Voodoo child - 69 gto

[SShep71]

587264968049682I few of you may have seen the original posting I did for the car, but here it is the official start of the thread. The project is going to be built and financed by myself but with special mention and interest to the MWR recreation department auto hobby shop. For those of you that dont know that is the Morale Welfare Recreation. It is a set of programs and services that are beneficial to the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and their families. As the build moves along I intend to use the car as a teaching tool to instruct those willing to learn on how to go about some of the aspects of building a car beyond the standard practices (oil,brakes,maintenance). Instruction that is not currently available. I hope to gather enough interest in the project that at the end I will be able to approach the MWR and have them bring about a program like this for all of the major military installations.


I got the idea for the design while listening to the beginning of Voodoo Child by Jimi hendrix and looking at the Boyd Possesed wheels. So Thank you Jimi you did much for all of us!




About the car

When purchased:
Original 1969 GTO with 35,000 original miles
1976 pontiac 400 with a 671 blower
stock TH400 transmission
12bolt BOP rear
Re-upholstered interior
met. Purple/primer black paint

Plans:
LSx 403
CNC heads
MAST VVT SS cam
ARP head/main bolts
Forged cryo treated internals
Twin 62mm billet wheel Turbonetics
CX racing intercooler

Custom stainless exhaust, engine mounts, oil pan, coolers

6L90 Trans
Shrifter six paddles
aftermarket torque converter
custom stainless oil pan

Corvette C6 brakes

Narrowed currie 9" rear

Custom frame
Curretrac rear billet upper and lower arms
Fays2 Watts Link
Adjustable QA1 coilovers front and rear
AFX tall spindles
SPC ultralight control arms
SPC Tubular lower arms
Hellwig sway bars front and rear

NAPA premium steering components
Hydratech Hydraboost balanced system
Tom Lee quick ratio steering box
Tom Lee power steering pump

Custom stainless fuel tank
CTSV pump with vaporworx PWM controller

Bonspeed GTB /or/ Racer 2

19x8 20x10

Custom Interior
G8 dash/console/pannels
2006 GTO seats.



-Shep

[Agalaviz2]

great rendering, i just got my 68 from the paint shop, i painted it a dark ppg black, with a ppg clear.

gto's look soo much better with the shaved rocker panels!

ill post my pics soon!

-Andy

[SShep71]

UPDATE!

Well here is an update to the car rendering. I have some pictures that will follow. I am still waiting on the damn Fays 2 watts link, It has been close to 2 months now and I havent heard anything. Until I get the watts link progress on the chassis/suspension is at a standstill.

Unfortunately today I got some bad news about the closing of one hobby shop and the changing of another. https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?83809-!!!!help-save-the-autohobby-shops!!!!&p=846010#post84601050158

[Yelcamino]

Nice rendering. The bug catcher isn't my thing, but overall I like the concept you got going.

Looking at the second rendering, I notice the bug catcher is set deeper in the hood. I like that look a lot more than the first! Nice. :twothumbs

[wing_0797]

Iv'e been building my car in the Auto hobby shop on post. Can you believe they don't want people building cars there? imagine that I get crap allot... anyway I think you should consider a modern manual transmission for that bad ass car, there's nothing like seeing a parked muscle car and you look in side and see that Hurst shifter lol cool project,




I few of you may have seen the original posting I did for the car, but here it is the official start of the thread. The project is going to be built and financed by myself but with special mention and interest to the MWR recreation department auto hobby shop. For those of you that dont know that is the Morale Welfare Recreation. It is a set of programs and services that are beneficial to the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and their families. As the build moves along I intend to use the car as a teaching tool to instruct those willing to learn on how to go about some of the aspects of building a car beyond the standard practices (oil,brakes,maintenance). Instruction that is not currently available. I hope to gather enough interest in the project that at the end I will be able to approach the MWR and have them bring about a program like this for all of the major military installations.


I got the idea for the design while listening to the beginning of Voodoo Child by Jimi hendrix and looking at the Boyd Possesed wheels. So Thank you Jimi you did much for all of us!

The rendering was done by Ben Meissner and I cannot be happier with his work. We are doing a few minor changes but nothing major. www.streetroddesigns.com (http://www.streetroddesigns.com)
49679496804968149682
About the car

When purchased:
Original 1969 GTO with 35,000 original miles
1976 pontiac 400 with a 671 blower
stock TH400 transmission
12bolt BOP rear
Re-upholstered interior
met. Purple/primer black paint

Plans:
462 c.i. 1969 block bored .040 4.25 stroke BBC Rod
worked 6x heads
6-71 BDS blower
EFI

TCI 4L80 Transmission w/paddle shifter

Kore3 brakes 12.75" front 12" rear

Currie 9" rear

Custom frame
Curretrac rear billet upper and lower arms
Fays2 Watts Link
3 way Adjustable shocks front and rear
SPC lowering springs Front and rear
AFX tall spindles
SPC ultralight control arms
SPC Tubular lower arms
Hellwig sway bars front and rear

NAPA premium steering components
Hydratech Hydraboost balanced system
Tom Lee quick ratio steering box
Tom Lee power steering pump

Boyd Possesed 19x11 rear
Boyd Possesed 18x10 front
Kumho Ecsta xs 285/35/19
Kumho Ecsta xs 265/35/18

Custom Interior
2005 GTO seats.



I will post all the progress as I go and keep up with the pictures but instead of putting everything up on all the websites I have just created a Facebook for all of you that would like to keep up.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002963973342&v=info (http://www.facebook.com/#%21/profile.php?id=100002963973342&v=info)

-Shep

[SShep71]

I have to run a bug catcher of some kind because of the blower. I am gonna change that design a little, I left it on there like that to give an idea. Its gonna be a shaker hood style design. As far as a manual, I thought about doing a manual trans, but I would never do a hurst shifter. Its too old school for where I am going with the car, plus mauals cant do what a manual-matic can.

[wing_0797]

Hurst shifters have modernized but I got you, I like the renderings I'm curious what benefits are there to a manual matic really I have no experience in that area....



I have to run a bug catcher of some kind because of the blower. I am gonna change that design a little, I left it on there like that to give an idea. Its gonna be a shaker hood style design. As far as a manual, I thought about doing a manual trans, but I would never do a hurst shifter. Its too old school for where I am going with the car, plus mauals cant do what a manual-matic can.

[SShep71]

A 4L80 and the controller unit allows total control of the transmission. How fast, and hard the shifts will be. Manually shifting it allows instant gear change without going through all the steps you experience during manual shifting. There are a lot of benefits.

[SRD art]

Thanks Shep! It was a lot of fun working with you on the rendering for this one. I think we hit the mark, one nasty-tail killer A body. This thing is gonna be one wicked witch doctor when it's done!

[csouth]

Love the rendering! I love the 69 GOATS. I'll be watching this. :twothumbs:

[wing_0797]

thanks for the Info I might have to try one in a future project...


A 4L80 and the controller unit allows total control of the transmission. How fast, and hard the shifts will be. Manually shifting it allows instant gear change without going through all the steps you experience during manual shifting. There are a lot of benefits.

[SShep71]

Updates:
It has been a long time since I updated anything, a lot has happened in recent months good and bad but Im still kickin. To follow are pictures from the progress with the car, I would like to have documented more but the focus has been on teaching and allowing people to do work while they learn (its the best way isnt it). There have also been a bunch of changes, I have scraped the 6/71 blown 462/4L80 Pontiac idea in change for a turbo LY6/6L90 combo. I started to fab up a lot more stuff not that I have more time. I am making engine mounts, headers, an oil pan, and a trans pan. All are going to be stainless steel I am going to do them my way so I dont have to deal with the fits between all the different vendors and soo far I have not seen a set of mounts that actually works 100%. I plan on keeping all of my drawings and possibly I may make a set or two for some extra cash. I also have changed the wheels I am going to use, originally I got a quote for the wheels from Perry at PTS and Driverz Inc. Boy am I glad I didnt send any money, I hope all of you get your wheels or cash sooner than later. As of right now I am also looking at possibly putting an entire 2004 GTO interior in the car but I will see how things turn out. Let me know what you guys and gals think and thatnks again for looking.

There are a lot of pictures so everyone with slow connections this may take awhile.

[SShep71]

Here are the new pictures of the engine, mounts, and new seats

[the dan]

Whats up with the aluminum/lead? in the intake/exhaust?

[SShep71]

Its 6061aluminum, when I had the crossovers filled. Its necessary to do when you run a boosted application.

[atam]

Love the project!!

[deejai35]

Great progress and documentation. I can see the skill level.

[Protour_Pinto]

Is that Miramar? I worked for MWR for years until they closed the Stables.

Project looks like its coming along.

[SShep71]

No its 32nd street, I almost moved the project to MCAS but I decided against it.

[the dan]

Its 6061aluminum, when I had the crossovers filled. Its necessary to do when you run a boosted application.

makes sense i never even thought about that.
why the change of heart to an LS? i was digging the old school

[SShep71]

I didnt have the 10,000+ I was gonna need to build the motor the way I wanted with fuel injection and a 4L80. This is much more cost effective and more fun. I was selling the blower but deadbeat buys and lowballers got me to the point of boxing it up and its going in the corner till I get the 72 (Das Goat) out here. Ill build a quick 400 pontiac and put it on that. That way I have a turbo LSX 69 GTO and a blown 400 pontiac 72 GTO

[SShep71]

Here is a quick update, the engine mounts are almost finished. I just turned the poly bushings last night. Im going to start with 95A durometer and see how they feel, I have to do the math but I am considering doing a compound durometer bushing for the final pieces. I have to redo the vertical plates for the engine side I want to raise the engine 1" to retain the 3deg driveline angle. I have to raise engine to compensate for the huge trans. Hopefully buy the time I am done I will have a detailed write up for those trying to do the conversion in their A-body. The other picture is the start of my stainless oil pan, I am going to try to address ALL of the problems that current conversion oil pans are experiencing. I see a lot of pans out there but none of them seem to be able to address all of the problems that conversions run into. I am also going to make my own trans pan to get the clearance I want. What would you consider good ground clearance? I was hoping to get 6-8 inches at the trans pan. I also need dimensions from a nova gas tank, that is on the list of stainless stuff I need to make. I am trying to get a bunch accomplished before I leave for another month on the 2nd. That way I have plenty of time to draw and create things in my head while in im the desert. 5872458725

[Amit]

wow.. loving the fab work on this.. Will be watching with interest

[SShep71]

Here are a few pics from yesterday, I got some progress done on the trans, I removed the pan to see how much shallower I can make the pan. With the pan removed you can see that the filter hangs more than 3" below the trans case. The filter neck is really long so I messed around with it and cut 5/8" off the top and the 3 vertical bars that limit the amount the neck will protrude though the bushing in the trans. I didnt have time to get the picture of teh mod or the filter in place afterwards but it now hangls 2 3/8" below the the case. That isnt much of an improvement so I am going to look into replacing that filter which is almost 3/4" thick with a more low profile filter from a different trans, and making it fit (isnt that the nature of this hobby anyway?) I hope to get the depth of the pan down a significant amount. I am leaving this week for a month so the car has to wait. I will be back at is as soon as possible. I also messed around with my engine mounts and raised them 1", doing that allows the stock truck pan to fit in the engine compartment with no problems. I will play around with some more heights when Im back as well.

[SShep71]

Ok so Im back and at it again, `Im at a stand still right now. I cant get a definitive answer on if using the VVT will work with the turbo or not. Three different companies gave me three different answers. Until I can get a straight answer to the " will VVT work with a turbo and stiffer springs" question I am gonna hold off and do a lot more reading and calling around. Anyone have any good leads out there on someone that has working knowledge on whether this will work or not. I of course posted this on LS1tech and no answer there.

[Motown 454]

Awesome project and your doing some sweet fab work.

[Simmo]

Cool project you've got there...nice gear too!

I'd be real interested to hear your experiences with pans/mounts etc. I have an LS on the floor which is going into my El Camino and want to get an idea of what I'm in for. I plan to set it back as far as practical, run a T56, and will be removing & re-fabbing a tunnel to nail the driveline angles. With that in mind, what do think will be the next "tight spot" to address? Any tips/considerations before I fire up the plasma!?

I've worked with FI on a few Toyota/Honda VVTI/VTEC engines and with the right cam I personally cant see where you would have any issue with VVT. That flat curve with boost would be bad ass IMO. Interested to hear what concerns have been raised from your builders?

[SShep71]

Chris,
I didnt even bother trying aftermarket mounts. I just went right to my own design, I cant find anyone who hasnt had one problem or another with their mounts and pans working together. I am gonna make everything on my own. If everything works out ok and I have the freetime I am gonna maybe make a set or two. I looked into the VVT further and EVERYONE I talked to today says get rid of the VVT. The VVTI/VTEC engines run a much more complicated setup that allow more than the VVT LSx engines. I am going to look a little further but its not looking good for the VVT at this time in this car.

[SShep71]

Ok no progress yet with the engine, I dont think VVT is gonna stay. However! I did start to look into the 04-06 GTO interior. I am worried about the engine communicating with the instrument cluster. I know the BCM and CANNbuss needs to be involved im just not too sure how to go about it or who to ask. I found a few different dash and consoles but I want to know where to begin before I dig into this mess. Anyone have any suggestions?

[SShep71]

Ok quick update:
I changed engine mount design AGAIN! The new design looks a lot more professional. I will post pics this weekend. I got the reworked wiring harness today its only 2.5 months later then it was supposed to be and it incomplete! I made some more trans pan design progress. I am searching for a thin trans filter with a metal top (any suggestions). I am looking into ZR1 wheels or rushforth wheels. I also ordered the hood scoop and will get some work done on that as soon as it arrives. I had to make changes due to the fact that the artist drew the car with a 3 scoop design and its no longer available (Jegs Injegtor). Now I have to go with a 2 barrel design. I havent gotten much done yet because I have some really big things going on in the next few weeks. I am getting married on July 16th and something else I wont mention just yet. I hope I can get a lot accomplished in the next few weeks. Ill post pics as I go.

[Simmo]

Sounds like life is getting in the way...know how that is!

As far as the dash is concerned, they came out with a few different spec/trip options. Try a few of the Aussie Commodore forums as BCM swap's are discussed fairly regularly. I know of a crowd here that re-flashs the whole deal but might be a bit of a mission for you logistically, I also have a couple of BCM's lying around you could have, but again I think the freight would probably kill it!

Figure out how to run the VVT! Surely retaining the phaser and letting the boost do it's thing can't hurt...what advise have you recieved aside from "ummm ahhhh it won't work"...just curious as I dont get what VTEC would allow that the VVT wont as it's essentially just adjustable cam timing in real time vs introducing a completely "new" cam at higher rpm. (disclaimer - I'm a lot more familiar with VTEC than VVT...just wana know what I'm missing!)

Be good to see the latest version of the mounts...

[SShep71]

UPDATE.... I am leaving for Afghanistan tomorrow. I will get back to my car in a year. So this is my new "Pro-Touring" setup !! Its standard desert tan with panama soles and gets AWESOME MPG's.... Ill keep you all posted

[Warlock13]

Great looking build, and awesome fab work!

Thank you for your service, and please be safe!

[66larkgs]

UPDATE.... Car is at Pats Custom Cars in Ramona,ca....Its gonna be badass when I get back. I am leaving for Afghanistan tomorrow. I will get back to my car in a year. So this is my new "Pro-Touring" setup !! Its standard desert tan with panama soles and gets AWESOME MPG's.... Ill keep you all posted


Hats off to you and thank you for your service!! the good thing is when you get back you will have a painted car and you can jump right back on it.. The mast setup with the gauges is a Sick setup. They did a whole video on v8tv. that is the greatest thing on youtube and he is a member here so i am sure you can look him up and ask some ideas..
good luck

[SShep71]

Quick update. I had Shawn Mascoll do an rendering for me. Its awesome I would suggest his work to anyone. Plus the price is unbeatable! I am planning a few changes for when I get back. The blower setup I that was on the car is going to go on the 72 but with a little twist. I am still going at it over here. I am unsure of when exactly I am gonna get back. Cool thing is that I met a few guys over here one is already on here and I just talked the other into joining and maybe even starting another build. Ill post updates on the cars progress at paint as I get it.

[blade]

Great build! Be safe over there!

[SShep71]

I haven't updated this in awhile, there hasn't been much to update as I am still deployed and the car is at paint. I have bought a good amount of parts stocked up for when I get back. I was home on leave for a short period of time a week ago. I used the time to do whatever I could. There have been a few changes in the color of the car. I wanted to do it a deep grey but I wasn't satisfied with the colors I found. I have decided to go with 2010 Maserati Nero carbonio, with 2012 BMW Imola red stripes. The stripes are solid red and the Nero Carbonio is metallic. I got rid of the door handles and went with a recessed pocket design with corvette openers. That leave the problem of what am I going to do with the GTO emblem for the fenders. I dont know if doing them in white letters instead of black will look tacky. Any ideas? I have decided on the wheels. I am going with Bonspeed GTB 20x10 rear and 19x8 front. The tire size has been a pain in the ass as I havnt go any definite asnwers as to how big I can go all around. I am looking at 315/35/20 rear and 275/35/19 front but I am unsure if I will be able to fit those sizes all around. Any thoughts? I got a real good set of used C6 brakes and rotors. There are some scratches on the calipers that I am trying to find a matching color to do touch up with.
7713377134771357713677137

[dpruden]

Glad you made it back to us safe, brother. As a former enlisted sailor, I know that if my base had anything close to this instead of leaving us to our own devices, my life would have been much different.
(MT2/ SS) Got out October 2011 and have been looking forward to giving back when I can to our enlisted personnel. Nothing against officers, but I feel like the grass roots people in the enlisted ranks typically have a rougher time.

[67speedfreak]

Great looking project man ! Can't wait to start on mine !

[SShep71]

Well its time for a short update....

I am home from Afghanistan, but I had a few "ouchies" that are keeping me from returning back to my house. I was home for Thanksgiving, and I have to say that after 15 months of being gone my garage looks like the stockroom at a speed shop. Boxes of parts and tools EVERYWHERE! I have the majority of the parts I need right now. I still have to get the wheel offsets and backspacing measured up so Bonspeed can do the wheels. I need to order the tires (315-45-20 275-35-19). I know the next few months are gonna be really busy with putting the car together and school starting. I will keep this updated and as detailed as I can. I promise to do a THOROUGH engine build page as well as a thorough exhaust and turbo build section. I will update as I go but as of today I am still not home.

[ekmxryda]

Hi SShep,

Hope you are healing up well, sorry to hear that you got hurt.
Looking forward to more progress so get well soon!
Do you have a wheel offset gauge? It is going to be snug with the 315's so you might need to trim or roll the outer lip.
Here is the cheapest gauge I have found.
http://tunertools.com/wheelrite-!!-wheel-&-tire-simulator-by-percy%5Es-high-performance.html
Or you could build your own, about 7 min. in they go over it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHbeWf_a3wU

Oh and the door handles look great!

[jlcustomz]

Just seeing your build for the first time.In your case, even worse than mine, progress comes only when it can. Not being done gives something to look forward too, we all need that sometimes.

Just a personal opinion, I do think there is just something cool about a butterfly air catcher slightly peeking through the hood. I built my own (hint, hint), catches all the air I need. Something to think about on a rainy day(WEEK).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/jlcustomz1/media/a3be8e9a288011e38d2122000a9f1531_7_zps3fe2da7d.jpg .html)

[csouth]

Glad you made it home one piece. I'm sure you can't wait to turn that pile of parts into empty boxes.

[SShep71]

I can't wait to get home and get started. I know my wife wants the garage back. The boxes are slowly creeping over and cramping her Kia SOUL in the corner.

[SShep71]

I am getting closer to being home for good. I took these pics before when I was home quick. The dash is ""placed"" to see if it will fit *note the strategic 2x4" block. I have the majority of the interior parts I need. When I get to that part I have some more decisions but this is just to give an idea. I dont have an interior guy picked out to assist with this part. Granted I am hearing prices from 75.00 and hr and up. Bringing me to considering breaking out a LONG unused skill my Aunt taught me back in the day, and buying a good sewing machine to do it myself. Any suggestions for anyone in the SoCal area that would be interested? Any feedback?

[Zoomin]

Welcome home!

Will be following along to see what you come up with for the oil pan.

[SShep71]

Just a quick update as it has been a long time. I am in medical appointments almost everyday and in school 4 days a week as well. I just got my car back, and will be posting updates soon hopefully. Fingers crossed things turn out as planned.

[SShep71]

I have an update and some pictures of the garage I am working on my car in, I will post them up soon. It seems as if I spend more time building more tools and equipment than I actually do working on the car anymore. I am just finishing up my bead roller and metal band saw conversion. I would be farther but Drama class is getting in the way. HA!... :( no but really...Drama class...art credit... Why can my metal work be my art credit?

[SShep71]

I got two big boxes that say "Speartech" on the side of them today, this means key words such as: "Progress" and "Forward march" are nearing.

[deadend1970]

Any updates on this awesome ride?

[Jaylowe]

116739116740

[SShep71]

Wow, even down to the wheels. Well I guess it is nice to see my paint design on someone else's car. The project is still here, has been slow moving. I am going to start moving again on it right soon.

[csouth]

Wow, even down to the wheels. Well I guess it is nice to see my paint design on someone else's car. The project is still here, has been slow moving. I am going to start moving again on it right soon.

That sucks... Good to hear you'll be back at it

[TimMC]

Good luck getting it back on track. Where did you get the door handles. Really like the hidden look.

[Interceptor5588]

I was selling the blower but deadbeat buys and lowballers got me to the point of boxing it up and its going in the corner till I get the 72 (Das Goat) out here. Ill build a quick 400 pontiac and put it on that.

Sorry, I missed the early version. What was your plan for the 400? What blower?

[SShep71]

Ping*... my shop is almost ready to go. When that is ready, I can update this thing, a LOT has changed. So much to do, such little time.

[ekmxryda]

Glad to hear you are still at it.
Looking forward to updates.
I'm making slow progress on mine as well, have been busy.