[Insert Cool Name Here] '69 Camaro LS1 Project

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

The old engine and trans are out!

My uncle came over to help me out and since I had a good head start it went pretty fast. We took off the hood, took out the bellhousing bolts and lifted out the engine. Then the trans came out the bottom.

We also took out the horse shoe shifter, the dash and the accelerator before we decided to call it quits for the day.

I can't seem to get the transmission crossmember out though. The bolts are removed but I can't seem to finagle it into a position where it will come out from between the subframe and the body. What's the deal? Is there something I'm missing?

The subframe mounts are shot and I have replacements. What is the best way to install the new ones without taking too much apart? Anyone have any suggestions? Also, one of the rear holes for the body mount on the subframe looks like it needs a weld repair.

Oh, it looks like I definitely have the 350 engine stands and I should probably get the 327 stands instead. Anyone have a suggestion on where to buy them?

Now I'm gonna take a well-deserved break and watch football today. I'm also in a fantasy football final which will win me some more money to put into the car...haha.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Well, Here's what the car looks like at the moment.

I've got problems though. I test fit the engine and I've got some issues with the brake booster hitting a coil and the oil pan hitting the crossmember. If I raise it up with a set of 327 stands or something, the brake booster will get worse at the same time the crossmember get's better.

Any suggestions?

I may have lost my audience by not posting enough pictures so I may post this question in another thread. I just figured I didn't have any interesting things to take pictures of until now.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

ohh pictures.... looking good so far.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

I posted in another thread but I figured I'd document here that I've got subframe issues.

I'll have to figure out if it is worth fixing this one, if I should find a used stock one, buy a new OEM style one, or get something aftermarket.

The sub is sprung an inch too wide in the rear from mount to mount and it's got rusted out mount holes in at least three of the 6 positions. It also appears that the middle stand on the drivers side might be bent a bit.

Here's the thread with pix:

https://lateral-g.net/forums/show...022#post527022

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Well, I figured I'd post a small update. I am definitely looking for a replacement subframe. I measured mine compared to the original specs the other day and it is WAY off. The mount locations on the car itself do match spec however so that's good news.

I also was able to check out my new (for me) 12 bolt that I traded the old camaro motor for. It's a posi unit and I was hoping for the correct gearing but I didn't really know what it was. Took the time to count the revolutions of the pinion to the hub and decided it's a 4.10. That's great news. I can use that.

With a 27" tall tire I should be about 43mph in first gear at 6500 RPM and 1600 RPM in 6th at 55mph. 70mph in 6th will be at 2000 RPM.

I think I can live with that. It should really want to roast the tires in 1st though. If I have to adjust maybe I'll go with a bit bigger diameter rear tire, of course, I'm not sure what is best for looks and fitment.

[tubbed69]

Cars looking good so far,it's a lot of trial and error putting the ls engines in but we'll worth it in the end.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Well, I'm back in business!

Someone answered my Craigslist add for a stock subframe and I went and got it this weekend. It's in really good shape compared to my old one. It just needs a wee bit of TLC on the middle mount holes but that's it. The rear holes are great. The picture is pretty crappy but there's not much to see anyway.

I've also ordered all the components I need to rebuild the sub including bushings, tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints, pitman and idler arm, rag joint etc. I'll be going with the 3rd get steering box as well but haven't ordered one yet.

Anyway, at least I can make some real headway again!