68 Chevelle LQ4 W/4L80E Build
 

Well, here it goes...

Im mostly a euro car guy (92 Mercedes SL300-24 Brabus, 98 BMW 750 and a 83 BMW 633) but had a 76 vette that i used to drive from time to time before i sold it and i wanted to get my hands on a chevelle, camaro or a nova. Spent months on ebay looking for a project and got this, 68 Chevelle. Its perfect candidate for an LS swap. Got it for 1k and another 1800 shipping it to my part of the world and here she is

Ebay Auction pics

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9931/10331201.jpg
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2125/38414495.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...1103125231.jpg

30 days later, arriving at 3am and seeing it for the first time
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/5836/75426706.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/65/dsc00034.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...dsc00039mu.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...dsc00037zq.jpg


Lifted it up and thankfully its a clean frame with a bad floor panel
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3087/dsc00057x.jpg

Ordered P-S-T body mounts and new hardware and while i wait, separated the body and sent the frame to the sandblaster
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5921/dsc00078us.jpg

A quick grind to the frame to see what im dealing with
http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/2487/dsc00079pz.jpg

The resting place of the body till i locate fenders, rad support, hood and other bits and pieces and ship them out to my part of the world
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/5470/dsc00081v.jpg

Fast forward a couple of months, i gathered parts and shipped them. Frame got sand blasted and blistein shocks installed that i picked up cheap off ebay
Before and after:
http://imageshack.com/a/img834/8213/i3co.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img13/4489/e2kj.jpg

After that, i installed the full UMI package which included front and rear sway bar, upper and lower control arms, frame braces and Polyurethrane differential bushing. Not bad for a first timer working on muscle cars and finishing in 5 hours.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...0/440/ecsb.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/12/gmdv.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/15/p45e.jpg

Im also going to install the front end rebuild kit from P-S-T along with the body mounts. In the mean time, i have managed to get my hands on a donor truck. LQ4 with 4L80E. The plan is L92 or LS3 heads and Holley Hi-ram along with autokraft oil pan and dirty dingo motor mounts.

The block in question
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/21/67ru.jpg

The donor truck
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...0/801/mnm2.jpg

Fast forward a couple of more months:
Good news and bad news

Bad news: the shop where the car is getting the work done hasn't been paying salaries for the past 4 months so all work has halted to a screeching stop and I need to start hunting for a competent shop that knows what they are doing.

Good news: I started paying the body guy on the side to get some tasks done so I got him to install the AMD front floor panels, patched the rear floor panels and installed a dynacorn front lower cowl panel so officially the car is major rust free!

Now, im lost what my next plan of attack should be?

Option 1: Paint the bottom of the car, spray primer on the body and interior quickly to avoid any more rust and install dynamat on the interior and install a Auto American Wire update kit (basically get the car ready body wise until final paint)

Option 2: Mate the frame to the body and start installing the LQ4 and 4L80E, install the fuel tank and plumbing and all that's required to get the car running (get the car turn key ready but the body is still bare)

Or what you have done or will you do if you were in my shoes?

Also, mounts should i get? im guessing tall and narrow?
http://imageshack.com/a/img33/8383/fdl0.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img30/2868/ucv1.jpg

This one is the correct one?
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...sp?prod=3.1117

also, for tranny crossmember, since my car didnt come with one, im thinking of going with this one
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...elle/year/1968

The garage where the car was being worked on, hadn't paid the salaries in 4 months and was closed by the Labor Court. I had already agreed with a new shop that when my salary comes, ill tow the frame and the body and they can start from where they left off. I come to find this paper stuck on the door of the garage while my BMW E24, Chevelle frame and parts and the Mercedes R129 Pano roof where still inside totaling over $22,000!!.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...0/837/7ucf.jpg

I call the manager and he simply says deal with it, the owner of the garage is ditching my calls, emails, messages and even a visit to his office was useless. I had to go to court and open a case for them to open the doors so i can get my stuff but the case is still pending. I was passing by the garage one day and noticed the back employee door was open. I walked in to find 2 workers practically living in the garage, I paid them 30 bucks each to flip the frame on its side and slide it out of a regular sized door! along with my pano roof and all the chevelle parts but the E24 is still locked in.

Called a crane to take the body for sandblasting then primer

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img840/4663/c78f.jpg

Primed up, there was a small holes in the center of the trunk and at the rear quarters...no biggie but surprisingly no major rust!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img829/7678/n4tw.jpg

Donor truck having the LQ4 and 4L80E taken out then selling the truck for scrap

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img837/7170/0i1r.jpg

Stay tuned for more updates!

Welcome to the site. Nice project and plan you have going on. Are there many American muscle cars over in the UAE? Good luck getting your BMW back.

Thanks! there are here and there but you rarely see resto/mods. All you see are muscle cars fresh out of the container, slap on a plate and you are good to go! im going a different route with this one.

Its been awhile since i updated you guys so here it goes,

Took the block apart to see what im dealing with:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img673/5627/ZTnCnJ.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img745/5817/8amSme.jpg

and found some rust in the cylinder walls and cam
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img540/579/ddi2JP.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img742/8886/o5J71q.jpg

So i had 3 choices,
A) go 4.030 over
B) replace the block
C) put new sleeve jackets

I tried option B and 3 different blocks from 3 different shops were just as bad or worse so i went with option C since its the most cost effective one

I also ordered comp cams, flowmaster 814116 Headers (1.75 inches, ceramic coated and polished) and managed to find a set of LS3/L92 heads from west coast racing heads for $545!!:D

The cam i went with
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img538/9232/j9Z4n3.jpg

New oil pump, new seals all round, new piston rings....pretty much new everything
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img538/1772/EMdUF8.jpg

My R129 Benz getting an X-pipe, resonator delete and magnaflow muffler installed in the background
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img633/1706/4NYX0g.jpg

Heads installed, still need to get a holley hi-ram though
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img674/8207/aTCVAK.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img911/8669/lxC7eC.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img902/4525/mshXIT.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img661/2817/qVnNAP.jpg

Still need the LS3 offset rockers though
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img906/2788/x1E9Xh.jpg

Its almost a shame to cover up such beauty
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img661/7524/5lSAC7.jpg

I asked the current garage to check on the status of the body mounts since the previous garage said the only installed 4/8 because the bolts were missing (complete bull****) only to find out that the only installed the front 2 and not with the correct number!! Installed the remaining body mounts that i ordered from P-S-T along with a new set of bolts and called it a night.

The autokraft pan and dirty dingo sliders did wonders, there is plenty of space between the crossmember and the pan. The 4L80 fit with no issues and no contact with the body floor. There was even more space after all 8 body mounts were put in place!

anyways, enough rambling...here are the pics

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...901/NPXOF1.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img538/542/NuESS8.jpg

Plenty of space left for that sweet holley hi-ram!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img539/3128/EqWlxZ.jpg

Autokraft oil pan to crossmember clearance
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img674/4263/lDQgyK.jpg

The big boy 4L80E in with no major problems and still some space to spare
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img912/5245/SPtYf7.jpg

Looking great, sorry to hear about you issues with the other shop, man 4 months with out paying?? That's crazy!!

Very nice project,good luck and keep the updates coming.:thumbsup:

Nice build. Very similar to mine. Glad to see you were able to find another shop to help.

It been awhile since i updated you guys and alot has been going on!

My brother in law decided to get in on the muscle car action and got himself a 72 Vette. 350 Elderbrock pro flo fuel injected engine, TH400 transmission with mild shift kit, 1500 stall speed converter, headers and magnaflow exhaust system, ecklers L88 hood, 17" Cragar SS rims, Be cool radiator with flex-a-lite fans, dynamat'ed the entire cabin, ACC carpet, C5 seats and a CS144 Alternator. I also got the original matching number engine and hood in the sale.

My brother in law and i also got a 69 Chevelle to flip for profit. 350 motor with new heads and intake. PS, PB, 350 turbo tranny with shift kit. It has new quarters, trunk pan and floor pans. SS hood, 15" rims and power seats. I ordered CPP front and rear brake kit, ACC carpet to freshen the interior up, griffin aluminum radiator, Dynatech ceramic coated headers 1-5/8" into 1-3/4" and MuscleMaXX 2.5" exhaust kit. . Im going with BMW Atlantis Blue for paint. Still need to install the bilstein shocks and decide on how much to lower it by

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/381/vAjg7O.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/3425/uwgWnY.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/7034/PKlja8.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/8967/HUna1D.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/7007/3uI1GI.jpg

In the meantime, iv been busy shopping and collecting parts for my 68. I got AC, AMD inner fenders, Willwood brakes and MC, 18"x9 rally wheels. UMI control arms, AAW kit, NW DBW 102mm TB, Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust system and the crown jewel, Holey Hi-ram for LS3/L92 heads

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9213/UYEeav.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img911/3536/bkUaWy.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/6469/LSDn6a.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/3440/WUsk29.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/4340/NU5fL3.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/3801/1FrfSv.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/8052/2tc5le.jpg

Glad to see you're still making progress with the car. The new additions to the collection look great. Good luck!

Thanks! its finally all coming together

http://imageshack.com/a/img633/3076/zpsh99.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/5644/HaJVCN.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/712/aIVel1.jpg

18x9 Rally wheels wrapped with Nitto NT555 255/45R18

It seems i got sent the wrong set for the wilwood rear brakes. The backing plates are not for a chevy 10/12 bolt. They seem to be more for a ford bolt pattern

Update: ordered the PSI harness, here is my order sheet

'02 VORTEC W/ 4L60E STANDALONE WIRING HARNESS (DBW)
THROTTLE BODY TYPE: DRIVE BY WIRE (2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS ON THROTTLE)
INJECTOR TYPE: MULTEC INJECTORS
TRANSMISSION TYPE: 4L80E (ELECTRONIC AUTO) + $25
OIL PRESSURE WIRING (F-BODY GAGE CLUSTER ONLY): NO
AC RECOGNITION: YES + $15
CRUISE CONTROL: NO
COOLANT TEMP WIRING (F-BODY GAGE CLUSTER ONLY): NO
FUEL LEVEL WIRING (F-BODY GAGE CLUSTER ONLY): NO


MOD-1018: 6 PIN THROTTLE BODY MODIFICATION +25.00
PCM-1003: LS/VORTEC ENGINE PCM WITH PROGRAMMING
THROTTLE BODY TYPE: DRIVE BY WIRE
TRANSMISSION TYPE: 4L80E (ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC)
ENGINE SIZE: 6.0
MODEL: TRUCK (SILVERADO/YUKON/SUBURBAN/VAN/SIERRA/ESCALADE)
INTAKE MANIFOLD TYPE: VORTEC TRUCK
ENGINE YEAR: 2000
FUEL INJECTOR TYPE: VORTEC TRUCK
TIRE SIZE: 275/40/18
REAR GEAR RATIO (X.XX):CUSTOMER/TUNER WILL UPDATE

Total $916.20

Got the engine started but i have a problem with the accelerator pedal. The '07 Monte Carlo DBW pedal (Pt# 15831256) has 6 pins while the PSI harness has 16 pins with 13 wires running into the plug...any help?

'07 Monte Carlo DBW pedal (Pt# 15831256) with 6 pins
http://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech....9db68122ac.jpg

PSI harness has accelerator pedal harness with 16 pins
http://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech....6834e4e585.jpg

http://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech....3aa1dae99e.jpg

Something im missing here?

http://chevythunder.com/drive_by_wire.htm

Check out the link. It looks to me like your harness is intended to be used with a TAC module, which utilize 16 pins. I'm surprised the car will start without this connection.

It looks like the Monte pedal only works with Gen IV engines and ECUs and i have a Gen III, so do i need a Vortec or Vette TAC and pedal?

Thanks

I believe that you are correct. Not 100% sure about that! but I think I read that with a gen 4 setup, the TAC module is not required. I was in the middle of researching all of that stuff, when I came across a stupid good deal on a new a Mast M90 setup, so I removed all of my GM electronics, and sold it all.

After 3 long and painful years, i finally have fenders and a hood on
http://imageshack.com/a/img908/8605/OFtFYB.jpg

Door gaps being checked
http://imageshack.com/a/img903/6949/GJi219.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img908/4997/BHrWJ7.jpg

Floor pans had to be primered again for paint
http://imageshack.com/a/img903/9692/vWRbUV.jpg

Unfortunately, the regular hood wouldn't close with the Holley Hi-ram and tall and narrow mounts so i switched to the short and wide ones in the hope it will bring the engine down more but it was a no go.

Trimmed the X-brace on the underside of the bonnet but still didn't help so it either i get a Mid-ram or 2 inch cowl hood like toytech93 did. Im going to go with the Mid-ram and switch over the openings in order to retain the 102mm opening and the NW TB but i got the engine to run, ill try to upload a clip of that

Good for you! Upload the clip!
Gaps look good. I was about 3 years in for final metal fitment also, so keep your head up!

Progress is progress. Keep at it and you'll be done before you know it.

Thanks guys!

Here is the video of the first startup
https://youtu.be/cdDKXTSJ8Bs

I started her up without TAC module, pedal, o2 sensors or MAF but she fired right up

Here is a clip of first start, I started her up without TAC module, pedal, o2 sensors or MAF but she fired right up
https://youtu.be/cdDKXTSJ8Bs

I went with Audi/BMW Java Green

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/478/2Dz9bW.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img923/7831/BDieE0.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/4159/w7DYfv.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/3874/PWlnxG.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img924/5878/w2ZG6O.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/4475/V1Dexa.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/9502/wqckXW.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img923/1521/MEZKCd.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2498/yTtywY.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img922/1250/FslADR.jpg

The video sounds good. I like the color.

Color is Awesome!!

x3 great color choice! Congrats on the milestone.