1981 Second Gen Camaro Berlinetta BUDGET build (Updated FiTech injection/Boost!)
06-10-2012, 10:09 AM
#61
Also replaced the timing chain with a trusty ls2 chain as well as some low mileage ls7 lifters...
I cleaned up the deck of the block with a white 3m plastic finger disc, yellow would have done it quicker but slow and sure is my motto...look at those sexy flat tops (although I'm used to the bigger ls1 bore!)...
This motor used the later style all short head bolts so I made a tap using an old long ls1 headbolt...
After looking at the cam it looked slightly worn even though I didn't mic it bc I had a 98 z28 and 03 corvette cam laying around, the 98 cam is a little hotter but I didn't use it bc one of the lobes had very slight pitting which is no good for a cam, so I went with the 03 corvette cam. Also was a better fit due to its lower lobe speration angle (116 vs 119.5 on the 98 cam). Now I know a carbed engine would prefer an lsa 112 or lower but I used the best thing I had available. I figure I can always upgrade later on...here are some pics of the cam bearings which also surprisingly were still within service limit (at least the 3 I could get at without removing rear main seal/cover)..
After I got motor buttoned back up I start to mask and paint. The valley covered is the only orange I've laid so far so bear with me until it's finished bc it's gonna look sexy!!!
I cleaned up the deck of the block with a white 3m plastic finger disc, yellow would have done it quicker but slow and sure is my motto...look at those sexy flat tops (although I'm used to the bigger ls1 bore!)...
This motor used the later style all short head bolts so I made a tap using an old long ls1 headbolt...
After looking at the cam it looked slightly worn even though I didn't mic it bc I had a 98 z28 and 03 corvette cam laying around, the 98 cam is a little hotter but I didn't use it bc one of the lobes had very slight pitting which is no good for a cam, so I went with the 03 corvette cam. Also was a better fit due to its lower lobe speration angle (116 vs 119.5 on the 98 cam). Now I know a carbed engine would prefer an lsa 112 or lower but I used the best thing I had available. I figure I can always upgrade later on...here are some pics of the cam bearings which also surprisingly were still within service limit (at least the 3 I could get at without removing rear main seal/cover)..
After I got motor buttoned back up I start to mask and paint. The valley covered is the only orange I've laid so far so bear with me until it's finished bc it's gonna look sexy!!!
06-11-2012, 08:04 AM
#62
Hey what's up, I figured I would post the pictures of my FINALLY completed engine with paint and all...I tried to copy the look of the lsx block with my 2005 L33 with 799 heads and an Edelbrock performer carb intake, I also am going to polish the valve covers to pay homage to 60s/70s big block/lt1 cars ...I cleared everything including the bare heads and intake to protect everything...I'm diggin it...
I plan on swapping the valve covers for a set of hand polished ones I just started...here's a sample..
I plan on swapping the valve covers for a set of hand polished ones I just started...here's a sample..
06-11-2012, 10:14 AM
#63
He IS alive! I was worried this build was dead! Glad to see it is still alive and progressing. Engine looks good! You must be a glutten for abuse! It is going to be aton of work to polish those valve covers, but they will look pretty sweet. Keep up the good work!
09-07-2012, 08:26 PM
#65
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I just bought a 81 berlinetta no tranny driveshaft only an engine block missing carb/intake/headers/ and water pump, alternator the works, it came with a v8 350 from looking up the block numbers 638 i came to a conclusion that its a newer version then what the time of this camaro was from, its a 5.8L 350 and i jsut bought a th350 and a torque converter. my question is will everything line up? will everything swap in?? i do have 350 motor mounts and they look like they might work.
09-08-2012, 08:14 PM
#66
Update! I have been slackin on updates online but not in the shop as I have a startup video! using a wooden radiator support and an iv style fuel system and the battery rachet strapped to the framerail, I finally got this baby to fire up!
With the 2003 corvette cam I used the "2" timing pill with the msd 6010 6ls and it fired up with ease and had 50 pounds of oil pressure although it was idling about 1000rpm so for a motor that was sold due to low oil pressure I am feeling pretty confident that I fixed the issue after I found damage to the machined surface in the oil pump. I used an oil pressure tool adapted to the factory oil sender position in the rear of the block.
Now all I have to do is get the front clip laid on top since I finished routing all the factory wiring harness which worked very well with the engines wiring harness. That leaves only the finishing of the clutch linkage this week hopefully and I'll get the shifter linkage dialed in so it shifts like glass.
I'll post some pics of the progress...
With the 2003 corvette cam I used the "2" timing pill with the msd 6010 6ls and it fired up with ease and had 50 pounds of oil pressure although it was idling about 1000rpm so for a motor that was sold due to low oil pressure I am feeling pretty confident that I fixed the issue after I found damage to the machined surface in the oil pump. I used an oil pressure tool adapted to the factory oil sender position in the rear of the block.
Now all I have to do is get the front clip laid on top since I finished routing all the factory wiring harness which worked very well with the engines wiring harness. That leaves only the finishing of the clutch linkage this week hopefully and I'll get the shifter linkage dialed in so it shifts like glass.
I'll post some pics of the progress...
09-08-2012, 08:15 PM
#67
Video didn't work....
<a href="http://s1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/wildcamaro/?action=view¤t=FB10BBD3-ED9D-4F4A-B43C-98D8336A5EC8-16929-000022FE16BA0632.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/wildcamaro/FB10BBD3-ED9D-4F4A-B43C-98D8336A5EC8-16929-000022FE16BA0632.mp4" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>
<a href="http://s1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/wildcamaro/?action=view¤t=FB10BBD3-ED9D-4F4A-B43C-98D8336A5EC8-16929-000022FE16BA0632.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/wildcamaro/FB10BBD3-ED9D-4F4A-B43C-98D8336A5EC8-16929-000022FE16BA0632.mp4" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>
05-11-2013, 08:17 AM
#71
I can't believe I though I was going to be driving that car 9 months ago, but after being lazy all winter I am DAMN close after alot more parts, cash, and soldering lol....ill post some pictures later along with some of the details of issues that I have had, which have been more than anticipated! I wish I just had a huge checkbook like the other swaps I've seen and maybe I'd already be driving it...but all said and done I wanna see somebody else do a complete nut and bolt frame off restoration (minus exterior paint) for under $4,500!
05-11-2013, 10:09 AM
#73
Launching!
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The motor looks good in the second gen. You are making me miss my 79. I love the extinguisher laying in the cowl JIC. Reminds me of tuning my 79 after a motor swap, it backfired through the carb and took off one of my father's eyebrows.
Looks good.
Looks good.
05-11-2013, 04:32 PM
#75
And I thought my garage was dirty. LOL
05-11-2013, 05:21 PM
#76
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Please post up some pics. I am probably close to your 4500. I am just finished some taping on my body getting ready for paint. i already did my floor pan along with frame connectors. The front sub had been out and blasted, painted but has to be touched up again. All new bushings throughout except my rear sway bar. I have those too.
I have the 5.3 installed with new cam and hp ready to go. Have it setup for a turbo and still have to install that but its on the shelf. Have to swap out my 700R4 for my 4L80E. I still have a couple holes in the body before i can paint. Also have to deal with the urethane bumpers. I might have to paint over the old paint.
I have the 5.3 installed with new cam and hp ready to go. Have it setup for a turbo and still have to install that but its on the shelf. Have to swap out my 700R4 for my 4L80E. I still have a couple holes in the body before i can paint. Also have to deal with the urethane bumpers. I might have to paint over the old paint.
05-12-2013, 05:05 PM
#77
Garage gets dirty when works being done lol. But no different pics on the exterior, I just want to drive it then I'm goin to do my bodywork as I go, wolf in Sheeps clothing lol. I have enough issues with trying to swap to manual and get the manual clutch linkage to work with the exhaust which has been fun haha. But going from a cast iron v6 and heavy auto Trans to an all aluminum v8 with smallish 4 speed Borg Warner should cut at least a couple hundred pounds, so it should be quick even with corvette cam equipped l33 5.3. Ill get some new pics of the cool stuff like exhaust, etc.
