IROCtheRoad

Me putting on Dyno Don's headers. Oh my how they shine


Also pictured is my Edelbrock Performer RPM. It's a lot taller than I expected. I really, REALLY hope it fits underneath the hood. If not, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I don't want to put on a different hood.

IROCtheRoad

Are header gaskets supposed to be shown like this? It just seems out of place to me. I know on my old RS I had copper crush gaskets that just went around the exhaust ports, but I can't seem to find them. If anyone has a link, please let me know.



Dampner cover and timing mark

IROCtheRoad

And now the first problem of the build.....

I had to remove the baffles in my Proform valve covers to fit over the valvetrain, no biggie.


BUT THEY WERE STILL NOT BIG ENOUGH

I looked all over the internets looking for something else that I could afford (which isn't much anymore.....). Best I could find was stuff that was the same size except for dirt track valve covers. I really didnt want to run with them because they have the stacks.

In the end I moved down the stud girdle just enough to be able clear everything. I didn't want to do this, but the rockers clear with plenty of space.

IROCtheRoad

Here's the engine about 92.3% (repeating of course). Leroy Jenkins anyone?

I also have Moroso wire looms installed as well.
I drilled and tapped the water neck for the coolant sensor the computer uses. I wanted to put it in the port on the front right, but the water neck hose would be in the way. I'm hoping this holds up well enough and doesn't leak.






Tomorrow I'll get the initial timing set and have the wires installed. After that I bit more wire loom work to do, so more bracket painting, and I should have the motor at LEAST back in my the weekend.

IROCtheRoad

One more post for the night and I'll be done, I promise.

I've got an AC delete panel on ordered. I'll sand blast it down and will probably have it powder coated black.

A place that rymes with Maryland Speed is having a big discount on their SLP parts (it's on sale, free shipping, and an additional 5% off with a code) so I ordered this bad boy.



I've always wanted a chambered exhaust so now's my chance. I originally had the Hooker catback on sale, but as my luck always seems to be it had been on backorder for about a month now. With the SLP being on sale, it was about the same price as the Hooker so why not go for it?

I really bought it for 3 reasons
1) It's a chambered exhaust that I can put different chambers in if needed.
2) It's completely Stainless Steel
3) My dad has the original SLP Dual/Dual on his SS, so in a way this setup is sentimental to me

UnstableAviator

Looking good man, nice work all around and thanks for taking the time to photograph the build. I had big plan for my last project, but every time I end up working too hard and not remembering to get enough pics.

Alright chumps, lets do this...LEEEEEERRRROOOOYYY JENKINS!!!

Awesome-X

Lookin good! Congrats on the wif err..I mean motor

SKELITOR117

iTrader: (3)

Noice. Keep up the good work.

amlv20

awesome progress, not what i expected.

IROCtheRoad

I got the distributor installed today. Whoever said headers makes getting to your spark plugs easier is on crack. Dyno Don's headers don't allow you to put your spark plug socket on 2/4 plugs on each side. I ended up removing the header to remove the #1 spark plug.




I also noticed I had HUGE gaps between the exhaust header and the head. I have Fel-Pro 1405 gaskets on now. I went to AutoZone to get Percy's crush manifold gasket, but I'm at a loss at which one to get, circle or square.


About 8 years ago I replaced the manifold gaskets on my '89 RS with a set of Fel-Pro gaskets that only go to cover the exhaust ports instead of running the whole length of the car. They are only $8 for the set, and are paper with crush aluminum on them. They worked perfect back then, so I'm going to give them a shot on this build and see how they do.


Finally the initial timing is set at 10 degrees. The book calls for 6, but that seems a bit low to me. Oh well, we'll see what happens. Hopefully I can get the motor in and bolted up tomorrow.

IROCtheRoad

Thanks?

kitt_me

iTrader: (3)

Beautiful,Lovin the engine setup

IROCtheRoad

My exhaust is here my exhaust is here my exhaust is here!!!!

This is probably why SLP charges $100 for shipping. Good ol' Maryland Speed had free shipping!


I was originally going to use hidden exhaust tips, but now that I see these.... oh yeah, we're using them

IROCtheRoad

Loudmouth 2 Resonator:





I've read some reports that the Camaro resonator actually goes down to 2.5 inches. It's hard to tell , but it looks like it does in fact do. Well crap. I'll get measurements later.

Big 3 inch SS tubing


Today's Update:
I got all the accessories on. I'm missing the lower triangular piece for the alternator which I KNOW I didn't take off, so I'll grab that from the junk yard.

I also stripped out every single thread out of the alternator hole that is used for adjustments when I put in the ARP bolt. That pissed me off.

Luckily I had an extra ARP bolt that was larger than the stock piece, so I tapped some new threads. Fresh threads + stronger bolt = good.

I'm on leave for the next 2 weeks so no more updates until I get back in town. Thank you for all the kind words everyone; I really do appreciate it.

IROCtheRoad

test

Awesome-X

Looking good! Anything new goin on?

IROCtheRoad

I'm on leave right now visiting family until late last week, so nothing new to report. I did get a TCI 351100 mini starter from my dad (we went digging through the attic and garage. He also gave me his brand new stock LCAs from his 2002 SS and some other small goodies.

I got some seats from a 2001 Z28 with only 12000 miles on them. They are the wrong color, but for perfect seats for only $200 I'll save them for when I get some custom colors done. I'm thinking Tan/Black or Tan/ Tan houndstooth.

I'll also probably get a few other things from the 2001 Z28. It was totalled and he's selling everything at a good price.

Question: How do I make it to where my signature is shown on all my posts? I can never remember to click the little box every single time.

Awesome-X

Is it an LS1 car? lol

IMissMy86TA

nice engine!

IROCtheRoad

Update time!!!

Between being on leave for the holidays, family, funds, and ordering, I can finally post some updates! I spend the entire evening and night in the garage to get this stuff done.

TCI mini starter. It's been raced on a few times during our dirt track days.


Factory AC Delete Box being painted


Everything taped out of the way awaiting the engine


Said engine

IROCtheRoad

New Fuel Pump with return line for the factory setup


Starter installed. I couldn't believe how my smaller this is compared to the stock one. Clearance pictures coming.


I had to go the junk yard to pick up the triangle alternator bracket. Previous owner decided not to install it once they removed the smog pump.


While getting the right side brackets, I realized that I had a problem. Without the AC compressor being in place, there was a about a 1/4 in gap where the factory brackets would be; not good for the V-belts. A thick washer and locknut later, everything works as good as it can. I decided not to modify the bracket for when I get the Vintage Air setup going with factory compressor.

IROCtheRoad

It's finding its way closer to its home - 6 months later.....


IT'S IN!!!!


Everything went very smooth except for 2 things: The transmission to block bolts were a pain in the butt. I had to message the tranny tunnel out of the way for one bolt. Second, stupid me put the distributor on facing the wrong way Once the engine was in I had to re-position the cap, ergo destroying my perfect wire routing.

Only 1 casualty of the entire install. Moroso gladly replaced it free of charge.

IROCtheRoad

More install pictures.









A few things of note:
I had to order a special spark plug socket to work with the headers. I ended up getting Trickflow's socket. Work's like a champ.
Also, the stock oil dipstick doesn't particularly work. The factory mounting location is long gone, and since i refused to pay $70 for Lukes/Lucas bendable dipstick, I'll find a way to modify the stock one with a tube bender.

IROCtheRoad

Here's a couple more pictures of just now stupid rich this thing was running with the secondaries stuck open. Remember, only 2000 miles on these things.

IROCtheRoad

Some carb pictures.



I ordered ARP quadrajet studs but ran into a problem. The front passenger stud is in the way of the MCS (left side of picture). Instead of calling the purchase a waiste, I decided to use 3/4 of the studs and 1 stock bolt. Looks like crap IMO, but whatever.




Another problem I had was NONE of the stock throttle brackets work so I had to order the Edelbrock kit and quadrajet return spring for the RPM manifold. I test fit them tonight but to no avail. I'll tackle this problem tomorrow.

IROCtheRoad

Random picture of the T/C I got from a member here. I ordered the ARP toque converter bolts, but you guessed it, they don't work. Or should I say, the Hughs T/C bolt holes are just a tiny bit to small. I plan on taking the carbide bits I used on the heads to widen the bolt holes oh-so-slightly tomorrow when the baby isn't asleep. The air compressor is stupid loud.


Exhaust Pictures:

IROCtheRoad

That's it for tonight. I'm tired and a tab bit sore.

Tomorrow I'll get the throttle brackets in and installed, and the radiator, tranny cooler, and fans fabbed up. I also have to finish wiring the right side for all the Painless Wiring stuff I have.

Monday my y-pipe gets back from the coaters. I got it ceramic coated to help protect the start and oil. Once that's done and installed I'll fire this bjtch up, break the cam in, and drive it open headers and all to 6651 Customs to get the exhaust put on.

Yeah right, my wife is going to let me have 2 days to do this......

Edit: Stuff that nobody cares about:
The Mrs. and I have been talking about what's next for the Camaro. I'll be getting the 'new' seats I picked up reupholstered. After that comes the T56 and 12 bolt in preparation for the power to come. I have a full set of light weight pistons and rods ($1000 for the set) that would work GREAT in a 383. That's great and all, but then none of my badges will be reflect the correct engine size.
Alternatively, we are throwing the idea around of building a sick 302. I've found a local engine shop that has a factory large journal forged 302 crank for STUPID cheap, and once I buy some 302 pistons, I can throw all this with the rods I have and I have a screaming 302.
The quadrajet will have to go along with the computer, which is fine, but I will have the 6 speed and 12 bolt with 4.10 gears to get me going. I'm currently looking for a factory 1969 crossram setup that isn't $3000.
Like I said, future plan for waaaaaaaaay down the road.

Dusk2600

this build is great, very good job, hard 4 me to believe you haven't done this before.

Curtisyz54

iTrader: (5)

again awsome build. And nice engine. But WHY that carb? WHY!?

williemcfly

beautiful engine were did you get the valve covers? how much?

IROCtheRoad

Because it was there

In all honesty the E4ME is a GREAT carb when it's running right, and I spent a looong time rebuilding it and replacing the sensors. I also didn't want to remove the computer just yet since it's a 305, and I would have to buy a new carb (ended up I could have bought a brand new Holley with the money I spent on the rebuild kit and stupid sensors/pigtails), distributor, and T/C lock up.

Looking back, and knowing what I know now, I probably would have just gone ahead and replaced it. But for now it's there so hopefully it will help the MPG a bit.

The next engine will be a Holley for sure, but until then....

IROCtheRoad

If I only new how to multiquote.....

They are Proform valve covers and I got them through Jegs. Couldn't tell you the price though; it all becomes a blur after a while.

IROCtheRoad

I got the T/C in today. I had to buy an angled die grinder to get up in there. I widened the holes in the T/C and even one on the flywheel with my carbide bits.

My Champion 3-core radiator is in with radiator shroud. That was a pain! The radiator itself wasn't the problem; just replace rubber boots with a 2.5 x 2.5 inch rubber mat and it fits right in.

The shroud was the problem since I have the ls1 fans. Long story short, I had to cut the shroud in half to remove the single fan 'curve' which took FOREVER with the dremmel. It looks great, but it took most of the available time I had. Pictures coming soon.

I still can't figure out how to install the fans.... I purchased some radiator zip ties so I'm hoping they work flawlessly. If anyone has any tips, please let me know.

Tranny cooler is what stopped me for the night. I know where I want to place it, but I need a barb fitting with a 180 degree bend to keep the rubber hoses from protruding too much into the engine bay. Also, stupid me, I cut the flared fitting of the lower tranny line (which I ended up not needing to), so I have to get a flare tool tomorrow.... sigh....

IROCtheRoad

LS1 Fans are out of the question. It's impossible to get them to fit with the radiator (mounting wise) and they hit the power steering lines.

I ended up ordering the fan shroud and dual fans for the radiator.

LS1 fans for sale.... /tear

killerdove

very nice build!!! My car is a carbed 350 with hooker headers y pipe, slp loudmouth 2 resonator. And 2.5 the hole way. Its not true dual, but man I get compliments everywhere I go. Believe me you will love that exhaust

IROCtheRoad

That's good to hear! I've only been able to find one video of a thirdgen with the LM2 exhaust, but it's a tuned port w/o full exhaust.

Is there any droan at all on the highway? Any chance you can post up a good quality video?

IROCtheRoad

Here's a few pictures of the radiator and fan install. As I said, there was no way I could get the LS1 fans installed, so I ordered up a shroud and fans from Champion Radiators. Overall I'm very happy with the shroud; it fit perfectly. Only bad thing is that you have to drill into the shroud to mount everything.

The fans come with radiator zip ties, but I chose to use hardware instead.

I had to cut the factory "fan clamp" thing along its center line. Ends up I could have cut a few milimeters more to get a better fit, but after dealing with that issue all day I called it good.


The rubber guards on the bottom had to be removed to get the fan to sit down right. I used a strip of rubber.

IROCtheRoad

It took a while to get the fans and shroud installed with bolts/nuts/washers. There wasn't much room to work with but patience prevailed.



I can't find a pigtail for the fans ANYWHERE so I'll end up cutting the connector off and adding my own setup.

Trannsmission cooler shown. Only 'problem' I'm having with this is routing the lines in a way that look good, but with rubber lines my options are very limited. Eventually I'll have to upgrade to a braided hose and AN stuff.

IROCtheRoad

Pretty much everything is installed except for the throttle brackets and my now broken fuel pump. While putting the fuel lines on the Carter M6626 oultlet just fell off.... Apparently the outlet is just held in place by copper solder. Yeah...... Summit will be replacing that one for me - also ordering different line adapters.

Pusher pump works!!!! Guess I spliced into the correct wires.

I rebuilt the stock radio and added an iPod cable to it. The radio and display now work! Woo hoo!!! But when I plug my iPhone in sound only comes out of the front left speaker. I removed the radio again and pushed in all of the connectors really hard, so hopefully it works now.

All electrical wiring is now done THANK GOD!!!!!!! I even finished up all the braiding. AC delete box is installed and all relays mounted. Fans are wired. I even checked the cranking system and the started rotated the engine w/o a problem.

I'll get pictures up soon. As of now, I'm tired and need a beer

Carlos773

iTrader: (3)

Quick question, did you call up Champ rads themselfs for the shroud?

IROCtheRoad

Sure did. They had it to me the next day. The shroud is made here in the US too!

Only thing I didn't like about the shroud is that it did not have the holes already drilled for the fans that come with it. I had to spend another hour or so measuring and drilling because I didn't want to use the radiator zip ties that came with it.

Overall I'm very happy with it.

IROCtheRoad

EVERYTHING IS SET AND READY TO GO!!!!! Here are a few pictures to enjoy before the start up.

How stuff is router near the battery.


Dyno Don's y-pipe that I had ceramic coated.


SS ARP Bolts (no more ER visits for me)

IROCtheRoad

More Exhaust




Another shot of the starter vs exhaust


Ignore the stuff on the inside of the pipe

IROCtheRoad

Carter Fuel Pump and the attachments needed.




More pictures of the fans/shroud

IROCtheRoad

AC Delete




Carb Fuel Line

IROCtheRoad

All Painless Wiring.
Left = Pusher Pump
Right 3 = fans.




The area near the brake booster is MUCH better looking


Here's a picture of the Edelbrock kit needed. Not too happy with the angle of anything, but the gas pedal is fluid.

IROCtheRoad

Random Pictures





Factory shroud that is highly modified.

IROCtheRoad

New power steering lines.


OPSI had to be changed a bit.


After I spent an hour cleaning up..... yes after.....

IROCtheRoad

Well, we went to fire up the Camaro today. Filled up the engine with coolant, tranny fluid, and power steering fluid.

Primed the carb, let the pusher pump do its thing.

Turned the key!!

The starter began rotating the engine and MAN is that TCI mini starter loud.

BOOM!!!
Backfire.....


Cranked some more and BOOM......

We kept trying. We know we are getting fuel and spark it's just not firing. I even swapped over the backup carb I have. Still nothing.

My only guess is that, somehow, the timing is WAAAAAY off. Perhaps I got the firing order 180 degrees off which is HIGHLY UNLIKELY.

I gave up for the night. I'll recheck the timing this week but I know I got it right. I'm going to have someone start it as I rotate the distributor so I'm hoping that I can get it working with just that instead of redoing the whole initial timing.

freaky

it sounds like your distributer is 180 out