Project Intro: 68 Camaro "Cha Ching"

[Gmachine1911]

Here's a random shot from the back which shows how well the DSE headers tuck in for ground clearance yet they still have plenty of distance from the floor pan...totally worth the money...

I still need to relocate the second hole for the trans mount so you can see my reference marks on the painter's tape...

[Gmachine1911]

Just for reference, the part numbers for the radiator hoses I ended up using are 8961 for the top hose (1.25" diameter on both ends) and 9662 for the bottom hose (1.5" diameter on both ends). Again, these are Gates hoses from NAPA. Both required some minor trimming for size/fitment but I'd rather have too much then not enough. I'm running a PRC radiator with twin Spal fans setup for LS hoses.

[Gmachine1911]

So I came across this bracket in an attempt to not have to redo the Third Gen Camaro/Firebird throttle mount setup. This mount uses three bolts in a triangular pattern. Since I originally planned to reuse my big block and this setup, I welded up a mount to the inside of the firewall during the build.

After switching to an LS motor with the DBW setup, I knew I'd have to work up a different mount but hated to have to deal with undoing the sound deadener, rewelding/repainting/re-bed lining the affected areas. In a lazy effort to try and utilize the work I'd already completed, I searched far and wide for an LS DBW pedal bracket that would bolt to the existing pattern I had. I found mostly the brackets that utilize the steering column mounts for rigidity but didn't like the fact that they look like an after thought in the car. So I resigned myself to modifying the GM bracket but the problem there is that they appear to require a sizeable spacer to position the pedal properly and upon doing so you lose some much needed rigidity.

Just about the time I decided to make one from scratch, I stumbled upon the exact mount I needed from Scarebird Classics. I got it today and did a test fit after drilling out the mounting holes for 5/16" bolts and I must say I'm quite impressed. It's a heavy piece and very sturdy. The pedal bolts on perfectly and when attached to the mount I made, the pedal is located exactly where GM recommends in their instructions in relation to the brake pedal...plus it feels natural to the foot. I'm going out now and buying a lottery ticket b/c this is just too good to be true! Anyway, here's a couple of pics. I pulled it back out for paint and once installed, I can check that off the list!

[Gmachine1911]

Painted and ready...

[Gmachine1911]

Been busy working on wrapping up some details. Got the Vintage Air evaporator kit, condenser kit, etc...made more sense to buy the various kits I needed as opposed to the complete kit as I already had some of the key components.

I forgot to take a pic with the evaporator in place but here's a "before" shot.

[Gmachine1911]

My Mike Norris PCV catch can came in. It's a nice piece. Got it mounted/plumbed up. If you're like me and ever wondered what's inside this thing, here's your chance...if you unscrew the top, there's a baffled tube with a piece of red scotch-brite pad on the inside to separate the oil from the vapor.

[Gmachine1911]

Here's the baffle tube...if you unscrew the silver piece, there's a piece of scotch-brite pad inside.