FFDawson's 1962 Impala Build

[Ffdawson]

Got the new rims and tires all mounted up!!


I'm really happy with how they look! Fit is perfect, no rubbing at all. Getting started on the Willwoods, the ridetech system and the Moser 9" rear hopefully next week

[Motown 454]

They look good on there!

[Godbolt]

Yep, they look great. Nicely done.

[Ffdawson]

Thanks guys! Can't wait to get the new brakes and suspension under there!

[Ffdawson]

Old wheels for sale. Torque Thrust D's 14's n 15's. $500 OBO

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/wto/6076099111.html

[Ffdawson]

Its been a long time since my last post, but theres been some big progress made!

The Suspension, brakes, and rear end have all been installed! It is a whole new car now! The wilwood brakes are unreal. The ridetech suspension makes it feel like its a go kart. I've been putting some miles on it lately, now that its a road-worthy ride.

[Ffdawson]

one more...

[Ffdawson]

Ive put about 500 miles on the new setup and so far im super happy. The ride is a little stiff for some of the roads around town, but improves dramatically if I raise the pressure up to the higher settings. On a smooth road it handles unbelievably for such a big car. The beefy sway bar from ridetech really helps keep it planted too, i have yet to be able to break it loose in the turns. My only real issue is a rear axle seal leak that I'm chasing down. Ive read that the Moser's are prone to that.

Next up will be the drivetrain swap... and I'm fielding suggestions... I have been all but set on the LS3 525hp/Tremec 6spd combo offered from Pace Performance, but lately I've been looking at other options... I like the ease of the fuel injected LS, but they are so common nowadays, and without some pretty expensive upgrades they are pretty damn ugly! I have been tossing the idea around of good old fashioned big block power, say 502 or 427? but I SUCK at tuning carbs, and would be really happy if i never had to deal with another carburetor in my entire life... Definitely want to go Manual trans tho, shifting is fun!

Any suggestions out there please feel free to throw em my way.
Until next time, I'll be out driving! And if anyone's local to the North Bay Area region keep an eye out for me, I've been attending the Cars n Coffee events on the weekends, and of course the Goodguys shows. I'm working up the nerve to enter an autocross If ya see my Impala out there come say hi!

[Twentyover]

Giddy up Giddy up Giddy up 409!

[NoNo]

If you want to go the BBC way, you can always feed it with one of 'em self tuning EFI systems. No headache, and still the big block vibe...

Nice ride, you got here.

[Ffdawson]

Giddy up Giddy up Giddy up 409!

Ha i wish. those things are so damn expensive!

[minendrews68]

There are a lot of EFI's on the market for around $1k. I just put one on my 383 SB.

[Ffdawson]

There are a lot of EFI's on the market for around $1k. I just put one on my 383 SB.

Good call, what system are you running on your 383? And how do you like it?

[Ffdawson]

A few pics from the progress that I never posted.

Rear end going in. Moser 9” 31 spline axles, 3.73 Posi. Wilwood slotted and drilled, 4 piston calipers with ebrake kit. Full ridetech air ride rear, new control arms, bar.







Front end, Ridetech Shockwaves, Strong Arms UCA’s/LCA’s, Wilwood 12.88” slotted and drilled, 6 piston calipers. MuscleBar fattie sway bar.

[Ffdawson]

Driveshaft shortened, slip yoke added and solid aluminum carrier bearing with Teflon bearing added.

[Ffdawson]

Well... I pulled the trigger on an LS swap yesterday. Going with a 6.0L with Cam package, sheet metal intake manifold and upgraded injectors. Built by Tilden Motorsports/Pacific Fabrication out of Gilroy, CA.
Yeeeeha!

[Ffdawson]

Ron Davis Radiator ordered. With dual fans. $ouch$

[Ffdawson]

Got the Ron Davis in. Damn it’s a piece of Art!! Also ordered up a TKO-500, clutch, shifter, hydraulic bearing etc... getting all the pieces of the puzzle together!

[Ffdawson]

Pics of my new motor! It’s on the stand over at Tilden Motorsports getting tuned up

[Ffdawson]

Gonna swap that alternator for a black powder coated one. Also looking for a pin striper to do the Chevrolet script letters on my valve covers...