1988 Monte Carlo LS Street Car Build Thread

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Firetruck1

Greasemonkey
Nov 1, 2017
193
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I have done a few things to the car since last updated. I had a fuel issue where when I would return to town it would feel like the car was starting to vapor lock. Turns out the fuel pump may very well have been the one installed on the production line back in 1988! I put a AC Delco 381 pump in with a new filter and it runs great now. I had some concern about the return line not being adequate but it turned out fine from what I can tell. My concern about not being able to meter the fuel pressure down enough due to it backing up through the return. I ordered a AC Delco EP381 pump which is a replacement for about a zillion GM applications. I will see if works for me in the long run, if not I will resort to running a -8 line for feed and keeping the stock feed for a return.

I was able to meter it down through the Holley regulator and the stock feed and return lines. I spent more time cleaning the tank of exterior debris and interior deteriorated pump and sock then the actual pulling and installation of the tank. Start to finish, right at 2 hours.

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I also installed a vacuum canister and a new master cylinder. It managed to take a dive while doing the motor swap. It looked like there was a bit of moisture in the system so I replaced it.

Further, I bought a Jegs XHD bar and plate transmission cooler. This thing is deal of the century. Its made by Hayden in Australia and came with genuine gates hose. It was priced 20 dollars or more cheaper then the other choices. Killer deal in my book.

Tomorrow I will fix a small vacuum leak in my manifold and maybe even check my rockers since Ive put some time on the new build.

My new fuel pump has made a major difference but I still felt I needed to reroute the fuel line which run on the top of the frame rail away from the header heat. I could only move it maybe a 1/2 inch which was marginal in my opinion. I did this plus the best second effort I could come up with which was some XRP heat proof -8 sleeve. I switched the clamps on the frame to move the lines away and put both the feed and return in the sleeve to try to improve the heat control in the area. I have considered running the lines inside the frame but am not to that point quite yet.

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finally figured out what was wrong with my Quadrajet............................ it was bolted to my motor! It will be on its way back to jegs tomorrow.

In its place is a Holley HP 750 from Pro Systems on top of a RPM air gap and a 1/2 inch phenolic spacer. I need to configure a throttle spring, throttle cable mounting and a air cleaner stud.

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I cant wait to drive it some tomorrow. The Jegs carb was beyond screwed up and I firmly feel was the source of all my driveability issues.

Yesterday and today have been quite busy for the me and the Monte Carlo. Yesterday I converted from dummy lights to gauges and 115 mph speedo. Today I converted the bench seat and column shifter to bucket, console, floor shift and tilt column. The gauges took about 2 hours yesterday and the interior took about 8.

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One of these days I am going to splurge and treat myself to new seat covers, carpet, dash cover and dye all the remaining interior plastics to match. For not, I need to get a proper blue bread box door and shifter plate. I have a very nice wood grain 4 piece set including the dash and radio bezel in wood from the 84 that donated all these parts. In the meanwhile, I will enjoy my new interior pieces.
 
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Firetruck1

Greasemonkey
Nov 1, 2017
193
300
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All the above dates back a couple years now. I have since installed a complete Aeromotive Stealth fuel system, Holley Sniper EFI and upgraded the rear end with a Detroit Posi and 30 spline axles.

I drive the car daily, rain or shine and enjoy the hell out of it. My son in the above pictures is now in third grade and the child my wife was pregnant with is in Kindergarten.
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
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Socialist NY
Just noticed your posts

Looking good man!!!
 
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Firetruck1

Greasemonkey
Nov 1, 2017
193
300
63
Thanks guys! Once I find a new picture hosting site, I will take some new shots and update the thread. I just got the last of my parts to rebuild my steering system up front. I already put a new pump, lines and WS6 steering box on it, I now have new Moog idler, center link, inner and outer tie rods and QA1 adjusters.
 

83StreetMachine

Master Mechanic
Dec 16, 2011
395
819
93
Central NJ
I've been following your thread on maliburacing as well.

I'm glad to see you over here now as well. I love the build, especially the little helpers.

How do you like the aeromotive stealth fuel system? I've been wanting to take the jump for a long time now.
 

Firetruck1

Greasemonkey
Nov 1, 2017
193
300
63
I've been following your thread on maliburacing as well.

I'm glad to see you over here now as well. I love the build, especially the little helpers.

How do you like the aeromotive stealth fuel system? I've been wanting to take the jump for a long time now.

Little helpers are the best! They make the family part of the cruiser with true purpose.

The Aeromotive kit is killer! I grabbed a brand new non efi tank and had the unit dropped into it in less then a hour. The top of the module and lines are all clear of the stock floor plan with nothing more then stock parts. I mounted the filter on the frame rail just forward of the lower control arm and used all redhorse braided nylon lines to and from. I did this with the intention of being able to modify things in the future and it being able to keep up with supply. I am still waiting to have a happy accident with a 6.0 or 6.2 LS one day!
 
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Firetruck1

Greasemonkey
Nov 1, 2017
193
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I figured I would bring this thread up to date now. I took these pictures on Friday when I went to Firestone to have my AC topped off and the tires balanced.

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Here it is in the driveway with the Blazer. I think I may have had them both outside to clean the garage some.

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Excuse the mess but this is a vehicle that in the last 5 weeks, has served flawlessly for 1250 miles of daily driving. A sharp eye will see many of the modifications under all that dirt. Since the first batch of posts, I have converted to Sniper EFI with the Aeromotie EFI, upgraded the rear with Eaton posi and 30 spline Moser axles and various other smaller tasks.
 
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