This is such a cool build. Do like this vintage Nova best and they look great in Pro-Touring style. Definitely agree with your plan to spend the money on what is really hard to change later like suspension. Interesting wheel choice, so it will be interesting to see them with the rubber on them. I sure hope that the bs is correct.

Good luck on a successful build.

Rod

Ah.. I hope you're right! I am jealous of all the crate ls3 builds around here, but this old ls1 should suit the build fine.

Not a fan of the wheels? They weren't my first choice either but these were pretty much the only "custom" backspace wheels I could fit into the budget with the widths I needed. I am anxious to see some rubber on them too.


Brother came over, we removed the trans in order to test fit the motor. I need some weight in the car before I weld in the subframe connectors. And I can't mock the trans in until the subframe connectors are installed.

Test fitting the motor 1st time.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...5.jpg~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...3.jpg~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...e.jpg~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...2.jpg~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...2.jpg~original

Headers?
 

With the 1st trial fit of the engine I was wondering what you found for headers to fit your new front chassis? New suspension looks good. Engine position looks about right in the pictures. But it does look like space for headers will be at a premium. I'm sure that DSE has headers available but don't know if they're the only choice. But looks good to see you this far along.

Rod

It's a tight fit for sure! Dse must have designed this with weight position in mind. The motor is as close to the firewall as it could be. Dse headers run $2300. I wouldn't have even bought this front end if that was the only option. I was told by church boys racing that their stainless headers will clear this subframe. Their headers are only $660. I really really hope they fit but until the bank account recovers some I won't know for sure. The way I see it I can mod the church boys headers if required and still be money ahead.

Boy that does sound good. I agree that the DSE headers are pricey, but they do provide a quality product, which is better than some companies that charge a lot for their product and the quality is less than satisfactory.

Will you be having AC? I see that you were able to keep front drive system and accessories from your donor vehicle which is great for a cost savings. But didn't see AC compressor/belt on the engine.,
Rod

Factory compressor didn't clear. I believe the Sanderson compressor from vintage air is smaller. I hoping it will clear otherwise no a/c for the time being.



Edit: I just looked up the vintage air low mount. It's not going to clear either. There are a few companies that make a high mount, so I'll have to do some research to see what works with my oe belt drive

Looking good Kevin!! I myself like the wheels you are running!!!

I have heard anecdotally from several people that the Church Brothers will fit. I've specifically asked them, but they won't officially confirm or deny which tells me that they haven't fit them up themselves.

Other than that, about the tightest fitting header (full length) that I could find for another project that I built was Model A or 32 Ford header -- -that was for a SBC, but I'm sure there are options for LS for those cars, you might be able to check that out.

The other option that I was looking at was a mid-length header from these guys.

http://ultimateheaders.com/

I'm not for certain that they will fit though either.

Thanks man!

Church boys told me on 3 occasions that the mid length headers will fit the dse subframe. Once on the boards, once in an email and once on the phone. But like you I've never seen it done or even heard of anyone doing it. My plan is to order a set and cross my fingers. If they are close I don't mind modifying them to an extent. I am concerned with frame clearance and steering shaft interference. I guess time will tell. I am not scared to be the guinea pig. :confused59:

Not really a flashy or cool update but the detail work must go on! I decided to finish the work at the back of the car before starting work on the motor swap. I just don't do well with too many irons in the fire.

So in the past few weeks I've been mainly focusing on my daughter, she's now 8 months old today and she brings more fun and enjoyment to life everyday. But after bed time, I get a hour here and there to make some progress on the ol' car.

First pic, the important stuff in life.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...e.jpg~original

These are some pictures of modifying the rear seat-back brackets and boxes for the dse mini tubs and quadralink

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...m.jpg~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...c.jpg~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...6.jpg~original

Started on the trunk hinge supports, I decided to just make these both from scratch, the dse instructions state to modify the passenger side mount but I really didn't make since to me what they wanted so I just made a new one.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...3.jpg~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...3.jpg~original

Lastly for this update, I began working on some rust repair. I got very luck with this car, Besides these two spots I have to replace part of the tulip panel right at the back glass.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...ginal~original

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...s.jpg~original