69 Chevelle updates

[Tom.A]

I got my car on the road last year albeit unfinished to get motivation. I only made one event last year at the Hotchkis autocross put on at California Speedway. I had fun but the car has been parked mostly since then. A few months ago I tore it down to fix the a few things knowing that I want to make El Toro (RTTC) in March. My plans were for bigger progress but I recently realized the clock was ticking so the cosmetic things I wanted to do such body gaps and interior won't make the RTTC event any funner and also could prevent me making it.
The big problem was a the tie rods were hitting my oil pan. The second problem was the steering box interfered with the C6 PS pulley so I had to run a smaller pulley.

So I raised the motor mounts with spacers to clear the C6 pulley and tie rods. My trans tunnel was enlarged so I had enough room to raise transmission as needed. I need to brush up on Todd and Andrew's driveline angle again to educate myself where I need to be. I drove the car about 15 miles Today and I did not notice any bad vibrations but time will tell.
I also did some other things such as installing a new rear glass window. I bought the cheap and thin lexan rear and hated it. It scratched so easy and rattled like crazy. I also put on a new repop trunk lid. The gaps need work much like my doors, fenders etc.

I still need to put the front bumper on. If you look close you can see my Ron Davis radiator got rubbed a little. It is a bummer but no leaks.

Some other small things include a Katech tensioner, Mike Norris catch can and a spectre intake. My car has a LS3 however when I bought my harness Speartech used a LS2 MAF. I planned to use a the LS7 blade style which looks so much cleaner but realized I would need to ship ECU out for reflash. I did not want to take a chance so the blade style will be a later time.

I had Scott Mock make me a new radiator brace out of aluminum. I sprayed it a VHT wrinkle paint which I liked but I did not shake the can enough
I plan to bead blast and have powder coated later. Scott is a super nice guy to speak with and spun this thing out just like it is a factory piece. It maybe a little early but I believe he has plans to expand his offering to possibly include a sheet metal style dash for Chevelles. I have the Covan dash that I don't care for so I told him to put me on the list. Here is a picture

[Tom.A]

I also changed tires to Nitto NT05 , 295/35/18 and 275/35/18. I really wanted a 40 series in back which is offered bt Falken but at $400 plus a tire I will try these. A few other things I need to install are a Helwig adjustable rear bar. I also have a problem with gas fumes sticking up the garage so I ordered one of John Parsons cans.



I feel the car is getting more solid each time. The drive Today was nice but still rides a little rough. It is really hard to understand what needs to be tuned as I have no reference point. I almost need some other members to drive it and give me feedback. Don't get me wrong I am not really worried about tuning that much as I just want to have some fun. I will say the new throw out bearing has a better feel than my last one.
I can only make it Friday for RTTC so I hope to see some of you guy's that day. I would love to do both days but my 8 year old is in basketball and I would rather see him play

[454SSguy]

Looks good. Seems like it's a fun toy, with a few kinks. I'm sure you'll get the bugs worked out. Are you planning on getting track time at the RTTC?

Just throwin this out there? Have you thought of having all of the chrome on the car black anodized? Just a suggestion you might look into. Looks good like it is, but no car on this site is ever "finished". GL with gettin it together by march.

[coolwelder62]

Lookin good Tom.

[Flash68]

Good stuff Tom.. keep pluggin away.

See ya Friday at El Toro!

[waynieZ]

Looks good Tom. It sounds like you straightend a lot of stuff out. Nice progress.

[Matt@BOS]

Tom, I still remember going for a few rides around the autocross with you in Fontana. I know the Chevelle wasn't the fastest car out there that day, but damn was it fun. I think you'll be really happy with the updates. It should perform nicely!

Matt

[Tom.A]

Originally Posted by 454SSguy

. Are you planning on getting track time at the RTTC?

Just throwin this out there? Have you thought of having all of the chrome on the car black anodized? Just a suggestion you might look into. Looks good like it is, but no car on this site is ever "finished". GL with gettin it together by march.

Thanks and yes, I am signed up for Friday for the event. I am green so I will make you guys look good.

[Tom.A]

Originally Posted by coolwelder62

Lookin good Tom.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Flash68

Good stuff Tom.. keep pluggin away.


See ya Friday at El Toro!

Looking forward to seeing your high rpm beast at El Toro

Originally Posted by waynieZ

Looks good Tom. It sounds like you straightend a lot of stuff out. Nice progress.

Thanks Wayne.

Originally Posted by 69MSA

Tom, I still remember going for a few rides around the autocross with you in Fontana. I know the Chevelle wasn't the fastest car out there that day, but damn was it fun. I think you'll be really happy with the updates. It should perform nicely!

Matt

Hi Matt, Hoepfully you jump in a my car again and show me the line. I recall I shaved 1 or 2 seconds after your pointers. I assume you are going to El toro so hopefully we will talk soon.

[tones2SS]

Keep up the good fight Tom.