Project Intro: 68 Camaro "Cha Ching"

[Gmachine1911]

Here's the Quadralink in mock up...

[winter]

That back story is worth it and your faith is in the right place. Teach those boys through the way you live your life. Wish you well on finishing that project. Create lasting memories

[Gmachine1911]

T56 in mock up. Will a T56 physically fit under the stock trans tunnel of a 68 Camaro? Yes. Will your driveline angle be so severe that you'd be nuts to leave it that way? Yes

This mock up consisted of a BBC mock up block sitting on big block frame stands with solid motor mounts, Quick Time bell housing, T56 and Bowler trans cross member. I also test fitted the engine on SBC frame stands and it seemed to fit better but either way, the moral of the story is that you'll need to raise the trans tunnel...life will be much easier and if you've come this far, why cheat now!!

[Gmachine1911]

Here's another view of the mock up...using Heddman hedders I had Jet Hot coated. Fitment was very spacious on all sides.

[Gmachine1911]

Mock up of the DSE wiper motor and Baer Remaster m/c...my goal is to not have any wires visible along the firewall. The car's gonna get an AAW Classic Update kit so I'll route the engine harness back inside the car and out to its respective destinations. Did I mention I hate wires and clutter??

It's hard to see but I also just had the DSE clutch/master cylinder bracket bolted on.

[Gmachine1911]

Battery mount/location mockup. I wanted something clean and as unobtrusive as possible in terms of the mount itself. I also wanted to incorporate a shut-off switch. It's crazy some of the seemingly minor things you agonize over as you go along. I debated putting the battery on top,of the coil over crossmember but at some point you're gonna have to change that thing and why torture yourself! Besides, put it where the extra weight can also serve a purpose. I welded nuts on the bottom side of the trunk floor so the battery mount can be removed without using two wrenches. Again, I try to think about things in terms of having to work on it by myself, always considering ways to make life easier when you have to turn wrenches on it.
When deciding component placement, I find myself envisioning being broken down on the side of the road on Power Tour, then I ask myself, is that where I'd want this thing in that situation? It's a delicate balance; form and function! At the end of the day, this car is meant to be driven to events, shows, etc., auto crossed and (hopefully) driven home again.

[Gmachine1911]

Here's the trans tunnel patch panel I got from Bowler. This piece is really nice! The front section is rather unusable in my case although it could be modified in any number of ways but at least it's something to build off of. I laid it on tape so I could determine how much I wanted it raised in the front and back. I wanted the front section to blend into the firewall and the rear section to blend into the rear portion of the tunnel. I have no intention of running a console so I determined where I wanted the break and where the shifter boot would be. If memory serves me correct, the front was raised 2 1/4" and the rear of the patch was raised 1 3/8". I made a rough template from cardboard for the forward section keeping in mind that when I did the LS swap in the future, I wanted to use the DSE 1.5" setback motor mounts for better weight distribution. The front section of the tunnel will be plenty spacious to accommodate the Quick Time bell housing and give access to all the bolts that attach it to the engine block.
One other item I wanted was that the tunnel be high enough to give the driver somewhat a feeling of being surrounded in the car while not looking blatantly non-factory.

[Gmachine1911]

Time to install the subframe connectors... At the risk of sounding like a paid DSE advertisement, I can't tell you how well all of their stuff fits! I mean, it just works. As someone who's had their fair share of buying "bolt-on" parts and having to spend half a day modifying them to fit, I can't say enough about how well the DSE stuff is engineered, produced and provided with excellent instructions.
When shopping for components I found myself often having to stop and think, "am I buying this part because it says DSE on it or am I truly buying because I think it's the best?" The answer is "Yes!" It's a little more pricey than some other brands but I just know I'm yet to be disappointed and, well, if it ain't broke....

[Gmachine1911]

I fabbed up some enclosures for the clutch /mc bracket. Got it fitted up pretty good and welded to the firewall. I also enclosed the holes on both sides of the lower firewall where the subframe bolts to the body. I wanted to be rid of any surplus holes.

[Gmachine1911]

It's gotta look worse before it looks better! I'm not the best welder so it's a good thing I'm not afraid of a grinder! Practice, practice, practice...