Project: Doubler

[out2kayak]

Hello all,

As my '64 Vette project was moving at an anemic pace due to long lead items, I've started in on another project (ahem: ADD).













Last time it was registered:

[out2kayak]

Part of the reason for the name "Doubler". Originally, this was a real-deal 396/325hp with a TH400 3 speed transmission.

As these are not numbers matching (correct YOM, though), today I received a nice shiny new LT4 with a 8L90E.

Lets see...
325hp ... 650hp -- yep, double.
3 speed trans ... 8 speed trans. Over achiever.



The target is to double the stopping power, going from drums on all four corners and double the cornering.

[Che70velle]

This will be great! What are you doing for suspension?

[out2kayak]

Originally Posted by Che70velle

This will be great! What are you doing for suspension?

Thanks.

For the frame, which is very solid, I'm going to firm that up with a Hellwig kit.

For the rear, it will stay a solid axle rear. I'm considering something like a DSE rear speed kit. Others have similar. Any recommendations?

Clearly, the factory geometry leaves much to be desired. I've been eyeing the spindles, etc. from Chassisworks. Have not landed on a decision yet, though.

[out2kayak]

Hello All,

Just scribing some mental notes in hopes that they may be useful for someone else.

The LT4 will (obviously) require some way to adapt the motor mounts. The options I found are:

Dingo Glider Gen V LT Adjustable Conversion Swap Mounts


Dingo Double-D LT 1958-72 LT Gen V Adapter Plates


ICT Billet LT1 Engine Swap Bracket Conversion for Motor Mounts


Art Morrison LT1/LT4 Engine Mounts
32555765 LT1/4 Engine Poly Motor Mount
32555767 LT1/4 Engine Rubber Motor Mount

(see their catalog)

I ended up going with the non-sliding Dingo Double-D. The reason is that the sliding ones apparently have fitment issues with a low mounted, engine belt driven components on the Chevelle.

An updated shout out for Speedtech who produced a LT1 / LT4 engine mount:

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=55853

[out2kayak]

Hello all,

Again, scribing in hopes it is useful for someone else.

I was working through the cooling solution. What it needs is:

Oil cooler
Trans cooler
Radiator
Charge cooler (similar to a radiator, it cools the air charge in the supercharger)
Air Conditioning condenser

On my '67, the hood release is smack in the middle of the radiator, leaving 3" between the front of the radiator and it.

Working with John Dingman at Dewitts, he has worked out a solution. Basically, they have a direct fit (#6139002A) LS radiator that will work. There is not much different from the LS motors to the LT4 motor as far as the radiator is concerned. I've worked with Dewitts on another project ('64 Vette) and everything has been top notch.

The radiator has dual 12" fans and has a transmission cooler as part of the deal. So, two of the requirements done.

The charge cooler is a custom one - basically two connected in the middle so it can fit.

In any event, he is working through everything and will be sending it my way next week.