My Little 68' Driver

[NorCam]

This is my little 68 driver. Freshened in the mid-1980's this car was local from new and has only been owned by a handful of folks since it was restored 30 years ago. Yes, this car as seen was actually built back in the mid-'80s and has only seen 4000 miles on it since that time. The rebuild included a lot of rare options such as its Tic Toc Tach, Tilt Column, Wood Wheel, Speed Minder, AM/FM, Rear Speakers & Defrost, Fold Down Seat, Console, Gauges, Head Restraints, Deluxe Interior, and more. Only NOS GM parts were used during the car's refit/freshening and it still retains 100% of its original GM sheet metal with "Zero Rust" throughout. A real solid little driver and a time capsule of sorts since it hasn't been abused or weathered since it was repainted 22 years ago.

The car itself is not a real Z/28 but is an original Rallysport car with GM Docs and a pile of great paperwork. The second owner refit the car starting in 1984 and completed the build in it's original Grotto Blue by 1986. At that time and long before anyone cared about cars being altered, he added the functional GM ducted cowl hood, spoiler, and all of its current Z/28 options. Upgrades at the time included the Z/28 badging, deck stripes, a transplanted 302, M22 4-speed, and a 3:73 geared 12 Bolt. That Z like driveline is still in the car today, and it will soon be coming out for some Day II upgrades.

I'm keeping with the interior/exterior appearance as seen below, but adding a few modern power adders. :naughty:


https://i.ibb.co/qrV2Nx8/IMG-1363.jpg (https://ibb.co/CHDSbWy)

https://i.ibb.co/fScLFrY/IMG-1356.jpg (https://ibb.co/YWrwQf7)

https://i.ibb.co/mbQp5G6/IMG-2275.jpg (https://ibb.co/bQpt5Pz)

https://i.ibb.co/Y2T8wqM/IMG-2274.jpg (https://ibb.co/4WgM35G)

[CamaroNOS]

That is ONE sweet looking ride.....well done.

Paul

[markinnaples]

That is a beauty. Can't wait to see the next changes, although it looks killer as-is.

[NorCam]

Thanks,

Nothing will change with its interior or exterior appearance Mark. The only changes coming will all be will be under the hood.

https://i.ibb.co/k9bdKdL/IMG-2279.jpg (https://ibb.co/cCfmJmW)

https://i.ibb.co/BgsVk1k/IMG-2280.jpg (https://ibb.co/NLY6R4R)

https://i.ibb.co/JtgmrVq/IMG-2281.jpg (https://ibb.co/LRHY9mr)

[Crush]

I really like it...I'm looking for a driver like that!

[m22mike]

Beautiful ride. This shot should be in the

[/quote] is "stance important" thread (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/522486/1)

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd418/DBL_NKL/My%20Cars/68%20RS%20Z28/IMG_1341.jpg

[Tarrytown SS427s]

I like everything about it. Perfect stance and options. Grotto blue like most lighter shades looks so nice when it's fresh.

[NorCam]

Here's a little video I shot on a cruise around the foothills of the Rockies just after buying the car back. Nothing too exciting from the old small block..but it still pulled ok as I rowed through the gears.

iKzE0bCFxhM

[earntaz]

Earl -- nice video ... thanks for sharing ... TAZ <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[Crush]

Deep Purple, nice! My older brother had the 8 track of machine head totally rocks! Great car and video!

[NorCam]

Been a busy winter so far with three projects on the go and a few engines being built for them.

The first one is this all forged lightweight solid roller assembly with aluminum heads that will be going into my little blue 68 car. A fully balanced, blueprinted small block with Manley internals, Lunati 254/262 solid roller cam, CNC ported aluminum heads with Crower stainless rockers, and a Victor Junior intake. That's been topped by an AED 750HO and behind the new engine is a Lakewood Bell with Hayes Gold Clutch and a fresh M22 Super case trans. Needless to say, the car's going to need some rear suspension upgrades to keep the tires planted and that will come from Comp Trac Bars and Frame Connectors that are going in soon. The first task is to run the new engine on the test stand and get the valve train broken in and lashed while checking everything for leaks. I'll then pull the old motor out, install the rear suspension upgrades, and will wire in a new MSD system within the car. Then it's time to install the new motor and get things ready for some spring test & tune sessions around the nearby mountain twisty’ s. I love springtime with a bunch of performance goodies to test out.

https://i.ibb.co/MNpTdS2/IMG-1319.jpg (https://ibb.co/HgYvZ4F)

https://i.ibb.co/jDS7CK2/IMG-1321.jpg (https://ibb.co/9W7RxXL)

https://i.ibb.co/4FzvxYq/bores.jpg (https://ibb.co/MgrwLGv)

https://i.ibb.co/jhCZNSY/IMG-4293.jpg (https://ibb.co/rkBfjVh)

https://i.ibb.co/QNxRJqB/IMG-3754.jpg (https://ibb.co/bBGZ6yh)

[NorCam]

Few updated pics of the new motor being assembled before some test runs.

https://i.ibb.co/xKkv335/degree.jpg (https://ibb.co/9mDXGGY)

https://i.ibb.co/kGscSrV/windage.jpg (https://ibb.co/VLcBqh0)

https://i.ibb.co/1KXNhZr/IMG-4506.jpg (https://ibb.co/VDCGrVg)

[vince]

very nice car and motor look awesome!

[novadude]

Flywheel is backwards. You might want to fix before it goes in the car.

Car looks great!!!

[NorCam]

That was only on there while measuring the bell housing for alignment.

I've posted some new pics too.

[dykstra]

Lookin good!!

[NorCam]

A few more pics of the flywheel, clutch, and bell installation. This should hook up nicely!

https://i.ibb.co/2dkDm4Q/IMG-4508.jpg (https://ibb.co/sqV0kYG)

https://i.ibb.co/z5MgMsf/IMG-4511.jpg (https://ibb.co/j5NYNh4)

https://i.ibb.co/RgDwd1X/IMG-4512.jpg (https://ibb.co/Twg3dZQ)

[NorCam]

Added an Edelbrock pump and an SFI balancer earlier today. Now to get the old pulleys off the 68 and get it fired on the run stand.

https://i.ibb.co/8Kv8Jb7/IMG-4513.jpg (https://ibb.co/GxYPX95)

[NorCam]

Well...I finally pulled the drive line out of the 68 last week and got around to a test run of the new solid roller motor that will now be going into the 68. Ran it in last night and will do some more tuning later today as I dial in the carb and re-lash the valves. It will be installed soon along with a new Autogear M-22.

Engine Specs:

Seasoned 010 Block 4-Bolt Main
Fully Balanced and Blueprinted Build
Decked .005, Bored & Honed .060
Moroso Blueprinted Oil Pump w/ Pickup
Milodon Deep Pan w/ Windage Screen
GM Forged 1182 Crank Std/Std
Manley SMR 4340 I-Beam Rods 3/8" ARP 2000
Manley Platinum 4.060 2618 Forged Pistons 10.5:1
Lunati 40120528 Solid Roller 254/262 @ .050 582" Lift
Lunati Roller Lifters c/w HP Oiling
Trick Flow 7.900 Pushrods
ProMaxx 200cc Aluminum Heads 64cc Chambers
Manley S/D Valves with Lunati 1.450 Springs
Crower Stainless Roller Rockers 1.500
Edelbrock Victor Jr Intake
AED Ultra 750 HO Carburetor
GM Finned Cover c/w Drippers Intact


It'll make a great little screamer for the street and should pull hard through 7500 rpm on the mountain twisty's that I like to run. Let the good times roll I say.

:3gears:

[NorCam]

Got a little tuning time in today. Changed the oil, re-lashed the valve train, set the carb up and got the timing dialed in a bit tighter. Runs great, no leaks anywhere and now I'll pull it down to get it into the car over the weekend. Might buzz it with open headers tomorrow just to hear how it sounds uncorked first. :)

[NorCam]

Big shout out for Tim Schuetz who posted some info on his engine thread a few weeks back regarding the use of the Macs Pivot Tool (http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/PiVOT-and-Adapters) for installing engines. I bought one from Summit and used it to install the new motor into the 68, and man this thing is an absolute godsend! A simple adjustment and you can spot the engine onto the mounts and level it up in seconds. Spot on so the mounting bolts drop right through and align with absolutely zero effort. I don't think I've ever had an easier time installing an engine?

Thanks Tim...:biggthumpup:

https://i.ibb.co/JHjc8xq/IMG-7661.jpg (https://ibb.co/njMw43B)

https://i.ibb.co/YdRKs9m/IMG-4849.jpg (https://ibb.co/kDHrCnj)

[NorCam]

Pulled the engine back out after test fitting the headers and sent them off to be ceramic coated. Got them back Friday and spent the better part of today tidying the engine bay with some wiring re-wraps and installed the MSD up in the glove box. Also wired a relay for a new Aeromotive fuel pump being installed tomorrow. Yesterday I got the subframe connectors installed and should have things wrapped up in a few days so it can go for a new exhaust. Getting closer to having it all finished up now.

Can someone tell me what that 2 prong jack is that's located just left of the booster and right by the ground strap? I forgot what connects to it?

https://i.ibb.co/p3w9Cw8/Shop1.jpg (https://ibb.co/4jt5BtG)

https://i.ibb.co/WtCz9km/IMG-0177.jpg (https://ibb.co/dgZp9P8)

https://i.ibb.co/N2cgWHM/IMG-4732.jpg (https://ibb.co/F4Rk8jF)

https://i.ibb.co/JQLPjNN/IMG-4902.jpg (https://ibb.co/5FDVhdd)

[cook_dw]

Reverse light switch.

[NorCam]

Thanks Darrell

[DW31S]

I always liked '68s and I like the Grotto Blue. My '69 was originally a two-tone;5350 Glacier Blue with a White painted roof. The Grotto & Glacier Blues are similar and, in my opinion, underappreciated....(kinda like '68s are in general). Anyway, you have a killer ride there Bro.! Nothing like a rockin' SBC screaming in front of a stick, with plenty of gear!

[NorCam]

After finishing up a new fuel system and a host of other mods, I had hoped to be rolling it today but hit a couple snags tonight. Mew motor and transmission are in but the Lakewood Bell/Clutch Fork has presented some clearance issues at the firewall which are going to take some figuring. Going to need to do the heater core now too as it starting leaking today after the valve cover pressed back against that 30 year old core outlet while we were installing the block. That ones a real bummer as I recall they are a PITA to change out. Anyways...here are some pictures to update the days work.


https://i.ibb.co/wMvJnP9/IMG-4944.jpg (https://ibb.co/NZ410J8)

[rszmjt]

Lakewood clutch forks are very bulky, plus wrong length bell
Housing pivot ball can position fork to far rearward in bellhousing aggravating the problem. If you use a original GM clutch fork and trim the back ribs slightly it clears the floor, I also used to leave the block plate out because it gives you extra 3/16" clearance , sometimes a 2x4 and a 90832B helps.

[L78M22Rag]

Lookin forward to seeing you and your little '68 driver out and about this summer!

[rszmjt]

3729000 is the pivot ball that usually works with that Hays pressure plate

[NorCam]

Thanks Mike. I looked at the 15501 ball that was in the bell housing and thought it looked good compared to the stock 403 housing sitting beside it, but didn't actually measure them. I installed the Lakewood 15500 Fork assuming it would fit but it does have a beefier web along the top and that's where it's striking the firewall.

No getting around the mid plate being installed now so I'll take your advice and try switching the ball and the fork to see what difference that makes. FWIW, I called High River and they have the ball in stock so I'll pull the bell later on today and work on that this weekend to see if I can gain some clearance in there.

If not it'll be a BFH moment. :mad:

Cheers

[rszmjt]

You won't get the fork out without unbolting the Bellhsg somewhat, you'll be cursing those upper allen bolts now and at future clutch service, the lower 2 are required to clear bellhousing but the uppers can be normal 9/16 head bolts, so you can use a swivel with a 16" 3/8 drive extension. You could use a adjustable ball if you want , that way you can adjust the fork forward to gain floor to fork clearance as long as you maintain some brg to finger clearance, but the 3279000 ball has allways worked before but that was with no block plate. FWIW - a 980-32B is a BFH

[NorCam]

I knew that part number = hammer. :smirk:

Trimmed the stock GM fork a touch, R&R'd the bell housing, and installed the GM ball with GM fork. Tons of clearance now no issue at all having the block plate. Just need to install a different boot and it's licked. I'll button up the engine tomorrow and start on the heater core right after that. Exhaust next week when this crappy mountain weather starts to smarten up.

An interesting note is that the GM Ball and the Lakewood Ball were identical lengths at 1.500 and the same ball width, but the GM # you gave me had a slightly broader (flat area) machined-face which really helped position and locks the GM fork much better than the Lakewood fork positioned itself. Never again would I ever try a Lakewood fork. Damn waste of time and resources. The allan bolts actually worked great except for one which was a pain and needed a shortened hand wrench to remove. I replaced that one when I reinstalled it before dinner. All good now. :)


Great clearance now but need to fit the boot better and glue it in. The stock fork made all the difference in the world. :)

[NorCam]

Plan for today is to finish buttoning up the engine, weld and modify the temporary dual exhaust and get things ready for a 200 mile shake down run to break in the engine & transmission. That'll include a couple runs on nearby mountain twisty's that have great elevation changes and were just repaved with fresh blacktop. :biggthumpup:

The new engine doesn't make a lot of vacuum with its solid roller cam, and stopping power is kind of important to me so I chose to install a VP series Vacuum pump from CSR. It's kinda bulky so the only place I could hide it was in the right front fender opening in behind the battery tray. I mounted it on an aluminum plate and installed rubber matting beneath to act as an insulator. I then secured the mounting plate between the inner fender support and the front battery tray using the factory fasteners to keep from making any new holes. I need to plumb it today and tee into the vacuum lines to help support the power brakes.

More on this when things are all buttoned up. Perhaps I can shoot some video of the shakedown run this weekend. If things go well today, that may just happen as soon as tomorrow. :)

https://i.ibb.co/fGKwSJm/CSI-Back-Shop-20170405-111413.jpg (https://ibb.co/WpdJ3CS)

[scuncio]

Is that vacuum pump made by Hella? Please let me know how loud it ends up being for you...a good friend has gone through two aftermarket vacuum pumps on his radical BBC powered car and both were insanely loud (loud enough to hear over the engine).

[NorCam]

It's mounted in an area that should suppress noise somewhat and also has rubber matting under the mounts to help quiet it a bit. I ran it when I was testing circuits a couple days ago and while it made some noise, I didn't think it wasn't loud enough to be heard over the motor?

Made by CVR Racing Products (http://www.cvrproducts.com/2014/product-category/vacuum-pumps-and-accessories/) and also private branded by them for Summit.

I'll record a video of it running once I'm all connected with the vacuum line just in case it gets any noisier when it's hooked up.

[NorCam]

It isn't dressed quite like the old motor was, but it is starting to take some shape today. Looks like I can use the cowl breather but may have to take the extension ring out? Before I button up the front of the motor and add fluids to the rad, I need to find a clip for the throttle arm and adapt it to the newer style carburetor linkage. Also need to find a horizontal coil bracket so I can lay it down in the intake valley. Right now it's just thrown over to the left as it wouldn't fit under the cowl breather.

Hopefully, I'll button it all up today and get some further tuning done before some road tests tomorrow. I'm kind of anxious to test out the new Vacuum system and see how well it works. OK...let me rephrase that;

I'm anxious to test the added horsepower and then see if it stops! :3gears:


https://i.ibb.co/M8bV7N3/IMG-4520.jpg (https://ibb.co/xmyj65R)

[SuperNovaSS]

I just read through this thread. Very cool project. Thanks for taking the time to share.


Jason

[NorCam]

Thanks Jason.

It's a really fun car to drive and one that a guy still isn't buried into. It'll pick up north of 125 more horsepower with the new motor in it and should hook pretty well with new frame connectors, slapper bars, and some new shocks on all corners. I'm curious to try out the beefed-up M22 Auto gear trans that just went in and will try and get the car tech'd this summer so I can see what kind of ET it's capable of.

Just waiting for the rad to get re-cored and back here tomorrow and I'm finishing off some little things while it's down. Tomorrow I'll install a new heater core and should have the hood back on the car by sundown. Shakedown runs are slated for Thursday, and Friday it will go in for new exhaust from front to rear. Just installed the slapper bars and some new rear shocks today. Having so much fun working on this car and that's what it's all about.

https://i.ibb.co/YdRKs9m/IMG-4849.jpg (https://ibb.co/kDHrCnj)

[novadude]

Nice build.

I wanted to echo the positive comments on the pivot plate. I used mine again last weekend, but this time it was on a friends A-body, and we were installing a complete 454 w/ TH400 attached. Macs pivot plate made it simple, and we didn't even scratch the firewall.

Spendy tool, but a great thing to have.

[scuncio]

It's mounted in an area that should suppress noise somewhat and also has rubber matting under the mounts to help quiet it a bit. I ran it when I was testing circuits a couple days ago and while it made some noise, I didn't think it wasn't loud enough to be heard over the motor?

Made by CVR Racing Products (http://www.cvrproducts.com/2014/product-category/vacuum-pumps-and-accessories/) and also private branded by them for Summit.

I'll record a video of it running once I'm all connected with the vacuum line just in case it gets any noisier when it's hooked up.

Thank you!

[NorCam]

Should have that test video for you tomorrow Tony. Just removed the heater core last night and will re-install it today when I'm finished with the front brakes. Heading out to try and get things wrapped up today. I knew that heater core was going to be a pain in the a$$, and I was right. Fixed one problem and created another but have since fixed that too. Ugggh!

Car still had it's original 67 dated core in it. Might try restoring the outlets on it someday.

[NorCam]

Long day but nearly done now and on the home stretch. Finished the brakes, did the front shocks, heater core, new rad is installed, lines are all plumbed and it's ready for some fluids now. Knocked off at 9PM tonight and going to take it out for a break-in cruise tomorrow as it's finally warmed up here this week. Forecast is for 80 degrees tomorrow. Woohoo...windows down and 112 octane is in the tank!

https://i.ibb.co/ct1GB3V/IMG-5038.jpg (https://ibb.co/Cvzkc8D)

https://i.ibb.co/d5FnnHg/IMG-5330.jpg (https://ibb.co/W2ZSSRt)

[NorCam]

One more update before breaking it in. Finished off a few more adjustments today and then got around to re-installing the interior and console. By the time I got around to test firing everything, it was 8 PM so I decided I'll put it through its shake down runs tomorrow. I need to hang the duals and install another carb spring in the AM and it's then good to go. Enjoying a cold Corona now.

[Dave Rifkin]

Man that thing sounds angry; love the car, wish I could get my L46 'Vette to sound like that.

[scuncio]

Thanks! That helps. I will let my buddy know.

Tony

Tony,

Here's a quick video of the pump installed and running. It's actually very quiet and so far I am quite impressed with it. Adjusted it today so that it maintains good vacuum with my booster.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs6yGRhV0zg&feature=youtu.be

[scuncio]

Sounds wicked! Wow.

One more update before breaking it in. Finished off a few more adjustments today and then got around to re-installing the interior and console. By the time I got around to test firing everything, it was 8 PM so I decided I'll put it through its shake down runs tomorrow. I need to hang the duals and install another carb spring in the AM and it's then good to go. Enjoying a cold Corona now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HVd2mG_QoU&feature=youtu.be

[NorCam]

After 4 weeks of work on this little coupe, I finally got it out yesterday for a couple shakedown runs to break in the new engine and transmission. Shot a little video for those who like following builds and have to say that I really enjoyed working on this one. The new alt/fan belt gave me a little grief as it was slipping on the alternator during this run but overall the first cruise was excellent as I got a couple hours of run time on it now.

Temperature held well with the new HE core added to the Harrison rad, and oil pressure was steady at nearly 60 lbs during the whole run. Car is running some temporary duals' that dump before the diff and I must say these Hooker Aero Chambers are the sweetest sounding mufflers I have ever used! This week I'll change out that alternator belt and and get the new exhaust system installed before adding some more miles. First car show is a week away and I'm definitely down for that one. Special thanks to Mike Thorpe (rszmjt) for coming over to fine tune the ignition and shifter just prior to running it yesterday. He's a master technician and and works magic with these 4 gear cars!

[Dave Rifkin]

Man that car is so sweet.

[markinnaples]

That is a really nice Camaro, and boy, you're out in the country, eh?

[NorCam]

:biggthumpup:Man that car is so sweet.

Thank you Dave. :beers:

That is a really nice Camaro, and boy, you're out in the country, eh?

Mark...I am on an acreage just 15 minutes south of Calgary that's nestled in a small equestrian community. The Rocky Mountains are about only 50 miles west of my place and the freshly paved 2 lane blacktops that I cruise are just a couple miles from my home. I start there and head west into the foothills sometimes cruising right up highway #40 and over the summit (7200') in K-Country. Little traffic, no toll fees and only 45 minutes from my place. Just gotta watch out for wildlife.

If you're ever up around here in the summer, shoot me a message and we'll maybe go for a rip.

[markinnaples]

Beautiful country.

[NorCam]

Got the car out for a new exhaust system today. A nice set of 2.5" duals' with a balance tube and some new Hooker Aero Chambers. Has a real nice growl to it and isn't deafening when cruising at 3500 rpm.

https://i.ibb.co/JFLwd53/IMG-0118.jpg (https://ibb.co/KzZpGFK)

https://i.ibb.co/fX9kKRv/IMG-5139.jpg (https://ibb.co/j8zyxKR)

Here's a video of the car idling away with the new exhaust done. Car has a great idle to it.

[DW31S]

Great car and can have some fun without worrying about too much! Nothing like a highwinding, quickrevving, SBC with a stick behind it!

[volquartsen]

One more update before breaking it in. Finished off a few more adjustments today and then got around to re-installing the interior and console. By the time I got around to test firing everything, it was 8 PM so I decided I'll put it through its shake down runs tomorrow. I need to hang the duals and install another carb spring in the AM and it's then good to go. Enjoying a cold Corona now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HVd2mG_QoU&feature=youtu.be

Sounds great!!!!

Care to share info on the cam?

Thanks

[NorCam]

Sure. Lunati 40120528 Solid Roller. Lunati has it incorrectly priced as a cast core cam on their website at $285 but it's a true Billet cam core which should be in the $385 range. I got one before they corrected the price. Great choice in cams for the street with a 3 pedal car or big converter. 582" lift and 254/262 duration at .050

Here's a great walk around video of the solid roller build idling away.

spRjsoIQLhY

[volquartsen]

Great

Thanks for the input

[NorCam]

New shoes for the 68. At least for the odd little cruise when I want radials.

https://i.ibb.co/JCrrJrH/Wheel-Torque.jpg (https://ibb.co/pn44F4d)

[Crush]

I like that look! What size are those again?

[NorCam]

Front 15 x 3.5 Rims w/ Pro Trac 560-15 tires (1.625 BS)
Rear 15 x 8.5 Rims w/ Pro Trac 275/60/15 (4-7/8 BS)

I rough fit these on the 68 last night but they will need a little help. Tires clear on the inside rear but the rim is in contact with the lower shock bolt and nut of the trac bar. I'm going to try a .250 spacer on it today or may end up relocating the shock mount as a proper fix. Front inside wheel is also contacting the caliper so a spacer will be added to see if that helps fit the wheels over 4 piston fronts?

I tried these on the 68 purely for S&G's, but in fairness I bought these for the 69 car. I'll try fitting them on the green car later since I am waiting on some vintage Hurst air shocks arriving in the next week. Once those are here an mounted up, I'll try the front and rears to see if they need help to clearance the lower shock mounts on the older Lakewood J Bars. These wheels should fit the 69 fronts with the single piston calipers.

[Jeff H]

I ran those mufflers on the 68 I had with the 94 LT1 in it and most people couldn't believe the car was EFI. It sounded very similar at idle and was really mellow while cruising.

[DW31S]

Graeme, don't buy any spacers; I have a complete set that should be just what the doctor ordered. I'm out of town until July 11.

[NorCam]

I tried a set of .250 and .375 spacers earlier today and neither are the answer. I need to drill the shock mount tab and relocate the shock about 1" inward if I want to use these wheels on the 68. No rush on anything here Dave.

Enjoy your lake time. (I'm Jealous) :smirk:

[NorCam]

On the car front...things are all finished up now and the new engine and transmission are broken in nicely. Here's a little run video I made while heading over to a car show about 50 miles from my house. Cool little backroad cruise in my area.

eAm6PTXBVis

[NorCam]

Enter 2018

A little update for the 68. Back in early 2017 I pulled the original motor out of it and put a fresh 360 solid roller motor in it for the summer. Great build that made some great power but a little too radical for long highway cruises. Being that the bulk of my cruising involves highway runs to and from neighboring towns, I've decided to go back to a hydraulic cam to put less load on the valve train.

When I pulled out the old 350 that was in the car for about 30 years, I freshened it with a balanced assembly using a forged 1182 crank, a set of pink rods, and the old TRW 11:1 slugs with new rings and bearings. The old 462 heads were treated to a little port & polish work while screw-in studs and guides were added with Comp Magnum rockers. I used a Crower 00471 Hydraulic Roller for this build and it's still lumpy enough for the folks who like bigger cams but responsive enough to get this little 4 gear cruiser moving along.

I ran the motor in this week and Mike Thorpe came over last night so we could adjust the valve train, tune the carb in a little bit, and do a few checks during its second run. Mike's now rebuilding the 4053DZ carb that used to top this 610 intake and that will be added to the motor once it's installed back into the car. No leaks or issues with this hot little small block, so the next move is to swap it back into the 68. This one should make an honest 425 horsepower while being a bit more forgiving on valve train parts with longer distance cruises.

https://i.ibb.co/WxDkXNx/IMG-4705.jpg (https://ibb.co/NV19qgV)

https://i.ibb.co/tDK2x7b/IMG-4712.jpg (https://ibb.co/qpjgWtR)

https://i.ibb.co/FzR9Hdk/IMG-4715.jpg (https://ibb.co/jDndJj9)

https://i.ibb.co/b5HYdsz/IMG-9594.jpg (https://ibb.co/5hYCcrB)

https://i.ibb.co/q1zSTF2/IMG-9590.jpg (https://ibb.co/XJ9QckG)

[big gear head]

That's a really nice car.

[NorCam]

Fathers Day progress.

Installed the freshened 355 motor back into the 68 yesterday along with the rebuilt M22 that came out of it last year. Kept the scatter shield and Hays clutch since both were new last year. I then pulled the vacuum pump out hoping this cam won't need it but that is still to be tested since this new Crower cam is pretty healthy too. I did leave the MSD 6 Digital ignition in it since most of it was hidden and I feel the new motor will benefit from a good ignition system.

My friend Mike rebuilt the DZ carb last week and I had the 610 intake tumbled so everything looks good and clean now. Added the scripted valve covers to help clear the roller rockers and a high flow water Edelbrock pump to keep things cool. Should make a great little driver once again and now it'll be capable of some long distance hauls. Tonight I'll button up the carb, plumb the coolant and it's ready to roll once again.

Now to rest my back for a day or two. :)


https://image.ibb.co/b0btqJ/IMG_0083.jpg

https://image.ibb.co/ihcDPd/IMG_0105.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0tR7VQB/IMG-0113.jpg (https://ibb.co/xHtk83m)

https://i.ibb.co/kcvHt6v/IMG-0117.jpg (https://ibb.co/gghjxFh)

https://i.ibb.co/CVwbJrR/IMG-0134.jpg (https://ibb.co/5s1rY7b)

https://i.ibb.co/sqWKWGS/IMG-0180.jpg (https://ibb.co/FzH5HMv)

[novadude]

Looks great!

[YenkoYS-199Stinger]

Very nice !!

[NorCam]

Still have some tuning to do but the new motor is in and running. No leaks, no issues and it's sounds pretty darn good for a hydraulic roller setup. Shakedown runs with more video later in the week. Rocky Mountains and all. :)

[NorCam]

Changed out carbs for one I had restored by Tom Zeeman and got the car out for some mild test runs last night. I'd say the whole engine/trans swap went very well and things are now back to the way they have been with this car for the past 33 years or so. A great little driver and sooo much fun to rip around with. Here are a few gears being pulled as I break in the Hyd Roller build in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

derg3uMqZHE

[Turbo70Camaro]

So nice great car great job.

[PxTx]

I agree! Very nice.

What muffler are you running on the car?

[NorCam]

Paul,

Those are 2.50 Hooker Aero Chambers. Great sounding and awesome performing mufflers. Quiet at cruise levels with no drone inside the car, but wake right up when you walk on it.

I bought a 55 years ago that had them and fell in love with the sound of them. Been using them on every car ever since. Summit has them at $80 regular finish or $90 aluminized. I have also bought the 3" stainless in the past.

0JvhyVydhLo

[scuncio]

Love your videos.

[NorCam]

A short little pull while shaking down the new driveline and breaking in the new motor. Nothing wild but a couple of good pulls in first and second through 5500 rpm and lifted in third as it was already pinging the speed warning. More when it's thoroughly shaken down and ready for some full-on pulls. :3gears:

fHuA-FHpyRM

[vince]

that sounded nice :3gears:

[NorCam]

A made a neat little compilation video but cannot find it now. Here's one of the last pictures I took before I sold the car...again.

https://i.ibb.co/7SHBwB8/Bridge.jpg

[vince]

Very cool �� love the b/w and the music. Sounds familiar is that from bullit? Great looking 68.

[DW31S]

Glad there wasn’t any “double clutching” or “reverse wheel hop”!!!
Awesome video of an awesome car by an awesome car owner!!!

[NorCam]

Very cool �� love the b/w and the music. Sounds familiar is that from bullit? Great looking 68.

Yes Vince. The main theme track from Bullit and the clip from the chase scene. Wish I had better video but used what I had filmed. 👍

[67ssonly]

It was great Thanks

[cook_dw]

I’ll give you credit. That was a pretty cool vid.

[dykstra]

That video was awesome!!!

[mockingbird812]

Good stuff Graeme! Love it!

[NorCam]

Good stuff Graeme! Love it!

Thanks Sam.

When I have some time I might rig the car with 4-5 cameras and set up my pro HD unit and tripod to film a handful of scenes downtown in the city at like 6AM on a Sunday. That should provide some great scenes to really have some fun with.

All I need is a sinister black 69 Chevelle to be chasing me around and stalking me throughout the streets. The industrial parks might work well too...with less chance of the popo being around.

:3gears:

[vince]

Lol for some reason that music makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Anyone who ever watched these car chase movies gotta admit you just never forget it! Thanks again waiting for the next installment :)

[mockingbird812]

Thanks Sam.

When I have some time I might rig the car with 4-5 cameras and set up my pro HD unit and tripod to film a handful of scenes downtown in the city at like 6AM on a Sunday. That should provide some great scenes to really have some fun with.

All I need is a sinister black 69 Chevelle to be chasing me around and stalking me throughout the streets. The industrial parks might work well too...with less chance of the popo being around.

:3gears:


I'm on it - uncorked of course - I'll put a couple of dog dishes on the rear steelies for dramatic ejection on hard turns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[L72Chevelle]

Any way to see all these pictures and videos that used to be posted here? Thanks

[NorCam]

Any way to see all these pictures and videos that used to be posted here? Thanks

I moved all the picture folders around a couple of years ago not realizing it would break all the links. Give me a couple of hours and I will try and repopulate what I can for this thread.

OK...I replaced many of the broken links with links to a rebuilt folder and uploaded the video that I could find. Not perfect but helps to have fixed up this thread.

[Vortecpro]

Few updated pics of the new motor being assembled before some test runs.

https://i.ibb.co/xKkv335/degree.jpg (https://ibb.co/9mDXGGY)

https://i.ibb.co/kGscSrV/windage.jpg (https://ibb.co/VLcBqh0)

https://i.ibb.co/1KXNhZr/IMG-4506.jpg (https://ibb.co/VDCGrVg)

You got some weird things going on with that oil pump pickup. I like your choice of oil pan gaskets.....the only one I will use.

[NorCam]

Those pictures were taken while it was being assembled but do not show the changes that were made after the fact. What was seen and taken in that shot was a stock Moroso 24350 deep pickup that was purchased with a Moroso 22111 pump and was planned for use with a Moroso deep pan. We didn't like that Moroso pickup or the pan so it was changed for a Milodon kick out Pan and Milodon deep pickup that I had kept aside for another build. We then changed out the pickup and the pan for the Milodon parts and it was all clay modeled and clearance fit to the new pan after this picture was taken. I kept the Moroso 22111 HV pump and which was previously disassembled and blueprinted before being mocked up.

Here are a couple of pictures of the Moroso pump taken apart for blueprinting and prior to installation. Also shown below are a couple of pictures of the Milodon pan used after the fact. I still have this motor and it is now going into my current 69 Z build (https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=164370).

https://i.ibb.co/5vBQ54K/Oil3.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QkcvLDD/Oil1.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/TkGnHc4/IMG-4452.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QDy0s7V/IMG-4528.jpg

[Vortecpro]

Excellent.......I feel much better! How was the 302 power in high altitude?

[NorCam]

Figured it was time to revive this thread since the car is back in my garage again. I had first right of refusal when I sold this little 68 back in 2018, and just bought it back yesterday. Such a cool little car that I could not pass up this opportunity to own it, and drive it again. For the record...this is the third time I have owned this car.

In 2018, it was sold with a freshly rebuilt drive train, and the friend I sold it to had only put 275 miles on it over the past 5 years. It's as nice now as it ever was, and makes for such a fun little driver car. Frank appeared a little apprehensive selling it back yesterday, so we joked with him wiping a tear while his wife grabbed this shot of us. One happy...one sad. (LOL)

https://i.ibb.co/tJ2XdnP/IMG-5984.jpg

[BJCHEV396]

Congrats Graeme. Gonna drive it as is or do you have plans?

[NorCam]

As Shaq says;

Just fill and chill.:worship:

[Bill Pritchard]

Third time's a charm????

[NorCam]

Hoping that's the plan for me this time around Bill.

It really is such a cool car that I just had to latch onto it again.

[Dave Rifkin]

Congratulations. I almost purchased my 1968 SS/RS for a third time but, like a dope, I passed. Now it's in Australia so I think that option is off the table for me.

[NorCam]

Congratulations. I almost purchased my 1968 SS/RS for a third time but, like a dope, I passed. Now it's in Australia so I think that option is off the table for me.

Sorry to hear that Dave. Once the cars go overseas, they seldom ever make it back right?

This car has always stayed local to Alberta, Canada. Sold new at GSL Chevrolet in Calgary and then restored by Chris Guta in the mid eighties. Since then, it's been owned by (5) local collectors and (1) NHL player. Two of us have have been lucky enough to own it a couple times, with me being the first to hit a third stint. :worship:

Going to take it out for a good deserving cruise today and row some gears. :3gears:

[RPOLS3]

You and Tim have a thing for light blue 68's that keep coming back to your garage.....:burnout:

[NorCam]

You and Tim have a thing for light blue 68's that keep coming back to your garage.....:burnout:

I know right. I saw Tim got the Harry Man car back and was instantly jealous of him. Then the opportunity presented itself for me to grab this one back and I wasted no time.

To me, these two colors look so good on 68's. :headbang:

[dykstra]

Congrats!!!!

[HuggerSS]

I always loved that car! Congratulations

[DW31S]

I always liked that car…I remember a picture of it on the bridge. Screamer small block stick…doesn’t get much better!

[NorCam]

Here you go David. One of my favorite shots! :beers:

https://i.ibb.co/4MGj5xj/Bridge.jpg

[NorCam]

Here's one other picture I took that same day I shot the car on the bridge.

https://i.ibb.co/nRkKxrn/68-Stance.jpg