Hello Everyone,
I've been reading this forum for about a year now and have made a few posts here and there, but nothing significant yet. I've been very pleased with the helpful community and level of knowledge.
I bought my 1969 Chevelle Malibu back in May of 2012 with the intent of converting it into an SS clone. Life and other projects got in the way so it was back-burnered until January 2013.
![Image]()
1969 Chevelle Malibu
Moderately built 454
TH400
Full Tub with Pinched Frame
4.56:1 rear end (previous owner was a Drag Racer)
I came across this whole Pro Touring thing. I decided I wanted to take a crack at Pro Touring instead (thanks guys). I did a lot of research and decided on a path that many wouldn't consider "true" Pro Touring, so let's just say it's Pro Touring'ish.
The most obvious deviation from Pro Touring was the decision to stick with a BBC over an LS. This was a very difficult decision for me as I really like the convenience, reliability, and power-to-weight ratio of the Modern LS. However, part of the reason I bought 60's muscle car to begin with was to get that rough growling sound and endless torque potential of the BBC. Not to mention, I already have a modern high performance car, I don't need another one. Other than that, I feel like the car is pretty true to Pro Touring with the possible exception of the wheel size selection. This was based on personal taste.
Build Plan:
Frame - Art Morrison GT - IFS based off of C6 knuckles, triangulated 4-bar with 9" rear housing.
Shocks - Strange Coilover
Engine - ATK 540ci (650-700hp range)
Transmission - Tremec T56 Magnum with Pro Touring spec ratios
Third Member - Strange true track with 3.89:1 ratio
Front Brakes - Wilwood 14" with 6 piston calipers
Rear Brakes - Wilwood 12.19" with 4 piston calipers and parking brake
Front Wheels - Rushforth Trooper 19x10
Rear Wheels - Rushforth Trooper 20x12
Front Tires - 275/35/19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Rear Tires - 335/30/20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Steering - DSE power Rack and Pinion
I received the Art Morrison Frame in March 2013. It is a real beauty. I seriously considered the Roadster Shop and feel that it does have some benefits over the AME frame, but ultimately elected to go with AME because they are local and I was able to save a few bucks with only minor differences.
![Image]()
The front and rear sections of the frame arrived partially assembled:
![Image]()
![Image]()
After receiving and inspecting the frame it was time to start assembly. My plan is to test fit everything, including the body. Drill all necessary holes and mount brake lines, fuel lines, etc.. Once I have confidence that everything fits together I'll disassemble the whole kit and send it off to the Powder Coat shop. Why build it once when you can build it twice!
I've been slowly going through the test fit assembly process.
Front suspension and steering assembly:
![Image]()
Front brakes with added safety wire:
![Image]()
![Image]()
Front Wheels - Jason Rushforth does a great job and has terrific customer service:
![Image]()
Fully Assembled Front End:
![Image]()
Full shot of my current progress. Chevelle in the background patiently awaiting her new Chassis:
![Image]()
Thanks for viewing. I hope to have the rear end assembled this week. I'll keep posting as I progress. Thanks again for all the great info on this site. I'm a lifetime member now!
I've been reading this forum for about a year now and have made a few posts here and there, but nothing significant yet. I've been very pleased with the helpful community and level of knowledge.
I bought my 1969 Chevelle Malibu back in May of 2012 with the intent of converting it into an SS clone. Life and other projects got in the way so it was back-burnered until January 2013.
1969 Chevelle Malibu
Moderately built 454
TH400
Full Tub with Pinched Frame
4.56:1 rear end (previous owner was a Drag Racer)
I came across this whole Pro Touring thing. I decided I wanted to take a crack at Pro Touring instead (thanks guys). I did a lot of research and decided on a path that many wouldn't consider "true" Pro Touring, so let's just say it's Pro Touring'ish.
The most obvious deviation from Pro Touring was the decision to stick with a BBC over an LS. This was a very difficult decision for me as I really like the convenience, reliability, and power-to-weight ratio of the Modern LS. However, part of the reason I bought 60's muscle car to begin with was to get that rough growling sound and endless torque potential of the BBC. Not to mention, I already have a modern high performance car, I don't need another one. Other than that, I feel like the car is pretty true to Pro Touring with the possible exception of the wheel size selection. This was based on personal taste.
Build Plan:
Frame - Art Morrison GT - IFS based off of C6 knuckles, triangulated 4-bar with 9" rear housing.
Shocks - Strange Coilover
Engine - ATK 540ci (650-700hp range)
Transmission - Tremec T56 Magnum with Pro Touring spec ratios
Third Member - Strange true track with 3.89:1 ratio
Front Brakes - Wilwood 14" with 6 piston calipers
Rear Brakes - Wilwood 12.19" with 4 piston calipers and parking brake
Front Wheels - Rushforth Trooper 19x10
Rear Wheels - Rushforth Trooper 20x12
Front Tires - 275/35/19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Rear Tires - 335/30/20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Steering - DSE power Rack and Pinion
I received the Art Morrison Frame in March 2013. It is a real beauty. I seriously considered the Roadster Shop and feel that it does have some benefits over the AME frame, but ultimately elected to go with AME because they are local and I was able to save a few bucks with only minor differences.
The front and rear sections of the frame arrived partially assembled:
After receiving and inspecting the frame it was time to start assembly. My plan is to test fit everything, including the body. Drill all necessary holes and mount brake lines, fuel lines, etc.. Once I have confidence that everything fits together I'll disassemble the whole kit and send it off to the Powder Coat shop. Why build it once when you can build it twice!
I've been slowly going through the test fit assembly process.
Front suspension and steering assembly:
Front brakes with added safety wire:
Front Wheels - Jason Rushforth does a great job and has terrific customer service:
Fully Assembled Front End:
Full shot of my current progress. Chevelle in the background patiently awaiting her new Chassis:
Thanks for viewing. I hope to have the rear end assembled this week. I'll keep posting as I progress. Thanks again for all the great info on this site. I'm a lifetime member now!
