72 LS5

I dig it!

Don't burst my bubble Andy!! I was high 12s before, I sure hope to chop a second off with 100 more hp - but easier said than done, I know, I know. I plan on stopping by soon! Scott - getting close......bolting up accessories, rewiring a few things, gonna get the fuel pump from Andy, then fire it up!

I'm very interested in seeing your results too, as I'm running the stock ZZ cam also (but haven't fired it up yet). I'm really hoping for 11s also with conservative gear like you (3.31). I have the same reasons for running the ZZ cam ($$$, traffic, reliability, longevity). Maybe I'll try the cam Davey recommends in a couple years when the bug bites again!!

Congrats Mike! How about some video so we can experience it with ya? I really love what you did with that El Camino. Nice work! I'm jealous cuz I'm not gonna make my Christmas deadline with my ZZ - bummer.

Good Article Mike - thanks. Ok, now I'm torn between Royal Purple and Valvoline Racing oil! I hear ya about the $50....insurance money.

Highway gears can be a blast, if you have some un-patrolled highway to play on. I had an '85 305 Monte with a 2.29 gear (never knew they made them that low!), and when I put a 350 in the car, it was like NASCAR! Brought it to Moroso and only used 2 gears down the track - sounded like a 'glide!!! Have fun with the 2.56s!

That's a relief! Thanks, dude®.

Time to start thinking about which break-in oil to use on the ZZ502. It's got a factory roller cam, but I still want to be sure that I'm getting the protection I need (sounds like a commercial!) I don't want the break the bank, either, as I've heard of some oils running $9 a quart. Thanks!

I'm going with balancer.

I went through this weak braking issue a couple years ago - even converted the car to manual disc setup, then back to stock. I wish the details were still fresh in my head. At any rate the first thing I would do is get the brake pressure gauge to see if you have enough pressure at the calipers and rear cylinders. Chances are you do not have enough vacuum, like its been mentioned. I tried the pump and was not happy with the noise and vibration. The smaller master sounds like a good solution too. Bottom line for me is that I could do no better than the factory setup adjusted properly. My cam just ain't pullin enough vacuum. So my brakes still suck but I'll see if the new 502 with a conservative cam helps. Oh - and make sure your headers are not cooking your brake fluid! On my 85 monte I went from a regular single diaphragm booster to a 86 dual diaphragm master and it helped tremdously! They are much more efficient.

Dave - you're like the "Gen V-VI go to" guy.

Found it! pn: 12495360 http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance/809/12495360/10002/-1

Guys - in my GM performance catalog, they make a pan kit that is exactly what you need: a 4 qt pan, Chevelle friendly, for Gen VI motors. But my catalog is at home...... I'll see if I can dig up the part #.

Too nice! Thanks!!

Thanks guys! Dave - I still haven't put the flexplate on yet. Hopefully this weekend. Think about how much you want for it. Can't wait to get this thing together!

Thanks Mike - which are you using? I believe Dave sent me a link to the Chevelle site where some dudes had the factory gear crap out on them. Normally I'm all about the factory stuff, but I'm a little leery after reading some posts. THEN AGAIN - blogs usually exaggerate bad news. All the people who have had no issues with the GM gear would have no reason to post!

Time to start thinking of which distributor gear to use in the 502. I have a low-mile HEI from a ZZ4 motor, which has the melonized gear, but since its been run on a couple of motors including my non-roller 454, I figured I should be safe and change the gear out. I need a gear for a regular factory roller cam, but I've heard of the GM melonized gears failing. What do you guys recommend?

Yeah, thanks Andy! I want to stop by too...got a bunch of head bolts for ya.....

Holy Crow! That was a quick turn-around! Looks great Andy. (save any comments directed at me)

Andy, I was planning on a aluminum pump, but then I heard about reliability issues so I changed my mind. What say you?

I'm stoked! I always have visions of 502s in my head at work - for months now.... Last night I rebuilt my 850 Double pumper. Tomorrow I plan on pressure cleaning the entire engine compartment. I've got my new inner fenders from Leo which I have to test-fit, then paint. Then detail the engine bay, then I'll change the tranny fluid (since I can pluck the converter off). I've got to get on Jeg's and order a bunch more stuff including headers, air cleaner, motor mounts, breather, fan, etc. Cha-Ching! Then its time to plumb in an electric fuel pump.......

Good Times - Thanks!

I'm in the final stages of buttoning up the ZZ502, and need to confirm a couple things. Is my old 454 water pump a direct bolt-in? Are all Mark IV and Gen VI big block oil filters interchangeable? Thanks!

I woulda named this thread "Blessing" with 500 passes Those 400s are tough, ain't they? My favorite tranny......

LOL - Andy, I cannot see you in a GTR.......at least not in your overalls!!!!! Nice runs - 11s are right there! and I can identify with the battery...just got my new try from Leo. What were the temps that day? I was out of town.