Dans '70 Z20

All the information you need to know is in the link below. If it is a 1970 or 1971 Monte with a matching #'s 454 it is an SS454 car because in 70 & 71 that was the only model you could get a 454. It was also an option in 1972 on Monte Carlo Customs. All SS454’s came with the load leveling system, air shocks, shock protector plates (not customs... LL system was an option).. Gauge package, buckets, console etc were not standard on SS454’s. I have seen buckets with console delete & column shifter etc. They were able to be ordered any way you wanted them. The Load leveling systems usually quit over time and many owners replaced the air shocks with gas shocks for a better ride. In many cases the compressor, rear switch, lines etc. were removed also. So just because they are missing may not mean it is not an SS. Take a read of the link below. It will give you all the information you need to find a true SS car. http://www.firstgenmc.com/tech/ss454.shtml

I believe those are the ones we used. I sent both snowmowbeeler & V8Freak the pic of how we customized bracket to make it fit. Really not that difficult. Just cutting larger whole for magnet and adding two "L" brackets to mount speaker. Hope it helps. I also forwarded a pic to Monte70car. Hopefully, one of you can post the pic so that all can benefit. Dan

We found a particular Kenwood 4x6 (Dont know model offhand but can find out) that had a smaller magney that just fit with some modifications to stock bracket. I have a picture but do not know how to post a pic here. I will email to thread starter and to Monte70car to see if the can post it. Dan

The issue is that all standard motor oils (Unless you by racing oil that states "not for street use") have reduced the amount of zinc in their oils a few years back. They found the zinc was causing premature catalytic converter failure. Newer cars with their roller cams do not need the added benefit that the zinc provides. In a standard old V8 with the rods resting right on the cam, the zinc is key ingredient that significantly cut down on the wear/friction between metal on metal surfaces. With roller cams have a roller tip on the rod it significantly cuts down the need for zinc. For a few years many hot rodders switched to diesel oils bc the zinc was not reduced in diesel oils. Since however ..... they have also had their zinc levels reduced. The only way to insure you are providing adequate lubrication to your classic is to use a zinc additive at each oil change, use a aftermarket race oil that is designed with high zinc content or at minimum a quality oil like some of those mentioned above(but it still will not provide the lubrication oil provided when these cars were made). Here on LI, for those looking for a quality non racing oil many aftermarket parts stores recommend/sell Brad Penn. Anyone rebuilding an engine in there stock classic should consider upgrading to a roller cam for reliability & longevity. I had three friends experience premature cam failure in one year a few years back. All due to the reduced zinc levels in standard motor oil.

I could be wrong? Seems to always be someone more in the know than I. LOL

I used a set of Sanderson BB3 3/4 headers on mine. They have 1 7/8" primaries. One side is beautiful and ends at firewall, the other side tube ends vertical and angling towards oil pan. Takes a few curves to get it back heading in the right direction. Not impossible but a stupid design. I will be replacing them with a full length set of likely ARH (American Racing Headers) in the future. I am fortunate to have their factory 10 minutes from my home. I can have them do the install of headers and exhaust for a perfect fit. https://www.shoparh.com/collections/classics/products/monte-carlo-ss-454-1970-1972-headers Supposedly, the Dougs Big Block Headers fit really well too. However, they are only available in 1 3/4" primaries. There is just the need to file back a small web I believe from the control arm mount. No denting or dimpling of header tubes and they said they offer more ground clearance and fit tighter to the undercarriage, https://shop.dougsheaders.com/doug-s-headers-d313-1-3-4-4-tube-full-length-header-chevrolet-camaro-big-block-chevrolet-67-74-metallic-ceramic-coating.html#.WJx_URIrL9A UPSATE: Just checked. It was Crazy Davey who made the recommendation to me a while back. He installed a set of Dougs 313's on his 71 SS454 Monte he ran at the track often. Can't seem to find any posts of discussion. Probably too far back in history I guess. Dan

My 70 SS454 had a 2:56 one-legger in it when I received it (original). True these big blocks have alot of torque but our cars are alot of weight to move too. It is true that the 3:31 ratio was the highest available stock. I ended up going with a clean used 3:31 gear set for my car but when I did my transmission I added a 2:75:1 billet lower gear set. This way I have the best of both worlds. Off the line my combination compares to a 3:64 gear in first gear, a 3:42 gear in second and finally when 1:1 ratio in 3rd gear I get my 3:31's. Its a great combination, and the lower gear set helps get our heavy cars moving easily from a stop. ( Remember that Monte's with a standard transmission came with an M-21 rather than an M-22 for its lower first gear for the same reason) If you plan on cruising at 70mph often (not possible in NY) you may want to keep the 2:56's and just add the lower gear set when your tranny is rebuilt. Or maybe go with a set of 3:08's. With the lower gear set you'll have close to 3:31's off the line but the 3:08's in third gear for 70 mph cruising. Dan

Nice to see Larry. Always a worthy read when a great car has a even better story behind it. Congratulations. Dan

Here is the optional cushion grip wheel for 1970 Monte's http://www.goodmarkindustries.com/Chevrolet-MonteCarlo-1970_p-7928-cushion-grip-steering-wheel-70-chevelle-el-camino-mc-chevrolet-w-hub-cont-cap-4033-540-701s.aspx It is my understanding also that the NK2 wheel was standard on 1972 Monte Carlo Customs and not available on any other Monte's. Similar to the 3/4" belt molding along top of door. Many have added it ..... but it was standard only on 1972 Monte Carlo Customs and not an available option for other Monte's. Dan

Not sure which wheel you are speaking of based on code given. But..... 1970 Montes came with the standard wheel or an optional cushion grip wheel with three split brushed metal spokes and a rubber wheel 1971 & 72 came with the standard wheel or a 4 spoke wheel (similar to 71 & 72 Camaros.

Hellwig sway bars are not only less expensive but offer much more torsional rigidity. Rather than mounting solely to the lower control arms (due to twisting logically when one side is pushes down the opposite is lifting). Not optimal when looking to better handling. The Hellwig bars are hollow(lighter), less expensive and the center of bar mounts on either side of the center differential and then rather than being mounted to lowers arms on each side ..... they come with links to attach directly to an unused mounting hole in the frame. If you want a picture shoot me a PM with your email. I have some great frame off shots of install if needed. Dan

I currently have a SS454 with likely 575-600hp. Running 3/4 Sanderson headers (wish I went with Original Doug's or American Racing Headers full length headers). Headers have 2 7/8" primaries into Torque Tech 3" system with X-pipe. Smaller the header primaries the more torque you get down low (big blocks already have plenty of torque down low), if you use too large an exhaust pipe diameter you can lose back pressure and power also. Best bet. Find out where you will be horsepower wise, the cam you are using (power band range), what gears you plan on running (higher the gear, higher the final RPM at track ... the more exhaust volume needs to be moved) etc and call Torque Tech or a header manufacturer to get the right combination for your set up. Horsepower can be gained or lost based on the set up you use. With a mild build and gears that are not real high (below 3:73) you are likely looking at big block Headers with the smaller standard primaries (big block headers usually offered in two size primary tubes) and a full 2.5" exhaust with X-Pipe. From memory, I believe they say you only need to go to 3" exhaust if your in the mid 500hp range. Hope this helps. Dan

Just spoke to John on Tuesday. Mark however is the one you want to speak to. Keep in mind they are closed on Mondays ....... and they close at 4:00pm Tuesdays through Fridays. Not sure of Saturday hours. Dan

We also remount them to the top of frame rail. Looks factory and fits fine.

Don't worry...... we'll know when he's been here! There will be half a dozen posts in the For Sale section with all his Craigslist finds for us. LOL In all seriousness Larry, the epiphany you just came to many of us wish we would have come to when we were in deep. Many never come to the reality check until funds for everything run out, family suffers for a hobby .... and oftentimes worse. Many of us are not big dollar guys and play the "as money comes in ..... money goes out" deal with little back up saved for a rainy day. I myself was very lucky during my crazy times and was surviving the same way. Luckily, I did not have to finance anything out of the ordinary during that time or I would have been done ..... like many guys cars we see for sale in mid-restoration that get pennies on the dollar. Like yours mine had meaning (memory of my Dad) too. Which just makes it that much easier to continue to spend money with reckless abandon. Many of us have "gone off the deep end" to a much greater degree. I love my Monte, but like you I will never add up the accordian file folder I literally have stuffed with receipts. Which does not include items from FGMCC members, swap meets and some eBay items I never printed transaction sheets and do not have receipts for. If I did, I may need chronic prozac therapy. We can look back on many things in our past and second guess every decision we made as we get older and wiser. Even the cars we let slip through our fingers. LOL. But ultimately we are still here. Some of us wished we put that money towards a larger house, prepared better for our retirement or had more long term investments. But for whatever reason we all thought it was right at the time and we are still here to talk about it. Am I second guessing my restoration? Yes. I think we all do at times. Because of it, we will all need to make accelerated plans in preparation for retirement. It can be done. The hands on experience, camaraderie, friendship of FGMCC and the gem in my garage I will never regret. I will just have to make adjustments to make up for my oversight during those years. I applaud you for coming clean here ......... but know you are not alone. Best wishes. Spend your time as you see more appropriate for the current needs of you & your family. We will still be here to welcome you with open arms whether its a rare appearance or period of time. I admit I am not on the boards nearly as much as I was during my restoration. One it was completed, as yourself, I focused more on my family and kids. Man, my kids keep me busy ..... and keep the mileage on the Monte down. Hopefully when things slow down with them I will be healthy enough to continue to enjoy the Monte. I will keep her in my possession for as long as possible ..... but she will always remain in the family. We are going to miss you around these parts partner. Best of Luck always Dan

Yep. That is Steve Levanti's 71 SS454. We made our first trek to Lebanon Valley Dragway for Musclepalooza. We had the following cars racing: -Steves 71 SS454 Monte -Mikes 72 Monte ( Dave Rheems old Monte) ....... low 13's -Steves son ran his brand new Lime green 392 Challenger stick shift with performance exhaust ( I believe ran high 12's his 1st time racing) -Mitchs 68 Camaro ran in the 9'se - a 71 pro touring Barracuda

Do yourself a favor. Call Mark @ Sevitskes Classics & Customs. Mark wrote the book on "How to make your muscle Car Handle" available in bookstores. He sells just about every brand of aftermarket suspension components and can give honest comparisons between whats available. Let him know your budget and your goal and he will help develop the best plan for your build. He has forgotten more regarding suspensions (unlikely) than most will ever know. Helped me out big time when I set up my suspension. FYI They are closed Mondays Sevistkes Classic. & Custom contact info

Davey, May the force ( FGMCC ) be with you. The power of this club has helped many that required the thoughts and prayers of our membership. May the surgery be typical and 100% successful and your recovery short and full. Our prayers are with you. Dan

Replaced my box with one out of an 87 Monte SS that was hit in rear. It looks identical to my original steering box in looks (important to me). Rather than a straight __ to 1 ratio, I believe these are progressive. Meaning the ratio increases the more you turn the wheel. Big difference over the original. Likely all performance G bodies same (Grand National, 442, Monte SS) As stated ... I simply needed to get a hybrid rag joint (different bolt pattern on each side) and the simple drop in fittings for the two hose connections which allow you to utilize original lines. Dan

Thanks Cory, I do not now how to post pic. This is what we needed to modify to get the Boston Acoustics to fit. Bit larger than the Kenwoods. As you can see, you need to enlarge opening for magnet and the add "L" brackets to mount speaker. I cannot remember if you needed "L" brackets on both sides forKenwoods. May just need on one side. As you can see i needed to trim some of the perimeter framing on speaker itself to get it to fit. Not needed with Kenwoods. Passenger side never an issue. Gotta say my Bostons sound killer though. Well worth the effort. Good Luck Dan

Yep. They fit but you have to trim the bracket and add tabs at one side to support speaker frame. Packing for a trip. If I have time I have pics of the customized brackets. My speakers need a bit more trimming but you will get the idea of what needs to be done. ....... your lucky. Found them quick. I will email. I installed Boston Acoustics which were a touch bigger. The actual speaker frame needed to be trimmed on drivers side. You can get an idea as to what needs to be done on drivers side. Trim center of bracket to fit larger magnet ..... then add the "L" brackets to support speaker on each side. **** Actually I can't. Youi do not have an email listed on your profile. I do not know how to post pics here. Dan

Call Mark at Sevitskes Classics & Customs http://scandc.com/new/ He wrote/published the book "How to Make Your Muscle ar Handle". He is a wealth of knowledge and aware of all the aftermarket suspension components out there and how they compare. He is aware of the benefit and downfall of each. Tell him what you are looking to accomplish and he will get you there within a budget if needed. Give him a all. You won't be disappointed. BTW he is a retailer for many of the aftermarket suspension companies and an offer whatever you decide on. FYI: He is closed on Mondays I believe Dan

Now thats funny. You may call me with your gestimate of weight .... but I just may never get it back. LOL. Can always count on you guys to start my day with a smile. Thanks. Jim. Your car is basically a loaded SS Big Block like mine ......... even though it doesn't have the badges. " We don't need no stinkin' badges" ....... can't remember the movie thats from. LOL So roughly 3900# it is. Thanks guys. Dan

OK.... Think I got it. Steve says his was 3900# before swap to aluminum heads. I figure since I have AC and a 4 core radiator (maybe extra 40#) that thats a wash with my tubular arms Nd lighter weight hollow sway bars. So I should be around the same. Dan

Trying to determine the weight of my car for trailering purposes. I know the registration is less than accurate regarding weight. Mine will be slightly less due to headers and aluminum intake but trying to get a ballpark. Thanks. Dan