1966 GTO L92 / 6L80E / Street Challenge Project
 

We've got another new project starting in the V8TV shop - an L92 / 6L80E powered 1966 Pontiac GTO.

This 1966 GTO has seen better days, and this intro video explains the project details from start to finish, including the crazy timeline. It kinda goes like this: Install GM 6.2 liter L92 V8 and 6-speed 6L80E tranmission, install Air Ride Technologies Street Challenge air suspension system, upgrade the wheels, tires, and brakes. Drive on Hot Rod Power Tour. Disassemble entire car, replace quarter panels, repair holes in trunk floor, window ledges, fenders, and doors, paint, reassemble, and take to SEMA 2008. Whew!

As always, we'll be bringing you every step of the build on video.

Intro Video: http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/485/1/

http://v8tvshow.com/images/stories/66_GTO/DSCN0030.png

sweet! i think more people should start doing 66-67 gtos not to many of them being "built" up. cant wait to watch this build.

i have a 67 goat myself im working on

You've got a good project there, too! I love the front tire in this shot of yours:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...09_44_full.jpg

- KO

We yanked the original engine from the GTO's nose, and later found it to be a date-code correct 1966 389 block. The multiple coats of aerosol paint make it look more like a cosmetic resto than a mechanical rebuild, but we didn't tear it down to see. Now we're focusing on fitting the new 6.2.

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/491/1/

Wow, nice project, definitely keep us updated.

I'd be interested in how you got a 6L80E working in an engine swap. From what I understand they need a custom controller for the trans and not easy to do.

We're interested to see how it works, too!

I've heard several stories about the trans operation. John Spears at Speartech has had a Silverado with a 6L80E driving around for several months. He reflashed the stock TCM inside the 6L80 and configured it to match his tire size and gear ratio. Claims it drives awesome, so we're working with him on the trans harness and reprogram. We'll let you know how it all shakes out!

Tonight, we bolted the Street & Performance engine plates and oil pan to the L92 V8 and 6L80E six-speed automatic combination. We were pleasantly suprised to see that it almost fits the car without modification, but we will need to do some more test fitting to be sure.

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/492/43/

Wow, this is a huge transmission.

Here's some shots of another test fit from under the car... the top of the trans is 1/4 inch from touching the floor of the car. The trans has to go up at least another 4.5 inches to bring the bottom of the pan to 1" below the frame. Then, the output shaft is up higher than usual, so the trans tunnel and the drive shaft tunnel have to be cut out to make room. Next comes possible issues with the engine / trans angle... the engine may have to go up in the front to allow for the trans to pitch down towards the rear axle, making the engine / hood clearance too tight. Hmmm...

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We've test fitted, measured, scratched our heads, tested again, looked at the calendar, scratched our heads again... and we've determined that the 6L80E, while cool, is not going to fit this car in the timeframe required. The trans is just too big, and the amount of surgery needed is going to take a long time, and then it would take just as long to un-do if the trans didn't live up to expectations.

So we talked to Mark Bowler at Bowler Performance Transmissions about his upcoming project... a collaboration with Bowler, Twist Machine, and Gear Vendors to create an 8-speed 4L65E auto that can be paddle-shifted (is Shrifted a word?) up and down through 8 gears. Sounds cool to us, and it actually fits in the car! So the story changes a little, but moves 2 gears ahead!

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/502/1/