After trying to track down a good 70 Chevelle I ended up just picking up this 72 since it is pretty solid. Always wanted to build a wild LSx powered Chevelle so it's time to get started.

First item was to order 70 front clip/rear bumper! Lot's of stuff is actually different...fenders, core support, grille, grille support, hood latch support, f/r bumper and brackets, headlight mounting kit/trim rings, fender extensions....etc

So then I rebuilt the 350 for temporary use and was planning a build for a carbed 5.3 to make a few bucks. Well the good old standard Hedman Chevelle headers were hitting in 2 spots and I was fed up after a couple other little things and saif 'F it! If I'm gonna spend time making something fit it will be a 6.0L' So 350 is being sold today for $750 and the parts I bought and just wanted to get my $ back on for the 5.3 (MSD 6LS, Performer intake, 4.8 pistons, gen IV rods) I listed along with the free 5.3 block I got and 3 sets of heads. Had a guy interested and told him I'm selling to find a 6.0L. Well we're trading today for his L76 longblock. So instead of me buying a LQ4 or LQ9 I will now be starting with a aluminum 6.0L and L92 heads!

Hopefully I'll play around tomorrow with some test fitting.

Engine plans now:
Clevite MS2199HX (race coated) main bearings
ARP rod bolts
Patriot dual valve springs
^all 3 came with a low mile LS1 longblock I bought for $350 (bearings new)
Rod bearings (not sure which yet)
ARP head studs
New rings (something slightly geared torwards boost)
LS9 head gaskets
L92's will have exhaust side ported
Cam - hopefully find a TSP 225/230
LS7 lifters
Switch to LS3 timing set
LS3 intake
VMax CNC ported LS3 TB
LT's
GMPP Harness/ECU/DBW pedal

Total build from harness to LT's is looking to come in under $3500 in to it!!

 

After back on the road running I will be saving doing the full suspension. Purchasing the full UMI Stage 3 package w/ 1/2" taller ball joints and Delrin bushings. Also will be getting their soon to be released rear ProTour bar.

Hopefully I'll pull body off so I can strip frame, blast, powder coat, run new brake/fuel lines, body mounts, and suspension.

 

Looks like a fun project. I have already done the UMI suspension front and rear. I also went a step further and did the QA1 coilovers at all 4 corners. I have prototyped a set of rear mount plates and housing brackets for A-bodys. I also have Baer 13" brakes all the way around. If you need input, I am glad to help.
I did the LSX almost 2 years ago, one of the best swaps I have ever done. You will not regret it!

 

So all went well yesterday...old 350 sold for $750, picked up harness/ecu for $500, ported LS3 TB for $250, and stopped parts for the L76.

Trying to decide what headers to buy today.

 

Nice project... I wish I could find a solid 70-72 chevelle to due a lsx swap on...

 

Take a look at Dougs, headers and mount plates. All worked and fit as advertised. Not the cheapest, but works out of the box, great ground clearance.

 

Bought the Doug's ceramics for $563.19 and adapter plates for $63.35...also with the order I bought the Pypes 3" dual exhaust, Melling M365 oil pump, ARP head studs, Energy motor mounts, and SFI U/D balancer.

So now I need to figure out hoses for C6 P/S pump to Jeep GC box. Also need starter and alternator.

 

Other than the usually rust area.. it looks pretty straight.. but then again. once you start sanding and blasting.. !

For the power steering, I usually just use AN adapter, fittings and Teflon lined hose from Russell.

Keep the project thread updated !.. Always nice to follow another A-Body build.

BC

 

Looks like a solid start.
Ive got a 72' but it need quarters, and the damn body work cost some serious $$$$..

 

Just made a deal for a TR6060 trans w/ 11k...$1700

****, that takes away too much $$...not gonna be on the road as soon as I hoped for but at least it will be the way I want it.

 

Some parts showed up...ceramic headers don't look so ceramic coated. Also got new LS2 water pump, Energy motor mounts, ARP head studs, and Jeg's SFI U/D pulley.

 

I agree, those don't look like the ceramic coated headers I bought. I thing the part number ends in a -1 or -2 if memory serves. If they give you a credit for the coating I bet Brad at Performance Coatings can do a better job than the factory coating.

 

Got the day off today so maybe I'll swing in to check the cost. The price difference is $160 + the cost of them shipping these back and new ones.

 

Looks like a really clean starting point.

 

More presents! Got the Doug's adapter plates and the Pypes 3" dual system with dual cutouts. Looks to be of great quality but will probably skip they're u-bolt clamps and go for some band clamps.

 

Good plan, I used Vibrant band clamps on my Magnaflow system. Just be careful not to over tighten as you can break the cast saddles. (Ask me how I know.)

 

Can't afford to do Vibrant...$75/ea x 10 needed...

I'm talking about these band clamps

 

TR6060 is in my possession...got home late but got it unloaded and bolted up to a LS1 w/ 'the window mod' and also mounted the Doug's adapter plates and Energy motor mounts.

 

Looks like you are on the path. Those clamps should do the trick, same style as Vibrant, just don't like they are stainless. I used this style throughout, worked fantastic, does not crush the pipe.

 

Heads are done...cleaned, resurfaced, new seals, and assembled with my PRC duals.