1972 Pontiac - Protour questions. Please offer input!

[RobertCarrington]

Alright guys, I've been doing a lot of research through this site and others. Here are some questions that are still unanswered for myself/needing input. Please pardon the "rookiness". 20 years old, still learning the game. The engine is going to be an ls3 450-500hp.

1) Radiator - Read a lot about Ron Davis radiators. Perfect price range for me. Input?

2) Motor mounts - looking at BRP conversion kit for A-body. Anyone have problems?

3) Transmission - Looking at 4L80e. Input?
Here's where my inexperience comes in. Does the transmission need a separate computer from the harness that comes with the engine? Do i need a transcooler or is it ran through the radiator?

4) Fuel tank/pump - do they make external pumps that will fit into the stock tank? Really don't want to spend that much on a whole new tank.

5) Oil Pan - will the standard c6 pan work with the LeMans?

6) I'm assuming you guys recommend using posi rear end? Still want to drive the heck out of it. What's the best gear ratio?

7) Anything else you guys think i'll need please let me know!!

[MonzaRacer]

Alright guys, I've been doing a lot of research through this site and others. Here are some questions that are still unanswered for myself/needing input. Please pardon the "rookiness". 20 years old, still learning the game. The engine is going to be an ls3 450-500hp.

1) Radiator - Read a lot about Ron Davis radiators. Perfect price range for me. Input?
*Works for me if it works for you Ron Davis has good parts, just buy biggest you can over smallest as you might want more power later on and need more capacity.

2) Motor mounts - looking at BRP conversion kit for A-body. Anyone have problems?
*Havent heard of any issues but communications with people that actually have used them will help more. And ask the company lots of questions.

3) Transmission - Looking at 4L80e. Input?
Here's where my inexperience comes in. Does the transmission need a separate computer from the harness that comes with the engine? Do i need a transcooler or is it ran through the radiator?
*As for a cooler I like to see people run the aftermarket external coolers first, THEN if you intend or even might just in pinch drive it in colder weather run it through radiator AFTER cooler. There are also thermostats that help with keeping trans at proper temps. tool cool slimes and sludges (trust this just took a 4l65e apart that was ran cold,,,,not pretty) Keep it about 170-180 and its gonna have happy life. And you can either run standalone controller, Megasquirt has one, unless you want more plug and play brand. Also can be ran by engine/ecm also

4) Fuel tank/pump - do they make external pumps that will fit into the stock tank? Really don't want to spend that much on a whole new tank.
*Then I believe Aeromotive has a mounting flange that can be added to most tanks and use their pumps. For FI I dont recommend external only unless running off a sump. Externals dont like pulling from top out of bottom of tank.
If you can weld or have access to local welder, do some salvage yard scrounging, find a tank with appropriate dimensions AND is also from LSx applicable car/truck, then swap in the baffles/pump/etc. I found out my Monza can use a 94 Park Ave pump in same hole, so I am working on a baffle that I can cut top of tank, slide whole plat in tank to stop slosh to back from being so fast, then Ill tig weld it all up.
5) Oil Pan - will the standard c6 pan work with the LeMans?
*That I cant say. Seems a trial fitment might be in order first then modify/replace as needed. OR go look at oil pan makers, had one mentioned on here not long ago, http://www.kevkoracing.com/wetsump_chevy.htm
6) I'm assuming you guys recommend using posi rear end? Still want to drive the heck out of it. What's the best gear ratio?
*I would say that N/A your gonna want somewhere from 3.23 to 4.10 since you have OD. If you ever turbo it you wont need deep gears, TRBO355 over on theturboforums.com ran 9.37 in 1/4 in his all steel, uncut, twin (GN replacement TE44(I think) Precision) turbo 88 GTA Firebird, on 3.00 gears and transbraked 400. on a JUNK 150k mile 357 SBC. So depends on your power adders or lack thereof.
7) Anything else you guys think i'll need please let me know!!
*READ/ask more questions/gather lots of information/google and search feature on here are your friends. Oh and phone calls to parts companies and keep notes on who has what , who talked to you and taught you WHY they could give you right part/service.
And good luck.

[RobertCarrington]

Monza Racer,
Thanks for the input!! I'll have to get back on that research grind. Thanks a lot. I'll post more questions in the future

[andrewb70]

What sort of Pontiac? A-body or something else?

I would go with the new Holley oil pan and find or makes mounts that position the engine as low in the front cradle as possible. The Holley pan gives you more clearance for the inner tie rods.

Look at Spectre Premium for a gas tank. Their new design has better baffling and has an in-tank pump.

Andrew

[Nicks67GTO]

Check out Tanks inc too for a tank. They have a great deal on a stock replacement powdercoated tank with internal baffling, a walboro in tank pump and sending unit and straps. I think they are like $500 bucks.

[67goatman455]

i always take stuff one step at a time. I figure out what i'm ready for next, research until i come to my own conclusion, and then fire away.