427ci LS2 sleeved, dry sump oil pump, engine build & install, 69 Camaro

[frankv11]

I bought same coupling a while back from them , just had to get crimped once positioned. Don't know if your running a remote bleeder line but it would save you a ton of headaches if you do. Can find them all over eBay

[Todd in vancouver]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Always good to see someone else from the Pacific NorthWET!

Nutter does some engines and dyno's them over at Jim Preston's some times... and he used to build Preston's drag motors...

Where are you in the PNW??

Originally Posted by DaleTx

Lol... nothing like 4 straight months of gray sky's and drizzle. I'm in Vancouver. I run my car at PIR. Might have to check out some tracks up north sometime.
Nutter is a great guy to work with, he's told me a few stories about his drag racing days... do you know him?

Originally Posted by Rybar

Again very nice motor Dale, you in Vancouver, BC, Canada or Vancouver, WA?

Originally Posted by frojoe

Rybar and I are also suffering the dismal Pacific NorthWet blues. Great car and nice build!

Just finished reading your thread and you've done some really nice work. I guess I better get my butt in gear and transfer my posts over to here from PT on my project.

It's amazing just how many guys there are with some really awesome builds around the PNW area. Hopefully there will be some local events coming up where I can see these super cool rides and meet some of you locals. It seems like the events are South but if/when we see some good weather I'm hoping there are some posts for local events. I'd really like to see your car and some others before I embark on my LS conversion.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by Todd in vancouver

Just finished reading your thread and you've done some really nice work. I guess I better get my butt in gear and transfer my posts over to here from PT on my project.

It's amazing just how many guys there are with some really awesome builds around the PNW area. Hopefully there will be some local events coming up where I can see these super cool rides and meet some of you locals. It seems like the events are South but if/when we see some good weather I'm hoping there are some posts for local events. I'd really like to see your car and some others before I embark on my LS conversion.

Yes you should get your build over here!

I've noticed Lat-g is starting to get a collection of PNWet members, maybe a trackday at The Ridge or Oregon Raceway? Indoor kart event tied in with the PDX Roadster Show, or?

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by frankv11

I bought same coupling a while back from them , just had to get crimped once positioned. Don't know if your running a remote bleeder line but it would save you a ton of headaches if you do. Can find them all over eBay

Thanks Frank… I did end up installing a 4ft remote bleeder line.

Originally Posted by Todd in vancouver

Just finished reading your thread and you've done some really nice work. I guess I better get my butt in gear and transfer my posts over to here from PT on my project.

It's amazing just how many guys there are with some really awesome builds around the PNW area. Hopefully there will be some local events coming up where I can see these super cool rides and meet some of you locals. It seems like the events are South but if/when we see some good weather I'm hoping there are some posts for local events. I'd really like to see your car and some others before I embark on my LS conversion.

Thanks Todd

Definitely post up your project here...

That would be great to meet up with some of the PNW & Vancouver B.C. guys in the near future. We’ll have to work on that one and find a show somewhere mid way

Originally Posted by Sieg

Yes you should get your build over here!

I've noticed Lat-g is starting to get a collection of PNWet members, maybe a trackday at The Ridge or Oregon Raceway? Indoor kart event tied in with the PDX Roadster Show, or?

Sieg… Count me in, I would like to meet some of my fellow PNWet neighbors!

A trackday at the Ridge or Oregon Raceway would be great!

[DaleTx]

I ended up raising the tunnel 7/8” in the back and 1-1/4” in the front. After installing the transmission there is about ¾” plus clearance all around between the transmission and the tunnel. This should be enough to prevent rubbing, and allow for some airflow.


First I fabricated the tunnel and added a gusset where the console mounts and where the shifter boot mounts.






Next I secured the weldment to the tunnel with sheet metal screws to hold everything in place for welding.






Next I welded the tunnel all around from underneath the car ...not a fun job!






Next two pics show penetration from the weld underneath.






Then I welded the tunnel all around from inside the car, and cleaned up the welds with a little sanding.






Next I painted the tunnel and re-installed the transmission

[DaleTx]

When I made the tunnel weldment... I kept it narrow at the top so the console would drop over the top and fit back in the original location. I did not want the console to sit up any higher than stock.

Since the tunnel went up 1-1/4" in the front I had to modify the mounting bracket on the console. I removed the metal bracket (part with the studs) and cut it down 1-1/4"... welded... then re-installed.

These pictures shows the underside of the console after modifications.







Next I installed the console... The console now sits at the same elevation as original location before the tunnel mods.





Here is a shot of the shifter I bought from Hurst that came with the T56 trans kit.




I made some modifications to the shifter would so it would be in the exact position that would be comfortable for shifting while strapped in.... I didn't want to have to reach for the shifter. I got the tip on modifying the shifter from Stielows "Pro Touring" build book (page 77).

On a side note... I met Mark Stielow at the SEMA show last fall at Hod Rod Alley in the Optima booth. Mark answered my rookie questions and helped me spec out gear ratios for my transmission and rear axle before I made the trans purchase... he also and gave me a copy his book. It was great to meet him... a very good guy


I cut the mounting pad off the shift lever




Shift lever tack welded in new position for test fit in the car








Modified shift lever completed.




Shift lever installed in car. The position of the shifter felt just right.




My daughter and grandson came over to visit while I was working on the car. He will be spoiled by grandpa





Thanks to Tim Bruning for coming over to my house and giving me some good advice on how to properly modify the tunnel ... Turns out that we are practically neighbors.

Tim has a beautiful 1970 Dodge Challenger project that I was fortunate to see first hand.... absolutely amazing build

Thanks Tim


Next up will be the hydraulic clutch install. The hydraulic clutch install is completed now and it has a great feel compared to the mechanical Z-bar set up... less pedal effort and better feel.

[GregWeld]

NICE WORK DALE!!

Looks great!