84 Monte Carlo SS with Schwartz Performance G-body Chassis

[Rwolf15241]

Great finish Dan, No I sold the nose awhile ago!! are your going to run the 18x12 in the rear with a Mini tubs?? 61 inch Ford 9 Rear?? I guessed a 60 inch will work for my application with the 6 inch back spacing!!

[RodZZilla]

Saw the car in Des Moines last week. Awesome set up!

[howehot]

This weekend the Monte will compete in Real Street Eliminator athe CarCraft Summer Nationals in St. Paul. Hoping to improve on the third place finish we had last year. If your in the area, stop and say hi.

[howehot]

The Montep performed very well yesterday in RSE at Car Craft. Had the top time of the event in the launch box, 2nd in class on the autox to a ZL1 Camaro, and was leading in class at the dyno. The dyno won't last as several are headed that way this morning. I need to trim 0.4 seconds on the Autox to top the new ZL1 and it's modern technology. Day two starts I a few hours and I plan to prevail.

[SSLance]

Go get 'em Dan!!!

[progoat]

Car is sick and great write up. Wish I had the coin for a chassis to put under my 85 442.

[howehot]

Ran a 29.97 on the autox today to take the lead in RSE. My 2.91 at the launch box still stands as the top in RSE. Going into tomorrow I have the overall lead, hope it stays that way.

[howehot]

A G-body has won RSE at CarCraft Summer Nationals and it's mine. My 2.91 launch box and 29.97 autocross times were the fastest in all 3 classes. Morning rain didn't last nearly long enough and the track provided some intense moments for me waiting for the competition to end.

I think the question of is this chassis worth the money is answered. It beat Vettes with up to 750hp, a supercharged Viper, a new ZL1 Camaro, and several great pro touring cars. The driver is also improving.

A year ago with less than 500 miles on the build I finished third, with no experience, and said then I would win next year. I love it when a plan comes together.

[instro84]

good job and congrats, all the hard work paid off.

[cactuss4]

So I'm hoping that you have started "when time allows", returning the favors and helping out new drivers, with tips and driving assistance, since it's evident that the loose nut behind the wheel has tightened up :)

that's fantastic, what an accomplishment!!

Tory

[SSLance]

That is fantastic Dan!! I can't imagine how proud you are of that accomplishment!

Can't wait to see the videos.

[Roberts68]

Congrats Dan! I read just the start of the thread, lots of catching up to do but I love the father/son aspect. Super classy looking car in person!

[SicMonte]

Geez man...give the rest of us a chance!!

Very proud of you and the car. The car seems very well sorted out now and so does the driver!! Congrats on the domination!!

Btw...you will smoke me on an autox...for sure!

[howehot]

Here's the video of my 29.97 sec run at the Car Craft Summer Nationals. Only 3 cars ran in the 29's and I was the only RSE competitor to do so. After this run I was pretty sure it would hold up and earn me the RSE title.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnnQlHNaGtA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Typhoon1015]

sure looks slow to me! jk :) It was nice seeing you again, Hopfully I'll catch you another event soon.

[86slicksilverss]

Awesome Dan! You keep getting better and better. What a great car to have representing the Monte crowd!!

[howehot]

A week from today, Josh and I will again head out to Arnold, NE for the Sandhills Open Road Challenge. This year they upped our speed from 91mph to 96mph. Last year we had no clue what we were doing and had one week to prepare. The Monte had less than a 1000 miles on the build and we found our new 60 lb injectors on the FedEx truck at his residence the night before we left. Josh made a spread sheet in the hotel the night before the challenge for timing.

This year should be different. The car is well sorted out and we know what we need to do to get a better finish.

The bonus of this event is the town of Arnold. This community opens its doors and treat you like family. Great people, great food, and great event.

Thanks again to Optima Batteries for the invite and everything you do for the hobby.

[howehot]

Transmission troubles will sideline the Monte for the Sandhills this weekend. Friday night it started slipping in 3rd and 4th unless in manual mode. Now it will only move when in 1 or 2 and then manually shifted. Time for something different in the trans department.

So plan B. we're taking Josh's 2010 Camaro.

[howehot]

After repairs I finished installing the transmission tonight. The forward sprag was the culprit, also 3-4 clutches where shot and the valve body was modified to increase pressures. The Derale pan was replace with a GM performance unit with a built in sump. Concern was that under hard cornering the fluid was being pulled from the filter causing a brief moment of lost pressure. Never saw a pan like this, has a bowl cast into the bottom that is about 2" deep. The filter extends into this bowl. Haven't test drove it yet but it moves forwards and backwards with no leaks.

LS Fest is next on the schedule. Can't wait!

[csouth]

I haven't see one of those pans from GM, you have a prt number? I'd like to see it as it might be a good preventative measure.

[howehot]

I do not have a part number. If its not on the bill when I get it I will ask for it and post it later. In the meantime, here is a picture. I now think my Monte is transgendered, it has balls and now a boob. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/IMG_20130827_173717_350_zps3aaf2ec9-1.jpg

[williecutlass]

Are you going to be at the Cedar Falls car show this coming Sunday?

[howehot]

Are you going to be at the Cedar Falls car show this coming Sunday?

Yes. Took the Monte for a spin this afternoon and transmission worked great.

[monteboy84]

Love this car. Is a manual conversion in your sights or do you plan to keep it an auto for the long-haul?

[xxxturbo6]

Dan,

Congratulations on your accomplishments! You and the car seem to be coming along greatly.. I look forward to meeting you and seeing the car in person, will you be at the 2013 RTTH event?

[howehot]

Love this car. Is a manual conversion in your sights or do you plan to keep it an auto for the long-haul?

We are in the process of building an 86 El Camino, again with a Schwartz chassis under it. In fact I will be picking up the chassis within the next week. It will have a manual and with the knowledge learned the Monte will be converted over at some point. Hoping the recent upgrades will allow it to live until winter 2014. If not, it may happen sooner.

[howehot]

Dan,

Congratulations on your accomplishments! You and the car seem to be coming along greatly.. I look forward to meeting you and seeing the car in person, will you be at the 2013 RTTH event?

Thanks

I would have loved to attend RTTH, but with LS Fest a week before I had to choose one and Bowling Green won. Doing both would be a hoot but Sept. and Oct are very busy months for lawn application and time is limited with winter coming. Come on over next weekend.

[xxxturbo6]

Thanks

I would have loved to attend RTTH, but with LS Fest a week before I had to choose one and Bowling Green won. Doing both would be a hoot but Sept. and Oct are very busy months for lawn application and time is limited with winter coming. Come on over next weekend.I would love to compete at the LS fest but mine still has the little V6! Maybe some day we will do a car with an LS engine...

[williecutlass]

Got to see you and the car in CF Sunday night. You were talking with a group of people and I didn't want to intrude. Car looked great though.

[howehot]

The new wall of "can't believe we did this" in the shop. The Monte Carlo has received a lot of press in a year and a half and also 3 event wins and there is more to add to this collection. Never expected this when we started this build.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/IMG_20140109_163905_208_zps9da28c30-1.jpg

[RodZZilla]

Might need a bigger wall when the El Camino gets done. Congratulations! Love seeing IA cars get press.

[howehot]

Might need a bigger wall when the El Camino gets done. Congratulations! Love seeing IA cars get press.

Thanks.

[howehot]

In preparation for the USCA Daytona event the Monte Carlo is in for a little transformation. The installation of the wrap was videod for a segment on the Search for the Ultimate Street Car tv series. I wonder if we'll attract any attention in Daytona.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_134840_727_zpssknn4txd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_135136_453_zpsyz0ecuvn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_143426_951_zpsyey2hgvv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_144818_611_zpsbo1axep2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_152617_347_zps0igp9abc-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_152757_830_zpsnm33lwus-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_155303_839_zpsnge5rtpf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_162931_236_zpsjcgv96cv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_165915_565_zpsvzwpcpzi-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_20140418_171519_991_zpsmppugmku-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

#3 Forever!

[howehot]

Took the Monte Carlo to West Bend Dyno to get the required tune after replacing the FAST with the Factory GM. We gained 30 rwh and lots of top end drivability. Before power died at 5750 rpm. Now we get 426 @ 5500, then the convertor unlocks distorting the power, but we maintain over 410 through 6400 rpm. Now you touch the key and it starts, very smooth idle with no surging, no stalling on takeoff, and it just sounds crisper. Win win.

Now the bad news, half way through the test drive the trans lost 2 and 4th, burned up a band. So now, almost 3 weeks before USCA in Daytona, I am embarking on a T56 swap. I have most of the pieces purchased for the El Camino. Hopefully 10 days from now I'll be rowing gears. No, I'm not doing the swap myself. I'll be going out to Milwaukee to get the job done. I'm currently stripping the car of all the automatic pieces in preperation.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140425_163733_124_zpsk5hbxly2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140430_174420_073_zpsdiet5dlx-1.jpg

[howehot]

In a 24 hour period starting Saturday evening and ending Sunday evening the Monte was converted to a 6 speed manual. Overall the install went pretty smooth with only a few hiccups.

Jesse went through the trans and installed the needed upgrades to handle the upcoming abuse it will receive.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_102049_799_zpsztfdtciv-1.jpg

The clutch master is from Tick and mounted to a bracket by sickspeedmonte.com. It sandwiches between the brake master and firewall. Provides the same mounting position as a F body. Worked great and is silky smooth. I recommend this to any fellow G body builder. Now I need a second one for the El Camino.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_102016_393_zps9mosoxll-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_102007_299_zpsa1mnguey-1.jpg

We mocked up the trans and mark the floor board. The hole is big enough to remove the shifter easing remove of the transmission. Actually it was mandatory as we had about a 1/2" clearance to get proper alignment of the clutch and pilot bearing. Position in the floor was exactly where the factory automatic shifter was.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_103134_426_zps6dluxcs1-1.jpg

Some massaging of the left side the floor was needed to clear the reverse lockout.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_134247_119_zps4luffqum-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_134303_758_zpsvrsa9vjf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_134321_624_zpse6myprjh-1.jpg

The trans mount was cut and modified to fit. Looks right at home.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_161542_252_zpskvslagon-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140511_161556_584_zps6wwfid2s-1.jpg

Back inside, an isolator form a F body was used to seal around the shifter.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140512_124226_852_zpsnt9wkqjd-1.jpg

The console was installed and a shifter/coin tray was cut to clear the B&M shifter. Then a boot was set in. Turned out super clean and factory looking.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140512_202504_699_zpsmvgzwoty-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140512_202607_984_zps2dsxtb5n-1.jpg

How does it run? Between the GM pcm, the new tune, and the manual, this car is a new animal.
Everything is so much more responsive. It pulls forever. Sure wish I had done this from the start.

Thanks Jesse for all your expertise. I'm pretty confident now I can pull this of in the El Camino.

Want to see it in action, come to Daytona for the USCA event Memorial Day Weekend. It is going to be awesome.

[SSLance]

I know I've said this to you befor eDan, but you are going to love this swap... It makes it seem like a completely different car.

Congrats and we'll see you in a week or so.

[howehot]

Went for a 30 mile drive today. Got the speedometer calibrated and just enjoyed the sounds. This car just keeps getting better. Given some seat time it will be much improved on the track, and it wasn't bad before.

With the 350 gear it turns 1400 rpm @ 60 mph in 6th gear.

Now to button up some loose ends and change the oil. May hit a local autocross on Sunday to get some seat time and break in the Rivals. Work and preparations for Daytona my get in the way though.

[SSLance]

:cool::git::drive2::cheers::6gears:

Just wait until you get really smooth with the clutch and shifting and it just becomes effortless to just slip the car through it's gears...It only keeps getting better.

I'll skip gears all the time, going up or down...there is so much range with a T56. I'm actually getting to where I love just cruising around in it as much if not more so than taking it out and beating on it.

[howehot]

All the odds and ends are complete. Reverse lights work and I finally mounted the switches for the Dakota Digital VHX gauges so I could reach them and not bidding in the glove box. The new white Hurst shifter ball looks perfect. Now for and oil change and we are set for Daytona.

[howehot]

First autox yesterday for the T56, GM PCM, new tune, and BFG Rivals. It is way better in every aspect. Now I need to relean how to drive it.

USCA Daytona is this weekend and I can't wait to partake in the fun.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/IMG_20140518_131015_863_zpsey13tpud-1.jpg

[Nicks67GTO]

Nice! Daytona should be a blast......do you have a go pro? That would be awesome to have in car video laps @ Daytona with a GoPro.

[howehot]

Nice! Daytona should be a blast......do you have a go pro? That would be awesome to have in car video laps @ Daytona with a GoPro.

GoPro is a go.

[SSLance]

Told ya!! When are you heading South? We'll see you on Saturday for sure.

[howehot]

Leaving Wednesday late afternoon. Need to be in Daytona Thursday by 6pm for some video with the production company. Still don't know what it's al about but been told it will be very cool.

[RodZZilla]

Congratulations!

[Streetbu]

Any updates?

[Number1]

Any updates?

[howehot]

Well I guess I never did update.

Daytona was the event of a lifetime. The production company brought Kerry Earnhardt down and I got to spend over an hour with him. He LOVED the Monte and even took it for a quick spin.

Running on the track was an experience I hope to repeat annually. To have a chance to drive my car that my son and I built in a barn is beyond belief. Thanks USCA.

I hit 149 mph on three different sessions according to the speedo recall. Fast enough for a car without a cage and a loose nut behind the wheel. It never felt over the edge.

I ended up receiving the Spirit of the Event award so for the second time in 3 years the Monte will participate at OUSCI and be displayed at SEMA. Couldn't be happier.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/bba5fde4d9c0d46b1900b7f0d7877b6a_zps8b33-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/9afc2cd8abe254592c85d08a5df6b175_zps527b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/3f8e938595969e8bde21568608ae81f5_zpsb4ac-1.jpg

[howehot]

Here's one of the later sessions


Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YjR-6YuDUQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[howehot]

Here's a lap from the USCA event at Gateway. This was also a great venue. Track was a blast and the autox was awesome.


Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ilb6NXVNOBo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[SSLance]

Who is that in that purple car dogging you through the twistys Dan?

:D

Missed you this week, sorry you couldn't make it. We're having a blast...now that I have the car sorted out once again.

[rchaskin]

Here's one of the later sessions


Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YjR-6YuDUQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Awesome!!

[howehot]

Haven't updated in while so,

OUSCI went great. The Wrangler wrap received a lot of attention at SEMA and my 50th place finish out of 103 invitees was very pleasing.

In preperation for the big event only a few changes were made. Schwartz Performance did a once over on the chassis and installed updated steering arms along with an alignment. The new turn in rate is amazing.

I also contacted Honest Charlie's and they sent one of their +2" spoilers. Did it make a difference? Well the balance felt great and I pushed the car harder and deeper in every track session and it kept on taking it.

I received this video from Mooney Productions, very nice footage.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf7WB-tsRYg&feature=youtube_gdata_player


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/47D5250D146940C8829B2F2F851D1E0B_zpsmeqm-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/12/0E36ABE155A14C4E913F9B45CF1402D3_zpsesxm-1.jpg

[Number1]

Any updates? Hows that tick master holding up? Is it as good as everyone says? Also what clutch are you running?

[howehot]

Any updates? Hows that tick master holding up? Is it as good as everyone says? Also what clutch are you running?

I used an LS7 clutch and have ZERO issues all year. I can't compare the Tick master to anything else as this is the only one I've ever used. Our El Camino is getting one also.

The Monte Carlo performed great at OUSCI. Finished 50th out of 103 entries. The new steering arms, 335 Rivals and the rear spoiler made a great improvement and made me make some driving adjustments as the turn in was greatly improved. Vegas was the last time it has been driven and I'm more than ready for spring.

[howehot]

Here's a little clip the producer of the TV show, Search for the Ultimate Street Car, put together from OUSCI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf7WB-tsRYg

[Number1]

Well we all know you have been busy building that wonderful and powerful el camino but we need our monte carlo updates. Jk. Just wanted to know if there were any updates on the monte carlo?

[Streetbu]

I saw a few pics of it visiting with Dale Jr and a few other cars...

[howehot]

Really nothing new to report.

My son ran the car at the Car Craft Summer Nationals in Milwaukee and posted very good time on the autox. Besting me in the El Camino. I ran the USCA Charlotte event and posted very satisfying times in my class. There is always that "what if", but with Rival S's being worth time over the older Rival the newer tire would have put me 2nd in class on the autox. The car is working great. Only changes I wish to make are adding a bolt in 6 point cage. Looking to design and market one over the winter.

Next week I will be traveling to Willow Springs in California for Super Chevy's chassis review. So keep an eye on the newsstand.

[howehot]

Mary Pozzi's review of the Monte Carlo is in the current, March 2016, issue of Super Chevy. The car did very well.

http://www.superchevy.com/features/1511-this-schwartz-performance-built-monte-carlo-puts-the-lateral-g-in-body/

Be sure to check out the video.

It was great having someone who knew good from bad get behind the wheel. Jeff Schwartz drove on the track and skid pad. Both suggested a spring change and the Ridetech coilovers are currently being updated with valving and springs. Also some pedal adjustments will be performed.

I have a new set of Rival S's mounted up for the upcoming season and can't wait for cars and cones in May.

[jlcustomz]

Saw you in the march super chevy issue. A friend stopped by with a copy Tuesday to show me I'm on page 90.

PS, would love to have a Schwartz chassis under my elco, but it's still kinda out of budget for now.

I'll ask also, how have the tick master cylinders worked out for you? I modified a stock master for length adjustment, not doing the best job of releasing my Monster stage 3 clutch.

[howehot]

Saw you in the march super chevy issue. A friend stopped by with a copy Tuesday to show me I'm on page 90.

PS, would love to have a Schwartz chassis under my elco, but it's still kinda out of budget for now.

I'll ask also, how have the tick master cylinders worked out for you? I modified a stock master for length adjustment, not doing the best job of releasing my Monster stage 3 clutch.

I believe if you look item for item, brakes, suspension, rearend, rack and pinion and your labor modifying a stock chassis, the money is close to the same. Plus it's a proven package and looses 119lbs and is stiffer, 200%, than a stock G body. Just you have to spend your money in one shot and not stretched out over the years.

The tick master has been flawless.

[85mc]

have an 85 monte carlo what size are the rims and tires for the front and back