Project Grocery Getter...1983 Chevy Malibu Wagon!

[CruizinKev]

niiiiice!!!!

[bonecrrusher]

Have you test fitting the headers in the car yet?

Looked back a few pages and didn't see them mounted.

You basically building one of my dream projects I've had rolling around in my head the last few years...

[BulldawgMusclecars]

In the pics, the trans wasn't bolted up, so we wanted to to do that first, then fit the headers. The engine was just sitting on the mounts (bolts in, with a couple nuts on to keep it relatively steady). I'm sure it will have to be lifted off the mounts some, esp on the drivers side. On these engines, the torque convertor bolts are accessed through a hole in the bellhousing (for the starter), so I was reluctant to install the headers ahead of time. I imagine clearance will be tight with the 1 7/8 tubes.

[c5golfguy]

Trans is being mounted as I type this and the gas tank with a new fuel pump is going up as we speak too! More pictures coming later today!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

I'm about to lock up the shop tonight, after a long day! I got here at 7am, and we just finished up. Thanks to Chris (C5Golfguy) and Clark for sticking it out today, in the near 100 degree heat and high humidity, to really make some progress.

The GMPP harness is set up for an older style oil pressure sending unit (the small plug one at the top), and the LS376/480 comes with the larger, late Corvette style. We switched this out rather than alter the harness.









The transmission cooler line fittings that were supposed to fit...and didn't. We wound up buying a pair of 9/16-18 to AN6 steel adapter fittings from a local hydraulic supply for $2 each (rather than the $27.30 Summit gets for the ones that don't fit).



The Vette filter/regulator assembly with all the AN-6 Russell quick disconnect fittings. Hadn't mounted it yet.





The tank, back in all clean and painted, with the modified GN sending unit/pump assembly inside. Something I forgot to photograph beforehand! Its set up with AN fittings for the feed, return, and vent, all plumbed in -6 AN.



The assembled rear brakes:



Looks like Anacondas are swarming the LS3! The headers fit well, but took some finagling to get in.











Goodnight folks!

[CruizinKev]

good work Joe!!!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Thanks Kev! Today should be far less strenuous, though there is still a lot left to do. Mostly finishing up plumbing and electrical, mounting the radiator, etc. The shop is air conditioned, but we hadn't really needed it til now and discovered it needed a charge. Hopefully that will be fixed today, since we're looking at high 90s again. Even on its hardest, longest days, this still beats my former career (stockbroker and financial advisor)!

[tom gerrard]

Hello members of Pro-Touring. My name is Tom Gerrard and Project Grocery Getter-1983 Malibu Wagon is my car. I have been reluctant to post anything up till now as I am not affluent to the cyber world. Now down to the true reason for this post. Joe Hinds and his staff at Bulldawg Muscle Cars was a great decision for me. Theses people give you and your car 120%. They are Thoughtful, Courteous and Professional. If you do not have the mechanical or physical ability to build your own car you cannot go wrong with these people. I shipped my car 600 miles to get it there and if I had it to do over I would ship it from anywhere. Thank you for your time and THANK YOU JOE HINDS AND BULLDAWG MUSCLE CARS.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Wow, thanks Tom! I had my whole crew come in and read that, and we all greatly appreciate the kind words.

Here is the sending unit for the oil pressure gauge, and the AutoMeter adapter fitting to make it work



The KRC power steering reservoir...all their stuff is very nice!



An engine shot with the radiator hoses mocked up. Note the Gates Power Grip clamps.








The last one has the new Spectre cold air intake installed. Its for a new Camaro. It came with a shield to block off the underhood air, but it will need some trimming to fit the Malibu's engine compartment.



The power steering hoses are being made, and will be ready in the AM. We're getting very close to wrapping this one up, and should be doing the test drive later tomorrow.

[CruizinKev]

looks great Joe good work! congrats Tom very nice ride and welcome to the forums!

[John Wright]

Love the KRC stuff...like you said, it's all very good

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Love the KRC stuff...like you said, it's all very good

We are fortunate that they are only a few miles away from us, in Kennesaw GA. Mike and Norm at KRC have been a big help to us, on this project and others. They are currently working on a very compact accessory drive for LS engines that will soon be the industry standard.

[c5golfguy]

Mr. Gerrard,

Thank you for your kind words. I'm starting on Monday full time working with Joe and the rest of the crew. It's safe to say, that we are all looking forward to meeting you and having a chance to spend some time with you. See you soon!

Chris J.

Hello members of Pro-Touring. My name is Tom Gerrard and Project Grocery Getter-1983 Malibu Wagon is my car. I have been reluctant to post anything up till now as I am not affluent to the cyber world. Now down to the true reason for this post. Joe Hinds and his staff at Bulldawg Muscle Cars was a great decision for me. Theses people give you and your car 120%. They are Thoughtful, Courteous and Professional. If you do not have the mechanical or physical ability to build your own car you cannot go wrong with these people. I shipped my car 600 miles to get it there and if I had it to do over I would ship it from anywhere. Thank you for your time and THANK YOU JOE HINDS AND BULLDAWG MUSCLE CARS.

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The whole crew is working hard to get Project Grocery Getter finished up today. We're finalizing the tailpipes and extensions (side exit, under the 1/4 panels), running trans cooler lines, hooking up the transmission linkage, and soon we'll be firing it up. Sorry for no pics since yesterday...LOTS has been done, but no time to upload them. Hopefully later today!

[slick78]

Cool we are waiting this is a killer car makes me miss my 79 wagon

[BulldawgMusclecars]

We ran into a few minor issues...the exhaust taking longer than expected, and chasing down a few gremlins, but its VERY close. Pics by tonight!

[CruizinKev]

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Grocery Getter LIVES!!!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Clark getting into his work...literally!



















The radiator is Afco, with a fan assembly from Entropy Radiator, modified to fit (it was intended for a Mustang) and held down with brackets we fabbed





We had an issue with the fuel pump connector not making proper contact, but some quick testing found the problem and got it resolved. Jeremy is on the left, Clark on the right




The Corvette covers took some minor cutting to fit around the Quik Performance air conditioning bracket and lines. The rear was also cut to clear the heater box, and one of the lower supports removed.

[CruizinKev]

good job guys!!!! looks great!!