Hisalone Posted August 11, 2016 Share Posted August 11, 2016 Hey all. I've been researching plans to engine swap my 71 for a while now. Initially, I was considering a big inch big block, however, I've always wanted to have a twin turbo first gen. So with patience and critical thought, I've decided I should forgo the original plan and just do what really want with my vehicle. My plan is to build a big bock 454 twin turbo engine. It'll start with a forged short block and build up from there. I have not decided on the actual turbo setup yet, but I have some ideas. It'll be a low boost build and keep it right around a mild 800hp, relatively speaking. There will obviously be stages to this build. First off, I'm thinking of a simple blow through setup. There's a few places that offer good carb setups for what I'm doing. Maybe down the road, I'll make the switch to EFI. In time, I may even increase the boost for more power as things progress. I know this is impractical and will cost more money, but I also know I won't be satisfied at the end of the day, otherwise. One thing I like is to be unique. However, one of the foremost concerns is driveability. I enjoy driving the vehicle, therefore, many decisions and components will be considered to keep its main purpose intact. That being said, I may just go EFI to begin with, but I've heard good things about what they are doing with blow through carbs lately. I'm not planning on blowing the budget and spending tens of thousands of dollars on this, but I will also not skim on the most important parts. As things move along, I'll update this thread accordingly. So, any thoughts? Perhaps, where should I start with a short block? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 I say go for it! And why stop at 800...make it a cool 1000! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 If it were me I'd start with a good aluminum block or aftermarket iron block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted September 7, 2016 Author Share Posted September 7, 2016 First step in the build will soon commence. I decided to spring for the EFI first since it is easily the best option nowadays for running turbo applications. I went with the Fitech 1200hp EFI after much research, deliberation, and reviews. I'll be adding a surge tank to feed the fuel pumps for the conversion. Once I get the EFI up and running, it will be time to add the turbo setup which I have not finalized yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Awesome!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigscaht Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 that's gonna be a fun ride Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WOES Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 Sweet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo's70MCs Posted October 11, 2016 Share Posted October 11, 2016 Can't wait to see that bad boy. You know how we are.. pics and more pics. Good luck with the venture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtgz71 Posted November 17, 2016 Share Posted November 17, 2016 I am involved with a similar project right now, although a little more ambitious. 540, twin s475 BW turbos, probably a Lenco and a FAB9. What I have learned is the same as you...while the blow thru carbs have come a long way, there is very little room for a tuning mistake, so while EFI is more expensive to start, the first (inevitable) mistake with a carb will make up for it in parts. Also, your goal of 800hp will probably require you to detune it quite a bit. You double your power at app 15psi of boost, so if you make 600hp N/A you can figure 1000-1100 at 15 psi. 600hp these days is easy. Best thing you can do is start with a good aftermarket block and quality forged rotating assembly. The best part of this is it's pretty easy on motor at these lower levels....Good luck !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted July 2, 2017 Author Share Posted July 2, 2017 Figured I should update this since I haven't and there's been some progress. I decided to convert to EFI using fitech . Fitech EFI is performing properly as things get settled in. I switched out my ignition for better timing control under boost. In place of the HE I, I modified a TBI distributor, added an MSD coil and programmable 6al. Since I needed to add a CDI box anyway because of boost, it wasn't that much more expensive for the programmable box which does a better job controlling timing than the Fitech. Anyway, installed that and got it all dialed in to where I want it. On to the fun stuff. I started mocking up the twin turbo setup. It's a cxracing hot side kit built for first gen big block chevelles. Needless to say, some fabrication required. New valve covers were ordered since my fabricated set doesn't clear. A few other minor clearance issues that are easily manageable. However, the major issue will be the steering shaft. It looks like I'll have to reroute using ujoints and new shaft sections. Besides that, charge pipes need to be fabricated, and turbo oil lines need to be ran, and it's pretty much ready to fire up. Anyway, here's what's been happening the past week. Enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorDog72 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Very cool build! You have made quite a bit of progress. Looks like it will be a monster when it's done. What size turbos are those? Are you planning to run pump gas or methanol? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted July 3, 2017 Author Share Posted July 3, 2017 Thanks for the response. I'm actually going to run e85. I built the fuel system up for it and turbos love corn juice. Those are Borg Warner S366 turbos with the 66mm inducer. I'm only going to run low boost, however, because this is still a street car and will remain that way. I don't want an all out race car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymontesa70 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 thats a wicked build. ill make sure to stay tuned to this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Posted July 19, 2017 Share Posted July 19, 2017 Nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaughn Posted July 19, 2017 Share Posted July 19, 2017 Very nice!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted July 22, 2017 Author Share Posted July 22, 2017 The progress has been moving along slowly but surely. I have a temporary cold side mocked up until I can get to my fabricator and get some pipes properly bent. I have the steering shaft rerouted, oil lines finished, and everything fitting properly. I still need to wrap and silicon paint the headers, but I can't do that in the extreme heat and humidity we've been experiencing. 100°, heat index 115° because of humidity. That's causing a delay. It's very close, just still waiting on some minor things before the final assembly. My turbo blankets are on their way also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o_rod Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 Thats a gorgeous engine bay, In for the finale!! Did you have to modify the Fitech 1200hp kit any to properly work with a blow through set up? I've been looking into the 600 hp kit and would like it to be future proof for the possibility of boosting later down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted July 26, 2017 Author Share Posted July 26, 2017 The Fitech 1200 (30012) is absolutely built for boost in a blow through style. There is also a 2x4 1200hp model (30064) and a 600hp model (30004) which are also built with boost capabilities. Make sure you purchase one if these Power Adder models if you plan on boost in the future. Each one also works fine while NA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted July 31, 2017 Author Share Posted July 31, 2017 Got it running. https://youtu.be/7OFMPzH8Ujs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71MonteCarloMD Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 Video is no longer available? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted August 3, 2017 Author Share Posted August 3, 2017 Yeah sorry, that one got corrupted. Try this one. https://youtu.be/s1hIgzwWGs0 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo's70MCs Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Just wanted more, though up and running is good. Take us along for the ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71MonteCarloMD Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 Thanks for the update video, curious why smoke comes up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisalone Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 That smoke is normal after wrapping the headers with fiberglass header wrap. It only takes a few warm-up and cool down cycles before it stops smoking altogether. I'm past that points so we aren't smoking anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o_rod Posted August 20, 2017 Share Posted August 20, 2017 Just... wow! Thanks for the info, ended up calling Fitech and looks like the 600hp kit will work for me. Timing control is a major bonus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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