C4 + LS1 + T-56 = Good times! by subtlez28

6 minute(s) of a 26 minute read

I had an impressively engineered and fabricated car drop by. Jim Nilson's "Cormaro". This is a 67 Camaro with complete 85 front and rear Z-51 Corvette suspension installed (along with a custom subframe, firewall and floor). He even kept the Corvette engine set-back. This car was completely fabricated in his home garage!! He stopped by, I drooled over his car, and he gave me some pointers on my project.

I also took some measurements on engine placement. I was wondering how offset the original SBC was offset to the passenger side. My factory engine mounts were cut off by the previous swapper. Looks like ~2" offset to passenger. Crank centerline was 15 1/4" from the frame driver, and 13 1/4" to passenger frame as measured along the cross bar in front of the engine (the pic is taken from an angle).

Any one have differing info?

Also, not sure if I mentioned, but I picked up a D44. So lately I dropped out the 3.73 geared D36 (for sale). Now the vette sits on stands entirely w/out a driveline...

I'll get picks of the new driveline on the floor next time I get garage time.

Oh, and my Melrose headers are in the mail. I cannot wait to get those! 

4/14/2010

I received some more goodies in the mail over the last couple days.

My Melrose LS1/C4 swap headers came in. I am impressed. Build quality and hardware are top notch! I ordered mine uncoated. I want to go flat black with them. I intend to use header paint. If that fails, I can always get them coated later.

I also received my C5 front brake brackets. I got them from a forum member. Again, build quality and hardware were impressive. I mounted them on some 85 spindles I picked up (because 84s have smaller/weaker mounting bolts). Although I do not yet have my new rotors or hub/bearings so a full mach-up will have to wait.

Spindles came shockingly clean, and cleverly bolted together for shipping.

Also, since I have the D36 (and entire rear suspension) out... I have been drooling over Banski Motorsports' C4 rear suspension parts.

http://www.banskimotorsports.com/C4_...spensioin.html

What can I say... I have a soft spot for quality USA made parts! 

7/12/2010

Thanks! Sorry for the late response. 

I recently sold my (subtle) Z28. So the rush is on to finish this build. I have done a bunch of work. When I get a little free time I will update my progress w some pics.

Here is a teaser:

I have the entire rear suspension out (actually the entire drive-line) along with the rear facia, bumper support and gas tank. The New (to me ) D44 was checked out at the shop. Banski rear suspension is in the mail.

I have finally started the re-assembly process by installing the new Classic Tube fuel line.

The rush is on. I hope to race the car at 2 events in September. 

7/28/2010

Well, I have been working on it some lately. I haven't had as much time as I'd like for photos and posting, but here is an update:

The Good news:

I have finally started reassembling things!

I have the new Classic Tube fuel line in (which required the whole rear of the car off give or take).

I took off the rear facia (nightmare). Lots of hard to reach bolts and sweat and blood involved...

And dropped the rear bumper/gas tank assembly:

More on the gas tank in the bad news section...

I have had some help in the garage today in form of my 7 year old son Patrick!

So I was able to get all rear suspension back in. I replace all the consumables: new SKF hub/bearings, ARP wheel studs, Spicer U-joints. I picked up the whole rear kit from Banksi: rod ended camber rods, toe kit, and trailing arms.

I deleted the dust shields on the rear brakes, and I think I'll leave the rear wheel wells off.

Bad news:

When I dropped the tank I found the sending unit rusted to the tank. Two of the bolts snapped off. The sending unit was *******ized like the fuel line (pump replaced w hose). If you remember from early posts they also cut up the factory hardline to put an external pump under the rear axle...??? I have no idea why when the car has an internal pump. I intend to replace it with a nice Racetronics kit.

I do have a new sending unit from Corvette recycling. I just have to clean up the fuel tank 1st. Oh, and did I mention my local radiator/gas tank place stopped boiling tanks two months ago?!