Project: Doubler

[out2kayak]

Hello all,

As my '64 Vette project was moving at an anemic pace due to long lead items, I've started in on another project (ahem: ADD).













Last time it was registered:

[out2kayak]

Part of the reason for the name "Doubler". Originally, this was a real-deal 396/325hp with a TH400 3 speed transmission.

As these are not numbers matching (correct YOM, though), today I received a nice shiny new LT4 with a 8L90E.

Lets see...
325hp ... 650hp -- yep, double.
3 speed trans ... 8 speed trans. Over achiever.



The target is to double the stopping power, going from drums on all four corners and double the cornering.

[Che70velle]

This will be great! What are you doing for suspension?

[out2kayak]

Originally Posted by Che70velle

This will be great! What are you doing for suspension?

Thanks.

For the frame, which is very solid, I'm going to firm that up with a Hellwig kit.

For the rear, it will stay a solid axle rear. I'm considering something like a DSE rear speed kit. Others have similar. Any recommendations?

Clearly, the factory geometry leaves much to be desired. I've been eyeing the spindles, etc. from Chassisworks. Have not landed on a decision yet, though.

[out2kayak]

Hello All,

Just scribing some mental notes in hopes that they may be useful for someone else.

The LT4 will (obviously) require some way to adapt the motor mounts. The options I found are:

Dingo Glider Gen V LT Adjustable Conversion Swap Mounts


Dingo Double-D LT 1958-72 LT Gen V Adapter Plates


ICT Billet LT1 Engine Swap Bracket Conversion for Motor Mounts


Art Morrison LT1/LT4 Engine Mounts
32555765 LT1/4 Engine Poly Motor Mount
32555767 LT1/4 Engine Rubber Motor Mount

(see their catalog)

I ended up going with the non-sliding Dingo Double-D. The reason is that the sliding ones apparently have fitment issues with a low mounted, engine belt driven components on the Chevelle.

An updated shout out for Speedtech who produced a LT1 / LT4 engine mount:

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=55853

[out2kayak]

Hello all,

Again, scribing in hopes it is useful for someone else.

I was working through the cooling solution. What it needs is:

Oil cooler
Trans cooler
Radiator
Charge cooler (similar to a radiator, it cools the air charge in the supercharger)
Air Conditioning condenser

On my '67, the hood release is smack in the middle of the radiator, leaving 3" between the front of the radiator and it.

Working with John Dingman at Dewitts, he has worked out a solution. Basically, they have a direct fit (#6139002A) LS radiator that will work. There is not much different from the LS motors to the LT4 motor as far as the radiator is concerned. I've worked with Dewitts on another project ('64 Vette) and everything has been top notch.

The radiator has dual 12" fans and has a transmission cooler as part of the deal. So, two of the requirements done.

The charge cooler is a custom one - basically two connected in the middle so it can fit.

In any event, he is working through everything and will be sending it my way next week.

[out2kayak]

Looking into oil pans, there are a few options:

Moroso 20155:


Holley 302-22


-- or --

302-20


Holley also has a LT road-race oil pan baffle, for use with 302-20:


Apparently, these fit Gen V LT wet sump engines up to a 4.00″ stroke.

It is recommended to use the LT Dipstick & Dipstick Tube – GM p/n’s 12658475 & 12661062 for the Holley solutions. Moroso recommend GM #s 12643278 and 12652951.

Also, realize that the LT1 has a different oil cooler than the LT4 (which is bigger and won't fit in my application).

[Jimbo1367]

While the Moroso pan looks nice, they don't offer any mounting to the tranns like OEM (and Holley).
I think Holley's Gen.v swap pan is a home run. It will basically bolt in wherever a 98-02 F-body pan fit. It looks like the DD mounts might work. I'm sure Holley will be doing the intense Gen. V LT product development as they are doing for the LS. The swap sagment is looking really exciting now. Especially if you have the money to purchase this stuff.

[out2kayak]

Originally Posted by Jimbo1367

While the Moroso pan looks nice, they don't offer any mounting to the tranns like OEM (and Holley).
I think Holley's Gen.v swap pan is a home run. It will basically bolt in wherever a 98-02 F-body pan fit. It looks like the DD mounts might work. I'm sure Holley will be doing the intense Gen. V LT product development as they are doing for the LS. The swap sagment is looking really exciting now. Especially if you have the money to purchase this stuff.

Thanks. I was leaning towards the Moroso pan and had not noticed the Holley has the additional mounting.

Already have the DD adapter plates sitting in my garage. Hopefully, the engine and trans will be in over the course of the next several weeks.

[out2kayak]

Also noticed MR has an LT conversion oil pan, part number 000-6490-00.



It does not have the additional mounting like the Holley and OEM units.