New project car!!!

[JulesMaximus]

You let your kids sit in that? That interior is filthy...

 

[xanis]

I just saw saw the pictures and all I have to say is... good luck.

 

[DOTC]

Yup They are kids Jules.. they get into crap worse than that. Its really not as bad as it looks. Body damage is easy, The 6 in it looks like itll actually run (crank turns, no oil or transmission leaks) . Just for fun I may get that running just to have something to play with.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DOTC
Yup They are kids Jules.. they get into crap worse than that. Its really not as bad as it looks. Body damage is easy, The 6 in it looks like itll actually run (crank turns, no oil or transmission leaks) . Just for fun I may get that running just to have something to play with.

I know...I have one of my own.

Dude, drop a Vette drivetrain in it!

 

[DOTC]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DOTC
Yup They are kids Jules.. they get into crap worse than that. Its really not as bad as it looks. Body damage is easy, The 6 in it looks like itll actually run (crank turns, no oil or transmission leaks) . Just for fun I may get that running just to have something to play with.

I know...I have one of my own.

Dude, drop a Vette drivetrain in it!

I had no idea a Vette drivetrain would even fit. I havent done as much research on this as I need to, but I planned on junkyard shopping this coming weekend.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DOTC

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DOTC
Yup They are kids Jules.. they get into crap worse than that. Its really not as bad as it looks. Body damage is easy, The 6 in it looks like itll actually run (crank turns, no oil or transmission leaks) . Just for fun I may get that running just to have something to play with.

I know...I have one of my own.

Dude, drop a Vette drivetrain in it!

I had no idea a Vette drivetrain would even fit. I havent done as much research on this as I need to, but I planned on junkyard shopping this coming weekend.

It might not. Engine and transmission should though.

Edit-With enough fabrication anything can fit.

 

[biggestmuff]

Just saw the pics...WOW.

From the OP:

"Its in great shape for the year"

Good luck, LOL!

 

[DOTC]

If you would see some of the crap I've seen laying around from the 80's.. it is in great shape.

 

[ElFenix]

if i knew how to weld i'd drive up to your area and help

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: biggestmuff
Just saw the pics...WOW.

From the OP:

"Its in great shape for the year"

Good luck, LOL!

I've seen better in driving condition but if you are happy with it, that's all that matters.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: DOTC

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DOTC
Yup They are kids Jules.. they get into crap worse than that. Its really not as bad as it looks. Body damage is easy, The 6 in it looks like itll actually run (crank turns, no oil or transmission leaks) . Just for fun I may get that running just to have something to play with.

I know...I have one of my own.

Dude, drop a Vette drivetrain in it!

I had no idea a Vette drivetrain would even fit. I havent done as much research on this as I need to, but I planned on junkyard shopping this coming weekend.

You can put an LS-motor and T-56 6-speed in it with the right parts. You'll need a special transmission crossmember, special headers (if you are planning on upgrading performance), and wiring harness. It helps if the donor car is a manual already. Feel free to PM me, I researched all that a while ago...

 

[DOTC]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: DOTC

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DOTC
Yup They are kids Jules.. they get into crap worse than that. Its really not as bad as it looks. Body damage is easy, The 6 in it looks like itll actually run (crank turns, no oil or transmission leaks) . Just for fun I may get that running just to have something to play with.

I know...I have one of my own.

Dude, drop a Vette drivetrain in it!

I had no idea a Vette drivetrain would even fit. I havent done as much research on this as I need to, but I planned on junkyard shopping this coming weekend.

You can put an LS-motor and T-56 6-speed in it with the right parts. You'll need a special transmission crossmember, special headers (if you are planning on upgrading performance), and wiring harness. It helps if the donor car is a manual already. Feel free to PM me, I researched all that a while ago...

Thats awesome.. thanks! We werent planning on that much work, but you never know. From what I know so far, the power windows work fine, the switches all work no problem. The car will not turn over, the temp gauge shoots straight up, the fuel gauge goes to full and it doesnt even attempt to start. Not that Im worried.. just figure Id let yall know. For right now im just looking for some free fun until we drop a new motor in it.

The interior actually cleaned up real nice Jules

 

[StageLeft]

Goodluck, damn you have a ton of work ahead of you...

 

[DOTC]

It's not really luck Its time a money. Yes Gill we are happy with it.. but really there is nothing stopping us from stripping it, having it towed and finding something in a little better shape if we really need to.

These cars are just hard to find in Houston and surrounding area's. You almost have to drive around in the backwood country and find them sitting in peoples yards. The greensheet only had 94's and up.. autotrader only has ones that have been fixed up already for about 5k and up.

I'll post more pics as time goes on. The weekend after next I'll be getting the rear end for it.

 

[Pulsar]

I've got an 86 that I bought way back when. Was in a rear-end accident and used the insurance money to completely repaint the body and put on new Factory-stock stickers.

At the time, they had stopped making the Factory stickers, so that may be an issue nowadays.

Anyways - the exhaust fell off as I was driving down the highway, so I packed it up and it's set undriven (but covered) ever since.

I can't wait till I have time to fix that car. Woo! Fun!

Had the stock 4 bolt main with over-bored cylinders and larger pistons. Fun to drive.

 

[DOTC]

I knew it was a good idea to keep the stickers!! lol. Took the front drivers side panel off last night.. what a PIA. I had to remove the side skirt and fold a support bracket back (crushed in.. curb probably) to remove a bolt. Also had to rip the back drivers side interior panel off to get to a hidden bolt. Big trash day is coming next week so the interior is getting stripped.

Can anyone point me to a website for aftermarket interior parts? I can only find some parts but not all like it was suggested in a earlier post.

 

[DOTC]

bump

 

[Kromis]

Your kids are very cute!

 

[herm0016]

the buy sell boards at thirdgen.org are a great resource. i have seen quite a few full interiors on there. I get parts from summit and rock auto also. thirdgenranch and hawks third gen are great too. check out the message boards, there is a list of third gen specific parts suppliers there. I may/may not have a few extra parts as i work on my car too. i have a used air dam right now i would send to you for just shipping, and i will have a factory electric fan and radiator ( with a minor leak, you could get it re-tanked and cleaned).

 

[DOTC]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: DOTC

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DOTC
Yup They are kids Jules.. they get into crap worse than that. Its really not as bad as it looks. Body damage is easy, The 6 in it looks like itll actually run (crank turns, no oil or transmission leaks) . Just for fun I may get that running just to have something to play with.

I know...I have one of my own.

Dude, drop a Vette drivetrain in it!

I had no idea a Vette drivetrain would even fit. I havent done as much research on this as I need to, but I planned on junkyard shopping this coming weekend.

You can put an LS-motor and T-56 6-speed in it with the right parts. You'll need a special transmission crossmember, special headers (if you are planning on upgrading performance), and wiring harness. It helps if the donor car is a manual already. Feel free to PM me, I researched all that a while ago...

At the time I seriously had no idea what the heck you were talking about. LOL.. Ive done as much research as I think i can do on this topic. The only thing im really confused about.. does the current K-member need to be cut out? or does it drop with a couple of bolts? I know Spohn and BMC sell the needed parts for the KM and the tranny support.. but there really are no instructions I can find. I found a harness on Jegs thats work great for $350, i also need to get the shifter from a 93+ 6sp camaro + the clutch and brake pedals. I will also need to modify the guages for oil pressure, rpm, etc. whew! seems like a lot, but things will come together eventually. Another thing I cannot find.. will I need the computer from a 93+ SS? Cannot really track this down. People are saying they send the comp away to have it programmed, but they dont say what they are using.

*Edit* I know that the current Km can be either cut to support the lower AC compressor, or the compressor can be moved to the top of the motor with a $300 pulley and belt setup. Ive come accross some bad info with both setups as the oil pan sits almost next the stock KM. I would hate to have to remove the whole damn engine again to redo a oil pan gasket if I cant get to the bolts.

 

[DOTC]

Herm, I might be interested in the rad and fan. Dual fan setup correct?

Also thanks! My kids are cute.. but evil at the same time

 

[DivideBYZero]

Tried the Cow mod?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: DOTC
At the time I seriously had no idea what the heck you were talking about. LOL.. Ive done as much research as I think i can do on this topic. The only thing im really confused about.. does the current K-member need to be cut out? or does it drop with a couple of bolts? I know Spohn and BMC sell the needed parts for the KM and the tranny support.. but there really are no instructions I can find. I found a harness on Jegs thats work great for $350, i also need to get the shifter from a 93+ 6sp camaro + the clutch and brake pedals. I will also need to modify the guages for oil pressure, rpm, etc. whew! seems like a lot, but things will come together eventually. Another thing I cannot find.. will I need the computer from a 93+ SS? Cannot really track this down. People are saying they send the comp away to have it programmed, but they dont say what they are using.

*Edit* I know that the current Km can be either cut to support the lower AC compressor, or the compressor can be moved to the top of the motor with a $300 pulley and belt setup. Ive come accross some bad info with both setups as the oil pan sits almost next the stock KM. I would hate to have to remove the whole damn engine again to redo a oil pan gasket if I cant get to the bolts.

What engine are you putting in - an LSx or LT1? Sounds like an LT1.

I didn't research the LT1 route, but the K-member should have bolts that drop it out. You would do well to get a Haynes and/or GM service manual for the specifics on stuff like this.

You will need to use whatever computer goes with the engine you're using. Even if you stick with the V8 TPI that came in late model 3rd gens, I believe you will need that computer. I'm a little surprised Jeg's has a swap harness. You sure it's the right one? Again unless you're going with the V8 TPI rather than the LT1, then that sounds about right.

Another thing you need to look into is the speedometer. I think the pre-1990 ones were mechanical driven off the transmission, while the post-1990 ones received a voltage signal or something like that. I can't remember the specifics, but they DID change and you will likely need a converter box to use with your new T-56.

Have you looked at the fuel system? I know it changes with the LSx's and you had to replace the pump and I think modify something else, as it went from a return to return-less system or something like that. Again I'm forgetting the specifics, but you need to check that.

Phew, just noticed it is a manual and not an auto - that would have really compounded the headache. You can probably reuse the clutch reservoir and such, but may need to route custom tubing to the tranny - I'm sure that's well covered on thirdgen.org.

If you're going to do any mods to the engine, even if its just headers, do it while its out of the car. If you're doing headers, see what other people have used - I know with the LSx's you can only use one model specifically made for the swap, as it ends up tight in the engine bay.

If your donor engine has some miles on it, I would at least pull the valve covers & oil pan to check it out, if not recondition it a bit with new gaskets, seals, bearings, etc. A little more time and money with the engine out can help ensure long, trouble-free running.

There is a dirt cheap exhaust system on Jegs or one of those sites, like <$300 - I think it might be the store brand with a generic Flowmaster-type muffler. The exhaust is good, 3-inch mandrel bent, but the mid-pipe drops down REALLY low before the rear axle. $30 trip to the muffler shop had it tucked up and I had a great stainless steel cheap catback exhaust. I also had replaced the muffler with a Spintech, which sounds badass. Just FYI, don't blow your cash on the pricey exhaust systems.

 

[DOTC]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: DOTC
At the time I seriously had no idea what the heck you were talking about. LOL.. Ive done as much research as I think i can do on this topic. The only thing im really confused about.. does the current K-member need to be cut out? or does it drop with a couple of bolts? I know Spohn and BMC sell the needed parts for the KM and the tranny support.. but there really are no instructions I can find. I found a harness on Jegs thats work great for $350, i also need to get the shifter from a 93+ 6sp camaro + the clutch and brake pedals. I will also need to modify the guages for oil pressure, rpm, etc. whew! seems like a lot, but things will come together eventually. Another thing I cannot find.. will I need the computer from a 93+ SS? Cannot really track this down. People are saying they send the comp away to have it programmed, but they dont say what they are using.

*Edit* I know that the current Km can be either cut to support the lower AC compressor, or the compressor can be moved to the top of the motor with a $300 pulley and belt setup. Ive come accross some bad info with both setups as the oil pan sits almost next the stock KM. I would hate to have to remove the whole damn engine again to redo a oil pan gasket if I cant get to the bolts.

What engine are you putting in - an LSx or LT1? Sounds like an LT1.

I didn't research the LT1 route, but the K-member should have bolts that drop it out. You would do well to get a Haynes and/or GM service manual for the specifics on stuff like this.

You will need to use whatever computer goes with the engine you're using. Even if you stick with the V8 TPI that came in late model 3rd gens, I believe you will need that computer. I'm a little surprised Jeg's has a swap harness. You sure it's the right one? Again unless you're going with the V8 TPI rather than the LT1, then that sounds about right.

Another thing you need to look into is the speedometer. I think the pre-1990 ones were mechanical driven off the transmission, while the post-1990 ones received a voltage signal or something like that. I can't remember the specifics, but they DID change and you will likely need a converter box to use with your new T-56.

Have you looked at the fuel system? I know it changes with the LSx's and you had to replace the pump and I think modify something else, as it went from a return to return-less system or something like that. Again I'm forgetting the specifics, but you need to check that.

Phew, just noticed it is a manual and not an auto - that would have really compounded the headache. You can probably reuse the clutch reservoir and such, but may need to route custom tubing to the tranny - I'm sure that's well covered on thirdgen.org.

If you're going to do any mods to the engine, even if its just headers, do it while its out of the car. If you're doing headers, see what other people have used - I know with the LSx's you can only use one model specifically made for the swap, as it ends up tight in the engine bay.

If your donor engine has some miles on it, I would at least pull the valve covers & oil pan to check it out, if not recondition it a bit with new gaskets, seals, bearings, etc. A little more time and money with the engine out can help ensure long, trouble-free running.

There is a dirt cheap exhaust system on Jegs or one of those sites, like <$300 - I think it might be the store brand with a generic Flowmaster-type muffler. The exhaust is good, 3-inch mandrel bent, but the mid-pipe drops down REALLY low before the rear axle. $30 trip to the muffler shop had it tucked up and I had a great stainless steel cheap catback exhaust. I also had replaced the muffler with a Spintech, which sounds badass. Just FYI, don't blow your cash on the pricey exhaust systems.

Sorry, It's a LT1 youre correct. Thanks for all the reminders. Yeah the fuel system will need to change, along with all the speedo equipment. I planned on cleaning the motor up and doing maint before dropping it in. Having trouble locating the harness on Jugs, its by painless I know that (I swore I saw one for $350) Seems the only ones I can find now are $900+. Donor engine and tranny have less than 100k on it I know. I believe he still has the computer and shifter (which is nice).
Anyway, I will have this running by January maybe Febuary. So far I can afford all this, and Ill be taking Saturdays off to have a little fun

Thanks for all the advice and info so far guys!

 

[fbrdphreak]

Yeah $900 for a wiring harness from Painless is more in that league. There are other wiring harness options though, do some research on thirdgen.org. You can also technically take your V6 wiring harness and the LT1 wiring harness & splice together yourself, but that will take a lot of time and opens a whole can of worms with troubleshooting. Not my cup of tea personally.

100K miles is a good bit on a 93 LT1/T-56. Again just me, I would definitely refresh the motor (rings, bearings, seals), maybe rebuild the heads with some upgraded valves/springs/locks/etc, and have the tranny looked at by a shop. It will cost you a fair amount of extra coin, but IMO will be well worth it to have a smooth, trouble-free ride when you're done. I know it would piss me off if I did all that work and the motor/tranny ran like shite.

If you're looking to spruce up the terrible third gen interior, 4th gen F-body leather seats bolt right in. Some people have swapped the 4th gen interior into them as well, but that is a ton of custom work. Maybe look into a GTO interior, they are 10x nicer than any f-body.

EDIT My ex-wife and I had picked up a 92 Camaro B4C (police package - basically most of the good bits of the Z28) and were going to drop in an LS1 & T-56. I did all the research, we bought a wrecked 2000 TransAm donor car, and were going to do the work in my friend's shop once it was built. We cleaned the car up, had it stripped & painted (guy screwed us on the new paint job, long story), and I was helping my friend build the shop when she decided she wanted out. She paid for everything on the car, so it went with her. Last I heard she's keeping the L98 TPI, dropping in an LT1-style T-56 like you, and having the paint redone. I think she also solved a lot of the stalling problems it was having, at least partially related to the dumbass previous owner trying to run a water or meth spray into the intake via the windshield washer fluid reservoir. That car had a lot of little issues like that unfortunately, lots of shadetree work done on it. I hope she gets it going, I miss that car.