BUILD THREAD Midlife Crisis Monte Carlo Build

[tokarz1]

When getting ready to finally install the engine for good, I ran into a clearance issue with the stock Gen VI oil pan. It was hitting the crossmember pretty good.

I don't know how I missed this with the earlier mock up. There are quite a few budget pans that would work with the Mark IV big blocks, but the Gen V/VI ones were a bit pricey and then a new pickup and dipstick is in order. Also, most have kick outs that would then give me header clearance issues.
I decided to modify the stock pan. Cut out the offending area then brought it to a local welder who welds tanks and had him leak test it as well for $100. He completely bolted it down to a 3/4" piece of plywood so it wouldn't distort.

 

[tokarz1]

Of course, I had to bodywork it with JB weld after even though it really won't be seen.

The fitment is great and I am able to use the stock pickup and dipstick.

 

[tokarz1]

My wife bought me a torque converter for Christmas two years ago and I can finally get it installed. I didn't want to go too crazy and after some research and calculating tire size, gear ratio, weight, etc, I decided on a Boss Hog Night Stalker 46012 2,200-2,800 Stall. I was happy to see it came with six mounting pads.

Picked up a case of AC Delco Type III fluid as well.

Cleaned up and painted the flexplate and dipstick.

After measuring for converter spacing, six 5/32" spacers were installed with six 3/8"-16 x 3/4" grade 8 flange bolts and blue Loctite.

It's so nice to finally see the engine and transmission in the chassis.

 

[scoti]

Clean work going on here. Nice details (plan & execution). I guess an OD trans is not a need for your driving usage/range?

 

[tokarz1]

Clean work going on here. Nice details (plan & execution). I guess an OD trans is not a need for your driving usage/range?

Thanks, maybe an OD trans down the road. Mostly going to be just a local cruiser.

 

[tokarz1]

I want to use the stock short valve covers to keep the HVAC in the car so using roller rocker arms is out, at least for now. Upon bolting down the stock rockers with the ARP adjustable conversion studs I noticed a lot of wobble. The stock net lash rockers have a wider slot for the bolts used (on far right).

I picked up the Summit SUM-G6803 kit. US made rockers and pivot balls, and Canadian made lock nuts.

The original steering box definitely needed and overhaul but I felt it was much easier to buy a reman unit. I bought a Cardone 27-6550 from rockauto and verified it was the quicker ratio like the stock one. That pitman arm was nut was so tight I ended up cutting the nut and then pulled off the arm.

The bolts that hold the box on were pretty rusty, so I found a guy on Ebay who sells the correct bolt and thick washers. Also picked up a new Lares 179 pitman arm nut and washer.

 

[scoti]

Dang man..... Even focusing on hardware specifics. You have definitely found your audience here 😎

 

[tokarz1]

Dang man..... Even focusing on hardware specifics. You have definitely found your audience here 😎

OCD, drives me nuts. Pretty much every nut, bolt, washer, etc has been replaced with a new one the same grade, thread pitch, and length.

 

[scoti]

OCD, drives me nuts. Pretty much every nut, bolt, washer, etc has been replaced with a new one the same grade, thread pitch, and length.

Nothing wrong w/that logic for sure. I love it. I don't necessarily worry about OE correct hardware so much vs consistency amongst hardware as a whole (12pts vs 6pts; stainless grade vs plated; if plated, consistency w/the plating type/color).

 

[Supercharged111]

I really want to try roller rockers on my dually, see if it doesn't help with oil temps. The springs I have on there are a good bit stiffer than stock. I got away with Comp Pro Magnums under my stock 350 Vortec valve covers with short poly locks, not sure what fits under a stock 454 valve cover.