Soon to be out of control rebuild build thread

[94Blackbird]

I have a couple of build projects going on my car right now (custom 8.8 rear axle and a junkyard boost motor), and it appears that the car isn't going to allow me to keep the original motor, so I'm consolidating everything into this thread. I found oil all over the rear of the motor and dripping down the oil filter, so as long as nothing is going on with my school this weekend, it'll be push day to get the old motor out of the car.

I've already done some prep work, removing components (some accessories, intake and valve covers, along with partially removing the wiring harness).

This will also give me a chance to clean up the engine bay (reroute the wiring harness and CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!!! I'm also considering repainting the engine bay, but we'll see how adventurous I feel. The whole car is getting painted once I get all the mechanicals figured out and everything running right)

Here are the links to my two current build threads:

http://ltxtech.com/forums/showthread.php?14805-Junkyard-Dawg

http://ltxtech.com/forums/showthread.php?16340-8-8-rearend-build-thread

I'll get some pics tomorrow of the current level of deconstruction tomorrow evening. I'll also be rebuilding the front suspension (ball joints, tie rods and bushings. Possibly a steering rack as well, but I need to see how bad the current one is)

This has become a much more massive undertaking than I had hoped for, but I should have everything back together and functional over the winter. Then hopefully I'll get it tuned and drivable in the spring.

[popo8]

LETS DO THIS!!!!!!!

[SMok3 Em A11]

Good luck with your build I finally may get to follow one from start to finish....

[94Blackbird]

Good luck with your build I finally may get to follow one from start to finish....

I've been doing this build for the last year and a half lol. The two threads in the link will catch you up to speed up to this point though lol, I'm basically consolidating everything because it's come to a point where it'll be easier just to update this thread than keep after the other two lol

[Fastbird]

Do it! Do it meow!

[popo8]

Do it! Do it meow!

Im sorry.... did u just say meow?

[Badbird_96]

Do it! Do it meow!

Haha so this is where is started.

[Silver Bullet]

hell for a hundred dollars ill call him a chicken f**cker

[Badbird_96]

hell for a hundred dollars ill call him a chicken f**cker

Haha classic I used that line in another thread a few mins ago. Great minds think alike

[CamaroZGuy]

out of control builds are the only way to do it! mine started as a "budget" build and now im over $12k

[popo8]

out of control builds are the only way to do it! mine started as a "budget" build and now im over $12k

This i can relate 2.... only DOUBLE tge amount...

[1996BlackT/A]

Good luck with the build.

[1996BlackT/A]

This i can relate 2.... only DOUBLE tge amount...

It will be worth every penny, your car is going to be a monster.

[94Blackbird]

out of control builds are the only way to do it! mine started as a "budget" build and now im over $12k

Moneywise this build is still very much under control. Between the motor and the axle I have right about 2k invested to this point, might be as high as 2.5k. What's out of control is that I'm doing everything at once. I had hoped to have the axle in the car and put some miles on it before it was time to pull the motor. But that will not be the case in this instance, so I'm just going to yank everything I can this weekend (if possible) and work my way back to a functioning car.

[meissen]

I know how the snowball effect works. I could have done a stock LT1 swap for about $800 but nooooo I had to cam, stall, upgrade and in the end it cost me about 7500. :jest:

Can't wait to see the progress!

[CamaroZGuy]

This i can relate 2.... only DOUBLE tge amount...

by the end i for see $20k+... :cry:

[xdeified]

I know how the snowball effect works. I could have done a stock LT1 swap for about $800 but nooooo I had to cam, stall, upgrade and in the end it cost me about 7500. :jest:

Can't wait to see the progress!
Same boat as you! All I had to do when I got my camaro were the head gaskets. But then one thing turned into another and ended up being a full rebuild, cam, heads, trans swap, etc...


Good luck with the build! Get going on it! :D

[94Blackbird]

Same boat as you! All I had to do when I got my camaro were the head gaskets. But then one thing turned into another and ended up being a full rebuild, cam, heads, trans swap, etc...


Good luck with the build! Get going on it! :D


Haha already started lol. Car's on jackstands with the motor halfway dissassembled and getting ready to drop the tranny and pull the motor this weekend. If I am honest with myself, I'm maybe 1500 away from having everything I need to put 'er back together. The only big ticket item I'm missing right now is a welder to put the torque arm bracket together.

Oh yeah, got some pics as soon as I can figure out where I put my phone down at...

[Badbird_96]

Oh I see Jim don't send me pics or text but put pics on here....... lol awaiting pics

[94Blackbird]

Oh I see Jim don't send me pics or text but put pics on here....... lol awaiting pics

You've known I was building a new motor :ninja:

Hopefully this weekend the motor and tranny will be out of the car

[Badbird_96]

You've known I was building a new motor :ninja:

Hopefully this weekend the motor and tranny will be out of the car

I know I just like to cause a ruckus sometimes lol.

Sounds like it shouldn't take that long unless your tied up until then. Dropping the k member?

[94Blackbird]

I know I just like to cause a ruckus sometimes lol.

Sounds like it shouldn't take that long unless your tied up until then. Dropping the k member?

Haven't decided yet. I might pull the radiator and bring everything up through the front. We'll see how it goes. I don't know if I want/can lift the car up high enough

[Badbird_96]

Going through the front is a pita. Pulled the formy out the top and the intake wouldn't clear so we had to bend the cowl to make it come out

[94Blackbird]

Going through the front is a pita. Pulled the formy out the top and the intake wouldn't clear so we had to bend the cowl to make it come out

the motor will be a short block before it comes out. I've already pulled the intake and the valve covers. Just need to get a bucket for the coolant.

[Badbird_96]

Oh yeah it will clear then it was only on the very rear of the intake that caught. But after the fire it didn't matter if we bent it lol

[94Blackbird]

Oh yeah it will clear then it was only on the very rear of the intake that caught. But after the fire it didn't matter if we bent it lol

Haha, yeah, I bet. I figure I'll drop the trans then pull the motor out the top.

[xdeified]

I pulled mine from top, had intake and heads off, and came out easily. I put in through the bottom, which was very easy as well and I liked more because I was able to assemble everything outside of bay then put in. Only problem I had is I let the brake line go dry so it was a b*tch for me to bleed.

Sent from my rooted ICS'd g2x using tapatalk

[94Blackbird]

Most likely mine will go back in as a shortblock, as I still have a good bit of work to do to the heads. As far as the shortblock goes, I'm only missing an oil pump, timing chain set and and electric water pump to put that sucker back together. Oh, I have to make sure the rotating assembly is balanced first, but with what the motor I got it out of looked like, I don't think I'll have any worries.

[SMok3 Em A11]

I've been doing this build for the last year and a half lol. The two threads in the link will catch you up to speed up to this point though lol, I'm basically consolidating everything because it's come to a point where it'll be easier just to update this thread than keep after the other two lol

So i was able to catch myself up on your build I will be folling it till the end and hope to see some good results.

[94Blackbird]

So i was able to catch myself up on your build I will be folling it till the end and hope to see some good results.

I started getting my money for school yesterday, so I should be able to finish this up mechanically in pretty short order. Once I get all the mechanical bugs worked out, it's coming back apart to get a full "restoration" for lack of a better term and a brand new interior. My current interior is thrashed beyond repair. Hopefully I can at least find a set of decent seats to put in there for now...

[Badbird_96]

Jim I had leather covers for you at one point. Graphite ones.

[94Blackbird]

Jim I had leather covers for you at one point. Graphite ones.

Haha, I see. My driver seat is pretty badly damaged, so I'm in need of a whole new seat or to have that one stripped down and repaired.

[Badbird_96]

Yeah they ended up getting trashed as you didn't want them at said point lol

[94Blackbird]

Yeah they ended up getting trashed as you didn't want them at said point lol

It's cool, I wanna see if a set of cadillac cts-v seats will fit anyways. Or some other cushy seat that's still firm enough for some spirited driving lol

[94Blackbird]

Here's a couple of pics to get this thing started off!

the first one is my new cherry picker. They are on sale at Harbor Freight right now for 219, and the 20 percent off coupon brought the total price down to 175.

The next two are my engine bay where you can see I've already begun dissassembly

The last two are of the new axle and underneath the car.

Should be more updates and progress as the weekend progresses!

[Badbird_96]

:( poor habu

[94Blackbird]

:( poor habu

Poor nothing! She's leaking like a sieve! I'm being forced I tell ya! lol

[Badbird_96]

Poor nothing! She's leaking like a sieve! I'm being forced I tell ya! lol

All those 60 MPH going into reverse instead of 5th

[94Blackbird]

All those 60 MPH going into reverse instead of 5th

Hey now, I know how to drive my car! She just saw all the shiny stuff I accumulated and got impatient with me lol
Besides, it's an excuse to buy tools lol. Gonna pick up a welder before too long so I can finish up everything else

[Badbird_96]

Lmao I remember the small details. I need a plasma cutter, mig setup, powdercoating setup, and a media blaster while your getting tools :D

[94Blackbird]

Lmao I remember the small details. I need a plasma cutter, mig setup, powdercoating setup, and a media blaster while your getting tools :D

You got the money I'll go get that stuff for you lol. The budget currently has about enough to get me a welder and some odds and ends to finish the short block, then after that it's hoping the wiff gets a job so we'll have a little extra spending money. I got the bills covered, but that's about it.

[Badbird_96]

You got the money I'll go get that stuff for you lol. The budget currently has about enough to get me a welder and some odds and ends to finish the short block, then after that it's hoping the wiff gets a job so we'll have a little extra spending money. I got the bills covered, but that's about it.

Hmm I will be in touch on this. Oh and yeah Im just now getting my bank account and bills straight. Next week I'm paying all my bills for august and the next 3 checks are in the bank for getting the car ready and the shootout

[GreenZ96]

What's this money stuff you guys keep talking about?

[94Blackbird]

What's this money stuff you guys keep talking about?

Magic numbers that float in and out of my bank account

[SMok3 Em A11]

Magic numbers that float in and out of my bank account

Seems like mine goes out way faster than it comes in. Its there and calacazam its gone again.lol

[Badbird_96]

Hmm so that's what that is. I was wondering who the hell Walmart was and why he kept messing up my high score

[94Blackbird]

Hmm so that's what that is. I was wondering who the hell Walmart was and why he kept messing up my high score

Sunoco keeps pulling my score down. I wonder if it has any correlation to when I have to fuel up my truck?

[Badbird_96]

Probably not. But he sounds like an ass. Bet he keeps knocking it down more each time huh? I think if the numbers go red they win. Kinda like a messed up game of tether ball

[94Blackbird]

Probably not. But he sounds like an ass. Bet he keeps knocking it down more each time huh? I think if the numbers go red they win. Kinda like a messed up game of tether ball

Back on topic mang lol. We got the lounge to play around in

[Badbird_96]

Sorry lol I get off track sometimes. To the bat lounge robin

[94Blackbird]

No real progress to report yet today. Had to go deal with drivers license stuff. Also remembered that I am an hour from the Summit store in Akron, OH, so I make a little trip down there today to pick up a couple things

Lunati Double roller timing chain and a new oil pump, oil pump drive shaft and pickup tube and screen. Now all I need to finish out the shortblock is a crank hub and an electric water pump.

[94Blackbird]

Made some progress so far tonight. Would have pics, but the wife said food was on, so they gotta wait till I'm done tonight.

AC radiator and regular radiator are out of the car

up next is cutting out the headers and draining the fluid from the trans and the motor. I'll also be removing most of the accessories from the front of the motor (hopefully) tonight. Then tomorrow morning it should be a matter of unbolting the mounts and hoist away lol

[Badbird_96]

I'm impressed. You were like no progress has been... wait.... nevermind its practically out already lol

[94Blackbird]

I'm impressed. You were like no progress has been... wait.... nevermind its practically out already lol


That was earlier lol. I've made plenty of progress today. And I'm going to make plenty more tonight. I'd like to pull the motor early tomorrow so I have plenty of time to work on getting stuff cleaned up. I would strip it and paint it, but I'm going to be tearing the car down again once the mechanical stuff is figured out and it's getting a full restoration for lack of a better term.

[Badbird_96]

I would paint it now because you don't want to have to pull the motor back apart to make it look nice after. Rent a media blaster and save some time then duplicolor engine paint. But that's just my 0.02

[94Blackbird]

I would paint it now because you don't want to have to pull the motor back apart to make it look nice after. Rent a media blaster and save some time then duplicolor engine paint. But that's just my 0.02


Oh, the engine is getting painted before it gets put in the car. It's the engine BAY that I'm waiting to paint.

[94Blackbird]

Here's the progress for today. The only things left to disconnect are one coolant line, the ac compressor lines, drain the trans fluid and the engine mounts, and then up and out she comes!
10132
The above is the best 20 dollar investment I've made yet. Saved me so much time cutting the headers out of the exhaust lol

10133101341013510136

[Badbird_96]

Ohhh I misunderstood lol. What color it gonna be. Gonna have it out tomorrow? Got a month to get it ready for the shootout lmao

[SMok3 Em A11]

Great progress i see a hanging engine in your near future lol....

[94Blackbird]

Ohhh I misunderstood lol. What color it gonna be. Gonna have it out tomorrow? Got a month to get it ready for the shootout lmao

Haha, there's way too much work to do and money still to spend to have it ready in a month.

The block, valve covers and intake are going to a red metallic color that VHT makes. The heads, timing cover and water pump I'm not entirely sure on what color they will be yet.

[Badbird_96]

Either silver or black would look good imo

[94Blackbird]

Either silver or black would look good imo


We'll see lol

[Badbird_96]

Polish them

[94Blackbird]

We'll see lol

[94Blackbird]

What an ordeal! Motor and trans came out well enough, just finagling back and forth with the cherry picker and a jack under the trans. Once I got started, it maybe took and hour, hour and a half tops to get the motor and trans out. Then the next three and a half hours where spent dealing with an uncooperative cherry picker (which lost a wheel of all damned things!:nutkick:) But I did eventually get it in there. I now also have a massive stain in my driveway that I have to clean up due to said cherry picker's shenanigans (the little screw that holds pressure was open just enough to back itself the rest of the way out and drop straight to the ground. Fortunately the fall was less than 2 feet)

You guys only get one pic tonight unfortunately. spending 6 hours out in the heat and humidity, drinking a shitload of water and still peeing yellow has me spent for the rest of the day.

Here's your one pick of the baby breaching the cavity...
10145

[Badbird_96]

Its crowning. Here is my brand new cherry picker.... who took my wheel lol

[94Blackbird]

Its crowning. Here is my brand new cherry picker.... who took my wheel lol

I know exactly what happened to it, it sheared off as I was winching the picker with motor and trans into the trailer. Which in a chain reaction has caused another wheel to start folding under. So it looks like I'll need to construct better ramps to get in and out of the trailer with once I get a welder.

[94Blackbird]

And I'll get the obligatory owner in the engine bay pic tomorrow at some point.

[Badbird_96]

Hmm sound like the 10 bolt failed on your stand. But I'm guessing it made it.

[94Blackbird]

Hmm sound like the 10 bolt failed on your stand. But I'm guessing it made it.


Well, if you want to nit pick, 1 of the 6 4 bolt "axles" gave out, and a second one on the same side is on it's way out. I think I will be looking for higher quality "axles" to replace those with

[94Blackbird]

As promised, there is the obligatory owner in the engine bay pic
10164

[Badbird_96]

Omg.... you have hair now




And a gotee


Edit - and wearing flipflops lmao

[94Blackbird]

Omg.... you have hair now




And a gotee


Edit - and wearing flipflops lmao

yup, I'm a hairy beast now lol

[Ashley]

yup, I'm a hairy beast now lol

well I say! would ya look at that. :what:

oh! and in a blue smurf shirt! lmao.

[94Blackbird]

No progress to report, but I did sell the t56 out of my car today. Those funds are going towards a ZF S6-40 that came in the manual trans vette's from 89-96. I've got a line on one about 4 hours away from me, but if that doesn't pan out, anyone know where I can find one? :D

[Badbird_96]

Lol why did you do that

[94Blackbird]

The ZF transmission in the corvettes are basically racing transmissions. Straight cut gears and all that good noise.

[Badbird_96]

Ah didn't know that about them. That's why the vette videos I see have gear whine makes sense

[94Blackbird]

Ah didn't know that about them. That's why the vette videos I see have gear whine makes sense

Yuppers. They are also the only manual trans I've ever seen factory documents with instructions on how to properly power shift. And the guy who built my axle has one that he's put a 1000+ horsepower through that is bone stock, and he hasn't opened the trans up and doesn't see the need to open it up.

[Badbird_96]

Hmm maybe if I get a manual car this will be an idea

[94Blackbird]

Alright, a little progress to report. I have tracked down a trans out of a corvette. I am also purchasing the motor, and the wiring harness and the computer out of said car because the guy won't let any of it go until the motor sells. Hopefully by the end of next weekend I will have aquired this stuff and the rebuild can begin in earnest. Unfortunately, this also means I will have to bow out of the shoot out this year, as this and some school stuff came up at the last minute. If all goes well, I hope to have the car back together, running, and ready to race for next years shootout!

[Badbird_96]

I will be there next year to run ya. Hope to see you before then though

[94Blackbird]

I will be there next year to run ya. Hope to see you before then though

Haha, yeah. I think I'm going to have to go with plan B for the trans though. Dude was supposed to call me today, and I haven't heard squat from him. There's a motor and trans down in texas that's going for alot less than what the guy I talked to is asking, including shipping, so I believe I'll be buying that set up instead. I'd really rather just buy the trans itself, but everyone selling just the trans thinks they have gold, or it's not a complete set up, so I figure i'll just buy the whole damned thing since I can sell parts I don't need to recoup some of the costs

[Badbird_96]

Well that sucks. Maybe the other will pull through for you

[94Blackbird]

Well that sucks. Maybe the other will pull through for you

The other one will because it's on ebay right now with 0 bids and a buy it now option lol. If I haven't heard back from the guy by the time I get back from the racetrack tomorrow, I'm going to buy the one on ebay and he's going to be SOL

[Badbird_96]

Gotcha. Keep us informed

[94Blackbird]

And it is done! Just bought a motor, trans, accessories, wiring harness and computer off of ebay. Just waiting for the seller now to get a shipping quote for me, but I've already saved about 400 over the guy I called who is in new york and I won't lose a day going out to help him pull the motor and trans (that he doesn't seem too keen on selling since he won't call me back). I'll throw some pics up when they get here.

[Ashley]

awesome!!!! :thumbup:

[94Blackbird]

awesome!!!! :thumbup:

I'm going to laugh if I get a call from that guy tomorrow. He can bite me. He obviously doesn't want to sell that badly. Oh well, too bad for him.

[Ashley]

I'm going to laugh if I get a call from that guy tomorrow. He can bite me. He obviously doesn't want to sell that badly. Oh well, too bad for him.

yeah, no skin off your back. :)
happy you're car is getting fixed!

[popo8]

So does this mean ur back ON for the shootout?

Visit us @ LTXtech.com
Larry (Popo8) Co-owner

[94Blackbird]

So does this mean ur back ON for the shootout?

Visit us @ LTXtech.com
Larry (Popo8) Co-owner

Unfortunately no. The guy seemed pretty enthusiastic when I talked to him on wendesday and told him I'd go ahead and buy the whole package deal, that I was expecting to get a call on friday. I told my instructor at school I'd be available sunday to go racing, and he was asking me about saturday too.

[Badbird_96]

Better have racing pics for us :cool:

[94Blackbird]

Better have racing pics for us :cool:

I'll try to get some lol. And ZF trans is purchased, guy said he should have it ready to go out tomorrow.

[Badbird_96]

Awesome bet shipping is outrageous for that monster

[94Blackbird]

Awesome bet shipping is outrageous for that monster

It's really not that bad. 425 for shipping to a nearby freight terminal for every thing.

[Badbird_96]

Lol not too bad. I could fix everything wrong with my car for that lol and have some left over

[94Blackbird]

Lol not too bad. I could fix everything wrong with my car for that lol and have some left over

the whole thing is actually cost neutral once I get some more stuff sold. Or I'll use one of the other motors (I have 3 now including the one that is coming from texas with my ZF trans) and build an LTx powered rice rocket drag racer. Or maybe a drift car. I haven't a clue, there are so many projects that I want to do!

[Badbird_96]

Lol surprised you didn't get a duramax for habu yet lol

[94Blackbird]

It has arrived! I will be leaving shortly to go pick up my new prize! I will get some pics when I get back.

[94Blackbird]

And here it is!



11088
The engine and trans nestled safely in their transport cage

11089
The real prize. ZF S6-40 6 speed manual

11090
I think I got damn near the entire wiring harness for the car that this motor and trans came out of. I got all the accessories too.

11091
There's a dirty ole' opti hiding in there somewhere...

11092
Even got the intake piping and maf sensor too! Also, I got the driveshaft (not pictured due to technical errors)

Overall I made out pretty good for the 1920 including shipping. Now I just need to get this tore down so I can clean it up and get it ready to go! :D

[Badbird_96]

Lol nice Xmas present hehe

[94Blackbird]

Lol nice Xmas present hehe

Haha, yeah. It is a lot more complete than I thought it would be. The trans shifts nice and smooth too. At least insofar as playing with it in the crate can tell me anyways lol

[green96ta]

sweet. Is that going in the firebird?

[94Blackbird]

sweet. Is that going in the firebird?


Yup. Hopefully this weekend I'll get the motor and trans separated and get the motor on the stand so I can take a look and see what she looks like inside. Hopefully all is well and all I need to do is clean it up real good. If not I have two other blocks to choose from for the motor that goes back in the car.

I'm hoping to get the shortblock back in soon so I can bolt the trans up and start figuring out how I'm going to handle the trans mount. I also need to get my new axle bolted in so I can start figuring out what I'm going to do for a torque arm mount and get measurements for a custom drive shaft. I got the trans yoke with this motor, so I won't have to hunt that down at least. really about the only thing I didn't get with this motor was the airfilter box, the master cylinder and the pedals!

[Badbird_96]

Sweet dude. Check it for play in the input shaft.

[94Blackbird]

Sweet dude. Check it for play in the input shaft.

I have to separate everything first lol. And everything is getting checked before it goes in Habu.

[Ashley]

he's like a kid on Christmas too. lol. glad ya got it all!!

[popo8]

congrats man!!!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[SMok3 Em A11]

Sweet deal!!

[94Blackbird]

Alright, made a little progress today. Got the motor and the trans separated and started disassembling some of the stuff off the motor. Thankfully, the ZF clutch fork is not attached to the trans, so I was able to separate that from the bellhousing and will be able to move it out of the way for the time being. There was no detectable shaft play, and everything spins real smooth like it is supposed to. I'm going to be working on getting it up on the stand and torn down throughout the week, along with the motor that came out of my car.
1123811239

Uncrating the beast. You can see the tangled mess that I have to sort through lol
1124011241

And here is the trans separated from the motor and bellhousing. Everything looks good except for a slight bit of rust on the input shaft from sitting, but I imagine that a good shot of cleaner and a little elbow grease will clean that right up.

[Badbird_96]

Nice I'm not the only one been busy lol

[94Blackbird]

Nice I'm not the only one been busy lol

been busy all weekend, where you been at? lol

[Badbird_96]

Sanding, painting, and cleaning lol

[Fastbird]

I really like those ZF 6 speeds. Couple of C4's I was looking at buying many many years ago. LOVE how smooth and fast they shift. How much modding is it gonna take to get it to fit in the f-Car though?

[94Blackbird]

I really like those ZF 6 speeds. Couple of C4's I was looking at buying many many years ago. LOVE how smooth and fast they shift. How much modding is it gonna take to get it to fit in the f-Car though?

That's part of the reason why I decided to do the swap. Plus I know a guy who's put 1000+ hp through one with zero issues.
Not all that much I think. I might have the BFH the trans tunnel, modify the shifter opening and create a custom trans mount.

[94Blackbird]

Slight progress made tonight. finally got the bell housing off the motor, but then it started raining so any further activity was called. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little nicer so I can get the motor on a stand and torn down and inspected.

[Badbird_96]

Lol little is right. Here's hoping for you

[popo8]

pics!!!!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

pics!!!!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com


I'll get some when there's a little more to show lol. I literally was outside for 5 min when it started raining lol

[popo8]

I'll get some when there's a little more to show lol. I literally was outside for 5 min when it started raining lol

Just my way of reminding you to document, so when its all said and done you can scroll through this thread and see just how good you are.

[94Blackbird]

this thread and the two threads that I merged here lol

[94Blackbird]

alright, a little more progress tonight, but I'm lazy, so pictures have to wait till tomorrow.

got the clutch and flywheel off, separated the wiring harness the rest of the way from the motor and got the valve covers off. Also finished taking the accessories off and the water pump as well. also had to take the exhaust manifolds off. Will be ready for the engine stand tomorrow lol.

[Badbird_96]

Pics tomorrow or ban....

[Fixxer99TA]

Pics tomorrow or ban....

I think I could go along with this... Pics are definitely required "soon"

[94Blackbird]

Ok, some more progress tonight. Got the engine the rest of the way off the pallet.

[94Blackbird]

I'll get the motor most of the way torn down tomorrow.

[popo8]

yes!!!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[Badbird_96]

Nice Jim. Ban threat lifted lmao

[popo8]

Nice Jim. Ban threat lifted lmao

look at the guy with no gun , threatening to shoot.... HA.

[Badbird_96]

look at the guy with no gun , threatening to shoot.... HA.

Lmao shhhhh I'm in good with the powers that be :D

[94Blackbird]

Lmao shhhhh I'm in good with the powers that be :D


overstepping our bounds are we?

[94Blackbird]

So I lied, no progress today. Vehicle maintenance and a ghost no prime situation in the truck, plus homework, took up all my time today.

[Badbird_96]

overstepping our bounds are we?

Just a wee bit lmao

[popo8]

Glad to see your keeping the priorities right....

Outta curiosity, what type of homework do u have from that type of schooling?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Glad to see your keeping the priorities right....

Outta curiosity, what type of homework do u have from that type of schooling?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

Depends on what section we are studying. For the majority of the course work so far, it was definitions and questions out of our textbook. Friday I put the finishing touches on the ignition system that I had to design to show the teacher that I understand what the system is supposed to do, and also to demonstrate that I am capable of drawing a legible wiring diagram.

Over all it really depends on what we are doing and who is teaching it.

[popo8]

Depends on what section we are studying. For the majority of the course work so far, it was definitions and questions out of our textbook. Friday I put the finishing touches on the ignition system that I had to design to show the teacher that I understand what the system is supposed to do, and also to demonstrate that I am capable of drawing a legible wiring diagram.

Over all it really depends on what we are doing and who is teaching it.


Thats cool... just didnt know if you could use your engine build as homework and stuff like that....

[94Blackbird]

Thats cool... just didnt know if you could use your engine build as homework and stuff like that....

They actually encourage us to use our own stuff as projects. I may wind up building my motor at the school (well, as far as I can get. I still gots stuffs that need to be bought)

[popo8]

They actually encourage us to use our own stuff as projects. I may wind up building my motor at the school (well, as far as I can get. I still gots stuffs that need to be bought)

Thats def cool....

[Badbird_96]

Thats def cool....

X2

[94Blackbird]

Ok, made a little progress today. I deleted my A/C box.

The first couple of pics show where I removed the A/C box (you can probably see the remains laying all around) and notched the interior portion of the box to retain heat.

The next couple of pics show where I laid out the initial template and the finished product installed in the car. Once the sealant cures, everything is getting knocked down, a coat of primer and then paint. The engine bay is going to be the blackest black I can find, so the engine will pop that much more once I get it ready to go back in. I'm also planning on cutting the wiring harness to the interior and installing a connector to be able to completely remove the wiring harness and make reinstallation that much simpler. Then if I have time, I'll start cleaning the bay.

[Badbird_96]

Nice Jim. Although personally I gotsa haz my airz

[94Blackbird]

Nice Jim. Although personally I gotsa haz my airz


I never drive the car when the weather isn't perfect, so there's no need to retain it. It'll clean up the engine bay and give me more room for other stuff should I need it

[popo8]

Nice Jim. Although personally I gotsa haz my airz


IM WI-TCHU...


I never drive the car when the weather isn't perfect, so there's no need to retain it. It'll clean up the engine bay and give me more room for other stuff should I need it

Its looking great man... so happy you found some time to progress...

[94Blackbird]

I am too, just wish it wasn't supposed to rain the rest of the weekend. Maybe I'll tinker with the motor tomorrow if it isn't downpouring too badly

[94Blackbird]

Ok, mid day update. Got a little bit more done today. I removed the stock steering shaft and the engine harness. I'm going to be parsing out the unnecessary wires and integrating the LTCC box and wiring into the harness. I have yet to decide if I'm going to leave the coil wiring as is or if I'm going to split it up and integrate it with the injector harness yet. I'm leaning more towards that route because there are some ideas I'm toying with for a little later on down the road.


12021
Old steering shaft out, new steering shaft ready to be clocked and reinstalled

12022
Engine harness out and ready to be groomed

[popo8]

Ugh... wiring intimidates me....

[94Blackbird]

End of day update.

Got the wiring harness declothed and partially groomed. Will post pics when done and when my computer decides to behave again

[Badbird_96]

Nice updates man. F wiring lmao

[94Blackbird]

Wiring really isnt that bad as long as you take your time and follow the diagrams

[popo8]

Wiring really isnt that bad as long as you take your time and follow the diagrams

I used to install stereos and car alarms (non professionally) back in the day... your right, it can be straight forward as long as you take your time, and use diagrams... but there is something inside me that does not see progress when wiring... lol


I dont know if that makes sense... but when you start its a bunch of wires, when your done, its a bunch of wires that are organized... does that make sense?

[94Blackbird]

That is definitely a true statement lol. In my case though, I removed the mechanical components and I'm just tying up loose ends. Very carefully I might add, already have one wire I need to repair due to overzealousness in trying to pull a different wire out of a bundle. A little solder and some heat shrink and it'll be good as new.

[94Blackbird]

Finished cleaning up my engine harness. Have pics will post when I have a functioning computer again.

[popo8]

Finished cleaning up my engine harness. Have pics will post when I have a functioning computer again.

Thats awesome.. and sucks about the computer.

BTW, if you have a smart phone and use tapatalk to be on here.. it gives you the ability to take and send pics to here.

[94Blackbird]

Worked on the harness a little more tonight. Just need to find my soldering gun and the ltcc harness will be fully integrated into my engine harness. Pics when I get my computer fixed.

[popo8]

.... Pics when I get my computer fixed.

stupid computer... have you tried pulling the plug and plugging it back in....? hahaha

Im playing, thats about the extent of my expertise.

[94Blackbird]

Ok, got some update pics while my soldering gun cools off for a bit. I'm in the middle of shortening/integrating the LTCC wires to fit the original engine harness.

A few of the pics also are from cleaning up the engine harness and stripping out the unnecessary wiring to clean it up a bit. My goal when the wiring is done is to have it look as factory as possible just because I think it would be hilarious if someone where to actually believe my story that it's a rare factory prototype street legal race car and this is the only one that survived the crusher because I have a rich uncle who used to work for the General, tragically passed away in a cocaine fuelled hooker fest, and left me the car, his sole remainin possession. Yeah, that's the story lol.

[bigtoyz]

That is a good one.....looking good though....keep at it ^^

[Badbird_96]

Good story I give it props lol

[94Blackbird]

Alright, finished integrating the LTCC harness with the stock engine harness. Will post pics when I get a chance to get back on my wifes computer.

[Badbird_96]

Wait what happened to your PC?

[94Blackbird]

Computer went on the fritz a a couple weeks ago

[94Blackbird]

And here is the LTCC fully integrated into the original engine harness. No going back now!
Also a few pics of the harness mid procedure.
1212012121
Mid procedure shots

12122
Just finished the cutting and soldering in this one

121231212412125
And these are the after shots. The only thing left now is to re loom the harness, But I'm going to wait on that until the engine is back in the car and I'm sure everything fits correctly.

The agenda for tomorrow is to finish removing the unnecessary wiring from the engine bay and to remove the ABS module, since it never worked right to begin with. I'll also probably start looking at how I want to reposition the intercooler from were it was located to somewhere behind the front bumper. Fog lights are getting deleted and the louvres are going to be made functional, so moving air across the intercooler without interferring with the radiator shouldn't be a problem. But we'll see how that goes.

[popo8]

Im really impressed man.....


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Alright, a little more progress today. Can anyone guess what is wrong with these two pictures?

1215112150

[94Blackbird]

got a little more done, got the ebcm out and I'm working on stripping out the remainder of that wiring. Also considering relocating the underhood fuse box since there is no need for almost half of the relays that are currently wired in, so I could go with a smaller box and put it somewhere else. I'll probably relocate the battery to the trunk as well to gain that little chunk of real estate as well. Hopefully I'll have all the wiring wrapped up tomorrow so I can get to the engine and start moving in the right direction to get this beast moving again.

[Badbird_96]

Very nice and what is wrong?

[94Blackbird]

progress has come to an end for the weekend due to a missing socket and not being able to remove the bulkhead connector that resides just behind the brake booster. I want to finish up this wiring thing (aside from the fuse/relay box relocation ) before I move on to anything else so I dont forget something.

[94Blackbird]

No real progess to report, but I do have some good information for anyone else considering doing a zf swap in our cars.

There are two budget friendly ways to get a single mass flywheel that will work, rather than paying 400 to 600 dollars for one of the special billet ones (unless because racecar). The two ways are: Take your stock t56 flywheel and shave it .090 to gain the necessary clearance for the clutch fork, or use the flywheel from a 4+3 1pc rear main seal engine. From what I have found online, the zf pressure plate and the appropriate clutch disk then bolt right up. In the next couple of months as my engine and trans goes back in the bird, I will confirm all this. As long as the pressure plate I got with the trans is still good, I could be in the appropriate clutch for as little as 250 for the flywheel and the right clutch disk.

[94Blackbird]

Some slight progress so far today. Depinned the relays and fuses that I will no longer be using, and am probably about halfway through fishing them out of the harness. Also, foglights and cruise control module will be coming out at well. I was going to retain the cruise control, but I won't be driving the car enough to justify keeping it.

[94Blackbird]

Alright, picture time! Here is today's progress-

12572

Here is the bundle of wires, connectors and the cruise control module that came out today. Fog lights are also removed, but forgot to put them in the pile
12571

And the noseless TA. I'm going to run a custom FMIC set up, so this had to come off sooner or later.

[Noah's95z28]

Wow, your garage looks smaller than mine lol. Makes it a bitch to work on doesnt it? Nice progress by the way.

[Badbird_96]

Bout time we got an update lol

[94Blackbird]

Yes, that garage is small. It's not as bad as it looks, I just need to rearrange some of the mess and get the spares for the trailer and the truck out of the way. Though for sure once the engine is ready to go back in, the car is coming out of the garage for that one.

If it were my house, the breezeway between the garage and the house would go by by and the garage would but up to the house and extend all the way back to the end of this storage shack that was built off the back of the back room of the garage. Then I could have my shop, my car scattered all over the place, and my wife could park inside.

[94Blackbird]

Just ordered a new fuse box from site sponsor BP Automotive. I can't wait for it to get here, since that is really the last thing I need to get the wiring finished up. At least as far as I am going at this stage. I will be redoing the entire harness when the car goes down for all the body work that needs/wants done.

[popo8]

I am very excited to see this come together. Our PM conversations have me very interested in a build that i have no stake in...

Keep it up homie.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

A little progress today. Finally pulled the heads off of the vette engine. Looks like they may need a little overbore, won't know for sure until I get the block cleaned up, but as of now there is a noticable ridge near the top of the cylinder. I got as far as getting ready to pull the crank hub off, but I don't have a bolt that matches the crank bolt. I will find one tomorrow or tuesday night and try to get the engine disassembled the rest of the way before thanksgiving.

[94lt1bird]

just went through ur build and looking forward to seeing it done, im in the same boat about the under hood fuse box, im wanting to get rid of it for a smaller one, let us know how u make out with the bp fuse box.

[94Blackbird]

Made a little progress today, pressed apart two sets of rods and pistons. I will get some more pics after I finish disassembly of the vette short block sometime this weekend. I also have a new crank hub and a set of aluminum valve covers I traded another member some items for that I will get pics of. I am getting closer to having everything I need for reassembly whenever I can get all the machine work done.

[popo8]

Damn... u mean its not running yet?

[94Blackbird]

Damn... u mean its not running yet?

I wish lol. I still have to drop my spare block in the car so I can test fit the trans and make any necessary modifications

[popo8]

I wish lol. I still have to drop my spare block in the car so I can test fit the trans and make any necessary modifications

Im just busting your stones man... Im well aware of your progress and most of your intent with the build...lol

[94Blackbird]

No real progress today, but here are the most recent new (to me) parts for the project. A set of valve covers that I haven't decided if I want to paint or polish, a keyed crank hub and a new (to me) AFR hydra-rev kit. I'm not planning on revving very high (6800 at the most), but I like the added insurance.

[94Blackbird]

Ok, got some more work done today. I got the corvette engine fully dissassembled, and found a couple of things I was not expecting and one thing I was relieved to see.

The first thing, this engine has forged rods instead of PM rods. I've heard all kinds of stuff about when GM switched over to PM from the regular style, so I was a little suprised to see those.

Second thing, this was probably the most unhappy engine I've ever taken apart. The rods and caps did not want to separate, and the pistons literally had to be beaten out of the bores. Even the LT1 I took apart in the junk yard a few years ago wasn't this stubborn about coming apart. I am glad that I am not reusing those pistons, I don't think I would trust them with how hard I had to smack them to get them out.

On the plus side, all the bearings and surfaces look good, and everything spun freely before disassembly, so I think the crank will clean up nicely. Also, it is in fact a 4 bolt main block, so I was happy to see that. Now I just have to get the scratch for the machine work.

Also, while briefly inspecting the block, there appears to be very little, if any core shift. At least to the naked eye, the lifter bores all appear to be centered in the bosses, so that is also good.

[popo8]

Awesome man... good progress for sure!

[94Blackbird]

I'm just glad I wasn't planning on reusing those pistons. Two of them are broken and the rest I have no clue how close I came to breaking them

[94Blackbird]

Ok, did a quick test fit on the corvette block with some other pistons I have laying around, and the other pistons slide in and out with minimal effort. I still need to measure the cylinder bores, and I'm pretty sure they are going to need 10 to 20 over, but the majority of the problem during disassembly was the pistons. This week is most likely going to be doing cleaning/organizing, as it's about time to get my spare block in the car so I can test fit the ZF trans. Hopefully I will get everything wrapped up aside from ending and welding work within the next couple of weeks. Then it's just down to a money and waiting game.

[94Blackbird]

No real progress on the car this weekend, lift pump on my truck took a dump, but...


I did find these bad boys on the clearance rack at summit when I went to pick up the new lift pump. Forged 6" sbc rods.

[popo8]

No real progress on the car this weekend, lift pump on my truck took a dump, but...


I did find these bad boys on the clearance rack at summit when I went to pick up the new lift pump. Forged 6" sbc rods.

AWESOME DEAL!!!

and Monday you will have some MORE stuff coming your way.....

[94Blackbird]

Yup, and I will update the thread when I get it. Hopefully this coming friday I will be in at my school porting my heads. I would do a valve job while I'm at it, but I need to have the valve guides done first. Hopefully the ball will be rolling back downhill soon.

[popo8]

Tick


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[popo8]

Tock


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[popo8]

Lol


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[nateleduc]

WE NEED UPDATES!!!!!!!

[94Blackbird]

WE NEED UPDATES!!!!!!!

been busy with school and family stuff the last couple of weeks. Things have been slowly falling into place though, and this week is clear... :)

[popo8]

.... and this week is clear... :)

NICE!!!!!




Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

NICE!!!!!




Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

Just have to do a little cleaning and organizing tomorrow, then it should be full steam ahead, at least until them money runs out again lol

[94Blackbird]

Alright, time for a little car porn. Gotten some new parts over the last couple of weeks.


First off, here is the new fuse box from BP Automotive (site sponsor). He really went out of his way to make sure that this was right for my application, and I can't thank him enough!
14027

Here are the rockers I just bought from DevonZ28. They arrived today, and are exactly as he described them.
14026

Last but not least, here is all the misc. Intercooler piping that I picked up from Popo8.
14025

Any real progress on the car itself will happen later in the week, gotta re organize the garage and get stuff sitchiated. But by the end of next weekend, the wiring should be done, the vette block should be at the machine shop and the spare block should be in the car and mock up of the ZF trans should be in full swing.

[popo8]

Alright, time for a little car porn. Gotten some new parts over the last couple of weeks.


First off, here is the new fuse box from BP Automotive (site sponsor). He really went out of his way to make sure that this was right for my application, and I can't thank him enough!
14027

Here are the rockers I just bought from DevonZ28. They arrived today, and are exactly as he described them.
14026

Last but not least, here is all the misc. Intercooler piping that I picked up from Popo8.
14025

Any real progress on the car itself will happen later in the week, gotta re organize the garage and get stuff sitchiated. But by the end of next weekend, the wiring should be done, the vette block should be at the machine shop and the spare block should be in the car and mock up of the ZF trans should be in full swing.

WOO HOO!!!!

[94Blackbird]

Ok, so after some number crunching and soul searching, I have come to the realization that the engine I am building won't be ready in time for the shoot out this year. With everything that is going on, and the extra money that I am spending to make sure everything is right, there is no way I can have that beast together in time and have it be right. So for the time being I will do a quick refresh of the stock short block, clean, port and throw the set of Iron heads I have on it to reduce the compression a little and turn the boost up. I know it's not ideal, but it should give me something to run at the shoot out this year. I will still be going ahead with the ZF swap, and the 8.8 is still going in the car (no choice at this point, the stock axle and transmission were sold to fund the swaps).

There is just too much that I have to do to the car to support the kind of numbers the simulation I've been playing with are predicting to have it ready for the shootout with the engine that I am building. I've run a few different engines through it now that people I know have built, and the numbers the simulation gave were all within 10 percent or less of the actual dyno results. That being said, the car will have to be caged for me to feel safe driving it with the new engine, plus I still have to get into the fuel system and there are a few other decisions that still need to be made in regards to engine management. Very likely I will be building a complete new wiring harness for the car before the new engine goes in.

To answer the question I know is going to pop up, why the push to have a running car at the shootout? Well, this year is very likely the last year I will be able to attend the shootout for a really long time. When I finish with my schooling, I have a really good chance of being hired by a race team of some stripe, and there literally won't be time to squeeze that in if that happens.

BUT... that means that the engine I am building, when it goes back in, will be exactly the way I want it, with as little compromise as reasonably possible. Big plans for that one... :secret:

[94Blackbird]

Ok, no real progress on the car, and here's why. I went out to my garage with the nice weather, and was immediately hit with how disheveled it was. I've spent the last couple of days cleaning and rearranging things. There is still a long way to go, but it is at least workable again.

Today's big project was repurposing the pallet that the corvette engine and trans I bought came on. Just so happens that I also needed more shelf space and more workbench space.

The rest of the weekend will likely be dedicated to finishing up moving parts and getting everything organized, seeing as the weather has been great all weekend and this work involves me going back and forth between trailer and garage. There is still alot to do in the trailer as well, but a lot of that should go quickly as well once I start reclaiming the rest of the wood that was used to package the engine to build the shelves I need. Will also be posting a for sale thread soon, I'm finding a lot of misc little riff raffy type stuff that I know I'll no longer need.

[popo8]

Very nice use of the pallet!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

There are a bunch of 1x1 pieces that came with that I'm going to see if I can't build the framework for some shelving in there. I do desperately need the extra space to get organized and get my trailer back to a usable point.

[popo8]

There are a bunch of 1x1 pieces that came with that I'm going to see if I can't build the framework for some shelving in there. I do desperately need the extra space to get organized and get my trailer back to a usable point.


Something else u may want to look into is craigslist. At my old apartment garage i picked up some super large filing cabinets for part storage...they were free as long as i picked tgem up.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

I will keep that in mind. Not seeing anything on curb alert right now though.

[popo8]

What part of ohio are u in... Ill mess around on cl for u.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

What part of ohio are u in... Ill mess around on cl for u.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

been looking all over the cleveland and surrounding areas

[popo8]

been looking all over the cleveland and surrounding areas

Ohhhh.

When i soldbthe ones from our pd last year...i did it on municibid.com its not free but i thin they went for 15 bucks each... U may wanna check there...its all government stuff.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Should be able to finish the garage cleanout and reorganization this weekend. I aquired 5 filing cabinets for the princely sum of 40 dollars today. Tomorrow I will be clearing them out and stuffing parts into them to finally finish reclaiming my garage and trailer.

[popo8]

Should be able to finish the garage cleanout and reorganization this weekend. I aquired 5 filing cabinets for the princely sum of 40 dollars today. Tomorrow I will be clearing them out and stuffing parts into them to finally finish reclaiming my garage and trailer.

Nice...some of the most over looked tool storage EVER!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Nice...some of the most over looked tool storage EVER!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com


I think there is some stuff still in the filing cabinets that I may be able to sell too. I know they aren't empty, just not entirely sure what all is in them yet.

[popo8]

I think there is some stuff still in the filing cabinets that I may be able to sell too. I know they aren't empty, just not entirely sure what all is in them yet.

Killos of ....wait...did u buy them from a pd?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Killos of ....wait...did u buy them from a pd?


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

Nope some shipping company run out of a non descript building in the middle of nowhere...

[popo8]

OH :(

[94Blackbird]

OH :(


I checked that website you gave me, the only active auctions for furniture were in Louisiana, and I think there were some farther west lol

[popo8]

I checked that website you gave me, the only active auctions for furniture were in Louisiana, and I think there were some farther west lol

yeah... its hit or mis when your buying from municipalities.

[94Blackbird]

More garage progress today. Got the filing cabinets cleared out and the two small ones are pretty much full already. I'm working on straightening the trailer, with the garage being about 90% cleared and organized. If my truck hadn't decided that it needed to relieve itself in my driveway today I would probably be done cleaning/organizing and getting back to the good part.

Here are some picks from the garage

[popo8]

Looks alot more workable now.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

It is. I actually have the engine in the garage with the car! If you go back to the early part of the thread you can see what a mess I made and compare it to what it looks like now. lol

[popo8]

It is. I actually have the engine in the garage with the car! If you go back to the early part of the thread you can see what a mess I made and compare it to what it looks like now. lol

I remember.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Ok, a little progress today. Started disassembly of the stock short block. I need to get an organizing tray of some sort before I go any further though. I will probably get on the wiring a little later and figure out where I want the new fuse box to reside.

[94Blackbird]

Progress has halted for the time being due to the weather and financial situation. Temps are supposed to be back in the 30's and 40's by the end of this week, so hopefully I will have some progress to report next weekend.

[Ashley]

I can't wait to see this running again. lol.

[Badbird_96]

They sell heaters at Walmart Jim :D

[94Blackbird]

They sell heaters at Walmart Jim :D


and financial situation.

You payin' for it Mr. Bankroll??? :D

[popo8]

hahahahaha.

i was gonna point it out. but didnt.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Ok Ghouls and Germs, time for an update!

I was just going to figure out and solder in the new fuse box, but the more I got to looking at the mess I had made of the engine bay harness and the nest of cut ends staring me in the face, I decided that the dash had to come out so I could get at the rest of the harness and thin it out accordingly.

15403154041540515406

While I was in there I decided to finish destroying the HVAC box. My dashpad came out in pieces, but it was in pieces to start with, so no biggie. Tomorrow is going to be going through and clipping wires I know I don't need anymore so that when I remove the harness completely, parsing out the wires I don't need will be that much faster.

[popo8]

WOW.. that looks very intimidating.

Excellent progress... hard part is making it go back together, lol

[94Blackbird]

That part I think will be easy. Probably going to build a custom dash to go back in. Haven't decided fully yet. But I am going to take the opportunity to switch all the interior stuff to black, maybe with some insert pieces painted in the same paint as the engine paint I'm planning on using

[popo8]

That part I think will be easy. Probably going to build a custom dash to go back in. Haven't decided fully yet. But I am going to take the opportunity to switch all the interior stuff to black, maybe with some insert pieces painted in the same paint as the engine paint I'm planning on using

OH, that will be awesome!

[94Blackbird]

Eventually everything will be that same black and metallic red scheme.

[popo8]

Eventually everything will be that same black and metallic red scheme.

That will look sinister.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Took advantage of warmer temps last monday to begin removing the wiring harness from the car. Hopefully I can get another decent day soon to finish removing the harness and get it worked out. In the process I will be creating smaller subsections of the harness so that I won't have to remove the whole thing again if I need to rework the under dash part at some point in the future. If figure that the rest of the funcitons (lights, locks and windows) will be staying the same, so no need to drag it out if it doesn't need it.

[popo8]

Took advantage of warmer temps last monday to begin removing the wiring harness from the car. Hopefully I can get another decent day soon to finish removing the harness and get it worked out. In the process I will be creating smaller subsections of the harness so that I won't have to remove the whole thing again if I need to rework the under dash part at some point in the future. If figure that the rest of the funcitons (lights, locks and windows) will be staying the same, so no need to drag it out if it doesn't need it.

Good for you man... sounds like a plan. Im glad its not me... wiring sucks!

[94Blackbird]

Good for you man... sounds like a plan. Im glad its not me... wiring sucks!

I don't mind it. It's just time consuming, but at the end I get the satisfaction of solving a puzzle.

[94Blackbird]

Ok, time for another update. I got the bay harness and the instrument/hvac/airbag underdash harness out tonight.

Now I have my rainy day project. This will also make it easier to begin removing the interior this weekend.

[94Blackbird]

Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy and nasty, so I will be going into school and hopefully working on gasket matching my heads and maybe doing a little porting work as well. Then off to the machine shop for new valve guides. I'm getting there slowly but surely.

[popo8]

I have the same slippers!

[94Blackbird]

I have the same slippers!

I love my slippers! They keepsess the feetsess nice and toastay

[popo8]

Hells yeah... are they brown?

[94Blackbird]

Hells yeah... are they brown?

Dark blue and gray.

[popo8]

Dark blue and gray.

Ohhhh, they are like my old ones... new ones are the same but BROWN.

[94Blackbird]

Got some work done on the heads today. Took them into school, got them cleaned up and had time to gasket match one port.

[popo8]

Got some work done on the heads today. Took them into school, got them cleaned up and had time to gasket match one port.

Having that school at ur disposal is really going to be an asset to u.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Having that school at ur disposal is really going to be an asset to u.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

yes it is. Not just the facilities (which is a huge benefit in and of itself- Free Dyno time when my car is back together among other things), but the knowledge I'm picking up there is fantastic.

[popo8]

yes it is. Not just the facilities (which is a huge benefit in and of itself- Free Dyno time when my car is back together among other things), but the knowledge I'm picking up there is fantastic.

Def... All the way around.


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Ok, midday update. It was cold this morning, so I got some work done pruning the wiring harness.

16098

the latest batch of clippings.

[popo8]

Ok, midday update. It was cold this morning, so I got some work done pruning the wiring harness.

16098

the latest batch of clippings.

The harness is gonna be soo simple aft this



Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[94Blackbird]

Alright, more progress!

Got all the seats and plastic pieces out of the car, along with the head liner tonight. Ready to pull the carpet tomorrow night.
I think I found almost 2 dollars in change when I pulled the seats out, and a whole bunch of random stuff, including Popo8's next cruiser :)

[popo8]

Damn it... my laptop is slow... waiting for pics to open!