1983 Bonneville Wagon 5.3L/4L60E

[CoachFoust]

Hello all!

It's been about a year since I've posted anything here. I'm finally back to working on my Bonneville wagon. Since my last update, my thread died, so I have to start a new one...which is ok. Since my last post, I bought an 86 GP w/T-tops and my wife and I had twin boys (oops and double oops)!

I"ll get some pics up "soon."

Where I'm at today with the wagon...

• 5.3L LS from a 107k mile GMC Sierra installed using Holley LS Swap Kit
• (re)built 4L60E from parts unknown installed using Holley LS Swap Kit
• hydraboost from a 1500HD
  
• 8.5" GN rear
• drive shaft is getting shortened and balanced as I type
• trying to use the stock tank, sender, but a Walbro 255 pump.
• using the stock radiator and stock AC condenser, but have a Sanden pump. I'll have to fab the AC lines. Looks like with a little trimming the 2003 Sierra upper/lower radiator hoses will fit.

My current road blocks...

• Trying to find a lower mount for the AC condenser...this is stopping me from getting my radiator in.
  
• Finding a new fuel sending unit...I guess wagons are special. I think my old one works, but I haven't tested it.
  
• Gauges...I'm just not ready to get the gauges I want, yet. I want SpeedHut gauges, but they are pricey...but very cool. I've got a Painless 60650 box coming and I hope that it will take the data from the OBDII and I can make my stock Oil, Temp, and Volt gauges all work properly. If that works, I could get away with a new Speedo andTach. I'd like to add a trans temp gauge as well.
• Tuning...but I have a source and plan for that!

The goal is that it'll be running and driving in a month...won't be finished, but able to run and drive!

I'll have more on this later...with pics, of course. Time to get back to work!

CoachFoust.

 

[ssn696]

For wagon fuel injection, try an Astro van sender from RockAuto.com. Choose a fuel pump based on output pressure, but I think the Camaro and truck pumps from the late 80s/early 90s drops right in with a little modification to the locating tang. Choose MPI vs TBI.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...028034,fuel+&+air,fuel+tank+sending+unit,4436

Your stock tank has no baffle to protect from starvation at low fuel levels. Holley released a product called HydraMat. Not cheap, but if one of the more modest designs can be grafted onto the pump pickup, this may be less hassle than figuring out how to cut open the tank and add a baffle. Coupe tanks can retrofit a Buick Regal tank, but us wagoneers are on our own.

https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/chartsguides/h/hly-0-4412ex_oh.pdf

 

[motorheadmike]

I'd recommend you read my build thread, been through most of this. Link is in the sig.

 

[Texas82GP]

The moderators can unlock your thread for you and probably move this info there. Just PM one of them. Looking forward to seeing the pics.

 

[CoachFoust]

Thanks for the advice! When I get to my computer, I'll do all of those things. I'm looking forward to getting this thing rolling.

 

[CoachFoust]

It’s been awhile, again...but the Bonn Evil is alive! I need to edit it down I guess to post...

 

[CoachFoust]

Obviously, there's still work to be done...tidy up wiring, finish the intake, put the hood on (make sure it fits), etc. But it runs and I hope to be on the road by the end of the month! I've said that a time or two...but this time it's for real!

 

[Texas82GP]

Looks like it belongs in there.

 

[Hickrocket1258]

Looks great. Can't wait to see how it runs.

 

[CoachFoust]

Thank you. I was really going for a "factory" look. I'm just really hoping the hood will close. It should. Right now it runs...I have video, but it's too long to post. Next time I fire it up, I'll have to take a shorter video and post up. I don't want to run it much until all the gauges are hooked up, though. Hopefully, that'll be "soon." Since it's been at least two years since the car has moved under it's own power, I'm waiting to see what the next thing will be once it hits the road!