View Full Version : Modern Power in 69 LeMans
einstein
05-12-2004, 06:28 PM
Been thinking that instead of a 400 transplant, I might consider a mid-to-late-90s engine and drivetrain module for my 69 LeMans convertible. This car may see 30K-50K miles yearly.
My buddy recently bought a 97 Firebird convertible with the 3800/auto, and it seems to have plenty of power, but also fantastic fuel economy. I'm guessing similar weight of both cars. He reports like mid 20s local and well over 30 highway. Another friend who was a GM guy refers to the 3800 as "the small-block Chevy of the 90s", so common and perfected is this engine.
Gary ("Cammer-6" on this and several other forums) had previously done a 94 Firebird 3.4L engine in a 1983 S-10 4X4 4-speed Blazer, with the modern alternator, AC compressor and even the little anti-theft "pill" in the ignition switch. Looks like a factory installation, by the way. His son is STILL thrashing it severely.
As an entire powertrain module, it seems a good choice, not too expensive and completely self-contained but for the minor points of the in-tank fuel pump, motor mounts and speedo drive conversion adaptor.
Any input appreciated.
einstein
05-12-2004, 06:28 PM
Been thinking that instead of a 400 transplant, I might consider a mid-to-late-90s engine and drivetrain module for my 69 LeMans convertible. This car may see 30K-50K miles yearly.
My buddy recently bought a 97 Firebird convertible with the 3800/auto, and it seems to have plenty of power, but also fantastic fuel economy. I'm guessing similar weight of both cars. He reports like mid 20s local and well over 30 highway. Another friend who was a GM guy refers to the 3800 as "the small-block Chevy of the 90s", so common and perfected is this engine.
Gary ("Cammer-6" on this and several other forums) had previously done a 94 Firebird 3.4L engine in a 1983 S-10 4X4 4-speed Blazer, with the modern alternator, AC compressor and even the little anti-theft "pill" in the ignition switch. Looks like a factory installation, by the way. His son is STILL thrashing it severely.
As an entire powertrain module, it seems a good choice, not too expensive and completely self-contained but for the minor points of the in-tank fuel pump, motor mounts and speedo drive conversion adaptor.
Any input appreciated.
olblue
05-13-2004, 05:33 PM
My '67 Tempest Cvt. has a rebuilt '69 ohc6.
Six cylinders just ain't enough.
I'm tossing around the LS1 vs. Ramjet 350, to put a 21st century combo under my hood.
Don't be slapping your forehead like I am, saying,
"I shoulda had a V-8!"
If you are going to that much trouble you ought to give it some balls.
Fuel injected 4 speed auto should still get well over 20 mpg.
Plus, someday you might still be able to sell it for a little better than scrap.
einstein
05-13-2004, 08:14 PM
My original plan was a Sprint conversion, as I'm one of THOSE guys. My 1969 Firebird convertible is a Sprint and I've owned it since 1976. I LOVE the OHC6 in Sprint trim, but I plan to put many more miles on the LeMans than I care to on such a rare engine as the cammer. Parts availability would become an issue for 30,000 to 50,000 miles anually.
olblue
05-14-2004, 09:10 PM
Well, I'll sell you mine fairly cheap.
I just changed the breakin oil from the rebuild.
I have a spare 4 bbl manifold I could let you have. I am told that I need the right cam/heads to utilize it.
einstein
05-14-2004, 11:06 PM
I already have 6 OHC6 engines, with at least four sets of four-barrel manifolds. For one car...
olblue
05-15-2004, 04:31 PM
I'm looking for a power steering setup...
Pump, gearbox, brackets etc.
Do you have spares of those?
I've always thought the L67 supercharged 3800 would be an interesting swap... good power stock, easy to mod, relatively easy to find, etc... :shrug:
einstein
06-08-2004, 09:40 PM
I'm not real familiar with that engine. A buddy tells me there are rear-wheel drive versions in Monaros from Oz, but the FWD US-spec versions may be a little more difficult to swap.
One of my key criteria was for it to be a complete engine - tranny - computer management system package from one vehicle, preferably rear wheel drive. I am not equipped to re-engineer computers and harnesses.
engineer
06-11-2004, 12:52 PM
Ol Blue, have a 4 bbl OHC6 head if you need one and some other misc. parts. Am also in Houston.
olblue
06-11-2004, 05:00 PM
Cool...
I'm putting in a "Built" 200 4R this week to replace my 2 speed. I want to see what that does for it at first.
How much?
engineer
06-12-2004, 08:50 PM
okay, keep me advised.
olblue
06-13-2004, 02:43 PM
Looks like I'm going to also need some of the pivotal pieces for the carburetor (Q jet,)to operate the whole thing sort of East/West if you know what I mean. You got those too?
einstein
06-15-2004, 03:12 PM
Has my thread been hi-jacked? http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
Did you guys check out the OHC6 Forums (http://pub83.ezboard.com/bsohcsix)?
olblue
06-15-2004, 03:42 PM
Not many others responding to this post,,,
Know anything about Ramjet 350's?
And, Hey my installing a 4 Speed automatic this week ought to draw a little interest.
It's out of a Buick GNX.