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Might as well let the cat out of the bag...

For some time I had been deliberating on what to do with the drivetrain in my 72' Chevelle. I am unhappy with the current set up, and had begun to remove it. At first I wanted to build a 468 BBC with TFS heads, a hyd roller cam, etc. And stick a TK600 5 speed behind it. Then I saw what that cost, plus thought about what a gas guzzler it would be. (I'm spolied, my 2001 Camaro SS gets 21-22 city and 27-28 highway)

So next, I felt I had 100% decided on a 2003-2007 GM truck LQ4 6.0 liter engine. Custom ground cam, ported heads, and a home built turbo set up with a 74mm turbo. But something tugged at me the entire time... it just didn't feel right to replace the big block with such an engine - even though it would make great power for less money. Part of me was really struggling with my descision.

I found myself online one night recently reading about the FAST and Factory Stock series of racing. I went to bed that night, barely able to sleep because the wheels were turning. Over the next few days, I began to look around my garage and dig through my father's garage. The 454 block I had was the correct casting #, and close enough in date code. My father has a set of exhaust manifolds, you guessed it... the correct casting # as well. He also had a set of new in the box Pypes 2.5" mandrel bent lead pipes to go with the manifolds. So my search began to procure the rest of the parts. Right then and there I decided to build a car that would be legal for the factory stock class. I will end up with a very correct/restored car that runs much better than "off the showroom floor." Last weekend I snagged the correct intake manifold, and a set of factory valver covers & timing cover. Today I was able to purchase the correct air cleaner assembly. A friend of my fathers has a 72' date coded points distributor he has decided to donate to me when he comes to visit in a few weeks for Thanksgiving. The rest of the combination will be to keep the 4 speed and clutch setup I currently have. I am going to trade 12 bolt rears with my father. He has a 2.73 open rear in his car, I have a 3.55 posi rear in mine. Then add a new Eaton posi and 4.10 gears to the rear I get from my father. I will also add new bearings at that time and look for some way to lighten up some parts without sacrificing strength.

I have a line on a set of cylinder heads, and a couple of carburetors. I expect to have them in my posession by this weekend. Everything is really comming together, I couldn't be happier at the moment.

I know, you are reading this and thinking - wait, what? Yes, this is a HUGE devation from what I originally intended. It will not make as much horsepower, or run as fast at the dragstrip. But, it has a certain cool factor for me. And I love it!

You can find out more about this form of racing here: http://www.fastraces.org/ And here: http://www.purestockdrags.com/index.php?option=com_content&view...

And you can watch virtually hundreds of races from previous events on this youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PureStockDrags

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Comment by Brian Parmenter on Saturday: Thanks Thomas, the main thing kicking my butt was/is other projects. My father has a 67' C10 truck with an LS1/4L60E. We've been working on it since 2007, I made a promise that it would be finished this year. He will be 63 in July, and I want him to have a finished vehicle that he can enjoy. He isn't getting any younger. : (

Also, I purchased my folks 72' Monte Carlo. I have been working on that to get it back up to par. I just listed it for sale recently. I'd love to keep it, but three vehicles is too much for just me.

Comment by thomas petersen on Saturday: Glad to see your project back on track. It's hard sometimes Life can really get in the way. Keep up the good work.

Comment by Brian Parmenter on Saturday: And just to update, I got my carburetor back a few months ago... it is a work of art. I have also reinstalled the PS pump and brackets. The front suspension is completely back together. I was able to put together a complete set of deluxe seat belts and install them in the car. I haven't been working on it as much as I would like, but things are still getting done.

Comment by Brian Parmenter on Saturday: Fear not, this project is not dead. In fact, I expect to hear it run no later than the end of June. Lots of assembly work, plus cleaning and painting many parts. I need to rebuilt the alternator and get a new clutch for the engine fan. Other than that, the complete accessory drive is ready to go back on the car. Not much left to buy, I am only short an exhaust system - as far as major parts. (I currently have manifolds, lead pipes, mufflers, tips - Need tail pipes and intermediate pipes.)

Comment by Brian Parmenter on February 13, 2013 at 11:06am: Hoping to get back to work on it soon. Gathering a few parts here and there. Found & purchased the correct engine fan and a mint LH bullet mirror. (my original was trashed, didn't want an aftermarket/repop)

Comment by Brian Parmenter on October 6, 2012 at 7:25pm: Engine has been installed a few weeks back with the help from fellow member Scott Dewar. (Thanks Scott!) Have not done much since, just got it back on four wheels so I could roll it out of the way.

The car is on hold at the moment, I am feverishly working on my 72' Monte Carlo. I am going over every inch of it to get it ready to sell. (The Turkey Rod Run is only 7 weeks away)

Not sure when I'll get back to work on it, stay tuned...

Comment by Brian Parmenter on September 3, 2012 at 4:12pm: Front frame is painted, going to let it cure for a few days. Then, reassemble everything and get the engine/transmission back in.

Comment by Brian Parmenter on August 22, 2012 at 3:01pm: Slide show updated. Installed the lifters, pushrods, rocker arms and intake manifold today. I adjusted the valves while I was at it. I'll finish up the frame once the monsoon rain storms pass.

Comment by Brian Parmenter on August 14, 2012 at 2:13pm: Ok, slide show is updated. It was long over due. Front frame is almost ready for paint. I managed to prep, mask, and primer the top and sides today. I still need to clean and sand the bottom of the frame rails a little more. I'm sure I'll end up eating lots of dirt while doing that job. Pushrods are en route, should be running the valves this weekend.

Comment by Brian Parmenter on July 16, 2012 at 7:53pm: Not much new to tell... my water pump returned tonight, and I placed two orders for parts yesterday afternoon. Work and weather is yet again hampering my progress. The month of July is more than half way over, and I am starting to lose hope that the front suspension will be back together by the end of the month.