BradyD

Another update!

We got the engine buttoned up today and dogged a HUGE bullet. We were debating whether or not to replace the oil pan gasket. Thank goodness we decided to replace it because we had a main cap both that was snapped in half. Take a look at these pics:

http://imgur.com/a/d1bR2

Luckily the bearing and the crank looked okay, so we snagged another bolt out of our crap locked up engine and torqued the both down to 77 ft lbs (in 3 stages). We also checked the torque on the second main cap and it was at 77 ft lbs as well (or higher). The bolt failure is very odd...seems like it failed in the middle of the threads which almost never happens.

Cheers!

BradyD

Back again with torque converter questions!


We've got our engine buttoned up and in the k-member. Now our next step is a torque converter to get it running. Initially we were going to go for an S10 converter but we've decided to go for something new, probably form FTI - they seem to be quite lauded on this forum.


What I *really* want is this guy, but it's out of my reach for the $2000 budget:


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fti-esrl0082


We're now thinking of getting this one:


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fti-sb2400lt30


The stall is lower than what we want, but it seems our best option. I've been scouring the forums for used Yank/Vig/Circle D and they're usually out of our price range. Anybody else have any input? Would a 2400 stall be sufficient with a Comp 503?


Thanks!!

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't waste the money on that 12" unit from Summit. No better than an S-10 TC.
I saw a used Edge 9.5" on one of the classifieds just a few days ago for $300. That's what you should be looking for.

BradyD

Thanks for the question response, bowtienut. I can't find any Edge converters for $300.


I did find this one: https://ls1tech.com/forums/parts-cla...converter.html


But the seller hasn't responded and I PM'd days ago. Also had somebody respond to my WTB Thread with a Yank 3200...waiting to see what he wants.

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

That Yank would be a durability upgrade over the Edge. I had an Edge 3400; it flashed higher than my Yank SS3600. Too loose for stock cam, but was ideal behind mild h/c engine in my buddy's car.
Let me know if you reconsider an S-10. I have one in great shape. $50 plus the ride, and it's yours.

BradyD

Awesome; I will keep that in mind if worst comes to worst. Hopefully the man with the Yank wants something that's friendly with our $2000 budget.

Birdracing

Bowtienut, i was looking at the link you posted of the times for a bolt-on LT1 car, wow some impressive times there for just having bolt-ons. I have always been arguing with my buddy's they think a bolt-on LT1, will not break a 12. I think i am going to run my car like it is now before i do the heads and cam combo see what i can get with a bolt-on.

Brady D, i went with a 3200 FTI converter, their street racer i like it noticed a huge difference after the tune. I paid 379.00 for it 3yrs ago now and still running great. Good luck to you hope yo crack the 12's deep and hard.

BradyD

Thanks, Bird. This $2000 budget (which is actually proving kind of annoying and goes against my 'do it right' intuition) has me on the lookout for a good used converter. Would definitely love one of the FTI street racer, but they're out of my budget. Hope to have something soon so we can take her for a maiden voyage!

BradyD

Back with another question, this time regarding gears.

What is a cheap & economical way to get some better-than-2.73 gears in this thing? Will 4.10s or 3.73s out of a S10 or Blazer work? Will the whole carrier swap over and have Posi? My camaro has an 8.5" 10-bolt, correct? I assume this means the ring and pinion from a 7.5" 10-bolt won't work. I can get a whole carrier from a local junk yard chain for $100.

I'm basically looking for a junkyard solution here. Any insight is greatly appreciated...I'm going to keep google-ing.

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

Your Camaro rear is a 7.5" sometimes called a 7-5/8' 10-bolt. So yes, there are occasionally posi's and 3.42 gears in the classifieds that will work for you. Or look for a 6-spd Z-28 junkyard car; it will have 3.42's and posi.
Used 3.73's are hard to find.
Stock posi was clutch type and will usually be in good shape unless the car was beaten on with sticky tires / dragstrip use.
Aftermarket Torsen or Truetrac are gear type and would be great for autocrossing duties, and would be OK at dragstrip for your use. They will break behind big power and with sticky tires in dragstrip use.

BradyD

Thanks, bowtienut. Are there 4.10 gears available out there in blazer/S10 gears? I'd assume so, but doubt they'd be posi. I have also heard a set of 3.73s or 4.10s will not work on a 2.73 carrier like we have - any idea if that's true?

Thanks!!!

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

Wait a minute.....in your OP you said 3.55 gears. Now you're saying they're 2.73's?
2.73 would be a 2-series carrier, 3.55 would be a 3-series.
Here's an explanation: http://www.tacreationsusa.com/differential_carriers.htm

BradyD

Sorry. I did say that. The PO said it had 3.55s, turns out they're actually lame 2.73s. Should have clarified that. I'll check that link out.

warriorcustoms

iTrader: (10)

I was always under the impression that an S10 converter was the same as a Vette or GNX & 2025 factory stall NOT 2200 or 2400ish LoL
With that said Ive had a 2800 stalled 700R4 with a cam in the 230s @.05 & it was OK at best... On a TH350 it woulda been better But with a 4L60E / 700R4 the Stall needs a Minimum of 3000!!! 3200 to 3600 is best!!! A 3600 NA or 3200 for N2O... And Gears get a whole 3.42 10bolt from an M6 car for bolt in & Less off that 2k IF You take the time to cruise the LT1 sites & this 1 for sale section You can Find All the Parts You need!!! I got My 6in Manley Hbeams & Mahle forged flat tops that way for 750 new pistons & used rods are in My S10s 355 with a stock Fbody cam... 6in rods add 20ft lbs on the dyno & TQ is needed in a 4x4
Craigslist turns up some jewels too!!! I found a scat forged 383 crank the other day for 250 but needs turned .010 ... Just Dig & this thread has made Me wanna do a Lot of the Mods for makin a Formula or T/A Im eye ballin way faster for killin a Buddys Stang

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

Maybe this TC is still available:
http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/part...ac-ory-883547/

If you find a 3-series posi carrier without gears, I have a perfect set of 3.42's cheap.


Look for stuff like this, although junkyard find would probably be better:
http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/part...0-00-a-883580/

BradyD

Thanks BTN. We just ordered a torque converter from FTI brand new - got a ESRL0086; 9.5" 3600 stall lockup with 1 year warranty. The warranty was a big selling point.

Onto finding gears! I'm hoping I will be able to scrounge an entire axle. A company called LKQ has 6 junkyards in the NoVA/MD/Baltimore area we're going to be searching - can get a whole rear end for $100. Hopefully we will get lucky, they have lots of Camaros. Mainly V6 cars (which I assume are useless for our purposes) but we may get lucky.

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

Good luck finding any worthy V6 rearend parts.
Here is the only good one:

"Y87 3800 V6 Performance Package
The Y87 3800 V6 Performance Package upgraded the vehicle with Auburn limited slip differential (same differential used on V8 models), 11.4" single-piston caliper rear disc brakes (same rear brakes as V8 models), a dual outlet muffler, a quicker 14.4:1steering ratio (same ratio as V8 models), 235/55-16 tires. The Y87 package also gave automatic cars 3.42 rear gears, whereas the manual cars kept the 3.23 rear gears."

Edit: you probably already have a plan, but...
1. V8 car: auto has 2.73's 6-spd has 3.42's
2. V6 car: unless you see rear disc brakes, pass. If discs, auto has 3.42, manual has 3.23.
Of course, if you see evidence of modifications, then look closer.

warriorcustoms

iTrader: (10)

My last 3.8 V6 parts car had a 3.23 disc brake rear diff... Still better than 2.73s I have had lots of 4x4 S-series with 2.8 V6s autos that had 3.73 posi for another choice on gears!!! Another S10 is the 2nd gen 4cyl has 3.73s or 4.10s My 4cyl had 4.10s before I pulled all that & SASd it...

BradyD

Are the S10 4.10s and 3.73s posi? I've be surprised if they were.

bowtienut

iTrader: (1)

Some S10 forum info:
GM made two housings that came in these trucks, the 7.5/ 7.625 and the 8.5, both of which are ten bolts. The 7.5 has more of a squared of shape to the cover and straight axles tubes that measure 2 3/4" whereas the 8.5 uses a round cover and the axle tubes step down from 3" to 2 3/4" right after they exit the pumpkin.

S10 Rear end Ring Gear and Axle Sizes:
1983 to 1992 7.5" ring gear 26 spline axles
Available from 1988+ 7.625" ring gear 28 spline axles
Available from 1995 and up, 8.5" ring gear 30 spline axles, standard for 98+ ZR2's with rear discs


These are some of the axle RPO codes and should be the same for all GMs with either of these axles.

GU4=3.08
GU5=3.23
GU6=3.42
GT4=3.73
GT5=4.10
HC4=4.56

G80= locking differential