78_elky

So I got the rear end out of the truck, thanks to my engine hoist!
I pulled the rotors and calipers (they're on my bench)

Then I took the cover off

At least the guy I got it from was telling the truth, its a 3.42:1 Torsen-Zexel unit. Now I just need to pull the axles and remove the backing plates/parking brakes. Then I'll sell the gears, posi and axles I kind of want to save them for my S10 but since I don't really know what is in my S10 or how to set up a rear end I'll just get rid of them.

Update:
I got the axles pulled, and the backing plates off last night

Jessica

78_elky

Got the rear parts painted, Still looking to pick up some new wheels so they'll fit.

And I'm still scrounging parts for the engine. I almost had a set of headers and a Camaro accessory drive setup but they both sold before I saw them. Ordering a trans cross member hopefully in a few days though.

78_elky

Got some wheels and tires the other night off craigslist! They're not really my style but they do make the car look a little more modern and less like a drag racer. Plus they're 17" so the brakes will fit.



Still collecting parts but getting closer every day!
Jessica

chub406

If you are going to order a crossmember. Go with the summit racing/gforce crossmember. Its a little pricey but with all the "kits" and "bolt on" parts I've got for my regal swap. Like a 2 gauge wire kit that had 4 gauge fittings or the Jegs battery cut off push/pull kit that had course female threads and fine thread hardware. The crossmember was the best money I've spent. Its a heavy SOB and has the duel humps for the exhaust. I could have thrown it at the car and it lined right up with my factory frame holes and 4l80e. I couldn't be happier.

78_elky

I saw that one, I also talked to Iceman on Maliburacing and he makes Xmembers out of chromoly and he has the frame extensions for the early g late a body cars like mine. I have his double adjustable rear trailing arms and they are really nice and haven't had any problems for the 5 years I've run them. I'll probably go that route because it saves me a few bucks.

If I find another deal on local parts it'll push back my ordering parts again though so who knows.

chub406

I almost ordered one of his as well. Ive heard of people that loved them and others hated them. I seen quite a few people that said they bowed like crazy and had trouble with exhaust clearance. With a tranny and stock converter that are 250 lbs. The last thing I wanted on a 9 sec pass was a crossmember flexing like a rubberband. lol I personally don't have experience to speak of. Just what I heard. If you do get it. I would be curious to see how you like it.

78_elky

Oh good to hear! I'll have to do some more research. I'd really like something that will last; considering I want to drive this car when its done.

78_elky

It looks like I'm going to go with a G-force or other kind of crossmember. I liked the idea of the light one but it sounds like its a bit of a mess so I'll stick with what others have had luck with.

78_elky

So I'm trying to sell the rear end as well as my Camaro and soon I'll post up my 15" wheels and tires I pulled off the El Camino. Hopefully I can get all that out of my way and some more money into the project
Jessica

78_elky

Got a great bit of news for anyone still reading this.
I got a set of LS3 heads off the board here with all the rocker arms, hardware, pushrods, and upgraded springs and retainers. They look pretty cool and I couldn't help but throw them on the engine so I could get a look at it.





I'm going to order a new throttle body next and maybe unpack the swap pan I have and install that on the engine.

I am trying to stay positive and think its one small step closer
Jessica

stereojnky

iTrader: (19)

Nice!
What springs did they come with?

78_elky

PRC .675 dual springs

78_elky

Got my new throttle body in the mail the other day, its 92mm I believe.


Nothing else new to report. I'm looking into how to do the accessory drive. I want to run an LS1 water pump I think with the LS1 balance/pulley and then maybe a kwik performance bracket for the alt and p.s. I'm also pricing out just doing all stock stuff. The other idea I had was to just build my own brackets, but thats still up in the air.
Jessica

I almost forgot I pulled the truck pan and put the swap pan on the engine. Inside was pretty brown and carmel-y looking but it was not sludgy at all so that is good

yamahor

I love your build. I have a 78 Elky I'm putting a 5.3 in to get it on the road... Eventually plan either a 5.3 or 6.0 turbo build with a t56 and ford 9".. and lots of mods to handle the turns...

78_elky

Thanks, your plan sounds pretty awesome! I am saving for a 9" housing to do while I swap the engine. I really don't want to hassle with cutting the driveshaft more than once. I really just want to do a bunch of this all at once.

Unfortunately I am biting off a lot to do the project so it gets a little overwhelming at times. The car runs and drives fine now though so I just take it out when I get too annoyed with collecting parts.

After the engine is in and running I think I'll try to get some more suspension parts. It handles well now but I want it to really hug the road around the corners

randywyatt2000

iTrader: (2)

man your car is looking good

78_elky

Thanks!
Jessica

78_elky

I've been distracted with the S10 lately. Its my daily driver and I'm trying to fix all the weird stuff the previous owner did/didn't do/removed/broke/added. Mostly it needs A/C and a new (unsmashed) heater box and the cooling system flushed. So its getting a ton of stuff done to it in the next few weeks if I can find the time.

Hopefully I can get my Camaro sold and that will help get more things done on the El Camino fast.
Jessica

--Also, what are people doing with the steam lines, I've got the piping that came off the LQ4 but it won't fit under the LS3 manifold. Do I just block off the rear ones and only vent the front, or is there some parts I need to get. The knock sensor wiring is also hard to fit under the manifold but I can't really move that.

WheelsUp84z

iTrader: (14)

Great build so far, but FYI your motor adapters are on backwards. the pointed end should go twards the front of the engine. I just dropped an LS motor in my g-body, i had them on backwards like you did too, i will be the first to tell you, it wont even be remotely close to fitting with them backwards!

78_elky

Great to know! I had no where to store them that I wouldn't misplace them so I just put them on by hand...now I'll run out and switch them around
Jessica