Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build

[derotoreut]

Very excited about this delivery. Brand new GM Performance LS3 6.2L with Hot Cam and 4L70E transmission. 480 HP / 475 ft-lb torque. Gonna be fun!!!

[swamp rat]

Thanks for the update! was wondering about this build.

[whitels1]

Awesome man, can't wait to see more!

[GR8-68]

This is going to be one sweet ride

[derotoreut]

Decided to do some engine test fitting on the Scott's chassis. Bolted up the 4L70E to the LS3 to put it on the chassis. The LS motor mounts from Scott's are pretty slick. The only problem was the LS oil pan interfered with the cross member. Going to use a Holley oil pan.

[Dustmaker65]

I really like that chassis! Can't wait to see it going together!

[trkfrk]

Coming along nice! That LS3 looks great in your chassis.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

Coming along nice! That LS3 looks great in your chassis.

Thanks Mark. Your build has been a big inspiration for me. Thanks for putting it together.

[derotoreut]

So I bought the Holley 302-1 oil pan for LS retrofit applications. It is a really nice pan. The only problem was I found some porosity in the casting around the oil filter area. I contacted Holley and sent them some pictures. They thought it would be fine to use, but wanted to be safe and have me return it anyway. I decided not to take the chance and return it for another one.

[boynton]

good eye and good call on the oil pan. it looks like it was a bad pour. you never know where else it is weak/compromised. looking great otherwise.

[Bennett68C10]

Really nice looking project Dan! Love the new frame and drivetrain

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by boynton

good eye and good call on the oil pan. it looks like it was a bad pour. you never know where else it is weak/compromised. looking great otherwise.

Thanks. I agree on the bad pour. Thanks for the complement.

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

Really nice looking project Dan! Love the new frame and drivetrain

Thanks Keith.

[derotoreut]

I received the new Holley 302-1 oil pan to replace the one that had porosity around the oil filter area. This one looks much better. Did the install, which was pretty easy and straightforward. Good thing for the engine stand.






I thought there might be some modifications required to the windage tray, but there weren't any needed.



The install went pretty good.



Test fit on the chassis will be coming up soon.

[derotoreut]

With the new Holley 302-1 oil pan installed, I wanted to do a test fit with my LS3 and 4L70E.

Here is the LS3 with the new Holley pan installed. Pay no attention to that orange thing of mine in the background.



The Scott's LS motor mounts were installed on the block.



Chassis is ready for test fitting.



Engine and transmission fit on the chassis like a glove!

[derotoreut]

Here are some close up pictures of the Scott's custom LS motor mounts installed on the engine and in the chassis.





No clearance problem now with the chassis crossmember.

[boynton]

looking great. I know you have a long road ahead but the small victories are always nice along the way. Also I couldn't ignore the orange thing in the background. it's too nice.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by boynton

looking great. I know you have a long road ahead but the small victories are always nice along the way. Also I couldn't ignore the orange thing in the background. it's too nice.

Yes, there's definitely a long road ahead. Hopefully I can stay positive with the build. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

[derotoreut]

Well I ran into another snag with my oil pan. I decided to install the rack and pinion to be sure there was enough clearance. And guess what? The oil pan hit on the rack. Time to back pedal a bit.

[swamp rat]

Humm, did Scott's recommend that particular rack and pinion?

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Humm, did Scott's recommend that particular rack and pinion?

Mike, Scott's did recommend that particular rack and pinion. That's what shipped with my chassis. I'm now finding out that they used a factory Corvette oil pan on their LS3 build. Apparently the Corvette pan is more shallow at the front end. Here is a picture from Scott's Hot Rod of the oil pan they used. One step forward then one backward. Oh well.

[derotoreut]

Since the Holley 302-1 oil pan hits on my rack and pinion I'm going to swap it out for the 302-2 pan. The 302-2 oil pan was designed mainly for LS swaps in Gen-1 F & X-body cars like Camaro, Firebird and Nova. They say its also used on other car and truck LS swaps. Hoping it should work OK

[derotoreut]

I went ahead and did the swap to the Holley 302-2 oil pan. I am very pleased in how it turned out.

Here is the engine with the oil pan removed and full windage tray still installed.



Removed the windage tray.



I had to either modify the existing windage tray or purchase the GM one. I decided to buy the GM tray already modified.



Once the new pan was installed I had plenty of room between the rack and pinion and the oil pan.



You can see there is plenty of clearance between the 302-2 oil pan and the cross member as well as the rack and pinion.

[Bennett68C10]

Any updates, how is the build going?

[meenaggie]

Good to see someone posting what actually happens on these type of custom builds … parts rarely just bolt on and the lack of instructions with many of these custom setups leaves the end user to figure things out on their own. Nice build and keep up the persistence!

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by Bennett68C10

Any updates, how is the build going?

Hey Keith, I'll get some updates on here soon. I've been busy with work and family. I haven't given up on the build. I'll keep you posted.