'69 Firebird Build Thread
#21
Upper Rad Hose: Gates 22353 from 98-02 Camaro.
**The hose is not long enough to work with the truck accessories/water pump. There might be a better hose out there, so if you have a part number or vehicle that has a hose that works w/o modification, let me know, in order to make this one work, I bought:
HPS 6061 1.25" by 6" aluminum hose coupler
Lower Rad Hose: Gates 22354 - Fits fine
Serp Belt for use with DD alt/ps repo bracket: Gates K060780
**The hose is not long enough to work with the truck accessories/water pump. There might be a better hose out there, so if you have a part number or vehicle that has a hose that works w/o modification, let me know, in order to make this one work, I bought:
HPS 6061 1.25" by 6" aluminum hose coupler
Lower Rad Hose: Gates 22354 - Fits fine
Serp Belt for use with DD alt/ps repo bracket: Gates K060780
#30
Got to see the car today and hear it run. Man, it sounds mean. It definitely needs some suspension work.
Currently it has the factory spring set up with poly bushings which is not going to work, at least up front.
Suggestions needed here. The car sits pretty much as high with the motor in it as it does in the pictures in the first post, and that's without a motor in it.
Thinking 2" drop spindles and adjustable coil overs, all suggestions welcome.
Currently it has the factory spring set up with poly bushings which is not going to work, at least up front.
Suggestions needed here. The car sits pretty much as high with the motor in it as it does in the pictures in the first post, and that's without a motor in it.
Thinking 2" drop spindles and adjustable coil overs, all suggestions welcome.
#31
So, it's been a while since I updated the thread. There has been some good progress made and I've picked up a few parts. Most aren't related to the LS swap, but still part of the overall build.
Cooling System Related:
Allstar Performance Overflow Tank - Summit p/n AAF-ALL36150
Brake Related:
Right Stuff Detailing slotted and drilled front rotors - Summit p/n RSD-BR02ZDC
Right Stuff DetailingFront Brake Calipers - Summit p/n RSD-BC03RN&LN
Timken Front Inner and Outer Bearings and Seals: Summit p/ns TMK-SET6, TMK-SET2, TMK-8705S
Right Stuff Detailing 11" Brake Booster - Summit p/n RSD-RPB1001
Right Stuff Detailing Brake m/c - Summit p/n RSD-DBMC09
Rear Brake drums - Summit p/n RSD-BD01
Cooling System Related:
Allstar Performance Overflow Tank - Summit p/n AAF-ALL36150
Brake Related:
Right Stuff Detailing slotted and drilled front rotors - Summit p/n RSD-BR02ZDC
Right Stuff DetailingFront Brake Calipers - Summit p/n RSD-BC03RN&LN
Timken Front Inner and Outer Bearings and Seals: Summit p/ns TMK-SET6, TMK-SET2, TMK-8705S
Right Stuff Detailing 11" Brake Booster - Summit p/n RSD-RPB1001
Right Stuff Detailing Brake m/c - Summit p/n RSD-DBMC09
Rear Brake drums - Summit p/n RSD-BD01
#32
It's been a while since I've updated, but there is not much that has been done as far as the LS is concerned. I did order a bunch of interior parts to restore the door panels and such back to the deluxe interior that was in there and the rear seats are going to be covered in a faux leather with a grain similar to that of the BMW seats.
I've also ordered the Vintage Air system as it ended up being the better option over restoring the factory suitcase that needed a bit of work.
I also have a set of the Dakota Digital VHX gauges on order, but as of right now there is an eight week lead time on getting them.
I've also ordered the Vintage Air system as it ended up being the better option over restoring the factory suitcase that needed a bit of work.
I also have a set of the Dakota Digital VHX gauges on order, but as of right now there is an eight week lead time on getting them.
#33
So, not a lot of updates. They are working on putting in the A/C and dynamat, then the VHX gauges and the interior. I am putting the deluxe interior back in it as that's what it came with. They modified the brackets to get the seats in as centered as possible. Finally got a few pics, hoping to have some more tomorrow, especially of the engine and engine compartment.
#36
A few more pics as work is progressing. The wheels are 17x8 Boyd JYDs 4.5" BS. These really don't fit on the 'bird, but they are meant for the Chevelle anyhow. I have always like this look, so I may end up with a sent of these on here anyhow. The passengers fender is off because they are doing the a/c install and I think they ended up having to modify the sub-frame to accommodate the Sanden compressor with the VA kit. The compressor is low mount pass side (stock truck location).
Front fender clearance, well, if you can call it that.
Front fender clearance, well, if you can call it that.
#38
Water pump is in. Needed a new idler pulley as well as I needed to pick up a new bolt to mount the tensioner pulley. I ended up keeping the F-body hose and using the hose coupler as well. Went with an 82" (Gates K060820) belt, really needs an 83"(Gates K060837) belt on it.
Water pump and tensioner pulley from 2010 Camaro.
Idler pulley p/n 36299. The original p/n is 12580771. They are both made in Canada, both are AC Delco units, yet the latter is almost 25% more.
Water pump gasket # 251-663 for the AC Delco part. Fel Pro makes p/n 35635.
Water pump and tensioner pulley from 2010 Camaro.
Idler pulley p/n 36299. The original p/n is 12580771. They are both made in Canada, both are AC Delco units, yet the latter is almost 25% more.
Water pump gasket # 251-663 for the AC Delco part. Fel Pro makes p/n 35635.
#39
Based on feedback and the belt routing, I made a modification to it.
OK, after taking another look at things, the 78" (K060780 Gates) belt works, maybe a 78.5" would be better, but I'm not sure how much range the tensioner should have once the belt is on.
OK, after taking another look at things, the 78" (K060780 Gates) belt works, maybe a 78.5" would be better, but I'm not sure how much range the tensioner should have once the belt is on.
#40
She's a BEAST!
It's been a while, so I figured I'd post an updated. Lots has gone on since my last update, moved twice, bought a place with a garage that is smaller than I liked and just didn't have the time to work on the car. I took it to a place in northern Illinois that has done some pretty good work. I went up there with the intent of picking it up today, but unfortunately there are a few body items they have to tend to, so hopefully next week I can pick it up. I was however able to take it for a little spin, a true spin now that the suspension and cooling are all taken care of, with the exception of a tire rub issue that is my fault. I will say that the LQ9 out of that '03 Silverado SS is quite the beast compared to the old, worn out, rod-kicking 350 that was in there. I am, with out a doubt, happy about my choice of going with a LS based set up. She gets up and goes like there is no tomorrow. So-much-so, that think I'm going to do the cam and head work I was contemplating, just drive the wheels off of her until the weather starts to suck.