New build advice

[Xraybill]

So in am newly registered to site and am introducing my self and asking advice all at once figured I would multitask. So I have 1980 cutlass that I tore down to frame about 8 years ago that I purchased for my oldest son and it got put on back burner and turned off. Recently my youngest son started to show interest in it so I have decided to get it done. I have a 2005 silverado that will give up its 5.3 and transmission to it. I am going to use the holley swap kit and accessory drive system. Going to stay with the fuel injection so will be getting all new tank. Am ordering the quick performance ford 9 inch rear end and I am going ahead and notch the rear frame rails while I have the body off. This car is not going to be a daily driver but not a race car either, and have it for fun but want to be able to take on a long trip if want. My questions is any suggestions on what cam, rear gear or rather to use the headers or cast manifolds any input from everyone's build or personal experience is appreciated

 

[Northernregal]

Sounds very similar to my build, don't worry about the Holley acc drive kit, truck stuff fits fine. 1 5/8" headers are lots for your motor, cast will work fine too. Crane has a couple of options for a drop in LS cam that only needs springs. I am probably going with the Crane 1449121, adds a lot without the huge sacrifice of bottom end, but it will be in my 6.0. Think about a 3.50 or 3.23 gear for the rear, with the OD trans it will be decent on the highway and still jump off the line pretty well.

You have a pretty solid plan, hope to see a build thread!

 

[michmalibuman]

Welcome Xraybill ,you're going to like this site lots of good info here. 😎

 

[Xraybill]

Thanks for the replies I find something every day I want to do to this car just hope to get it done before the wife kills me

 

[64nailhead]

How big of a tire are you planning to run? We have a set of 275/45R17's on the rear and do not have the frame rail notched. 295's, 305's, 315's or 325's will require extra room, but everything else seems to fit in our car (same year and model.) Rear gear ratio recommendations require tire size info.

 

[olds307 and 403]

How many miles and any towing with the 4L70E transmission? If so, it is on borrowed time, the 3/4 clutch pack fails often. The lighter weight will help it live, a hotter cam won't.

 

[Xraybill]

Thinking about a tire that's around stock height 25.5 or so and as fat as I can get. Was thinking about notching frame but not sure if it's worth it. Doner truck has a 4L60e and has 94,000 on it and runs and shifts very good have not pulled it yet, waiting till I as done with underside of body so I can run it a couple times a week. Just can't decide on frame notch but am boxing it now

 

[64nailhead]

With a stock cam and operating range I'd recommend 3.23's and if the cam is mildly aggressive, 3.42's. The 3.42's will raise your 70mph rpm 120ish. For that matter you could get away with 3.08's with a totally stock cam, but fortunately you're not interested in the stock cam - lol.

https://www.briantooleyracing.com/b...our-choice-of-springs-and-camshaft-36516.html

Take a look at one of these BTR truck cams. The best part about buying anything from Tooley is that you can give them a call and they'll talk to you. Let them know how you want it to run and they'll hook you up. I re-read your 1st post and seen you want to be able to drive it on a trips. Keep the cam in nothing more aggressive than 113+2 range in the 220's on duration.

Edit - forgot to mention, it's great to see you and your son working on this. I know the feeling. The G-body that I refer to as 'ours' in many of my posts is actually my son's. He provides the money and description of how he wants it to look, run and get used and he lets me do whatever. It's great fun for me because I really love messing with it, but the best part is teaching him and his buddies along the way. The Cutty isn't his only car, but all of his cars are the best thing that ever happened to us as far as our relationship 🙂

 

[pontiacgp]

I'm going with comp cam,springs, push rods and am changing the oil pump and timing set since it will be easy to do. Here is the parts list from Summit

I suggest you remove the invoice cause it shows your name, address and phone number.....

 

[Jimmy]

I suggest you remove the invoice cause it shows your name, address and phone number.....

Thanks