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-   -   1970 Camaro RS Operation Budget LSx (https://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24812)

syborg tt 06-20-2011 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970camaroRS (Post 354984)
Edelbrock headers, hard to find them anymore. There are better out there now.

such as - you've peaked me interest

70rs 06-20-2011 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camgen2 (Post 338938)
Hey man, what headers did you use. I'm doing your same setup in an '81 Camaro. I'm trying to choose headers with minimal issues.

Summit has a part number for a Dynatech LS swap header. Prices start about $400.00.

Nathan, thanks for the engine stand! The 327 is ready to drop in the boat now. Just have to pull the broken 283 thats in the way now.

It was good to see you and your family. Your little girl is growing so fast!
We need to BBQ again this summer.

syborg tt 06-20-2011 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs (Post 354992)
Summit has a part number for a Dynatech LS swap header. Prices start about $400.00.

Couldn't find them.

I did however find a long tube set for $500.00. Looks like it's going to have all the same problem as the other long tube headers. They just don't fit, they all hang way to low. It's not the manufacture of the headers fault it's just the nature of the car.

If you goal it to hide the headers & exhuast you can't do it with long tube headers. From the floor to the bottom of the frame rail is only 3 1/2" which means all you really have room for is the exhaust pipe. I am using a set of edelbrock shorty headers from a 2010 Camaro with only a minor modification on the passenger side. Some people believe that short tube headers work better on LS motor as the O2 sensor is closer and the computer can react much faster & better.

1970camaroRS 06-20-2011 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs (Post 354992)
Summit has a part number for a Dynatech LS swap header. Prices start about $400.00.

Nathan, thanks for the engine stand! The 327 is ready to drop in the boat now. Just have to pull the broken 283 thats in the way now.

It was good to see you and your family. Your little girl is growing so fast!
We need to BBQ again this summer.

We sure do! Hope that swap works out.

1970camaroRS 06-20-2011 11:38 PM

I have also been delayed by getting into professional photography, especially aviation photography. With this being flying season, I've been busy.

So here are some pictures.

Third Mallory pump that's died on me in nine years. Can you tell what I think?
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...s/LJ6Q3680.jpg

New Aeromotive pump. Sweetness. By the way, glass is sharp on the edges, who knew? (band-aide on my finger)
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...s/LJ6Q3740.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...s/LJ6Q3734.jpg

Took all of the bundles apart.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3667.jpg

Left front area is a mess!
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3668.jpg

Fixed a little wiring here...terrible condition.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3665.jpg

Required tools.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3663.jpg

Fuel routing.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3660.jpg

Serpentine belt alignment is good.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3671.jpg

Yanked the steering wheel...it's for sale here: http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showth...34#post2403034
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3674.jpg

And another shot of the engine bay
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3658.jpg

And the trunk.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...o/LJ6Q3676.jpg

syborg tt 06-21-2011 08:20 AM

WOW - Nathan your pictures are incredible.

70rs 06-21-2011 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syborg tt (Post 355111)
WOW - Nathan your pictures are incredible.

X2! Nice work man!

Marty, PM sent.

The part # listed at summit for 70/81 camaro LSx swap headers is #715-29410-Dynatech.
Retail prices start at $399.99.

Sorry for the hijack Nathan.....on with the show.

1970camaroRS 06-21-2011 10:15 AM

No worries, point of the thread is to answer questions for people that are hopefully on a similar quest. (and budget)

1970camaroRS 06-21-2011 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syborg tt (Post 355111)
WOW - Nathan your pictures are incredible.

Thanks. You can tell the one I produced and took my time on, the Aeromotive pump picture. The other images are just snapshots basically.

1970camaroRS 06-23-2011 10:49 AM

So, I pulled my origional steering wheel in preperation to install a Grant wheel and to give me room to work under the dash. Last night, I went into the garage in my socks and underwear (yeah, I know...not a good mental picture) in search of some packing tape. I ended up spending about two hours installing the wheel, making sure the horn worked and centering it as best I can. Now, it's in my way to do the under-dash wiring. What was I thinking? Oh well, one more thing on the list done. Picture to come later.

70rs 06-23-2011 02:15 PM

The picture WITHOUT you in your socks and underwear please?:D

1970camaroRS 06-23-2011 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs (Post 355720)
The picture WITHOUT you in your socks and underwear please?:D

Without my socks and underwear? Why Eric, I never knew!

1970camaroRS 06-23-2011 04:38 PM

Who wants to see my dead Mallory-piece-of crap-doesn't-work-and-kept-failing fuel pump dying in a blaze of fire?

mexMan 06-23-2011 04:48 PM

That depends, how many votes do you need?

70rs 06-23-2011 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970camaroRS (Post 355761)
Without my socks and underwear? Why Eric, I never knew!

Lol! You know now!
Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970camaroRS (Post 355765)
Who wants to see my dead Mallory-piece-of crap-doesn't-work-and-kept-failing fuel pump dying in a blaze of fire?

I do I do I do!

1970camaroRS 06-23-2011 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexMan (Post 355769)
That depends, how many votes do you need?

Just one. Stay tuned for an epic post this weekend.

70rs 06-23-2011 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970camaroRS (Post 355820)
Just one. Stay tuned for an epic post this weekend.

A little quality time tossing hot brass?:unibrow:

1970camaroRS 06-24-2011 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs (Post 355848)
A little quality time tossing hot brass?:unibrow:

Don't have anything that slings lead at the moment, or that would happen. My plan for now will be good enough, I think.

70rs 06-24-2011 09:19 AM

Patiently waiting for some carnage..........:D

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 03:21 AM

Installed the new fuel pump today. Wired it up and it works. Looks good too and fits better than the last pump. Odd thing is I found two extra holes under the old pump bracket that were exactly the correct spacing for the new pump. Don't even remember drilling those.

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3964.jpg

Bad news: I have fuel leaks, mostly on the crappy fuel log I'm having 2nd thoughts about.

Leaks here:
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3972.jpg

Here:
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3973.jpg

Here:
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3974.jpg

And Here:
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3975.jpg

Also this fitting leaks...
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3969.jpg

Also wired the fuel pressure guage and it won't work. Suspect the sending unit is dead.

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 03:36 AM

Did an autopsy of the crappy Mallory pump (3rd one I've had go bad on me). The official result: Sat too long with moisture in the pump. Electric motor wasn't sealed well enough. Pump siezed, motor fried, primary power wire melted.

Here's the pump in question. Dead on the examining table.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3742.jpg

First I will remove the pump cover. Warning, this will void the warrenty...
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3744.jpg

Evidence of galling and heat build-up.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3746.jpg

Ah-ha, rusty and frozen.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3750.jpg

Now, I will take the top cover off and look at the motor.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3753.jpg

Rusty, grungy, a little bit on the toasty/fried side of things.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3755.jpg

This little guy has melted and burned almost all the way through.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3761.jpg

Motor windings are also rusty and grungy.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3759.jpg

A collection of some substance in the base of the electric motor. It and the pump and siezed so badly that I couldn't seperate them with a hammer.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3763.jpg

So, first two dead pumps were because they suck. This one is mostly my fault, but really...it should have survived a few years without use. Oh well, the Aeromotive pump is light years better.

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 03:37 AM

Now, for what everyone has been waiting for. A cremation of this abomination.

This was fun to do by the way...

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3770.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3772.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3786.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3804.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3838.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3847.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3869.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3881.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3792.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3908.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3924.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3959.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3955.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3921.jpg

Stupid fuel pump...

65_LS1_T56 06-25-2011 04:16 AM

Fire, Fire!
 
You should consider professional photography! Those are awesome pics:thumbsup:

Stupid fuel pump....

Leadfoot1 06-25-2011 07:06 AM

About your leaks. I noticed you seem to be using a mix of standard hardware store copper fittings and AN parts with the log (where you seem to be having have all your problems). I'm not sure, but arent the copper parts a 45 degree taper vs the AN stuff being 37? Would that not be a possibility that incompatibility would lead to leaks?

Just a tought, and i'm with '65 on the pics, Weeeery nice, even showed 'em to the wife to be!

Lead.

Just found this ; (Last phrase at bottom if you wanna save 4 minutes lol!!)

The AN thread is a particular type of fitting used to connect flexible hoses and rigid metal tubing that carry fluid. It is a US military-derived specification that dates back to World War Two and stems from a joint standard agreed upon by the Army and Navy, hence AN. When the Air Force became its own service in 1947 the AN designation came to reprisent Air Force and Navy. Some aftermarket automotive fitting manufacturers sometimes still mistakenly referred to it as "Army-Navy".

AN sizes range from -2 (dash two) to -32 in irregular steps, with each step equating to the OD (outside diameter) of the tubing in 1/16" increments. Therefore, a -8 AN size would be equal to 1/2" OD tube (8 x 1/16 = 1/2). However, this system does not specify the ID (inside diameter) of the tubing because the tube wall can vary in thickness. Each AN size also uses its own standard thread size.

AN fittings are a flare fitting, using 37° flared tubing to form a metal-metal seal. They are similar to other 37° flared fittings, such as JIC, which is their industrial variant. The two are interchangeable in theory, though this is typically not recommended due to the exacting specifications and demands of the aerospace industry. The differences between them relate to thread class and shape (how tight a fit the threads are), and the metals used.

Note that 37° AN and 45° SAE fittings and tooling are not interchangeable due to the different flaring angles. Mixing them can cause leakage at the flare.

mexMan 06-25-2011 08:36 AM

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...p/LJ6Q3924.jpg
Who likes my new wallpaper?

70rs 06-25-2011 12:04 PM

Nathan,
Nice work on the pump!
But those pictures......HOLY SH!* MAN! REALLY NICE SHOTS!!!

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leadfoot1 (Post 356035)
About your leaks. I noticed you seem to be using a mix of standard hardware store copper fittings and AN parts with the log (where you seem to be having have all your problems). I'm not sure, but arent the copper parts a 45 degree taper vs the AN stuff being 37? Would that not be a possibility that incompatibility would lead to leaks?

Just a tought, and i'm with '65 on the pics, Weeeery nice, even showed 'em to the wife to be!

Lead.

Just found this ; (Last phrase at bottom if you wanna save 4 minutes lol!!)

The AN thread is a particular type of fitting used to connect flexible hoses and rigid metal tubing that carry fluid. It is a US military-derived specification that dates back to World War Two and stems from a joint standard agreed upon by the Army and Navy, hence AN. When the Air Force became its own service in 1947 the AN designation came to reprisent Air Force and Navy. Some aftermarket automotive fitting manufacturers sometimes still mistakenly referred to it as "Army-Navy".

AN sizes range from -2 (dash two) to -32 in irregular steps, with each step equating to the OD (outside diameter) of the tubing in 1/16" increments. Therefore, a -8 AN size would be equal to 1/2" OD tube (8 x 1/16 = 1/2). However, this system does not specify the ID (inside diameter) of the tubing because the tube wall can vary in thickness. Each AN size also uses its own standard thread size.

AN fittings are a flare fitting, using 37° flared tubing to form a metal-metal seal. They are similar to other 37° flared fittings, such as JIC, which is their industrial variant. The two are interchangeable in theory, though this is typically not recommended due to the exacting specifications and demands of the aerospace industry. The differences between them relate to thread class and shape (how tight a fit the threads are), and the metals used.

Note that 37° AN and 45° SAE fittings and tooling are not interchangeable due to the different flaring angles. Mixing them can cause leakage at the flare.

That log is built by All-Star Performance, a budget circle track parts manufacturer. I suspect it comes from China and was wondering where the corners night have been cut. The brass fittings are one...but I suspect NONE of the NPT fittings have thread sealer on them. The fuel pump fittings still had some, but I only got lucky on one of the fittings. I will have to re-do those as well as completely take that fuel log apart and re-seal it.

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65_LS1_T56 (Post 356025)
You should consider professional photography! Those are awesome pics:thumbsup:

Stupid fuel pump....

As a matter of fact....that is what I do on the side. Here's a GTO I shot earlier this year:

http://s1046.photobucket.com/albums/...y/Jaime%20GTO/

I also do portraits, but mostly trying to get work from airplane magazines.

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs (Post 356086)
Nathan,
Nice work on the pump!
But those pictures......HOLY SH!* MAN! REALLY NICE SHOTS!!!

Want to know the secret? Rubber cement. It burns really good and long. Then fuel it with lighters fluid for additional flamage!

Vegas69 06-25-2011 02:53 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like you are using a 90gph, 5 micron filter, on a pump that flows 140gph and needs a minimum of a 40 micron pre-filter. It also looks like it's in a spot that gets wet on a regular basis.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Fram-Autolite/...45053/10002/-1
If this is indeed the filter you are using, your new pump will suffer the same fate.

70rs 06-25-2011 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970camaroRS (Post 356112)
Want to know the secret? Rubber cement. It burns really good and long. Then fuel it with lighters fluid for additional flamage!

The details in those flame shots is really cool!

I snapped a few airplane shots in arlington last week. By thr Glassair shop. Cool little "kit planes". My ex father in law has a pilon racer he used to take me up in. I think he wanted to see how fast he could make me lose my lunch.

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas69 (Post 356118)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like you are using a 90gph, 5 micron filter, on a pump that flows 140gph and needs a minimum of a 40 micron pre-filter. It also looks like it's in a spot that gets wet on a regular basis.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Fram-Autolite/...45053/10002/-1
If this is indeed the filter you are using, your new pump will suffer the same fate.

Yes, that filter will be replaced soon.

1970camaroRS 06-25-2011 10:51 PM

All done for the night. Too tired to move forward.

Fixed all of the leaks. Two of the fittings in the fuel log were finger tight, so that had a lot to do with it. Tefloned all of the NPT fittings and that was that.

Got the electric fuel pressure guage working. I will get pictures of that later. Found that the sendor wasn't getting ground through the fuel fitting it was in. Made a ground strap, grabbed a couple of washers and sandwhiched the terminal end between the fitting and the sendor. Viola, pressure guage works. Only 4psi at the moment, but I will adjust that later.

Disconnected the fuel pump relay ground and started wiring in a on/off toggle switch. (12v switched plus toggled ground). This also allowed me to work on the electrical system without the pump running.

Wired in another relay and breaker for the ignition. Verified there was 12v going to the coil packs. Figured, "hey...there's enough fuel still in the fuel bowls to fire this thing off...". Cranked it over and....nothing. Pulled a plug wire and no spark. Must not be getting a signal from one of the sensors. I will have to figure that out later next week. I have a usb to serial adaptor coming in the mail and I will use the MSD software to see what's happening. No work tommorrow, the McGrew family heads to the Zoo for the day!

1970camaroRS 07-14-2011 11:03 PM

CAR GOES VROOOM!

Got to thinking about the 12v switched source I was using to power my ignition and fuel pump relays. Could I have picked a source that went to 0 volts while cranking? Hooked up the old volt meter and cranked...sure enough, from 12v to 0 while cranking! Ok, new 12v source needed. Stole the one I was using for my electric fan...same issue. Not a problem for the fan though. Actually want that to quit running while cranking.

So, new approach. Wired 12 volts directly to the ignition and fuel pump relays and made the grounds switched. Well, I planned to make the fuel pump switched earlier, so what's one more toggle switch in my console going to hurt? So, I made up a temp wire to run around into the cabin to ground the ignition relay. Grounded the fuel pump relay long enough to run the pump and fill the fuel bowls. Held the ignition relay ground to a screw in the cabin..pumped the gas and cranked.

Sputter...sputter...sputter.

Ok! Now we're getting somewhere. More fuel. Sputter. More fuel.

VROOOOOM.

I immediately let go of the ground to the ignition and the engine stopped. All is well in my world tonight.

70rs 07-15-2011 08:46 AM

Thats awesome Nathan! I know it has been a long time since you've been able to fire off any engine in your camaro. Very cool!:cheers:

1970camaroRS 07-15-2011 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs (Post 359833)
Thats awesome Nathan! I know it has been a long time since you've been able to fire off any engine in your camaro. Very cool!:cheers:

3 years by my count since the last ill-fated start-up of my supercharged 454. Has been 4 years since it has moved under it's own power. Hopefully I will change that on Sunday.

Roughly 2 going on 3 years since I started this project.

I got married, my daughter was born and had her first birthday, added 2nd dog to the clan, moved twice, changed jobs twice all since the last time it ran. Don't even want to get into the list of things that have happened since I last legally drove the car. It was my daily driver at one time.

Oh, ok, maybe I will. It's been 6 years since it has been registered for the road. I was in CA when the procharged 355 let go. Trailered it to my apt in Issaquah, WA after school was done. Towed it to my apt in Everett when I got a new job. Sent it to my buddy's house in Granite Falls and put the BBC in while it was in his garage. Got laid-off. He had it towed to my future father-in-laws house. Sat outside on a trailer where I got it to run as seen here: http://www.myspace.com/video/bigtuff...ts-up/48253963

There it sat for the next year until I found the milky oil. Two apartments later, I rented a house with a garage and had it towed over. This August is 2 years since we've been in the house. Boy how time flies.

1970camaroRS 07-16-2011 12:35 AM

Wired up the switches for the fuel pump and ignition relays. They work. I know, it surprises even me. Also hooked up the tach signal wire, water temp guage, and the guage lights. Pre-ran the switch wire and installed the switch for the nitrous system.

Odd thing happened. Tried firing it up, pumped gas just like last night. Sputter, sputter...WHOOOOOSH big 6 foot high fireball! That got me out of the car and shaking a bit. Looked everything over and things checked out ok. Gave the car a minute, tried again and it fired up the second I hit the key. Ran it up to 3,000-4,000rpm for about 20 seconds. Damn thing runs well! Let it idle before I shut it off and it was at 1,400rpm. Made sure to adjust the idle screw a bit before I went about the next task.

BTW, this was at 11pm and I shouted into the night, "Sorry! I'M ALL DONE FOR TONIGHT, GOING TO BED! WOOOOHOOOO!" Sure my neighbors enjoyed the open headers for 30 seconds. They will LOVE them on Sunday when I go up and down the block...

To do for street trials:
1. Install steering wheel (removed it due to poor horn wire install job by me and for access to under dash wiring)
2. Reinstall or secure speedo cable
3. Get car off jackstands
4. Clean out car of the tons of crap in, on and around it
5. Fire and idle for leak check, cooling system bleed/function test
6. Find out why electric fuel pressure guage now reads 15psi when turned on, even with pump off... (likely will be replaced with a mechanical under-hood guage)

Then it's off for mufflers and save some money for a hood and registration. Oh and I need to call Hagerty.

1970camaroRS 07-18-2011 10:36 PM

Fixed the leak at the fuel pump, attached the speedo cable and routed it away from the headers (already previously melted by them), cleaned up some wiring in the engine bay and installed the steering wheel. Then I dropped it onto it's tires for the first time in almost 2 years! Looks so stange sitting so low in the garage now!

Cranked it and it fired easily. Settled into a very high idle. I pumped the brakes a few times and the pedle firmed up. Put it in reverse and let out the brake...barely moved, thanks 3,000 rpm stall converter! Goosed the gas and out into the driveway I went. No more pushing this thing around! Next door neighbor who I hadn't met before came to his door with his daughter to watch.

I jumped out and adjusted the carb, 15 inches of vaccuum at 850rpm idle. Checked for leaks, none could be found anywhere. No coolant, no oil, no fuel, no trans fluid, no power steering fluid (oh wait, no power steering!). That's a first for my car!

Now, on to the bad part. No coolant flow at all. I made sure to fill the block since the LSx design has the thermostat on the suction side. Temp went up to 220+ and no coolant flow at all! Shut it down and went inside to eat a grumpy meal (or a meal grumpily). Came back out and fired it up again, backed out of the driveway and went 50 yards to the end of the street, turned around and goosed the thorttle. Not enough to leave marks (ain't gonna happen in this neighborhood), but enough for my other neighbor to give me a thumbs up. He's working on a GTO, so I'm pretty sure it was a thumbs up....Oh, and the car hits hard when you tell it to.

My other neighbor heard the noise and came over to congratulate me. He help me machine the alternator adaptor earlier.

So, now I wait for a new thermostat to arrive and the fuel pressure guage to arrive as well...hope those are the only gremlins I run into.

Couple of pictures.
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._5223534_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._3744845_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._2158532_n.jpg

Video will be provided once I fix the cooling issue and my wife is actually home to supervise me...I mean use the camera while I drive. Once the car cools reliably...off to the muffler shop I go!

waynieZ 07-18-2011 10:40 PM

Congratulation's great progress!

cencalc6 07-19-2011 05:22 AM

Congrats on your car :cheers:


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