GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

It's time to throw more money at my first car. A 1970 Buick Skylark Custom purchased in 1990. She was Emerald green and we added a junk yard 455 and centerlines then drove the tires off. 2005 saw new paint and motor, a 13:1 Small Block Chevy with 4.56 gears. That was fun but now it is time for pump gas fuel injected LS power. I'm going to try and pull this off in my garage with average Joe mechanic skills with just basic hand tools and the internet. lt1swop.com and ls1tech.com have given me the confidence to jump in with both feet.

Here she is.

Capown

iTrader: (5)

Looks good! Good luck and keep us posted.

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

I'm trying but the pics won't upload. Arg

Capown

iTrader: (5)

Easiest to use Photobucket or a site similar to it.

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

Thanks I will work on it tonight.

1967BuickGS400

Nice buick. I am working on mine now as well.

oldgoat69

If I can do this so can you. Be sure to spend some time researching proven combinations in the stickies. Mixing and matching does not always work out so well. Plan on ponying up for a proper pan that will really fit without chopping thing up. The rest is pretty basic. Don't hesitate to ask for advice. The group is not shy about sharing ideas, and the knowledge base is fantastic.

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

Ok I'm stupid I guess... we will see if this works. I uploaded photos to photobucket and created a story but don't know how to share it. Been a long day and I'm short on patience.


http://s1302.beta.photobucket.com/us...D/story/36495#

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

Do I have to post them one pic at a time to get them to show up on the forum? I'm too busy to learn how to do it i guess.

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

Oldgoat: Thanks for the advice. All you guys on the forums have been a life saver so far. Can't imagine trying this 20 years ago without the net. It looks like the 80e is going to fit with minor dimpling for the tranny lines. If i find the right fittings I may not even have to do that. I'm going to try the Fbody pan and see where it lands. It's gonna be close. I'm not affraid to cut the crossmember though since she is a tribute car and not a rare item. I am having a tough time with header selection though. Dougs, Texsas Speed, Hooker, try Fbody ones, 3/4 or 7/8 or stepped and so on. Too many choices. Jumpped the gun and just ordered the TransDapt 4575 1" back mount plates. So it looks like mix and match is the plan unfortunately. Guess it's never to late to change directions and order a complete swop kit.

krwyellowZ28

iTrader: (10)

Great car to build, and its even better that it has sentimental value. If you're on a moderate budget and not worried about notching the crossmember (I did it to an original GTO Judge and somehow the world didn't end) I recommend about a 2"-3" notch and f-body oil pan to start with. You can spend WEEKS researching what is the "best" combination, but you'll keep going round and round until you actually start buying parts.

Have you already sourced an engine and trans? I can only speak to my experience with dropping a 1999 Camaro LS1/4L60e into my '70 GTO, but I can try to help out. Some of the guys on here like Old Goat, BCZEE, and others are a wealth of "been there, done that" info.

For posting pics in your thread you can load all your pics to Photobucket (sounds like you've covered that) and then write your posts here with [IMG] links placed appropriately. When you hover over the photobucket pic it will bring up a couple different "links"... you want to copy the bottom one that has [IMG] at the front and [/IMG] at the end and just paste it into your post where you want the pic to show up.

Post plenty of updates!

kainedogg

iTrader: (23)

In for the build Chad. Beautiful car!

oldgoat69

I recommend Dougs headers. Overall the fit and finish is well worth the price. Plan on some fairly major crossmember surgery to get the trans low enough and the exhaust notches high enough to get a 4L80 to clear. Most end up sectioning the tunnel.

krwyellowZ28

iTrader: (10)

Old Goat, what are the 80e guys doing to get the trans to fit w/o filleting the tunnel? I ended up going the 4L60e route to avoid that, and I still had to "clearance" the tunnel/firewall a little near the bellhousing bolts. The only way I can see fitting an 80e in w/o tunnel modifications is by keeping the engine in the original location (non-set back adapters) and/or make custom engine mounts that keep the engine low instead of adapter plates that raise the engine.

krwyellowZ28

iTrader: (10)

I'll help you out with a few pics. Quote this post and you'll see how the images are routed to be visible in the actual post.

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

Thanks krwyellow, I was tyring to get to fancy when it is like everything elce....pretty simple. I think I can do it now. I will try with the next round of pics but Im on hold waiting for parts.

Spec134

iTrader: (5)

This is going to be a great build. Just like kryyellowZ28 said there is not a such thing as a tried and true formula but in my opinion you are better off sourcing the headers and adapter plates from the same company. I'm doing a similar build with a 68' Chevelle. Have you already sourced all your parts yet? If not watch the sales forum things come and go fast.

What cam do you plan to use?
I'm going with a custom ground cam from EPS.

Are you keeping the heads stock or doing some upgrades?
I plan to have mine milled some to boost compression and upgraded the valve spring. Opted against aftermarket rockers and did the trunnion upgrade instead cheap I guess....


I'm still learning myself but if you should have any question I'm more than happy to help.

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Spec123, I went with a Comp Cam part # 54-453-11 219/235 with .607/.621 lift.
Stock unmilled heads with the prings and trunnion upgrade.

I just put the cam and double roller in this past weekend and will drop in the ARP rod bolts tonight.

djloc79

Just curious, how did the car perform after this cam install. I have the same one in my 6.2 and wanted to see some results.

GSXCHAD

iTrader: (1)

OK, life got in the way and the LSX GSX has been on hold. Just now getting the fever again and was really thinking of going the cheap turbo direction like Denmah. Youtube "Denmah" to see what I'm talking about, it really looks and sounds fun. But after great consideration I will stick with naturally aspirated since I really want the old beast to act and drive like she used to and like an old muscle car should. I will get to work on it again soon and keep you posted.