Quote:
Originally Posted by fgs0347
First off, I would like to say I LOVE the concept that you're going for with the resto-mod '64. I'm preparing to do the same with my '69 LeMans. Needless to say I'll be watching this one very closely.
On that note I've got a couple of philisophocal questions for you:
1) Why did you choose to go with the crate motor instead of (for example) a used truck motor or a used LS-2.
2) I noticed that you're making provisions to use the original-era mechanical guages. Are there vendors that convert original style guages to electronic such that they would work with a newer PCM? Or is that not an option..
3) For the wheel/tire combo, have you considered (although they are pricey) the wheel vintiques steel or aluminum aftermarket wheels? They have the original look, but come in 17" and larger for better handling.
I'll probably have more as time moves on, but again, I love what you're doing!
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Thanks for the kind words friend.
1) I chose a spankin' new LS3 engine because for one thing I know where it's been, and it comes with a 24 month/24K mile warranty. A lot of salvage yards want way too much for these 6.2 liter engines. If you don't buy a Corvette version you'll still have to spend a fair amount of dough to undo all of the truck stuff that won't fit in with the swap parameters.
2) At this point I'm not sure of my gauging options, I really haven't researched that one important detail as of right now.
3) The steel wheels are just too heavy, period. My current 17X8s weigh 37# bare, with a 235/45-17 tire they weigh 56#
. I considered having a new pair of 17X9" rear steelies made to match my current set so I could continue the same look. However after looking at the cost ($209 each plus painting) and the need for new tires I was already halfway to a set a new lightweight 18X9s and tires.
I'd bet the 18" wheels I bought are far lighter than any of the Wheel Vintiques aluminum 17" wheels, plus I just don't care for the styling of them anyways.
My Tempest really needs a set of black wheels for it to look 'right' to me, I really couldn't be any happier with ones I bought. They were somewhat pricey at $358 each, I bought 5 of them. Not a bad price for a very nice-looking high-quality cast wheel that weighs only 20.8# bare, 45.8# total w/tire for each front and 47.8# for the rear.