Project SicMonte

[SRD art]

Awesome dude! Your forum name is the perfect description of the car. Hope to see it in person one day!

[SicMonte]

Looks Great Doug! See you in a few weeks!

Will anybody from G-Force be attending RTTS?.. I've always loved thier work...

btw: Change that Grandma steering wheel already!!! hahaha... see you soon bud

-Sean

The crew from GForce was gonna come...but then I mentioned that it was Easter weekend and that idea flew out the window!!

My next upgrade is a removable steering wheel...

[SicMonte]

BTW...UPDATE TONIGHT!!! Lots has been going on the last week...good and bad!!!!!

[SicMonte]

Picking the car up from GFDC 3/22/12

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412002-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212003-1.jpg


Seats look BAD ASS!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212006-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212007-1.jpg


Monte in the sunset light...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212013-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212015-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Headed down 81 South toward home...happy camper! for now

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212016-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212018-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212027-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212028-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Engine started to shut off...so I pulled over in a parking lot in Frederick.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212022-1.jpg

Jason brought his trailer down to bring my car back up to the shop!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212023-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212026-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212042-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212034-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212035-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212037-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212048-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32212050-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

When I pulled the car over after it had shut down I noticed the MSD box making a humming sound. I opened up the glove box and the MSD box was so hot I could barely touch it.

After some testing at the shop they decided to put a new coil in it and mount it verticaly this time. They did that and the box stayed cool but the car still shut off after the motor warmed up. After many many many tests and phone calls to MSD...the problem was narrowed down to the distributer!! Apparently the magnetic pick up was getting heat soaked by the engine and failing. This never happened before so I am guessing the new MSD parts overpowered the weak Proform HEI distributer...no idea.

Soooo...I ended up getting this in hope to fix the problems!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412004-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412005-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412006-1.jpg

Random pic of the Baer Adjustable brake prop valve just b/c it looks awesome!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412010-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

These are some promo shots they took one day...I think they look amazing!!!!


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412011-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412012-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412013-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412014-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/32412015-1.jpg


Anyone notice the GoPro?? Who wants to see the video they made??!!

[SicMonte]

Here's the GoPro video from that day!

zVTSDBRFHZs

[SRD art]

Very Cool! Glad you got the distributor woes worked out. Sweet vid!

[SicMonte]

Well...took the monte to a private track day yesterday. First pass down the 1/4 mile and as soon as it shifted into fourth....boom!!!! Trans blew up. I have no gears what so ever...and I have no idea why.

I have a spare trans that is goin in today.

[Tony_SS]

That sucks Doug... what trans was it?

[Protour_Pinto]

Pet peve of mine has always been crossing the yellow lines. If he wanted a straight road he should have stuck to the hiway.

Car is only as strong as its weakest link, While the trans is out you should build a stronger driveshaft/ujoints too, That will be next.

[SRD art]

Dang! Sorry to hear that.

I was in my Nova a few years back when the drive shaft came apart at about 105 mph near the end of the 1/4. Even with a safety loop it destroyed the TH350 tranny scattering it all over the road and scared the living daylights outta me. I ended up leaving it in the garage for about a year before I was ready to try again, but I did eventually get it all back together and running again.

I guess the moral of sharing the story is junk happens and you're probably frustrated and bummed out a bit but at least you're ok, and the car will be back up a running again soon. Don't let this slow you down, you're making great progress lately.

A couple photos of my carnage- The second is of parts I picked up off the road.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/driveshaft-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/parts-1.jpg

[GNon18s]

I shattered an input shaft in my 2004R a few years ago and it let go @3/4 track and had no gears (obviously). I was leaving pretty hard on slicks at the time.

[SicMonte]

This is the car last night...on the tow truck after the trans took a crap at the dragstrip.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans001-1.jpg


Old trans pulled out today!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans002-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans003-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

New trans I had as a spare! Mild performance build up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans009-1.jpg

Fittings for my trans cooler.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans017-1.jpg

Shaved off the ears on both side to make installing so much easier!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans019-1.jpg

All done!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans022-1.jpg

Filling it up with Dex III.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/trans025-1.jpg


Car runs great and the new trans shifts so much better than my old one!! I had no idea how bad my old trans was getting!! Not bad for 6 hours of work!

[carguykeith]

Nice work! Man I need a lift in my shop bad, that would have taken me a weekend of cussing and throwing stuff minimum...

[pmgm]

Man your car is sick.... Saw the vid and it really corners well.. Please keep the pics coming...

[SicMonte]

Im hoping that most of you on here saw what happened last weekend at RTTS. If not go here to see...

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?88876-My-2012-RTTS-Experiance




Just wanted to let you know that Kim's car is getting repaired now at GForce Design Concepts...and I am currentlly researching a T56 swap.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Unbelievable. If you are going with a new T56, PM me, I can probably save you a little $.

[Vicinity]

You're probably looking at the exact T56 (I think it was an LT1) for sale on Craigs I am. They're rarely if ever sold used around this area..

[SicMonte]

Update:

the LT1 T56 I was looking at on craigslist turned out to be a real project trans. I had a local T56 guru (rkt56.com) come out with me to inspect the trans. It was a decent unit but needed 3 gears and a bunch of synchro's so it wasn't worth the money to build it up correctlly. It would have been about $2200 to get it correct and for that much I might as well and save some more and buy the T56 Magnum.

Soooo...in the mean time, while I am saving up for the Magnum, I decided to have my two busted 200r4's dissected and built into one super trans. I want my car back on the road for this season so I can race it!!!

Both 200r4's will be taken apart and inspected to see what in the H E L L happend to them. The guy will then see if anything is salvagable (billet servo hopefuly!!) and will make one good trans out of the two cores. I will be getting a billet drum along with hardend input/output shafts...some type of "new" blue bands (they are supposed to be the latest and greatest thing!)...a bitchin shift kit...and I will use Tom Farrington's cool trans pan to top it off. I also got a hugexhuge trans cooler with a fan so this baby will not overheat!!! I had the trans pan drilled and tapped for a trans temp guage.

Pics to follow.

I plan to have this done soon so I can participate in the June 2 event of the National Street Tire Challenge.

[Yelcamino]

Good luck Doug! I hope you can get the Monte back on the road soon so you can have some fun this summer (with no worries)!

How are things coming along on Kim's car?

[SRD art]

Sounds like a great plan to get up and running again.

[xxxturbo6]

Doug,

I have not had a single problem out of my 2004r yet after 4 yrs of it being rebuilt and I will be willing to bet after the 2004r build your talking about you will be in the same boat so hold off on the t56 build until the new 2004r breaks.... I bet it will be awhile! :)

Give me a call sometime bud!

SW.

[SicMonte]

so....now im trying to decide on wether or not to get a manual valve body or keep it automatic.......

[craigs73]

hey doug not to be nosey but.....what is the 200r4 tranny gonna cost.....cause id really like to have one after i get mine back on road

[SSninja]

so....now im trying to decide on wether or not to get a manual valve body or keep it automatic.......

I've got a friend with a manual valve body in his car and he loves it. Doesn't seem to be too much of a hassle for him, and it'd be nice to be able to hold the car in a particular gear.

That said, cost not being an issue, I'd still go with a T56. :)

[SicMonte]

hey doug not to be nosey but.....what is the 200r4 tranny gonna cost.....cause id really like to have one after i get mine back on road

I'll let you know once I do...lol. Still getting parts for it. I ordered my Torque Converter from Pro Torque Converters latet thursday. That ran me $359.00.

[SicMonte]

I've got a friend with a manual valve body in his car and he loves it. Doesn't seem to be too much of a hassle for him, and it'd be nice to be able to hold the car in a particular gear.

That said, cost not being an issue, I'd still go with a T56. :)

I rode in a monte carlo two nights ago that had a manual valve body and I didn't like it at all! In every gear he would le toff the throttle and the rpm's would go to like 600-800...then he would hit the gas again and the car would "catch" at the appropriate rpm...so the car would get power to the wheels at weird times. All I was picturing was me doing that in a corner and totaly losing traction.

I still plan on the T56...just doing this automatic so I can get back on the track asap!!

[Samckitt]

I was gonna say, I thought you were getting the Magnum.

[SSninja]

I rode in a monte carlo two nights ago that had a manual valve body and I didn't like it at all! In every gear he would le toff the throttle and the rpm's would go to like 600-800...then he would hit the gas again and the car would "catch" at the appropriate rpm...so the car would get power to the wheels at weird times. All I was picturing was me doing that in a corner and totaly losing traction.

I still plan on the T56...just doing this automatic so I can get back on the track asap!!

That's bizarre. I've cruised around in my friend's Roadrunner with a manual valve body and it behaves nothing like that.

Hate to ask, but is your friend sure that he doesn't have other transmission issues?

[SicMonte]

That's bizarre. I've cruised around in my friend's Roadrunner with a manual valve body and it behaves nothing like that.

Hate to ask, but is your friend sure that he doesn't have other transmission issues?

i dunno....but it's possible i guess. Im just gonna keep it regular for now...and save up for some other goodies...

[SicMonte]

Well I ordered some more parts for my trans today! This time I ordered some hard parts for the inside of it.

I got the "E4340 STEEL BILLET SHAFT FORWARD DRUM" from CK Performance.

http://www.ckperformance.com/resources/GM2004RCOMPETITIONCOMPONENTS.html

This along with other awesome parts I'm getting in this trans should make it last!! My last two tran's didn't have any good parts in them, except for the billet servo's.

I just hope I am ready for June 2...

[Norm Peterson]

That's bizarre. I've cruised around in my friend's Roadrunner with a manual valve body and it behaves nothing like that.
I think it has something to do with the gear engagement being somewhat "passive" via a sprag (aka overrunning clutch) vs by active mechanical means such as clutches/bands. Link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprag).

Doug's experience would have been with the overrunning clutch allowing the engine rpm to drop below what the D/S rpms would require (everything aft of the overrunning clutch is allowed to "freewheel" or overspeed what the engine rpm input and the nominal tranny ratios would otherwise dictate). When the engine rpms come up to match whatever the road speed and tranny gear engaged require, only then is torque from the engine applied.

You wouldn't have any engine compression braking to speak of.


As I recall, the Torqueflites worked a little differently than the GM Turbohydros. I think there was an overrunning clutch for low (1st) that could act to give you 1st in the event of low-reverse band breakage, but I think that most shifts were accomplished by band and clutch activation/deactivation. Weren't the TF manual valve bodies all reverse-pattern?


Norm

[SicMonte]

UPDATE:

New vs Old

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/562564_10150822731433907_673353906_98880-1.jpg

Old vs New

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/535807_10150822789543907_673353906_98881-1.jpg

Flexplate bolts...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/149720_10150822787273907_673353906_98881-1.jpg

Pic of my exhaust...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/538934_10150822732798907_673353906_98881-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Side pic of the new trans...Billet Servo...Billet Front Drum...Billet Input Shaft...Hardened Everything else...this one shouldnt break!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t002-1.jpg

Old unused GN converter that I was planning onusing while I waited on the PTC unit...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t011-1.jpg

New Pro Torque Converter!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t008-1.jpg

Me making the new trans cooler lines..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t005-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t007-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

New Flexplate, PT Converter, Trans and new trans pan all installed!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t010-1.jpg

Car as it stands tonight. Still need to wire up and plumb the trans cooler and re-install the radiator.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t009-1.jpg

[xxxturbo6]

Hell Yeah! Looks nice Doug..... We just started mine today and broke it in, can't wait for the next event!

[SicMonte]

This was test drive #2 up at GFDC. Two GoPro's were used so we could see the front suspension travel. After seeing this we definately stiffend up the front coilovers!!



-UyBXijiu2E

[craigs73]

doug so what did your total come to?would you be intrested in selling if and when you go to t56

[camloops11]

What type of braided hose are you using?

[bonecrrusher]

Looking good - hows the Mustang?

[SicMonte]

What type of braided hose are you using?

http://www.russellperformance.com/mc/hose/proclassic.shtml

with these hose ends...Full Flow Swivel in the Endura Finish.

http://www.russellperformance.com/mc/hose_ends/main.shtml

[SicMonte]

Looking good - hows the Mustang?

Mustang is all done and back on the road!!! Insurance took care of everything so we are all set to go. The floor was reshaped and welded back together, new rack was installed, paint touched up, and new front heat exchanger brackets were put in. Car is great and Kim is happy! Thank you for asking!

[sr73bu]

Awesome Doug! Glad to hear both cars are coming back together!!!

I sometimes wonder why the hell we constantly fix/break/fix our cars..hahaha.. then you see everything come back together and its all worth it!

We have to meet up soon... trying to get down to that autocross in DC, but maybe just to spectate....

-Sean

[SicMonte]

Awesome Doug! Glad to hear both cars are coming back together!!!

I sometimes wonder why the hell we constantly fix/break/fix our cars..hahaha.. then you see everything come back together and its all worth it!

We have to meet up soon... trying to get down to that autocross in DC, but maybe just to spectate....

-Sean

I spoke with Kim today...and I got the thumbs up to register for the June 2 NSTC event!!!! This should be a good time!

[woody80z28]

Car looks awesome! I've always loved this generation Monte SS...and if I built one myself it would be much like yours.

[SicMonte]

Fluids almost ready to go in...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_8976-1.jpg

Keeping the Optima happy while it's out of the car...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_2288-1.jpg

Rough routing of the trans lines to the cooler...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_2542-1.jpg

Spacers I had to make so that the bracket would fit on the new pan!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_4090-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Poor car just wants to be back on the road!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_3987-1.jpg

Wiring up the radiator fan and new trans cooler fan.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_4126-1.jpg

Gauge install nightmare!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_3376-1.jpg

[Tony_SS]

Love the floormats. lol

Thanks for reminding me I need one of those drip pans over the blockoff plate like you have..

[sr73bu]

LOL! love the floormats buddy!

-Sean

[72D100]

nice floor mats, no sarcasm

[bonecrrusher]

Mustang is all done and back on the road!!! Insurance took care of everything so we are all set to go. The floor was reshaped and welded back together, new rack was installed, paint touched up, and new front heat exchanger brackets were put in. Car is great and Kim is happy! Thank you for asking!

Thats good its all done and running.

A happy woman is the best kind!

June 2nd - yeah I'll be in the middle of the HRPT - so no DC trip for me.

[SicMonte]

WOW! Ive had more responces on my floor mats then on the car!!

Here they are...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/407482_391593287533675_222362427790096_1-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Im thinking of taking out the radio........what do you all think? The rear roll bar bars go through the rear speaker holes so those are not in. All I have is the 3.5 inch speakers in the dash...and they are a joke.

Im thinking of taking it all out and putting my gauges in that area...

[Norm Peterson]

I don't think I'd put any important gauge that far away from looking down track.

As far as the speakers themselves are concerned - can you get something a little bigger into the doors or into the rear seat side panels?


Good to hear that Kim's Mustang is back in business again.


Norm

[SLO_Z28]

Ditch the radio IMO. Why? Because race car!

[carguykeith]

I was originally planning on ditching my radio too but had so much gauge/ switch real estate after ripping out the hvac and stock gauges I went ahead and put one in. Just threw in a sony deck that holds my ipod inside of it with some 6 1/2 components and some 6x9 (all in the doors) for like $250 total.

Definitely not going to win any stereo competitions, but I can easily listen to the stereo while driving down the freeway at 75. That doesn't sound like much but remember I'm running a race prepped bigblock with headers using only an x-pipe and 3" race mufflers all while turning 3,200 RPM down the hwy...

[SicMonte]

I was originally planning on ditching my radio too but had so much gauge/ switch real estate after ripping out the hvac and stock gauges I went ahead and put one in. Just threw in a sony deck that holds my ipod inside of it with some 6 1/2 components and some 6x9 (all in the doors) for like $250 total.

Definitely not going to win any stereo competitions, but I can easily listen to the stereo while driving down the freeway at 75. That doesn't sound like much but remember I'm running a race prepped bigblock with headers using only an x-pipe and 3" race mufflers all while turning 3,200 RPM down the hwy...

got any pics of the speakers in the doors??

[SicMonte]

went to go put in the trans fluid and I guess I put it in too fast....b/c it started to leak from the top vent after only 8 quarts!!!!!! whoops...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_10931-1.jpg

This is my exhaust...all dirty and nasty. I cleaned it all off and painted it before putting it back up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_55621-1.jpg

Upon cleaning the mufflers I saw a small hole in one of them where a weld gave away. I had to patch that before finishing the painting!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_70681-1.jpg

These screw jacks are a life saver when you have a bad back!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_87311-1.jpg

[Tony_SS]

I'm very jealous of that lift..

[carguykeith]

got any pics of the speakers in the doors??

I do, but kind of forgot I'm also running aftermarket inner door skins from Scottrod Fab (awesome product and service btw) so probably not very helpfull.

Here is the components and the 6x9 are in the very back bottom corner of the door js tout of view but you get the idea.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[ATOMonkey]

You can always build your own speaker enclosures and wire them up with quick connects, so you can pull them out at the track.

[SicMonte]

Ok the trans is in and everything works well...except for the trans temp gauge. I had to install the temp sender into the pan. Here's how it went!!


This is the PML pan with the trans temp sensor boss.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp001-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp002-1.jpg


My fitting is has 1/2 NPT threads and seemed to be way to big for the boss on the pan so we decided to get a bung and weld it on.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp003-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp004-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp005-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Jason Huber over at GForce Design Concepts got the 1/2 NPT bungs for me. He originally tried to tap it, and we both knew it wasn't going to work, but was worth a try!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp006-1.jpg

He sandblasted away some of the powdercoat and fit up the bung.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp007-1.jpg

All welded up!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp008-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

I went up to the shop and brought the pan home to finish the installation. The threads on the 1/2 NPT adapter were a lil buggered up so I ran a tap in it and they cleaned right up!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp011-1.jpg

The pan is now all painted up and installed on the trans.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp012-1.jpg

Now to install the fittings!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp013-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp014-1.jpg

I ran the temp sensor cable/wire through some 1/4" line clamps that attached directly to the pan bolts for a nice and clean install. After that I just routed the wire up to the gauge. It was a lil bit tough since this is a mechanical gauge but the wire bent pretty freely. I did avoid very sharp bends though.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp020-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

I drove the car all day yesterday and today and only saw a max trans temp of 180 degress. I do have a hugeXhuge Derale trans cooler with it's own fan so that might have something to do with it!!!

This was taken this morning at a local Sunday morning cruise in we call "Donut Church".

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp021-1.jpg

and tonight at dinner......car drives so well now!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp022-1.jpg

[SickSpeedMonte]

Nice Doug! I really want some more time behind the wheel of mine, I should be able to drive it for a little while, while I look for a parts car.

[ryeguy2006a]

Nice looking ride. Glad you got it going again.

[SicMonte]

Nice looking ride. Glad you got it going again.

Thanks for the compliment!!

After driving it all weekend I have decided to get rid of the huge cowl hood. The Kirkey seats I have in there now sit much lower than my last ones and I am having a lot of trouble seeing to the right. In an autoX that would be bad!!!

I think I am going to look into a new air cleaner since mine is way to big for a stock hood......

Any other ideas on how to "lower the engine" ?

[SSninja]

Thanks for the compliment!!

After driving it all weekend I have decided to get rid of the huge cowl hood. The Kirkey seats I have in there now sit much lower than my last ones and I am having a lot of trouble seeing to the right. In an autoX that would be bad!!!

I think I am going to look into a new air cleaner since mine is way to big for a stock hood......

Any other ideas on how to "lower the engine" ?

I've heard that an LSx sits pretty low in our cars... :)

Thinking of going back to a stock hood or a more "mild" cowl (Perhaps a 2")?

[SicMonte]

I want to put the stock hood back on...the time of the cowl has passed.

[SickSpeedMonte]

Other than a drop base air cleaner or lower intake, it would be custom engine mounts... but then you might have oil pan clearance issues and your exhaust will hang lower.

Or, spectre makes intake parts that allow you to use charge tubes and cone filters.

[Tony_SS]

A 2" cowl looks perfect IMO.

[SicMonte]

Other than a drop base air cleaner or lower intake, it would be custom engine mounts... but then you might have oil pan clearance issues and your exhaust will hang lower.

Or, spectre makes intake parts that allow you to use charge tubes and cone filters.

I actually contacted Brandy at Spectre about those cone filter kinda intakes. You think they would hurt air flow on a carb set up?

[SickSpeedMonte]

I actually contacted Brandy at Spectre about those cone filter kinda intakes. You think they would hurt air flow on a carb set up?

I doubt it. I guess you could compare the filter area of two cones to that of your 14" open element.

[Norm Peterson]

I doubt that filter area would be the limiting factor.

More likely it'll be the height of the hat vs how easily you can get the airflow to make that 90° turn to go straight down the carb throats.


Norm

[SicMonte]

Yeah the hat I would need top use would be the "low profile" one and I think that would hurt my performance.....plus the added weight of the stock steel hood!!


I got my new "880" Autox numbers on!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/aa005-1.jpg


I found this picture over on montecarloss.com. Pretty cool effect on the pic!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/528612_946776969262_345582242_n-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Couple pics and videos from the Capital Driving Club AutoX last weekend on 6.17.12

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/CDC61712023-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/CDC61712033-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/CDC61712003-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/CDC61712012-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/CDC61712015-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/CDC61712013-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

j4I_sGbrvFo


-8AmkMwm7aQ


GflrtYKoTBM

The last video was taken during my last run of the day and I just wanted to see how far I could push my car. Oversteer got the best of me and around she went!!

[xxxturbo6]

Jealous, your getting to drive your car and mine is still apart....... I just don't feel like driving it without bumper fillers and a Alky pump! LOL

BTW: Looks GREAT!

[xxxturbo6]

double post..

[SRD art]

So what's the verdict? Did the new seats keep your fanny planted or what? :) Looked smooth and fun.

Thanks for posting. Everyday on my lunch break I watch a couple autoX or road course vids to keep me motivated since I'm pretty well ready to shoot my car. You've saved the Pumkinator for at least one more day...lol!

[SicMonte]

Yes the new seats are amazing!!!!!!

Here are two more video's from last weekends autox...just for SRDart!!! These were taken with a GoPro.


Mnzs7SxnUTc

[SicMonte]

WVKfhLMbmEE

[SLO_Z28]

Looks like you had fun dude!

[SRD art]

Woohoo! Looks like a blast and the car seems to be running fast and smooth.

In the first vid looks like the camera needed to lay off the LSD though, lol! :)

That stuff really keeps me pumped. I'm getting real close to driving my car, hope it's even half as cool as yours. Thanks for sharing!

[SRD art]

Just took a few minutes to go through the whole build thread and get caught up. Man, you've had your share of issues, makes me feel good I'm not alone. I'm impressed you didn't complain or bag on companies' parts and such, you just stated facts.

You don't happen to still have your Varishocks (for sale) do ya?

[SicMonte]

Woohoo! Looks like a blast and the car seems to be running fast and smooth.

In the first vid looks like the camera needed to lay off the LSD though, lol! :)

That stuff really keeps me pumped. I'm getting real close to driving my car, hope it's even half as cool as yours. Thanks for sharing!

WOW!!! I didn't even notice that with the first video! I did the youtube "stabilization" effect which is supposed to stop the shaking. Instead it made the cones move and make it look drug induced. I need to change that!

BTW...Im open to selling those varishocks. PM me.

[SRD art]

PM sent.

Yeah, things look a little loopy in the first one. I'm not into drugs or drinking, so it was funny to see maybe what others see, only without the side effects, lol! :Alchy::smoke: :rolleyes:... :barf::sick:

[ATOMonkey]

Thanks for the compliment!!

After driving it all weekend I have decided to get rid of the huge cowl hood. The Kirkey seats I have in there now sit much lower than my last ones and I am having a lot of trouble seeing to the right. In an autoX that would be bad!!!

I think I am going to look into a new air cleaner since mine is way to big for a stock hood......

Any other ideas on how to "lower the engine" ?

A less expensive alternative would be a "shaker" scoop with the stock hood.

[SicMonte]

A less expensive alternative would be a "shaker" scoop with the stock hood.

please tell me that you are not serious.....please.

[SLO_Z28]

A less expensive alternative would be a "shaker" scoop with the stock hood.

It would totally match a foot shaped gas pedal too! Do it!

[NOT A TA]

A less expensive alternative would be a "shaker" scoop with the stock hood.

Even a shaker hood scoop might block vision depending how low the driver is and how tall the shaker sits. I run Kirkeys and sit low. I kept missing the apex at turn 3 Road Atlanta till I figured out why. Now I leave my shaker scoop on for the first session at road course events for the photographers and then remove for the rest of the day. Will a drop base filter setup work? How high is the carb?

(https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/Sebring62021020-1.jpgWho usually leave after 1st session) and then remove it for the rest of the event.

[SicMonte]

sometimes I really wonder about you people....lol.

[SRD art]

Can you raise up the seats a little? Might be cheaper than a new hood.

A shaker would look decent on a a g-body Lemans, maybe a Grand Prix, but not a Monte, that's sacrilegious! ;)

If you wanna swap scoops around between manuf., something like a GN hood bubble may look a little better? I even like the early fox body Mustang scoops, a little lower profile and can be made functional for ram air. Just a thought...

I run a 14" drop base with a 3" element and it clears the hood with a Holley on my fakie Edelbrock performer rpm air gap type intake. I can actually fit a 6" tall element in there and it pokes only about an inch above the hood, hence my cheapie Summit brand 2" tall cowl scoop riveted to my steel hood. All about the low budget baby!

[NOT A TA]

Can you raise up the seats a little? Might be cheaper than a new hood.

A shaker would look decent on a a g-body Lemans, maybe a Grand Prix, but not a Monte, that's sacrilegious! ;)

If you wanna swap scoops around between manuf., something like a GN hood bubble may look a little better? I even like the early fox body Mustang scoops, a little lower profile and can be made functional for ram air. Just a thought...

I put a GN hood on my Malibu, dunno about fit on a Monte

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/DSCN00111-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Whole hood, huh? Didn't realize they interchange. Looks great!

[NOT A TA]

Whole hood, huh? Didn't realize they interchange. Looks great!

Yes, whole hood. But don't be fooled into thinking it's a simple swap. I wanted it to appear that it was a simple swap.

[SicMonte]

That hood does look good on there!!!!!!

Im thinking that a drop base air cleaner and getting rid of my 1" carb spacer would do the trick. Im not gonna get it done in time for Columbus Goodguys but it will happen.

Also I will need to get a new radiator and fan set up since my current one sticks up to far...and doesnt really do a good job cooling off my engine. Scot over at GNS Performance offers a combo kit with a F Body radiator and Dodge Intrepid fans. I think I am going to go with that.

[SicMonte]

wow...just found this and had no idea it was up there.

http://www.chevyhardcore.com/news/getting-the-full-monte-on-this-88-monte-carlo-ss/

[NOT A TA]

Cool write up Doug! Congrats!

[sr73bu]

Awesome write-up man! Congrats!

-Sean

[SicMonte]

yeah the article was pretty cool, and really unexpected!!! I just wish I had known about it!!

[Tony_SS]

yeah the article was pretty cool, and really unexpected!!! I just wish I had known about it!!

I think this happened to someone else here too... they just grab pics off of build threads and make articles out of them.. ?

[SicMonte]

Picked up a Bowler Transmission "Tru-Shift" kit this weekend at the Columbus Goodguys and will be installing that shortly. Also plan to do my hood and F body radiator/Dodge Intrepid fan swap soon too.

updates this week...

[SRD art]

Congrats and good luck with the trans and other mods. Looking forward to pics...

[fonz3482]

Just wondering why the f-body radiator swap is the way to go, and the same for the intrepid fans? Do they swap in nice, and provide the best cooling?

[SickSpeedMonte]

The intrepid fans fit perfectly between the radiator tanks of a stock radiator if you cut the tabs off. It's a dual fan, dual speed setup and they flow pretty well.

[fonz3482]

oh ok, is a f-body stock radiator bigger in size than a g-body radiator. Just wondering the dimensions because im looking to buy a alluminuim after market radiator, and I have many friends that work at the dodge dealer, so I could probably get my hands on a intrepid radiator fan setup.

[SickSpeedMonte]

I'm not sure on the dimensions.

I got mine from all star, which was through motorstate. IDK if they still sell them or not.

[howehot]

Autocrossed my Monte on Sunday with 98* temps. 187* thermostat and the temp never went over 200* with the drop in DeWitts radiator and SPAL fans for the G-Body. This was read off the FAST programmer and the gauge. I will be switching to a 160* thermostat when it arrives.

[SicMonte]

Im getting a dual Spal fan set up as we speak.....should be done tomorrow night!!!!

pics will follow.....

[SicMonte]

So...it's been a while since I have updated this build thread and alot has been going on.

I will first start off with some simple upgrades that have been done to the car then we will get into some racing events I have too...

First thing I have done recently is replace my stock floats with some wedged Nitrophyl units from Holley. These are lighter than stock and the wedged sides are supposed to push the fuel toward the center of the fuel bowl under hard cornering. I was having some throttle hesitation in the autox so I figuered I would try these...and they worked!!!!!

Stock float in the bowl

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b009-1.jpg

Comparison of the Nitrophyl vs the stock one

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b012-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

I also put some new NGK UR5 plugs in too....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b020-1.jpg

Old vs new......I want to check these in about a month to see what they look like with the new MSD ignition.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b021-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

This is the best addition I have ever done to my car in the last couple months.....

My car was getting hot pretty bad since I installed the huge x huge trans cooler in front of the radiator. The outside air flow was prety much cut in half.

This is what I used to have...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b001-1.jpg

This is what I had GForce Design Concepts put in there!!! It's the same Griffin radiator, just the new SPAL dual 11" fans and the mount they made.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b016-1.jpg

In the car...and this thing hits 180...turns on and goes right down to 165. Perfect.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b019-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Now on to my recent racing events:

Polish Mountain Hill Climb 8/4/12: This was a SCCA/PHA sanctioned event and was held on 8/4/12 in Flintstone Maryland. This was a hill climb event on a closed off paved two lane road up the mountain. There was no runoff area, just a 5 foot ditch and either a cliff or trees. It was by far the most challenging racing I have done up to that point. I had six runs and decreased my time by a total of 6 seconds throughout the day. This is now going to be a yearly event for me!!!

Heres the link to my photobucket page: http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/SicMonte/PolishMountain2012/


It was soooooo hot in the helmet, fire suit and gloves!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill005-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill012-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill013-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill020-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill023-1.jpg


Starting line and turn one in the distance...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill028-1.jpg

My pit area

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill031-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill036-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill039-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill040-1.jpg

View from the top of the moutain going down the return road.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill065-1.jpg

Heading back into the pits.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill081-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Hill080-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_3062-1.jpg

The mountain from the highway

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_8214-1.jpg

In the pits

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/pol2012-1.jpg

Tech sticker

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b022-1.jpg

[BigMikeIndy]

When are you going to put a GoPro in your budget? Would of loved to see some hill climb videos.

[SicMonte]

I already have a GoPro...but I forgot it at the hill climb. Epic fail on my part...

I did have the GoPro during my Mid Ohio track day last week. I'll be posting up those pics later tonight.

[BigMikeIndy]

"Just when I thought you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!"

[SicMonte]

Kim and I had the oppertunity to attend a 10/10ths Motorsports HPDE track day at Mid Ohio on 8/9/12. We were in the novice group (green) so we had an instructor with us the entire day. Kim had a gentleman named Lee and I was fortunate enough to get Danny Pop...yes Danny Pop was my instrucor!!!! There were six on track sessions with two class room sessions and we got about 2.5 hours of on track time. What an amazing experiance!!! The staff and instructors made us feel very comfortable and right at home. I used to have my SCCA competition license (2004-2006) and have done numerous HPDE events and this was by far the best instruction, atmosphere and track time I have ever had.

I highly recommend this group to anyone who wants some quality track time. They really make you feel at home and safe.

http://www.1010thsmotorsports.com/page/page/5236308.htm

Pics will follow

[SicMonte]

Gearing up for the trip to Mid Ohio 8/8/12

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa004-1.jpg


LOVE MY NEW MAC'S TIE DOWNS!!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa008-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa009-1.jpg

On the road...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa140-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

8/9/12: We left for the track at 0 dark ugly in the morning and it was raining...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa138-1.jpg

Got to the track and the first session was pretty wet but cars still went out...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa011-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa018-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa020-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa022-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

We were the third group to go out but it was still a lil wet...actually it was alot wet!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0791-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0793-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0782-1.jpg

This pic was taken about one second before my back end came loose and I spun around and had all four tires in the grass. Yes I was mowing the lawn!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0785-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa012-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa013-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa014-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa015-1.jpg

Funny thing was that during the whole spin I was laughing my head off...even with the tire wall approaching!! Thank God we didn't hit the tire wall!!

[SicMonte]

This is the owner's car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa029-1.jpg

Sun is finally out during the second session and it is time to attack the track!!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa031-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa030-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa032-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa034-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa036-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Couple different cars at the event...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa038-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa040-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa041-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa042-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa043-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa051-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Kim's instructor's car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa044-1.jpg

Kim ready to go for a ride-a-long

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa045-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Now it's time to go for a ride along with my instuctor Danny pop in the 2011 OUSCI winning corvette!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa056-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa057-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa060-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa061-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa072-1.jpg


Showing off my harness rash...this thing was violent!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa079-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

After my ride along with Danny it was time for my last session on the track. With Danny in the passenger seat we headed out for my best laps all day!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa080-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa081-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa083-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa087-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa091-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa110-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa111-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa113-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa117-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa118-1.jpg

Goofing around with Danny after the last session.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa119-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Packing everything up...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa162-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa170-1.jpg

For some reason the stupid ramp shot out while I was loading the car...good thing the car didn't drop!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa169-1.jpg

Puting on the straps.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa148-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa150-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa131-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa147-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa152-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa151-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa129-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa130-1.jpg

Funny cartoon on the map in the hotel lobby.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa125-1.jpg

All packed up and ready to go home!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/aa126-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Couple pics other people at the event took of our car's.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0113-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0374-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0375-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/DSC_0416-2.jpg



To see all the pics follow this link to my photobucket...

http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/SicMonte/MidOhio2012/

[SicMonte]

After every track day I change and inspect the engine oil, trans fluid and rear end fluid. It gets a lil bit expensive but gives me an insight on whats happening inside and is worth it in my eyes.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/b023-1.jpg

[sr73bu]

Awesome Doug! glad to see you and Kim out there enjoying all that hard work!

-Sean

[Wheel Werkes]

Awesome build man. Makes me want to buy my brothers Monte and build it LOL.

[SicMonte]

Awesome Doug! glad to see you and Kim out there enjoying all that hard work!

-Sean

Thanks buddy!!! It is a blast to get both cars out on the track!

I have videos that I will be posting up soon of our runs on the track...both in the rain and not. And yes...I did get my spin out on camera!!

[SicMonte]

So my computer took a dump...so I am in the process of getting that thing all fixed up. Once that's all updated I should be able to put up pics and videos much faster........you have been warned!

[gsxrken]

Nice documentation and pics as usual. The car and driver keep getting better! You are going to lap us all at the next RTTS.

[SicMonte]

Nice documentation and pics as usual. The car and driver keep getting better! You are going to lap us all at the next RTTS.

Thanks Ken!! Any time on any track is experianced gained! I try to hit as many events as possible...local autox's...Goodguys...HPDE track days...anything to get out on the track!! I am trying to build this car so I can drive it on the track and actually compete!

With that being said......

[SicMonte]

There are big things coming for this car this winter. I got the ball rolling last Saturday on an "upgrade" that wil finally make this car much more road course friendly and reliable.

Stay tuned...b/c I will have a full on complete write up on the install...very detailed.

[SicMonte]

OK....currently prepping the car for this weekend's RTTH VIII.

My current motor was installed back in 2004 and had been abused ever since. I put it through alot this year in particular. Even with a high pressure oil pump and running high ZDDP Brad Penn 20w50 oil...I am only getting a MAX of 40 psi of oil pressure at high rpms and only like 10 at idle. I'm thinking that after this weekend the motor will be toast...and I am ok with this.

Since the motor is most likely going to be swapped out this winter...that leads me open to some options. The "secret" in the above post was that I put a down payment on an American Powertrain T56 Magnum set up. I will most likely have to cancel that order since I now need a new engine.

So here's my dilemma...

1) Stick with another SBC and save lots of money since all my accessories, ignition, carb/intake and headers will fit the new motor.

or

2) Build up the LQ4 block that I have sitting around in my garage.. This will involve building the motor, heads, getting headers, all new front acc drive, induction system either a carb or fuel injection, new computer/ignition, coils, motor mounts, trans adapter, etc...you get the idea.

The least expensive would be do just do another SBC...but I've always wanted a LS motor but good god will that be alot of $$$$$$$$$ and I just can't afford it right now.

What would you do...and remember...I'm not rich and live in a world of reality.

[NOT A TA]

Put in another SBC and drive it.

[howehot]

Why not look for an LS2 or LS3 with a manual, swap cams and get both wishes fulfilled. Check local salvage yards and craigslist. I picked up my LS1/4l60e for $1400, both had been rebuilt. Engine had Mahle forged pistons, ARP fastners and ported heads. I installed a hotter cam and LS6 intake. Tranny I had beefed up for assurance and spent $700 on it. Deals are out there, you have to be patient and alert.

You will have added costs for exhaust, programming, serpintine system, and incidentals, but the results will be worth it.

Dan

[gsxrken]

Put in another SBC and drive it.

Agreed 100%. You have a great thing going with incremental upgrades all along the journey WHILE using the snot out of your car. A lost year and $15k won't be worth it and at some point you may look back and say I should have just got a track rat, a Z06, or a classic Camaro if I was going to join the forever-on-jack-stands crowd.

You could be back on the road in a weekend with a sick SBC crate motor.

[carguykeith]

Man that's a tuff one, the kind of racing you are doing needs a manual trans but it seems silly to not be going with an LS. I like the idea of picking up a used LS with a manual trans or even better a wrecked car that you could part out to recoup some of the cars cost.

I say put together a spreadsheet and see what kind of total cost an LS would be, then make up your mind.

[fonz3482]

I currently work on a late model race team. We run 604 gm crate engines as per our rules. They are around $4,000 shipped to your front door new. Nice motors, with alot of good pieces push about 405hp. Also alot of roundie-round divisions change there rules frequently, making current drivetrain components, and motors non useable anymore, or illegal. In our series they recently started teching cars alot better, and newer technology to do so. SO alot of the cheaters cant come to the races, or put there motors for sale. I know a guy with a 604 crate that only has 2 races on it, that he spent $10,000 on the motor to make it the way it is, and now he can't run it because he would get d.q.'ed. The stock crate pushes 405hp like stated above, his crate on a 2 barrel is pushing 465hp., with a 4 barrel and a different cam, probably @ 490. I heard he's looking for around $4000 for it. I guess what Im getting at is check a local roundie- round track SOON. The seasons ending shortly, and alot of guys will look to dump there stuff off to buy brand new. I know we have a $20,000 late model dry sump motor sitting in storage because our local track dumped the late model series, So our new track and series forced us to goto the 604 crate. It needs a freshen as it was run 1 full season, but still ran fine when pulled, he's probably gonna dump it and get 1/4 of the price for it, especially now that no one locally can use them in there race cars. I believe some one told me the dry sump motor with a 4 barrel on it, changed the cam, and ran that beast, it would make 500hp no problem. So Check around, maybe someone has a nice piece just laying in there race shop! I inquired on these motors and what there capable of because I have a monte I want to build, but I just cant swing the cash right now for them.

[sr73bu]

You have some top quality accessories for a SBC already, i say stick with SBC for that reason. Look into some roller internal components if money allows you too. SBCs are tried and true... though LS motors are all the rave and Great motors i think you'll avoid unexpected costs and most likely make more power by saving on those costs with a good Ol SBC. My 350/t56 combo is great...and to be honest when is finally lets go I'll most likely build another one.
I kind of look at it like this: High budget- go LS, get top self parts and never look back.... Low Budget your going to be driving a mostly stock LS due to the cost of the accesories you'll swap to run it. For probably a little bit more money (low-mid budget) you could use everything you've got and build a nasty little SBC...just my 2 cents

-Sean

[ed1le]

Do you necessarily need a "new engine" or would a refresh of your current engine suffice? Pull it, check it out and you may find some new bearings & rings combined with freshening the block & crank is all it needs. Then, you could do the 6-speed swap and start building the LS engine & collecting parts while still enjoying the car.

[SickSpeedMonte]

^ What he said.

[bonecrrusher]

Blow up the SBC - and get a LS motor.... lol.

[SS PUNISHER]

Unless you are gonna do s aluminum block ls to save weight I'd stay old school sbc and throw that t56 behind it.

[diesel25lrs]

Doug- It was great meeting you and your girl this wknd! By the way you were running laps-I don't think you need a new engine... :-)

[SicMonte]

Doug- It was great meeting you and your girl this wknd! By the way you were running laps-I don't think you need a new engine... :-)

It was great meeting you too!!

Funny you say this...the oil pressure was good all weekend...weird.

[SicMonte]

How are you supposed to save money and move up in life....if you have a car that constantly needs attention and $$ to keep it going?

After RTTH I am not sure what I need to do...

The motor actually ran great (had decent oil pressure...not sure why though!)...the trans performed perfectlly...but my rear left something to be desired. My stock 7.5 was causing me serious traction issues and I already have an 8.5 but it needs to be built.

I am at a crossroads in the car world.....

[xxxturbo6]

How are you supposed to save money and move up in life....if you have a car that constantly needs attention and $$ to keep it going?

After RTTH I am not sure what I need to do...

The motor actually ran great (had decent oil pressure...not sure why though!)...the trans performed perfectlly...but my rear left something to be desired. My stock 7.5 was causing me serious traction issues and I already have an 8.5 but it needs to be built.

I am at a crossroads in the car world..... Doug,

After our talks and personally riding in your car this past weekend here are my suggestions..

* Rebuild that same engine and BEEF it up some! This engine has given you 8 yrs of reliability so far and you already have the accessories so this would be your "Cheapest" route but this time around just make it more bad a#s.... Keep in mind that a LS engine won't necessarily make you faster or the car faster, It will possibly get better gas mileage. Going LS will cost more to get done and you probably won't stop there so you will still want a t56 to go with it...

* Keep that trans

* Take the 8.5 rear end and have a Tru-trac installed and put that in your car..

* Get rid of that oil pan and go with a Canton baffled oil pan.

And the other things we talked about over the weekend... You car is pretty cool just the way it is and your doing a great job with Less! If there is Anything I can do for you just let me know...


SW.

[SicMonte]

Doug,

After our talks and personally riding in your car this past weekend here are my suggestions..

* Rebuild that same engine and BEEF it up some! This engine has given you 8 yrs of reliability so far and you already have the accessories so this would be your "Cheapest" route but this time around just make it more bad a#s.... Keep in mind that a LS engine won't necessarily make you faster or the car faster, It will possibly get better gas mileage. Going LS will cost more to get done and you probably won't stop there so you will still want a t56 to go with it...

* Keep that trans

* Take the 8.5 rear end and have a Tru-trac installed and put that in your car..

* Get rid of that oil pan and go with a Canton baffled oil pan.

And the other things we talked about over the weekend... You car is pretty cool just the way it is and your doing a great job with Less! If there is Anything I can do for you just let me know...


SW.

I hear what you are saying and I agree with all of it. Only issue I forsee is that my current motor is bored our.060 over already....so I it needs to be bored out any more I will need another block. Good think a buddy of mine has a newer style sbc block for me that was a factory roller cam...woop woop!!

[Stg1Regal]

Yours Monte still has the 7.5 in it and you been beating up on it all these years? Wow Doug wow... Thats awesome!! means it was built right , that means if you built it to last , and the rest of the car was built that same thought in mind, your ride should last.

Im with Scot W. after riding in you car, work with what you got, no electronics with the LS, no muss no fuss there. Maybe do a F.A.S.T EZ-EFI , for the mileage and tune for your driving habits..

Yes go with the 8.5 rear, & upgrade the rest.

I got aways to go with mine, to compete at you and Scot's level... but watch out!!

Again thanks for the ride along... felt good to feel what a G-body can be built to do.

[TheBandit203]

Yours Monte still has the 7.5 in it and you been beating up on it all these years? Wow Doug wow... Thats awesome!! means it was built right , that means if you built it to last , and the rest of the car was built that same thought in mind, your ride should last.

Im with Scot W. after riding in you car, work with what you got, no electronics with the LS, no muss no fuss there. Maybe do a F.A.S.T EZ-EFI , for the mileage and tune for your driving habits..

Yes go with the 8.5 rear, & upgrade the rest.

I got always to go with mine, to compete at you and Scot's level... but watch out!!

Again thanks for the ride along... felt good to feel what a G-body can be built to do.

So an 8.5 SS rear can hold up to the rigors of autoX? And Mr Reed I will need your help in the near future for my 455 regal swap!

[Norm Peterson]

Yours Monte still has the 7.5 in it and you been beating up on it all these years? Wow Doug wow... Thats awesome!! means it was built right , that means if you built it to last , and the rest of the car was built that same thought in mind, your ride should last.
Unless you include "Pro Solo", which has a for-real drag strip start against a car beside you running a mirror-image course to yours, autocrossing isn't all that tough on the rear, parts breakage-wise. What autocrossing is tough on is the clutches or cones (power-on, the clutches/cones want to lock, but the tight turns want to make them slip more than they have to in most street driving). The cones in an Auburn are perhaps a little more durable than clutches (and I think you can get a special racer-oriented version of one of the Auburns through Sam Strano).

FWIW, I ran several years of street driving plus three full seasons of autocrossing with 7.5"/7.625" Auburn and Richmond Gear stuff that I installed myself, with zero durability issues.


Norm

[Stg1Regal]

TheBandit203


Just read your going to a Buick 455 Big Block in your Regal,
You should check out discussion board called www.v8buick.com lots of guys doing the Big Block Buick swap into their REgal here in this part of the forum

http://www.v8buick.com/forumdisplay.php?41-V-8-Buick-Powered-Regals

I will help you anyway I can...ask away..... Then set your ride to handle as good as Sic Monte's so I got someone to compete against thats equal to mine.

[xxxturbo6]

TheBandit203


Just read your going to a Buick 455 Big Block in your Regal,
You should check out discussion board called www.v8buick.com lots of guys doing the Big Block Buick swap into their REgal here in this part of the forum

http://www.v8buick.com/forumdisplay.php?41-V-8-Buick-Powered-Regals

I will help you anyway I can...ask away..... Then set your ride to handle as good as Sic Monte's so I got someone to compete against that's equal to mine. You will want to set your car up with a large V8 cause my little 6 cyl car is the underdog at these v8 auto-x events! :drive: :naughty: LOL

[Stg1Regal]

xxxturbo6

Scot

"touche"!!

[SicMonte]

Unless you include "Pro Solo", which has a for-real drag strip start against a car beside you running a mirror-image course to yours, autocrossing isn't all that tough on the rear, parts breakage-wise. What autocrossing is tough on is the clutches or cones (power-on, the clutches/cones want to lock, but the tight turns want to make them slip more than they have to in most street driving). The cones in an Auburn are perhaps a little more durable than clutches (and I think you can get a special racer-oriented version of one of the Auburns through Sam Strano).

FWIW, I ran several years of street driving plus three full seasons of autocrossing with 7.5"/7.625" Auburn and Richmond Gear stuff that I installed myself, with zero durability issues.


Norm

My rear is a stock 7.5 that came in the Monte from the factory...Precision 3.73 gears...stock axles...stock drum brakes...aluminum cover and an Auburn Super Brute diff. I use Redline or Amsoil gear oil with the ACDelco friction modifier. The rear has held up very well for what I have been doing to it the last two years!

I rebuilt the drum brakes last year when I installed the longer wheel studs and with the front Baer Track 4 set up...this thing really stops on a dime. It's weird...almost like I don't even need rear disc for what I am using the car for. You can see the brakes being rebuilt earlier on in this build thread.

[SicMonte]

After I got home from RTTH I put the car up on the lift to give it the normal "after race" once over..........and found this huge tear on the inside sidewall of my driver front tire!!!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001006-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001003-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001005-1.jpg


I called up a buddy of mine who is an engineer for Michelin/BFG and he advised me to not drive on them b/c a blow out would destroy my CCW wheels. I went back and forth with him about new sizing and in the end BFGoodrich tires supplied me with these bad boys!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001007-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

The tires I had on the front before were 255/35/18....and these new ones are 275/35/18.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001008-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001009-1.jpg


In my HHR and ready to go have them mounted!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001010-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

So I took the two front tires to get mounted at my old work...Trick Trucks in Lanham MD. These guys specialize in rim/tire packages so I knew they would take care of my tires and wheels. They did a great job!!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001012-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001015-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001016-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001019-1.jpg


Proof that CCW's are true three piece wheels....the seam is covered in silicone to prevent air leaks.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001020-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001022-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001023-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001024-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001027-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001031-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001034-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Back on the car and looking good!!! No rubbing or anything too!!!


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001035-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/2011101420111014001036-1.jpg


THANK YOU BFGOODRICH TIRES!!!!!!!

[SRD art]

When I was young, I used to think every time I got new sneakers they'd make me run faster. I think I heard that's true for cars too... :)

[SicMonte]

When I was young, I used to think every time I got new sneakers they'd make me run faster. I think I heard that's true for cars too... :)

oh...its true....trust me.

[musclecarmatt]

them are some sexy tires!......wish had little better sizing for my 17's....or maybe time go to 18's lol :)...

[bonecrrusher]

I have those same size on the front z06 wheels that I am running.

Looking good.

[SicMonte]

drove the car to a cruise in this morning...with no rubbing what so ever. FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SicMonte]

soooo....as many of you already know...my current motor is on it's way out. Very weird oil pressure readings and lots of "glitter" in the oil.

My buddy "Hambone" on here gave me his old LQ4 when we put a Magnacharged L92 into his pickup. The motor has 214,000 miles on it but it was free.

I was talking to him the other day discussing the motors and he mentioned to me that he had a custom ground cam from Comp for that motor...which he would sell to me for cheap. He knows my concern about building a LS engine with the need to buy EVERYTHING new since I currently have a SBC. Thinking it over he remembered that he still has his COMPLETE old front acc system for the LQ4 which he is giving me. Well...this is looking better and better.

To put the icing on the cake I recently realized that through work I have an account with a local Chevy dealership that is a nation wide parts warehouse and I get insane discounts from them for the volume we buy. I went and inspected all our 6.0 outfitted big trucks last week to see if any of them have L92 heads (823's) and a couple did. That means I can get the L92 heads for super cheap too!!!

So...this winter I think I will finally be building the LS. Keeping the stock rods and crank...putting in flat tops with the cam and heads...with a carb...YES A CARB. With my new found parts and deals through the dealership this wont be as bad as I thought it will be!

[srh3trinity]

soooo....as many of you already know...my current motor is on it's way out. Very weird oil pressure readings and lots of "glitter" in the oil.

My buddy "Hambone" on here gave me his old LQ4 when we put a Magnacharged L92 into his pickup. The motor has 214,000 miles on it but it was free.

I was talking to him the other day discussing the motors and he mentioned to me that he had a custom ground cam from Comp for that motor...which he would sell to me for cheap. He knows my concern about building a LS engine with the need to buy EVERYTHING new since I currently have a SBC. Thinking it over he remembered that he still has his COMPLETE old front acc system for the LQ4 which he is giving me. Well...this is looking better and better.

To put the icing on the cake I recently realized that through work I have an account with a local Chevy dealership that is a nation wide parts warehouse and I get insane discounts from them for the volume we buy. I went and inspected all our 6.0 outfitted big trucks last week to see if any of them have L92 heads (823's) and a couple did. That means I can get the L92 heads for super cheap too!!!

So...this winter I think I will finally be building the LS. Keeping the stock rods and crank...putting in flat tops with the cam and heads...with a carb...YES A CARB. With my new found parts and deals through the dealership this wont be as bad as I thought it will be!

Do your research on the cam specs. The LS3 heads on LQ4's can have some PTV clearance issues if you go with too aggressive of a cam. Also they are sensitive to carb vs. FI in regards to cam choice.

[SRD art]

Love it when things come together...

[coolwelder62]

Wow!!! this is an awesome thread.I love this these cars.Will be checking back in to see more.

[89 RS]

Good stuff Doug, great to hear about the motor. Good luck with the build!

[SicMonte]

Well got some of my "free" LS stuff recently.....

L92 Intake....complete with injectors, throttle body and fuel rails.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001015-1.jpg

One part of the front accessory set up...this will look like a jewel once I am done with it!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001017-1.jpg

And a copy of a very informative DVD all about tuning GM LS engines. After talking to Walter "Hambone" on here we decided to inject the motor instead of use a carb. He gave me all the intake stuff and he has EFI Live software...so we will be tuning it ourselves. A bunch of mad scientists over here!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001016-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Went to a cruise in weekend at the beach last weekend. The beach is 3 hours away and it decided to rain all the way home. I have no HVAC system in my car at all so it gets very interesting in the rain!!

This lil guy is a life saver!!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001012-1.jpg

My "no drip" towel. A must with the windows down during the rain...yes I said the windows down. I had to b/c the lil fan was only giving me a 6" diameter hole to see out of through all the condensation on the inside of the window. Remember I have no defroster!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001013-1.jpg


The aftermath once I got it back home and in the shop....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001014-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Here's a shot of my good friend Michael Weddle doing a photo shoot with my car last weekend at the fall Ocean City Maryland "Endless Summer" cruising weekend. Mike is only 17 years old and is an amazing photographer. He uses a Cannon camera is a master at photo enhancing a digital effects.

Here is his email if you are in the Maryland area and want to get similar photos! He charges between $10-$15 for the highly enhanced pics. You will see what I'm talking about.

[email protected]

Follow this link and go "like" his facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Weddle-Photography/357008064318172?fref=ts


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001006-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

Here are some examples of his photography skills.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/486891_502626163089694_1131156618_n-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001001-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001002-1.jpg


And the coolest pic I have ever seen of my car.....


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/2011101420111014001003-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

He also took some "stock" pictures of my recent upgrades to the car for a build book that is being published about how to build up the GM G Body platform.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMG_8230-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMG_82321-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMG_8240-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMG_8246-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMG_8248-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/IMG_8252-1.jpg

[Hotwhilz]

Man I like your Monte, get's better with time like an ole bottle of wine! Good stuff! And nice pictures for sure, the last with the transluscent hood is sick!

[Trans]

How come you dont complete the burgandy interior?Its all go and no show but theres nothing wrong with cleaning it up and make it look complete.

[Samckitt]

Hey Doug, what size rear tires you running? Sorry if mentioned somewhere. The clear hood on the Monte is cool, I did one like that too a couple years ago.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/see_thru_hood-1.jpg

[SicMonte]

[QUOTE=Samckitt;941549]Hey Doug, what size rear tires you running? Sorry if mentioned somewhere. The clear hood on the Monte is cool, I did one like that too a couple years ago.

295/35/18

[SicMonte]

How come you dont complete the burgandy interior?Its all go and no show but theres nothing wrong with cleaning it up and make it look complete.

Maybe it is complete in my eyes...and then again maybe I think the Monte Carlo SS interior is garbage. Would it be ok with you if I did what I really wanted to do and took out all the interior and made my own dash, door panels and rear firewall? There's nothing wrong with doing what you like right?

Last time I checked this car is all about the "no show" aspect...it is spray painted remember. I don't have the time or patience to wax it and worry about a door ding.

[Norm Peterson]

How come you dont complete the burgandy interior?Its all go and no show but theres nothing wrong with cleaning it up and make it look complete.
In a car that's all about performance, you might say that the pretty stuff takes a back seat. Every time.

Once you can get in and safely/legally drive it, you can consider it "done enough". Save for installing some sort of carpeting to cut down the noise for unhelmeted driving (and enough HVAC to keep the windshield clear - right, Doug :) ), efforts past that are luxury and can wait. Maybe forever.

For some folks there may be perceived value in having a car that surprises people when they get nosy enough to get up close and look inside - and then come away scratching their heads because they just don't understand . . .


I don't have the show and shine gene in me, either.


Norm

[DoABarrelRoll]

... Would it be ok with you if I did what I really wanted to do and took out all the interior and made my own dash, door panels and rear firewall?...

Permission granted.

[Trans]

Maybe it is complete in my eyes...and then again maybe I think the Monte Carlo SS interior is garbage. Would it be ok with you if I did what I really wanted to do and took out all the interior and made my own dash, door panels and rear firewall? There's nothing wrong with doing what you like right?

Last time I checked this car is all about the "no show" aspect...it is spray painted remember. I don't have the time or patience to wax it and worry about a door ding.

Car looks good as it is,but as you probably know a project is never done.Reason I asked was I saw you have original door panels and yes theres nothing wrong with a stripped looking car as long as your happy with it.

[carguykeith]

If your after quick and easy, I'm REALLY happy with my inner door panels. Not very expensive, great company to deal with and probably took 20lbs off the car...

http://scottrodfab.com/gbody.html

[SicMonte]

If your after quick and easy, I'm REALLY happy with my inner door panels. Not very expensive, great company to deal with and probably took 20lbs off the car...

http://scottrodfab.com/gbody.html

I've probably asked you this before but do you have any pics of these installed on your car?

[silvermonte]

hey doug ive been watching you car for a long time and i love it, im building an s10 and im wondering where you got your tranny pan, from that thing is exactly what i want for my 700r4, things get hot in that small little box that im building and i want to put the temp sensor in that pan just like you did, 23 pages is alot to dig thru to and then i get side tracked and end up reading everything about your car for about the 20th time, keep up the good work and maybe one of these days ill end up on the same track as you

[carguykeith]

I've probably asked you this before but do you have any pics of these installed on your car?

Here is the best I have in my build thread https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?84850-Project-Hoopty-a-GN-impersonator-with-a-488-Olds&p=857323#post857323 if you want something from a different angle just let me know.

[SicMonte]

those will be purchased this winter.....oh yes.

[SicMonte]

Attended my last autox of the season last Saturday and got some pics....


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_4983-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_5002-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_5027-1.jpg

[Norm Peterson]

Was that the Capital Driving Club event?


Norm

[SicMonte]

Was that the Capital Driving Club event?


Norm

Yes it was! Do you attend these events?

[Norm Peterson]

It's a little too far away to do conveniently - I'm guessing not quite 2 hours to Baltimore plus another hour west. So either overnight somewhere or not much sleep.

But I had hopes of making this one after being invited by Vince (drives a late model Mustang with I think some Whiteline rear suspension parts, if that rings any bells). Unfortunately, I was still in SE Massachusetts on Sat. AM packing to come home.

Maybe next spring. Your lot looks a whole lot more spectator friendly than most I've been to.


Norm

[sr73bu]

Car looked awesome out there!!!

-Sean

[SicMonte]

It's a little too far away to do conveniently - I'm guessing not quite 2 hours to Baltimore plus another hour west. So either overnight somewhere or not much sleep.

But I had hopes of making this one after being invited by Vince (drives a late model Mustang with I think some Whiteline rear suspension parts, if that rings any bells). Unfortunately, I was still in SE Massachusetts on Sat. AM packing to come home.

Maybe next spring. Your lot looks a whole lot more spectator friendly than most I've been to.


Norm

If you do come out to one of these events...don't bother with the Frederick/Harry Grove lot. It's small and an aweful lot to autox in.

[SicMonte]

Post AutoX Inspection...


9UzuP3qidV0

[craigs73]

whens the ls conversion going to start doug lol

[SicMonte]

whens the ls conversion going to start doug lol

lol...nothings going to happen yet until i find out about the future of my job. I survived the first round of lay offs...now im hearing that there will be a second round. Fml

[craigs73]

ahhhh that sucks....hell just start working on cars for money....you got one hell of a shop

[SicMonte]

ahhhh that sucks....hell just start working on cars for money....you got one hell of a shop

Thanks buddy! I have actually entertained that idea for a long time.

Well I survived the second round of lay offs so I should be good for a lil while. I am still being cautious with spending money so I am just going to keep the current motor/trans/rear set up in the car for next year and just let it eat.

I also don't think I will be attending as many events next year as I did this year. I'm aiming at RTTS and RTTH but that's about it...no Goodguys and no 10/10ths track days. Even RTTS and RTTH might be with no car...only time will tell. This year really tested me financially with the trans breaking, all the tow costs, diesel costs and all the darn hotel rooms!!!!

[CodexGigas]

Beautiful Monte, Glad to See another G Body. I Feel like They're over Looked big Time. Can't wait to get My 85 Cutlass Finished.

[craigs73]

Thanks buddy! I have actually entertained that idea for a long time.

Well I survived the second round of lay offs so I should be good for a lil while. I am still being cautious with spending money so I am just going to keep the current motor/trans/rear set up in the car for next year and just let it eat.

I also don't think I will be attending as many events next year as I did this year. I'm aiming at RTTS and RTTH but that's about it...no Goodguys and no 10/10ths track days. Even RTTS and RTTH might be with no car...only time will tell. This year really tested me financially with the trans breaking, all the tow costs, diesel costs and all the darn hotel rooms!!!!

but it was alot of fun right? lol :machine:

[SicMonte]

but it was alot of fun right? lol :machine:

oh it was a lot of fun and I gained some very valuable seat time and had a blast with a bunch of my good friends!!!

Just my job situation right now is too unstable to just throw money into these trips. I'm going to keep the car the way it is and just go to local stuff this year. I will attend RTTH though...I'll never miss that event!

I think in the next couple weeks I am going to concentrate on getting all my vids from this years events up on youtube. I'll post them up in this thread.

I do have one question though..........

Keep the decals on the car or take them off????


Decals:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_5027-1.jpg


No Decals:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/Picture012-1.jpg

[howehot]

I like the dacaled look. More of the racecar vibe.

[SSninja]

Keep the decals, otherwise it just looks like you're saving for a paint job. :)

[SicMonte]

Keep the decals, otherwise it just looks like you're saving for a paint job. :)

Wow....very good point!!!

[V8240Z]

I like the decal look also!

[silvermonte]

I have a question that I have been thinking about for a few days, I took my 700r4 out of my g-body to put into my S10 that I will be road racing and autox with and I noticed the overflow/vent tube on top of the tranny was busted off. I was going to just ignore that and leave it as is, then I watched your video and read another post that you had left and about your tranny dumping fluid while you are beating on it when it gets warm. My question is this, do you think it would be worth it to figure out how to hook up a catch can to the vent tube, not sure how I would do that but I have a few weeks before the tranny will be going in the truck to figure this out.This is one of those things that if I can take care of it before it goes in the car life will be much simpler.

[SicMonte]

I have a question that I have been thinking about for a few days, I took my 700r4 out of my g-body to put into my S10 that I will be road racing and autox with and I noticed the overflow/vent tube on top of the tranny was busted off. I was going to just ignore that and leave it as is, then I watched your video and read another post that you had left and about your tranny dumping fluid while you are beating on it when it gets warm. My question is this, do you think it would be worth it to figure out how to hook up a catch can to the vent tube, not sure how I would do that but I have a few weeks before the tranny will be going in the truck to figure this out.This is one of those things that if I can take care of it before it goes in the car life will be much simpler.

I would put this question in the the "Automatic Transmission" section. It is a good question. You might also want to ask around at different trans shops.

I thought that my big A S S Derale cooler with it's own dedicated fan would keep the trans cool.....not so much. I'm sure that my tight converter is adding to the heat though. Around town it gets to a max of 180...200 at an autox...and I hit 220-230 at Mid Ohio.

[silvermonte]

How does the air get to your coolers? Montes have some extra "shield or guards" that my cutlass does not. I know you have the one on top of the core support that wont let air up past that, but from the pics it looks like your tranny cooler is sitting above another "shield". Is that there to keep the air that comes in your grill from going under the car and only thru the radiator? I wont have one of those in the S10 unless I find out that they really help, only time will tell with that. Once I get in mock up which will be soon Im ordering the largest oil and tranny cooler I can fit, I may have to get creative as I dont have as much room as a g-body, I may be able to place it in a different spot and maybe it wont get as warm because of a s10 not having the guards and my converter is prolly closer to stock then yours I think, its a 12" with a stall of 2100.

Ohh and keep the decals, your car looks mean as hell with them on there.

[xxxturbo6]

I have a question that I have been thinking about for a few days, I took my 700r4 out of my g-body to put into my S10 that I will be road racing and autox with and I noticed the overflow/vent tube on top of the tranny was busted off. I was going to just ignore that and leave it as is, then I watched your video and read another post that you had left and about your tranny dumping fluid while you are beating on it when it gets warm. My question is this, do you think it would be worth it to figure out how to hook up a catch can to the vent tube, not sure how I would do that but I have a few weeks before the tranny will be going in the truck to figure this out.This is one of those things that if I can take care of it before it goes in the car life will be much simpler.

Very good question.... my Gbody done the same thing at last years RTTH event. I thought it was coming from the seals but it never leaked again so it had to have been the vent tube..... if you come up with a catch can resolution please let us know...

DOUG, keep the stickers!

[gammapunk]

What year F body is that sway bar from? Did you have modify anything to make it fit? I have a 84 MC SS I am trying to decide what to do sway bar wise.

[SicMonte]

What year F body is that sway bar from? Did you have modify anything to make it fit? I have a 84 MC SS I am trying to decide what to do sway bar wise.

The bar is a Hollow 36mm front sway bar from an 80's IROC Camaro. Since no one make a 36mm sway bar frame bushing I had to use a 1 3/8" bushing from Energy Suspension. It is a great upgrade!!

[SicMonte]

How does the air get to your coolers? Montes have some extra "shield or guards" that my cutlass does not. I know you have the one on top of the core support that wont let air up past that, but from the pics it looks like your tranny cooler is sitting above another "shield". Is that there to keep the air that comes in your grill from going under the car and only thru the radiator? I wont have one of those in the S10 unless I find out that they really help, only time will tell with that. Once I get in mock up which will be soon Im ordering the largest oil and tranny cooler I can fit, I may have to get creative as I dont have as much room as a g-body, I may be able to place it in a different spot and maybe it wont get as warm because of a s10 not having the guards and my converter is prolly closer to stock then yours I think, its a 12" with a stall of 2100.

Ohh and keep the decals, your car looks mean as hell with them on there.

Here are some pics of my whole trans cooler set up.......


Old cooler VS new Cooler with the integrated fan!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/535807_10150822789543907_673353906_98881-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t002-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_2542-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/t010-1.jpg


Bung for the trans cooler....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp008-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/transtemp014-1.jpg

[howehot]

Have you ever seen anyone open the air box behind the bumper for more air flow. I'm not sure if it would provide more air through the radiator and in this case your trans cooler. I placed mine in front of the left front tire and never went over 170 at OUSCI, the only venue I have run with it installed.

The reason I ask about opening the aribox is the thought of installing an inter cooler if I supercharge my LS1

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121014_105059_345-1.jpg

[gammapunk]

What year F body is that sway bar from? Did you have modify anything to make it fit? I have a 84 MC SS I am trying to decide what to do sway bar wise.

The bar is a Hollow 36mm front sway bar from an 80's IROC Camaro. Since no one make a 36mm sway bar frame bushing I had to use a 1 3/8" bushing from Energy Suspension. It is a great upgrade!!

Thanks for the info! I found the GM part number. It is 14094344. (now if I can just locate one). The poly bushing for a 36mm dia. can be found at Kirban Performance SKU# 7111. Great post on your car! It is awesome.

[SicMonte]

Have you ever seen anyone open the air box behind the bumper for more air flow. I'm not sure if it would provide more air through the radiator and in this case your trans cooler. I placed mine in front of the left front tire and never went over 170 at OUSCI, the only venue I have run with it installed.

The reason I ask about opening the aribox is the thought of installing an inter cooler if I supercharge my LS1

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/20121014_105059_345-1.jpg

I've never seen anyone open up that airbox b/c I think it is there to direct airflow from the grill to the radiator. I felt kind of weird cutting the holes in it for the trans cooler lines even.

If your location really does cool as well as you say...I may be moving my cooler this winter then!!! It was hitting 230 degree at Mid Ohio...but I was pushing the car to it's limits with Danny Pop in the car as my instructor. Car did amazingly well though.

[SicMonte]

Well after much though I have come up with three real world scenarios for my car....

1) Keep my SBC and put a T56 behind it...

2) Put in a budget LS with a carb and put my current 200R4 trans behind that...

3) Keep my engine and trans the way it is and build up my 8.5 rear end that I have sitting around.

Given the fact that the rear that is in my car now is a stock-ish 7.5 10 bolt....I think I am going to build up the 8.5 and let it eat. It will get a tru-trac center section, 30 spline axles and the Baer SS4 brake set up. I might even throw in an aluminum driveshaft just to be cool...as well as a hand brake instead of a floor parking brake.

[Tony_SS]

I like #3.. build the foundation then go from there.

[xxxturbo6]

Have you ever seen anyone open the air box behind the bumper for more air flow. I'm not sure if it would provide more air through the radiator and in this case your trans cooler. I placed mine in front of the left front tire and never went over 170 at OUSCI, the only venue I have run with it installed.


I have mine in the same spot but on the passenger side and i'm also running a large "S" blade fan on top of the trans cooler but I don't have a trans temp gauge to see what my temps are...
My trans seems to be working fine at all the auto-x events I have attended without slippage or anything.

69319 69320

Scot W.

[xxxturbo6]

Well after much though I have come up with three real world scenarios for my car....

1) Keep my SBC and put a T56 behind it...

2) Put in a budget LS with a carb and put my current 200R4 trans behind that...

3) Keep my engine and trans the way it is and build up my 8.5 rear end that I have sitting around.

Given the fact that the rear that is in my car now is a stock-ish 7.5 10 bolt....I think I am going to build up the 8.5 and let it eat. It will get a tru-trac center section, 30 spline axles and the Baer SS4 brake set up. I might even throw in an aluminum driveshaft just to be cool...as well as a hand brake instead of a floor parking brake. # 3 would be my choice as well......

[SicMonte]

Looks like I wil be changing up my trans cooler location then. I like the fact that they are on their side and not vertical like mine is.

[Norm Peterson]

Just don't have the carb drawing air that has been heated by the tranny cooler.


Norm

[carguykeith]

Might as well do the rear now, I blew one up going in reverse with my old basically stock big block and some 275 BFGs. Your making more power and have a lot more tire, so it's just a matter of time...

I am REALLY happy with how my rear came out (aside form the original disks I tried). Looking at my costs sheet it wasn't that bad if you can do all the labor, here is my beakdown:

Truetrac: $400
Gears & bearings $300
Axles & eliminators $500
billet rear cover $150
1350 pinion flange $50
LCA reloc brackets $75
Rear disks (2nd set)$450

So grand total was under $2k and it should be good for around 800HP! You can see most of it in my buildup on page 2 but if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them.

[SicMonte]

Might as well do the rear now, I blew one up going in reverse with my old basically stock big block and some 275 BFGs. Your making more power and have a lot more tire, so it's just a matter of time...

I am REALLY happy with how my rear came out (aside form the original disks I tried). Looking at my costs sheet it wasn't that bad if you can do all the labor, here is my beakdown:

Truetrac: $400
Gears & bearings $300
Axles & eliminators $500
billet rear cover $150
1350 pinion flange $50
LCA reloc brackets $75
Rear disks (2nd set)$450

So grand total was under $2k and it should be good for around 800HP! You can see most of it in my buildup on page 2 but if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them.

So why did you decide to go with the C clip eliminators and the LCA relocation brackets?

[carguykeith]

Both are for the drag track, but really should be done for any kind of racing.

The eliminators keep the axles in the tube much more securely than the stock little c-clips. They also should help with bad knock back, particularly the Strange "circle track" axles/ eliminators I'm running. You could also go with weld-on big ford ends that will do the same thing and give you more brake options. No matter what, I would highly recommend not keeping the c-clips.

The lower control arm relocation brackets fixes the anti-squat problem caused by the stock geometry and lowering the rear suspension. Ideally you want your lower control arms parallel with the ground, take a look at yours and you can see the advantage of lowering the rear mounts.

If you do a search on here for "knock back" and "relocation bracket" several threads should pop up with more info if your interested.

[xxxturbo6]

Both are for the drag track, but really should be done for any kind of racing.

The eliminators keep the axles in the tube much more securely than the stock little c-clips. They also should help with bad knock back, particularly the Strange "circle track" axles/ eliminators I'm running. You could also go with weld-on big ford ends that will do the same thing and give you more brake options. No matter what, I would highly recommend not keeping the c-clips.

The lower control arm relocation brackets fixes the anti-squat problem caused by the stock geometry and lowering the rear suspension. Ideally you want your lower control arms parallel with the ground, take a look at yours and you can see the advantage of lowering the rear mounts.

If you do a search on here for "knock back" and "relocation bracket" several threads should pop up with more info if your interested.Doug,

This is what you will want to do if your planing on going with a rear BAER brake set up. Most of the leading rear end manufactures sell this kit.. If you just went with regular c-clip eliminators you wouldn't be able to run the BAER brake system in the rear due to the axles being pushed outwards too much and BAER don't have a proper bracket available right now for that but they are working on one at this time...

[Norm Peterson]

With the relo bracket you can also bring the axle roll steer down to something halfway sensible for autocross. On this on chassis with similar rear suspensions, using fairly conservative settings on relo brackets is one of the few mods that benefits both anti-squat and axle steer at the same time.


Norm

[SicMonte]

Doug,

This is what you will want to do if your planing on going with a rear BAER brake set up. Most of the leading rear end manufactures sell this kit.. If you just went with regular c-clip eliminators you wouldn't be able to run the BAER brake system in the rear due to the axles being pushed outwards too much and BAER don't have a proper bracket available right now for that but they are working on one at this time...

Scot: What do I need for the rear Baer SS4 kit? Im buying it from you so you tell me what I need. I'm bringing the 8.5 rear into the shop this weekend to start on it.

[xxxturbo6]

Scot: What do I need for the rear Baer SS4 kit? Im buying it from you so you tell me what I need. I'm bringing the 8.5 rear into the shop this weekend to start on it. I am awaiting a call back from Strange with the correct part numbers for you..

[carguykeith]

xxxTubo6 is right, my braking options were pretty limited going the way I did, just note that going to ford ends does not eliminate knock back concerns in and of itself. I looked up the Baer kit you are planning on using and it describes a system that is a fixed caliper but acts like a floating one, this may take care of knock back but I would talk to a baer rep or dealer to confirm.

Here is a good thread about fixed calipers with weld on ford ends and knock back, they are Wilwood brakes but same issue: https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?83726-Camaro-Performers-Wilwood-rear-disc-kit-w-Floating-Caliper

[SicMonte]

Hey everyone.....please click on the link below and hit "like" on the pic and "share" the pic on your own facebook page too if you would! I'm trying to win a photo contest that RideTech is putting on. Thanks!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=410228415723373&set=a.410227479056800.96190.103267763086108&type=1&theater

[SicMonte]

Talked to a tech guy over at Moser about what it would take to build up the 8.5 rear end I have. He recommended using their #7750 Ford axle ends...custom axles...tru-trac...this...a little bit of that.

In the end the costs were adding up and it made me wonder if building the 8.5 is even worth the money. For a bit more I could go with a way nicer rear end that would hold a lot more power....but it would cost more.

What do you all think?

[Todd in Vancouver]

Talked to a tech guy over at Moser about what it would take to build up the 8.5 rear end I have. He recommended using their #7750 Ford axle ends...custom axles...tru-trac...this...a little bit of that.

In the end the costs were adding up and it made me wonder if building the 8.5 is even worth the money. For a bit more I could go with a way nicer rear end that would hold a lot more power....but it would cost more.

What do you all think?


I was just reading through your post and was thinking the exact same thing. Your in that far why even bother building a 8.5? I would upgrade and then never have to worry about it again in case you go crazy down the road and end up with a turbo, supercharged, nitros LSX killer engine from hell.

IMO, :crying::drive2: