Well i decided to make some changes in the order of putting the car together. Instead of picking up a transmission soon, Im going to jump into the suspension work and get the car back on the ground. Ill pick up a trans either before or after i build the engine, after the suspension is finished and the wheels are back on. Im going to order a set of hotchkiss subframe connectors on friday as well as the 4.11's for the rear.

Today i ordered a set of 245/50/16 Firehawk Wide Oval AS tires from my job. With my discount they were around 300.00 bucks. We dont usually get these tires often, so while the warehouse had only 4 in stock i figured I'd might as well pick them up.

 

Great job love the project

 

My tires came in today.



Also instead of ordering the subframe connectors today, I'm going out on Sunday to look at a 4th gen 3.43 rear i found on craigslist. Came out of a 96 z28 with 60,000 miles. He's including new rear pads and calipers and is asking 300.00.

If the rear is what the guy says it is, Im gonna buy it and lose the 9 bolt i was going to put together. May throw it in how it is, or swap out the 3.4's for 4.11's.

 

I'd stick with a 9in. 10 bolts just can't compare.

 

I would go with a 9 inch but there really pricey and would set me back a while on getting the car running. I picked up the 10 bolt last night. Counted the teeth and it is a 3.42. Plus its a 4th gen rear so it has the good rear disks. Only 60k on it too.

 

I hear ya on the 9in being expensive. But worth since they're tough. But as long as you go easy now and then, the 10 bolt should hold up. 60k miles? That isn't bad. I'd still do a fluid change and a nice cleaning since it's out and easy to work with.

 

Well there has been a change of power-train plans. I thought about it, and decided i want to go with an LS1 swap. They have alot of potential and the drive-ability over the carb is what i really want . Ive considered the swap back when i first bought the car, but i was turned off by all the wiring. But after reading up ALOT about the wiring involved this past week on thirdgen.org, i decided to go for it.

For the swap Im going to keep my fuel tank and add a Walbro 255 pump. I'm going to go with Spear-tech for the stand alone harness, and wire it into the factory harness myself. The motor is gonna sit on a sphon swap cross-member, along with a set of coil overs up front, with Koni shocks all around. For exhaust, Im going to get the swap long-tubes, then bring the car to a reputable exhaust shop to fabricate the rest. And of course the motor is going to be paired to a t56.

You may not here from me for a few weeks as the next part i am going to buy is gonna be the motor when i find one. Ill keep you all posted. Hopefully the next photo i post is of an LS1

 

Wow. That's a big change in plans. Hah. Keep us posted when you can. And make sure you make this LS1 perdy.

 

I can't believe how much work, patience, time, and resourcefulness you have shown with this project. I can only advise that it is critical you match the powertrain perfectly, motor, exhaust, rear end, brakes, suspension, EVERYTHING must be precise!!! I would do the research into this before you complete your assembly. You are an inspiration, no excuse for me not doing anything to improve my own ride!

 

Thanks for the support. Im taking my time with it because i know in the end it will all be worth it when i finally bring her out on the road. Ive been looking around for ls1's and they actually seem to be quite plentiful in junkyards around here. All of them around 1,500- 2,500 with accessories, computer, harness, and under 90k. Being i already have the rear and wheels ready, i think im going to get her back the ground after i take care of a few bills this month. Just have to order the rear control arms and shocks, then the rear can go in and the back can come off jackstands .