane4]

Nice work, and I like your sticker!

[JCZNova]

Nice work, and I like your sticker!

Thanks. I had the owner fly in to make sure it was put on correctly. You know QC and all.

[richard96]

Cool ass project. Youhave really put alot of work into the Nova. Looks great man. Hows she running and driving?

[JCZNova]

Cool ass project. Youhave really put alot of work into the Nova. Looks great man. Hows she running and driving?

Thanks man. It is running good. Has quite a bit of get and go even with the 2.73 gears in the back right now.

[muddyjimmy]

Looks like it was a productive weekend. I was afraid you guys weren't going to get anything done. I will check for that file and let you know.

[JCZNova]

Looks like it was a productive weekend. I was afraid you guys weren't going to get anything done. I will check for that file and let you know.

We didn't get to the power steering or Q1As but it was an earlier flight on Sunday and that damn DST. Just the fresh set of eyes on it with some ideas and fresh direction was worth it. We got the fuel tank drilled too, forgot pics of that. Try to go get it welded Wednesday hopefully.

Thanks for checking on the file too.

[popo8]

Putty that rot in, send that bitch to macco, and lets get some thrash videos!!!!

[JCZNova]

Putty that rot in, send that bitch to macco, and lets get some thrash videos!!!!

There isn't much left to putty to, especially on that passenger side. Just waiting to finish up my gas tank for some thrashing. Sump kit from Summit going on the bottom of the factory Nova tank. Inline filter and pump up to the rail. The sending unit worked just fine, so it will stay. And it's 0-90ohms just like the autometer ultra lite fuel gauge I have in the pile of parts that haven't gone on yet. After the fuel tank it is gonna get a little abuse, maybe break that 2.73 open rear and force my hand on the upgrade. It is getting me good fuel mileage for now though.

Then it will be new poly body mounts so I can dust off the SFC that have been sitting in the trunk.
The exhaust needs some massaging.

[JCZNova]

Looks like it was a productive weekend. I was afraid you guys weren't going to get anything done. I will check for that file and let you know.

That file did it. No more flicker. I am trying to figure out how to get rid of the other file all together though. Everytime I open RT, it tries to open it and posts about 17 errors, then I just have to click ok and seems like I have to reload the new one again.

So it is:
1) Pull from the ECM with WINFLASH.
2) Open that file in TunerPRO to edit
3) Save that file
4) Load it back in to the ECM with WINFLASH again

Correct?

Do you use Datalogger for anything other than DTCs?

[muddyjimmy]

That is correct. I use the datalogger for DTC and general data that I can use to determine if I need to change the tune and where. Obviously I am not a "tuner" and I am just getting into the tune side of things. I hope to dial in mine a little closer this year now that we have a track to race at. I am not sure how to change which file it opens with because I did not have that problem. I will see if I can find anything out.

[JCZNova]

So the guys over at Certified Performance are putting together a posi 8.8 with disc brakes to drop in the rear of the Nova project.

Looks to be coming along nicely. Ready to say so long to this 2.73 one-wheel peel!

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/79LT1Monte/New%20Shop/1970%20Nova%20Swap/DSC03487.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/79LT1Monte/New%20Shop/1970%20Nova%20Swap/DSC03491.jpg

[popo8]

So the guys over at Certified Performance are putting together a posi 8.8 with disc brakes to drop in the rear of the Nova project.

Looks to be coming along nicely. Ready to say so long to this 2.73 one-wheel peel!

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/79LT1Monte/New%20Shop/1970%20Nova%20Swap/DSC03487.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/79LT1Monte/New%20Shop/1970%20Nova%20Swap/DSC03491.jpg



THATS GREAT!!!! How are you gearing it?

[JCZNova]

THATS GREAT!!!! How are you gearing it?

I was going to go 4.11s, but some on-hand parts steered me to 3.73s. I'm sure I will be happier with them driving to work daily and they should have less issues getting power to the ground out of the hole.