Project Daily Driver

[Kyle122]

Hey guys,
I've got a 1969 Camaro with an LT4 out of a 96 Grand Sport and a T56 from god knows where. The engine either uses and/or drips what I consider to be an unacceptable amount of oil. One of the leaks is at the rear pan gasket. I know it's not the rear main because I put a new clutch in it and replaced the main seal while I was in there. This oil leak has already ruined my new clutch. I belive it is also using the oil as the leak is not severe enough to account for the amount of oil I am putting back in. My question is this. If you were going to pull the motor to replace the gaskets (I have to pull it due to clearance reasons) what else would you replace. Money's not exactly tight, but I don't have an unlimited budget. Would you do just a simply replace the rings and freshen up the top end, or would you go all out? Also, what clutch would you run as I'm going to have to replace it as well. The previous owner claims it's pushing over 450hp, but I don't know how accurate that is. I also don't know what internals this engine has and what has all been done. Any insight will be much appreciated.

[lickitysplit]

Looks like you have a good foundation there.

1. an LT4 with simple bolt-ons and a cam will not be close to 450hp. Probably around 325-375 to the wheels.
2. If the leak isnt that bad and you are burning oil do you notice it through the exhaust by smelling it? How much oil is it burning?

[Kyle122]

I'm pretty sure it's got more than bolt-ons. I bought it from my boss who bought it from the guy who did the work. The HP estimate is probably at the crank. It flat out moves (when the clutch hooks up, anyway.....) so I know it's got more than 400 at the crank. The previous owner put a die-cut sticker one the radiator that simply says 465 HP. I know it's built, just not to what extent. I figured the best way to know what's been done is to tear into it. I can't really smell the oil burning, but I can defiantly see it represented as a nice cloud of smoke...... I'd say it's going through a quart every thousand or so miles. I drive this car a LOT! Hence the project name.

[lickitysplit]

1 quart per thousand definitely means it is burning oil. And you are right the only way to really know is if you tear into it. It's always to hard to know whats going on until you can take a look at the engine. But you said it moves around healthily. It's great to hear you drive it around a lot, these cars deserve to be driving not stored. I have a 69 I drive as a weekend car (work is too big a commute for gas).

[Kyle122]

Cool. I checked out your build thread. Have you gotten any further on it? I've got the stage two ridetech coil-over system with the Tru-Turn on mine.

[lickitysplit]

No unfortunately I have not, work and school have been crazy. The 69 Z28 has a fresh 400SBC and is not really done (needs to be torn down 1 more time to be painted), but its daily drivable. I'll probably leave as is until I have a chance to finish the 68. I'll pick up the 68 build probably in a few years.

[srh3trinity]

I like the color combo on the car. We need some more pics.

[Kyle122]

I like the color combo on the car. We need some more pics.

Thanks! It's Le Man's blue. I'm installing a Tiger Cage this weekend and am going to do a build thread on it complete with pictures. Stay tuned!

[srh3trinity]

What suspension set up?

[Kyle122]

It's ridetech's stage 2 Coil-Overs with the addition of the Tru-Turn.

[Kyle122]

I decided to install some XL3500 Super Screamer Aero Induction Sonic Blaster deer whistlers over the weekend. I think the installation instructions were a little off. What do you think?

[makoshark]

Looks like you'll be finding out what's going on inside that mighty mouse

I have spoken with you a few times on the phone in regards to getting the right length coilover with my Speedtech/ATS upper coilover brackets and springs for my car. You talked me into running 700# springs on the front. I finally bought a set of Ridetechs control arms for my ride and it looks like I'm going to, once again, hope that you all will swap out my front coilovers for a shorter stroke!

Car looks killer. Don't let her sit idle too long.

[Kyle122]

Yeah. swapping them out won't be a problem. Just give me a call and let you know what we need to do.