Having owned and build several LS converted 968 Porsches and a C5 vette I finally realized at 6'5" 250 I am just too stinking big to conformably enjoy those cars anymore. I decided to build a budget minded Pro-Touring car that suited my needs; after doing some extensive research and looking at several builds I decided on a 1970 GTO as my my platform. I reached out to Andrew Borodin and asked him about a 1000 questions about his build and started my march down a similar path.

I ended up purchasing this 1970 Lemans Sport with an almost complete GTO front end and a Glasstek Front clip that will not be used. Once I sold the 455HO and Turbo 400 I was in the car for $1800. I also had a nice LS3 that made 450rwhp in the Vette and a spare T56 I had built by Brian at TDP and converted to bell housing mount.

The weekend after selling the drivetrain I saw a post here on LS1 Tech that Hooker/Holley looking for a donor vehicle for the 68-72 LS swap and was fortunate enough to have my car chosen, so you have probably seen a glimpse or two of my creampuff on Todd's A-body LS thread.
I want to thank Todd and the Hooker/Holley corporation for developing these parts they are excellent in design, manufacture and take all the guess work out of properly mounting the drivetrain in a 68-72 GM A-body. Todd O'Neal is just a great guy, top notch fabricator and really knows his stuff!

Once I got the car back from Holley I started with the foundation of the car; the frame. We installed the Hellwig FX kit and fully TIG welded the all factory seams, mounted the Chassis works shock mounts and are in the mini tub process on the rear frame rails.
More to come as the body gets blasted, some metal repair and mini-tub.

Here is the basic out line for the build:
LS3-Heads and Cam
Hooker Blackheart mounts and full exhaust-Thanks again to Todd O'Neal and Hooker Corp!
F-body accessory drive
Holley 302-2 oil pan with improved racing baffle
Vette T56 converted to bell housing mount
MGW Shifter
SPEC lightweight stage 2 flywheel and clutch
SC&C AFX suspension with rear coilovers
Double adjustable VaraShock
Hellwig Sway Bars
Hellwig FX Frame Kit
1988 Monte Carlo steering box with IROC T-bar.
Currie 9" with 3:89 gear and Truetrac
C6 Z06 Brakes
Forgestar CF5V 19x10 19x12
Nitto Invo 305/30/19 345/30/19

 

It's great to see you get a build thread started on this car Tom, I think you are going to have a real nice ride when you get it finished up. It was good chatting with you and Pete at LS fest and I know you guys are committed to getting this car done. My last name is spelled O'Neill, but I won't give you a hard time over your misspelling.

 

Oops sorry about that Todd I get Eagan instead of Egan so it won't happen again.. I am committed to making LS Fest next year if I don't go broke first.
Thanks again!
Tom

 

My guess is you'll be at LSFest next year AND broke.

 

I bet you are right! LOL

 

About time you posted this!

Andrew

 

Yes it is, but I am not doing those darn gold wheels.

 

I know...It's too bad you aren't...

Andrew

 

This looks fun and I will be tagging along. Been following Todd's development threads though I didn't notice the car. Any pic's?

 

Outstanding

 

Here are a few picks when I bought it. Love how previous owner mounted a 68-69 spoiler in the wrong location on the trunk-Not! I will not be using that piece. Not much to show right now it is totally apart and getting ready for body work.

 

definitely different

 

Here is the Hellwig Frame FX kit being installed...


Andrew

 

Frame is almost finished rails are narrowed and gussets are in. I am going to install the drive train and suspension check that everything is correct then dissemble and go to powder coat.

 

The chassis is almost finished and should be a roller by the weekend. Got the wheels from Forgestar and am really happy with them, nice quality with a reasonable price. Had the frame powder coated and have been busy installing the drive train, brakes and suspension. Going to check on the progress of the body work this week and hope to have the body back on the frame by January.

 

Your car is coming together nicely Tom.

 

Thanks Todd-Did I mention the Holley LS conversion parts you designed are killer looking and fit perfect!!
Thanks again to Holley/Hooker for helping me with this project.

 

Very cool

 

Andrew,
LOL. You and those damn gold wheels. LOL

 

Had to chuckle at all the welding (Hellwig frame) by the senior gentlemen without a hint of a face/eye shield on....Darwin waits around the corner. I did the gold wheel thing the first time it came round in the late 70's/early 80's. Enough for a lifetime. All wheels henceforward are painted the color of brake dust.