Hi All,
Just to intro myself: I've owned my Elkie for over 14 years now. The body and interior are pretty rough, but I've put my money (when I've had any) into the driveline and chassis. Now for the goodies:
Basic 350 SB, 4 bolt, with roller rockers/cam (I'm running an 'rv' grind) w/ Sportsman II 72cc heads, flat-top pistons running about 9:1 compression; ceramic coated headers (I've forgotten the brand); 700R4 trans w/ stage II shift kit; 3.73:1 rear end, custom drive shaft; polyurethane bushings; KYB shocks; progressive rate 1" lower springs; Z28 rims; the 'fast ratio' steering box from the police/taxi Impala (and boy does it make a difference!)
It's got lots of problems right now, like I can't get the headlights to work, although the tail/brake lights work; I can't seem to find the correct turnsignal relay, the parts store supplied part does not fit into the space properly; I've got a recurring problem with the rear seal of the transmission failing. The first time it was caused by the drive shaft having been made a tiny bit too short, why it's leaking this time, I can't say, but suspect the drive shaft again. The interior is mildewed and I need to replace all the door/window seals, the driver side window motor is very slow...and when I installed the Eagle heads the engine now has a terrible lope at idle. I'm fooling with the adjustable fuel pressure regulator to see if I can cure this, but need a fuel pressure gauge to really get it right...and on it goes, right?
I'm hoping to eventually install something like the Lauren Eng. Monte Carlo 'Aero' nose. I've dechromed the body as much as possible, but plan to get rid of the bumpers (rear roll pan) install LED rear lights, oak bed rails along the top of the bed and a wood floor. I'm planning to fab a rear window sun screen kind of like those on the old Camaros and shave the drip rails and door handles.
I hope to get some technical help here and will certainly share my experiences with anyone who might be considering a TPI conversion. While I'm happy with the TPI, I'd never have another engine 'custom' built. I should have bought a good crate motor and gone from there, but you live and learn (and spend money!)
Best to all G-body fanatics! I do love driving 'The Beast'. Yes, I can burn rubber in three gears, and the thing handles like crazy. I'll post a picture some time so you can all laugh at it, but if we meet at the lights, you won't be laughing for long!
Just to intro myself: I've owned my Elkie for over 14 years now. The body and interior are pretty rough, but I've put my money (when I've had any) into the driveline and chassis. Now for the goodies:
Basic 350 SB, 4 bolt, with roller rockers/cam (I'm running an 'rv' grind) w/ Sportsman II 72cc heads, flat-top pistons running about 9:1 compression; ceramic coated headers (I've forgotten the brand); 700R4 trans w/ stage II shift kit; 3.73:1 rear end, custom drive shaft; polyurethane bushings; KYB shocks; progressive rate 1" lower springs; Z28 rims; the 'fast ratio' steering box from the police/taxi Impala (and boy does it make a difference!)
It's got lots of problems right now, like I can't get the headlights to work, although the tail/brake lights work; I can't seem to find the correct turnsignal relay, the parts store supplied part does not fit into the space properly; I've got a recurring problem with the rear seal of the transmission failing. The first time it was caused by the drive shaft having been made a tiny bit too short, why it's leaking this time, I can't say, but suspect the drive shaft again. The interior is mildewed and I need to replace all the door/window seals, the driver side window motor is very slow...and when I installed the Eagle heads the engine now has a terrible lope at idle. I'm fooling with the adjustable fuel pressure regulator to see if I can cure this, but need a fuel pressure gauge to really get it right...and on it goes, right?
I'm hoping to eventually install something like the Lauren Eng. Monte Carlo 'Aero' nose. I've dechromed the body as much as possible, but plan to get rid of the bumpers (rear roll pan) install LED rear lights, oak bed rails along the top of the bed and a wood floor. I'm planning to fab a rear window sun screen kind of like those on the old Camaros and shave the drip rails and door handles.
I hope to get some technical help here and will certainly share my experiences with anyone who might be considering a TPI conversion. While I'm happy with the TPI, I'd never have another engine 'custom' built. I should have bought a good crate motor and gone from there, but you live and learn (and spend money!)
Best to all G-body fanatics! I do love driving 'The Beast'. Yes, I can burn rubber in three gears, and the thing handles like crazy. I'll post a picture some time so you can all laugh at it, but if we meet at the lights, you won't be laughing for long!
