Introducing....Project Grocery Getter!

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Some of you who frequent http://www.pro-touring.com or http://www.maliburacing.com may recognize this car, but when I saw this site has a wagon forum I had to post it here, too. This project was completed in early June, but here it is from the beginning:




This vehicle belongs to my customer, Tom, and is currently powered by a TPI 305/700R4 combo. When it comes to the shop in May, it will be getting a new LS 376/480 crate engine and a new crate 4 speed auto, complete with the GM controllers. BRP Musclerods is supplying the mounts and long tube 1 7/8 headers. Thanks to Jeff Tate at Days Chevrolet here in Acworth for the great deal on the GM parts. I'm planning to post the full install here, along with all the parts used so anyone can duplicate this. Tomorrow, I'll post a few pics of the new engine and the GM controllers. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask!

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The Malibu will be hitting the shop either this week or next (depending on some paint touchups being made), but we got the LS3 376/480, and the GM controllers for both the engine and transmission (GMPP 19244043, the Supermatic 4L70E). The trans should be here any day now, and we'll have the BRP Musclerods swap kit and BRP/Musclerods coated 1 7/8 full length headers in the next couple of days, along with the Kwiq Performance accessory drive.

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

I get to work on all kinds of cool projects every day, but this one is special. Not only is it a really nice car, the owner is a really nice guy (something I can't always say). I always strive to be sure that my customer is happy with anything we do, but this one is going to take some extra effort from our whole crew. I don't want to get into his personal situation, but suffice to say we have pushed this build to our highest priority, to ensure that its completed to our high standards in a short period of time.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Phil Brewer, and Nick and Jeff and the crew at BRP/Musclerods for all their help and support in making this project possible.

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Ok, I know you guys like pics, so here are the ones we have so far:

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Transmission Controller:

Engine controller

Pedal assembly

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The customer says it has an inline pump currently, and that whoever did the TPI install didn't do a very good job. Depending on what we find, I may swap it over to an in-tank style pump. I'm anticipating having to replace all the lines, since I'm pretty particular about that sort of thing...from a safety, as well as appearance, standpoint.

We got the bracket kit in from Quick Performance today...basically their version of a Corvette setup, only set up for a Sanden-style compressor. I got the Sanden compressor and Type II pump from them also. I'll just need to get an LS2 style tensioner, and the belts and I'll be good to go. The MSD tach adapter also came in. I'll post some pics shortly.

Here is the Quick Performance Accessory Drive Kit.

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Here is the exhaust system we're going with (Magnaflow #15898, 3", stainless, dual side exit exhaust). Not a direct fit (its a Chevelle system), but should be fairly close:

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

The first one shows a slight interference problem that I had to address. The alternator hit part of the bracket (there were two seperate mounting holes, to accomodate other application alternators I guess), and had to be clearanced slightly. No bigee. The alternator is for an '08 Silverado 5.3 (O'Reillys).

EDIT: Turns out, I needed a Corvette alternator, and have since picked one up, since the GMPP wiring harness is set up for a 3 pin plug instead of 2 like the truck alternator. The mounting is different between the two also, and the Corvette alternator would bolt right up with no mods. Since I cut the bracket, I'm getting a replacement from Wayne at Quik. I also sent him pics so he could see the mounting issue with truck alternator. The truck alternator I was using has an aftermarket case (O'Reilly's), and a stock alternator may not have this issue.

The next 2 shots show a sensor bolted to the head that has to be relocated for the AC bracket; no big deal.

The assembled accessory drive, minus the required LS2 Vette style tensioner, which is on order:

Alternator and bracket:

Sideview of alternator:

GM Type II Style PS Pump (probably F-body, from Quik Performance)

The alternator bracket after modification:

AC Bracket Installed (holding sensor that had to be moved):

AC Compressor installed:

Front View

Note tensioner not installed yet; that's why all the bolts are loose in the pics. Tolerances on this kit are very tight.

Top View of Sanden Compressor:

You probably noticed the Corvette coil covers were removed in the later pics. Unfortunately, the passenger side cover doesn't clear the AC bracket, so its going to have to be modifed slightly (cut down at the front lower corner). I'll leave that part for Monday, which, incidentally, is when the car is due to arrive. I'll have more pics of the car then, and hopefully by day's end pics of the old engine and trans out of the car.

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

What is it they say, "More doors, more..." :rotfl:

How about...more pics! The car was unloaded just before 7am today.

Engine is a TPI 305, with Concept One accessory drive.

Rear is a 3.42 Posi 8.5 from a Grand National

 

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Today was pretty productive. We got the TPI unit and front accessories off the engine, along with the valve covers (to prevent damage), and pulled the engine and transmission. There were the usual issues...a stripped u-joint strap bolt, stripped transmission cooler line fittings, etc...but nothing major. The TPI wiring is best described as a rat's nest. I'll give some credit, it DID work, but its pretty cobbled up. Looks like an original Camaro harness, with lots of added red wire and tape. I'll post pics tomorrow; my camera battery died, and my iPhone isn't cooperating either (bad signal in this old building).
We got the Musclecar Pan Kit in from Day's, along with the Corvette tensioner for the accessory drive, and the Magnaflow Exhaust. A pair of new inner fenderwells came in also, to replace the original ones damaged by the bad front lowering job (HEATED coil springs!). Once the engine is in and the car is running, we'll fit some new springs and cut them as needed for the right ride height.


Here is the X-pipe from the Magnaflow system:

The old 305. We stripped off all the shiny aluminum stuff to avoid damage when pulling the engine.

Stating engine compartment cleanup.