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A few more shots of the rear set up. A cross brace was built in for extra strength as well.

[stobin]

So at the same time I was in the process of reworking the frame, I started to plan out the rest of the improvements I would like to make. I had installed a TKO 5-speed in the GA in 2008 which transformed the car. I decided that I would sell the 5-speed in order to afford a new Tremec T-56 six speed box. The majority of the upgrades I make to this car can only be performed by selling the parts I have in order to make it realistic to spend the money on the new components. I was able to sell the TKO for a very good price. The other way to afford these items is to work extra shifts. I am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to work extra shifts if needed. I work 12 hour shifts as a Registered Nurse, so when I need extra cash, I pick up extra shifts. The insurance settlement did help with the upgrades as well, but not as much as I decided I wanted to improve the car. The transmission crossmember needed to be remade. This one is much beefier than the one it replaces, especially after realizing the old one did have some flex in it. So as with the other frame upgrades, this piece is very overbuilt.

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[andrewb70]

Shaun,

The frame and all the rest is looking amazing!

Andrew

[stobin]

Thank you sir.

[HWYSTR455]

VERY NICE! Nothing short of amazing, truly.

I was hoping to figure out some type of air box as well, did some initial homework, and found it difficult to get specific information on the boxes (dimensions, flow, etc). May end up just doing a traditional throttle body and air cleaner assembly, will have to see once I get to that point. (wanted to do drive by wire)

My workspace/garage is like 7' x 18', so my projects tend to be slightly limited! Could only dream of a nice workspace/garage!

.

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After all the fabrication work was complete, I had the frame and related items powder coated in a gunmetal grey. I had the frame delivered to my house so I could start the reassembly process.

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[stobin]

So some changes were made up front on the suspension and brakes. I decided to upgrade to larger Wilwood brakes front and rear. I contacted Ron Sutton to use his services for a suspension and brake upgrade. Ron is a fantastic person to work with, and I highly recommend his services to anyone not wanting to make mistakes and waste money. He works with Speedtech Performance and he recommended their new Extreme ATS 2.0 spindle so that I could run a Corvette brake package, but this required a new set of Speedtech upper control arms. Speedtech said the uppers were needed to have correct geometry with their spindle. As for the brakes, I am converting the car to manual brakes. No more hydroboost. I did a ton of research on the idea and realized you need to be very careful not to mix and match parts. It's too easy to get it wrong and wind up with poor brake performance. That's why I went to Ron Sutton. He has his own formula's to work out every detail, and then shows you exactly what you need. Caliper piston volume, pedal ratio, master cylinder bore size....it all has to work together. The spindles came with matching billet steering arms. They are for 2nd generation F-Bodies. The '73-'77 cars share the same suspension.

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Front brakes are Corvette C-6, six piston Aerolite calipers, with 14.25" Spec 37 rotors. Spindles incorporate the Corvette ZR1 hubs.

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The rears also are the Wilwood Aerolite four piston calipers, with 13" Spec 37 rotors. I'm sticking with the 10 bolt. It has forged axles, an Eaton posi and 3.73's.

[HWYSTR455]

So just did a set of those spindles on the 442, but used GW uppers and lowers. The geometry changed from the original version of the spindles? May have to figure out if I need to go over to the SpeedTech uppers.

Need to upgrade the rotors and calipers on the LeMans project, will be looking at the same setup here shortly. May have to give Ron a call, thanks for the insight!

.

[stobin]

I'm posting this a little out of the order of the build. Since I have switched over to a Magnum T-56, I decided to upgrade the clutch assembly on the LS7 from a McLeod single disc, to a McLeod twin disc unit. I worked with them locally since they are not far from where I live. We decided on the RST dual disc set up. The price point was better, and since the motor will make somewhere in the 600 HP range, they felt the RXT would be overkill. The single disc pedal effort was heavy, even though I have a hydraulic T/O bearing. The twin disc set up will be much more street friendly.

[stobin]

After completing the tunnel fabrications needed to fit the T-56, I went ahead and sprayed the entire undercarriage with a bedliner coating. Everything came out beautiful, and it has a slight sheen to it. The flash on the camera actually makes it appear to have more of a shine to it.

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I reassembled the chassis/suspension and brakes in my garage after having the frame delivered from the powdercoater. Here are some pictures.

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[mrrat1]

man thats gonna be sick as he!!

[stobin]

So after reassembly of all the brakes, suspension, fuel lines and steering gear, I loaded it up and brought the rolling chassis back to the shop for the installation of the body and drivetrain. I went ahead and installed the motor and trans in the chassis, got the headers installed so I wouldn't have to struggle with it when the body is on. I decided not to do this in my garage again as I did before. It takes too much effort to get all my friends/family over on the same day. The Cambra crew and I could handle it.

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