1988 camaro project

[camaro42]

Yeah, like he said, not bad at all to do it if you've got the whole rear out of 4th gen to play with. We did almost all of it in a day. finished the brake lines the next morning and the car was back on all 4's. I forgot to get pics when i was over there this weekend but will try to get some posted soon.

Anybody use the 4th gen springs and get a much higher ride height in the back? I like the back being a bit higher than the front, just need some taller rubber to fill the gap above the tire now.

[Gregs_gsxr]

or you could just lower the front about an inch, and leave the rear using the stock 3rd gen springs

[camaro42]

It's been awhile but finally have some updates. The 350 is out and a 400 is getting prepped for entry. Budget restraints lead to many parts from 350 to be swapped over if possible. These include heads (vortec) and the 650 Holley carb with eidelbrock intake. A new cam is going in as well. Exhaust will be close to stock and will have to settle for manifolds until budget improves and I can upgrade exhaust and put on headers.
Suspension work has been finished and new break/fuel lines will be done during engine swap in. I will post some pics as I get them. The car is at a family friends' garage on west side of state so my dad is keeping me posted as he stops in. Stay tuned.


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[Gregs_gsxr]

at least someone is making progress on their 3rd gen...who built your engine ?

[camaro42]

Scott Laaksonen in Sheridan (west mich).


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[Gregs_gsxr]

we'll have to keep him in mind, thanks !

[camaro42]

The engine has come together over the course of the summer. The engine is ready to fire as soon as the new bolt holes for starter are drilled. (using starter from 350 on the 400). Once that's in place, the exhaust can be tossed up and a first start-up should come shortly.
engine in.jpg
exhaust prepped.jpg

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Why the drilling/tapping of the block? 153 or 168 tooth flywheel are the two options, should never need to go that route.

[camaro42]

Using 153 tooth flywheel requires the starter from the 350 that was previously in the car. In order to mount it, the 400 block needs a matching bolt-on pattern for the inner starter bolt hole. So, you're right... But there are no starters that will mate a 400 block to a 153 flywheel with the inner starter bolt in the same position. Tap required.

[camaro42]

A guy on thirdgen may have a more eloquent wording so I'll paste how he answered.

"A starter for a 168-tooth flywheel will not fit in the stock bell housing for one of these cars. So you will have to use a 153-tooth one, and have it "unbalanced" to the stock 400 balance spec.

A 400 block does not have the correct inner starter bolt hole for the starter for the 153-tooth flywheel. You will have to have it drilled.

The stock starter is different between the 2 fkywheel diameters. However, some of the mini-starters (the particular CVR I have had on my 400/T-5 combo for example) are equipped with both bolt patterns. Ones with a single bolt pattern cost less."

So I could buy a mini cvr that I don't really need if I can just drill a hole to use one I have. So I'm going that route.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

Drill carefully. I personally would never drill the block with it in the car, 1/8" off and you have big problems

[camaro42]

The engine won't be in the car. It will be pulled and drilled and done by someone that has done it before

[camaro42]

It's ALIVE, IT"S ALIVE!!

https://www.facebook.com/lewis.b.bar...=video_comment

After a lot of time and issues getting sorted out, the 400 is in and running strong! Video of engine running (see above) and here's an exhaust clip:

IMG_1714.MOV

Pics of the car's current state coming soon

[camaro42]

Pictures



Lots of body work to do this winter...


And a better view of my dad's new project: 72' Firebird

[camaro42]

I've been cleaning up some rust spots and trying to get it all back together for the meet 'n' greet. Wish me luck!


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