Chevy V8 in a first gem
03-05-06, 01:14 AM
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Chevy V8 in a first gem
This may not be megasquirt related but have recieved a lot of help from members here. I am moving forward with the LT1 V8 conversion in my first gen 7. I have the conversion kit ordered and prepped the V8. Degreased everything,compression test and rear main seal replaced. The V8 is absolutelt huge but once the engine bay is all cleaned up theres actually quite a bit of room in there. Currently have a 270HP version of the LT1 and a auto tranny. Im looking for a T5 to keep it a 5 speed. Everything will fit under the hood and the front end of the car will weigh 125 lbs more. If I find a good T5 that will reduce weight by 50 lbs,also alluminum heads shed another 50. If anyone likes the idea just let me know as I plan to take step by step pics,Shawn
03-07-06, 09:00 AM
#2
Keep Both hands On The Wheel!
I have a 302/5.0 Ford in my 84 GSL. with stock rear end, been driving it for almost 4 years, daily driver on nice days. It is not exactly ideal for driving in the rain! The aluminum heads are a good idea, as that saves the weight where it matters - up front. I also used an aluminum rdiator and water pump. The tranny weight is so far back it won't be as noticeable.
With the stock 3.9 rear end, you will definitely want something with overdrive. I considered a manual tranny, but my friend who has a lot of experience with street rods said "go with the automatic - you will need both hands on the steering wheel!"
In retrospect, this was very good advice. This is such a light car, and will have so much torque that the "fun" of rowing up through the gears is just not the same as with high revving small motor. On the freeway, I can accelerate from 40 to 70 in a heartbeat without even shifting out of overdrive. I really think you would tire of the manual after a while.
Whatever you do, don't listen to people who have never done this. You will find an amazing amount of advice on this forum from people who have never built anything. Ask CrashTestJoey what he thinks about the tranny issue.
www.cardoman.com/ride/646433
With the stock 3.9 rear end, you will definitely want something with overdrive. I considered a manual tranny, but my friend who has a lot of experience with street rods said "go with the automatic - you will need both hands on the steering wheel!"
In retrospect, this was very good advice. This is such a light car, and will have so much torque that the "fun" of rowing up through the gears is just not the same as with high revving small motor. On the freeway, I can accelerate from 40 to 70 in a heartbeat without even shifting out of overdrive. I really think you would tire of the manual after a while.
Whatever you do, don't listen to people who have never done this. You will find an amazing amount of advice on this forum from people who have never built anything. Ask CrashTestJoey what he thinks about the tranny issue.
www.cardoman.com/ride/646433
Last edited by stilettoman; 03-07-06 at 09:03 AM.
03-07-06, 10:20 PM
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Thanks for the advice. I agree many people with no V8 experience are quick to shoot the idea down. So far every person Ive spoke too who has a V8 powered 7 was happy they changed over. I was a die hard rotor nut until I rebuilt my 5th rotary and then had more issues. I just want decent torque and reliability. I had already decided to stick with the auto tranny as I already have it and have no time to source a t5. Also with 270 hp and 330lbs of torque even a auto can be fast! Im heading to FL on friday the 10th when I return Im starting the swap.
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