kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

picked up my vette wheels today, actually got them all for 250! the rims are in perfect condition. the tires are old but definitely will get some miles out of them. actually had to go buy new studs for the rear since the ones it came with were too short and just garbage overall. couldnt mount the rims on them so i just went to advance auto and bought ten new studs... still waiting on spacers for the fronts.





mmmm 275s

~Steven

thenjoshsays

iTrader: (1)

Did you check to make sure that the rims were sitting flush in the back? I'm running a 4th gen rear and wagon's on mine, and I had to trim open the center hub of the rear wheels to get them to fit flush. There shouldn't be any depth issue in the rear with the studs. Junk, sure... but depth?

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

yeah everything fit just fine- the problem was the old studs had like a 1/4"+ of shoulder with no threads. the replacements were the same length and specs but threaded all the way to the end.

~Steven

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

You made out with those wagon wheels. You're going to love them

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

thanks Jon, it was about time i got something for under market value rather than over
the spacers off ebay came yesterday so here are a few shots of all four wheels on. I need to install the prop valve (possibly this afternoon but doubtful), and am waiting on new rear brake line from right stuff detailing. still gotta do that oil change too...



64 bucks on ebay- they are nice pieces. studs were solid and had tapered lugs to seat it properly.






~Steven

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Sexy

I practically stole my Y2Ks and the spacers, then got around to buying tires

Last set of 18's Ill ever use, jesus

bradley23150

iTrader: (10)

Nice overall build-up. I am planning an Lt1/T56 swap soon, I will most likely refer back to this thread for info.

Thanks for the write-up.

Also-
Pocket, can you PM me about adapting the LT1 harness to the 3rd gen harness for me? (Cost wise, basically) Thanks.

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

back on the road

my right stuff brake lines arrived this week- they fit perfectly. Bled the brakes and got everything put back where it belongs. I have driven it the last two days without having the proportioning valve installed, and it seems to be driving fine. The rears are definitely helping stop, the rust is off of the rotors, and you can feel it while your slowing down. The rears might be coming on a little to strong compared to the fronts, but it isnt dangerous by any means. I don't think i will install the proportioning valve before monday when i leave for school, so it will have to wait. I would still like to install it to provide for tweaking so i can set it up just how i want it, but it is definitely road worthy as it is now, and it is definitely better than the old drum rear. The 3.42s are nice too

~Steven

9014josh

iTrader: (1)

nice man,perfect driving weather for a thirdgen lt swap

Falconiroc

Thats awesome that everything is coming together so well on your build! Its been really great reading your thread seeing your car go from what looked to be a pretty common third-gen to something unique and awesome!

chevymaster1972

I have an old hot rod article from around 1996 were gm installed an LT-1 in a 3rd gen Camaro. The article mentioned using the accessary drive from a Corvette for clearence issues.

chevymaster1972

The ss cars have a Zexal torsion differential that uses worm gears instead of clutches.

noboostnogo

iTrader: (4)

you need to drop the 3.42 and put in some 4.11, itll be alot more fun especially since you have a 6speed

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

Well, everybody, it's time to say goodbye. I leave in the morning for Atlanta to begin my NROTC training. After that I have orientation and then school. My car will be living at home (in or around the garage... inside when it rains I hope) under my father's care. I don't foresee any problems with it, but I sure will miss the thing.

I thought I should take the time here to express my thanks and gratitude to all of the wonderful members on here who helped make my project happen. I bought this car over a year ago with no direction, no goal, and no clue. After a stroke of luck finding the motor and transmission, I embarked on a swap/renovation that taught me so much I couldn't sum it up if I tried. Through all of the work and fine details, this board was my guidance, advice, and helpful hand.

I would like to especially thank Pocket, Five7Kid, both Joshes, Rich, Noboostnogo, and everybody else who took the time to help me on my way. I could never have made this happen without your posts, and I really appreciate you taking the time to explain to me how things work.

So I guess the car is almost done at this point... I am looking to replace the headliner, as well as the front seats sometime down the road, and sort out a few wiring gremlins with my fuel gauge. Other than that, the thing is a real runner- it sure exceeded my expectations once I hit the road. I still can't quite believe I put it all together.

I will certainly be around the forums while I am at school, but I will be away from the car (except for holidays) until next May. I hope I can help some others out with their swaps and projects now that I know a thing or two of my own.

Very Respectfully,
Steven H.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Best of luck to you!

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

Home for Fall Break- thought I would check in with everyone. Happy driving,

~Steven

Bullydawg

iTrader: (7)

Let me know how you like NROTC... That's definitely the route to go. I am in the Air Force, and have 3 more years to go, and I'm really considering using my GI Bill money to go NROTC. Either way I wanted to go Enlisted for at least 4 to see how it is.

thenjoshsays

iTrader: (1)

Any rubbing out back?? Mine is really getting to be obnoxious.

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

havent noticed any rubbing so far. Shes really running great. I actually asked for a quote this week on what it would cost to have all of the weatherstripping replaced, a full body work over and paint job done. I should hear back next week and Ill start thinking about whether or not I can swing it since I'm buying a motorcycle too.

As far as NROTC goes, it really is a good deal. It makes my life a little bit busier, but I enjoy the workouts and having some structure is nice. I get full tuition plus a stipend as long as I show up on time to everything, and pass my physical fitness tests.

~Steven

thenjoshsays

iTrader: (1)

What kind of a bike are you getting??

And what tires are you running out back??

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

I'm talking to a guy right now about buying his 04 Triumph Daytona 600- Ive been searching for one.

I have goodyear eagle F1 275s out back and no problems that I've noticed.

~Steven

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

I had to do a little hammering to get mine in. It actually cleared, but i wanted some breathing room

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

Hey guys. Long time no talk.

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

no kidding. Hope all is well with everyone as we head for the holidays. I have finals this week then I will be going home Tuesday night.

First order of business with the car is to replace the header gaskets. Burned through the paper ones that heddmen sent so I bought copper replacements. I cant stand the ticking from the drivers side with the hole burned in it...

Other than that I dont have a lot I can do to the car. She is running well. If I get some money for christmas I am seriously considering taking her in for a full body makeover- weatherstripping all the way around, paint, body repair, and maybe some interior. We'll have to wait and see...

In the meantime I am installing HIDs in my new motorcycle


Triumph Daytona 600 (2004)

Again- Happy Holidays everyone!

~Steven

9014josh

iTrader: (1)

Did your header gasket blow out in the middle on the drivers side? Mine did the same thing and it was because the header wasn't sitting flush on the head.your prob gonna have to pull the header out and do some more clearancing again aka a hammer lol

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

yep second port from the front of the car drivers side... I think its because I never went around and re-tightened the headers after they went through a few heat cycles. I read about it and apparently common wisdom is to heat up your exhaust with new gaskets two or three times and then go through and torque everything again to ensure you have a good seal after expansion/contraction.

Also, the paper gaskets they give you for free with new headers are garbage. I went ahead and ordered a nice set of copper ones for 50 bucks so I wont have to worry about it again.

Hopefully wont have to do any more hammering- I think it will fit alright.

~Steven

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

heres what i accomplished in the last two days:

first i took over the garage and filled it with space heaters.


then i pulled these pieces of crap out of my car. There were only two bolts remaining holding the headers in on the passenger side and three on the drivers side. Talk about bad oversight on my part. I didnt know that you were supposed to re-torque these bolts after a few heat cycles with new gaskets...

I just got her started up again a few minutes ago and it ran much smoother. I will try to snag a video while I'm cruising around sometime this break.

~Steven

9014josh

iTrader: (1)

Oh wow you weren't kidding huh? Mine weren't that bad at all.

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

he he he....yeah the copper gaskets are way better...any metal would be better than paper gaskets, especially for headers. Your car is looking way nice, Steven. Nice job. Mine is FAR from being done. I am sick of waiting.

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

Hey Steven, you should paint your headlight cutouts flat black like mine....that would look sweet. Check it out.


BEFORE:


AFTER (WAY better)

86ttopbird

Nice job man! I have been following this thread. Sure felt good when it fired the first time didn't it?

cprmn14

iTrader: (3)

damn man that bike is sweet! and the car is looking raw. i finally got my ltx swap started.

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

thanks for the compliments guys. its been a long journey with the car but well worth it. driving it around is just too much fun.

Merry Christmas,
~Steven

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

Steven, it looks like you used a 4th gen radiator. How did you block off that extra, smaller nipple on the driver's side of the radiator.

I am plugging that small line in the water pump and will have no hose that goes to that nipple.

Or maybe I should just run that hose to save some trouble.

Thanks!

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

replied to your PM.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGmJXe1N_cA


Merry Christmas!

92last1rs

Hello, I just started an LT1 swap in my 92 rs and i have some questions being that by the pics Ive seen it looks like you know what your doing. If your willing to help me out it would make things alot easier.Thank you.

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

you can send me a PM or post here with any questions you have and I'll try to answer to the best of my ability

quickkris2006

iTrader: (2)

nice work man i didnt catch this build before and just went threw the whole build it came out really nice!! got a question did u make that cover thats on ur intake manifold? ive never seen that before.. im doin the same swap now and im pretty much almost ready to start her up if i can get what i need before monday when i leave for basic training.. check out my build in my sig..

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

kris, the intake cover is essentially just a piece of sheet metal cut to fit and painted and cleared. It looks a lot more eye catching than the dirty ribbed metal beneath it, and I dont have the cash for powdercoating the whole manifold so thats what i did. Its held on by the fuel rail bolts- they have plenty of threading on them to hold on a 1/8 piece of metal.


also for those who may be interested- my car will be for sale this summer. Send me a PM if you want to talk about it.

~Steven

cprmn14

iTrader: (3)

whaaat?!

v10viper04

All that work and your going to sell it? Need the money or something?

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

well the way things turned out I'm at school in Georgia, and the car is an antique in Virginia. The way that works is that its not allowed to leave the state of VA as it is currently registered, and I can't register it in GA unless I claim financial independence from my parents and declare residency here, which would be worse overall for the family because of taxes (plus I'm honestly still financially dependent...)

My parents dont want the car because they have their own, and so it's just sitting in our driveway. I don't think theres any way to justify spending the money on it to make it pass emissions and then try to bring it to ATL, where it will be no doubt broken into or damaged, plus a parking pass is almost 700 dollars per year...

it all adds up but essentially i think the right move is to sell her to somebody that wants to finish the job. believe me, I'm the last one that wants to see it go.

~Steven

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

That sounds way too complicated and weird.

There is some weird antique law in Virginia? Heh? Maybe that's one of those weird laws that nobody knows about, like "Don't walk your donkey on 3rd street after 12 noon."

Plus, I thought antiques had to be 100 years old or something?

I would drive her to Georgia and find a storage place. It'd probably be cheaper than parking it on campus. I mean it's a car....cars can be driven out of state.

You know more than anyone how much work you did on the car, so far. Shoot, I didn't put one second of work into your car, and I'd be sad to see it leave your possession.

QUESTION: I am wondering if I could leave that vertical piece of metal, with the single hole in it, on the tranny tunnel, that helps mount the center console, when I cut the hole for the T56. It seems the shift lever doesn't go back far enough to necessitate getting rid of that part. Do you remember if the shifter would hit that part in the even gears?

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

if you're talking about the metal brace that goes from one side of the plastic console to the other and is riveted at each end it clears just fine. make sure you take out all of the center console before cutting that hole though, you will need the space. I recommend a dremmel over a sawzall for accuracy's sake- if you want it to look pretty/be minimal in size.

~Steven

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

oh yes.....my console is totally out.....car is naked. I'm gonna use a dremel or rotary cutter for sure. Did you not have a lower shift boot for your t56?

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

no i have one- its in there. covered the entire hole easily.

~Steven

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

Did you use the lower shift boot from a T5 or the one from the T56, and did you have to bend it or tweak it to bolt it down over the tranny tunnel?

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

T56- my car was auto before all this. I didn't bolt it down it is just resting there over the hole.

~Steven

New2Chevy

iTrader: (11)

Ah ok

F-Body_Fetish

iTrader: (1)

just finished reading your thread. sweet build man, sucks that you're selling it. I'm at school away from home now too, and I read these threads to cure the itch. I still have mine though, Its basically sitting on the driveway for the four years I'm here, but since I'm not driving it, I'm not paying insurance or anything. Not really costing anyone anything. unless your parents desire the driveway space, maybe you could let her sit around while you're away? I can't wait to finish school and really tear into a serious project.

I noticed you said you paid 260/YEAR? YEAR?!! when I was at the end of high school I was paying $400/Month.. I Wish I had those rates back then. wow. btw, what program are you going into? (or have gone into? maybe you're in fall finals now?)