Thanks! I'm happy with the result. :thumbsup:

What engine controller did you go with?

The GM Performance Parts kit.

Leaning that direction myself. Assume you need to get it tuned for the cam?

Yes, the tune is to ensure I get the most out of the cam change.

Sorry no pictures or videos, but I took Yelcamino for it's first test drive yesterday! I was impressed. It drove good, sounded good, it even felt like it had some power! However, a few things need to be addressed...

1. As I came to a stop, the engine would idle down almost sounding like it was going to stall, but then it would catch itself and the idle would increase.
2. The exhaust would cackle and pop on deceleration (my '08 Vette did the same thing and I was told that just something LS engines do).
3. I need to bleed the brakes again.

I assume tuning will cure 1 and 2.

Overall it was a good first test drive! :dance:

The more you free the exhaust up... the more it pops.

The larger the injector you go... the louder it pops.

I have 95 lb / hr injectors on my blown C6 - and it sounds like a gun goes off.

-Craig

Nice to know!

I had it dyno tuned last Thursday and some adjustments were made so the popping on decel isn't as bad but it's still there. I can live with it.

Loaded up and heading to Mike Norris Motorsports...

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pspvnh9int.jpg

Here she is all tied down and ready to go. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was looking forward to getting it tuned up!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psdakiq0vt.jpg



I'm happy with the results to say the least! 454 hp and 412 ft/lb at the wheels for a stock LS3 with a cam and headers is pretty good in my book!

It’s been a while since I updated my thread so here goes…

I downsized the sound system (no subs and only one amp) and started to mock up the rear speakers and four-channel amp. Once the interior is done, I’ll install it to stay.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psetll91ha.jpg

Thanks to help from my friend Josh, I was able to put together a custom splined front bar. It’s stiffer than the old bent bar and provides a lot more room for the wider front tires.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psa1q3mofe.jpg

Speaking of tires, the Bridgestone RE11 tires are certainly sticky!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps9x44o5qc.jpg

Not really performance oriented, but I added a bed cover the other day. I’m not a big fan of these things, but it does help keep the rain off the luggage.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pskewgumfe.jpg

Following the dyno tune, I’ve been trying to get some miles on the engine prior to my first event – Motor State Challenge 2016. Not having been on track in some time, I was pretty rusty to say the least. Thanks to the updated suspension and sticky tires, Yelcamino felt great on track! Officially I had the slowest lap times at Gingerman, but I’m sure with a more skilled driver, Yelcamino could put down respectable numbers.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psjot5uxbh.jpg

Nice work, Herb. Glad to see you put down those numbers. I'm hoping for similar numbers with my engine. It's fun to drive without getting crazy that much power isn't it? Enjoy it while the weather is good!

Thanks Trey! It has plenty of power for a cruiser that will occasionally see a track or autox.

looks and sounds great! :thumbsup:

Thanks!

Nothing new to report other than getting some seat time in the El. A couple of weeks ago I did a SCCA autocross and last weekend the LS Fest. Here are a couple of shots my wife got of me on course at the NCM...

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pstugsquae.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psvffi8kly.jpg

Since last August I've been pretty busy with going to school full time, but in between classes I made time to replace the TKO600 with a T56 Magnum from Bowler.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psvaeaeyjy.jpg

Obviously I started with the removal of the TKO600.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pswuzsldig.jpg

Next I installed the LS7 flywheel and block protector. Since I wanted to check the bellhousing alignment and I couldn't get the dial indicator's base to sit securely on the flywheel bolts, I cut a 1/4” thick plate for it to attach to. Not only did the base sit flat and secure, it also made the center post stick further through the hole in the trans plate making it a little easier to attach the dial indicator.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psjfdlxied.jpg

Following that I installed the Quicktime bellhousing and the front plate from the T56. First I checked to make sure the bell was parallel to the block (it was)…

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psemi2vpqx.jpg

Then I checked concentricity and came up with a total runout of .007”.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psysccxzjm.jpg

Let me back up a bit. Prior to the Quicktime bellhousing, I had originally bought a stock aluminum bellhousing but ran into an issue with the starter not fitting. After doing a little research, it turns out this is common depending on which version of starter and bellhousing you use. At first I did a little grinding on the starter nose to make it fit.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psy6ahd1bg.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pstppu3diy.jpg

Here you can see where the starter nose hit the aluminum bell (marked with copper color).

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps8pbrtrf1.jpg

I could have ground on the bell to make room, but I acquired a $250 gift certificate to Bowler, so I exchanged the aluminum bell for the Quicktime thinking I wouldn’t have any fitment issues.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psukorogel.jpg

Turns out I had the same issue with the Quicktime, so out came the grinder!
In this pic, you see on the left before I clearanced the block protector and on the right after.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pszxplsy2f.jpg

And here’s the bell before and after grinding…

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psilhikko3.jpg

With the bellhousing aligned, I installed the LS7 clutch assembly and reinstalled the bellhousing for the final time.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps88oa9aza.jpg

With that done, I installed the TO bearing, measured for the air gap, and adjusted it.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psuyru2gzt.jpg

Before I put the T56 in, I installed the new Tilton clutch MC and mounting kit I got from Bowler. It’s model specific to the early A-bodies and it fit very good. Because I have a hydroboost, the MC needed to be mounted on its side so the fittings didn’t run into the hydroboost body. The mounting bracket from Bowler has mounting holes so the MC can be upright or on its side without ruining the geometry between it and the clutch pedal. On this version of the MC, there are two outlet ports to choose from, one on top and the other at the end of the MC body. I used the one at the end.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps3ya9zhzm.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psovacpr5e.jpg

There’s also this little adapter the bolts to the clutch pedal so the linkage rod pushes into the MC at the correct angle. Overall, this is a nice kit and I’ll be sure to install one of these on the Chevelle when I get back to it.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psmopyrh3b.jpg

The next big step was getting the T56 installed. Other than having to massage the passenger side of the trans tunnel and trimming two little casting tabs off the side of the trans body, it fit in my custom trans tunnel like a charm!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pssflbdm6e.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pshmsnkfpy.jpg

Because the T56 is longer than the TKO and the trans mount is further back, I had to relocate the crossmember, which also necessitated modifying the exhaust. To relocate the crossmember, I cut the original mounting tabs off the frame to make room for these new tabs I made.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psacrlu4dc.jpg

In this final shot, you can see the new tabs on the frame and the modified exaust (the X needed to be moved back to the clear the crossmember in its new location).

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps5dlnruag.jpg

I still have to connect the three trans sensors, build a small console, and get the interior finished. Once I get those things knocked out, I think I'll be ready for the 2017 season.

Great write up. Couple questions, which aluminum BellHousing did you use first ?? Also, was the TKO 600 NG ??? Thank you.

Thanks. I don't know the part number but it was the OE GM bellhousing for LS1-LS7 engines.

The TKO was fine, no issues.

Thanks. I will be installing my TKO 600 and I'm using the 621 LS aluminum Bell Housing, that's why I asked. Thx again.

Nice job showing the install there.

Always dug your El Camino! :thumbsup:

Thanks for sharing Herb! Did I read correctly on one of your post that you were planning to do an aluminum big block in the Chevelle? If so, what block are you using? Thanks

I really enjoy My T56 and LS7 combo!

Yeah, Herb! How's that aluminum BB going? I remember helping put it on the engine stand but...... :lol: :cheers:

Thanks!

You're welcome!

Yes, I have an aluminum 509" short block. Once I finish disassembling the 454 that's in the Chevelle, I'll have a set of AFR heads for the new engine. Induction is still in the air, but I'm leaning toward Holley's HP EFI. The block is a Brodix.

It's still on the stand where you last saw it! If I stop coming up with other projects such as... kitchen remodel :G-Dub: LS swap :headspin: concrete slabs :bang: T56 install :hairpullout: I might actually get the Chevelle back on the road one day!

Over the last few days I built a console. It's far from a professional level but I think it turned out ok.

I started with a sheet of 18 gauge mild steel and after a few templates, cut, fit, trim, fit, trim some more, I eventually ended up with this:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps4mvfbiji.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psogxa9azr.jpg

I still need to cut holes for a pair of cup holders build the mounts to hold it in place.


Cup holders and cel phone slot in place...

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psec1zmiwr.jpg

I know you guys have been dying for updates on Yelcamino, so here they are!

I've had an open car trailer for a while and though it gets the job done, I‘ve always wanted an enclosed car trailer, but a nice one is pretty pricey so I haven’t bothered. A few weeks ago I found a used one with all the bells and whistles for a decent price and I had a buyer for my open trailer, so I jumped on it. It’s a 2012 model, it has AC, roll out awning, ceiling vents, a Warn winch, and a finished interior.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psfzowrgeg.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psyltuwckc.jpg

April 1st rolls around and Yelcamino is loaded in the new trailer ready to go to Putnam Park for some road course time with the 10/10ths group. My first session out the car was feeling good, the track was fun, and I was getting familiar with the track…

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psc1cl3sth.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pszkziq98d.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps7ffx7qjk.jpg

Fast forward to my second session… The first four or five laps were a repeat of the first session, then coming down the front straight around 110 mph, there was a huge “boom” that was loud enough for my wife to hear it from where she was standing taking pictures! Following the boom was the tell tale sign of a drive shaft coming apart. This wasn’t how I wanted to end my track day, but it wasn’t the worst thing that could happen, or so I thought.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psekrguuca.jpg

Fortunately, my new trailer came equipped with a nice Warn winch so getting Yelcamino loaded wasn’t too big of an issue. After I got it home and up on the lift, I expected to see a blown u-joint, but instead I was greeted with this:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pssnygws3v.jpg

If you’re not sure what that is, it’s the passenger side of the block where the starter used to mount but now the starter is laying on the header with pieces of the block still attached to it. This explains why when I turned the key, I could hear the starter spin, but it wasn’t engaging the flywheel. My first thought was the clutch and/or flywheel exploded, but after seeing the starter laying there, I realized why the starter wasn’t engaging the flywheel.

Looking at the drive shaft revealed the culprit was one of those little 15 cent spiral locks that hold the u-joint cap in place.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psqsjiw3cx.jpg

I don’t know if the spiral lock failed or just came out of the groove, but when it did, it must have rocked the transmission pretty hard. Hard enough that the side of the block broke off or maybe the Quicktime bell housing hit the nose of the starter with enough force to break it off the side of the block!!!

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psqcixbuuc.jpg

Looking at this picture, the casting appears to be pretty thin. But how many millions of these blocks are in service on and off the track? At this point, what actually happened is anyone’s guess.

I spent the last week being pissed off, but now it’s time to get up, dust myself off, and get this thing fixed!

With my attitude fixed, I got on the phone with the Driveshaft Shop and ordered a dual CV joint shaft. After they shipped a rear CV flange for the Currie 9”, I reinstalled the T56 and measured for the new shaft. No more spiral locks for me! Step one done.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps0slccrtz.jpg

So now that you are up to date, my next issue is what to do with the engine. Obviously I need a new block. Checking with Summit, a new LS3 block, part # 12623967, is a little over $1500. However, since I have to tear the engine down, I can’t help but think of what I can do to make it better. I happen to have a virgin 6.0L block sitting in my shop so I was thinking I could get an all forged stroker kit for a little more money than a new LS3 block, have some machine work done on the 6.0L block, bolt all the LS3 components on and have a stout 408 cid LS! You know, the silver lining and all that!

My concern is, will all the LS3 components fit on the 6.0L block? Maybe you LS experts can chime in? Does this sound like a good plan?

Don't take this the wrong way...but I hate you

That's an awesome trailer...

The inside of that trailer is killer. Nice!!

lol, thanks!

Thanks!

Wow, that's a real bummer about the engine :( We hope you can get a new one sorted out and back in action before too long!

Thanks! I've already got the replacement under way so I'll be :drive: soon!

Badass trailer. That still had to be pricey!!!

Sorry to hear about the failure. I've seen several LS starter mount failers on the net. Yours seems different. I wonder truly what was the root cause though. Hopefully it was the spiral lock as you seem to think.

Best of luck.

The trailer wasn't too bad considering how much a new one is plus upgrades.

Up until the moment it happened, everything was working great. There was about 3000 miles on the combo. One thing that may have helped contribute was I had a rubber trans mount and urethane engine mounts. Again, just guessing, but maybe when the clip came out under load, the trans was able to move enough that the starter mount was the weakest thing so it gave.

Thanks!

Herb, did the driveshaft come all the way out of the car? This is puzzling...
Nice trailer however, for what it's worth.

No the driveshaft didn't come out of the car. When the clip came out, it allowed the driveshaft to flop around on the u-joint while I was going down the front straight over 100 mph - and it did a lot of flopping! I assumed I broke the driveshaft but when I looked under the car, everything looked normal. It wasn't until I got it on the lift that I discovered the missing u-joint clip and the engine damage.

Speaking of damage, just to be safe I brought the T56 to Bowler to have them check it out and they found a broken shift rail guide.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...pskvw1c3rk.jpg

Bowler is fixing the trans, I ordered a dual CV joint shaft from the Driveshaft Shop, and I got a 408" shortblock in the works. :G-Dub:

Wow Herb... You broke a LOT of stuff...just crazy the damage a 15 cent part failure can cause...

Yeah, tell me about it! :bang:

No major updates, just got the new dual CV shaft yesterday. :ups:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...psfykgkhvx.jpg