1970 GTO Version 3.0

[FLYNAVY53]

Follow up fan question.....is there anything special about the fans, or is it just the pwm controller....would it be possible to run a PWM controller with any aftermarket fan?

Thanks!

[andrewb70]

Follow up fan question.....is there anything special about the fans, or is it just the pwm controller....would it be possible to run a PWM controller with any aftermarket fan?

Thanks!

These fans are special and have the controller built in, which makes life simple.

The alternative is to use a separate controller, if you want to retain your existing fans. I did this on my Cougar and used a C6 Corvette fan along with it's controller. The C6 fan controller can be use with any fans as long as they don't draw more than 32 amps.

The issue that comes up is cost. To do the C6 fan controller will cost about $200. The Volt fans can be had at the junk yard for $75-125. The Volt fans also make the wiring a lot easier and don't require mounting the controller box.

There are other alternatives to the Volt fans, with the C7 Corvette single fan being a good option. It all just depends on your particular radiator core size.

Andrew

[FLYNAVY53]

Ok, understood, thanks! I think in my application ('64 Corvette), the single C7 fan may be the best route as the radiator in the C2 is almost square, and really only supports a large single fan set up.

[andrewb70]

Spent some quality time in the garage yesterday and was able to complete a couple of tasks. This update seems to be growing, and frankly, it has already become a little overwhelming, but I am trying to stay motivated and take it one step at a time.

With the old front lower control arm out of the way, it was the perfect opportunity to install the new Holley LS swap engine mounts.



With the nuts easily accessible from the bottom, the old frame stands came right off.



New stands go in place and once again, the easy access makes putting the nuts on very easy.



This is a nice shot that compares the old frame stand on the driver's side with the new stand on the passenger side.



Part of this whole project was to use these Holley mounts. They place the engine as low as possible in the front cradle, which offers better driveline angles. The other benefit is that they use the 4th gen Camaro style engine mounts, which are excellent.



Andrew

[Way2qwk4u]

Making progress is always a good thing.

[andrewb70]

Once the Holley engine mounts were installed, I could install the ridetech lower control arm. They slipped in very nicely into their pockets.












The next step was to install the ridetech coil over. The upper shock mount needs to be opened up to 3/4" and I did that with a step drill. The upper coil over mount uses a deleon swivel ball assembly which takes care of any misalignment that occurs during suspension travel. It is a slick set-up.






The upper mount gets tightened down enough to take out any slop in the pivot, but not so tight that it binds.



Finally the spindle can be installed and the upper and lower ball joints torqued to spec.






The calipers were pretty grungy with brake dust.



I used some orange degreaser to get them looking more respectable.



I have new PowerStop rotors and pads that will go on next...

Andrew

[thumper877]

Once the Holley engine mounts were installed, I could install the ridetech lower control arm. They slipped in very nicely into their pockets.












The next step was to install the ridetech coil over. The upper shock mount needs to be opened up to 3/4" and I did that with a step drill. The upper coil over mount uses a deleon swivel ball assembly which takes care of any misalignment that occurs during suspension travel. It is a slick set-up.






The upper mount gets tightened down enough to take out any slop in the pivot, but not so tight that it binds.



Finally the spindle can be installed and the upper and lower ball joints torqued to spec.






The calipers were pretty grungy with brake dust.



I used some orange degreaser to get them looking more respectable.



I have new PowerStop rotors and pads that will go on next...

Andrew

Nice your getting things done. Looking good

[andrewb70]

Got the hubs cleaned up and applied some anti-seize before slipping on a new PowerStop rotor.



After talking with Tobin at Kore3, decided to go with the Z26 carbon ceramic brake pads.



The kit included pads and new retaining clips.



Now the passenger side is completely buttoned up...



Except I am pretty sure that I installed the pads upside down...<facepalm>

Andrew

[syborg tt]

Andrew

Awesome updates and man did you give me some great ideas.

As for feeling overwhelmed, I completely understand and I found that if I don’t feel like going out to the garage it’s okay. Never let life overwhelm you as it’s just a car and I promise you it will be in the same spot you left it yesterday. I think my car has at least 3/4 of a mile going up and down on the lift the last two years.

[Peanut1959]

It is very inspiring to see your progress! Keep up!

[ryeguy2006a]

Looks great Andrew! Those new brakes will surely help. Please keep us posted on your impressions of them. I'm planning on getting all new pads and rotors at some point.

[csouth]

Looking good! Inspiring me to get the ridetech stuff installed on the Nova...

[andrewb70]

I feel terrible for neglecting this project, but the summer has been very busy. Before LS Fest I drove my Cougar to Chicago and we did an engine swap. The Cougar now has a LS3 and there are more details about that in my Cougar build thread...

While at LS Fest, several of my buddies were running really close to 10 second quarter mile times and of course this led me to some thinking. I now have the 5.3L that was in my Cougar available as a option. I have also always wanted to play with turbos...so scope creep has once again taken over. Since the 5.3L is still in the Chicago area, I got to talking to Midwest Engine Tech. My buddy BA has had several motors build by them, so I have good reason to feel confident in their work. The current plan is to build the 5.3L with forged rods and pistons, and possibly a forged crank, along with other durability measures, like main and head studs. Here is the first part of the puzzle:









Andrew

[Larry Callahan]

This is going to be fun to watch. I LOVE turbos!

[Kenova]

.......... The current plan is to build the 5.3L with forged rods and pistons, and possibly a forged crank, along with other durability measures, like main and head studs.

Andrew

If you don't have pistons yet maybe use a 6.6 crank. Forged with eight counterweights and more stroke.

Ken

[andrewb70]

If you don't have pistons yet maybe use a 6.6 crank. Forged with eight counterweights and more stroke.

Ken

The 6.6 crank has a 3.90" stroke. This doesn't generally go too well with the 5.3L 3.780 bore. More bore is better than more stroke, given the same displacement increase. I considered the 6.6 crank for my 6.2L, it's a very nice piece.

[Motown 454]

Let the fun begin!

[thumper877]

A cougar,gto,and now a turbo motor build. Rich! Then u will need another project for the turbo motor.

[andrewb70]

A cougar,gto,and now a turbo motor build. Rich! Then u will need another project for the turbo motor.

The turbo motor is going in the GTO!

[thumper877]

I need to get over there and check out the new cougar motor