|
Today I found a deal on craigslist that was too good to pass up, a TKO transmission with the 0.64 5th gear:
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_3469.jpg This is not actually the TKO500 or TKO600, but their predecessor, simply the TKO. I got a bit swindled by the guy I bought it from since he advertised it as a TKO600 and I didn't know any better. The only differences between the TKO and the TKO500/600 are the material of the gears, which was upgraded with the TKO500/600, and the bolt pattern of the shifter, which is rectangular for the TKO500/600. My transmission supports 425ft.lbs. Here's some reading in case you are in the market for a used TKO 3550/TKO: http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/3550_tko.html TKO500/600: http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/tr-3550.html Also look at the service manuals on Tremecs website to decode what transmission it is. This is how I got burned. The serial tag on my tranny is: TR3550 #2600708 Input Shaft Length: 7.2" Bearing Retainer Diameter: 4.85" To make the transmission compatible, I'm gunna ditch the shown bellhousing and go with a Lakewood bellhousing (#15030) or Quicktime (#RM-6064) that adapts the TKO to the chevy small block. I found another thread on camaros.net where a guy did the exact swap with the Ford 7.2" input shaft: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showth...light=ford+tko I emailed him since and he said all went well when he used a Ford throwout bearing. Maybe in by winter!! |
Wheel Shot Teaser!
Awww yeah.... my wheels came in from Newstalgia. Vintage wheel works V48. Mock up only, I know it's the wrong side... I'll have plenty of pictures once they are fully mounted in a couple weeks time
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_3498.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_3502.jpg Now I just need a couple free weekends to finish up my car. I will have a proper update in a couple of weeks. |
Looks great man, glad to see it moving along!
William |
Love the rims, keep up the updates!
|
Progress
Sharp wheels the whole project looks great . Keep the updates coming.
|
3 steps back!
This weekend was chaos! Here is a summary of the new problems that developed:
In ascending order of PITA: 1. The stock wheel studs that came with the ATS spindle are too short. I mocked up my front wheel with the 1/4" spacer, and I can only get 3 turns on the nut...not good. Simple to solve though... I have 2.5" ARP studs on the way, Summit #ARP-100-7708 Of course I'll have a writeup on the replacement. In the mean time: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0596.jpg 2. The relatively cheap 1 5/8" Dynomax headers have no chance of clearing the ATS steering box. The #3 primary is basically groping the box. The pictures shows how there's no chance these headers will work: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0586.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...IMG_0587-1.jpg From my research on www.camaros.net , to clear the power steering box you need the right set of headers, and possibly the correct motor mounts. My engine is a 327, likely with the original mounts, which are different from the 350 engine stands which are better for PS box clearance. David Pozzi breaks it down (thanks!): http://www.pozziracing.com/Media/camaro_eng_mounts.jpg So, I ordered a set of Doug's D368 1 3/4" headers...yeah that size is probably too big for a 327, but if these headers work, then they'll be perfectly sized for a future engine build. And if I still need more room, I will acquire the 350 motor mounts and that should cure the problem. Photos of the Doug's soon! 3. Draining the oil, the first 12 ounces or so of fluid from my pan was WATER/COOLANT! Well, this one I guess I could see coming, because back when I built the top end of this engine in college, I was going for max compression and thought I could get away with a 0.015" SCE full copper gasket without the "steel rings". Nope, and an even worse idea with an undecked block and aluminum heads. But I'm turning this into a positive. Since the topend will be apart, I am pulling out the unknown flat tappet that is lame above 4800rpm, and going with a mild solid roller cam, likely the Comp XR274R. This sets my timeline back significantly, but at least I'll be able to give you my 1st timer solid roller install. Step 1 of cam swap, radiator out: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0604.jpg |
9/14/08 Update
Well, this weekend was a complete turnaround from last weekend...things actually went smoothly for a change! 1st, I installed my new front wheel studs into the ATS C5 hub. ARP 7708 2.5" studs from Summit, they are the correct knurl and thread, and really look like an upgrade over the stock studs: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0618.jpg To remove the studs, I went to Autozone and picked up a single wheel nut, threaded it down 95% of the way, and tapped lightly with a hammer...that's all it took! http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0620.jpg To install the new studs, I drove to my grandfather's place and used his 20t press. Next up, my new Doug's D368 headers! And they clear the power steering box! Man, these are quality pieces compared with my Dynomax headers. Doug's top, Dynomax bottom. http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0649.jpg For my mockup install, I had the car on jackstands front and rear, and the steering box was not in. I put the header in from the top. Then I covered the primaries with a rag, and could actually put the steering box in from the top and completely bolt it in. The clearance isn't enormous, but it could be enough since the motor torques to the other side and I am running solid body bushings. Here are some pictures of the clearance: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0660.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0663.jpg |
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0662.jpg
The clearance is actually a bit more everywhere than these photos show, it's just hard to get a photo that shows the true gap between them. Finding headers that fit is a true victory. :thankyou:I didn't try the passenger side header yet. Oh, and for the record, here is a photo of the driver's header and how far it hangs below the subframe: Roughly 1.5" http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0668.jpg |
Teaser wheel shots again!
Vintage Wheel Works V48 Front: 17x8 4.75" Backspacing, 1/4" spacer. 245/45/17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 Rear: 17x9.5 5.5" Backspacing. 275/40/17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 This was the car's first time on the ground so the suspension is far from settled. http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0630.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0626.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0644.jpg |
where is the center brake hose from?? i need one!
|
where is the center brake hose from?? i need one!
|
Quote:
|
thanx... bear dont think i need one for some odd reason!
|
I finally have an update!
As I mentioned in an earlier update, I had a head gasket leak. So I picked up a pair of Mr. Gasket head gaskets (Summit #MRG-1134) 0.028" thick. I also replaced the intake manifold gaskets with Felpro 1205 gaskets, which are a very close match to the intake ports of my Pro Topline 200cc heads. Within a weekend, I tore the engine down to the short block, replaced the head gaskets, and built it back up. After I debugged some electrical gremlins, the car had it's first startup in a year and a half!! Running straight headers (Only ran it for 30 seconds or so since I had no cooling system in). http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...h_Project1.jpg The car jumps to attention nearly instantly after I turn the key! I also took some glamour shots (I got the headlights working!) http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0722.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0715.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0739.jpg I took Mr. Pozzi's advice and am now running a second dedicated belt to the power steering pump. Here it 's during my mockup: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0724.jpg I'm getting so close to taking it for a spin! |
The past few weekends, I have been absolutely tormented by not having opportunities to work on my car. Finally though, my calendar was commitment-free, so I dove under the car.
I was able to cross off a couple more things off the list this weekend: 1. Install steering linkage I ordered Detroit Speed's steering linkage overhaul kit, which includes all of the components you need from the pitman arm to the outer tie rods (except the center link). The tie rod adjuster arms are pretty slick looking and solidly made: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0847.jpg I encountered two problems. Firstly, the #6 header pipe is touching the rubber boot of the idler arm. Untreated, it will probably melt, so I am going to wrap the tube with some header wrap to keep the heat transfer minimal. I will continue to monitor it, as body flex or engine torquing could do some damage. The second problem is that with the steering stop knobs on the Global West arms, I am only getting 1.5 turns lock to lock! I know the Lee box's 12.7:1 ratio is quick, but looking at the angle of the spindles at lock, I'm thinking I will need more. Can someone tell me if it is ok to simply grind down the knobs a bit? 2. Plumb my power steering setup & finalize belts The stainless braided hoses that I got from Unisteer are quality pieces, but I wouldn't have minded if they were made 2 inches longer. The hi pressure line is a -6 female on both sides, which was JUST long enough to be able to route cleanly to the banjo fitting on the pump. The return line though, I had to pull unacceptably tight to reach the reservoir. My solution? Earl's 921106 ($14 each?!?!) 90deg elbow fittings. http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0845.jpg And here are the hoses attached. Note that the return line is actually a -8 end, and Unisteer includes the -8 to -6 adapter: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0848.jpg It's amazing what a bit of braided line and some nice fittings can do to muscle-up an engine room :) |
Here's a (dust ridden) picture of my accessory drive system. Thanks again to Mr. Pozzi for "steering" me to run a dedicated belt to my pump.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0849.jpg 3. Misc I reinstalled the radiator, which went pretty smoothly. I also snugged up the bolt at the firewall that connects the gas pedal to the throttle linkage. I had noticed that my pedal travel was limited, and the carb linkage wasn't able to open the secondaries with the pedal to the floor. That oughta help the performance quite a bit :) Night shot I took for fun: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_0858.jpg Well, next weekend I will inch even closer to the project's completion, as I bleed the brakes and pray for a leak-free system. When that's finished, I do believe that Trackday will be ready for a shakedown run. Thanks for tuning in! |
It Lives!!!
Last weekend I took it up and down the driveway for its first spin!
Link to watch in High Quality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRePBGRZFLY Does it sound like its running on less than 8 cylinders to anybody else? I put in 8 new spark plugs but that didn't help. I'm going to change plug wires and see if that cures it. Otherwise, MSD for me. All I can report for now, is that the steering is lightning quick. I'm up against the steering stops on the control arms, and the turning radius isn't that great so I may have to grind them down a bit. 1.5 turns lock to lock. |
Sounds real good :thumbsup: :cheers:
|
Very cool! I'm having a good time watching this one come together! It will be on the road real soon!! :thumbsup:
|
Congrats on your first "driveway cruise"!
It's very hard to tell the health due to sound quality over the internet. Be sure to check your dist. cap/rotor and route the new plug wires as cleanly as possible and away from the header tubes. I wouldn't want them touching the tubes even with those high heat boot covers on them. If the new plug wires don't help, I'd suggest a compression check or better yet a leak down check before dropping the $$$ on MSD stuff that may not be the cure to your prob. |
Looks great! I'm also 23 years old, but I've had my 69 Camaro for 9 years now...I've unbolted every single bolt on the car, so a little more work than you, but I'm still on stock CA's/front suspension...at least I have the motor out of the way!!!
Keep the posts coming... |
Major Turn Of Events
Quote:
So it sounded like I was running on 7 cylinders. Thats because one of the spark plugs was submerged in antifreeze. And actually, I took my passenger header off and and 2 ounces of fluid dripped from the pipe. As this is my second try with mating the heads to the deck, I'm pretty sure the 40-year-old deck is bad. Meet my latest batch of oil that I found the day after Christmas: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_4777.jpg In my own sick, twisted way though, I was happy...an excuse to rip out the engine, rebuild it, and go with a solid roller cam and a bunch more compression. Besides, I have a 5 speed on my shelf! So today, I got my grandpa's "cherry picker" and went to town on pulling the 327/TH350. http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_4787.jpg The hard part is getting everything ready for the pull, it took 1/2 the day...yanking the engine only took 20 mins. http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_4797.jpg So, here they sit, torn apart on such short notice. But drastic times call for drastic measures: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...IMG_4804-1.jpg Please stay tuned, as I am making a decision very soon on whether to go with a solid roller 350, built by Rex Hutchinson Racing in Sacramento (using my heads/manifold), or overhaul my existing 327 with block work and a solid roller, built by a more pedestrian, local machine shop. Things just went to the next level. |
Well sorry for the news about the motor but it'll be fun upgrading. I dont know what I'd do honestly. I mean what is the cost difference in the two motors? You could always go cheap and do a basic build on the 327 and save cash for a diff motor later. Money saved now can turn into a MUCH nicer motor later without putting you in the hole now. Car will be plenty fun for a bit I'm sure with the nice suspension and brakes and a rebuilt 327 with heads/cam/intake.
Just my thoughts on it. |
Quote:
So I am doing it right, and going with the 350. I could always think of more exotic combos, but this engine is the perfect combination of affordable and badass. The engine should be done in February. I'm broke, but so pumped. |
There is always a silver lining right? Keep up the enthusiasm though, it'll pan out. I'm a younger fella too, but you have me by a few years. I got my car running this summer after a year and a half, only to have to pull the motor out due to a pesky leak, that turned out to be the freeze plug behind the camshaft popped out (Pontiac block). Yay, burnt oil an my new exhaust and coated headers, and a full oil bath for the rest of the chassis.
Oh well, it's part and parcel of hot-rodding! Happy New Year! Josh |
Somebody on the board has to have a motor that they can sell you. This is a great thread.
|
We dropped the engine off on Saturday.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...Camaro/rex.jpg I'm sure some of you locals have heard of Rex Hutchison Racing in Sacramento, CA. They have built a solid reputation over the years, firmly rooted in local level and national level racing. We have known the owner personally for 14 years, and treats us like we buy an engine every month. I still remember him from back in 1995 (I was 12), when my dad had a 454 built for our Eliminator. The shop tour they gave us was incredible, and probably the first time I understood the addiction to horsepower. However, when it came to building my engine, I started out a bit skeptical of my dad's recommendation to call Rex. I didn't like the idea of an engine build by a shop that I considered "old school." Aluminum heads, solid roller cam, high revs, pro touring...I didn't see my ideas meshing well with a shop that's been around since the stone ages. Long story short, my misconceptions were smushed when I spoke with Dan, who is arranging the details of my build as we speak. Not to mention Rex, who makes you feel like his grandkid within about 10 minutes. We got a shop tour again...the fully-ported LSX 454 with a sheetmetal intake quelled any fears I had about the shop stuck in the stone ages. The details are still pending, but so far this is the direction we are headed (with help from the great guys at www.camaros.net too): Engine Build 355ci 4 bolt, forged pistons, moly rings, brass plugs, etc 10:1 Pro Topline aluminum 200cc heads (off my 327), possibly port XR280R solid roller cam, 242 248 duration Victor Jr or RPM Air Gap Holley 750 DP 1 3/4" headers Summary of the rest of my Drivetrain: Aluminum Flywheel Centerforce clutch TKO 5 speed 3.73 Rear Should be good for 450 hp at 6500rpm, and peak torque around 4800 and rev like a monster |
the power is made in the heads and cam... you could propably bump the compression alittle and gain alittle.. but that sounds like a strong engine...
i would spend the cash and have it ballanced... it will last longer and run smoother.. but looking good |
Quote:
Thanks Deuce! The shortblock was pre-assembled actually, and is balanced. It's basically a top end build for these guys, but there will likely be some time involved in machining my heads. Back when I assembled the 327, a couple of the rocker arms wouldn't center over the valve stem, and the pushrod was already against the head. Rex said that have had some issues with Pro-Topline heads on this, and will clearance if necessary. They will also pressure test, and might port them a bit if they feel it's worth it. |
UPDATED 2/28/09
Today was the big day, when I picked up my newly built engine from Rex Hutchison. http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_4851.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_4852.jpg Final Specs: 355ci, 9.8:1 compression, balanced & blueprinted 200cc Pro Topline Aluminum heads, performance valve job, bowl blend, polished chambers Comp cams solid roller, XR274R 236int 242exh 0.564"int 0.570"exh Edelbrock 7501 air gap intake, port matched 1 3/4" Dougs headers To be purchased this month: Custom built Pro Systems carb The engine should be a beast, and will produce way more power than I am comfortable with. I'm sure this thing will scare me for a long time. I will install it once I piece together my transmission parts, so I can slide everything in at once. Probably mid April. Speaking of transmissions, here's what I discovered today when I was taking measurements of my craigslist-purchased TKO: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_4850.jpg It's supposed to be 4.85". When he sold it to me, the jackass failed to mention that he lathed 0.2" from the diameter to accomodate his bellhousing. Thus, I need to replace that piece, so I am trying to source it now. I hate liars...and I hate that I got worked. |
Updates?
|
Quote:
I haven't had much time to work on the car, so I don't have any progress pictures lately, but I do have this: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...o/IMG_4959.jpg I really geeked out when this thing arrived. What a top-o-the line piece, and should be close to perfect right from the box, as it's custom built. Yes, I mean business! :unibrow: |
Thats a realy nice project car! Nice moods! And what a killer stance!! Keep us posted on your progress please! :lateral:
|
Quote:
|
pro systems rocks, i have gotten two carbs from them both hp1000 and they have been spot on.
|
Quote:
It has a Holley HP 780 main body, center hung floats (looks like a quick fuel bowl), sight glass, wet flow calibrated. I'm not a carb guru, so I'm sure someone else could ramble on more. Tested to 791CFM |
Don't few bad guys I'm on third time around to be 21 again.:cool: :cool: :rofl:
|
Great project. It is very nice seeing someone as young as you that is interested in something other than a FWD economy car..lol
|
Agreed. I like knowing I'm not alone in a sea of civics, s2000s, evos, supras. Always good to see a young guy building a kickass old car. I'm excited to see how this turns out. Building my desire to work on my own for sure!
William |
great looking wheels also. I can't wait to see the whole thing together
|
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:43 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright Lateral-g.net