Apollo project GSiX, it's all Buick

[HotWired]

Ok so after 13 years of sitting around watching everyone else have their fun it was time to find some room in the shop and get started.


I have been collecting parts and building this in my mind for years. Plan is to get this on the road minus the paint and body work and get all the bugs worked out and then blow it apart and make it nice. Mostly plan to AutoX but won't back down to take it anywhere and open it up.


GSiX comes from combining GSX and the Turbo 6 the dot in the i will be the turbo six logo. The concept is to create a phantom musclecar, the what if Buick could have built in 74, then restomod that into a pro-touring machine.


The plan:
Buick Turbo 6 from Grand national
FAST engine controller
Switch pitch 400
Updated suspension and braking (Speedtech AFX tall spindles, SPC upper and lower arms, torque arm rear suspension with watts link and coil overs)
Updated interior with some GN parts
Drive the crap out of it!




https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20140921_002_zps9d4d7b0d-1.jpg




https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20140921_009_zpsb2e99993-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20140921_009_zpsb2e99993.jpg.html)
engine set in for fittment, BGC intake, ATR stainless headers, 67 turbo, powerstroke intercooler


]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/78ef50186801440094d684346782ef58_zps20c7-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/78ef5018-6801-4400-94d6-84346782ef58_zps20c74a31.jpg.html)
must not weigh the same as the weak straight 6 it replaced nose bleed high in front


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20140907_004_zps31cfeddd-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20140907_004_zps31cfeddd.jpg.html)
This might help, CPP c5 spindles, SPC upper arms,hotchkis front drop springs, C5 brakes


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20140921_019_zpsc57b372c-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20140921_019_zpsc57b372c.jpg.html)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20140928_002_zpsa3ea8a82-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20140928_002_zpsa3ea8a82.jpg.html)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141001_031_zpse5a4d38f-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141001_031_zpse5a4d38f.jpg.html)
that's looking better

Since these pictures were taken I have sold the CPP spindles , and bought a set of Speedtech AFX tall spindles and SPC arms, been waiting over a month for them and will post and update when I get them and have them on for mock up.

[HotWired]

Drivetrain is mounted, and this is what I did for the engine mounts. Since this engine was never offered in this subframe I had to get creative. I also did not want to use stock rubber engine mounts because they are known tot be weak and fail.

I am very happy with the engine placement even though it was very tight. I can't believe how much real estate this little six takes up. I originally wanted to go the 455 route and decided this would fit better, not so sure now.

Could not get the stock manifolds to clear the steering box, so I found a set of ATR stainless 4 bolt headers and they fit like they were made for the swap.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141017_005_zps96df355b-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141017_005_zps96df355b.jpg.html)

Crossover pipe to upper a-arm pivot is close, but I have some delrin bushings coming that shoud give just a little more room.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141017_004_zps38ba56ae-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141017_004_zps38ba56ae.jpg.html)

Started with the engine mounts, energy suspension bushings

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141030_007_zpsa7024d28-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141030_007_zpsa7024d28.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141101_002_zpsea9d246d-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141101_002_zpsea9d246d.jpg.html)

Then moved on to the frame pads, they had to extend back from the subframe but this also pushed the engine almost behind the crossmember I like the set back.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141019_001_zps312c0449-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141019_001_zps312c0449.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141101_005_zpsfe47d37d-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141101_005_zpsfe47d37d.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141101_011_zpsfe50c6fb-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141101_011_zpsfe50c6fb.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141101_020_zpsf31e9cf8-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141101_020_zpsf31e9cf8.jpg.html)

Also bought a TIG welder and am trying to get it figured out, not the best but...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/WP_20141216_003_zps6d1937ed-1.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rwcarnut/media/apollo/WP_20141216_003_zps6d1937ed.jpg.html)

Transmission crossmember also did not work due to set back so I fab one up it will get it posted as well, stay tuned...

[Nicks67GTO]

Wow. Pretty cool build you have going! Keep updates coming. I love seeing unique builds. Especially B.O.P. division GM stuff!

[jasonsnova]

being a nova guy...love this build . Different . You don't see many guys using the grand natty engines despite that they go very good!
Only thing I don't like is the front bumper.... :/

[kevs79]

Good meeting you tonight Ron. Looking forward to some updates on the build!

[driveit]

I really like this car. I can't wait to see more. I am not sure if you had stated your plans for the body and such yet. I immediately have ideas of where I would go with a car as soon as I see it, but always enjoy what others plan to do.

[HotWired]

Good meeting you tonight Ron. Looking forward to some updates on the build!

Yea good to meet you as well. Hope we can go kill some cones this summer!

[HotWired]

I really like this car. I can't wait to see more. I am not sure if you had stated your plans for the body and such yet. I immediately have ideas of where I would go with a car as soon as I see it, but always enjoy what others plan to do.

Thanks. I have some of it figured out. I want to keep it's identity as a Buick Apollo so no major body mods. I cant stand the truck bumpers so I do plan to cut and tuck the front bumper and loose the bumper guards. The rear bumper I feel is a lost cause and am looking to fit a 73 firebird as it is close to the same profile with the drop out for the plate. Not sure if they will then be painted black with the rest of the trim? Or a sliver the same as the wheels?

For the hood I have the center hump from a GN that will be added along with a factory tach that will be converted to a boost and knock gauge.

As far as color goes I might keep the Orange or also thought about keeping it a factory GSX color and I am not crazy about white so that leaves Saturn Yellow. Either way I want a blacked out hood and a matching GSX stripe down the side. To try and mix the GSX and GN I am thinking about blacking out all the trim, or since it is a Buick it could also pull off full chrome including the rocker moldings?

Of course all this could change as it starts to take shape. The plan is to get it running and driving in it's current cosmetic shape(excluding the bumpers cause I have to knock off the ugly) get all the mechanics worked out and then give it a face lift.

Comments welcome

[mean buzzen half dozen]

Cool build! Any updates?