Lets Play A Game (84 Camino)

[Winston]

The game we're playing is "Build my Camino". I have a lot of idea's for this car but not sure what order I should do them in or good places to buy parts from. So I'm asking for your help. Which order would you complete these things in and where would you source parts from?

Here's what you should know about it:
Worn out 305 in the bay
10 bolt rear end
TH350 that doesn't shift out of first (read: no reverse either)
The only gauges on the dash that work are speedo (it bounces) and fuel (dash lights don't even work)
Suspension is shot
Beauty rings on the wheels are pretty busted up and all 4 tires mismatch


(Aside from body work which needs to be done) The things I want to do are:
383 motor (open to other suggestions but I want 400 hp at least)
700R4 trans (to include crossmember and drive shaft)
unsure on what rear end to get
Convert to disc brakes all 4 corners
5 spoke wheels (no bigger than 18" probably)

Everything is scattered in my brain. I get online to look at parts and end up bouncing all over the place. Please give me some piece of mind and help me prioritize!


edit: I suppose I should have mentioned that I'm going to be building this for mostly street and limited track use. Ideally I'll get it to the track as it sits now and get a run or 2 in then see where I'm at when I'm done. No hydraulics or airbag suspension or any of that in these plans.

 

[LS1GN]

Congrats on the Elco! I just bought one this week and have decided to start a list of priorities because there is so much I want to do. Mine is an '86 and I want to get some 5 spoke wheels too (prob 17 or 18 in). A built 700R4 is $$$$$$ so keep that in mind. It will be the most expensive item in my (90% finished) Grand National.

Tirerack has some great prices on tires but has wheels too
Quick Performance in Ames Iowa has rear ends for our cars - (I have spent MONTHS researching factory/junkyard rears that will bolt in to our cars, bottom line is unless you can find an 8 1/2 rear from a Grand National you're going to have to do something custom)
IMO - an LS engine swap might be more cost effective than building a 383 - end up with more power/less work

 

[motorholmes]

Everything is scattered in my brain. I get online to look at parts and end up bouncing all over the place. Please give me some piece of mind and help me prioritize!

I know how you feel. You have to decide "what things can I get and install after I get it running/driving" and DONT think about those things until later. You will just get bummed about this "huge" project that's not really all that huge.

1) Get your drivetrain picked out and installed. It's plenty of work and $ involved. That's where I'm at, Engine, trans, rear end, driveshaft, poly bushings, springs, shocks, and cleaning and painting everything. If I worried about disc brakes or Dolphin gauges right now I'd drive myself nuts. Besides, the longer you wait on those projects, you might run across something used and get a great deal. I've saved $$thousands so far on used parts.

The LS engine is a real challenge. I've seen plenty of 90's vortec or other SBC deals for ~$1400 that would have made it a lot easier. But IMO the LS is the only way to go. I've got $820 into my mildly built 700r4, and I've seen trannys that were built even better for sale used for less. It's just so hard to trust car people any more.

Can't wait to see your build thread! My ElCamino buddy will like to see it too

 

[JBreu]

Welcome to GBF!!! Sounds like a great project your starting on....A 383 stroker will get you where you need to be with your goals..Check out Powerhouse stroker kits , they are a great deal...Don't dorget to buy a decent set of heads as well. The 700r4 transmission is a good choice and when built right they can handle what you throw at em... You oughta check out CKPerfoprmance or Monster Transmission for some prices...like already mentioned the 8.5 rear is a great rear and a direct swap, they were in the Regal T-Type, Grand National and some olds 442's....You can also grab a ford 9" but if you wanna keep your car all GM, you can also grab a 12 bolt from a 66-72 A Body car...Good luck with your project and take lots of pics 8)

 

[Winston]

Here's what I was thinking as far as order

Trans first since the one I have doesn't shift. Like at all. Then I'll be able to enjoy driving it around
Tires until I can find a set of W&T I want
Rear end (doesn't make much sense to me to go for a motor and just pray the rear doesn't break)*
Motor
Body work

*Any suggestions where to get a good one? Should I look for a place that has refurbished or just spring for a new assy?
What would you do?

Thanks for the warm welcome. I've been a member for a while, I just don't post much

 

[Tank]

First, I would start out with a concept drawing to get a plan in place. You can see some of my artwork on my facebook page.
These are pictures of my artwork.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f....630447142281.2170877.57004862&type=3&theater

Once that is done, then I would determine what your budget is to work with. Far too many projects end up junked because of improper planning and lack of funds to complete in a timely manner.

Good luck and hope you have fun doing it.

 

[LS1GN]

you can also grab a 12 bolt from a 66-72 A Body car...

Will all due respect Jbreu.....even if you could find a 66-72 A body nowadays the bolt pattern on the wheels/brakes is wrong.

 

[JBreu]

you can also grab a 12 bolt from a 66-72 A Body car...

Will all due respect Jbreu.....even if you could find a 66-72 A body nowadays the bolt pattern on the wheels/brakes is wrong.[/quote

that's funny because I have a 12 bolt in my car and everything is the same......

 

[LS1GN]

you're kidding right? G body is 5 on 4.75 A body is 5 on 5

and housing is wider too

 

[Bald Menace]

you're kidding right? G body is 5 on 4.75 A body is 5 on 5

and housing is wider too

Housing is wider but the bolt pattern is exactly the same. I have an 8.5 out of a 1971 skylark that will work just fine and in fact is better than a 12 bolt because it has bolt in axles. you can find the bolt in axle 8.5 in 71-72 skylarks and cutlass cars.