JOZW30's 55 88 LS2 build
Those GM push in connections for the trans cooler lines really proved problematic. I found adapters that work for the trans side, but not the cheap Camaro radiator I have all fit up.....
I am switching to an aftermarket aluminum version which has welded in fitting ports. Spent a bunch of time and money trying to get these lines to work....frustrating.
Anyway, got the power steering hoses figured out. The rack is from an 86 Ford Thunderbird, and the t-bird hoses will work. The pressure hose just needs to be cut really short and I will get a -6an fitting crimped on. Had to install a flow regulating fitting into the Corvette pump to get to the Ford 2gpm flow rate.
I am switching to an aftermarket aluminum version which has welded in fitting ports. Spent a bunch of time and money trying to get these lines to work....frustrating.
Anyway, got the power steering hoses figured out. The rack is from an 86 Ford Thunderbird, and the t-bird hoses will work. The pressure hose just needs to be cut really short and I will get a -6an fitting crimped on. Had to install a flow regulating fitting into the Corvette pump to get to the Ford 2gpm flow rate.
Fabbed up a trunk mounted battery tray and ran the 1/0 gauge + and - cables all the way up front. I also got the other grounds hooked up.
Hoping to get this thing fired up late April maybe?
Hoping to get this thing fired up late April maybe?
Not a lot to show but I have been spending a lot of time wiring. I've got the two speed fan controller all sorted out with the two temp signals from the PCM and the trinary switch on the AC.
Got the main engine harness in place and the computers and engine fuse panels mounted to the left inner fender.
I installed a remote trans oil cooler on the back of the right front inner fender. Nice unit from Derale. Has a thermostatically controlled fan.
I started the ignition circuit today. This was more complicated than I thought it would be. Without a neutral safety switch on the column or shifter, I had to tap into the PNP (PRNDL) switch on the 4L60E for a park/neutral signal to a relay in the start circuit. I also grabbed the 12v output signal in that switch for the back up lights.
I also installed a 1999 Camaro brake switch to get the second switch for torque converter control, and bench bled and installed the under dash brake master cylinder.
Trying to make the wiring as professional looking as possible so I'm taking my time on this part.
Got the main engine harness in place and the computers and engine fuse panels mounted to the left inner fender.
I installed a remote trans oil cooler on the back of the right front inner fender. Nice unit from Derale. Has a thermostatically controlled fan.
I started the ignition circuit today. This was more complicated than I thought it would be. Without a neutral safety switch on the column or shifter, I had to tap into the PNP (PRNDL) switch on the 4L60E for a park/neutral signal to a relay in the start circuit. I also grabbed the 12v output signal in that switch for the back up lights.
I also installed a 1999 Camaro brake switch to get the second switch for torque converter control, and bench bled and installed the under dash brake master cylinder.
Trying to make the wiring as professional looking as possible so I'm taking my time on this part.
Still working on the wiring. It's coming along pretty good. Got the ignition circuit complete and it cranks over. Spent this past weekend getting the tank assembled, wired, and plumbed. All that's left on the fuel system is a section of 2" fuel hose for the filler neck connection.
I reworked the coil pack and injector harnesses for the remote mounted coil packs. Came out petty clean.
I also dusted off the pretty Fuaxmobile valve covers and got them installed. It's starting to look like a real car.....
Also started checking out the local upholstery shops for the interior.
Some pics:
I reworked the coil pack and injector harnesses for the remote mounted coil packs. Came out petty clean.
I also dusted off the pretty Fuaxmobile valve covers and got them installed. It's starting to look like a real car.....
Also started checking out the local upholstery shops for the interior.
Some pics:
Lots of work since the last update. The exhaust is done. 2 1/2" with dynomax ultra-flow welded mufflers. Even managed to fit an "H" pipe in there.
Can't wait to hear it rumble.
I also have the AC system buttoned up. All that's left is to hook up the controls which are in the console.
Radiator hoses, drive belt are in.
This weekend, I installed the custom driveshaft and set the pinion angle by tacking the spring perches in place. After I get the car running, I will pull the rear end, finish the welds and get the housing powder coated. Then final assembly on the drivetrain
Maybe try to start it up this coming weekend!
Getting nervous.....
Can't wait to hear it rumble.
I also have the AC system buttoned up. All that's left is to hook up the controls which are in the console.
Radiator hoses, drive belt are in.
This weekend, I installed the custom driveshaft and set the pinion angle by tacking the spring perches in place. After I get the car running, I will pull the rear end, finish the welds and get the housing powder coated. Then final assembly on the drivetrain
Maybe try to start it up this coming weekend!
Getting nervous.....
http://www.intakehoses.com/
Great guy. Helped with my layout to make sure I ordered the right pieces.
Great guy. Helped with my layout to make sure I ordered the right pieces.
Not lot new to report, but I have been working hard. Brakes have been giving me fits. Can't seem to get the flares sealed on a few lines. Have remade several. Think it's finally tight.
Didn't like how the de-arced leaf springs looked after getting the weight on the car, so I ordered new stock springs and will use lowering blocks. Got one side done this weekend.
I also got my power window and door lock stuff. Have been busy installing the window run channel and sweeps. Wish these cars were popular enough to get these parts pre-bent.....
Once I get the rear end re-assembled, I should be ready to put it in gear for the first time. Assuming the brakes are in working order.
Didn't like how the de-arced leaf springs looked after getting the weight on the car, so I ordered new stock springs and will use lowering blocks. Got one side done this weekend.
I also got my power window and door lock stuff. Have been busy installing the window run channel and sweeps. Wish these cars were popular enough to get these parts pre-bent.....
Once I get the rear end re-assembled, I should be ready to put it in gear for the first time. Assuming the brakes are in working order.
Thanks Tedd,
I feel like I'm so close, but there is still a ton to do. I'm trying to get it to the upholstery shop in the next month or so, but if these ankle biter issues keep hitting me, I don't know.
I can't wait to just drive it up and down the street for the first time....who's knows the last time this car actually moved under its own power.
I feel like I'm so close, but there is still a ton to do. I'm trying to get it to the upholstery shop in the next month or so, but if these ankle biter issues keep hitting me, I don't know.
I can't wait to just drive it up and down the street for the first time....who's knows the last time this car actually moved under its own power.
Thanks OldSoldier! My goal was to a have a great driving reliable car so that we would use it a lot.
Wouldn't call it a daily driver, but my hope is that it's not like my W30 which sees the light of day three or four times a month September through May.
Joe
Wouldn't call it a daily driver, but my hope is that it's not like my W30 which sees the light of day three or four times a month September through May.
Joe
Stainless lines? Snug then back off, and repeat 3-4 times tightening a little more each time. It was the only way I could get stainless lines to seal.
No stainless, just found another thing I am apparently not that good at....
All buttoned up now. If I can ever get the rear caliper parking brake mechanisms adjusted, I may be able to put this thing into gear for the first time!
Baby steps.
All buttoned up now. If I can ever get the rear caliper parking brake mechanisms adjusted, I may be able to put this thing into gear for the first time!
Baby steps.
Well, this thing moved under its own power for the first time in probably 30+ years.....
I'm having trouble with the transmission pushing fluid out of the vent tube, but it ran great and the suspension, brakes, and steering felt really balanced considering all of the mismatched parts I've put together here.
I took it easy, but I probably drove it a half mile.
Once I get the trans figured out, it's off to the interior shop.
Sorry for the bad video, just lucky the wife heard me take off and came back to capture some portion of the cars maiden voyage. I was too excited/nervous to think about a video.......
I'm having trouble with the transmission pushing fluid out of the vent tube, but it ran great and the suspension, brakes, and steering felt really balanced considering all of the mismatched parts I've put together here.
I took it easy, but I probably drove it a half mile.

Once I get the trans figured out, it's off to the interior shop.
Sorry for the bad video, just lucky the wife heard me take off and came back to capture some portion of the cars maiden voyage. I was too excited/nervous to think about a video.......


