ripleydale

I had $6000 in parts and machining for a 454 (purchased for $700 and included) that was totally rebuilt. Sounds like we have (I had) the same project. When it was done I had a balanced and blueprinted motor with new pistons, completely rebuilt heads with new larger valves (781 heads), Comp hydraulic roller lifter cam and Edelbrock Air Gap intake. I built the motor myself but I don't think labor is a big cost there (maybe $600?). I swapped the oil pan from my 402 motor, added headers and a new carb and I was off. I learned a few lessons ($) on my motor build that I did not include (would have been worth that $600), and in the end wondered about adding a bit more for a fully assembled crate motor. You might not need to spend so much on your motor if the bottom end is good. I had things magnafluxed and sized/balanced so that certainly added to the machine shop costs. I really love driving it with the 5 speed. I doubt you would regret it.

Hey Rodney, assuming you turn the key and nothing? Any dash idiot lights or clicking? Have you checked the safety neutral switch? Have you tried putting power on the starter solenoid to see if the starter will engage that way? We need more details.

I know I had a few problems removing the cross member in my Camaro before I replaced the body bushings. Once it was done there was far more clearance. Perhaps this might be something similar. I did a similar swap with a Keisler RS500 on my Monte and didn't have any issues with drive shaft clearance. Let us know what you discover.

I think we have the same project.

That does look like a nice kit. Good luck Larry. Hope they all come out nice and easy.

One thing I noticed about the aftermarket hardware kits, is the bolts are smaller in diameter. In other words, they won't work with the existing cage nuts, assuming they are still in working order. I managed to salvage enough original bolts, and used the after market bolts for the cage nuts I had to cut out at the middle of the body. The washers were ok.

Thanks Bruce. Based on my crude measurements with it in the car, I'd say we have the same one. You see a number of much longer lengths available so I wasn't quite sure what I should order.

Does anyone know the length of the speedometer cable? It had a 402 and Turbo 400 if that makes a difference.

You are right about the safety neutral going down there. There are also the console lights from the headlight switch, and the open door connection that lights up the light on the bottom back of the console.

Hey Darren, I notice in your signature you seem to be starting a Monte collection. Are the other cars new?

This is amusing. http://biertijd.com/mediaplayer/?itemid=47217

Me too. I missed you guys this year. Party on.

Rebuild it Aaron. Look around and find a good shop. There are tags on the rad that are part of keeping it original.

I'd go with the 180 in it too. That's what I run in my 454 and it stays very cool. Really hot it goes up to 195.

Did anything change before you started to hear the bang? (Besides the new battery).

Follow the instructions.

As I remember, the nose into the bell housing is smaller than the automatic. If you have a starter that's fitting on your motor and into the bell housing, you're fine.

Not sure if you've gotten there yet, but the starter is different for a standard.

You have the hump for the 4 speed with console. When I did mine, I was able to line up the hump using the automatic console, and it fit into the floor very well. The hole lined up perfectly for the shifter. There are some pics in this link. http://www.firstgenmc.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=411399&page=1

Looks great! In the pictures, the driveshaft loop (if that's what we want to call it) sure looks close to the ground. How close is it?

Not trying to be a you know what, but automatics have ring gears, and standards have flywheels. There must be an engine rebuilder or someone near you that has lots of old ring gears. I have a few laying around myself. I have no experience with mini starters, so good luck Will. Hope you sort it out soon.

Thanks Sam, I was thinking more along the lines of take this off, take that off, paint stripping, that sort of thing. I wouldn't do any bodywork.

Sort of resurrecting the dead here, but I remember an old post where Leo (in a reply) provided a good outline of what prep/strip work could be done before presenting it to the body shop. Can anyone remember that and help me find that post?

I believe it's a program that goes out hunting on the net for new information. Things like search engines (google for example) use them to keep up to date. Not a real person.

Very cool! Love the build sheet.