1965 Skylark LQ9 Retrofit / Swap - Build Thread
#41
Have a question about your brake set up. Im converting my 64 special to disc fronts also and was considering purchasing the kit from summit for $700. I do have a junk yard set up from a chevelle with spindles... Did you find it cheaper converting it yourself or should i go the summit route?
If you build it with used parts you just have to make sure the rotors are still thick enough and then have them cut. You have to make sure that the calipers are good or buy new ones from the auto parts store. You will have to fabricate the brake hard-lines. I recommend buying new flexible lines. Make sure you have and install the correct disc brake proportioning valve. Buy all new seals and bearings. Other than those things, used should be fine.
FYI, I paid $485 for my disc brake kit and that included power master, master cylinder, all lines, proportioning valve, new spindles, rotors, bearings and seals. You just have to shop around and look carefully at what is included.
Oh, and one other thing about the kits: The kit I bought had 2 problems. 1. the drivers side front brake hard-line was incorrect. So, a new line had to be fabricated. 2. The master cylinder pushrod was too long and had to be cut down.
#42
Thanks! I just looked on ebay and saw a kit for $490 that looks like it had everything i need. The stuff i have will need new rotors, master cylinder, calipers pads and lines so i pricing it out it seems that the ebay kit may be the way to go. I just finished swapping an ls6 into a foxbody mustang....Hope this one goes easier.
#43
Thanks! I just looked on ebay and saw a kit for $490 that looks like it had everything i need. The stuff i have will need new rotors, master cylinder, calipers pads and lines so i pricing it out it seems that the ebay kit may be the way to go. I just finished swapping an ls6 into a foxbody mustang....Hope this one goes easier.
#44
Just a quick question for my own future reference, Are the headers/oil pan you are using the same as a Chevelle? I would think an A body is the same, Buick or Chevy.
#45
Lemans/Tempest/GTO
Cutlass/442
Skylark/Special
These are all A-bodies and all the same for 64 & 65. Most suspension parts interchange from 64-72, but when it comes to headers make sure they specifically fit 64 & 65.
Today I built the brackets to hold my console in place. Normally the console bolts to the factory shifter in the front, but I am using an after market shifter (B&M Quicksilver). So, brackets had to be built. Here are a few pics of what I came up with. The first 3 pics are of the front bracket, the last photo is of the rear bracket. The last pic of the rear bracket is terrible as the light was fading.
Today I received my coil covers from PACE Performance. These coil covers are Edelbrock Hot Rod coil covers without the Edelbrock logo.
I think they are a nice, clean solution and a nice look for muscle cars. However, they do not clear the factory Corvette alternator bracket and alternator. So, the drivers side must be modified.
Below are some pictures of the needed modifications and the finished install.
#46
#48
I didn't even know they made those covers. I suppose they will only fit engine swap applications where there is extra room? Very cool for a more vintage look
I am going to give the 455 in my 72 a fighting chance, but if it ever spins a bearing, or self destructs in any way, I am going LS with it. The cost for each engine vs how much hp is returned makes it a no-brainer. Purists be damned! Car is a clone anyway.
I am going to give the 455 in my 72 a fighting chance, but if it ever spins a bearing, or self destructs in any way, I am going LS with it. The cost for each engine vs how much hp is returned makes it a no-brainer. Purists be damned! Car is a clone anyway.
Last edited by SMS; 12-29-2010 at 07:26 AM.
#49
#52
As I wait for my Mast pan to be shipped there is just one more decision to make: Will I buy full length headers or mid-length headers? I have looked at all the full length brands that I am aware of. All of which had their share of problems. However, one long tube brand seems to stand out for the 64-65 A-body cars. Three different people told me that Doug's headers had good fit and great ground clearance.
Here is what I learned about each brand:
Edelbrock - Stainless, nice looking coating, exceptionally good fit but very poor ground clearance ranging from between 1 1/2" - 2" below the crossmember and high difficulty servicing the starter on vehicles with full bellhousings.
Hooker - They do not fit the 64-65s. The people I spoke to either moved tubes or sent them back.
Hedman/BRP - Have not found a single person using them on a 64-65 but people on other years say they are a good fit on A-bodies but the hang below the crossmember between a 1" & 1/1/2".
Doug's - Good fit, excellent ground clearance, only 1 person complained of having to ding a few tubes to clear but that was on a 68-72. 1 person complained that the coated version was starting to show signs of surface rust.
So, here I am ready to pull the trigger. I just have to decide. The BRP mid-length or the Doug's full-length headers. The BRP mids have ease of fit, less underhood heat (this is Florida) and room to work around them. However, I want the power and sound of the long tubes but I do not want any hassles. If the Doug's are as good as I have been told, they may be pretty hassle free. Near as I can tell, there is probably 20 ft. lbs. or torque and 15 hp. difference between the two. The Doug's cost about $90 more.
Now all I have to do is make a decision................
#54
First off...great build!
Secondly...Im in the same boat. I actually ordered the Edelbrock (66 Chevelle) but they are backorder. I am seriously second guessing my choice. Ground clearance is important! The pic of the Dougs looks good. I actually had Doug Thorley headers on my 68 Camaro and they fit great though they were mid length headers. (Dont know if its the same company?) I also like that their O2 bungs are already there. I still have to weld them into my new Edelbrocks if I go that route. What do the Dougs say to use as far as engine mounts?
Best of luck!
Secondly...Im in the same boat. I actually ordered the Edelbrock (66 Chevelle) but they are backorder. I am seriously second guessing my choice. Ground clearance is important! The pic of the Dougs looks good. I actually had Doug Thorley headers on my 68 Camaro and they fit great though they were mid length headers. (Dont know if its the same company?) I also like that their O2 bungs are already there. I still have to weld them into my new Edelbrocks if I go that route. What do the Dougs say to use as far as engine mounts?
Best of luck!
ModMuscle,
Doug's has their own mounts. They look a lot like the Edelbrock mounts in the pictures that I saw. However, it looks like they have holes for two positions. Perhaps to move the motor backward if you want to.
#56
#57
Diggin it..
I was going to say go w dougs; Im getting rid of the hooker LTs i just got for my mustang because of the poor clearance, switching to dougs tri-ys.
Do you really think theres that big a power discrepancy from mids to the lts? Id believe 20 ftlbs/15 hp from shorties/the better flowing manifolds to LTs, but from those mids? Idk, they just look like theyd flow better than that..
Anywho, whens all this stuff getting there?
I was going to say go w dougs; Im getting rid of the hooker LTs i just got for my mustang because of the poor clearance, switching to dougs tri-ys.
Do you really think theres that big a power discrepancy from mids to the lts? Id believe 20 ftlbs/15 hp from shorties/the better flowing manifolds to LTs, but from those mids? Idk, they just look like theyd flow better than that..
Anywho, whens all this stuff getting there?
#58
Diggin it..
I was going to say go w dougs; Im getting rid of the hooker LTs i just got for my mustang because of the poor clearance, switching to dougs tri-ys.
Do you really think theres that big a power discrepancy from mids to the lts? Id believe 20 ftlbs/15 hp from shorties/the better flowing manifolds to LTs, but from those mids? Idk, they just look like theyd flow better than that..
Anywho, whens all this stuff getting there?
I was going to say go w dougs; Im getting rid of the hooker LTs i just got for my mustang because of the poor clearance, switching to dougs tri-ys.
Do you really think theres that big a power discrepancy from mids to the lts? Id believe 20 ftlbs/15 hp from shorties/the better flowing manifolds to LTs, but from those mids? Idk, they just look like theyd flow better than that..
Anywho, whens all this stuff getting there?
Everything else on this build is ready to rock.
#60
Just read your whole thread. Great build and I can't wait to see the results after everything comes together.
You asked me in another thread about the ground clearance with BRP's headers which was 1 1/2" to 2" from the crossmember. But they are only maybe 1" below the lower A arm giving them more than enough ground clearance.
You asked me in another thread about the ground clearance with BRP's headers which was 1 1/2" to 2" from the crossmember. But they are only maybe 1" below the lower A arm giving them more than enough ground clearance.