Schraders

iTrader: (3)

Here's my latest build, it's a 1961 Impala Sports Coupe (Bubbletop) that I found locally. Nice survivor car, sat in a guy's backyard here in Pasadena CA for years and years. It's got an LQ4 with MLS head gaskets, Pro Comp head studs, good valve springs and otherwise stock including the cam. The turbo is a TC78 with 1.15 A/R, Tial wastegate and a Chinese BOV. I ran a Victor Jr and elbow only because I found one used cheap, looks cool! Fuel system is a Bosch 044 in the tank on a custom hanger and 60 pound injectors. It's backed with a T56 and Centerforce dual friction clutch.

I couldn't get a full pass on the dyno because the 255/70/15 tires (T speed rating/118 mph) were freaking out over about 3700-3900 rpm in fourth. Running on 91 octane pump gas and 10 pounds at 3900-ish it consistently made 345 rwhp/460rwt, I'm told that means 550 rwhp at 6000? Whatever, it's one fun street car. This thing has made me a believer in using the stock cam, I'm seeing boost by 2000 rpm, 5 pounds by 3000 and 10 pounds by 3700. Freeway roll on is incredible, I'll bet this would hang with an S63 from 60-100.

I went a little over the top on this build and installed a complete reproduction interior and Dynamat. It's tight and quiet, the car floats down the freeway like a 550 horsepower couch.

66Chevellelq4

Man thing looks great! Im located in torrance ca, maybe we will run into eachother one of these days. Im currently in the middle of doing the same thing to my chevelle, lq4, t56, and still havnt decided what turbo. How well does your combo work together? Iv heard those turbos tend to run out of steam up top?

denmah

iTrader: (2)

awesome! i love how it looks!

krwyellowZ28

iTrader: (10)

Flat out cool. Other than tires that can match the performance, I wouldn't change a thing!

cl08

iTrader: (5)

I want this!!!

turbohf

now that is a cool car.

you planing on painting it? or rolling as is? I vote as is.

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

Awesome

denmah

iTrader: (2)

please never change a thing haha

bigtodd

iTrader: (4)

This thing is awesome, I agree leave paint as is.

1969x11

iTrader: (36)

We need video's please!!!

Schraders

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the kudos, the car is up for sale like everything I build. I own a hot rod shop so I have all the cool tools to build stuff like this but I can't afford to keep any of them. I've been in business 13 years but it seems like it just gets more difficult every year, especially being in California. But hey, I'm providing my share of good paying jobs and I love what I do. Maybe I should build one of those crazy Fairmonts I've been hearing so much about! Seems like that would more in my "keeper" budget.

This combination is the best one I've done so far. Stock cam, relatively small turbo. Keep in mind, I build fun street cars, not race cars. I'm sure there's a lot I've left on the table especially up top but holy hell man, just look at the power under the curve. This thing with a 4L80E and the right converter would be like sex.

99ssleeper

iTrader: (98)

Have any more pics of the floor mods for the t56?

Sweet 61!

forcd ind

iTrader: (7)

pretty cool, looks like an old stocker with the white rims

BLWN1

iTrader: (6)

Did you try the truck intake to see if it clears by chance?

Schraders

iTrader: (3)

There were virtually no modifications to the tunnel or firewall to swap the T56. I had to make the hole for the shifter, I think that was it. I made my own motor mounts and transmission cross member. The front cross member had to be notched a little to get everything where I wanted it though, and I made my own oil pan based off a late truck pan.

I think a truck intake would fit, I think I've seen someone do an LS swap into an X frame car of these with one.

nasty64

Very nice!!! Did you custom make your hot side piping as im putting a s475, 5.3 in a 64 belair. Any help would be great. Thx

norotor7

iTrader: (2)

Very cool hot rod.