427ci LS2 sleeved, dry sump oil pump, engine build & install, 69 Camaro

[waynieZ]

Looks like you got it. nice set up.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by DaleTx

Thanks Sieg.... how is the engine tune coming along?

Haven't had a chance to drive it........weather and kid's are crimping my style! Hopefully tomorrow.

[garickman]

Originally Posted by DaleTx

Earlier in the week I received the kit to convert from the mechanical Z-Bar clutch set up to the Hydraulic clutch.

Project looks great. Is this whole clutch set up from Tilton?

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by waynieZ

Looks like you got it. nice set up.

Thanks Wayne... look forward to updates on your build

Originally Posted by garickman

Project looks great. Is this whole clutch set up from Tilton?

Thanks

I bought the kit complete from Hurst Driveline and it came with the Tilton master cylinder. Also, the kit had the right fitting to plug directly into the quick disconnect fitting on the GM throwout bearing. I bought their kit minus the throwout bearing.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Dale,

Got curious today about your build when I saw one of your posts in Ron's Dead Pool thread.

Enjoyed the good tech posted in this build from you and others. Impressive power #'s on that very healthy sounding LS2. Nice to see a single plane being used as well.

Some Ol Gold.

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by compos mentis

Dale,

Got curious today about your build when I saw one of your posts in Ron's Dead Pool thread.

Enjoyed the good tech posted in this build from you and others. Impressive power #'s on that very healthy sounding LS2. Nice to see a single plane being used as well.

Some Ol Gold.

Thanks Skip

That’s a great picture of Ol' Gold!

I’m really happy with the results of the engine build. Trying different combinations is the fun part. The LS7 heads are a great design, and worked well with the single plane intake.

I have the T56 Magnum trans and hydraulic clutch installed now… It was a much bigger job than I expected. Using the ZR1 twin disc clutch complicated things a bit. I took a bunch of pictures along the way and will do an update soon.

Glad to see the Muncie go…

[DaleTx]

Over the past few weeks I have been working on installing the new T56 Magnum transmission and hydraulic clutch kit.

My engine is set back close to the firewall and angled down 2.5 degrees. The car has solid aluminum stock height body bushings. I ended up having to cut a large section out of the tunnel to fit the transmission.


Here is a shot from underneath. First, I mounted the bell housing and spacer on the back of the engine to get an idea of where to cut the tunnel.








I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out the best way to cut the tunnel to minimize the fabrication required later on.











Next, I got the transmission prepped to go in. I mounted the remote bleeder, and used a tubing bender to make adjustments to the hard plumbing for the hydraulic throw out bearing to make sure it would tuck up in the tunnel.








Next, I checked the run out on the bell housing to make sure it was within spec. The bell housing was within just a few thousands of an inch.






Now it was time for the install. First I slid the transmission under the car. Next...from inside the car I lifted the transmission up on the jack. This method worked well. The T56 is quite a bit heavier than the old Muncie trans. I could bench press the old Muncie but not the T56.


















Next I mounted up the new crossmember and transmission mount pad. When I check the angle of the engine it was exactly 2.5 degrees.





Next up will be the installation of the hydraulic clutch... I learned some new information about the plumbing fittings required for the ZR1 hydraulic throw out bearing.

[Sieg]

You've been having some kind of fun! That tunnel cut line looks familiar. Make sure you end up with enough clearance in the bell and tunnel to accommodate the torque twist of the motor and trans in your mounts. My engine is solid mounted and under-powered unlike yours. I didn't want to hear those shift plate bolts contacting the top of the tunnel!

[GregWeld]

Looks good Dale!


I agree with Sieg -- 'cause it's about the same amount of fab work to give yourself some breathing room on that tranny.

The shot of Old Gold is awesome! Love that car. You have to hear it and see it run to understand just how well this car functions. It's just so "solid". It leaves hard and pulls hard and it never bogs - burbles - or skips a beat. Hard to describe really... until you witness it.

Dale -- if you need some sheetmetal fab help... you might contact Tim Bruning - he's there on your side of the river and has a fantastic home shop as well as mad skills.

PM or email me if you want his contact info. His son posts under TJBRUNING
You should get to know him regardless of whether or not you need his help.

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by Sieg

You've been having some kind of fun! That tunnel cut line looks familiar. Make sure you end up with enough clearance in the bell and tunnel to accommodate the torque twist of the motor and trans in your mounts. My engine is solid mounted and under-powered unlike yours. I didn't want to hear those shift plate bolts contacting the top of the tunnel!

Thanks Sieg!

Good point... I just want to do this once.

When I put the cross member in I didn't have to break out the crowbar... I just gave it a hard kick and it popped in

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Looks good Dale!


I agree with Sieg -- 'cause it's about the same amount of fab work to give yourself some breathing room on that tranny.

The shot of Old Gold is awesome! Love that car. You have to hear it and see it run to understand just how well this car functions. It's just so "solid". It leaves hard and pulls hard and it never bogs - burbles - or skips a beat. Hard to describe really... until you witness it.

Dale -- if you need some sheetmetal fab help... you might contact Tim Bruning - he's there on your side of the river and has a fantastic home shop as well as mad skills.

PM or email me if you want his contact info. His son posts under TJBRUNING
You should get to know him regardless of whether or not you need his help.

Thanks Greg!

Paul drives Ol' Gold, and his dad Bob does the mechanics. It's a great family team. You're right... it rarely breaks loose, and launches like it's on rails. Those big slicks look cool to.

I sent you a PM... I am interested in contacting Tim for some possible help... Thanks