Hi there

I've been toying with the idea of swapping out the motor and trans from my fully restored '66SS convert. Currently the setup is 450hp454, 400trans 2500 stall, with 4:10 gears - this setup is a blast to drive in town. But now I'm considering taking it out of town to shows and make it an overall more practicle car. I've been considering the idea of putting in a new GM vette engine, trans and updating to four wheel disc brakes, this setup would make the car far more practicle.

I really haven't seen too many chevelles at local shows with this proposed setup so advice is limited at best. Anyone here done something similiar or know a good reputable shop in California with this kind of experience.

Any advice would be appreciated - thanks

All I can tell you is it sounds like a great idea. I'd like to help. Please send me your 454 and I will dispose of it properly. :D

Actually, I have no advice at all. But I would like to see a photo of your '66. If you have one handy, would you mind emailing me at ejfelker@earthlink.net?

thanks.
Ed.

There is a story in the month's issue of Hot Rod magazine about putting an LS1 into a 67 Chevelle. It looks like a real pain. I don't think it would be worth the trouble to me.

I think its a cool idea, but I doubt it would be cheap.

Is you car a real Super Sport ?
I ask because I'm sure the modifications might be significant. And 66 SS-396 convertibles aren't common. But it is your car.

I'm sure the results would be cool, but are you sure you want to mess with such a rare classic ?

Sounds like fun, but if it's a numbers matching SS, I would leave it alone and put some higher gears in it to make it more highway friendly. Maybe an overdrive.

My overdrive and 3.55 gears make my car very highway friendly without losing any performance.

I'm about to swap the 3.55 rear to 3.08 to make it even more economical to drive. The 383 I'm building will offset anything I lose in the "punch factor".

Oh, BTW, they're putting a "new LS6" engine and drivetrain into a '70 Chevelle in either CHP or Super Chevy. You might want to follow that build if you really want to put a 21st Century small block in your car.

Chad is right,

The last few issues of Super Chevy has shown a '70 getting stuffed with a GMPP LS6. Looks expensive and a pain to deal with. But if that's what you want and can afford the expense and some fabrication headaches, then get after it.

If you're going to put a newer motor in, the first thing that pops into my mind is all of the electrical/computer fuss that goes along with it. Not sure if a guy can find something that is plug-n-play for your application.

I was looking into doin a cool modern yenko idea with a 427 ls1 and t56. It all came to a screeching hault when I saw just the price of the shortblock. :eek:

I would just change the gear to something more cruiser friendly,say like 3.42's or 3.55's

Put a 700R4 in for the best of both worlds
Ken graemlins/beers.gif

I'd tend to agree with not messing too much with a SS convertible, even if it's currently restified and not truly restored (454 and TH400). I enjoy looking at a fully restored Chevelle (SS or not) as much as the next guy, but they tend to be show only cars without much driving time on them. If you're looking for a nice driver that could be restored to original without a lot of trouble, I'd opt for an overdrive trans, maybe a bit higher gear - although 4.10's with a 30%-33% overdrive isn't too bad. With a 27" tall tire at 75mph, 4.10's are turning the engine over 3800, with a 700-R4 that's cut down to aoubt 2700. If you're going to drive it at least discs on the front that don't require a spindle change. Baer makes a nice setup and maybe some others do now as well that don't require later disc brake spindles or a swap to theirs. Baer even has a rear disc setup that's an easy bolt in if you feel the need. I'm just not sure if spending another $800-$1000 for rear discs is worth the money since the fronts take the majority of the abuse anyway.

I agree with others that while the LS6 may have a fantastic "WOW" factor, I understand it can be a real bear to install unless you've got a huge GM parts bin behind you like the "new" LS6 70 Chevelle that GM has done.

I have a 700 in my 66 with 373 gears. 2200-2400 rpm on the highway.

Works great. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

HTH Troy,

Swap in a cheap 10 bolt-highway friendly rear end. Do the rear bushings while your at it. Cheapest way out and you still have the 12 bolt 4:10 if you want to change it back.

I also vote for the OD only I would check into the th2004r. Better gearing and you can use a stock th350 drive shaft and the same crossmember as your th400. I have done this swap myself it is great, no custom stuff to mess with. Heck the 9-10 second GN cars use them and if I remember correctly the 70 Chevelle GM built used one behind an injected 502.