66 Chevelle LSA/4L90E Conversion

[kwhizz]

A simple issue to pass along for others to not make the same mistake as I did.......I used Fuel line for the transmission cooling lines to the radiator.......after blowing holes in the lines (3 times) and after the last time the car had to be brought home on a Flatbed.....I didn't know really what the Heck was going on.......I called RPM transmissions and after explaining what was going on......he explained that you can't use fuel line for this purpose......It seems the trans fluid attacks and weakens the Rubber used for fuel lines......the trans he built for me has about 300 PSI line pressure when put in reverse and that's why I was having these problems.......It was blowing thru the hose at it weakest point.........So....I already replaced the front section of lines (from the starter forward) with hard lines........and I was going to finish the rest but it seems me and tube benders don't get along.......so after going thru a bunch of hard lines I went and bought some correct trans rubber hose and installed them and everything is now fine........Now maybe I can make it to the alignment shop without the trans line blowing out......LOL.......

On to the last Issue that I had to deal with was setting the pinion angle.....The Ridetech set-up is great .....But.....because of the little extra angle of my engine trans combo when I tried to adjust it using the upper adjustable arms........It just rolled the rear end back into the Coil Overs..........So.....as the lower arms are fixed length and non adjustable.......I talked to the Tech guys at Ridetech (Great Guy's) and what I did was bought threaded Bungs and Rod Ends........So.....we cut off the ends of the lower arms and welded in the new bungs with the adjustable Rod Ends........So.....I figured out the angles and how much shorter the lower arm needed to be and adjusted them and put everything back together.......Bingo........hit it the first time......and when I ordered those parts I also ordered the rear sway bar assy.......so I got everything installed and finished.......Now we just need some dry Salt free roads to get the alignment completed......Get the exhaust system installed.........Get the car to Donnie at Frame-up.......Then off to Stefano at Nickey for the Tune.........















Ken

[Zoomin]

I know you haven't had much seat time, but what are your initial impressions on ride and handling?

I appreciate all the lessons learned too.

[kwhizz]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

I know you haven't had much seat time, but what are your initial impressions on ride and handling?

I appreciate all the lessons learned too.

Too soon to tell.........Front end is still not aligned and I have no idea yet where the shock valves are set......

[coolwelder62]

Chevelle truned out great.

[1965_SS]

Originally Posted by kwhizz

On to the last Issue that I had to deal with was setting the pinion angle.....The Ridetech set-up is great .....But.....because of the little extra angle of my engine trans combo when I tried to adjust it using the upper adjustable arms........It just rolled the rear end back into the Coil Overs..........So.....as the lower arms are fixed length and non adjustable.......I talked to the Tech guys at Ridetech (Great Guy's) and what I did was bought threaded Bungs and Rod Ends........So.....we cut off the ends of the lower arms and welded in the new bungs with the adjustable Rod Ends........So.....I figured out the angles and how much shorter the lower arm needed to be and adjusted them and put everything back together.......Bingo........hit it the first time......and when I ordered those parts I also ordered the rear sway bar assy.......so I got everything installed and finished.......Now we just need some dry Salt free roads to get the alignment completed......Get the exhaust system installed.........Get the car to Donnie at Frame-up.......Then off to Stefano at Nickey for the Tune.........
Ken

Ken, your car turned out amazing!
The problem you had with your lower arms is what is making me lean towards using Chassisworks g-Link control arms, they are adjustable.

[glassman]

Now, see how easy that was! lol.

Some times i think we dont run a race when building these things, we run a "hurdle" race....obstacle after abstacle....

[chichirone]

Ken, your car is looking awesome. The stance is kicka$$. I experienced the same issue with the Ridetech rear 4 link on my 69 Camaro. We used the same fix as you on the lower bars and it made a huge difference. The greatest issue was going in and out of a driveway or over a bump while turning. The tires would rub the front edge of the rear fender. We attempted multiple pinion angle fixes and after tearing two trim pieces off the rear fenders and messing up the paint, we finally figured it out with the help of the Ridetech guys. In my experience, Kyle Nichter and the tech team were very responsive and helpful throughout resolving the issue. Some of the BEST customer service in the industry.

[kwhizz]

Originally Posted by chichirone

Ken, your car is looking awesome. The stance is kicka$$. I experienced the same issue with the Ridetech rear 4 link on my 69 Camaro. We used the same fix as you on the lower bars and it made a huge difference. The greatest issue was going in and out of a driveway or over a bump while turning. The tires would rub the front edge of the rear fender. We attempted multiple pinion angle fixes and after tearing two trim pieces off the rear fenders and messing up the paint, we finally figured it out with the help of the Ridetech guys. In my experience, Kyle Nichter and the tech team were very responsive and helpful throughout resolving the issue. Some of the BEST customer service in the industry.

With my wheel/tire combo........I had the same issue but on the upper rear of the wheel opening..........by shortening the rear arms I was able to get the pinion angle dialed in and the tires now have plenty of clearance where they previously rubbed.........Perfect Fix!!!!

[kwhizz]

A couple of things........I made it to the alignment shop today.....LOL.....I actually didn't blow up any transmission lines.......I guess when you use the right product for the application .......It works......LOL.....anyhow....The front end is now aligned and set up........I also sent out my stock am radio and had it converted to am/fm stereo /satellite Sirius ready.......got everything in and hooked up with Radio Margaritaville ..............great cruising station...........I also ordered an exhaust kit with all mandrel bends and Dynomax #17749 mufflers.....2 1/2" system.........should be here in a couple of days......Good weekend project......The other thing I'm not too crazy about is the brake system.........It was recommended to go with a 7/8" bore master non power system..........well......I'm not very impressed with the stopping power and may be switching to a Power system in the near future.........anyhow......here are some pic's....Time to call Stefano at Nickey and get the old Beater over there and wake it up......LOL

[kwhizz]

The box of exhaust components showed up today.......Got started today......In the pictures you will see some band clamps.....those are for fitting only........everything will be welded ..........Gonna be a busy weekend and hopefully off to Stefano and Nickey next week......