56 pro touring build

[ratty 46]

Oh that sucked about the engine ... your right ... if the dude had any stones he'd already made contact. That part hurts the most ... can't even trust a car guy anymore!!!

Love the build so far.

Ratty 46

[hotrod1]

Did not get a return call or email from the guy I bought the engine off of. I guess that I will have to hunt him down.

Got a call from the machine shop and they said that it just needs a clean up; 1 new piston; and a cam (was going to get rid of the cam anyways.

The plans are to build it up with a Mag supercharger. It will be running about 550 to 600HP. Overkill I know. I have always wanted something with silly power though.

Decided to go with 3 piece sway bars. 1 1/4 diameter bars from No Limit. Mounted the front bar inside the structural cross member. It was not easy to find a tube that would work. Had to get it from Tubing Specialties in where Ever, California. The bushings needed a tube with 1 5/8 ID. Went with 1 7/8 OD tube so it will hold the front together. Plan to do the same for the rear.

Getting a little bit better at TIG welding. Learning this is an ART. I have so much respect for your guys that can easily put down a nice beautiful consistent bead. Not easy.

[Kabwe]

Looking good.

[nebdrummer]

absolutly love the framework! some day, ill hope to go back through mine and perfect it like you are doing. now its just go fast!!

[Fat Mike]

Looking really good! Your tig welds look really clean. Was wondering if you could take another picture of your firewall when you get a chance.

[hotrod1]

Hey Mike:

I have done everything to avoid working on the firewall. I am not too fond of sheetmetal work. I guess it will get easier in time. Nothing new on the firewall since last PIC. How about you?

[Fat Mike]

Nothing on the body, just trying to finish the frame. I am hoping to get alittle done on the fraame tomorrow. Finish the subframe and c-notch.

[Kim57]

Looking good. I like how the anti-roll bar goes through the frame.
Kim

[bajabob]

Greg
Nice work on the welding.... I need to come by and check out your project. I have been off for a bit but I will be back in action this next week... I will try to get ahold of you.
bb

[BC Toy chest]

How's it going? Waiting to see more pictures. I'm always coming back looking for more. LOL, you post a few pictures and then nothing. PLZZ stop teasing us, can't wait to see what's next.

[hotrod1]

OK, I know that it has been slow. Waiting for deals on a trans, rear end, brakes, and wheels. We need to mock all this stuff up before we move much further on the frame.

Here is more on the firewall.

Cut out the old. Held up a new sheet of 16g sheet to the outside of the firewall and traced the cut out to the sheet from the inside. Put the sheetmetal holders (butt jointer clamps from Harbor Freight) on the bottom to hold it into place. Of course the sheet does not fit perfectly so held it up with a few tack welds and then recut the firewall to the shape of the new piece. This left a gap the size of the cut off wheel. Maybe a little bigger that the other way we did it but it will work out OK. Started to do the tacks. One here, one there and then grind. Do it over again. Have not finished it yet.

[Kim57]

This stuff takes time but it will be worth it when your done. Looks good.
Kim

[hotrod1]

We are moving a little closer to being able to continue the frame work. Picked up a 2005 4L80E trans today with low miles. Most likely going to pull it apart and put in the high performance stuff. Never done it but I think it is time to give it a whirl.

Also ran into a friend that wanted rid of this metal band saw (W.F. Wells). Been using a harbor freight one before. What a difference between this REAL saw. I paid $150. I could not turn it down.

[Fat Mike]

Nice tool. Hope you have lots of projects now that you have it!! Keep up the good work and can't wait to see some more frame work.

[ratty 46]

Good pic on the trans but I'm a tool nut & that my board friend is a GREAT DEAL.

Enjoy both.

Ratty 46

[BC Toy chest]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

We are moving a little closer to being able to continue the frame work. Picked up a 2005 4L80E trans today with low miles. Most likely going to pull it apart and put in the high performance stuff. Never done it but I think it is time to give it a whirl.

I rebuild my own transmissions. It's not rocket science I'm sure you will do well. A few specialty tools but nothing to break the bank. Here is a link to these Trans experts that can help you out with parts and advice they really know their stuff imo. They have helped me and showed me stuff that many After-market trans companies rarely address. Hope you find them helpful. They have the tools and how-to DVD's http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm
Go to there Turbo 350/ 400 section if you can't find their tools they have some listed there http://www.transmissioncenter.net/35...erformance.htm

[hotrodrookie]

Nice aquirements, I've been using the red Harbor Feight band saw and its starting to crap out on me, Im sure you wont be disapointed with your Wells.

[hotrod1]

BC Toy Chest: If everything works out OK, I probably will only have to change the bands, steels, and sprag. What special tools do u recommended?

[BC Toy chest]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

BC Toy Chest: If everything works out OK, I probably will only have to change the bands, steels, and sprag. What special tools do u recommended?

Intermediate Clutch Piston Compressor , Table Mounted Spring Compressor, Clutch assembly and final drive remover/installer tool , and a pump puller. I was told the pump puller fits 700R4 / 4L60 / 4L60E / 4L80E & Turbo 350 but I am not sure you will have to ask around. 4L80E internal wiring harness removal tool, Not certain you will have to have it. Maybe bushing drivers.

[hotrod1]

Finally done with the transmission (4l80e).

Not the most fun we have had and not the simplest either.

1st of all buy the book for 20 something dollars (ebay). Study it well before you start. It was like foreign language to us. A lot of parts in a small area.

Good web sites:

http://www.performancetrucks.net/for...d.php?t=396429 Good build. This guy did a good job explaining.

https://www.wittrans.com/Schematic.a...smission=4L80E Good blow-up diagram

http://www.transmissioncenter.org/4L...Up_Diagram.htm Another good blow up diagram and a good company to get parts from as well

We rebuilt it with Alto Red clutches and Kolene steels. I ended up getting them from Idaho Transmission Wharehouse. I ordered #34661F filter for $5, SP3400GXX Master rebuild kit with alto parts and gaskets/O rings. $369. Talk to Rebecca. By the way, Alto has good phone support. Call them if you have a question about the install of their product.

Also installed Transgo HD2 lit from Summit. Transgo has a VIDEO install video. http://www.transgo.com/video.php If you have any issues they have good phone tech support.

Before doing this we scrubbed the case and wire wheeled it to get it clean. Painted it with three coats of POR 15 (great stuff).

The biggest suggestion that I have is that you take pictures of EVERY SECOND OF THE DISASSEMBLY. Important to know where everything goes, like separator washers between the components. Set up all components on the floor on cardboard in the sequence that they were removed. MORE PICTURES. You can always delete them later.

For reassembly we hung the case from the ceiling joists in the garage so the opening is facing up. Used tie down straps. Worked well. There will be times that you need to set the case down so have a good table to put it on. Hope that you feel strong because you will need it.

We will be able to tell if we did a good job when we hook it up to the motor (in about 3 years?). Keep your fingers crossed. Need it to hold 650hp. Should not be a problem.

[BC Toy chest]

Good job, knew you could do it.

[hotrod1]

This is a no limit motor mount that we notched to fit around the power steering rack. I had a hard time seeing what everybody else has done that has used this kit. So here it is.

[hotrod1]

Here is the motor mocked up. Had to get a lS2 oil pan because the LQ4 pan was too deep (by 2 1/2 inches).

Finally a rear end. Currie Ford 9" true track, 3.50 gears. Wont EVER have to worry about it being the weak link. Yea!

[hotrod1]

Brakes!!!

We compared the wilwood to baer. Baer are machined from billet and are really built. Wilwood are not bad but are not made as nice. Baer are more expensive but I can see why. The fronts look like they can stop a train.

[hotrod1]

Here they are mocked up (not permanent) just to look at fit. The picture of the front looks like the wheels are not centered. OPtical illusion and was taken from an angle.