68 GTO Project: Grey Goat

[josht]

over at LS1 tech there is finally a sticky for multiple builds:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...2-gm-body.html

I am not notching the frame, running ac is not a priority now...

If you want to run ac there are two vendors, one of which requires running F-body accessories and relocates the compressor up top.

I am using GEN III truck accessories on the L92.

The original long winded conversion thread over at LS1tech http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...questions.html

[Roadbuster]

Car is looking great! That is quite an impressive list of parts!
Thanks for the links - do you still need answers to those questions or is it for reference?

Jon

[josht]

Jon

It is a bit of both, trying to be helpful and track which issues I am working on.

I still can not find a reasonably price pair of 68 inner grills, I have a while before I need to make a decision.

Not sure on the glass, OPGI now offers 69 window glass with the track, it might fit the 68 manual regulators.

I still can not decide on the rims, so the GTO might get soft 8's.

Hopefully the engine mount issue get resolved soon, in the next couple of weeks. Might have to order new polyurethane big block mounts and shorter bolts.

Car is looking great! That is quite an impressive list of parts!
Thanks for the links - do you still need answers to those questions or is it for reference?

Jon

[josht]

Well I finally have the right combination of engine mounts and stands. I plan on getting the Edelbrock engine mounts and Timing cover along with the Katech tensioner. That should get the engine setup for another attempt to get in place.

The A1 rod bolts, ARP main bolts and head studs, the new oil pump, C5-R timing chain and new flex plate need to be installed but can be done after the engine goes in for the last time.

The accessories were Gen III truck: water pump, power steering pump, alt and tensioners. No AC with the Speartech relocation bracket and Katech tensioner.

As of 2012: SLP Camaro Underdrive pulley LS1 water pump with spacers, Gen III truck power steering pump, alt, Speartech relocation bracket, Katech tensioner and AC with the Kwik performance brackets.

I am sure that other items will need to be addressed before i get the engine to sit correctly in the frame.

[josht]

Here is an update of sorts, The GTO was finally put back as a roller several months ago.

The plan is to get it painted by June or July of 2012. A lot has to happen before then, all good intentions aside:
The engine work has been completed, bolts, cam, Edelbrock timing cover, oil pump, timing chain, LS3 heads, LS3 Intake with 90mm TB (needs to be ported).
The drive accessories have changed since 2009; new Camaro/truck under drive pulley, Ls1 water pump with spacers, AC with bracket, Kateck tensioner.

The frame still needs to be media blasted and coated with POR-15, no major changes in suspension components, ride height is well, waiting for me to purchase the rims and tires.
The only major body work left is installing the vent delete kit, the car needs to sanded again since it has been sitting for so long.
I have most of the fuel and brake components except for the fuel tank, flex lines, assorted bolts to mount the C5 calipers to the ATS spindles. I would like the new vapor worx? unit but not sure if the car is ever gonna auto-x...

I am still working on the body mounts as I have the originals (completely gone) the ones from OPGI and the Energy Suspension stuff. The plan is to use the Energy Suspension ones with the original or OPGI sleeves and possible new hardware from Ames Performance.

I have tossed way too many thoughts around on the rims and still don't have something I can afford and like. I would like something in the shade of gray close to the car's color or a Rally II reinterpretation. I know with rims it is not place to cheap out, but the trans computer would have to be reprogrammed in order to use anything but 18x8 out back.

The car still has a long while to go. It might be back together again and painted, POR-15 done, with the "new" rims and tires before the end of next year. At this rate the interior might be on the to do list in 2013, after I figure out all the electrical issues and get the hidden headlights working again.

Feel free to comment, no new pictures as of yet.