Project Speedboat -- 95 Roadmaster M6 sleeper

[Catmaigne]

Update 8/10/15 - I bought the boat as a roller from my friend and am in the process of resurrecting it. It's mine MWHAHAahahaHAHA

This isn't actually my car but it belongs to a close friend. Even though it's not mine, I put a ton of research/time/effort into making it what it is currently. I'm completely serious when I say 90% of the work put into it has been done by yours truly. It deserves a build thread as it's not something you see everyday. A real wolf in sheep's clothing.

It's a long story...

Flashback to last summer... My friend's old car (a beat up Ford Contour Sport) was struck by his elderly mom while parked. While reversing, she mistook the gas for the brake pedal upon leaving a family gathering and slammed right into it. The damage was so severe that the car was totalled and insurance awarded him a little over $3k. Anyway, the Contour was a POS with over 100k, rusting rocker panels, and failing cats. That car was put out of it's misery and wasn't missed one bit. As weird as it was, the accident was probably good thing being that the car would have never fetched $3k in a private sale. He made out well.

Some time went by and I helped my friend look at a few different used cars. He had been burned a few times in the past with used cars (a 2.5 RS Impreza with bad headgaskets, a 91 Talon TSi with electrical gremlins and engine troubles, etc). Even though he was more into imports at the time, I was determined to help him find something decent, cheap, practical, but most importantly it needed some POWERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygBP7MtT3Ac

I started browsing 94-96 B-bodies with LT1s on Craigslist knowing they were the best bang for the buck sedan (other than a 1st gen Q45) with enough torque to blow any of his previous cars out of the water... plus, I was totally down to help him hot rod the shit out of one. Ideally, I was looking for a sedan model to cut back on weight with somewhat low miles at a decent price. There was a 95 Roadmaster sedan at a small lot in Glenside for $3k with only 61,000 miles on the clock. We get there to check it out and this thing looks pretty beat... front bumper is banged up, rear bumper has some scrapes, trim is missing, vinyl top is a little ripped, door panel is jacked up, no door keys, etc. Things already didn't look good and on top of that my friend kept telling me that the car was wayyyy too big, ugly, and beat. Plus, it look like a grandma car. We went to take it out for a test drive and one of the salesmen from the lot insisted on tagging along to make sure we weren't gonna beat on it (but I don't blame him, we're two twenty-something dudes who showed up in a loud green Camaro). The thing floated like a magic carpet over the road and didn't feel fast at the speed limit.

When we got back to the lot my friend still wasn't sold on the car even though it seemed like it was in tip top shape mechanically. The owner of the lot came up and started talking to us about how it's a great runner but needs some TLC (obviously). Apparently, it had been sitting in the back of the lot for some time as it was pretty filthy from pollen/leaves and I could tell he really wanted it gone because there was barely any space for the nicer cars up front. I told him we were really interested in the car but the price just wasn't right in that condition. Talked for a little longer about it and the owner said he'd take $2k cash. SOLD!!!!!! Two days later we picked it up, drove to Autozone down the street for some wipers the owner of the lot graciously paid for, and did a bad ass peel out before taking it home.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/4_zpsab3a4359.jpg

"Now what?"

My friend had a ton of money to play with left over from the Contour so I started planning some mods. The ultimate goal was to turn the car into a badass sleeper that could run with the local sports cars but on an airtight budget. The satisfaction of stomping real performance vehicles in grandpa's land yacht was gonna be sweet.

First thing was the ghetto fabulous intake. Both plastic silencers came off and the elbow was plugged with a hockey puck courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods. Then a straight piece of stainless exhaust tubing was run from the elbow to the b-body MAF using a reducer (I also polished it). The filter was swapped for a non-paper Spectre one from Pep Boys and the airbox was "swiss cheesed" a little bit.

Also removed the AIR and EVAP systems to strip some weight out of this cow.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/2_zps744bc0c7.jpg

Next thing was exhaust. The stock exhaust has 2 cats, 2 mufflers, 2 resonators, and a bunch of vibration dampening weights throughout so the whole thing is heavy as hell. Summit long tubes (1-5/8" primaries, 3" collector), Summit 2.5" X-pipe, and Dynomax Super Turbo Mufflers to dumps before the axle was the new setup. I fabbed up and tack welded the X-pipe and mufflers with my cheapo HFT flux welder. The rest of the welding/fitting was done by a shop in Norristown that didn't ask questions. The dumps that are pictured were later trimmed to attract less attention.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/3_zps430785e3.jpg

After that I went to a junkyard and pulled a G80 posi rear out of a Caprice. The Auburn diff seemed like it was in decent shape and was pretty hard to break away. I rebuilt that rear with Motive 3.73 gears and swapped it in. That posi didn't last very long with the beating the car endured from all the burnouts (and last winter certainly didn't help). I replaced the Auburn with a Yukon Duragrip which has held up pretty well since.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/7_zps81338f82.jpg

Next thing was suspension. Vogtland lowering springs and Monroe Severe Service shocks. The lowering springs are only installed on the rear so far because I'm afraid of undoing the LCA up front without the proper spring compressor. I'll get to that eventually.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/5_zpsd53c84c9.jpg

Did a little bit of exterior work to make it less offending to the eye... It's shaping up. Still needs a front and rear bumper, some trim moldings, and some other tweaks. But it's looking a lot nicer than it was.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/11_zps75eaa26a.jpg

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/22_zps76bc6565.jpg

Here's the most recent mod... Yep. It has a 6-speed now thanks to the F2B kit and the old trans out of my car. The 4L60e lost 3rd and 4th after a lot of abuse (more than I expected honestly).

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/6_zps6186e421.jpg

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/33_zps2425eb3b.png

It's a work in progress but everything from here on out is finishing touches, small tweaks, and aesthetics. It's probably going to stay a bolt-on T56 car for a while until he gets the itch again. Bryan Herter should also be doing the tune and I'll be sending the PCM out later today. Thing goes like stink and breaks loose pretty easy! We already chased a modified WRX owned by a guy I went to high school with and it held on, even without the driver mod (friend was driving, just learned stick shift a few days ago lol). Very impressed with this car, it hauls some serious ass for a barge.

Mods so far:
Catmaigne's ghetto-fab intake
No emissions, no AC
Summit long tubes
Summit 2.5" X pipe
Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers and dumps
F2B kit
Clear Image T56 crossmember
T56 swap
Motive 3.73 gears
Yukon posi
Vogtland lowering springs
Monroe SS shocks

Future mods:
Bucket seats from a S10/Blazer
More weight reduction
17x8 Cragar Soft 8's in black
275/40R17 tires to effectively change gearing
Exterior touch up
Install trim moldings
Paint moldings black
Window tint
Louder mufflers or cutouts
EWP
Possible LE2 kit in the future

Really one of a kind. She's a brute.

Next stop... the track. Time to run a baseline.

[dawdaw]

I like it! Thing needs a pt88 stuffed under that hood and she'll be a real sleeper :)

[GuillaumeC]

Love it!! :D

[SSlowBoat]

nice

[KoolPwny]

Bad ass it's fuckin sick!!!

[Sahara54]

Awesome!!

[Catmaigne]

Thanks dudes.

Even though it's not mine I'm taking all of the credit. I have the scars to prove it lol.

[popo8]

Idk how I missed this... awesome build. I love that its a 6spd!!!!

[95albinobird]

the Yukon Duragrip fit in the 10 bolt?
what did you pull it out of?

[Catmaigne]

It's a 8.5" 10 bolt with 30 spline axles. Yukon makes a posi for it that's $350-400 new through Quick Performance.

[Catmaigne]

29556

Working on getting some better pictures of everything. It's pretty filthy right now and needs a good clean.

I took the driver and middle part of the bench seat out so I could cut back the center a bit. It would interfere with the shifter unless the bench was almost all the way back which made reaching the pedals uncomfortable (my legs are short). It's a lot better now.

The column shifter lever was removed. People were probably wondering how the car was in park while moving.

I also did a little bit of wiring for the VSS. The reverse lockout and reverse lights still need to be hooked up which I'll be doing with a lighted switch on the dash. I'm also putting a tach on the column because the only tach is through the HVAC screen. It's too inaccurate and far away for a stick car.

The shift boot arrived so that will be going in too.

Still waiting on the PCM from Bryan Herter. Was sent out Monday, don't know how long it usually takes.

Also needs some LCA bushings in the back, they're shot. Waiting on those parts.

That's how everything sits right now. The car is still a blast to drive despite the little things. Once the PCM gets back an I swap the bushings in the rear we're probably gonna go down to Atco (if they're open lol).

[Catmaigne]

29558

Also finished off a set of tires hahaha

"accidental slicks"

[Catmaigne]

The Boatmaster is 4-0 lololol. 4 shit talkers got new ones ripped by a good ol lt1/t56 yacht. Nothing like a good sleeper.

It's dubbed #projectspeedboat.

[popo8]

Has it been on a dyno or to a track yet?

[Catmaigne]

My friend ran a 15.01 @ 96 with a really bad 60' of 2.3-2.4 but I just taught him to drive stick 3 weeks before. He told me he short shifted 1-2 @ 4500 accidentally. I was gonna get behind the wheel and try but my hands full with my car. It definitely has the power and weight stripped out to run 13s so we'll have to make another trip back to atco (or maybe even the grove) to work on the driver mod.

There's a dyno day I'll be at this Sunday at Vanku autosports' new location in Warminster. Shooting for 280whp or better. Bbody cam is a bit smaller and there's less compression but those iron heads have a decent flow advantage, especially on the intake side. I'm curious to see the torque curve, should be good.

[Catmaigne]

I know the 8.5 10 bolt will eat a little more power but I doubt this thing is gonna be too far behind a bolt on fbody.

[popo8]

Lemme know if u guys ever hit the grove. Its 5 min from my home.

[Catmaigne]

Will do!

So, my friend tells me the power steering went out on the Roadmaster earlier today. I asked if it was leaking and he replied with a "no" which made me think the ps pump died. I showed up later to check it out and noticed the water pump was leaking pretty bad and left a puddle on the ground. The accessory belt was covered in coolant which explains the ps problem. We're so lucky this is happening 3 days before the dyno.

I was planning on replacing my Jegs EWP with a Meziere HD for my 355 build and selling it to him anyway. It looks like the Roadie is getting an EWP sooner than expected.

Now I'm on the hunt for a 1-1/8 freeze plug. I checked Pep Boys and Autozone without any luck. Gonna make some calls tomorrow morning, if not it'll have to be shipped overnight. Not missing this dyno day!!!

[firebird_1995]

See now would be a good time to install some water pump spacers..... just sayin.

[NightTrain66]

That is a cool ride.

I am sure people are suprised when they get beat by that thng, LOL.

Lloyd

[Catmaigne]

DYNO RESULTS!!!

Dyno was a dynocom. I understand that they reada little bit high. 294.6rwhp and 350.5rwtq, hot damn.

[KoolPwny]

Awesome nice

[Catmaigne]

I don't think I ever put up an updated pic of the motor... Here's how it sits right now with the EWP. I need to do some wire tucking and find that damn clutch reservoir bracket (it's around here somewhere). It needs a good clean.

30048

I'll work on getting a better picture of the dyno sheet without the rpms cut off. I posted the pic from my phone earlier.
I was told those are SAE #s but I still think the dyno is on the high side. I'm guessing it's would be a little bit lower on a dynojet. The power drop off after the 1st run is concerning. The dyno operator said the car was running hotter on pulls 2 & 3 but I have no idea how much. Maybe the hotter temps + 87 gas caused the car to pull timing... I wish my datalog rig was working. Not sure what Bryan Herter set the fan temps to. I'll try to pull the tune and check it out once I'm certain my laptop/cable won't brick the PCM.


http://vid1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/Catmaigne/dyno_zps63c514a8.mp4

[Catmaigne]

30069

They look so tiny without the tires on! It's a 17x8 Soft 8 but they're getting sent back to JEGS because they showed up with rash on them. I also want him to go with a slightly larger backspace for more clearance. They're gonna look nice when it's all done. 275/40r17s all around.

Next project is to pick up a set of LCAs from the junkyard, box them, and install new bushings. The stock ones are shot and I want to add a rear sway bar from a Crown Vic to this thing. Also going to swap the steering box for a much lower ratio, finally put those Vogtlands in the front, and put in new ball joints. Trying to make this thing less of a mess to drive because it's dangerously floaty. The suspension definitely can't handle the power.

[popo8]

30069

They look so tiny without the tires on! It's a 17x8 Soft 8 but they're getting sent back to JEGS because they showed up with rash on them. I also want him to go with a slightly larger backspace for more clearance. They're gonna look nice when it's all done. 275/40r17s all around.

Next project is to pick up a set of LCAs from the junkyard, box them, and install new bushings. The stock ones are shot and I want to add a rear sway bar from a Crown Vic to this thing. Also going to swap the steering box for a much lower ratio, finally put those Vogtlands in the front, and put in new ball joints. Trying to make this thing less of a mess to drive because it's dangerously floaty. The suspension definitely can't handle the power. JCZNova used to run those on his nova... I like em

[Catmaigne]

The guys from Regular Car Reviews are coming to check out the boatmobile in a few weeks. This is gonna be good lol. Gonna need a ltxtech sticker for the back to go above "Bro, do you even shift?"

[popo8]

What is regular car reviews? Pm me and we can discuss decals...

[Catmaigne]

Regular Car Reviews is a youtube show that gets posted on the Jalopnik car news website all the time. I think they're based somewhere up in Berks county. They'll probably enjoy driving the boat.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp1kuo6xkbE

As for the sticker, I've been eying up #5. I'll pm you.

I installed a B&M ripper a little while ago because the stock shifter is crap when it comes to 2-3. Next up is the spring swap up front, ball joints, LCA bushings, and a rigged up rear sway bar (because the car has none). Been trying to get this thing to handle more predictably... the body roll makes things really difficult. Still fun to powerslide though! Although the weight shift makes it pretty unforgiving. This is me driving. I miss my car!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9t_IDhH-3Q

We were having a problem with the car where if you tried to do a donut engine would cut out and the revs would die down. At first I thought it was an ABS or traction control problem so I pulled some fuses with little luck. Turns out the problem was gas sloshing around in the tank would cause a loss in fuel pressure because of how it's shaped (really flat). It even does it with 5/8-3/4 tank on the gauge so the thing has to be pretty full. You can watch the needle drop down to E in a spin... it's a pretty bad design.

[SJx408]

If the regular car review guys do a vid post links immediately after they post it lol make sure you get some LTxTech decals and shirts. Free plug for the site !

[popo8]

If the regular car review guys do a vid post links immediately after they post it lol make sure you get some LTxTech decals and shirts. Free plug for the site !


Great minds think alike.

Regular Car Reviews is a youtube show that gets posted on the Jalopnik car news website all the time. I think they're based somewhere up in Berks county. They'll probably enjoy driving the boat.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp1kuo6xkbE

As for the sticker, I've been eying up #5. I'll pm you.

I installed a B&M ripper a little while ago because the stock shifter is crap when it comes to 2-3. Next up is the spring swap up front, ball joints, LCA bushings, and a rigged up rear sway bar (because the car has none). Been trying to get this thing to handle more predictably... the body roll makes things really difficult. Still fun to powerslide though! Although the weight shift makes it pretty unforgiving. This is me driving. I miss my car!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9t_IDhH-3Q

We were having a problem with the car where if you tried to do a donut engine would cut out and the revs would die down. At first I thought it was an ABS or traction control problem so I pulled some fuses with little luck. Turns out the problem was gas sloshing around in the tank would cause a loss in fuel pressure because of how it's shaped (really flat). It even does it with 5/8-3/4 tank on the gauge so the thing has to be pretty full. You can watch the needle drop down to E in a spin... it's a pretty bad design.
Pm recieved. Ill be pm'n u back.

[Catmaigne]

Many thanks to popo8 for the LTX stickers!

30190

Here are the others lol...

30191

Did some maintenance on the car. New LCA bushings (old ones were shot) and converted the X pipe to slip fit so it would actually seal. It's a million times smoother to drive now and probably the quietest it's been since stock exhaust. Those dynomax mufflers are stealthy. Didn't get a chance to do the springs or rear sway bar because my schedule is too packed.
Hopefully we'll be able to head down to OCMD this Saturday after finishing up with the guys from Regular Cars. My car is out of commission along with my other friend's 95Z. That and money is tight for all of us right now so we couldn't justify a full trip. Need at least one action filled night!

[popo8]

No sweat man. Keep us posted on the cars coverage... and have fun in ocmd!!!

[Catmaigne]

Wheels came in. Still need to drop the front a bit but I still like it. Most of the work after the suspension stuff will be cosmetic. Looks mean.

[popo8]

I gotta tell you, at quick glance, its still a killer sleeper.

[Catmaigne]

I think the fact that it's a Buick (and not a Grand National) will always give him an edge on everyone. Most car guys have no friggen clue there's a sleeping beast under the hood. It's great.

30199

Trying to make a rough photoshop of what should be done cosmetically... Definitely not a beauty queen like the Impala SS but hey, the car was $2k and it's pretty much the same thing for a fraction of the price.

[Catmaigne]

A little better...

30201

[popo8]

I really like this project. What does it weigh?

[GuillaumeC]

probably around 4400 lbs! :whistle:

[Catmaigne]

I have no clue, honestly. All of the emissions crap is gone, AC is ripped out, oil cooler removed, no spare/jack, stock exhaust (heavy as hell -- 2 cats, 2 resonators, 2 mufflers, and dampening weights everywhere) replaced with Summit LT's/X pipe/Dymomax mufflers/dumps, and a T56 w/tubular crossmember instead of the 4L60e. I'm guessing around 4k if the car stock is 4200? I want to sneak it onto the truck scale at the scrap yard to find out.

[popo8]

Next time at the track...get her on the scales... im really curious

[GuillaumeC]

I have no clue, honestly. All of the emissions crap is gone, AC is ripped out, oil cooler removed, no spare/jack, stock exhaust (heavy as hell -- 2 cats, 2 resonators, 2 mufflers, and dampening weights everywhere) replaced with Summit LT's/X pipe/Dymomax mufflers/dumps, and a T56 w/tubular crossmember instead of the 4L60e. I'm guessing around 4k if the car stock is 4200? I want to sneak it onto the truck scale at the scrap yard to find out.

I bet it's around 4100 lbs without driver.

FWIW my Caprice was 4100 lbs with me in it (160 lbs). I had aftermarket exhaust/headers, aluminum heads, tubular cross member, empty trunk, ABS delete, EVAP delete, EGR delete, AC delete, oil cooler delete...
Pretty sure the RM is about 100 lbs heavier than the Caprice.

[Catmaigne]

I bet it's around 4100 lbs without driver.

FWIW my Caprice was 4100 lbs with me in it (160 lbs). I had aftermarket exhaust/headers, aluminum heads, tubular cross member, empty trunk, ABS delete, EVAP delete, EGR delete, AC delete, oil cooler delete...
Pretty sure the RM is about 100 lbs heavier than the Caprice.

How much gas did you have in it? I know the gigantic tank can add almost 200lb filled to the brim. The Impala SS is usually quoted at a hair over 4k so I figured the roadie sedan wouldn't be too far off since it has pretty much the same features (plus some plastic trim bits everywhere and a vinyl top). I guess there's only one way to find out though.

I also noticed the cragars are heavy as hell compared to the stock 15s.

[Catmaigne]

Put it on the scale at the scrap yard. There was stuff in the trunk so I don't have an exact figure.

1/2 tank of gas
Crap in trunk:
3 ton HFT floor jack
A random tire (not mounted)
Stock scissor jack
9c1 steering box (heavy as hell)
2 front Vogtland springs
Big socket set in blow mold case
Other small stuff

4200lb

I'll have to weigh the contents of the trunk with a bathroom scale and find the difference but it definitely weighs under 4100

[Catmaigne]

Half a tank is almost 100lbs of gas

[Catmaigne]

Just finished up with brian @ regular cars, review should be out sometime after new years.

[popo8]

Awesome... please tell us when its out.

[popo8]

4200 lbs!!!

[Catmaigne]

My friend is a packrat! According to the HFT site the jack weights 70lbs alone. I believe it because getting that thing in and out of the trunk is a PITA. Car has to weigh under 4k with an empty tank and an empty trunk.

Cleaned it out a little bit before going to OCMD thankfully. We pulled on a TBSS which made my night lol.

[GuillaumeC]

How much gas did you have in it? I know the gigantic tank can add almost 200lb filled to the brim. The Impala SS is usually quoted at a hair over 4k so I figured the roadie sedan wouldn't be too far off since it has pretty much the same features (plus some plastic trim bits everywhere and a vinyl top). I guess there's only one way to find out though.

I also noticed the cragars are heavy as hell compared to the stock 15s.

Full tank.

[Catmaigne]

The review should be coming out very soon. I'll post a link when it's up.

[popo8]

The review should be coming out very soon. I'll post a link when it's up.
Definitely been waiting for this!!!!

[Catmaigne]

Review TOMORROW

[popo8]

The printed review, or the actual physical review?


KEEP US POSTED!!!

[Catmaigne]

Regular Car Reviews: 1995 Buick Roadmaster Sedan: https://youtu.be/ooFWD5w6pXA

[SSlowBoat]

Hahahaha that's awesome

[Ccreddell]

That was pretty good!!

[popo8]

Got to watch the ENTIRE video... WELL DONE!

[mattgw86]

This video makes me want another land barge... Good stuff!

[popo8]

Btw... hope everone caught the ltx plug on the back window..

[blackbirdws6]

Just watched the video. Very cool and I caught the vinyl on the back window.

[Catmaigne]

Hahaha I'm glad everyone liked it. The legendary boatmaster.

[Catmaigne]

I have good/bad news.

Good news is that Gerry bought a 96 Trans Am M6 that needs a little bit of work for pretty cheap. The bad news is that he can't afford to keep 2 cars so the Speedboat has to be parted out and sold/scrapped.

33663

The Roadmaster needed a T56 but I was having trouble finding one for a reasonable price around here. Instead of paying for just a trans, I pitched the idea of buying a wrecked M6 f-body and parting it out which is when I stumbled upon the TA. It was listed as a project for $2k because it "needed a distributor" and wouldn't start. We showed up to check it out and I quickly noticed that the car had a K&N, Borla exhaust, BBK throttle body, MSD coil, superconductor wires, etc. that a previous owner installed and the paint looked decent (no peeling clear coat). The interior was kinda rough and some stuff was rigged (like gauges, emissions lines, etc.) but nothing too bad. The car would crank but wouldn't fire so we offered the guy $1700 and he took it. I swapped the coil/icm with the Delco one from my car in his driveway and it fired right up with a jump. It had a misfire but I managed to drive it back up here from the top of Delaware without breaking down. After we got back, I crawled under the car and got a good view of the opti... it's a MSD (might be the problem). I'm going to check the plug wires for any burns or arcing but if that checks out then I'll be taking the Delco opti and EWP from the Roadmaster and putting it on the TA.

The original plan was to grab this car for cheap and possibly part it out if it was a dud. I already knew a friend who needed a roller for his wrecked 95Z and the rest of the parts would have gone into the Boat or be sold easily. We couldn't drive it before buying so I was expecting a howling rear, suspension clunks, nasty vibrations, slipping clutch... the worst. It's actually a really nice car that just needs some minor cosmetic and mechanical work so he's decided to keep it and use the money from the Boat part out to fix it up and mod. I think he made out pretty well.

[Catmaigne]

The boat has a new lease on life... it's officially mine mwahahahAHAHAHAhaha

[popo8]

The boat has a new lease on life... it's officially mine mwahahahAHAHAHAhaha
Awesome!!!! Congrats!

Did u buy it complete?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[Catmaigne]

Nope, I got everything but the soft 8s and the engine. Car needs a ton of work on top of needing a motor. Rear UCA bushings, front left control arm bushings, and steering box is shot but it came with new parts + 9c1 box. The T56 needs a rebuild and the posi might be toast (he drove around all winter with 1 bald tire :doh:). Also, one of the Summit LTs is pretty crushed so the pair needs to be replaced but the X pipe looks fine.

Not sure if I'll be able to source a low mile LT1 for cheap so I may be on hunt for a roller L05 and vortec heads to build the ultimate tree fiddy junker motor. Whatever it is, it'll definitely have a small cam when it goes back together so it can really be the cammaster.

Plan is to get it driveable, fix suspension/steering, install vogtland springs/9c1 box, possibly fix diff, strip crap out of the interior (no bench seat), 4th gen front sway, crown vic rear sway, and then it will be ready for battle! Would be fun for autox and if I rig up a handbrake I can take it to drift meets and impress the kids, it's jdm yo! Now if only it had vtakk.

This thing is so ludicrous that I had to save it from the crusher.

[SSlowBoat]

Couple lt1's floating around for 3-400

[popo8]

I believe the one I pulled from my donor car that was gonna go in my vette is for sale. The person who bought it from me is a member here, but IDK if he visits the forum. I know Tubby was thinking of getting it for his Impala, but IDK whats goin on.

[Catmaigne]

All depends on what I can find but I definitely want something under 100k. Junkyard season is coming...

Gonna revisit this project in a few months. I've been pretty busy working and helping Gerry get the TA on the road even though my camaro is still in pieces... hoping to get that together asap. I also need to sell my mud truck and some parts to get money for the boatmaster so it's gonna take time. Hopefully it will be together by ocmd in the spring, I want to ask Mr Regular to come down.

[Sahara54]

Hopefully it will be together by ocmd in the spring, I want to ask Mr Regular to come down.

That would be awesome.

[Catmaigne]

Mr Regular should be finishing the Falcon this winter so I think he'll be coming down in that.
Checked the posi on the boat earlier today. Seems a little worn but not nearly as bad as my old 10 bolt when I was done with it. That auburn never failed to light em up though.

[Catmaigne]

If anyone knows where I can get a class 3 hitch for this thing then give me a shout. Any 91-96 sedan hitch w/2" receiver will do it.

[SSlowBoat]

I had one and threw it out damnit

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Sheeeeeeiiiittttt, I've been having the hardest time finding one.

[Catmaigne]

-I found a LT1 with 102k for $300 that I'd like to take a look at. Unfortunately, I don't have the space for it right now and have to wait until the garage goes up to grab it.
-Bought some water pump spacers because this thing is becoming my junkyard opti test mule. I'm going to run around and pull a few delcos for $20ea to try out.
-I'm picking up a lightly used cc304 (assuming it's in good condition) to start piecing together the cam swap. This means I will need aluminum heads with the screw in studs as well. Might be on the hunt for some LE1s depending on what I can find.
-The reason for keeping the cam really small is because I'd like to use this as a short distance tow rig for the Camaro. There are only a few minor differences between this car and one with V4P option so I'll have to make a few adjustments. I already have most of the suspension parts and 3.73/posi, although I might consider 4.10 or 4.56 and a smaller diameter tire would help. Might need to rig the oil cooler back up too. These things are rated to tow 5k (or 7k with a 3.42 Fleetwood) so I should be fine with the right brakes/suspension if I take it easy.

[SSlowBoat]

-I found a LT1 with 102k for $300 that I'd like to take a look at. Unfortunately, I don't have the space for it right now and have to wait until the garage goes up to grab it.
-Bought some water pump spacers because this thing is becoming my junkyard opti test mule. I'm going to run around and pull a few delcos for $20ea to try out.
-I'm picking up a lightly used cc304 (assuming it's in good condition) to start piecing together the cam swap. This means I will need aluminum heads with the screw in studs as well. Might be on the hunt for some LE1s depending on what I can find.
-The reason for keeping the cam really small is because I'd like to use this as a short distance tow rig for the Camaro. There are only a few minor differences between this car and one with V4P option so I'll have to make a few adjustments. I already have most of the suspension parts and 3.73/posi, although I might consider 4.10 or 4.56 and a smaller diameter tire would help. Might need to rig the oil cooler back up too. These things are rated to tow 5k (or 7k with a 3.42 Fleetwood) so I should be fine with the right brakes/suspension if I take it easy.
I don't think u need an oil cooler, synthetic would be enough with a 160 stat

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[popo8]

That will def be a cool tow rig.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[Catmaigne]

Got the cam and it's in pretty nice shape. It is wimpy but definitely a big improvement over stock. Comparable to ZZ4, Crane 227, LPE 211/219, etc. Not a lot of overlap so the idle will be smooth (lope is the enemy of towing). Also, I probably won't have to shift past 6k so the engine should live longer... crossing my fingers.

http://ltxtech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34071&stc=1

Stock vs cc304
191/196 0.418/0.430 111 LSA on stock rockers
210/220 0.534/0.547 114 LSA on 1.6 RR

Wasn't sure if the larger intake runner would hurt torque down low so I talked to Lloyd about the LE1s. He thinks it should create an increase in power/torque across the board and compliment the cam/other mods. So now I'm on the hunt for some used LE1s but if I don't find anything I'll probably pick up some cores and send them out.

So, I have a little bit of a shopping list. I already have some stuff lying around that I can use but I still need 1.6 roller rockers (shouldn't have sold those pro-mags :/), 7/16" studs, hitch, impala ss wheels...

Does 370rwhp though a M6 sound like a realistic goal? There was someone who made a little over 400rwhp with LE1s, cc306, and a 9" on a dynojet. Not that concerned about numbers though, this is really just a stoplight to stoplight kinda car.

[SSlowBoat]

Got the cam and it's in pretty nice shape. It is wimpy but definitely a big improvement over stock. Comparable to ZZ4, Crane 227, LPE 211/219, etc. Not a lot of overlap so the idle will be smooth (lope is the enemy of towing). Also, I probably won't have to shift past 6k so the engine should live longer... crossing my fingers.

http://ltxtech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34071&stc=1

Stock vs cc304
191/196 0.418/0.430 111 LSA on stock rockers
210/220 0.534/0.547 114 LSA on 1.6 RR

Wasn't sure if the larger intake runner would hurt torque down low so I talked to Lloyd about the LE1s. He thinks it should create an increase in power/torque across the board and compliment the cam/other mods. So now I'm on the hunt for some used LE1s but if I don't find anything I'll probably pick up some cores and send them out.

So, I have a little bit of a shopping list. I already have some stuff lying around that I can use but I still need 1.6 roller rockers (shouldn't have sold those pro-mags :/), 7/16" studs, hitch, impala ss wheels...

Does 370rwhp though a M6 sound like a realistic goal? There was someone who made a little over 400rwhp with LE1s, cc306, and a 9" on a dynojet. Not that concerned about numbers though, this is really just a stoplight to stoplight kinda car.
I made 367whp thru a stalled auto with shit factory gears and le1s plus some valve float. U should make 370ish

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[popo8]

I made 367whp thru a stalled auto with shit factory gears and le1s plus some valve float. U should make 370ish

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Why dont u sell him ur le1s... u were always saying u wanted 2s...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[SSlowBoat]

Why dont u sell him ur le1s... u were always saying u wanted 2s...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
The thought has crossed my mind a couple times

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[popo8]

The thought has crossed my mind a couple times

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Cool... I was just throwing it out there to stimulate you. lol

[SSlowBoat]

Catmaigne I messaged u on fb

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[Catmaigne]

http://ltxtech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34092&stc=1

Picked up new shoes for the race hooptie.

[SSlowBoat]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/8c30167f1a44ab096b060f6f8f0671d1.jpg

I think these are gonna help your speedboat become towboat

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[Catmaigne]

Awwww yeaaaa, piecing this thing together much faster than expected.
A friend is doing me a favor and letting me store any engine I get in his garage. So now I'm on the hunt for a somewhat low mile LT1 for a few hundred. Already scoured most junkyards in the area and didn't see anything so far.

[Catmaigne]

Have them stripped down and cleaned up with new stainless valves recommended by Lloyd. The machining on the valves has to be double checked by a shop to make sure they're all 45*. Then I'm gonna mic some stems and play around with the guides, lap valves with fine compound, wash, and assemble.

34131
34132

A hitch is also on the way.

[NightTrain66]

Looks like it's getting close. Be sure to go back with thinner head gaskets (cometic or VR 5898) and use Autolite 104 plugs gapped at .035 (or what ever your tuner suggests).

Lloyd

[Catmaigne]

IT'S ALIVEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://ltxtech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34186&stc=1

I worked out a deal with Gerry and bought the original motor from the car. I borrowed a lot of stock parts from the Camaro (including the T56) and some junkyard bits to put everything back together. Had to have a couple of friends help me out because my arm is still a little messed up but we got it done in a little more than a day. I haven't driven anything remotely fast in so long that I seized the opportunity, even if it meant that the Camaro would be out of commission a little longer. Feels good to be back in something quick.

Not sure if I'm going to use this engine for the H/C build. It has had a pretty hard life and was over-revved pretty bad when Gerry missed 3rd and slammed it into 1st at the top of 2nd gear... I want to check out the oil pressure but I feel like this one might be a timebomb with a bigger cam. I'm still hunting for another low mile stock shortblock to build up that hopefully has seen a little less abuse so I can slap the LE1s on.

[harner]

Very cool!

[Catmaigne]

Spent some time burning off those stock tires before the SS wheels go on, smoke em if you got em lol


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98qn1PaDhp8&feature=youtu.be

[mikey4play]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98qn1PaDhp8&feature=youtu.be[/QUOTE]
Too cool love big boat sleepers

[popo8]

Any vids from the outside?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[Catmaigne]

Any vids from the outside?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

Nope, nothing yet. Just got it back on the road.
......and I spoke too soon. Was giving the cc304 back to @harner (http://ltxtech.com/forums/member.php?u=654) and he jinxed my fuel pump lol. Trying to source a 255 asap.
Pretty certain it's the pump. Doesn't prime with key on or even when jumping it with the prime connector on the harness. Gonna try again tomorrow with the actual pump pigtail and a battery to rule out the harness itself.

edit: jumped the pump pigtail itself... it's dead. And what I thought was an access panel actually isn't so it looks like the tank has to be dropped. Hope my landlord doesn't see this. :/

[harner]

Nope, nothing yet. Just got it back on the road.
......and I spoke too soon. Was giving the cc304 back to @harner (http://ltxtech.com/forums/member.php?u=654) and he jinxed my fuel pump lol. Trying to source a 255 asap.
Pretty certain it's the pump. Doesn't prime with key on or even when jumping it with the prime connector on the harness. Gonna try again tomorrow with the actual pump pigtail and a battery to rule out the harness itself.

edit: jumped the pump pigtail itself... it's dead. And what I thought was an access panel actually isn't so it looks like the tank has to be dropped. Hope my landlord doesn't see this. :/

Sorry to hear! What is that panel, then? Drainage? Haha... I HAD to ask if it had an access panel. The black cloud follows me everywhere.

To those who asked about that 304 deal privately - I looked over the cam twice and overlooked a small gouge on one of the lobes. He wasn't comfortable running it and I wasn't comfortable selling it, so the money was returned and I got to see the Speedboat. It's a pretty awesome car I'd say, overall. It's been neglected and looks a little rough on the outside, but that's truly the beauty of it. You immediately notice the 6 speed shifter boot and shifter hahaha. It actually sounds very nice and not ridiculously loud or anything.

Glad you got home with it Catmaigne. If the tank is where you say it is, shouldn't even have to drop the rear to get to it lol

[Catmaigne]

The panel goes nowhere. It's barely over the gas tank.
I picked up Osie's old 255. Gonna drop the tank once I finish siphoning this 3/4 full tank out of the breather.

I definitely want to clean up the exterior a bit. Never gonna be a beauty queen but if it looks alright from the far end of a parking lot then I'll be happy.

New cam is gonna be Comp 218/230 .545/.561 114LSA, XE lobes, FI grind. Was originally for the Camaro before the build got out of hand. I sold it to Gerry for this car a while back but am buying it back.

[Catmaigne]

Pump is in, Grandma is mobile again.

[harner]

Haha, that didn't take long!

[Catmaigne]

You need to keep a 15ft radius from this fuel pump!!!

[Catmaigne]

34271

Put the SS wheels on the back. They still rub a little even after a few rounds with the BFH so I'm still working on that. Not going to put them on the front until the alignment is sorted.

34272
34273

Detoxed the interior more... also turned the bench into 2 buckets. Just need a real shift boot and a door panel to have a complete interior.

[popo8]

Does the center section of the bench just come out?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[Catmaigne]

Does the center section of the bench just come out?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

Nope, needed some help from a sawzall and angle grinder lol. The middle seat is part of the drivers side so I just cut it out.

[popo8]

Nope, needed some help from a sawzall and angle grinder lol. The middle seat is part of the drivers side so I just cut it out.
Nice work. Was thinking maybe u can fit an impala center console in there now.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[Catmaigne]

I thought about that before but the gray wouldn't match. I just need a boot to cover the shifter hole in the floor and maybe a cupholder. Can't believe a big american car didn't come with that... where am I supposed to put my super big gulp???

[popo8]

I thought about that before but the gray wouldn't match. I just need a boot to cover the shifter hole in the floor and maybe a cupholder. Can't believe a big american car didn't come with that... where am I supposed to put my super big gulp???
Just dye it.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...

[Catmaigne]

Eh, too much work. I kinda like the openness.
I put the SS wheels on the front for photoshop purposes... I need a bumper and some trim badly.

http://i.imgur.com/qMiNZ9w.jpg
Words that come to mind: grandma, bingo, church on sunday, bake sale
I was thinking about a color scheme like this. Thoughts?

http://i.imgur.com/2QdGZ2T.jpg
Trying to make it look a little tougher.

[Dan]

You should put spinnerz on it.

Looks great man. I gotta get one of these. Nobody would expect a V8 under the hood at my school!

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[Catmaigne]

I made a junkyard run earlier this week and grabbed a few things. I found all of the missing rubber door/quarter panel trim pieces so those will be going on after some prep. I found a front bumper in pretty nice shape but it has to be repainted because wrong color. Gonna hold off on that until money is less tight... Probably gonna go back for the rear bumper too. I also got the missing rocker panel I needed and another to replace a badly dented one on the passenger side. Those will be painted/installed when the bumper gets done.

Trying to get this thing less ratty and more liveable without spending much money for the time being. I straightened the front bumper so it doesn't look nearly as bad and retracted the stuck power antenna (no more RC car look). Found a shift boot from a S10 to cover the hole in my floor... there is a draft lol. I also got lock cylinders so I'll actually have door keys now. I don't have a workspace for the next few weeks so the suspension overhaul has to wait. I should be able to afford the junker motor by the time that happens though... might do it all in one shot.

http://ltxtech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34304&stc=1

Other things I want...
-GS emblem for the grille (awwww yeaaaa gran sport)
-4 generic center caps with the hex nut on them that aren't messed up... Camaro, malibu, impala, doesn't matter because I'm removing the center emblems and replacing them with some Buick ones I ordered (see http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9224/buick5color2.jpg)
-a driver side door panel... mine is about to fall off
-passenger side mirror that works
-ash tray covers
-a new front vanity plate... lol @ sharon baptist church, was on the car when he bought it
-chrome trim for around vinyl top... no more deck screws

[Catmaigne]

Found my twin

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o176/v6plus2/roadmaster/SS850022.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o176/v6plus2/roadmaster/SS850023.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o176/v6plus2/roadmaster/SS850020.jpg

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?145131-1995-Roadmaster-Gran-Sport-Sedan

[SSlowBoat]

There was a caddy Fleetwood for sale in de I almost bought instead of the impala. DCM lowered on ss wheels. Car was nice.

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[Catmaigne]

The Fleetwood would make the ultimate sleeper... especially if it was a hearse. Gutted interior and tinted windows so no one knows.

[Catmaigne]

From a burnout comp at tdc's car show a few weeks back, forgot to post this.

http://ltxtech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34566&stc=1

I'm gonna have to "borrow" some parts from this car in the coming months to revive the Camaro. Should be back up in the spring.

[popo8]

Wait... ur backwards... junk wheels and tires should be smoking. Nice impala wheels should be saved.

Im guessing the impala tires were on their way out... lol.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

They're a little rotted and have to be replaced eventually. I only have 2 good steelies and steering is important.

[popo8]

They're a little rotted and have to be replaced eventually. I only have 2 good steelies and steering is important.
Lol... except for dragracing.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

Been a while. Grandma broke her hip way back in December and had to be towed home. Pretty sure it's the upper control arm bushings in the rear but I haven't confirmed that yet, have to get under it. Also had to steal the opti to get the Camaro running a few months ago so I'll be sourcing more distributors from from the yard (only the best for my hoopties). Will start working on it again in a few months... Probably after cruise week.

In other news, I scored a cc304 cam on ebay for $100. Was never run, only installed/removed, and has some really minor pitting on journal #2. Keeping the cam small for good torque and no surge as I still plan on towing with the car. Here's what I have so far:

LE1 (or 1.5) heads
CC304 cam
1.6 full roller NSA Scorpions
AFR guideplates
7/16 studs

Still need a timing set and gaskets. I also want to regear to 4.56 and put new clutches in the posi.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

Been a while. Grandma broke her hip way back in December and had to be towed home. Pretty sure it's the upper control arm bushings in the rear but I haven't confirmed that yet, have to get under it. Also had to steal the opti to get the Camaro running a few months ago so I'll be sourcing more distributors from from the yard (only the best for my hoopties). Will start working on it again in a few months... Probably after cruise week.

In other news, I scored a cc304 cam on ebay for $100. Was never run, only installed/removed, and has some really minor pitting on journal #2. Keeping the cam small for good torque and no surge as I still plan on towing with the car. Here's what I have so far:

LE1 (or 1.5) heads
CC304 cam
1.6 full roller NSA Scorpions
AFR guideplates
7/16 studs

Still need a timing set and gaskets. I also want to regear to 4.56 and put new clutches in the posi.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Cant wait to see her back on the road... maybe at next years dyno day???

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

Cant wait to see her back on the road... maybe at next years dyno day???

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN
Definitely! It will be interesting to see what it makes

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160418/bebe8a5caa3a8d61f9a0772f9991c0d1.jpg

Here's the cam. It's actually the roller L98 version so I have to swap the dowel pin. Also has a fuel pump lobe but that shouldn't matter.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160418/f35d7ca80a47b9c527018179d633a287.jpg

I will be installing some "racing seats" I found at the junkyard lol. I can do without the 20 way power seats in there now.

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[popo8]

Pics of these junkyard race seats...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

Hahaha it was a joke, they're from a grand prix and weigh a fraction of what's in there now

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[383z]

Hahaha it was a joke, they're from a grand prix and weigh a fraction of what's in there now

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

Oh ya, once you swap the seats, your speedboat will be light as a feather. Lol

[Catmaigne]

Every little bit counts. I ripped the AC condenser, trans cooler, and some heat shields out... next will be the power antenna, seats, aluminum heads... The hitch is gonna undo all of that though. If I can get it down to 5th gen weight somehow then I'll be happy.

[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/bef9d4c2254d5cb901077ac23cf745b8.jpg

New color scheme for G-ma. Stripped the clear coat, polished the lip, painted the rest black. Need to hit the junkyard and find 4 good center caps too.

Also have a good front bumper for it, just needs to be repainted. I'm hoping my folks will get off my back about the car if I make it look decent.

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[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160528/d58c993e35e7fe474389b26eba169703.jpg

Have these for the center caps.

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[popo8]

Why are they giving u a hard time about the car???

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

Why are they giving u a hard time about the car???

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

Because it's ugly and the neighbors complain. Also hasn't moved since winter because I stole the opti for the Camaro. Slowly working on getting it running and looking... better.

[popo8]

Because it's ugly and the neighbors complain. Also hasn't moved since winter because I stole the opti for the Camaro. Slowly working on getting it running and looking... better.
Fk the neighbors! Ur fam should b on ur side though

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[SSlowBoat]

Because it's ugly and the neighbors complain. Also hasn't moved since winter because I stole the opti for the Camaro. Slowly working on getting it running and looking... better.
Take payments?

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[Catmaigne]

Fk the neighbors! Ur fam should b on ur side though

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

My parents are not car people and want it gone. Neighbors are mostly retired and spend all day tending to their manicured lawns, hobbies include bitching. Neither find G-ma amusing like I do.


Take payments?

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Hahaha maybe in the future. I at least want Matt Farah to drive the car first. Dunno how long I can keep this up for though, especially considering my rotator cuff has been totally jacked up for more than a year. Made getting the Camaro running hell but now that OCMD is over I'm gonna take it easy and do what I can to keep the folks at bay.

[popo8]

If u need a place to keep it, I have a concrete pad out back of my house...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

If u need a place to keep it, I have a concrete pad out back of my house...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

Thanks for the offer, but I seriously hope it never gets to that point. Really trying to hold on until I can get my own place which will hopefully be within the next 1-2 years.

[popo8]

Ok... well seriously then bring it here so they get off ur back. U can work on it out there.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

I will think about it. Hoping to have it in the garage and running again within the next week or two.
Finished painting the rest of the wheels today. Found out one of them is a rep and not a real GM wheel as the lip was a little different. Shouldn't be that noticeable. Here's what it looks like:

36659

This is what I want it to look like:

36660

Have to make a junkyard trip for some bits and pieces. Need center caps, rocker panel, inner fender, fender trim, a ton of interior parts, etc.

[popo8]

Like the dark wheels alot!

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[popo8]

I dont think the car is an eyesore at all man.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160924/1d37f15f44a0267c90210721d76bce18.jpg

Some friends have been helping me get Gma back on the road. I hope to have it up and going in the next day or two depending on what is salvageable in the diff. Looks like the Yukon posi shit the spider gears from all the wheel hop... My bad lol. If the pinion and carrier bearings are alright then we'll be throwing a spare Auburn in there for now. We are also putting the Vogtland springs up front and 9c1 steering box.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

I gave u a whole set up, right?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

I gave u a whole set up, right?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN
We're using the posi you gave us with the 3.73s that were in there already. So far the gears look fine but I have yet to clean the diff out and really inspect it.

Also, one of the brake lines from the master to the abs block burst. I guess it's better that happened now vs on the road.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

We're using the posi you gave us with the 3.73s that were in there already. So far the gears look fine but I have yet to clean the diff out and really inspect it.

Also, one of the brake lines from the master to the abs block burst. I guess it's better that happened now vs on the road.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Ok cool. I have u 4.10s with that, right?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

Yeah we have those as spares also.

So as of right now I have the auburn posi in and the backlash all set up. Ones of the axles has been fighting me and doesn't want to go in. I'll figure it out tomorrow.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160926/7cedef927eb46da03d96a8e8916fbdc2.jpg

Grandma is back and more slammed than evar

Also, big pile o weight reduction

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160926/97011637577f48f7df2a1bc625d2a8b0.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

I've got some work to do but this is a start

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160926/648215efd4d8dfa661b623aae0c8deec.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160926/e51f07eadcafc0c0943210c1f4519e38.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[harner]

That is a thing of beauty.

[popo8]

I've got some work to do but this is a start

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160926/648215efd4d8dfa661b623aae0c8deec.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160926/e51f07eadcafc0c0943210c1f4519e38.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Damn man... sinister!

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

I put some plastidip on the grill/headlight chrome to see what it would look like... I dig it

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160928/31538f6f427f4ad24ed679baa4309e7f.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

I have a super long list of crap to do on this car and have been trying to get the little things out of the way like weight reduction and aesthetic stuff. I pulled 15-20lb of sound deadening out from under the interior carpet earlier this week, ripped out 2 of 4 horns (why so many???), rewired the water pump so it looks less rigged, removed the ugly prinstripes, painted some centercaps, cleaned the engine bay a little, and cleaned up the front bumper. The PO thought that drywall tape and spray paint was an acceptable way of fixing the giant crack in the bumper so I've been trying my best to make it look less fugly. Apparently non-acetone nail polish remover from Rite Aid removes spray paint really well. I also added drift stitches for +143894598 scene points, yo!

37087
37085
37088

Check out my new decal lol...

37086

[Catmaigne]

Grandma is a "classic" now lolololol

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161022/77bc58ff5efa3576cc22b559e4178f28.jpg

I got the car inspected and have been fixing a ton of little things lately. Tightened up the steering box for less slop, readjusted the tow because it was totally out of whack/darty as hell (PO hit some curbs), rewired the tach, horns, installed a better shift boot/knob, swapped the passenger seat to manual rails (no more power), etc. Tomorrow I will put in my new oil pressure gauge and figure out whether or not the H/C will be going on this shortblock. If the pressure is good then that'll happen during thanksgiving break. I also need to delete the ABS, convert the other front seat to manual rails, remove other odds/ends and get this piggy on the scale.

Trying to get the car somewhat together because there's a Regular Car Reviews meet at the end of this month in Orwigsburg. Maybe he'll wanna drive it again??? lol

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[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161024/34b33699d7a7a1f6fcdf2cb8e5b500bb.jpg

Surprisingly, motor has 25psi at hot idle. Figured the missed shifts, overheating, and huge amount of abuse from the PO would've done something... I guess H/C is a go. Gonna see if I can trade these 1.6 rockers for 1.7s to make up for puny towing cam.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Currently hoarding parts for the upcoming H/C swap I hope to get done around Thanksgiving. Scooped these guys up for $150 new on fleabay.

3717537176

Current plan looks like this:
LE1 heads
Home ported intake
Crane 10308-1 spring kit
36lb Bosch injectors
CC304 cam (daaaaaawwww)
1.7 ratio Scorpion rockers
7/16 studs
Guideplates
Cloyes C3039 timing set
70psi oil pump spring (GM white)
Hardened oil pump driveshaft
Around 11:1 compression
I also want louder mufflers (superturbos are too quiet) so I'll be stalking CL for 2.5" ones that'll fit

Dick Miller triangulation braces
4.56 Motive gears
MMX driveshaft from a Crown Vic (shortened)
New spider gears for crappy Yukon posi

[SSlowBoat]

Currently hoarding parts for the upcoming H/C swap I hope to get done around Thanksgiving. Scooped these guys up for $150 new on fleabay.

3717537176

Current plan looks like this:
LE1 heads
Home ported intake
Crane 10308-1 spring kit
36lb Bosch injectors
CC304 cam (daaaaaawwww)
1.7 ratio Scorpion rockers
7/16 studs
Guideplates
Cloyes C3039 timing set
70psi oil pump spring (GM white)
Hardened oil pump driveshaft
Around 11:1 compression
I also want louder mufflers (superturbos are too quiet) so I'll be stalking CL for 2.5" ones that'll fit

Dick Miller triangulation braces
4.56 Motive gears
MMX driveshaft from a Crown Vic (shortened)
New spider gears for crappy Yukon posi
I need me sum dem 36lb boschers

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[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161108/d8b87f9fb473959baf91b200670737a2.jpg

I lost some teeth there... Oops. Clutches look pretty good though so I'll be reshimming the posi and running it with new spider gears in a 4.56 diff.

Slew of parts coming my way right now. Hopefully I can do the rear at the same time H/C goes on.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161108/d8b87f9fb473959baf91b200670737a2.jpg

I lost some teeth there... Oops. Clutches look pretty good though so I'll be reshimming the posi and running it with new spider gears in a 4.56 diff.

Slew of parts coming my way right now. Hopefully I can do the rear at the same time H/C goes on.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Doh!!!

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

I measured the bore in the cam snout of this L98 CC304 I have and it's already 0.5 x 1.062"... no machine work needed which is cool. Comp sent me a longer dowel pin for free so that needs to be hammered in.

Just dropped more than a rent check on a bunch of car parts and I'm still not done. I hope next week goes somewhat smoothly. Gma will be back with 33% more power and a ton more gear. Car is already kinda terrifying and it will only get deadlier lol.

Also, I'm on the lookout for some stock Impy SS rear coils. popo8 Let me know when you get those Eibachs in and I'll buy the stocks off you. I've been itching to get rid of these Vogtlands and copy the setup on Gpa.

[popo8]

No problem... do u not like the drop of ur current springs?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

No problem... do u not like the drop of ur current springs?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN
I don't mind the drop. It might be a touch too low but my real issue with them is that they're floaty, need something firmer.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Ccreddell]

In my experience, if the springs hold the car up, theyre adequate. To control the 'floaty' run stiffer shocks. A set of KYB Gas-A-Justs should do the trick.

[SSlowBoat]

In my experience, if the springs hold the car up, theyre adequate. To control the 'floaty' run stiffer shocks. A set of KYB Gas-A-Justs should do the trick.
Kyb.....keeps you bouncing

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

It already has monroe super sports aka poor mans bilstein. The vogtlands are progressive with starting rates that are much lower than stock SS. The final rate on the front is still lower than the eibach kit all the time and that is 100% compressed. They are more geared toward ride comfort but I want a firm ride with linear rate spring so it's more predictable in the corners.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

Oh ok... cause I was gonna say I wouldve traded u b4 if u dont like ur drop.

I have the eibachs now, which if they are like the ones in the camaro they will be nice and stiff.

Ill let u know when i pull the stocks...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

A bunch of parts came in earlier today just in time. Forming a big pile of car parts in the living room, roommates aren't happy lol.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/7f15e20388f1be8874c12b285bd900b4.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/00d19836b8c3d4ad148ace7f12c17bf2.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/4af171864f3a3ce10d2be14eed0077c2.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/dc7f4df4b064f72d182869dbd18f5003.jpg

So 4.56 gears, ratech rebuild kit, yukon posi shims, ratech solid pinion spacer, replacement spider gears, 1.7 scorpion rockers, ARP cam bolts, comp spring shims and valve stem seals, etc.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[SSlowBoat]

A bunch of parts came in earlier today just in time. Forming a big pile of car parts in the living room, roommates aren't happy lol.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/7f15e20388f1be8874c12b285bd900b4.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/00d19836b8c3d4ad148ace7f12c17bf2.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/4af171864f3a3ce10d2be14eed0077c2.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/dc7f4df4b064f72d182869dbd18f5003.jpg

So 4.56 gears, ratech rebuild kit, yukon posi shims, ratech solid pinion spacer, replacement spider gears, 1.7 scorpion rockers, ARP cam bolts, comp spring shims and valve stem seals, etc.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
What valve springs u runnin

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[Catmaigne]

What valve springs u runnin

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
The crane 10308-1 kit from fleabay

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161120/c153dda35d23b99354ee4aede95f6606.jpg

I was having a hard time finding a p71 crown vic driveshaft for a reasonable price so I can have it cut, specifically the mmc. I would've settled for regular aluminum, but the idiots online want mucho dinero because they say POLICE on them in big black letters. If I was going to overpay I'd just get a Denny's that doesn't need to be shortened, pfffffttttt. I scoured the yards earlier instead and came home with 3 aluminums for $75. Will still be on the lookout for the mmc in the future though but this will do for now.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Started pulling it apart

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161121/3a1f68053f6829ccb833c36c54b1ed68.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[SSlowBoat]

Started pulling it apart

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161121/3a1f68053f6829ccb833c36c54b1ed68.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Guess i gotta start pulling my pile apart as well

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[harner]

It would be a shame if...the fuel pump....

Haha kidding! I hope to see this thing on the dyno in the spring.

[Catmaigne]

It would be a shame if...the fuel pump....

Haha kidding! I hope to see this thing on the dyno in the spring.
YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY FUEL PUMP!!!! Lol

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161121/8a3dd6865567cfc3ad556a7b53c71d00.jpg

I forgot how much I fucking hate GM ujoints with the nylon holding them in

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161122/6f39c7f26be2d748b0a1b04b5d7f76ba.jpg

Front cam bearing looks a little toasty. I can't tell what the others look like bc I forgot my junky usb inspection camera. I'm gonna throw the cam in anyway though being that it only cost me $100. Motor still had good oil pressure so idk.

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[SSlowBoat]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161122/6f39c7f26be2d748b0a1b04b5d7f76ba.jpg

Front cam bearing looks a little toasty. I can't tell what the others look like bc I forgot my junky usb inspection camera. I'm gonna throw the cam in anyway though being that it only cost me $100. Motor still had good oil pressure so idk.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Dude, the lt1 front bearings always look like shit from the stress of the water pump drive. You shoulda seen my 230k mile motor when i slapped the hotcam in. Front bearing had a groove. Even the impala motor with 114k. Itll be fine

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[shownomercy]

Spray some bronzer on that and its good to go.

[Catmaigne]

Imma pretend I didnt see it...

Anyone want some headers? Lightly used, 200obo

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161122/581146059fa96ee47cf9aeddc55b689b.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Picked up a rear sway bar, manual seat rail for the drivers side, and rubber floor at the yard yesterday. If someone pukes or takes a dump on my floor I'm totally covered now.

Might also be converting to rear disc brakes.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/4437b93a0a7846768bea3169be7ea78f.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/5aa859d003caf4011a19b257bd31f99a.jpg

Also, newly shortened driveshaft courtesy of Hartman Driveshaft in Reading.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/9b345ba0d005292706f357e2cc28805d.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[SSlowBoat]

Picked up a rear sway bar, manual seat rail for the drivers side, and rubber floor at the yard yesterday. If someone pukes or takes a dump on my floor I'm totally covered now.

Might also be converting to rear disc brakes.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/4437b93a0a7846768bea3169be7ea78f.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/5aa859d003caf4011a19b257bd31f99a.jpg

Also, newly shortened driveshaft courtesy of Hartman Driveshaft in Reading.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/9b345ba0d005292706f357e2cc28805d.jpg

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

you wanna sell one of them? then i could have it shortened for my camaro lol. how much was it for shortening and balance?

[popo8]

Hey man... i know u said u were interested in my ss springs. I just wanted to make sure u knew that I had cut half a coil out of the fronts.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/6ba326a25ad9c87a7bb68aa08c79f86a.jpg

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

you wanna sell one of them? then i could have it shortened for my camaro lol. how much was it for shortening and balance?
I am going to be selling them but won't be cutting any deals though, trying to make some money back bc car is making me broke. Will probably throw them up on CL or ebay for $100ea and see what happens. And the shortening was $150. I gave him the wrong u-joints because the info on the impala forum was wrong and the ones he threw in were kinda pricey so the total cost went up $55~. Whole thing was $270 in all, not bad considering the Denny's/Inland Empire/PST are all $500+.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Hey man... i know u said u were interested in my ss springs. I just wanted to make sure u knew that I had cut half a coil out of the fronts.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161123/6ba326a25ad9c87a7bb68aa08c79f86a.jpg

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN
I know, I'm only really interested in the rears honestly but will buy the whole set if you'd prefer. I will be running those and high rate Moog springs up front for something similar to the PPM autox but cheaper.

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[Catmaigne]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/310ede1879758e05bb7f447f702653dd.jpg

Fun fact about t56 swapped bbodies: You have to lift the motor this much after sliding everything forward to get the oil pan out... Gah

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[popo8]

I know, I'm only really interested in the rears honestly but will buy the whole set if you'd prefer. I will be running those and high rate Moog springs up front for something similar to the PPM autox but cheaper.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Ok... just wanted to make sure u knew. It goes in for the drop on monday.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[SSlowBoat]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161124/310ede1879758e05bb7f447f702653dd.jpg

Fun fact about t56 swapped bbodies: You have to lift the motor this much after sliding everything forward to get the oil pan out... Gah

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Or you just remove motor....

I still have that list of spring rates for moogs to copy or go a hair above the ppm autox springs. That was what i wanted to mimic too. All the springs can be had on amazon for dirt cheap

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[Catmaigne]

Or you just remove motor....

I still have that list of spring rates for moogs to copy or go a hair above the ppm autox springs. That was what i wanted to mimic too. All the springs can be had on amazon for dirt cheap

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
I would've but I lent out the trans jack and I'm working alone. Wrestling with the t56 is also a huge pain in the ass and I'm trying not to overexert myself (doc's orders). Doing what I can at a snails pace.

The springs I was thinking about are Moog 5664 or 7268.

Hopefully I won't go into a huge food coma and actually get some work done tonight. Swapped the oil pump spring and put the pump back on, just needs to be torqued along with some other bolts. Then the pan and timing cover gaskets will go on and I can finish cleaning the stock for the heads.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[SSlowBoat]

I would've but I lent out the trans jack and I'm working alone. Wrestling with the t56 is also a huge pain in the ass and I'm trying not to overexert myself (doc's orders). Doing what I can at a snails pace.

The springs I was thinking about are Moog 5664 or 7268.

Hopefully I won't go into a huge food coma and actually get some work done tonight. Swapped the oil pump spring and put the pump back on, just needs to be torqued along with some other bolts. Then the pan and timing cover gaskets will go on and I can finish cleaning the stock for the heads.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Those are correct, and i think half a coil off front and 1 off rear puts rate right at ppx autox with same height

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[Catmaigne]

I picked up rear calipers, caliper brackets, and backing plates w/ebrake shoes at the yard for $45. I need to order ebrake cables, rotors, and pads to complete the disc conversion. This should save about 9lb per side and decrease unsprung weight a good bit.

I weighed the 9c1 rubber carpet and the difference between stock is only ~3lb. The rubber fits like crap so I'm going to sell it.

Mic'd some valves and found that the new stainless valves are generally 0.0002-3" larger in diameter on intakes and 0.0003-4" larger on exhausts. Couldn't get a good measurement for the inner diameter of the guides with crappy ball gauges, but the difference in valve size isn't big enough for me to worry/care.

Also measured the volume of the combustion chambers with the new valves at 51.5cc. Going to use stock replacement Fel-pro 9966PT head gaskets for SCR of 11:1 and craptastic quench. Not going crazy with comp or cam because car will hopefully double as a tow pig.

Pan and timing cover are on. Tomorrow I will continue cleaning the deck and hopefully get at least one head on so I can measure for pushrods. Will probably button up the motor and tackle the diff next weekend with some help, then the maiden voyage.

[popo8]

Movin right along man...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[popo8]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161128/84d61044ac2edf03468149e0226e3a8e.jpg

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[Catmaigne]

Got in over my head last time I worked on this and ultimately stopped due to health issues. All is well now and the dyno day/ocmd have passed so it's time to get the piggy rolling again. I started by cleaning the garage (somewhat). Getting ready to break down the diff, rebuild the yukon posi, and setup the new 4.56s. Then I need to hone the valve guides, put the top end on, put the front suspension back together with moog springs, fix steering, install new rear suspension bushings, sway bar, abs delete, new brake lines for the rear, rear disc conversion, etc. Looks like I have my work cut out for me this summer.37719

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[Catmaigne]

I hope this will be my ride to oc in the fall.

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[Catmaigne]

Gutted the diff and tried scraping most of the grime off. I got it reasonably clean, it was filthy. New wheel bearings and races are in so I started working on reshimming the posi with the new spiders. I didn't notice this before, but one of metal alignment tabs for the clutch packs sheared. Guess I can't do anything with the diff until I source one from Yukon. Will move on to the heads.3772137722377233772437725

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[Catmaigne]

Remeasured the guides and valve stems on the le1s. The new stainless valves are rougly .0002-4" thicker across the board than the stockers so the guide clearance needed to be opened slightly. I did some light honing with a flex hone and got all clearances around 0.0011-14" but I will double check tomorrow and possibly open up some of the exhausts if needed. I also did some lapping but need to order a finer compound for a final pass. Once that's done I can finally assemble everything.377273772837729

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[Catmaigne]

Opinions on mufflers to replace the dynomax super turbos? Needs to be louder but not obnoxious like my camaro lol

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[SSlowBoat]

Opinions on mufflers to replace the dynomax super turbos? Needs to be louder but not obnoxious like my camaro lol

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
get the porters I put on the impala from popo8. he's going to switch it up i think

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[popo8]

get the porters I put on the impala from popo8. he's going to switch it up i think

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
I do intend to swap over to dual magnaflows... so these will be available.

Im not only an LTXtech member... Im also the Owner.

[Catmaigne]

I do intend to swap over to dual magnaflows... so these will be available.

Im not only an LTXtech member... Im also the Owner.
Ok cool, let me know when you do

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

My $3 part and $7 box, thanks summit37749

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

[SSlowBoat]

My $3 part and $7 box, thanks summit37749

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
much excite

that shit gives me an excuse to get more shit for free shipping

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[popo8]

Ok cool, let me know when you do

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
No problem...

Im not only an LTXtech member... Im also the Owner.

[Catmaigne]

Just finished my last full time semester at school so I finally have time to work on this pile.

Got the posi back together with the new spider gears. I reshimmed the clutch packs as tight as I could without the spiders binding. Hopefully I won't have to reshim again. Getting the preload springs/plates back in was also a huge pain in the ass but the Yukon feels great now.

New bearings are in so tomorrow I'll set the backlash and run a contact pattern.38122

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171220/f163fae3264c7eb4bf4acae0366da816.jpg

[Catmaigne]

I'm a little rusty but I think I got it. Pattern looks decent and the backlash is at 8 thou.

38123

38124

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Finished honing the guides, lapping seats, and cleaning the heads. Assembled them with Crane duals and fancy new Comp locators. Had to do a little grinding on the Comps to fit the spring pockets.

2 rocker studs and 7 guideplates are MIA so I have to go digging for them.38130

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[SSlowBoat]

Finished honing the guides, lapping seats, and cleaning the heads. Assembled them with Crane duals and fancy new Comp locators. Had to do a little grinding on the Comps to fit the spring pockets.

2 rocker studs and 7 guideplates are MIA so I have to go digging for them.38130

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalkthose my old le1's?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

those my old le1's?

Sent from my SM-N950U using TapatalkYa with new valves

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Starting to button up the engine38173

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

38181

38182

Stripped and repainted new Summit headers (old coated ones were smashed from PO). Guideplates/studs are in and torqued. I happened to have the 7.150" pushrods I needed on hand also so tomorrow I'll do the lash. Didn't have to do any grinding on the rocker bodies.... yet.

I forgot the steam pipe seals and ALDL cable at my apartment so I won't be able to fire it up tomorrow unfortunately.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180129/9c3a8f90d9da57ad662b1e3145de78e7.jpg

[Catmaigne]

https://youtu.be/emBNyvddZic

First sign of life... Fired it up real quick to make sure everything was plugged in right and my opti was good. I'll finish the cooling system and heat cycle it next weekend.

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[popo8]

Congrats man!!!!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

I had to pound out the valve covers a little and do some grinding on the rockers, but they fit (yay purple). Got the motor fully together with coolant/exhaust and heat cycled it to 180 degrees. I can't really hear any chop through these mufflers so they gotta go lol. I was thinking Dynomax Ultra Flos.

Hopefully the car will be on the ground in a weekend or two.

38259

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

Dynomax mufflers showed up. They're Ultra Flo 17222s, straight through perforated tube type.

Painted and put the cherokee steering shaft in bc my old rag joint was toast.

I deleted the abs, modded the prop valve/metering bolt for rear discs. I am going to rotate the T piece for the front so the one line is farther from the header.

Also started putting the front and rear suspension together. I'm on spring break and hoping to have the car on the ground within the next week.3828338284

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

A friend stopped by yesterday and helped me mock the rear up. I also buttoned up the front suspension and there are only a few small things left to do...

Bleed brakes
Sway bar endlinks (front)
Tighten control arm bolts
Fill diff and trans with fluid
Adjust exhaust mount
Put wheels on

That's pretty much it. Unfortunately, I didn't realize a bleeder hole on a rear caliper was stripped so tomorrow I'll try rethreading it to use a larger Ford screw. If that doesn't work, I'll have to order a reman caliper and wait. Hopefully my brakes seal up beyond that (fuck GM for using standard lines with metric bubble flares) and I can actually drive this pile.38285

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

A friend stopped by yesterday and helped me mock the rear up. I also buttoned up the front suspension and there are only a few small things left to do...

Bleed brakes
Sway bar endlinks (front)
Tighten control arm bolts
Fill diff and trans with fluid
Adjust exhaust mount
Put wheels on

That's pretty much it. Unfortunately, I didn't realize a bleeder hole on a rear caliper was stripped so tomorrow I'll try rethreading it to use a larger Ford screw. If that doesn't work, I'll have to order a reman caliper and wait. Hopefully my brakes seal up beyond that (fuck GM for using standard lines with metric bubble flares) and I can actually drive this pile.38285

Sent from my VS995 using TapatalkU should bring gramps to ocmd this year.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Catmaigne]

U should bring gramps to ocmd this year.

Sent from my SM-G955U using TapatalkThat's the plan!

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[popo8]

That's the plan!

Sent from my VS995 using TapatalkAwesomeeeeeeeee!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[BALLSS]

Het Cat..

I am a little late to the party on the RR/VC note but to use the stock VC with any RR other than the Crane gold "narrow body"...you need to trim the braces inside to clear the RR. (pic) Trim the intake side of the brace

and while you are working on the rear of the car....consider some Dick Miller triangulation braces. IMHO they do a real good job on keeping the rear from twisting. Straight bolt in brace

[Catmaigne]

I already cut out the braces and went a little overboard by trimming them back to the tube the bolts run through. I also had to pound out the corners of the covers slightly because the first and last rockers on each bank would make contact. The fit was still a little close for my liking, so I ended up doing a little grinding on the backs of the rockers behind the pushrod cup. These 1.7 Scorpions are super bulky and overbuilt, but they were cheap so I can't complain.

I also did install those DM braces and had to grind out one of the mounting holes a wee bit. I bought BMR uca's to try to cure my wheel hop so the triangulation braces should help keep them from binding.

In other news, the car drives now. I still need to tighten up some stuff in the front suspension and fiddle with the brakes some more, but it's a start. I'm just excited that the car was able to leave the garage for the first time in more than a year.3832638327

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[Catmaigne]

I fixed my front suspension clunk, did a quick toe adjustment, tightened some fittings and rebled the brakes. Also double checked the rocker/valve cover clearance after that first drive, still clearing fine. I noticed a small coolant spot on the garage floor and traced it back to the weep hole in my Meziere... The pump is new old stock from 2007 so I guess the seal behind the impeler dried out. I never ran the pump without coolant so it wasn't me. Gonna give them a call tomorrow and see what they can do.

Other than the pump, the car is ready for test drive #2. It needs to make it to White Castle and back before I can trust it lol.38377

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[popo8]

I fixed my front suspension clunk, did a quick toe adjustment, tightened some fittings and rebled the brakes. Also double checked the rocker/valve cover clearance after that first drive, still clearing fine. I noticed a small coolant spot on the garage floor and traced it back to the weep hole in my Meziere... The pump is new old stock from 2007 so I guess the seal behind the impeler dried out. I never ran the pump without coolant so it wasn't me. Gonna give them a call tomorrow and see what they can do.

Other than the pump, the car is ready for test drive #2. It needs to make it to White Castle and back before I can trust it lol.38377

Sent from my VS995 using TapatalkChop chop... lol

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[SSlowBoat]

I fixed my front suspension clunk, did a quick toe adjustment, tightened some fittings and rebled the brakes. Also double checked the rocker/valve cover clearance after that first drive, still clearing fine. I noticed a small coolant spot on the garage floor and traced it back to the weep hole in my Meziere... The pump is new old stock from 2007 so I guess the seal behind the impeler dried out. I never ran the pump without coolant so it wasn't me. Gonna give them a call tomorrow and see what they can do.

Other than the pump, the car is ready for test drive #2. It needs to make it to White Castle and back before I can trust it lol.38377

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalkwhy haven't you jb welded it

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[Catmaigne]

why haven't you jb welded it

Sent from my SM-N950U using TapatalkHahaha this isn't the sloppy page... At least not yet

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[SSlowBoat]

Hahaha this isn't the sloppy page... At least not yet

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalkmy new summit weeped a few drips, it's jb welded

have you looked at the car you're modding.....lol

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[Catmaigne]

my new summit weeped a few drips, it's jb welded

have you looked at the car you're modding.....lol

Sent from my SM-N950U using TapatalkYea, let me waterlog a brand new brushed motor with hot coolant. Doesn't matter what car, that's dumb as hell.

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[SSlowBoat]

Yea, let me waterlog a brand new brushed motor with hot coolant. Doesn't matter what car, that's dumb as hell.

Sent from my VS995 using TapatalkI'm kidding, I didn't jb weld it, lol.

hopefully they do something for you.

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[Catmaigne]

I called Meziere a few days ago and they said to run the pump for another 30 minutes and check for leaks again. Apparently the seal is ceramic and sometimes leaks can clear up. Took it for a long 50 mile drive yesterday and it was still seeping by the end unfortunately. I already sent it off to CA. Hopefully the turnaround time isn't too bad.

Car drove pretty good with some fresh 93 in the tank. Most of the suspension clunks were gone except an occasional one while turning, sounded like it was coming from the front right. My closed TPS spark timing was also super lazy so I'm going to rework that and some other areas of the tune once I take a closer look at the datalogs.

I guess I'll keep myself busy with some interior/exterior work while I wait for the EWP to come back.38390

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[BALLSS]

IIRC Meziere will rebuild a out of warranty EWP for $100. My 19 year old 90+k mi is still working great but at some point it will have to go in for a rebuild.

[Catmaigne]

IIRC Meziere will rebuild a out of warranty EWP for $100. My 19 year old 90+k mi is still working great but at some point it will have to go in for a rebuild.That's what they told me, $100 for bearing and seal. I wonder if I could get away with just the seal for less considering the pump is new.

Tried to be a cheapass by buying a NOS pump on ebay and shot myself in the foot... Lol

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[BALLSS]

Did you ask if because it was, albeit 2nd party purchase, NOS aka "NIB"...would they give you a break on the $100. You pay shipping

Can't really blame them if they say out of warranty but no harm in asking

I would also of thought a good deal on a NOS EWP would be good to.

I have a lightly used spare I bought at least 15 years ago I keep in the trunk....hope it works when it comes time to use it. I have plugged it in and know it turns, just not installed it

[Catmaigne]

They got the pump yesterday and gave me a call, no break on the $100 unfortunately. So after shipping and everything I'll only be in the hole for the price of a new HD pump from summit, no harm done I guess. Meziere should be done with it by the end of the week so hopefully I'll have it the weekend after next.

The Summit brand CVR pump that was on the car is my spare. Was definitely on it's way out though because it kept blowing the sloblow glass fuse every few startups. I redid the wiring a few times but that didn't change anything.

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[Catmaigne]

Combined 2 junkyard drivers door panels to make one decent enough to put on the car. Also fixed the other panels that were starting to fall apart, glued a window switch back together, and fixed the drivers side rear window (all sliders broke). Interior doesn't look/feel like total garbage anymore which is nice. All that's left inside is the s10 shift boot and wideband wiring.

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[Catmaigne]

Meziere gets back tomorrow. Gotta throw that back on and reseat the front right spring (it's rubbing the edge of the pocket on the frame), then go on drive #3.

I reworked the tune, swapped out some chrome trim, cleaned some stuff, and got the shift boot on in the meantime. My diff cover also showed up.

Running out of time with only a month left until OC.384603846138462

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[Sahara54]

Running out of time with only a month left until OC.

I know the feeling...working on 3 cars and possibly a 4th and 5th to get ready.

[Catmaigne]

I know the feeling...working on 3 cars and possibly a 4th and 5th to get ready.A month away! I'm also helping 2 friends with their ltx projects so I'm swamped.

Finished breaking in my diff so tomorrow I'll change the fluid and do some WOT pulls. Hopefully it blows the tires off in 2nd lol.

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[Catmaigne]

Spoiler for +20 scene points38466

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[popo8]

Spoiler for +20 scene points38466

Sent from my VS995 using TapatalkNow its not a sleeper... ;)

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[Catmaigne]

Now its not a sleeper... ;)

Sent from my SM-G955U using TapatalkIt'll always be one. It's a Buick lol.

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[Catmaigne]

I finished the diff break in and swapped the gear oil. I didn't put the fancy diff cover on yet though. Also did an oil change and started ripping on it, car pulls like a freight train (weighs like one too). I'm on iteration 4 of the tune and am still fighting some false knock, but it could be caused by a leak at the header gasket.

Did a bunch of suspension work (new upper ball joints, LCA bushings on the front left, reseated both springs) and most of the clunking is gone. Something still feels odd by the front passenger wheel which could be a bushing or wheel bearing. Not sure, but I doubt I'll have time to fix it before OC.

I had the exhaust shop swap my Superturbo muffers for the Ultraflos. Really digging the sound now!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1AyxM007Q

2.5 weeks until I leave for OCMD and I still have to:
-Install wideband
-Stretch and install the rest of the trim, respray it
-Pound out passenger fender/inner fender/rocker panel mess the PO caused
-Have junkyard rocker panel painted and install it
-Swap header gaskets
-Rewire water pump relay (again)
-Readjust toe and straighten steering wheel
-Finish tuning

It's getting there.

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[Catmaigne]

Some interior shots38493384943849538496

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[Catmaigne]

Made it down in time and the car ran great. Didn't get any good races in unfortunately (except demolishing a lopey fox body on the way home).385333853438535

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[BALLSS]

WAY cool T56 conversion......but I am partial :-)

[Catmaigne]

I went a little ape with plastidip and trim tape and blacked out a bunch of chrome. Definitely a huge improvement.3853938540

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[Catmaigne]

Swapped the MAF to the f-body unit and made an airbox to hold a big Spectre cone filter. Took the car out for some pics and datalogging but it started raining :(

The f-car MAF reads consistently higher and the car runs over a point richer up top according to my wideband. Seeing less of a MAP drop with the cone filter and more g/sec, but still not where I want to be before the car gets thrown on the dyno. It was around 300 g/sec but it could be reading lower because of the heat and humidity. My Camaro made about 1.15 hp per g/sec so I'd need 320-330 g/sec out of this thing for 370-380whp ignoring other factors. Gonna ditch the stock tb and home port a spare intake mani to see if that nets me anything.

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[BALLSS]

you need the PCM tuned for the F body larger MAF. If not it will run rich. Put the B body back on or get it tuned for the larger MAF

[Catmaigne]

you need the PCM tuned for the F body larger MAF. If not it will run rich. Put the B body back on or get it tuned for the larger MAF

No worries, I do all of my own tuning and I already redid the MAF calibration tables with the f-car data. I tune PE with the "%change to AFR vs. coolant temp" and "%change to AFR vs. RPM" so they need to be readjusted. I was sitting at 12.8-9 AFR with the b-car MAF, now I'm at 11.7-8 so I need to lean it out.

[Catmaigne]

Some recent pics386433864438645

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[SSlowBoat]

Swapped the MAF to the f-body unit and made an airbox to hold a big Spectre cone filter. Took the car out for some pics and datalogging but it started raining :(

The f-car MAF reads consistently higher and the car runs over a point richer up top according to my wideband. Seeing less of a MAP drop with the cone filter and more g/sec, but still not where I want to be before the car gets thrown on the dyno. It was around 300 g/sec but it could be reading lower because of the heat and humidity. My Camaro made about 1.15 hp per g/sec so I'd need 320-330 g/sec out of this thing for 370-380whp ignoring other factors. Gonna ditch the stock tb and home port a spare intake mani to see if that nets me anything.

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38544I had a much larger cam and le2 heads to get 387whp. Weston with same cam but stockish heads made 359whp or something, both of us thru a 6spd. I don't know if your cam has enough

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[Catmaigne]

I had a much larger cam and le2 heads to get 387whp. Weston with same cam but stockish heads made 359whp or something, both of us thru a 6spd. I don't know if your cam has enough

Sent from my SM-N950U using TapatalkIt's all in the details. Timing and fueling in line? MAP drop minimized? How many afgs relative to other setups? On the Camaro, I went from 382 to 425whp with some pretty minor mods and tuning revisions.

There was a guy who made 400whp with a LE1/cc306 setup. Hopefully 370 is attainable if my setup is well optimised.

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[SSlowBoat]

It's all in the details. Timing and fueling in line? MAP drop minimized? How many afgs relative to other setups? On the Camaro, I went from 382 to 425whp with some pretty minor mods and tuning revisions.

There was a guy who made 400whp with a LE1/cc306 setup. Hopefully 370 is attainable if my setup is well optimised.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalktrue, I know you're OCD, but you're Camaro is a stroker lol. I hope you get it, that would be pretty impressive to see.

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[Catmaigne]

true, I know you're OCD, but you're Camaro is a stroker lol. I hope you get it, that would be pretty impressive to see.

Sent from my SM-N950U using TapatalkI know, I'm just saying that there's a lot of little factors people want to ignore because some grouch on ls1tech said those mods were a waste of time. Statements like, "I made 500whp with a stock throttle body, the stock one is fine." I stopped listening to that garbage, got a Holley 58mm, lightly ported my LT4 mani, ripped my Moroso CAI out, added 4 deg timing, leaned it out a point and bam.... +43hp. There are a lot of little details that can be overlooked and it sounds like your LE2 motor had the potential to crack 400 if there are people doing it with LE1's and a shelf cam. Wasn't that cam a LE grind in the low 230's?

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[SSlowBoat]

I know, I'm just saying that there's a lot of little factors people want to ignore because some grouch on ls1tech said those mods were a waste of time. Statements like, "I made 500whp with a stock throttle body, the stock one is fine." I stopped listening to that garbage, got a Holley 58mm, lightly ported my LT4 mani, ripped my Moroso CAI out, added 4 deg timing, leaned it out a point and bam.... +43hp. There are a lot of little details that can be overlooked and it sounds like your LE2 motor had the potential to crack 400 if there are people doing it with LE1's and a shelf cam. Wasn't that cam a LE grind in the low 230's?

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalkmy motor probably can make more, I have not spent any time optimizing anything. I'm lucky it runs. low 230's duration, high .5xxs lift. dyno day was shit injectors a mashed up tune and a failing opti. one day I'll actually spend the time, but once again it's just make car run so it's not a lawn ornament

I also take anyone's internet dyno talk with a grain of salt because we all know how easy it is to skew a dyno. hence why osies car has a 9" now, dyno doesn't tell us anything besides afr looks good, seeing what it does on track will be more telling.

this reminds me, I need to get more PVC for the impala's intake


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[Catmaigne]

I would just grab a 3.5" pipe and 3.5/3.25" coupler on ebay, the pvc is too small on the inside.

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[SSlowBoat]

no its not, I've already tested that theory lol
I would just grab a 3.5" pipe and 3.5/3.25" coupler on ebay, the pvc is too small on the inside.

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[Catmaigne]

I got a 4-bolt vette block in a parts deal a few years back along with some other engine goodies. It has been bored 0.030 and honed for a forged set of Probe SRS pistons, line bored with ARP studs, freeze plugs, cam bearings, etc. I went and double checked the piston/wall clearances and found I can get everything between 41-46 ten thou which is good. The pistons have a dish that's not big enough for FI or small enough for a decent NA/spray build in a 355 with my LE1's unfortunately. If I increase the stroke a little, it'll make the compression more reasonable. With 3.8", I'll have a 388ci motor with 12.1:1 on my heads. The block hasn't been decked (just cleaned up) so I will have enough material for the extra stroke over a 383.

The block came with hellfire rings and I have a XFI468 sitting on the shelf I'd like to make use of. Might make a decent spray motor. The LE1's aren't ideal in this case but I'm trying to throw this together on a tight budget and reuse the Roadmaster's top end (except valve springs, pushrods, maybe lifters, etc.).

I've been wanting to make use of this stuff for a while but honestly didn't want to put it into this car (because it's too ugly). I think ultimately the entire drivetrain will end up in an older B-body (like a 2 door 77+ Impala/Caprice) or C-body (77+ Coupe Deville) because I'm lazy and want to reuse the suspension, rear end, 6 spd parts, and other bits. The current car is gonna be the test pig though.

So the shopping list looks like:
-Scat 3.8" 4340 crank
-Scat 6" 4340 7/16" arp2000 rods
-Melling 10552
-BTR spring kit?

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[shownomercy]

Would advise thoroughly researching hellfire rings prior to installing and using them.