[Austin_Jim]

Frame is back from powder-coating and I have a roller:

ABC frame mods and coilover bar. Don't mind the rear-end. It's the old one and will be updated

Had to modify the frame boxing to fit the Holley trans mount:

Body back from blasting and into epoxy:

Last bit of metal work that needs to be done on trunk surround

Hoping to get the painted product back home by the end of the year to begin assembly

 

[SFD]

Looks good.

 

[Austin_Jim]

Small Update. Got the final metal work done and the bottom of the body sprayed with LizardSkin and back down on the frame. With the aluminum body bushings it is RIGID

_

 

[Austin_Jim]

Small update. Ordered the motor and trans! LS3 w/ 4L70 from Blue Print Engines. We're starting to hang the sheet metal to fit the trim and then block and paint. I'm super excited. I am wondering if anyone has an opinion on colors? My first choice was Structural Blue from Lexus, but it's stupid expensive and difficult to shoot. My other options are:

Honda Still Night Pearl. I like the deepness and it has a little purple flop to it

Corvette Admiral Blue:

Camaro Riverside Blue:

Ford Impact Blue:

I want to pick a production car color. I plan on driving this car and things happen. So I want to be able to repair it in case something bad goes wrong on the road.

 

[Austin_Jim]

Sheet metal hung and working on gaps. Looks like a gasser LOL

 

[Tico66]

Badass work can't wait to see the end bro

 

[Austin_Jim]

Christmas Time!!! Dyno sheet shows 554 HP, 539 TQ

Ordered the rear end as well - Ford 9", 3.70 gears, Eaton TruTrac

 

[senna]

What is the spec on the motor? It's not just an LS3. Is it an LS3 with cam up grade?

 

[Austin_Jim]

What is the spec on the motor? It's not just an LS3. Is it an LS3 with cam up grade?

Blue Print Engines complete LS3 / 4L70e package. But yes, basically an LS3 with roller cam

BluePrint Engines Builder Series 376CI Crate Engine with 4L70E Auto Transmission | GM LS3 Style | Aluminum Heads | Roller Cam | 6.2L | Dressed Longblock with Black Pulley Kit

It does come completely assembled, including trans attached and FEAD. Only thing I am going to change is the oil pan to the Holley 302-2.

 

[senna]

I did look it up on Blue print engines. There website says 530 hp and 495 tq. But you're saying a little bit more.
That is the area I'm hoping mine comes in at. I am driving it (less than 200 miles so far) and it feels very strong. I still need a final tune.

 

[Austin_Jim]

That is their 'guaranteed' spec. Mine definitely came in higher. I'll post the dyno sheet when I head back down to the shop. That should be enough for me. My CTS-V is fast with 556HP and weighs roughly 1000 lbs more. I'll be able to get more tire under the Chevelle for traction, so I think I'll be good. I'm so excited to get this closer. Body mods are done. Just need to stab the motor in, do a little mod to the Ridetech Tiger Cage to add a rear seat harness bar and test fit it to make sure it clears the wheel tubs. The final filler, block and paint. Hoping to have it back at the house in a month or so. Then do the wiring, mechanical, finish assembly and interior. Hoping to drive it by my birthday in October.

 

[senna]

I hope you didn't think I was doubting you, on the contrary, I was encouraged.

People keep asking me how much hp I think mine will make, I give the low estimate of 500. TBH, I'd be disappointed with anything less than 525. I'd be ecstatic with you numbers.

Of course, yours was run on a engine dyno, more reliable results. Mine will be on a chassis dnyo.

 

[Austin_Jim]

I hope you didn't think I was doubting you, on the contrary, I was encouraged.

People keep asking me how much hp I think mine will make, I give the low estimate of 500. TBH, I'd be disappointed with anything less than 525. I'd be ecstatic with you numbers.

Of course, yours was run on a engine dyno, more reliable results. Mine will be on a chassis dnyo.

Not at all. All good. I'd be really interested to know after a tune and chassis dyno what you get. Then compare that to other cars you've driven to know what I can look forward to

I hope you didn't think I was doubting you, on the contrary, I was encouraged.

People keep asking me how much hp I think mine will make, I give the low estimate of 500. TBH, I'd be disappointed with anything less than 525. I'd be ecstatic with you numbers.

Of course, yours was run on a engine dyno, more reliable results. Mine will be on a chassis dnyo.

Not at all. All good. I'd be really interested to know after a tune and chassis dyno what you get. Then compare that to other cars you've driven to know what I can look forward to. Our builds are pretty similar...although your fab skills on the chassis (like the front coilover mounts) FAR outweigh mine. I just can't weld well enough to be confident. That's why I had someone else do the frame and body.

BTW - Where are you located? I travel for work and if I'm anywhere near you, I'd love to come see the car.

 

[senna]

Not at all. All good. I'd be really interested to know after a tune and chassis dyno what you get. Then compare that to other cars you've driven to know what I can look forward to

Not at all. All good. I'd be really interested to know after a tune and chassis dyno what you get. Then compare that to other cars you've driven to know what I can look forward to. Our builds are pretty similar...although your fab skills on the chassis (like the front coilover mounts) FAR outweigh mine. I just can't weld well enough to be confident. That's why I had someone else do the frame and body.

BTW - Where are you located? I travel for work and if I'm anywhere near you, I'd love to come see the car.

I'm in San Jose, 60 miles south San Francisco.

I'm really satisfied with the out come. And it is very satisfying knowing that I did all the work I did. Including the engine, I built that from scratch also.

I'm still fine tuning things. I think I have the ride hight finalized.
Now I have decided on a console, I was planning on a factory automatic console but I'm not liking it. Might go with the 4 speed console.

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

 

[Austin_Jim]

I'm in San Jose, 60 miles south San Francisco.

I'm really satisfied with the out come. And it is very satisfying knowing that I did all the work I did. Including the engine, I built that from scratch also.

I'm still fine tuning things. I think I have the ride hight finalized.
Now I have decided on a console, I was planning on a factory automatic console but I'm not liking it. Might go with the 4 speed console.

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

GTFO - I grew up in Santa Cruz and lived in several parts of SJ from downtown (went to SJSU) to Sunnyvale to Mt View. Move to TX ~15 years ago. I know what you mean on the console. I'll have to figure that out later

 

[Austin_Jim]

Still SLOOOOW going at the paint shop. First filler pass complete and first blocking:

Firewall

Wheel wells needed a little love, but not too much:

Decent shot of the drip rail delete:

Gaps are looking pretty good:

Had to add a bit of material to the trunk to get the gap right:

I keep saying I'll have it back at the house in a month or so, but who knows.

 

[Austin_Jim]

We have color! Painted the firewall to get ready to stab the motor. Color is Chevy Admiral Blue. It's dark blue with a lot of metallic and more 'flop' than I expected...but that makes me happy. I wanted something similar to Lexus structural blue without having to deal with the ridiculous cost or intricacies of spraying it. I think this color hits the spot. It goes from near black to electric blue to a bit of purple.

 

[SFD]

Looks good, the body lines look nice. Who’s flush mount door handles?

 

[Austin_Jim]

Looks good, the body lines look nice. Who’s flush mount door handles?

Kindigit. They have a spoon style, a straight bar and this one. It looks the most like the factory shape. That's why I chose this style

 

[Humberd]

It’s going to look good 👍
What kind of price on the handles?
Don