Project "Sleeper" - 69 Camaro updates

[RT66MOTORSPORTS]

Seems like a nice project overall.

[BBC69Camaro]

Originally Posted by waynieZ

Awesome job on the engine and sub frame. How did you like the brake lines for fit?

Brake lines are in and fit top notch. I have to do some custom bending to get them to line up for the hydro boost but that was expected.

[BBC69Camaro]

Some quick updates:

Been chasing my tail trying to wrap up all the little things:

1. Working on mocking up fuel lines - still in progress need to get the engine in and mockup the exhaust really to finish this now, rear/parking brakes, proportioning valve etc.
2. Did a few more tests on my motor. Hooked it up to an engine scope with a sniffer, did a power balance test (very consistent drop 50 rpm per cylinder), and some fine tuning of the idle circuit (max vacuum/rpm, min CO while keeping HC from going up).
3. Putting back together my front clip (still had the inner fender kind of out).
4. Put the trunk lid and springs back on.
5. Started taking the motor off the stand getting ready to drop it in.
6. Decided on an Aeromotive Street Rod pump, filters (100 before and 10 after), check valve and fuel cooler (just showed up from Summit)

Still need to dyno the 700R4 that the car came with, see what state it is in. If it is okay, I'll try to get the car running with the 700R4 until I can build my 4L80E in the transmission class in the spring. Otherwise I'll wait until next summer to get the car running if the 700R4 is shot. Still got to redo all the electrical (and gauges) in the entire car so I'll have something to do in any event.


Here is a couple pics of the car ready for the engine:




I have the car set at minimum ride height right now. I'll see where it sits with the motor and clip on and how much clearance I have. Right now its nice and low in the rear, should be interesting.

New Wheels should be coming late next week. Should have a nice picture of the engine in with new wheels soon :jump:

[jbutlr]

What wheels did you decide to go with? Did you ever make it over to the Rushforth booth at the "cruise for a cure?"

[BBC69Camaro]

Originally Posted by jbutlr

What wheels did you decide to go with? Did you ever make it over to the Rushforth booth at the "cruise for a cure?"

Oh yeah I did. Was very nice talking with Jason and Jon. After seeing the Rushforths even my wife was saying go with the Rushforths. How could I refuse my wife

Went with Strutters in 17x8 for the front 17x12 in the rear, hidden hardware, polished lip, smoked titanium centers (such a sweet finish), and Michelin PS/2 245/45/17 and 335/35/17s in the rear. Jon says I should be able to pick them up late next week, can't wait!

[jbutlr]

Oh, I did not know that was you. I think Jason was showing you what the lip for your rears would look like on my Camaro. I was hiding in the back trying to sneak in a few. You are going to be real happy with your choice. The quality of the Rushforth line is top notch. Cant wait to see pics.

[DriverzInc]

Just read the entire build thread for the first time. Sweet work here man. It's a rough categorical world when a mini-tubbed camaro with a g-bar rear, Global west uppers and lowers, and QA1's with 17x13 rear wheels is stuffed into a Resto-Mod category.
I for one think its all a matter of opinion. Anyway....

Thanks again Ed for choosing our wheel brand. We're working hard to finish yours up by the 31st. I'll be in touch as soon as they are ready to go!

If for some reason the wheel build goes into SEMA week, someone will still be at the shop, holding down fort, and we'll get you squared away just as soon as the wheels can be picked up. We'll talk late next week. Thanks for keeping us updated on your car, and keep up the good work!

[waynieZ]

Real nice build. I know you'll like the wheels. I love mine.

[BBC69Camaro]

Originally Posted by jbutlr

Oh, I did not know that was you. I think Jason was showing you what the lip for your rears would look like on my Camaro. I was hiding in the back trying to sneak in a few.

I didn't know that was your car! I'm surprised how deep the lips were on a non-tubbed car. Sweet looking car you have there

Originally Posted by DriverzInc

...It's a rough categorical world when a mini-tubbed camaro with a g-bar rear, Global west uppers and lowers, and QA1's with 17x13 rear wheels is stuffed into a Resto-Mod category...

I chose Resto-Mod because of trying for a external sleeper look. It is probably more pro-touring (especially with the Rushforths) than not (big block). The current plan is to try to keep as much stock looking from the outside as possible (thou I seem to be deviating from that some). Planning on redoing the interior in a completely stock form (except for some updated modern gauges and a paddle shifter).

Originally Posted by DriverzInc

We're working hard to finish yours up by the 31st. I'll be in touch as soon as they are ready to go!

If for some reason the wheel build goes into SEMA week, someone will still be at the shop, holding down fort, and we'll get you squared away just as soon as the wheels can be picked up. We'll talk late next week. Thanks for keeping us updated on your car, and keep up the good work!

Thanks for the compliments and for being so flexible in getting the wheels out sooner, I know you guys must be busy before SEMA.

Really looking forward to getting a picture of the Rushforths on the car with the engine in and the front clip still off. I think I might just try to submit that picture to a few magazines.

Originally Posted by waynieZ

Real nice build. I know you'll like the wheels. I love mine.

Thanks, I'm sure I will too, seeing them in person at Cruise for the Cure got rid of any doubt.

[BBC69Camaro]

Quick update - Hooked my 700R4 that came with the car to the trans dyno:



All the pressures are within spec, engine shifts and downshifts; trans is in pretty good shape (least until it takes some big block torque). Going to put a filter in it and its needs a pan gasket bad.

Trans ready for the engine:


Trans should work until I can build/afford something else (current plans are to build a 4L80E with paddle shifters).


Pulled the engine off the stand:


Put the beater Chinese valve covers back on that I couldn't get to seal (I do like the Chevy Orange).

Bolted up to the trans:


Went to try to bolt up the torque converter to the engine flex-plate, found out that the big block flex plate won't mount to the 700R4 torque converter. I guess GM makes a conversion flex-plate but its a special order and will take a few days to arrive.

Now I'm stuck, waiting on brakes, wheels and a flex-plate. Ah the little things of getting a project on the road. Oh well time to drive in axle seals, and adjust hood and trunk a bit while I wait.