70 Chevelle-Project Bullet LS3

[AZSaleen04]

Previously I’ve had several muscle cars and my last being a 69 Camaro that I sold before moving to Arizona from New Jersey. After toying with several Mustangs inparticular my last 04 Saleen Cobra, 586RWHP I decided to get back into it. I’m about half way through so I will get caught up to speed pretty quickly.



Here is the latest project: 70 Chevelle

Project Bullet- As we go through you will see why the name "Bullet". Original AZ car wiht solid metal which made it a great projet to start.

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Plans are LS3/T56, Suspension and Fuel Injection..and some more goodies



I’m sure I will need your input as we go along.

Thanks

[AZSaleen04]

So far I've worked real close with Jason Rushforth in designing the paint scheme, the look of the car and I just can't stop thanking Jason for his continued support.

Also wanted to thank another Jason....LT1Chevelle here from Pro-Touring who has helped with the mechanical aspect in this project.


Here is a rough draft of what the paint scheme will look like and will update this when a final rendering is completed by Jason. All chrome on the exterior of the car will be finished with Nickle Brush.

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ROUGH DRAFT!

[AZSaleen04]

The process begins..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/ChevelleStrip1-1.jpg

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[AZSaleen04]

*Rushforth 19x8 and 20x10 installed.
*New SC&C Pro Touring Suspension Package
*Brand New Front end
*Hellwig Sway bar
*Bilstein Shocks
*Z06 rotors and callipers
*Replaced 10 bolt wiht a 12 bolt Detroit True-Track 3.73



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[AZSaleen04]

2008 L92 9,000 with T-56 Arrives purchased from Travis who has become a personal friend, screen name DaytonaYellaz

Smooth Firewall installed

Replaced accessories with LS3 accessories, Texas Speed Cam and accessories, Eddlebrock Exhaust, LS3 intake, LS7 Flywheel/Clutch, and Champ oil pan.



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[AZSaleen04]

Doors and fenders were replaced with original 71 fendrs and doors to give the marker deleated lights. The original fenders and doors had a lot of filler and poor body work. Plans are for the car to be stripped to metal and start from scratch.


Second Skin installed on the interior

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/SoundDedinotinstalled-1.jpg




Off to the body shop- Drew Brothers Custom in Chandler

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[AZSaleen04]

Route 66 SS dash and Autometer gauges ordered. Ron David radiator ordered.

2010 Viper seats wrapped with leather to replace the suede and the carpet on the rear of the seat. Rear seat is being refoamed and wrapped in leather as we speak.

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[LSxChevelle]

Very nice!!

[chuckd71]

Looks good.

[gmachala404]

Nice another LS3 build! I am doing the LS3 as well. Subscribing.

[brans72]

Glad to see someone else has the Rushforth whiplash on a Chevelle besides me. I will be watching.

[rocketrod]

Very nice!!!!! What camshaft did you install?

[AZSaleen04]

Thanks everyone.

I've connected with Frank and Prodigy and ordered a 2.8 Whipple that is going to power this setup. Hope to see some pictures from Frank soon on the custom braket that's needed and the Whipple.

[AZSaleen04]

Very nice!!!!! What camshaft did you install?

The cam was a Texas Speed 229/236,.624"/.615", 111

That cam is going to be replaced with a cam from Prodigy for a blower as the we need to increase that 111 to a 114-115.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Great project! Keep going man...

[LSxChevelle]

Thanks everyone.

I've connected with Frank and Prodigy and ordered a 2.8 Whipple that is going to power this setup. Hope to see some pictures from Frank soon on the custom braket that's needed and the Whipple.

So what hp goals? Why whipple and not Kenne Bell? I was planning on a KB 3.6 or twin hair dryers to get to ~700 at wheels with a stroked 6.0L or stroked LS3. I'm just curious as I keep hearing differing reccomendations. I love how a Whipple or KB unit is the modern take on an old rat with a blower. Something about have that whime and the exhaust not still has the headers rather than a turbo system.

[AZSaleen04]

I had a 2.8 Kenne Bell on the Mustang and it was awesome. Trying something different plus the Whipple kit will work with my accessories. Can't go wrong wihh either one.

We are going to keep the power numbers low and keep it below 700 at the motor.

[LSxChevelle]

We are going to keep the power numbers low and keep it below 700 at the motor.
I love how in this type of car world that is low lol

Can't wait to see some pics of the blower on...

[AZSaleen04]

I love how in this type of car world that is low lol

Can't wait to see some pics of the blower on...

Hope to have some soon from Frank.

[Rick D]

Nice project keep the pictures coming.

[AZSaleen04]

A picture of the firewall without the engine installed.

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[jgpclone]

nice work man

[Nick.V70]

I dig it!! Keep it up man!

[AZSaleen04]

Will do. The Chevelle is at the body shop so pictures are coming in slow.

This past weekend the bumpers were packed up, the bolts shaved off the front and rear bumpers and all chrome went out to Ogden Chrome to be nickle brushed and the stainless scuffed up with a wheel. These guys in particular Charlie are great to deal with.

[AZSaleen04]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/Chevelle1-1.jpg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/Chevelle3-1.jpg

[AZSaleen04]

Here is the fun part....hence the project name. As the orange paint was being stripped off the passanger quarter we found a bullet hole that had gone clear through the quarter. Only if the Chvelle could speak it would be cool know what the hell happened to it. Did it happen robbing a gas station....probably not and some one just took a shot at it at some point.


"Project Bullet"....the Whipple doesn't hurt this either.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/Bullet-1.jpg

[JAWSS]

Nice, I hope to join the ranks as a 70 Chevelle owner myself soon. I have my 72 but I always loves to front and rear treatment on the 70.

[LSxChevelle]

Nice, I hope to join the ranks as a 70 Chevelle owner myself soon. I have my 72 but I always loves to front and rear treatment on the 70.

Just swap front clip and rear bumper...

[AZSaleen04]

Just swap front clip and rear bumper...

That is very true. My fenders are original 71 fenders that I went with to eliminate the marker lights.

[AZSaleen04]

I gave it some thought about selling the motor and picking up a forged motor from Frank at Prodigy. I have to swap out the cam and sell the LS3 intake when the blower is ready to go on so it was a thought.

[04ctd]

maybe a dumb Q?

but why leave those wheels & tires on it at a shop?
that seems like it makes work for everyone: keeping tape & masking on them inside & out, keeping from getting stolen, keeping grinding/hot work from blowing on the clear coat.

or maybe i am OCD?

[AZSaleen04]

All Valid points.... I have no worries based on the shop as they are OCD with their work and it's all safe.

[AZSaleen04]

Back seat is comleted and picked up. I had extra foam added to the top of the seat and inserts created then was wrapped in black leather.

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[zipsimons]

Wow what a clean slate to build on! Coming along great!

[AZSaleen04]

Just ordered a set of Kindig-It-Design door handles that are gettign shipped to Ogden to be nickle brushed with all the other chrome pieces. Looking forward to seeing these on the Chevelle.

[zipsimons]

Ah man I love those! So envious!

[AZSaleen04]

They sure make a piece. I looked at the Ringbrothers one as well but decided on Kindig instead.

[LSxChevelle]

Do you know how much clearance you will have between the whipple and as hood?

[SOM1969]

THATS BAD ASS. keep up the good work!

[willj313]

can't wait to see this car painted

[AZSaleen04]

Same here...it's been sitting at idle for about a month and hope we start moving it on soon.

[AZSaleen04]

Progress being made at Drew Brothers Custom:

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[AZSaleen04]

Next steps are to rough block the entire car and then prime it once again and then dismantle the parts for paint and powder coating of the radiartor support.

I decided not to go with the Kinddig-It handles and had new stock handles Nickle brushed. Stay tunned for a final rendering from Jason Rushforth.

[CruizinKev]

looks great so far :twothumbs

[kmdracer]

Subbing to keep up with the project...

[LSxChevelle]

Have you looked into the fitment of the Whipple to hood clearance? Is it like way good? Wondering if the 4.0L will have any fitment issues under a SS hood...

Good to see some progress! Looking forward to seeing the handles as well. I've tossed around the idea of shaved or stock ones painted black since I will probably go black on bumpers, headlight buckets, grill trim, and rear of hood/fender trim (shaving drip rails)...

[AZSaleen04]

The project is coming along slowly but we are moving along. The exterior is completed and doors, fenders, hood and trunk are taken apart for paint. The jams will be blasted and primed.

All panels are original and allignment is perfect.

Finishing touches are being made on the new firewall and getting ready for paint as well.

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[AZSaleen04]

I swapped out my wheels to prevent any damage to them so these are temporary wheels from the shop.

[dug]

Nice build. I'm glad to see other 70's getting built. I take it you're not pulling the body off the frame at all?

Here is a shot of mine, not the best pic as I'm at my work computer:

[01blacks4]

i think i saw that for sale over on thomas/32nd street last year..
cant go wrong with drew bros
looks good, where in chandler are ya? maybe we are neighbors

marc

[AZSaleen04]

Nice build. I'm glad to see other 70's getting built. I take it you're not pulling the body off the frame at all?

Here is a shot of mine, not the best pic as I'm at my work computer:



Same to you! Cheers!

[AZSaleen04]

i think i saw that for sale over on thomas/32nd street last year..
cant go wrong with drew bros
looks good, where in chandler are ya? maybe we are neighbors

marc


It's possible. I've owned the car for almost 2 years and purchased it from Gold Canyon. Every bolt and piece has been replaced.

Off of McQueen and Ocotillo.

DBC does great work!

[QDiesel]

I'm not too far from you guys......I'm on Gilbert and Riggs. Nice build so far man, definitely subscribed.

[daytonayellaz]

Looking Good Mike, Im a huge fan of the 70 chevelle. Always exciting when progress is made. I sometimes wish I had a 70 chevelle, but I wish I had a 70 Firebird also.....and a 70 Buick GS and on and on..LOL! Your as bad as me with the new 70 camaro project.

[JAWSS]

Just swap front clip and rear bumper...

Late reply on this. The 72 Chevelle was a rusty true SS car and was just sold. I bought a 70 Chevelle Malibu is rust free and a one owner 80K miles car. I am still fllowing this closely.

[AZSaleen04]

Making progress.....

[AZSaleen04]

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[AZSaleen04]

Getting more paint.....

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[csouth]

Damn the looks good!

[rfalker1]

Nice project, better name!! The car is looking good!!

[KnightMare]

looking good, cant wait see the rest of the paint scheme

[AZSaleen04]

looking good, cant wait see the rest of the paint scheme

Getting there slowly! I'm looking forward to seeing the entire car painted as well.

[AZSaleen04]

More pieces getting painted and cleared.

[AZSaleen04]

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[AZSaleen04]

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[KnightMare]

oh I see, the front half going to be two toned and rear half sold black, is the red accent line going to end in the rear quarter glass area?

[AZSaleen04]

oh I see, the front half going to be two toned and rear half sold black, is the red accent line going to end in the rear quarter glass area?

That is correct as to where it's ending. The front nose is three colors. Red/black/silver.

[AZSaleen04]

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[AZSaleen04]

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[AZSaleen04]

More Progress. Painting is done and now the assembly begins!! Doors are going on as we speak.

[willj313]

looking good

[clu269]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/BuickFinal1-1.jpg
As you can see these car are very similar down to Jason designing both.

[AZSaleen04]

Great design.

[AZSaleen04]

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Here is the final verion of the rendering from Jason Rushforth prior to seeing the finished product.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Bump for updates...:cheers:

[AZSaleen04]

Moving along slowly.

Some pictures of the parts powder coated, car wet sanded. Should have a lot more progress this week.

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[outragis]

Looking great! very nice build!!!

[AZSaleen04]

Thank you! Will have more pictures by the weekend.

[AZSaleen04]

Some new updates:

Brushed nikle rear bumper.

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[SparkyRnD]

digging the brushed nickel bumpers. i thought about eventually doing that on Sabre, but was curious as to what it would look like (now I know)

[AZSaleen04]

It was hard to picuture what it was going to look like. Ogden Chrome did a few sample pieces for me to see what it's going to look like and I like it as well as it's different and blends with the brushed wheels.

[CruizinKev]

WOW nice!!!!

[AZSaleen04]

Thanks!

[Rhomeo]

Hey bro, i just joined this forum and your car is making me glad i did. Im new to the muscle car scenen and i just picked up a 70 Malibu. I dont know where to start...so if you have any pointers im all ears bro...btw awesome car.

[KnightMare]

The bumpers are going to look great on this car ,can't wait to see it all together

[mikes70]

Definatly diggin the brushed nickel bumpers too. I install and design frameless shower doors and use alot of b/nickel.

Doin the b/nickel anywhere else?

[AZSaleen04]

Hey bro, i just joined this forum and your car is making me glad i did. Im new to the muscle car scenen and i just picked up a 70 Malibu. I dont know where to start...so if you have any pointers im all ears bro...btw awesome car.


Welcome! It all really depends where you want to start. If your drivetrain is good you could work on suspension and wheels. The beauty of these cars are you can start where ever you want and it will never be done! Lol

[AZSaleen04]

The bumpers are going to look great on this car ,can't wait to see it all together

Thank you!

[AZSaleen04]

Definatly diggin the brushed nickel bumpers too. I install and design frameless shower doors and use alot of b/nickel.

Doin the b/nickel anywhere else?


I have to give all the credit to Jason Rushforth as this is his design. Anything chrome on the exterior is either brush nickel or it has the brush look if nickel wouldn't work.

[Rhomeo]

Welcome! It all really depends where you want to start. If your drivetrain is good you could work on suspension and wheels. The beauty of these cars are you can start where ever you want and it will never be done! Lol

Yeah i kinda figured that with all the differnt builds. I have a 350 sb hooked up to a turbo 350 tranny, basic setup, not going to mess with that no time soon cause it was rebuilt by the guy i bought it from. The body is a nother story tho, chassis has what seems to be surface rust. Been seeing people sand blasting it but i have no sand blaster, thoght about grinding the chassis by hand but but people say its time consuming.

[AZSaleen04]

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Glass going in and brushed handles

[AZSaleen04]

More Progress!!

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[AZSaleen04]

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[SparkyRnD]

Great pictures and looks like it's getting pretty close. I love the whiplash, thought about them for one of my projects and think they are killer looking.


Yeah i kinda figured that with all the differnt builds. I have a 350 sb hooked up to a turbo 350 tranny, basic setup, not going to mess with that no time soon cause it was rebuilt by the guy i bought it from. The body is a nother story tho, chassis has what seems to be surface rust. Been seeing people sand blasting it but i have no sand blaster, thoght about grinding the chassis by hand but but people say its time consuming.

We separated ours and took it to a powder coating company. They blasted it and coated it for super cheap, less than what I would have paid in labor, and a HECK of a lot faster than I could have done it myself. Plus, no clean up!

[turboclevor]

wow that is cool and i am going with almost that same exact paint scheme except instead of silver it will be gun metal grey and will go all the way back to my spoiler

[AZSaleen04]

You can't go wrong with any of Jason's wheels. They all have a great design and quality.

[Wheel Werkes]

Awesome work man. Cant wait to see the turbo set complete. I LOVE turbo cars, your going to have a blast.

[Young Gun]

Love the paint scheme, looks awesome!

[AZSaleen04]

Thank you! I actually shifted gears and decided to not due the Whipple. I had some challenges ordering it and decided to spare the motor. It could be something I might revisit later.

[JayR]

The project is coming together beautifully, Mike. It looks exactly like the rendering! Thanks for the trust!

[AZSaleen04]

The project is coming together beautifully, Mike. It looks exactly like the rendering! Thanks for the trust!

I appreciate you Jason as you walked me through every step to ensure we matched your vision. Couldn't be happier with the finished product.

Thank you!

[chekm8]

This is both amazing and inspiring! Looking FANTASTIC!

I'm in the middle of a '69 LS3 PT build as well. Funds dictate a 4 phase approach so my build is a little more budget than yours. Brakes/Suspension/chassis were done earlier this year, now we're frame off and putting in the LS3 376/525. Unfortunately, when you do little by little, you don't really plan ahead well, so we ended up with a Jake's Transmissions built 4l80E that I love, but really wished I would have put in a T-56 with this engine.

It's amazing how many little things pop up that you didn't expect. My old 2 1/2 exhaust will have to be replaced since the way it was worked over the rearend didn't allow enough room for Ricks Tank (even with corners clipped). Good time to switch to 3" full mandrel bend with X cross and electronic cutovers!

We're still having a heck of a time finding an accessory drive that will fit with the Lee Steering box. What did you use? I don't think I read it in your earlier posts.


chekm8

[Chevelle LT1]

Since I see this car across the street from me, I can tell you that he went with the Grand Cherokee Saginaw box, and the Corvette accessory drive setup (I actually have the same setup on my car, also)

[sscamarokid]

I sent a pm but answered my own questions....sounds like a lot of u in the phx area....definitely need to plan a pavilions night to meet when it cools down. Great looking project man!!

[AZSaleen04]

Sorry for the delay and Chevelle LT1 is right on. He is the one that told me about it. I share your pain and frustration as we have all gone through this. The price tag has just kept escalating out of control.

[AZSaleen04]

When we do finish the cars that will be a good goal to shoot for.

[AZSaleen04]

A few more updated pictures.

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[chuckd71]

Looks good, I like how the lighter color follows the tops of the doors.

[Chevelle598bb]

I went all though the thread and found the wheel size but didn't see the tire sizes.

[AZSaleen04]

It's been a while... The rears are 295/35/20 and the fronts I believe were 265/40/19.

I can double check next time I see the car.

[AZSaleen04]

Looks good, I like how the lighter color follows the tops of the doors.

Couldn't agree more!! :)

[AZSaleen04]

Well after some time we are getting there. The Chevelle is a live and running! Car will be completed mechanicaly by the end of the week and off to the interior shop.


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[JAWSS]

Nice progress!! How about an interior update?