78 El Camino 6.0L build
#61
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So I got the rear end out of the truck, thanks to my engine hoist!
I pulled the rotors and calipers (they're on my bench)
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/10258279_989479672965_5510432664841418549_o.jpg)
Then I took the cover off
![](https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t31.0-8/10321036_989479493325_7084648941734083226_o.jpg)
At least the guy I got it from was telling the truth, its a 3.42:1 Torsen-Zexel unit. Now I just need to pull the axles and remove the backing plates/parking brakes. Then I'll sell the gears, posi and axles
I kind of want to save them for my S10 but since I don't really know what is in my S10 or how to set up a rear end I'll just get rid of them.
Update:
I got the axles pulled, and the backing plates off last night
![](https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/10295493_989720465415_6496748813454472197_o.jpg)
Jessica
I pulled the rotors and calipers (they're on my bench)
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/10258279_989479672965_5510432664841418549_o.jpg)
Then I took the cover off
![](https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t31.0-8/10321036_989479493325_7084648941734083226_o.jpg)
At least the guy I got it from was telling the truth, its a 3.42:1 Torsen-Zexel unit. Now I just need to pull the axles and remove the backing plates/parking brakes. Then I'll sell the gears, posi and axles
![Grin](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_grin.gif)
Update:
I got the axles pulled, and the backing plates off last night
![](https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/10295493_989720465415_6496748813454472197_o.jpg)
Jessica
Last edited by 78_elky; 05-09-2014 at 09:44 AM.
#62
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Got the rear parts painted, Still looking to pick up some new wheels so they'll fit.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t31.0-8/10296281_990912137295_4339003285869185956_o.jpg)
And I'm still scrounging parts for the engine. I almost had a set of headers and a Camaro accessory drive setup but they both sold before I saw them. Ordering a trans cross member hopefully in a few days though.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t31.0-8/10296281_990912137295_4339003285869185956_o.jpg)
And I'm still scrounging parts for the engine. I almost had a set of headers and a Camaro accessory drive setup but they both sold before I saw them. Ordering a trans cross member hopefully in a few days though.
#63
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Got some wheels and tires the other night off craigslist! They're not really my style but they do make the car look a little more modern and less like a drag racer. Plus they're 17" so the brakes will fit.
![](https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/10348842_992843531765_5439200078091972224_o.jpg)
Still collecting parts but getting closer every day!
Jessica
![](https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/10348842_992843531765_5439200078091972224_o.jpg)
Still collecting parts but getting closer every day!
Jessica
#64
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If you are going to order a crossmember. Go with the summit racing/gforce crossmember. Its a little pricey but with all the "kits" and "bolt on" parts I've got for my regal swap. Like a 2 gauge wire kit that had 4 gauge fittings or the Jegs battery cut off push/pull kit that had course female threads and fine thread hardware. The crossmember was the best money I've spent. Its a heavy SOB and has the duel humps for the exhaust. I could have thrown it at the car and it lined right up with my factory frame holes and 4l80e. I couldn't be happier.
#65
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If you are going to order a crossmember. Go with the summit racing/gforce crossmember. Its a little pricey but with all the "kits" and "bolt on" parts I've got for my regal swap. Like a 2 gauge wire kit that had 4 gauge fittings or the Jegs battery cut off push/pull kit that had course female threads and fine thread hardware. The crossmember was the best money I've spent. Its a heavy SOB and has the duel humps for the exhaust. I could have thrown it at the car and it lined right up with my factory frame holes and 4l80e. I couldn't be happier.
If I find another deal on local parts it'll push back my ordering parts again though so who knows.
#66
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I almost ordered one of his as well. Ive heard of people that loved them and others hated them. I seen quite a few people that said they bowed like crazy and had trouble with exhaust clearance. With a tranny and stock converter that are 250 lbs. The last thing I wanted on a 9 sec pass was a crossmember flexing like a rubberband. lol I personally don't have experience to speak of. Just what I heard. If you do get it. I would be curious to see how you like it.
#67
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I almost ordered one of his as well. Ive heard of people that loved them and others hated them. I seen quite a few people that said they bowed like crazy and had trouble with exhaust clearance. With a tranny and stock converter that are 250 lbs. The last thing I wanted on a 9 sec pass was a crossmember flexing like a rubberband. lol I personally don't have experience to speak of. Just what I heard. If you do get it. I would be curious to see how you like it.
#68
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It looks like I'm going to go with a G-force or other kind of crossmember. I liked the idea of the light one but it sounds like its a bit of a mess so I'll stick with what others have had luck with.
#69
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So I'm trying to sell the rear end as well as my Camaro and soon I'll post up my 15" wheels and tires I pulled off the El Camino. Hopefully I can get all that out of my way and some more money into the project ![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Jessica
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Jessica
#70
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Got a great bit of news for anyone still reading this.
I got a set of LS3 heads off the board here with all the rocker arms, hardware, pushrods, and upgraded springs and retainers. They look pretty cool and I couldn't help but throw them on the engine so I could get a look at it.
![](https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10403952_10100110639215245_5746210276317578677_o.jpg)
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10348796_10100110639349975_7408974619486617308_o.jpg)
![](https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10359037_10100110538097885_1361699036360035710_o.jpg)
I'm going to order a new throttle body next and maybe unpack the swap pan I have and install that on the engine.
I am trying to stay positive and think its one small step closer![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Jessica
I got a set of LS3 heads off the board here with all the rocker arms, hardware, pushrods, and upgraded springs and retainers. They look pretty cool and I couldn't help but throw them on the engine so I could get a look at it.
![](https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10403952_10100110639215245_5746210276317578677_o.jpg)
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10348796_10100110639349975_7408974619486617308_o.jpg)
![](https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10359037_10100110538097885_1361699036360035710_o.jpg)
I'm going to order a new throttle body next and maybe unpack the swap pan I have and install that on the engine.
I am trying to stay positive and think its one small step closer
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Jessica
#73
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Got my new throttle body in the mail the other day, its 92mm I believe.
![](https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10353503_10100113197019385_8550032138390263229_o.jpg)
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10495097_10100115944019375_1370604776311556030_o.jpg)
Nothing else new to report. I'm looking into how to do the accessory drive. I want to run an LS1 water pump I think with the LS1 balance/pulley and then maybe a kwik performance bracket for the alt and p.s. I'm also pricing out just doing all stock stuff. The other idea I had was to just build my own brackets, but thats still up in the air.
Jessica
I almost forgot I pulled the truck pan and put the swap pan on the engine. Inside was pretty brown and carmel-y looking but it was not sludgy at all so that is good
![](https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/10353503_10100113197019385_8550032138390263229_o.jpg)
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/10495097_10100115944019375_1370604776311556030_o.jpg)
Nothing else new to report. I'm looking into how to do the accessory drive. I want to run an LS1 water pump I think with the LS1 balance/pulley and then maybe a kwik performance bracket for the alt and p.s. I'm also pricing out just doing all stock stuff. The other idea I had was to just build my own brackets, but thats still up in the air.
Jessica
I almost forgot I pulled the truck pan and put the swap pan on the engine. Inside was pretty brown and carmel-y looking but it was not sludgy at all so that is good
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
#74
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I love your build. I have a 78 Elky I'm putting a 5.3 in to get it on the road... Eventually plan either a 5.3 or 6.0 turbo build with a t56 and ford 9".. and lots of mods to handle the turns...
#75
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Unfortunately I am biting off a lot to do the project so it gets a little overwhelming at times. The car runs and drives fine now though so I just take it out when I get too annoyed with collecting parts.
After the engine is in and running I think I'll try to get some more suspension parts. It handles well now but I want it to really hug the road around the corners
![Devil](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_devil.gif)
#78
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I've been distracted with the S10 lately. Its my daily driver and I'm trying to fix all the weird stuff the previous owner did/didn't do/removed/broke/added. Mostly it needs A/C and a new (unsmashed) heater box and the cooling system flushed. So its getting a ton of stuff done to it in the next few weeks if I can find the time.
Hopefully I can get my Camaro sold and that will help get more things done on the El Camino fast.
Jessica
--Also, what are people doing with the steam lines, I've got the piping that came off the LQ4 but it won't fit under the LS3 manifold. Do I just block off the rear ones and only vent the front, or is there some parts I need to get. The knock sensor wiring is also hard to fit under the manifold but I can't really move that.
Hopefully I can get my Camaro sold and that will help get more things done on the El Camino fast.
Jessica
--Also, what are people doing with the steam lines, I've got the piping that came off the LQ4 but it won't fit under the LS3 manifold. Do I just block off the rear ones and only vent the front, or is there some parts I need to get. The knock sensor wiring is also hard to fit under the manifold but I can't really move that.
#79
10 Second Club
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Great build so far, but FYI your motor adapters are on backwards. the pointed end should go twards the front of the engine. I just dropped an LS motor in my g-body, i had them on backwards like you did too, i will be the first to tell you, it wont even be remotely close to fitting with them backwards!
![](http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q487/Juiced95Z/null_zps1cd6644d.jpg)
![](http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q487/Juiced95Z/null_zps1cd6644d.jpg)
![](http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q487/Juiced95Z/null_zps16d40370.jpg)
#80
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Great to know! I had no where to store them that I wouldn't misplace them so I just put them on by hand...now I'll run out and switch them around ![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Jessica
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Jessica