3xbrowncutty's Build

[3XBrownCutty]

We started the swap yesterday. Got off the transmission bolts, torque converter bolts, engine harness, and computer harness. We worked on it until 11:30.

Today we're going to get the engine out, clean up the engine bay, and run lines and such. Hopefully we'll get the engine in.

I'm supposed to go to a friends (kind of) going away party, but I'd rather get this engine in and possibly running.

Theres a few pics of the engine and progress in my album.

 

[3XBrownCutty]

no pics today, but cleaned up the frame and everything, still need to paint the firewall.

Solved the oiling problem, whoever built the engine left the galley plugs out... D'oh!!

engine will probablly be in the car tomorrow.

 

[3XBrownCutty]

Got the engine in finally!! Let me know what you think 8)

Everything went in fine, the best luck we've had this whole swap. Ended up tearing the engine back apart because whoever rebuilt it forgot to put the galley plugs back in . Headers went in from under the car, just had to take off the oil filter assembly, still need to put the starter in.

One problem, the shifter linkage hits the top of the header, so you can't shift down to first or second. not really sure what to do. any tips??

Need to rebuild the quadrajet and wire everything up and she's ready.

what do you guys do if you don't use the computer harness? does it unplug from the firewall??

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

The computer harness does not unplug from the firewall, but it will come out cleanly. You just need to unplug it from under the dash. After that, just make a blockoff plate from some sheet metal and seal it to the firewall. I attached mine with the stock bracket and screws over top of it, and used that bracket and hole when I put my 4 gauge power wire for the amps through the firewall. This way, I added no holes and made no permanent changes to the car. If it ever needs to have a computer again, I can just remove the plate and put the harness back in. If I remove the stereo, I can just make another plate. What sucks though is that it is under the ventilation box and hard to reach. I did mine with the front end removed for access. However, all that really needs to come out is the passenger's inner fender liner.

 

[Blake442]

I recognize those headers!
The linkage didn't rub on my car, but I remember it being close. I'm not sure if there's a difference between the 200-4R linkage on mine and the TH350 linkage on yours...
You might need to 'adjust' the main linkage rod with a hammer and a vise...
Trial and error... it shouldn't take too much to remedy.

Motor looks great in there, nice color choice!

The non a/c set up looks good in there too, though I must call you out and say the blower motor needs a coat of paint to complement how nice the rest of the engine compartment looks. 😛

You got another radiator yet? The V6 one won't be able to keep up.

 

[mr evil]

The linkage didn't rub on my car, but I remember it being close. I'm not sure if there's a difference between the 200-4R linkage on mine and the TH350 linkage on yours...
You might need to 'adjust' the main linkage rod with a hammer and a vise...
Trial and error... it shouldn't take too much to remedy.

This was the case in one of my old cars. The linkage needed to be 'massaged' to clear.

 

[01GPGT]

i never had rub issues with my 82 GP i had a THM350C (lock up converter)

 

[3XBrownCutty]

Re: Build Thread, What I've done so far

Yeah, need to do some painting still... Thanks Blake :lol: Thinking of painting the fiberglass heater box, but not sure.

Been doing some little work on the weekends I'm home from college. Got the wiring figured out. Ran the battery cable through the engine crossmember to the starter. I need some kind of heatshield to put over the starter wires because of how close they are to the header. Need to figure out where to run the hard fuel line too. Have a piece of rubber line temporarily now.

Hoping to get a radiator off the guy who painted my car. I know he has a 80's monte witha 305 but it's been sitting a long time. I know I can at least get the fan shroud of it. I don't really feel safe running the v6 rad.

You guys might not like this, but I got the hood hinges off of an 80's electra to do the reverse-opening hood.

On the to do list is get a th350 and posi and save up for the exhaust after the engie is running.

 

[Blake442]

Re: Build Thread, What I've done so far

Don't paint the heater box!
Maybe it's just me, but I think they look way better with the natual finish on them, and look kinda tacky when painted black...
Definately paint the blower motor, or see how much a new one is at the parts store just for fun.

The reverse opening hoods do look cool, but man I hated working on those cars...
Not too sure it fits the "sleeper" theme of your car either. Up to you.

Get that fan shroud and just buy a new radiator, they're only like $110 or so for a new HD version, and it's money well spent.

 

[1evilregal]

Re:

*Update*


I need to find a setup I like now as far as location of the subs. I don't want to cover up the rear seat x-braces since I spent a lot of time to make them visible instead of puting carpeting over them.

Any suggestions? Any amp suggestions??

I don't know if you've found a location yet, I know alot of the impala guys were putting a sub on each side of the trunk, and if you did the spare well cover to yours, 2 boxes might fit the bill nicley... :wink: