Dmax camaro [Archive] - Pro-Touring.com

dslhtrdr

07-08-2009, 07:19 PM

Started a new thread from tomba67's thread "the duramax camaro" since I continued his idea.

My project is a '67 rs camaro that I am throwing an '06 lbz duramax diesel engine in. Yes, it sounds a little insane, but it's what I've wanted to do for a long time now. And yes, it will fit.

So as of right now, I'm in the middle of replacing the right rear frame rail. It was damaged when the car was in an accident a number of years ago, and just looked ugly, so I bought a goodmark complete frame rail and am installing it. After that, I will finish the dse minitub install, since the driverside is already done.

As far as the engine goes, I'm researching and talking to some people on the diesel place forum to see if someone makes a shorter oil pan so I can mount the engine as low as possible. Mike Racke, the guy who built the duramax powered '70 chevelle (wow is all I can say!) cut his oil pan and shortened it that way, or so I've heard. Many options, but I haven't decided yet. I already have the hot rod stand alone wiring harness to get the motor running from ppe.

I have a chris alston chassisworks g machine front subframe that I know will handle the weight and size of the motor. I also have their subframe connectors, and I'm considering tying in a rollcage through the floor and attatching it to the chassis for added rigidity.

I'm using the air ride bolt in 4 link setup out back which I need to modify because of the minitubs. A fab9 rear axle will be ordered from chassisworks once I get the framerail and tub job done.

I'm going to mount a 47rh chrysler tranny behind it (based off of the 727) using and adapter plate from suncoast converters. It's not electronic, so it will be easy to set up.

I'm replacing the floors, trunk floor, tail panel and both quarters. Possibly widening the quarters so I can fit a wider rear tire, kinda like the baldwin motion camaro.

Can't think of much else other than that right now. I will be working on the car this weekend, so I will take pictures and post them for all of you.

Jim Nilsen

07-08-2009, 07:32 PM

It will fit and I bet it would go right in my car no problem.

Check out a few of he pics at my homepage website and you will see what you might have to do and get a dimensional aspect of what can be done.

It won't hurt you a bit to tie the frame and body together. A lot of us have done it for years.

I really like the car and the diesel is really a fantastic idea and alternative. You can run that thing on corn oil from the grocery store if you have to. You gotta love the torque power and being the only one with a diesel Camaro.

dslhtrdr

07-09-2009, 07:26 PM

Wow, you really set your small block way back through your firewall! I bet that thing will have awesome weight distribution. Nice looking '67 for sure.

Thanks for the compliments. I have heard that there are two other duramax camaro's, but I have never seen proof of them existing, so... maybe I might have the first.

I'm planning on running biodiesel in it, just for the heck of it. That way the local hippie's and prius drivers can't hate me too much.

I'm taking pictures this weekend, so come back some time and check 'em out.

dslhtrdr

07-12-2009, 01:35 PM

Here's a link to my photobucket page with the pics I took today. Not much of a looker yet, but it'll get there one day. I can't figure out how to load pictures on the thread page so I have to resort to this right now.:banghead:

slownova73

07-12-2009, 04:38 PM

not bad, good luck with the build:cheers:

dslhtrdr

07-16-2009, 06:12 PM

Update: Figured out how to load pics. Tell me what you guys think.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/IMG_0180-1.jpg
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silverdenali22

07-16-2009, 06:19 PM

I think it will be bad a$$!

dslhtrdr

07-23-2009, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the compliment! Keep 'em coming. The more input I get on this the better. Since I need to replace both quarter panels, I was thinking about widening them in the process. Nothing too drastic, maybe an inch so it still looks stock, but I'll be able to fit that much more tire in the back. What do you guys think?

camcojb

07-23-2009, 08:24 PM

Ash

07-23-2009, 09:49 PM

Awesome project...subscribed to this one. Crazy high MPG's and the HP/Torque potential of these engines in stock form is baffling. I know these Diesels have a whole lot of STUFF attached to them, but somthing I'd really like to see (but never have) on one of these mills is the wiring harness & electronics extended and tucked/hidden...coupled with all A/N lines, it would be georgious. It's not 100% practical or necessary and sure is time consuming, but the magnitude of the swap would truely shine.

The EVS MOTORS 2JZ-GTE Camaro is a good example

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/006-1.jpg

Keep the updates comming :headbang:

dslhtrdr

07-25-2009, 06:41 AM

cool project. Definitely plan on adding some bracing for the subframe, that Dmax is much heavier than any small or big block gas engine. I just swapped out the LMM in my Dmax earlier this year, and my engine hoist that hasn't whimpered with any of the small and big blocks I've pulled in the past was beyond stressed. Had to shorten the arm as far in as it would go, welded the adjustable legs, and it still wanted to flip nose over with the weight of the engine. The subframe is already weaker than most full frames by design, and the weight and torque are going to wreak havoc with it.

Definitely doable, just plan for those changes like a cage, and front support tubes to the subframe.

Jody

Thanks for the advice. I am planning on some serious bracing with a good roll cage tied into the frame. A friend of mine is a professional welder and has done cages for rock crawlers before, so I have faith that we can work something out with this beast.

I know what you mean about stressing out an engine hoist with a diesel. The only engines worse than a duramax is a cummins. I know from personal experience. They weigh a little over 1000 lbs, and I've pulled one out of the same truck 6 times :smoke: A duramax weighs (from what I'm told) 830 lbs or so.

I'm thinking now about buying the art morrison rear subframe for my camaro now. Saw it on the "camaro 2nv" thread, and damn! Looks awesome, and most of all, strong.

Very true Ash. There is a lot of STUFF attached to the new electronic diesels, but the hot rod harness I have from PPE is supposed to take care of it, I hope :fingersx: Mike Racke, the guy that built the duramax chevelle did a great job keeping it clean under the hood. I don't think I can replicate what he did though. He used twin turbos, but I want to keep the stock VGT and add an F1 Procharger from empire diesel to spool it up faster. But do I really need another pipe dream on this project?

Thanks for posting the pic, very cool! Not really a toyota fan myself, but seeing a supra motor in any muscle car is definately cool. Here's a pic of the chevelle underhood that I attached. Hope you guys like it!

Ash

07-26-2009, 03:52 PM

That's a pretty crowded engine bay on that one...never seen that style of piping coupler before.

Don't know a whole lot about diesels, but are you gonna wire up the exhaust break controller? and would it be useful in this application?

...Another new feature of the Duramax 6600's turbo system is the capability of the variable-geometry turbocharger to provide exhaust braking. This function is available on some medium-duty truck models and can replace add-on exhaust brake hardware. With the new system, braking is controlled by a signal from the engine controller and can be activated by the driver... http://www.thedieselpage.com/duramax/2006enginenewsrelease.htm

dslhtrdr

07-26-2009, 07:46 PM

That's a pretty crowded engine bay on that one...never seen that style of piping coupler before.

Don't know a whole lot about diesels, but are you gonna wire up the exhaust break controller? and would it be useful in this application?

http://www.thedieselpage.com/duramax/2006enginenewsrelease.htm

The truck that this duramax came out of wasn't a medium duty. Just a 3/4 ton 2wd truck. There are companies that sell an electronic controller that you can hook up to utilize an "exhaust brake effect" on the stock vgt, but I wasn't planning on it. Might be cool though, for slowing down at the end of the quarter mile:lol:

dslhtrdr

07-27-2009, 07:01 PM

Figured out what oil pan setup I'm going to run. Talked to curtis Halvorson of diesel performance research and he told me about their dry sump setup that was designed for marine applications. The pan is about 3 1/2" deep. More than enough for me. Don't have a picture of it, but it's on their website http://www.dieselperformanceresearch.com.

Now all I have to do is save up some more money and buy it...

dslhtrdr

08-02-2009, 06:41 AM

New update: decided to go with the art morrison rear clip. I'm trying to sell my air bar 4 link kit to help fund that, so it could be a little while before that portion of this project comes to life. Still have the kit, have some people in my area interested, so hopefully someone picks it up and I can be on my way.

89cobraysi

08-02-2009, 11:41 AM

dslhtrdr

08-02-2009, 11:53 AM

Now this is cool as hell. I was on a website the other day that was showing how to run a car on E85, and how to convert and everything. There is a car in last months issue of Popular Hot Rodding I think, the silver car, with the duramax diesel in it, making somewhere around 1,000+ HP to the tire. Bad Ass car too. Stock block, etc... You have probably read it already, but if you havent, you should definitely check it out.

I didn't see a silver car powered by a duramax, but I saw Mike Racke's duramax chevelle. It's green though, not silver, so maybe I missed the one you're talking about. His car, but more the duramax grand national are my inspirations for this project: to have a nice looking, pretty close to stock camaro on the outside, but at a closer look, you see it's a whole 'nother animal. If that doesn't qualify as a "sleeper", I think it should.

89cobraysi

08-02-2009, 12:05 PM

Yes, you are right, it is green. I just dug out the magazine.... That car is BAD ASS.... If you can keep the outside of the car basically stock, even rims and tires would be cool. I dont know how possible it is going to be with ride height etc... How much more does the Duramax weigh than a 350 or a 396?

dslhtrdr

08-02-2009, 05:32 PM

The duramax weighs about 830lbs. About 200lbs more than an all iron big block (or so I'm told...). The overall duramax/allison package together weighs about 1200lbs or so, which is heavy as hell for a muscle car, so that's why I'm not using an allison 1000. I'm also against having a "smart" transmission, which is what the allison is, with a lot of electronics.

An allison is capable of "learning" the driving habits that each person has. If you use your duramax powered pickup to cruise around town all day using less than half throttle pretty much all of the time, it programs itself to shift very smoothly, easing into each gear carefully. Then lets say you want to hot rod a little bit (we all know it happens:drive1:) and floor it. The tranny can be hurt because it isn't used to that kind of driving habit. It will go into "limp mode" and not allow the engine to perform normally, even with the stock tune, so you will then need to use a scan tool or a programmer capable of reading and clearing DTC's.

Yes, allison's are great tranny's, and you can build an allison to be nearly indestructable, but everything can be broken. In my mind, the more simple it is, the less can go wrong, and an allison is not cheap to build/rebuild/replace. Therefore, I'm using a 47rh chrysler tranny that comes behind the 12 valve cummins in '94 and '95 dodge diesels. It's based off of the 727 trans, which has a lot of drag racing history as you all know I'm sure. They're fairly small, lightweight, and the only electronics are for overdrive and torque converter lock up. They don't cost that much to build either, and I have a 47rh NADP race tranny in my '94 cummins that is awesome.

When people see my car, I want them to think, "Oh that's a nice looking '67. Decent paint job, lowered a little bit with some nice wheels. Diesel? WTF!?!?" The look on their faces would be priceless...:smoke:

'70rs

08-10-2009, 08:44 PM

dslhtrdr

08-10-2009, 09:03 PM

This is a very cool project. I am subscribed. Not to hi jack the thread but have you seen the chevelle that was done on MTVs "Pimp My Ride"? I never saw anything about it after the build. I only bring it up as another source for pics and info to maybe help you along in your build.
Good luck and keep the updates coming please!

It was a '65 Impala that was built for that show. I saw it and was impressed by how little they had to modify the car to make it fit. Diesel Power Magazine wrote an article on it. I heard that the kid they built it for totaled it. Don't know if it's true, but if it is, what a waste. That was a very special car. I would hate myself if I did that.

Can't do much to the car since I'm still trying to sell my air bar to help pay for the art morrison rear clip I want to use now, so until then the project is on hold unfortunately.

'70rs

08-10-2009, 10:04 PM

You are right. And now that you mention it , it was an Impala. That would suck to be the guy that totalled that car. I hope it was just a rumor and is still on the road somewhere.
Good luck with yours. I'll keep an eye out for updates.

Morse

08-14-2009, 10:51 AM

Great Project! Mine won't be completed any time soon, but it is alive..

dslhtrdr

08-16-2009, 02:59 PM

Thanks Morse. :smoke: It turns out I'm not the only one with a dmax camaro everybody! Morse's car is on the http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/index.php forum if anyone wants to check it out. Let's see who finishes theirs first!:enguard:

Still trying to sell the air bar. One guy was gonna come and get it on monday but he backed out of the deal hours after we made an agreement. Figures :throw:. Guaranteed I'm not the only one on here where that's happened to them.

dslhtrdr

08-29-2009, 08:59 AM

Ok, getting frustrated with flakey craigsliters. If anybody is interested in my air bar, let me know. Selling it with the air bags for $1800 OBO. Send me a pm and maybe we can work something out.

dslhtrdr

09-27-2009, 02:54 PM

Well I'm officially not the only one on this website dropping a dmax into their project. Hang with me guys, about another month and I will be working on it much more regularly.

"Patience, young grasshopper" lol

dslhtrdr

10-10-2009, 06:24 AM

Started tearing down the dmax last week. It's actually coming apart easier than I thought it would...

Took a few pictures of the little stuff I did. I'll be working on it later today. Since I'm going to use the stock turbo, I'm gonna take it off, sand it smooth, and polish it to look like an aftermarket turbo, just to fool some people.

I'll post more pics when I get 'em.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/IMG_0301-1.jpg
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68Formula

10-10-2009, 06:44 AM

A diesel torque monster that can put out serious hp with a tune in a 1st GEN Camaro? You sir, are a sick, sick man! Seek help. LOL!

dslhtrdr

10-10-2009, 02:48 PM

A diesel torque monster that can put out serious hp with a tune in a 1st GEN Camaro? You sir, are a sick, sick man! Seek help. LOL!

Lol, thanks for the tip! I've been getting a lot of that with this project. Can't imagine why...:idea:

Anyway I finished tearing the dmax down to where I want it for mocking it up in the chassis. I will reinstall the turbo for that, and I might take off the fuel filter housing. I'll make that decision when I get there.

Finished removing the entire main engine wiring harness. All that's left is a few misc. plugs on the motor itself that didn't need to be taken off. A bit of a rats nest at the moment. I think I got kinda lucky with it, since there's only one plug on it that's broken (and I didn't do it). Maybe I can find a totaled dmax somewhere and rob the correct plug off of it. It's nice that each plug can pretty much only go one place, so reassembly should be a breeze.
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Took the turbo off. Needed to remove the second half of the drivers side manifold to get it off. The oil drain line was getting caught on it. Gonna find some time to sand and polish it, which shouldn't take a lot of work. It's already very smooth. Just a little cleaning and some elbow grease.
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The EGR pipe that routes to the stock intake elbow was cut off and welded up before I got the dmax. They did a pretty nice job. I'll need to fab up my own intake plenum and search for the right kind of intercooler setup, if I'm going to use one at all.
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Factory starter.
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Factory power steering pump, looks brand new. Just now took it out of the box. Gonna need to buy a power steering rack and pinion for my chassisworks front subframe, since mine is for manual steering.
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Turbo oil feed line. Needs some cleaning, uh, everywhere :hand:
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And finally what it looks like without the harness draped all over the top of the motor. Still a little cluttered looking, but I think it's a good start.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/IMG_0312-1.jpg

I'd like to leave as much stuff in the factory place as I can so it will be easier to buy/fix/repair things in the years to come. Don't know how much of that I'll be able to accomplish, but I'm gonna try.

dslhtrdr

11-01-2009, 08:00 PM

Well I decided to start really thinking about what color scheme I was going to do on my camaro. For the longest time I wanted to paint it viper red. Then later I wanted satin black, but any black is such a pain to take care of. So now, since I work at a body shop, and I have an abundance of color choices to choose from, this is what I've chosen. I sprayed it myself last weekend. And ya, I ran the header panel, so give me a break, lol.

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The silver is a custom mix of about 50 different silvers that we had stored at the shop and mixed together in a 1 gallon can to make it. The blue is called electron blue and came on honda preludes in 2000, and maybe some other years.

I think I'm going to use the body line going along the top of the fenders to the back of the car to break the silver and blue. What do you think?

LeighP

11-01-2009, 11:36 PM

Silver and blue is always a good combination.
Very interesting poject! Good luck.

T_Raven

11-02-2009, 04:46 AM

Cool project man. I'd like to put a duramax in something. Too bad they weigh so much though.

camcojb

11-02-2009, 08:02 AM

got a picture of the plug that's broken? I may have it and will send it to you no charge.

Jody

dslhtrdr

11-02-2009, 07:09 PM

I don't have a pic of the broken plug yet. But, if you look reeeeally close at the pic of the main engine harness above, you can kinda see it. It is slightly right of the center of the picture. It's bright green, the only bright green plug in the whole harness I believe. It's mostly covered by the harness in the picture unfortunately, so I will try to get a pic of it asap. I don't have a garage at my house so it's difficult for me to work on my projects because I have to keep them elsewhere.

That would be friggin awesome if you would be willing to do that for me! I was thinking I was going to have to find a totaled truck and rob the plug off of it. That would save me a lot of time and hassle if you happened to have the plug and could send it to me. I'd be more than willing to pay for the shipping, and a little extra for a "finders fee". Thanks a lot and let me know!

camcojb

11-03-2009, 07:57 AM

dslhtrdr

11-03-2009, 06:03 PM

sorry, I do not have that section of the harness. I do know what you're talking about though. I swapped an LBZ and twin turbos into my Dmax and the guy I bought the engine from hacked the harness, just cut it instead of un-plugging it............. :confused:

Jody

Thanks anyways. I appreciate that you were willing to help out a fellow hot rodder regardless! Sorry to hear about the harness you got from the guy. It's not very hard to unplug things...:hand:

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:17 PM

It's been a long time since I've visited this site. I thought since I've gotten so far on the Camaro, I would share the current progress. I hope nobody gets offended because I abandoned the pro touring theme for my ultimate passion, pro street cars. I'm a drag racer at heart and built the Camaro the way I wanted it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Huyp7SdZHo

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:18 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzH_GBVt0eA

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:21 PM

If anybody would like me to post pictures of the build, I will. I have LOTS of them. It is like I said no longer a pro touring build, so I don't want to offend anybody by posting things nobody wants to see.

craigs73

10-14-2013, 08:31 PM

oh please do post up the build!!!!!!!! whats the numbers on the engine? anymore videos?

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:35 PM

I bought my Camaro from my mom when I was 18 and built it as a high school "senior project" which was required for graduation. After I graduated, I drove it around town and to work all summer, until it started raining in October of '06. Since it had quite a bit of rot (or at least what I considered quite a bit) I decided it was time to tear it all apart and restore the body.

I had the body dipped to remove all the rust, bondo, etc. and got to see what I was up against. It became clear that it was wrecked a couple times in the early to mid 70's before my mom owned it and was "repaired" very poorly. It needed a lot of work.

As time went on, money became scarce, family became divided, and my car sat for 6 years. So in January of '12, I decided it's now or never. I made a deal with my boss to keep my Camaro at the body shop I work at so I could work on it and fix it the way it should be fixed. I've tried my best to take as many pictures as I could along the way. All of the body work was done by me.

Day 1 right after my lunch break from trailering to the shop and mounting it on my rotisserie.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1347412812-1.jpg
Super Bowl Sunday morning started cutting out the old sheet metal. The rest of these were taken over about a 6 week period working on Saturdays.
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I had attempted to replace a crumpled frame rail a few years back and realized it was a lost cause. You can see the end of it through a cut out in the trunk floor.
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A shot of the new rocker panel spliced in.
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New right quarter test fit.
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New tail panel test fit.
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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:37 PM

Here's how I patched in the driver side quarter. Since I had to screw around with fixing the door gap on the passenger side quarter (which I don't have pictures of...) I decided to patch the drivers side. I taped out the perimeter of my cut, cut out the old rotten wheel well, removed and treated some surface rust, etch primed and sealed everything, traced out my new patch panel with the old quarter on top of the new, cut it out, punched out a lot of holes for my spot welds, and then welded it on.

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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:38 PM

I cut out a portion of the dash that was rotten. Forgot to take pictures of the finished product.

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Then I started on the floors.

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I removed all the surface rust, seam sealed and sprayed primer sealer on the floor inside and underneath. I also patched a couple spots on the passenger side but again, I forgot to take pictures.

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:39 PM

On my birthday in February I drove down to Pinole, CA and bought my rear axle. I found it on craigslist the night before. It's a Chris Alston's Chassisworks Fab9 housing with their eliminator 2 4 link brackets. I got the link bars with heims, wish bone locator, brake rotors, calipers, aluminum 3rd with 3.89's, Moser 40 spline axles and spool, 11/16" wheel studs, hardware, anti roll bar, coil over shocks and a few other things. I got a really good deal and couldn't pass it up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1347412688-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1347412670-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:40 PM

I bought my rear subframe kit from Chassisworks. It's their Eliminator 2 rear frame kit. My friend/coworker/future brother in law Bernie has helped me through this portion of the project. All of the welding on the rear subframe has been done by him.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0543-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:41 PM

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MichaelUser

10-14-2013, 08:41 PM

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:42 PM

The anti roll bar kit I got with the axle turned out to be garbage so I bought a new kit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0609-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0608-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:45 PM

Great plan. I love the PPE Chevelle too. That is one heavy engine (800 # dry) so plan for the additional weight, but you know that.
That makes me want to build a car with the new Cummins 5.0L-V8 that will be in the Nissan Titan's coming soon.
Good luck.

I planned ahead, trust me. The Duramax weighs practically the same as an all iron BBC. The chassisworks G machine subframe can easily handle it, as well as everything else I built into the car, as you can see from my pics.

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:46 PM

Measured 25" forward of the rear axle centerline to mark the floor for my cut for the front crossmember.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_06131-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_06111-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0614-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_06101-1.jpg

Then I got to cutting.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0627-1.jpg
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This is what it looked like before.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0607-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0606-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:47 PM

Here's some random pictures of some mud work and how it looked before the final prime.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0465-1.jpg
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I got the whole car in it's second prime, basically ready to be final blocked for paint. I wanted to get this done before we started back-halving it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0499-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:48 PM

Here's right after I finished cutting out the rear floor. Looks like a pretty big hole to fill.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0630-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:49 PM

Here's the rear tubular crossmember tacked in place.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0637-1.jpg

We made fish plates to weld to the inner rockers so there was a stronger foundation for the front crossmember to attach to. Bernie finished the spot welds after I took the pics.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0635-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:49 PM

I went to Reliable Hardware and Steel in Santa Rosa And bought a 6' long, 6" wide by 1/8th" thick piece of steel for the fish plates and this new inner rear body that Bernie fabricated. We held it in place with the bumper bolt holes, and drilled holes in the tail panel to weld them together.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0628-1.jpg
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Bernie notched and bent the center of the plate to clear the license plate hole, and it was the perfect amount to weld the trunk latch support to. Funny how things work out unintentionally sometimes.

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:52 PM

We wanted to get a little more motivation early on so we put the wheels and tires on. I looks a little weird like this...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0575-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0574-1.jpg

Here's the rear subframe with everything mocked up. Almost ready to disassemble it and get it in the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0625-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:52 PM

Some quick pics of when we were trying to establish the rear axle center line. The stock camaro wheel tubs left much to be desired as far as wide tires are concerned.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0550-1.jpg
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The drivers side didn't stick out as much because I had a DSE mini tub on that side. When I did the mini tub, I realized that the car was wrecked bad enough on the other side that we couldn't go forward with the mini tubs, which led to back halving the car 6 years later...

dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:56 PM

It took a lot of maneuvering and cutting, then notching the package tray and driveshaft tunnel to get the subfame in. But when we finally got it in, it fit like a glove.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0659-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-14-2013, 08:57 PM

That's it for now, it's getting late and I gotta be up early for work. I'll post more pics for you guys tomorrow.

Buryingthesun

10-15-2013, 03:01 AM

this looks mighty awesome!

cwylie

10-15-2013, 05:28 AM

You did the mini tubs and then cut them out?

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:47 AM

You did the mini tubs and then cut them out?

We did the mini tub on the drivers side. When we got around to the other side, we found more and more that needed repair, most of which to the point that the structural integrity of the car was jeopardized. So I did a lot of research and decided to back half the car. It is by far more structurally sound and capable of handling the torque of the Duramax.

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:48 AM

Here's my front subframe. It's the Chassisworks G-machine front subrame. I bought it 6 years ago, primed and assembled it. It was finally ready to mount on the camaro.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0617-1.jpg

We ran into a few issues getting the link bars and coil overs in. The axle I bought came out of a tube chassis '68 firebird, but their chassis was set up differently than we did my camaro. The coil overs were too short, and the link bars ended up being too long. We fiddled around with the bars and I cut a piece of angle iron to act as a shock simulator. After a couple of hours messing with it, we finally got it on the ground.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0667-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:49 AM

A couple days later I mounted the front sheet metal and the deck lid.

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We made some temporary link bars to get the axle further forward. The shorter link bars are going to work as the longer lower link bars. I ordered some new link bar ends to shorten the other 2 link bars.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0678-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:50 AM

The wheels are 15x7 in the front and 15x14 in the rear. It was a great day when they showed up at my door step.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0351-1.jpg
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The front tires are Kumho Ecsta AST's 225/50r15 and the rears are Hoosier Pro Street Radials 29X18.50x15. One of the Kumho's showed up later from being on backorder. A 29" tall tire is the largest you can fit in the stock wheel opening for a 1st generation Camaro.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0333-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0332-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:51 AM

I bought the Chassisworks bolt on subframe connectors that are designed for their g machine front subframe a few years ago. They slide onto the end of the front subframe and bolt to where the front leaf spring perch mounts. Obviously, I no longer have leaf springs.

The rear subframe came with 2 2x3 rectangular tubing subframe connectors that you use to tie into your existing frame.

What we did was cut off the portion of the g machine subframe connectors that bolt to the leaf spring mounts. We then made up the difference with the 2x3 subframe connector, cut at an angle, and then welded them together, capping off the excess 2x3 with another angled cut out of the 2x3.

We notched the floor for the connectors to fit through. The g machine connectors hung down lower than we liked so we flipped them upside down.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0701-1.jpg
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I finish welded the floor to the subframe connectors and capped off the main frame rails on the front crossmember. It gave me newfound faith in my own welding ability.

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:52 AM

Here's the 10 point roll cage kit that I bought from Chassisworks. A very nice quality kit IMO.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349405443-1.jpg
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The main hoop needs to be test fit first. It is supposed to be mounted on top of the rocker, but the seam for the inner and outer rocker panels was in the way.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349405338-1.jpg
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So I cut the seam off the width of the floor plate and welded it closed. Then it was ready for the new floor plate.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349405501-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:52 AM

The floor plates need to be formed to the floor of the car. So I clamped the 2 main hoop floor plates in a vise and beat them to the proper shape. Then I cut off the excess and grinded a nice new round edge.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349405134-1.jpg
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I had to cut the main hoop down a little because it was too long and tacked it in place. It needs to be even with the forward edge of the B post. It's also pretty important that everything is level.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349405092-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:54 AM

The cage sides were next to be installed. These took me a helluva long time to notch and fit. My buddy Ed let me borrow his tubing notcher that you clamp into a vise, but I didn't have the proper style hole saw, so I had to notch each tube free hand with my 18v dewalt drill.

The cage sides determine where the front floor plates mount. I had to keep the cage sides level, as high as possible, and close to the dash.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349404728-1.jpg
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Decided to snap a picture of my drill after my battery went dead. Not too long after I took this I was notching that tube and the hole saw caught an edge, whipped around and smacked me in the face, giving me a minor black eye and a cut on my cheek. I felt like a friggin idiot.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349404441-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:55 AM

Next was the windshield tube. It needs to be mounted high and forward enough to not obstruct vision. I want to be able to use my sun visors when the build is done so I took that into account. I mounted the gussets on the lower corner of the cage sides, and they don't get in the way of my vision anymore than the triple pod in my 12v.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349404386-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349404241-1.jpg

When it's all tacked together, you are unable to weld the top of the tubing (the roof side), so I cut the tack welds holding the cage sides to the main hoop and folded the cage sides with the windshield bar down onto the floor, and welded up the top side of the tubing and the gussets. I'm pretty proud of those welds.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349404192-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349404176-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349404090-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:56 AM

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349663977-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:57 AM

I realized a little late that the back brace tube was 1 1/4". My removable back brace kit is designed for 1 5/8" tubing, so I decided to sleeve the back brace tube with some scrap 1 5/8" tube so I could still use everything.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349664098-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1349663589-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:58 AM

Here's my adapter plate and billet flexplate. Thank you Ron at Suncoast! I was surprised that it's 4 separate pieces, but none the less, it's going to get the the job done, be strong and look sweet.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350008255-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350008235-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350008533-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 11:59 AM

Finished the roll cage. I started off with the side struts that mount from the main hoop to on top of the subframe above the 4 link brackets.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350181014-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350180991-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350180905-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:00 PM

Then I moved onto the door bars. I bought a swing out door bar kit from chassisworks for both sides to make getting in and out of the car much easier.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350180875-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350180847-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:01 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1350180534-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:02 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352599923-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352599590-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:03 PM

I bought a custom width pivot bushing kit from Ruff Stuff to take the place of my billet aluminum small block mounts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352600217-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352600157-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352600175-1.jpg

I brought my old radiator and electric fan setup to help me determine how far forward/backward I could set the motor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352600201-1.jpg

I had some stainless steel plates that I got for free so I decided to make my motor mount plates out of them. My previous attempt with these plates ruined 6 of my drill bits in 4 holes. Needless to say stainless steel is hard as ****ing hell. Today I ran my drill much slower and it worked much better.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352600142-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352600124-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:04 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352599569-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1352599486-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:05 PM

I modified the lower oil pan for better ground clearance, which also required modifying the pickup tube. It was necessary in order to actually drive the car around and not worry about puncturing it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336396-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336413-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336464-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336482-1.jpg

I used a large piece of 1/4" plate and traced the sectioned lower oil pan onto it, then cut it with a plasma cutter. I also removed and reinstalled the original drain plug in the lowest and rear most point of the pan.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336511-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336529-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:06 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336551-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336614-1.jpg

I fully welded the pan to the 1/4" plate inside and out. I retained the low oil sensor as well.

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:06 PM

I finally ordered some coilovers for the rear from summit. They are QA1 Proma Stars. Pretty inexpensive and I think will get the job done.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354409128-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354409190-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:07 PM

I dug the alternator assembly out of my storage to test fit it. In the stock location there was no way a hood was going to fit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336644-1.jpg

So after some thinking and measuring, I realized that the opposite side of the motor was a great mounting location.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336672-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1354336690-1.jpg

And my 2" cowl induction hood officially fits. There is 1 edge of the hood inner structure that the alternator touches, so grinding a 1/4" off of the edge and it's good to go.

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:08 PM

Should also mention that I had the upper oil pan milled and machined to gain more room for hood clearance.

Here's a couple from when I first set it in there a couple years ago.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1310100414-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1310100038-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1310100018-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-15-2013, 12:09 PM

The wheel tubs and trunk floor have been one of the most difficult parts of this build so far, and I'm not kidding about that. Taking the time to get my tolerances how they should be is very time consuming to say the least.

The wheel tubs need to be assembled first. I got these from Chassisworks, and they have Pittsburgh seams which makes installation easier. I used the cardboard packaging to make templates, as per the instructions. I had Bernie help me with the first wheel tub.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628399-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628382-1.jpg

We needed to measure over from the wheel tub end over to the quarter panel every couple inches to get the rough contour. Then, a body contour tool is used to trace the exact shape onto the template.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628366-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628352-1.jpg

Installation of the tubs required more trimming of the inner quarters.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628227-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628208-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628264-1.jpg

chevy4life

10-15-2013, 12:55 PM

This project is by far my favorite one i have come across. i always thought it would be awesome to see one of these done and never thought it would be possible due to the weight of the dmax. but hey, your getting it done. if theres a will theres a way. i cannot wait to see this thing move with the size of those rear tires!! goodluck with the rest of it! looks amazing!

Anthony

efs69

10-15-2013, 01:02 PM

Cool build!!! Can't wait to see what it does and the numbers it puts out. Great work.

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 11:52 AM

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 11:53 AM

I made the second wheel tub myself. FYI, it's much easier with 2 people.

Here's a few shots of the pittsburgh seam, and how it's assembled and folded over with a hammer and dolly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628194-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1355628005-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 11:54 AM

I used some sheet metal screws to temporarily attach them while I made the rest of the trunk floor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356392249-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356392215-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356392191-1.jpg

I also got the floor kit from Chassisworks. It needs to be trimmed and fit to the frame and car, and notched for all the roll cage tubing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356392151-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 11:55 AM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356392296-1.jpg
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dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 11:56 AM

Not too long after I was almost finished with the trunk floor sheet metal, I realized that I didn't take into account the need for a fuel cell. So some modifications to what I already did was necessary...

Here's my fuel cell. 15 gallon Summit Racing cell with sending unit for a fuel gauge.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993009-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993067-1.jpg

Rough placement.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993193-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993126-1.jpg

I had to support the cell with something other than 20 gauge sheet metal, so I built an x-brace to hold the weight.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993336-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993419-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993257-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 11:58 AM

I needed to modify the existing pieces I had already made fit. I think it turned out alright.

The main trunk floor piece required the most extensive modification. It ended up looking like a seat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356994205-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356994140-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356995299-1.jpg

Then the floor extension was next. I needed to bend the edges and cut a hole for the sump.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993633-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356993696-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356994079-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356994019-1.jpg

It's a tight fit.

cwylie

10-16-2013, 12:30 PM

I was using my tubing notcher once in the vise and the bit caught like yours did and the drill wiped around 360 degrees and hit me in the back of the hand so hard I was almost positive it broke my hand at first. I would not even want to imagine what it felt like in the face.

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:08 PM

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:10 PM

It's such a tight fit, I had to remove the sump fittings in order to get it in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356992575-1.jpg

Made some close outs from the leftover wheel tub sheet metal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356996535-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356992436-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356996715-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356995752-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356996173-1.jpg

Then I made this little piece to cover the rear tubular crossmember. Still undecided if I will keep it or not...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356996219-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356996284-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:10 PM

I moved onto the driveshaft cover.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356996738-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1356996766-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03201-1.jpg

I traced out the driveshaft loop from behind, then cut it out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03211-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03221-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03231-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:11 PM

I wasn't really sure how I was going to connect the existing tunnel to the loop, so I came up with the idea to pie cut the tunnel, then make up the difference with leftover pieces from the wheel tub extensions. I bent the extensions over my leg to achieve the proper bend/radius to match the driveshaft loop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03251-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0326-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03281-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03291-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0330-1.jpg

Then I made theses pieces to close it up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03321-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0331-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0334-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0336-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0335-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0341-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:13 PM

I took JoshH's advice from another forum and bought a Quick Fuel 175 gph lift pump.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03421-1.jpg

I had to make a mounting bracket for it. I notched and bent a piece of 1/8th" plate and welded it together.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03431-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03442-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0352-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_03511-1.jpg

It sits high enough that it is completely not visible from the outside of the car, but sits low enough that it has room under the trunk floor with some wiggle room.

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:15 PM

Finally came time to strap the fuel cell down. I had to trim some material off of all the straps because it's such a tight fit, but it turned out good.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0338-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0339-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/IMG_0340-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:16 PM

I was finally able to pull all of the trunk floor apart and get it etched and sealed.

I sprayed a weld through self etching primer on the chassis.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780805_zps53e4c685-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780787_zps62b11295-1.jpg

I had to spray everything in 2 separate shoots. I first scuffed everything with lacquer thinner and a red scotch brite, then hung each piece and sprayed an etch primer, let it flash off, then sprayed a dark gray sealer over that, protecting everything from corrosion (rust).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780943_zpsd40161a6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780855_zps23ddcd7b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780834_zps23404eba-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780963_zps50f3bc17-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780921_zpsd8a5bb8d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780900_zpse3e1995f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780877_zps0a7ba0a9-1.jpg

Then I reinstalled everything.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1359780758_zps5aacdfee-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:17 PM

I made some closeout panels to essentially "close out" the trunk area from the drivers compartment.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362633605_zps99b16527-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362633625_zpsd1f5a4f4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362633640_zps4d8e8be7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362633654_zps98aaac3c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362633674_zps5bf550d1-1.jpg

Then it was time to move onto the tranny tunnel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362619129_zpsafc64fee-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362619072_zps9c20b19a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362619565_zps5e9599c7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362619499_zpsd081a003-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362619099_zps6334bdc6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362619016_zps86d5e3e4-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:18 PM

Then I mounted my pedals to get an idea where I can mount the go pedal. Ignore the clutch pedal, it will be removed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362618927_zpscd7232ad-1.jpg

I made a small mounting plate for the pedal to bolt to. Still needs to be finished, because I need to get a master cylinder and booster to get the brake pedal at the right spot/depth so I can properly position the throttle pedal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362620055_zps92eb7153-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362618898_zps1d07e372-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362618859_zps7b64a397-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362620168_zps55278be6-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:19 PM

And I also mounted the battery tray in the truck. Still need to weld some bracing to the floor and the frame to support the weight.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362618836_zps818fc17f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362618817_zps8fe65122-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1362618785_zps3ba85a2c-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:20 PM

Finally got a brake booster and master cylinder setup for 4 wheel disc brakes, and just as I was hoping, it clears the motor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787955_zps142dde85-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787925_zpse1afad40-1.jpg

So since that was squared away, I was able to hook up the brake pedal to get the proper pedal position so I could mount the go pedal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787582_zps768519e5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787565_zpsd600f5a2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787544_zps12a7fc5f-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:21 PM

I was able to finish welding and grinding the trans tunnel once the motor was out. I can pull the motor and tranny in one piece now, when I couldn't before with the old, slightly smaller tunnel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787901_zpsb8244649-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787835_zps9d6f8dcf-1.jpg

I decided that I will eventually install a Vintage Air heater/ac system down the road, so I smoothed the firewall by making a block off plate for the old heater box.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787790_zps0f1b0e3b-1.jpg

It's amazing how many extra pieces I have been able to make out of the leftover wheel tubs and trunk floor sheet metal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787758_zps82fc4c82-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787723_zpsa6d197fc-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787705_zps4e1259f3-1.jpg

And finally spread a coat of short strand everglass over it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787681_zpsee9b946a-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:22 PM

I needed to build a support for the battery, so I used some leftover angle iron.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787645_zps1d61338e-1.jpg

And installed the new tray with a mock up battery.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787609_zps00ee7c6c-1.jpg

I also decided that since the removable back brace wasn't really practical for the camaro, I cut it out and welded a solid tube of dom in its place.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364874431_zps7324e358-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:24 PM

And now it was finally time to start prepping the floor and trunk for seam seal and undercoating, as well as prepping out the roll cage for paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787527_zps9f7f3962-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787488_zps72640930-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787507_zpscb879c96-1.jpg

So I moved it into our booth Friday after work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787431_zps94ff8363-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787410_zpsf0c4a915-1.jpg

Saturday morning I realized that I forgot to make the last 4 close out panels for the inner rockers that need to be welded to some of the trunk floor, which had to be done before I sprayed the undercoating...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787384_zpsee1290d1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787341_zps61e03422-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787296_zps91956735-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787273_zps2463053b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787214_zps0347923d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787174_zps005239a1-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:25 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787104_zps93b0e3e4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787147_zpsdcdb2682-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787046_zps495241ae-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787013_zps1d20de26-1.jpg

Since I was in such a hurry, I forgot to take a lot of pictures, but here's the finished undercoated floor.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787252_zpse36d4989-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787231_zps659561d7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364787194_zps14fcca03-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364786934_zpseead7c65-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:26 PM

Sprayed the self etching primer first, then white sealer (no pics), then viper red. My fiance stopped by and took a few pics of me spraying.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364875977_zpscceeef37-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364786627_zpsc06390d4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364786546_zpsd9963ade-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364786586_zpsf2d1eb2c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364875944_zps75ce06fa-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364845664_zps1d7241ba-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364845684_zpsde88fac6-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:27 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364872623_zps8a557b6d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364872318_zps9441aa8a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364876203_zps128c7d49-1.jpg

And installed the fuel cell.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1364872399_zps781738f6-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:28 PM

I put the Camaro on the lift and proceeded to tear it down...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387412_zpsac2679cc-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387436_zpsa0c00552-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387489_zpsd33c5af0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387472_zpsd2b52ade-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:29 PM

Bernie shortened my 2 remaining link bars for me. He did a nice job, no surprise there.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387508_zpsafd9992a-1.jpg

For the rest of the evening, I tore down the front subframe and sanded the subframe and axle and loaded the axle in the booth. The next morning, finished prepping out the subframe, link bars, wishbone and brackets, and loaded them into the booth.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387525_zps6b5403ff-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387551_zps88040735-1.jpg

After cleaning and etching them, sprayed them with white sealer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387562_zps74958d79-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:30 PM

And sprayed everything with Viper Red.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365390336_zps1183162e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365390314_zps1bd4c19d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387606_zpsd38aaf2f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387588_zpscba2904c-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:31 PM

After painting everything on Saturday, I moved onto the underside of the Camaro. Sanding, cleaning, masking, and seam sealing literally everything. Sunday morning I came back and welded 2 pieces of tubing in the 4 link brackets for a little added strength.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387629_zpsced7f7ae-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365387956_zps23dcae56-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365390292_zps9c04641e-1.jpg

Then I undercoated the floor, except for the 4 link brackets.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365390352_zps9aab351b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365390389_zps2aa52c64-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365390373_zps1d220664-1.jpg

My phone had a hard time focusing on the floor because of the lighting, so not many pictures of it.

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:33 PM

I took the suggestions of Bernie to not undercoat the 4 link brackets because of tight tolerances for the heim joints, so I painted them gloss black.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393269_zpsdc89084d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393216_zps911a3d05-1.jpg

While that was drying I took my parts out of the booth and got everything ready to reinstall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393296_zps6aeee75f-1.jpg

Big thanks to Tony and Geoff for helping me get the subframe on and the rear axle bolted in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393319_zpsd0d9210e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393367_zpse683ad92-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393380_zps2ed57f28-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393408_zps4368ebdb-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393465_zps04b7ea89-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365393428_zps5ece733d-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:34 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365481412_zps0fb2e471-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365481424_zps4946449b-1.jpg

And also painted my steering shaft since it was bare metal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1365470344_zps14a00bb8-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:35 PM

Finished the body work on the firewall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083727_zps20c45fcd-1.jpg

And primed it, then got it into the booth on Friday after work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083730_zps030ce5cd-1.jpg

Sooo much masking...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366085081_zps77fa76f3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083577_zpsb3fa2d93-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366085500_zps47690920-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366085452_zps673787aa-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083528_zps919425d3-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:36 PM

Got the tranny tunnel and lower firewall undercoated, then painted everything satin black.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083502_zps1a004e6f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083527_zpse6d91a00-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083500_zps2f8db74b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083459_zps90caf396-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083454_zpsa68e20b2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083379_zpsc6aef1e0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083442_zps7531a95a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366083428_zps8ddcd961-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:37 PM

I moved the motor into my work space friday after work, but couldn't do anymore because of dinner plans.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686679_zpscc586ed3-1.jpg

Saturday morning, started taking it apart and cleaning it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686690_zps12ab34f2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686678_zps7a427692-1.jpg

After cleaning and prepping it the best I could, I masked off what needed to go black.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686675_zpsd48d8cf1-1.jpg

Then etched it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686709_zps890e160b-1.jpg

And sprayed the satin black.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686737_zps413d8f76-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686728_zps85b01c71-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:38 PM

While I let that dry I ran into town to buy some white sealer for the next color.

Unmasked.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686756_zpsc98fa7e8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686821_zps1347ca2e-1.jpg

Etched.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686823_zpsf95879f7-1.jpg

Sealed white.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686841_zpse8de7c76-1.jpg

And sprayed Viper Red.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686881_zps060f0beb-1.jpg

Went to work in the morning and unmasked it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686893_zpsffa6cdf7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366686914_zps2cf79e29-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:40 PM

I had some time after work to sand and polish the compressor housing (cover) for the stock turbo. It's not perfect, but it will get the job done I think. The nooks and crannies were virtually impossible to sand all the imperfections out...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366772171_zpsf3512b73-1.jpg

But it the shiniest stock VVT I've seen...

I also made a custom remote master battery disconnect using the gas cap and a moroso master battery disconnect switch.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366772245_zps810ed680-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366772226_zps13ca73c3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366772172_zpsa194851b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366772157_zpse63d2166-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1366772151_zpse544d191-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:43 PM

I was able to finish the battery disconnect switch.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367210471_zps5096712c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367210449_zps1371ebb3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367210399_zpsc9d39c9e-1.jpg

I also bought some head studs and installed those.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367210552_zps31f8a4e9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367210541_zpsd7369fbb-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367210498_zpsbcffce94-1.jpg

I reassembled most of the motor to see how it looks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367210478_zpsb072445b-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:44 PM

I made a late decision on Thursday to paint the body.

Here's a shot on Saturday after I pulled the doors off and was ready to finish sanding it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890167_zps7ba4e4b9-1.jpg

Rolled it into the booth, jacked it up and removed the rear tires for masking.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890642_zpse4cb2d4b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890604_zpsb9cbd869-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890590_zps7cfc3e74-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:45 PM

Mixed my color, and proceeded to spray my favorite color, Viper Red.

A couple shots of it based out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890685_zps2749d46e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890442_zpsfa5d02d2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890423_zps7dbf67fd-1.jpg

And cleared.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890330_zpscd03dac5-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890384_zps7d46072a-1.jpg

It's not 100% perfect, but still pretty darn straight for a street legal race car

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890349_zps5e796bf6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1367890365_zpsa1ff8a04-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:46 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227314_zps3de37c22-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227336_zpsd3ab9b46-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227368_zps346c545a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227390_zpsf706ebaf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227420_zps136179df-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:47 PM

Sprayed trim black on all the underhood sheet metal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227529_zps5ad53257-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227587_zpsd0a01dc9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227721_zps5774ee9d-1.jpg

Built gussets for my motor mounts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227707_zpsdac9c9ad-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227756_zpse7e087f3-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:48 PM

My converter and reverse manual valve body with transbrake came from Sun Coast. Painted the tranny red to match the car also. Hard to believe a tranny goes from this...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1368412648_zpsf92d3ec8-1.jpg

To this...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370227821_zpsc0fb09ae-1.jpg

And the 518 mechanical speedometer gear so my original speedometer will work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230172_zps7d89d869-1.jpg

Big thanks to Don and Russel for getting the tranny ironed out for me

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:49 PM

Got the tranny bolted to the Duramax and stuffed it between the frame rails on Saturday.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370228071_zps50990116-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230149_zps5ede0cd8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230202_zps8468b6a1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230217_zps9f2b6d7a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230258_zps8166544c-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230283_zps938a70bf-1.jpg

I painted the Mustang in the background last week. That's a pretty wicked car as well. Got lots of cool stuff at the shop right now.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230368_zpse3c7180a-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

10-16-2013, 08:50 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1371177600_zpse2169699-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1371177617_zps93607681-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1371177581_zps0ead64dc-1.jpg

MichaelUser

10-17-2013, 08:50 AM

Moving right along. Awesome. Which exhaust manifolds are you going to use/make? Is that a 48RE transmission?

dslhtrdr

10-17-2013, 06:14 PM

Moving right along. Awesome. Which exhaust manifolds are you going to use/make? Is that a 48RE transmission?

It's currently running the stock manifolds. I plan on eventually buying an LML drivers side manifold to replace the choked down LBZ drivers side manifold.

I'm running a 47rh. Full reverse manual valvebody with a transbrake.

kmdracer

10-17-2013, 07:56 PM

Very interesting. Maybe I missed it, but since you're obviously building a 1/4 mile car, what are you goals? Lot's of good quality work you've done here, kudos!

dslhtrdr

10-17-2013, 08:50 PM

Very interesting. Maybe I missed it, but since you're obviously building a 1/4 mile car, what are you goals? Lot's of good quality work you've done here, kudos!

My goal was to build a drag car that I can daily drive, be reliable and get awesome fuel mileage. It should be capable of low 11's to high 10's in the 1/4 mile and get between 25-35 mpg, all on a stock motor with just tuning. This has been achieved before on a similar platform; stock chassis mini tubbed '70 Chevelle, so I know that I can get quite a bit out of it. I believe (don't quote me on this) that the most power made on a stock turbo, stock injector Duramax is 575hp at the rear wheels, so if i get mine over 500hp, at the wheels, that will be somewhere around 1000 lb. ft. of torque, which will scoot me down the road very well.

I've always loved drag racing, and decided that this was the way to go on the Camaro.

85coupe50

10-18-2013, 07:07 AM

That is one unique Camaro. I love it! Fantastic build, can't wait to see it finished up.

85coupe50

10-18-2013, 07:09 AM

How about a little on this mustang?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230202_zps8468b6a1-1.jpg

130fe

10-18-2013, 08:45 AM

Looks good, thats a lot of red!

dslhtrdr

10-18-2013, 08:16 PM

How about a little on this mustang?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/1370230202_zps8468b6a1-1.jpg

I painted that Mustang for a client of our body shop that I work at. It was 1/2 way finished in that picture.

It's a full fiberglass body, full tube chassis 427 big block (I think) road course car. Somewhere between 700-800hp. IRS, and the list goes on. It's been clocked at 187mph on a road course. It's practically a nascar stock car, but turns great both ways lol. And believe it or not, when we finished it, he drove it straight to the DMV and got plates for it so he can drive it on the street. If that's not awesome, I don't know what its.

dslhtrdr

10-18-2013, 08:17 PM

Thanks. What can I say, I'm a sucker for red.

k9kevin81

10-18-2013, 09:17 PM

Good god you move fast. This build is bitchin!

craigs73

10-19-2013, 04:54 PM

i would like to see some action in another video!!! :machine:

454bug

10-19-2013, 08:37 PM

I painted that Mustang for a client of our body shop that I work at. It was 1/2 way finished in that picture.

It's a full fiberglass body, full tube chassis 427 big block (I think) road course car. Somewhere between 700-800hp. IRS, and the list goes on. It's been clocked at 187mph on a road course. It's practically a nascar stock car, but turns great both ways lol. And believe it or not, when we finished it, he drove it straight to the DMV and got plates for it so he can drive it on the street. If that's not awesome, I don't know what its.

Great job on the Camaro! :cheers:

Do you happen to know if there is a build thread on the internet for the Mustang project??? I would love to check it out.

dslhtrdr

10-20-2013, 08:20 PM

Good god you move fast. This build is bitchin!

Thank you. I took all the pictures over the last year and 9 months. I've made decent progress for doing 90% of the work on Saturdays. I have more pictures from the last couple months I need to go through and upload.

dslhtrdr

10-20-2013, 08:23 PM

i would like to see some action in another video!!! :machine:

Be patient. I have just a few more things to finish, then I'm going make a video of the nastiest burnout our shop has ever witnessed.

dslhtrdr

10-20-2013, 08:34 PM

Great job on the Camaro! :cheers:

Do you happen to know if there is a build thread on the internet for the Mustang project??? I would love to check it out.

Thank you! I'm not sure if there is a build thread on it. Apparently it was originally built as the prototype for a kit car. Once it was finished, the builder decided against producing it, so it's one of a kind. It's had a couple owners, the current one being our client. I found a for sale video on YouTube a few months ago before I painted it, but not a video of it on the track unfortunately. I'll see if I can find it again.

craigs73

10-20-2013, 08:34 PM

Be patient. I have just a few more things to finish, then I'm going make a video of the nastiest burnout our shop has ever witnessed.

heheheheheheheh im trying to be patient lol!!!!!!!!!!! also im sorry i thought it was done and you were just taking us thru the build.....what do you have to finish up? also what kind of numbers is the engine putting out?

dslhtrdr

10-20-2013, 08:50 PM

heheheheheheheh im trying to be patient lol!!!!!!!!!!! also im sorry i thought it was done and you were just taking us thru the build.....what do you have to finish up? also what kind of numbers is the engine putting out?

It's all good. I have to finish the intercooler piping, build the intake piping, finish fastening the fuel lines and brake lines to the chassis, and buy/install some 5 point harnesses. Those are the big things at least.

Stock turbo/stock injector duramax's can put out 550-575hp at the wheels, which is roughly 1000lb. ft. So with my PPE tuner, I can probably get it at or above 500hp. I will find out for sure if I make it to a dyno day in the near future.

cwylie

10-21-2013, 06:25 AM

I would really take a look at EFI live. I switched from an edge tuner on my Duramax and it was a night and day difference. Running the DSP 5 switch I can go from a 50 hp over stock tune to a 150hp tune or even a tow tune with the turbo brake. Truck drives like stock and will not smoke at all unless I load it up in 5th or 6th and then it will only blow a black puff and take off as soon as the turbo spools. The only reason you would ever know the truck is not stock is the torque converter. It can lock up pretty hard and is only really obvious in traffic when it will unlock at about 15 mph and when I roll back into the throttle it comes up a few hundred rpm and locks again. Im running the Suncoast LVL 5 on my allison which obviously you are not. EFI live is the way to go in my opinion though. Truck should be making just over 500hp at the wheels and something like 900ft lbs of torque.

E.rodz

10-24-2013, 06:45 AM

wow nice way to think out of the box! looks like you are getting close now.hope to see this one on the road in the near future.keep the posts coming and get some videos for us too!keep up the great work.

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:25 PM

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:27 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/1371266000_zpsabf64f08-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:28 PM

Haven't posted pics in awhile, so I figured you guys would like to see something new. I haven't taken as many pics as normal (sorry) but these are some random ones from the last couple months.

It's amazing how well a bent clothes hanger makes it easier to figure out the proper bends for brake lines.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1091_zpsa555c425-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1084_zps05e6ab9c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1083_zps41062dda-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1082_zpsebd10fe1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1080_zps77f5cfe8-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1076_zpsaf59638d-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:29 PM

I made a second battery tray to mount the second battery in the trunk.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1041_zpsa414c560-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1044_zps5714fe43-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1042_zps6cf837d9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1043_zpsf9c2c058-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1046_zps3269d12b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1045_zpsedb607a6-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:30 PM

I bent the intercooler mounting tabs to wrap around the radiator support.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1096_zps8fe8ff31-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1100_zps33b061ef-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1098_zps0447c351-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1104_zps16986ab5-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:31 PM

Radiator hoses/pipes and intercooler piping.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1168_zps2ead0b9b-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1167_zps2e40809c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1176_zpsb516e38f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1186_zpsa0aafd98-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1180_zps0f682d88-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1179_zpsbbb05841-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1169_zps62bd6607-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:32 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1170_zpsffa7c529-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1172_zps67fdb11c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1173_zps1f72e61a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1174_zpsaaa51104-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1221_zpsce2515f8-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:33 PM

Couple pics of how I made the MAP sensor fit in the intercooler pipe.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1215_zpsecb75f22-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1214_zps6661174f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1222_zpscd9abbba-1.jpg

Started building the intake. I bought Empire Diesel's stock turbo weld on flange.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1220_zps79d22cdf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1219_zps73af6be1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1228_zpsdc8d7c43-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:33 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1229_zpseefbf9a1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1230_zpsde437f6f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1231_zps34dc7b13-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1232_zpsbefb3945-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1234_zps0aef97be-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:34 PM

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1235_zpsf37da6e2-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1241_zpse2408a8d-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1242_zpsf487b0cc-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1243_zps4bac9be6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1244_zps94fe186f-1.jpg

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:35 PM

I had to shorten the oil filler neck another inch to clear the intake.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1245_zps75561073-1.jpg

I'm a little on the fence about the intake. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't. It pretty much had to come over the top of the motor because it didn't have enough space to go over the passenger side of the motor, otherwise I would have had to cut a hole in the hood...

I did put the gill on though.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/IMG_1246_zps040b1f84-1.jpg

I took the car for a short drive and I got some fuel at the gas station around the corner and gave it some hell when I left. Burned the tires through 3rd gear and kept it straight the whole time.

So far, daddy likey

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:37 PM

Couple videos.

This is when I took a friend for a quick test ride. Spinning the tires through second and letting off. Chirped the tires shifting into third, not a full throttle run.

Duramax Camaro Test Drive - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JquY1bNeNKg)

This one I took my fiance for a ride around the block. The video really accentuates the rattles from the doors being disassembled and the lift pump being annoyingly loud. The rear axle is also making a whining sound over 20mph, so that's on my list of things to fix soon. This was also not a full throttle run.

Duramax Camaro Quick Ride - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvSefVqal5M)

I have only loaded a small tune on it and it runs great. There's still a lot of little things to work out and fix, but it'll get there.

dslhtrdr

12-12-2013, 09:38 PM

My fiance started a facebook page for the Camaro last night. I'm going to try my best to keep everyone up to date with it.

https://www.facebook.com/duramaxcamaro

Drake at Total Performance Diesel is having a dyno day in March, and the NHRDA is having their season opener at Famoso Raceway in March and I plan on attending both events. We'll see how the next couple months pan out for me and if I will be ready in time.

ponjohn

12-13-2013, 02:25 PM

This is super cool.

What trans is that?

dslhtrdr

12-13-2013, 09:21 PM

This is super cool.

What trans is that?

It's a 47rh out of a '95 dodge with a 12 valve cummins diesel.

dslhtrdr

12-20-2013, 10:39 PM

I would like to say thanks to Diesel Army Magazine for recognizing all my efforts on the Camaro.

http://www.dieselarmy.com/news/dustin-hamms-1967-duramax-powered-camaro-is-a-head-turner-2/

dslhtrdr

12-29-2013, 09:28 PM

I was finally able to take my Dad for ride in the Camaro for the first time in 7 years. Thanks to Tony for filming.

Still have only a 40hp tune loaded on the motor, and it burns the tires into third gear. I wish someone would have filmed the dough nut we did when I drove back to the shop...

This is a similar video to what I've posted before, but still thought you would like to see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmQp9iptj5g

no go nova

12-30-2013, 03:33 AM

Great build I'm at work so I can't see the pics but will check it out once i'm home.

chevyz240

09-17-2020, 08:56 PM

Interesting build! :) Do you have any idea regarding the weight distribution with that big lump of an engine being pretty far forward? I take it you will need pretty sticky tires and/or a well prepped strip to hook it up! Looking forward to seeing the end result!

dslhtrdr

09-17-2020, 09:52 PM

I’m sure the weight distribution isn’t great. Probably 60/40 or worse, but I honestly don’t care much. I originally intended the car to be more of a pro touring type of build but realized early on I wanted it to be a pro street car. I’m not much for corner carving, I like acceleration and funny car style burnouts. It does both of those just fine for me. At this point the car is about as “done” as it will ever be for me. I installed a larger turbo, much hotter tuning and a bigger down pipe recently. Planning on doing injectors this winter. I still need to finish the interior. But I mostly just enjoy driving it these days.