[old66tiger]

I have owned my GTO for 17 years and the car has undergone several revisions over the years. The car is a real 66 GTO convertible born with a 389 tri-power, M-21 and a 3:90 posi. I bought it back in 1997 when my wife and I had started dating and we drive this thing. The only time it has been on a trailer is when the body work was getting done and we have enjoyed thousands of miles in this car.

In 2005, the 389 started chugging oil out the breather and instead of rebuilding the anemic 389 I had a 455 built by a guy in Virginia. The 455 was a turd from the get go and the build quality was less than stellar and after dealing with the short comings of this thing for 5 years, I decided to cut my losses and I sold the engine for a huge loss. I replaced the 455 with a 461 that was built by a reputable builder in Ohio. The engine made a butt load of HP and TQ, but after living with 550 HP and 14 MPG for 4 years I concluded that I needed to re-think my strategy for a car that is easier to drive and is a bit easier on fuel. My wife hated the 461 for various reasons and I would rather have something that is more civilized so she can drive it on occasion.

For several months prior to the decision to sell the 461, I struggled with the “it’s not a Pontiac in a Pontiac” crap. I decided that life it too short to worry about what others think and I decided that a LS3 525 HP conversion would be a wonderful succession. The engine has attitude and those who have this engine love it. Let’s face it, you can’t beat a LS based engine and the newer technology and factory available parts make this a great platform. After selling the 461 back in July, I have been doing my homework trying to figure out the best use of my money and time. I had initially thought about an LSA, but the extra $4K (adder of the LSA plus the heat exchanger and misc. things that are required) pretty much squashed that idea. I would have loved to do an LSA, but I am spending way too much already and the extra $4K seemed like a hard sell to the finance department. So, it is LS3 NA for me. I am going to re-use things like my Legend LGT-700 5-speed, hydraboost, EFI tank, and electric fan setup…Anything I can re-use should help with the sticker shock of an LS build.

Follow me as I navigate through the build and search out the best prices and the best vendors. I am anticipating a April 2015 completion date. I am posting identical posts in Pro-touring and LS1Tech so please excuse the duplication. I know there are people that don’t frequent PY so it seemed like a good thing to do.

I few pictures to start. I will post more as I go and I will post the final parts list and the prices for the parts.

Frame off restoration in 2012. Who would have thought I would be ripping things apart so soon?







Thanks for following along. Bob

[Nicks67GTO]

I'll be following closely....this thread is basically going to make my decision on which route im going as well. Modern LS or Vintage Poncho

[Donovan]

Very cool, Bob!

[old66tiger]

Thanks. It is a slow start. Before dumping in the engine, I am doing as much homework as possible to make sure that I have most of my bases covered.

The firewall re-paint is next because I never liked how the first paint job turned out. With the fenders off, this gives me the opportunity to work without any obstructions and document as I go. Once the firewall is painted, I will be putting in the vintage air and getting as much interior work done prior to moving to the engine bay.

[Donovan]

I bet. I've always enjoyed having a second round on stuff like that. You have a better idea of what you want and you also get to tweak and polish out some stuff. I'll be curious to see your reaction on the drive feel after losing nearly 200 lbs off the front.

Is the firewall too glossy?

[rohrt]

Subscribing.

[old66tiger]

I am currently working with Mark Bowler on a hydraulic clutch setup. My hydrobooster makes it a bit of a challenge so Mark set me a bracket to prototype for him and will be making some changes to the bracket based on my trial. He sent me a tilton master and a 4th gen master to try. His bracket will allow the use of both master setups.

Nice bracket. Once this is in full production it will be a winner. I like the fact that the bracket is adjustable.



Clears my hydrobooster bracket



4th gen master. I am working with Mark to figure out if we need to cut down the internal stop in the cylinder.





The master comes with an eyelet on the end of the rod. Not long enough so I decided to take the rod off and try my hand at threading the rod for a long nut coupler.





The threads went on crooked, so I am trying to decide what to do here

[paint guy]

old66tiger, a couple of questions, if you will allow: I am considering the GM connect and cruise package for my 69 vert, (motor, trans, modules,etc) available power levels are 430, 480 and 525HP. Not much price difference between the three. After reading reviews, it seems the "street manners" go downhill in a hurry at 480 HP and are almost non-existant at the 525 HP level. Even GM states that the 525 has "an edge" to it. Since your post indicates that your 461 wasn't the most enjoyable for your wife to drive, do you think the 525 version Ls-3 will be more 'streetable"? I am asking your thoughts because my wife drives our car alot, also. Because of what I've read on here and other forums, I am considering the 430 HP version, even though to go up to 480 is less than $500, the cheapest horsepower I will ever purchase. Your thoughts?

[old66tiger]

I have seen 3 of the 525HP engines in cars with manual transmissions and everyone that has used this engine really likes it. However, I believe that automatics are a different story. Don at Gundrud in Green Bay, WI says that the 525 HP engine in front of an automatic is not a good combo. Give him a call and talk LS with him. He is a good guy and they are beating pricing of Pace and SD.

[paint guy]

Gandrud is exactly where I plan on buying from, hopefully before the first of the year as they match GM's rebate. It was a Gandrud rep who talked me into the 430 HP instead of the 480 HP. This will be with an auto, so maybe thats the reasoning. And I'll still buy from them, even if they are Packers fans LOL.

[old66tiger]

Nice thing is that if you don't like the cam, it is a lot easier to do a cam swap than the traditional pontiac engine. I know Andrew B is running an ls7 cam in his 6.2 and the car is very responsive

I was amazed how well the Asa cam idled the 6.2. Almost idled as well as a stock 6.2


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[roadrage david]

Old66tiger how is that Legend LGT-700 holding up. Im working with Mark Bowler as wel!!!. im going to run that trans in my GT Road racers and wil go behond the limits. but i know they are working on a RR version. also im using a Hydratech Hydra boost system as wel. and im going to order the LGT-700 with the hydraulic cluch set up.. So i probely need that prototype bracket as wel!!... ps te car build http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=758523

[old66tiger]

David. To be honest with you, I only logged 500 miles on the transmission before I sold the 461. Overall, I am happy with it. I have given them some feedback on fitment and shifting and Legend is very receptive to customer comments. Much nicer trans than the TKO.

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[roadrage david]

Thats ok . about the braket is Mark fabricating them ore you!??..

[old66tiger]

I am doing the prototype work and Mark is fabricating the brackets

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[roadrage david]

Ok wel keep me updated need one as wel.

[old66tiger]

Had a long talk with Mark Bowler and they are re - designing the adapter plate to accept a wilwood master that can be clocked 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Once complete, the bracket will be able to use either a 4th gen or a girling style master. They are sending me a prototype soon to try out.

[Scarebird]

I made these for my Trans Am...

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...ch#post5172117

[old66tiger]

Firewall is done. I have a friend that is is body guy and he came over and did a clean up of the firewall. We filled some dimples and gave it a coat of satin. I left the throttle cable hole, heater wire hole and the firewall pad holes open for possible future use. Turned out nice.

[Nicks67GTO]

That turned out great! Nice work!