Introducing....Project Grocery Getter!
- Thread starter BulldawgMusclecars
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In the pics, the trans wasn't bolted up, so we wanted to to do that first, then fit the headers. The engine was just sitting on the mounts (bolts in, with a couple nuts on to keep it relatively steady). I'm sure it will have to be lifted off the mounts some, esp on the drivers side. On these engines, the torque convertor bolts are accessed through a hole in the bellhousing (for the starter), so I was reluctant to install the headers ahead of time. I imagine clearance will be tight with the 1 7/8 tubes.
I'm about to lock up the shop tonight, after a long day! I got here at 7am, and we just finished up. Thanks to Chris (C5Golfguy) and Clark for sticking it out today, in the near 100 degree heat and high humidity, to really make some progress.
The GMPP harness is set up for an older style oil pressure sending unit (the small plug one at the top), and the LS376/480 comes with the larger, late Corvette style. We switched this out rather than alter the harness.
The transmission cooler line fittings that were supposed to fit...and didn't. We wound up buying a pair of 9/16-18 to AN6 steel adapter fittings from a local hydraulic supply for $2 each (rather than the $27.30 Summit gets for the ones that don't fit).
The Vette filter/regulator assembly with all the AN-6 Russell quick disconnect fittings. Hadn't mounted it yet.
The tank, back in all clean and painted, with the modified GN sending unit/pump assembly inside. Something I forgot to photograph beforehand! Its set up with AN fittings for the feed, return, and vent, all plumbed in -6 AN.
The assembled rear brakes:
Looks like Anacondas are swarming the LS3! The headers fit well, but took some finagling to get in.
Goodnight folks!
I'm about to lock up the shop tonight, after a long day! I got here at 7am, and we just finished up. Thanks to Chris (C5Golfguy) and Clark for sticking it out today, in the near 100 degree heat and high humidity, to really make some progress.
The GMPP harness is set up for an older style oil pressure sending unit (the small plug one at the top), and the LS376/480 comes with the larger, late Corvette style. We switched this out rather than alter the harness.
The transmission cooler line fittings that were supposed to fit...and didn't. We wound up buying a pair of 9/16-18 to AN6 steel adapter fittings from a local hydraulic supply for $2 each (rather than the $27.30 Summit gets for the ones that don't fit).
The Vette filter/regulator assembly with all the AN-6 Russell quick disconnect fittings. Hadn't mounted it yet.
The tank, back in all clean and painted, with the modified GN sending unit/pump assembly inside. Something I forgot to photograph beforehand! Its set up with AN fittings for the feed, return, and vent, all plumbed in -6 AN.
The assembled rear brakes:
Looks like Anacondas are swarming the LS3! The headers fit well, but took some finagling to get in.
Goodnight folks!
Today should be far less strenuous, though there is still a lot left to do. Mostly finishing up plumbing and electrical, mounting the radiator, etc. The shop is air conditioned, but we hadn't really needed it til now and discovered it needed a charge. Hopefully that will be fixed today, since we're looking at high 90s again. Even on its hardest, longest days, this still beats my former career (stockbroker and financial advisor)!
Here is the sending unit for the oil pressure gauge, and the AutoMeter adapter fitting to make it work
The KRC power steering reservoir...all their stuff is very nice!
An engine shot with the radiator hoses mocked up. Note the Gates Power Grip clamps.
The last one has the new Spectre cold air intake installed. Its for a new Camaro. It came with a shield to block off the underhood air, but it will need some trimming to fit the Malibu's engine compartment.
The power steering hoses are being made, and will be ready in the AM. We're getting very close to wrapping this one up, and should be doing the test drive later tomorrow.
Here is the sending unit for the oil pressure gauge, and the AutoMeter adapter fitting to make it work
The KRC power steering reservoir...all their stuff is very nice!
An engine shot with the radiator hoses mocked up. Note the Gates Power Grip clamps.
The last one has the new Spectre cold air intake installed. Its for a new Camaro. It came with a shield to block off the underhood air, but it will need some trimming to fit the Malibu's engine compartment.
The power steering hoses are being made, and will be ready in the AM. We're getting very close to wrapping this one up, and should be doing the test drive later tomorrow.
We are fortunate that they are only a few miles away from us, in Kennesaw GA. Mike and Norm at KRC have been a big help to us, on this project and others. They are currently working on a very compact accessory drive for LS engines that will soon be the industry standard.
The whole crew is working hard to get Project Grocery Getter finished up today. We're finalizing the tailpipes and extensions (side exit, under the 1/4 panels), running trans cooler lines, hooking up the transmission linkage, and soon we'll be firing it up. Sorry for no pics since yesterday...LOTS has been done, but no time to upload them. Hopefully later today!
Clark getting into his work...literally!
The radiator is Afco, with a fan assembly from Entropy Radiator, modified to fit (it was intended for a Mustang) and held down with brackets we fabbed
We had an issue with the fuel pump connector not making proper contact, but some quick testing found the problem and got it resolved. Jeremy is on the left, Clark on the right
The Corvette covers took some minor cutting to fit around the Quik Performance air conditioning bracket and lines. The rear was also cut to clear the heater box, and one of the lower supports removed.
Clark getting into his work...literally!
The radiator is Afco, with a fan assembly from Entropy Radiator, modified to fit (it was intended for a Mustang) and held down with brackets we fabbed
We had an issue with the fuel pump connector not making proper contact, but some quick testing found the problem and got it resolved. Jeremy is on the left, Clark on the right
The Corvette covers took some minor cutting to fit around the Quik Performance air conditioning bracket and lines. The rear was also cut to clear the heater box, and one of the lower supports removed.
We had the usual bugs to work out the last several days, but thanks to the hard work of Chris, Jeremy, Clark, Curt, and Jose Project Grocery Getter was a success! After shakedown runs last night and this morning, and a few last minute fixes, we hit the road for Nashville, TN and joined up with the Hot Rod Power Tour!We got there pretty late, but still had a chance to talk to Vic Edelbrock Jr and his wife and daughter, and speak to a few G-body fans.
If you were there and didn't see us, we will be headed to Indy in the morning (after a quick stop to the Vette Museum), and plan to spend the day there.
I'd also like to report that with zero extra tuning, we knocked down 26.3 MPG, and temps didn't go over 205 degrees, even in the 95+ degree heat. Not bad for a 500hp Grocery Getter.
If you were there and didn't see us, we will be headed to Indy in the morning (after a quick stop to the Vette Museum), and plan to spend the day there.
I'd also like to report that with zero extra tuning, we knocked down 26.3 MPG, and temps didn't go over 205 degrees, even in the 95+ degree heat. Not bad for a 500hp Grocery Getter.
Something my VP, Chris, came up with. Still needs to add some music, but the LS3 alone sounds pretty good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhg6xN3s ... r_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhg6xN3s ... r_embedded
Thanks guys! Project Grocery Getter is now back with Tom in West Virginia, but I don't think you've seen the last of it! I have a few updates to make tomorrow, with lots of pics, but for now I'm beat after the thrash to get the car finished and Power Touring from Nashville to Muskegon. I left West Virginia midmorning yesterday, and just got home around 10 last night. I'm working on another project of sorts today (can't talk about it yet), but on a related subject we will be doing another G-body soon as a "shop car"... "Project GNxcess"! If anyone has or knows of a good straight Regal body somewhere in the southeast, please let us know. As the name hints, it will be turbocharged, but it won't be a V6!
We were late making it to Nashville, and got to Indy early...through a little creative parking, I was able to get the car inside the midway and park it right beside GMPP. We made it to Muskegon, but after a long couple of weeks in the shop (100+ hrs), and going straight into the tour, I was (and still am) completely beat. The rain leaving the hotel on Friday morning didn't help.Sorry I missed you, and the long hauler event. I'll be back next year, hopefully in a single turboed, LS powered '80s Regal
(GNXcess)...and hopefully, without the last minute thrash!
We were late making it to Nashville, and got to Indy early...through a little creative parking, I was able to get the car inside the midway and park it right beside GMPP. We made it to Muskegon, but after a long couple of weeks in the shop (100+ hrs), and going straight into the tour, I was (and still am) completely beat. The rain leaving the hotel on Friday morning didn't help.Sorry I missed you, and the long hauler event. I'll be back next year, hopefully in a single turboed, LS powered '80s Regal
(GNXcess)...and hopefully, without the last minute thrash!
Ok, just uploaded some from my digital camera...there are more on my iPhone, and Chris has some on his camera too that we will get uploaded later. The exterior shots of the car are in front of the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Sorry for the lousy quality of the other pics...I was the driver and photographer.
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