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Car has been restored in the last 8 years but was kept more period correct with a worked Pontiac 400 motor, paired with a turbo 350 and backed with a posi rear end with 3.36 gears. Made the car a reliable boring around town cruiser.
I've never really seriously turned wrenches on cars in a long time (15-20 years) and really wanted to make this car my own and give it considerably more power. Never took on such a project but decided this car was the one it was going to happen with.
Reached out to a local LS guy and picked up one of his 5.3 aluminum block & 4l80e combos.
Ordered a holley terminator max x system to control everything. One of their swap kits and turbo log.
Ordered a VS Racing gen 2.5 billet 7875 turbo kit with a 4" thick intercooler
Still have to buy a fuel system. Planning on getting a fuel tank made locally, even though its not required, it's just how I want to do it. Planning on running 10an fuel feed, 8an return and likely ordering from hot rod fuel hose. Fuel pumps & injectors to be ordered yet as well.
I've been debating getting a new rear end for the car as well, the existing in the car likely won't live up to the new power for too long but I don't really know. Could be swayed either way but I'll likely just run the existing and replace it once it fails. (8.2 10 bolt, 28 spline axles with posi)
Just removed the old motor & trans recently, had a buyer lied up. Took longer than expected but its done and gone.
Few pictures below along with a disaster of a garage.
Sure will be run on pump gas, don't have E85 readily available in my area but I'll likely add a flex fuel sensor for the times I do get my hands on it.
CattleAc - as mentioned in the title, it's a Lemans. I don't think I could afford a real gto in this condition haha. That and I don't know if I'd swap it either. The previous owner cloned it during the restoration.
Also, picked up some parts, that I'll post about soon!
You chose the right rationale- Get a low or bottom trim level car, and build it into YOUR car!
If it is getting an LS/modern tranny/4-wheel disc/GOOD suspension, you will be trashing the OEM stuff anyway.
Start with a functional rolling cheapo car and build it up to your spec.
So finally my holley swap system and turbo log came in recently and I also there's a guy local to me that shaves truck intakes down, so I picked that up as well since the truck intake is super ugly.
Super happy with all the holley pieces, quality looks great.
Today I also ordered some fuel lines & fittings from hotrodfuelhose.ca as they come well reviewed, good price and also somewhat local to me. Still have more fuel components to order but it's a start.
I was using a friend's engine hoist / stand while I was waiting to get my own. Was waiting for a sale or nice used stuff to pop up. Found a 2T hoist and 2T stand for a fraction of what they'd cost new, definitely a good score.
G Atsma - I wish it was a roller when I purchased, I paid decent money for the car (not gto money mind you) and decided early this driving season it was going to get this treatment. I've never had quite a car and why not now?
Project_GatTagO - I'll be sure to follow along! You always seem to share / help out. I've come across many of your posts when researching stuff on the forum.
Thanks guys! I don't think I could afford a real gto in this condition haha. That and I don't know if I'd swap it either. The previous owner cloned it during the restoration.
I'm pretty excited to follow this build, I've done quite a few LS swaps...but I think my next project will be my 65 GTO...
Had some more stuff show up. Fuel hose (8an supply 6 return), fuel pressure regulator, fittings, an wrenches, engine leveler.
Fuel hose & fittings from hotrodfuelhose.ca and im happy with the quality of the product from initial inspection and customer service.
Not too much planed to tackle during these days off. Only thing I want to get done is drop the old tank and get some measurements so I can get my new tank made. Might run fuel lines while I'm at it but we'll see.
I honestly haven't given much thought about heat sleeving my fuel lines, I plan on wrapping my exhaust pieces (in the engine bay) and using a turbo blanket. I never really come across anyone saying their ptfe fuel lines needed heat shielding. Now it's not a bad idea but have you personally had bad experience or know people that have?
Fuel tank is going to be a custom built baffled tank with internal fuel pumps. Going to run two walbro 450s, even though I'll probably never need that much fuel, just future proofing so I only have to do it once.
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