[Gator67]

The aluminum RAIV 535 is almost ready to fire up.

[Gator67]

My 535 is alive! Sounds amazingly docile at idle, but it absolutely rips with the lightened crank. Still not sure which intake I'm going to end up using. We have a Shootout on it now but if there's room under the hood, I may go with a shortened Victor, which I'm told will get it close to 700hp 700tq. I'll probably take it home this weekend and get the bell housing dialed in. RobbMc was out of alignment dowels but I got lucky and found some at Silversport. Unfortunately, they were marked up 100%! At least I have them and can move forward. In preparation for this, I cut-off the bottom lip of the bell housing. I hated to do it, but I think I would hate getting hung up on it even worse!

[R 70 Judge]

Originally Posted by Gator67

My 535 is alive! Sounds amazingly docile at idle, but it absolutely rips with the lightened crank. Still not sure which intake I'm going to end up using. We have a Shootout on it now but if there's room under the hood, I may go with a shortened Victor, which I'm told will get it close to 700hp 700tq. I'll probably take it home this weekend and get the bell housing dialed in. RobbMc was out of alignment dowels but I got lucky and found some at Silversport. Unfortunately, they were marked up 100%! At least I have them and can move forward. In preparation for this, I cut-off the bottom lip of the bell housing. I hated to do it, but I think I would hate getting hung up on it even worse!

Congrats!!

Instead of a shortened Victor you may want to try a KRE Northwind. It is 1.2" shorter than a standard Victor and is supposed to perform about the same. Only issue is they are currently back-ordered. I ordered one for my TA Late Decmeber with highport port match and plenum work and was told it would be 4-6 weeks (its been two so far).

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by Gator67

My 535 is alive! Sounds amazingly docile at idle, but it absolutely rips with the lightened crank. Still not sure which intake I'm going to end up using. We have a Shootout on it now but if there's room under the hood, I may go with a shortened Victor, which I'm told will get it close to 700hp 700tq. I'll probably take it home this weekend and get the bell housing dialed in. RobbMc was out of alignment dowels but I got lucky and found some at Silversport. Unfortunately, they were marked up 100%! At least I have them and can move forward. In preparation for this, I cut-off the bottom lip of the bell housing. I hated to do it, but I think I would hate getting hung up on it even worse!

I doctor the bellhousings too, way better than having it hang up on a dip or speedbump at speed, ask me how I know!

I've done lakewoods last 2 times, wish I would have got a QT this time around. I also doctor the pass side starter bubble, makes filter changes much easier. Also do a slight 'U' cutout at the very bottom to allow for air gap adjustment/checking.

Sorry been out for a while guys, I got COV with pneumonia, literally almost died, just came home for homecare yesterday. God intervened, and the tons of prayers are why I'm writing this now. Still a solid 2-5week recovery period for me, but I'm alive!

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[Gator67]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

Sorry been out for a while guys, I got COV with pneumonia, literally almost died, just came home for homecare yesterday. God intervened, and the tons of prayers are why I'm writing this now. Still a solid 2-5week recovery period for me, but I'm alive!

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Sorry to hear about the illness. Sounds awful, scary...happy to hear you're on the path to recovery.

I'll consider those additional modifications to the BH. Frank recommended a remote oil filter so I don't have to worry about the passenger side starter bubble. Not sure where I'm going to mount it yet.



Not sure if mentioned this before, but the plan is to run factory style accessory brackets. I got these a while back, I think they're from a '71. Just have to figure out where everything goes, and what to do with the new style A/C compressor.



In the background is my son's 79 Y84 no t-top project.

[HWYSTR455]

The System 1 stuff is top-notch, though does require somewhat frequent servicing. The biggest issue I've had with remote setups is plumbing. For example, depending on headers, how you install fittings at block, etc, you may be limited on the routing, flow, and can end up adding heat to the oil. Just throwing that out there.

Compressor brackets for the Sanden compressors. Use the Vintage Air one if you are planning on using OE brackets and pulleys for ALT/PS/etc.

https://www.vintageair.com/brackets/?subcat1=Pontiac

Personally, my opinion is the OE setups are a waste of time anymore, just go straight to a serp setup. No slip, no alignment issues, reliability, easy routing, options on PS pumps etc, high RPM capable, and just so much less worry.

The best? Billet Specialties. But you pay for the best. It's worth it though.

The March Ultra now has a tensioner, and is pretty good, but it's still a notch or so down from the Billet Specialties.

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