LY6/4L80e from rough van into rough 69 camaro
11-09-2011, 04:01 AM
#642
I think in the end the finished body will be more satisfying than trying to gain a few tenths in the quarter. Its only an opinion with just a tad bit of experience behind it. When I first bought my car I got sucked into the whole performance thing and after a year and my car was running, I didnt really enjoy driving it because it was in need of body work. My car sat for a solid 12 years stripped to the bone. In hindsight I would have completed the body before ever attempting to get it running. I say when money allows start at the tail panel and work forward. The toughest hurdles will be the tail section (quarters, tail panel, outers etc.). Its amazing how I found the money to swap out an LS but it killed me to pony up the money for the body work. You have a great foundation to work from and it will be one badass ride when complete. Not saying it aint sweet now. It actually has some personality now. Oh and the polished aluminum stripes on the pic inset was beautiful. Please do not take what I said in a bad sort of way.
11-09-2011, 11:53 AM
#643
funny, i'm 100% opposite in my thinking. i'd rather have a fast, fun-to-drive beater than a nice-looking car that's horrific to drive (or has no drivetrain whatsoever). but I do agree that future should focus on body/paint/interior now that he's got the LSx swap done -- even if it means he won't be able to embarrass people by smoking them in a 'beater'.
ps - i'd do a home-port on the 87mm LY6 TB over spending money on a 90mm LS3 piece.
ps - i'd do a home-port on the 87mm LY6 TB over spending money on a 90mm LS3 piece.
11-09-2011, 02:02 PM
#644
I do think I'll do some quick body work and a cheap flat paint job. I want to keep this jalopy on the road for a few more years until I can afford time and money for a proper unibody restoration. This half *** green restoration has lasted an amazing 20+ years. Still, I think I might give it a small shot of spray next season.
11-09-2011, 08:34 PM
#645
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Check out John Deer Blitz Black. Its a satin black that sprays nice and you can get 2 gallons plus hardener etc for under $200 I believe. That may be the route I go in the spring.
11-10-2011, 09:19 AM
#646
I'm of the same frame of mind. But it's out of necessity. I can build anything...and have a pretty diverse portfolio of projects over the years. But I can't paint a thing. Paint and body work require an artist...and believe me...I'm not even close. I just don't have the patience or talent.
11-10-2011, 09:29 PM
#647
Thanks for the tips and opinions everyone.
I really have to get the idea of a power adder off the brain. I know high 11s is good and I met my goal for this swap, but that motor doesn't even seem like it's working hard. I just want a little more. Is there a rehab I can sign myself into?
I really have to get the idea of a power adder off the brain. I know high 11s is good and I met my goal for this swap, but that motor doesn't even seem like it's working hard. I just want a little more. Is there a rehab I can sign myself into?
11-11-2011, 03:55 AM
#649
Thanks for the tips and opinions everyone.
I really have to get the idea of a power adder off the brain. I know high 11s is good and I met my goal for this swap, but that motor doesn't even seem like it's working hard. I just want a little more. Is there a rehab I can sign myself into?
I really have to get the idea of a power adder off the brain. I know high 11s is good and I met my goal for this swap, but that motor doesn't even seem like it's working hard. I just want a little more. Is there a rehab I can sign myself into?
11-11-2011, 06:29 AM
#650
It might be up to the folks on this forum to establish a 12-step (not to be confused with sub-12 second ET) program for those who cannot stop looking for horsepower. Actually, there could probably be other LS related 12-step programs, like one for folks like me who need to get off their rears and get a project started.
Billl B.
Billl B.
11-11-2011, 09:05 AM
#651
I really have to get the idea of a power adder off the brain.
01-29-2012, 05:00 PM
#654
I got in on the season's last test and tune at atlanta dragway last night and it was packed. This was really a 150 mile cruise for me with a couple slicks where the back seats go. First pass was practice 12.00@113 1.85 60'. Second was 11.91@114 with 1.77 60'. So what the slicks do is make me more consistant with my very best radial runs, rather than drop the times. Also, even though they are supposed to be the same height, the slicks are slightly taller and this didn't help with the 3.42s. While I didn't get the drop in time I expected, I'm happy with how the car runs. Getting the car to hook was a good feeling. I think if I turned this into a drag car and changed the gears it would run 11.50s all day long, but this wasn't the objective. Over the winter I need to finish the vintage, do some interior and body work, dial in the rear suspension.
03-21-2012, 09:46 PM
#657
It might be up to the folks on this forum to establish a 12-step (not to be confused with sub-12 second ET) program for those who cannot stop looking for horsepower. Actually, there could probably be other LS related 12-step programs, like one for folks like me who need to get off their rears and get a project started.
Billl B.
Billl B.
03-21-2012, 09:54 PM
#659
Dude, every time I pop the hood on mine my gaze turns immediately to the 1" TB spacer and I start thinking of what I could sell to come up with the scratch to get a wet plate kit to replace it. And mine badly needs paint/body work, too. I don't think you're going to get the help you need here.
