Just picked up a clean 82 Monte Carlo for a frame off lowrider build/swap

[Phreaktor]

What’s up guys? Posting from the Jersey/Philly area. Not sure if there’s any love for low lows here, but that’s what I love and what I’m building. I got the car with 65K original miles for $4000. It’s a great foundation for my plans with minimal rust.

While this isn’t my first G (had an 83 Regal lowrider 20 years ago), it’s my first time going as deep into a build as I plan to. Im coming from the 350Z world, so this is like a trip back in time for me.

I have a written build plan, but I’m finding myself scrambled and trying to think about and do too much at once, but high is wasting time since I want to at least have the frame done and be juiced by early summer. I plan to do a motor swap and while it would be much easier for me to grab a running, mildly built SBC, I know an LS swap would be the better choice. My goal is 400-450HP.

The car currently has a PIG of a 4.4L which is my first V8 (something I’ve always dreamed of owning) and a motor that was essentially a bad decision by GM to comply with SMOG requirements back then. I mean it is SLOW.

I look forward to contributing to the forums along my journey and sharing my build thread when I make a major move. 😎

 

[mclellan83]

I like the sounds of the gameplan, but also like the way it looks as it sits hahaha. Nice find

 

[scoti]

I like the sounds of it the gameplan, but also like the way it looks as it sits hahaha. Nice find

Agreed. Clean car as is.
I like them low.... Just not much of a fan for bouncing them. Despite the reinforcing, the hopping takes a toll on rides that seem to have a lot of time/money invested in them. But, it's your build. I'll watch for the updates.

 

[86LK]

why is your goal 400-450HP? if a lowrider I doubt you're planning on racing it. if you just want some go, then you need to emphasize the torque more

 

[Froggys86]

Agreed. Clean car as is.
I like them low.... Just not much of a fan for bouncing them. Despite the reinforcing, the hopping takes a toll on rides that seem to have a lot of time/money invested in them. But, it's your build. I'll watch for the updates.

Each to their own and respect everyone's build is a must, and yes expensive hobby🤦 , but if you're not going to dog your car/hop it then he should be good lay and play action...but yes as it sits still a nice ride and cool color. Would like the outcome....

 

[Phreaktor]

Goodies en route. Body-on stress wrap kit for the frame (going frame off over winter to do a full wrap for serious hopping), rearend reinforcement kit (waiting to find a GN rear), fabricated upper and lower control arms (buddy is TIG welding them). Also have full SoffSeal weatherstripping and inner/outer felt window sweeps and insulation/rattle kit for the doors and trunk, dash vents, radio install kit, all new window and power lock switches, a used two pump hydraulic setup and 14” 100 spoke knock off wheels to clean up. Still need a lot more for the suspension, but I’m on my way.

I am not final on my motor/trans selection, but I have a line on a built 4L60e and my engine guy says he can rebuild and cam a 6.0L LQ4 he has in the shop for me for $1500. Probably go with a Sloppy Stage 2, springs and flat tops/bearings.