69 Nova

[ONEBAD78TA]

Originally Posted by jeds

Car is home for now.



Next up is to get the brakes sorted out. I'm using Ron Sutton's brake consultation service. I'd recommend this to anyone looking to setup their brakes properly. It's cheap piece of mind and he has been great to work with.

After that it's drive train and then back to metalworks for panel replacement and cage.

looking good !!!!!!!!!!

[jeds]

Less crappy picture from metalworks...need to get a motor in there to lower that front end back down.

[Winmon]

Great looking stance! Going to be one hell of a nice car when it's done!

[jeds]

Well...I'm less that two months from ordering a motor and I'm having a hell of a time making a decision.

The crate motors currently in the running are the LSA and lsx454. A 416/417 ls3 is a possibility, but the torque seems to be a bit lower and come on later.

I can't seem to find weight info on the LSA with the heat-exchanger and all the ancillaries to compare against the lsx.

Since this is going to be 90% street car so I'm not interested in peak horse power and having to rev the engine out. I also know the LSA and LSX aren't the lightest options, but again ... not-race-car.

Any opinions on which way to go? I'm insanely indecisive.

[SBDave]

Man, I'd have no interest in this car the way you bought it but holy crap look at it now! Just goes to show how important ride height/wheels/tires are. Great build!

Dave

[Vince@Meanstreets]

looking good!!!!!

[LS7 Z/28]

Originally Posted by jeds

Well...I'm less that two months from ordering a motor and I'm having a hell of a time making a decision.

The crate motors currently in the running are the LSA and lsx454. A 416/417 ls3 is a possibility, but the torque seems to be a bit lower and come on later.

I can't seem to find weight info on the LSA with the heat-exchanger and all the ancillaries to compare against the lsx.

Since this is going to be 90% street car so I'm not interested in peak horse power and having to rev the engine out. I also know the LSA and LSX aren't the lightest options, but again ... not-race-car.

Any opinions on which way to go? I'm insanely indecisive.

Out of the choices given, go with a 416 LS3. Less weight is better no matter what you're doing. If you want better fuel mileage or a lighter more nimble car for handling.

[frojoe]

Originally Posted by jeds

Transmission tunnel is almost wrapped up!

That looks awesome. I modified my rear 4 link as well and ripped out the tunnel just like you did. To get full pinion/driveshaft/ujoint clearance at full compression and articulation, on a ride height of 4" from the ground to the subframe (no subframe connectors either) I ended up making a new tunnel that is 11" tall at the tallest point (relative to dip in floor pan behind driver/passenger seats) and looks damn similar to yours. I'm currently making a carpet for mine now and it's being a real PITA... will be eagerly awaiting interior pics of yours when you get there. Keep it up, this think will have a proper stance for sure!

And turbo(s). Do it.

[jeds]

I'm mildly impatient which is why I was looking at crate engines.

Maybe it's not the time to rush things and I should just focus on making sure I get a quality piece.


Joe,
Yeah...I'm not looking forward to laying carpet. Luckily it's nowhere in the near future for me.

Don't tempt me with the turbo idea...it has crossed my mind...many times. I'm clueless as to whether there is a quality shop in my area (Portland Oregon) that does turbo plumbing though.

[jeds]

I've been exploring motor options still. These are the two starting points I've been looking at:

~11.5k. Mast black label ls3 416 long block. It comes with Callies H-Beam rods, Callies crank, diamond pistons, etc...

~7k. Lingenfelter 417 short block. It comes with Callies dragon slayer crank, JE pistons, Oliver I-beam rods.


I haven't seen what rods/crank mast is using as it is not specified. I assume compstar?

Is the extra cost worth it to start with the Lingenfelter short block?

Anyone have experience with either company?