Mike Brichta

Well, I've just about given up on the BF Goodrich white raised lettered tires that most of us have been using for years. The last couple of sets that I purchased always developed a problem before the tread was worn out. One tire broke a tread inside and now around one has caused a severe vibration in the rear when I get to around 60 mph. I always liked the look of the white letters but I've noticed lots of cars at shows with black walls and they look pretty good. What would be a good brand of tire to use on a monte with 15x7 rally wheels that won't have any problems? Thanks!! Mike

Most of the GM Performance Small Block Crate engines come with an "Accessory Drive Kit" (PN 12497698) which costs around $800. However, the AC Compressor and Alternator are on the opposite sides of our current engines. In addition I am guessing that the AC hoses, Power Steering Hoses and Alternator wiring would have to be redone or custom to use the serpentine belt setup. Am I missing something? I am considering using a ZZ4 350 in my 70 Monte (PN 19201330). GM says you have to purchase the engine with the kit included. I guess they want you to just throw it away? My questions are: - Are these motors meant for "older" Small Block applications? - Has anyone dealt with this issue on their car? Thanks!! Mike

Ah, that's what I was looking for. Thanks for the great explanation. At least I understand it enough to talk about it to someone. I played around with it some more last night and tried to listen to the noise while the AC was ON and OFF. The noise is really loud when AC is off and car is idling. As I increase the RPMs or turn the AC ON, the noise gets much quieter. So I am guessing that it is the "front idler bearing" and since I can replace that one while the compressor is still on the car I will try that first. Thanks!! Mike

Well I can always give it a try and see what happens. Thanks!! If it is the compressor do I have to disconnect the R12 Line to have repaired?

That's the easy part. There should be a couple sets of holes already in the frame to accommodate both TH350 and TH400 transmissions. Just move the mount to the set of holes that lines up. I think the TH400 holes are further back on the frame.

I believe my AC compressor is making a strange noise. I'm pretty sure it is the AC compressor because when I remove the AC belt, the noise goes away. The noise sounds like I have a blower on the car (like metal gears turning) and I hear the noise when the AC is off or on. I am guessing that the bearings in the front of the compressor need to be replaced. AC is ice cold. Thoughts? Question: Can this be repaired on the car or do I have to loose the freon (R12) and remove the compressor to repair? Thanks!! Mike

Here is the link to the 2 row radiator that I put in my 70 El Camino. Nice quality and works great with stock fan and shroud. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1968-1969-1970-1971-1972-Chevelle-Aluminum-Radiator-/320668004189?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AChevelle&hash=item4aa94d6f5d Mike

I would say stay with the stock converter which I believe is around 1800. Also, I would suggest purchasing a new converter if you are rebuilding the trans. Two of my montes have 355 engines with rebuild TH350s with shift kits and I used the stock converters in both and have no issues. My 72 monte has a 383 engine with a TCI TH350 and I used a 2200-2400 converter. Much different car since the converter switch. And with the price of gas going up and up, I would suggest the stock converter. Mike

What size anchors did you use? Looks like a great way to fix a longtime problem. Good job and thanks for sharing!! Mike

Hey Luke, Where are you located? Mike

For those who have asked, I have posted some pics of the 72 Monte Custom mirrors that I have at the following link: http://s477.photobucket.com/albums/rr138/packard36/72%20Custom%20Sport%20Mirrors/ As I mentioned earlier, they are 100% complete and correct for 70-72 montes. They have been disassembled, cleaned and the mirror head and mirror base have been stripped, DAed and primed and are ready for color. Let me know if you have any questions. Mike

Most of the time when I have seen sport mirrors on a Monte it was on a 72 Custom because it came as part of the "Custom" package. I think you could have ordered them as an option but I have only ever seen one Monte with "dual" sport mirrors. The ones that I have came off of 72 "Custom" Montes and will work on any 70-72 Monte because the doors are the same. Mike

For those of you who have asked, I will try to post some pics of the mirrors when I get home. Mike

Hey Guys, If anyone is just looking for the driver side remote sport mirror I think I have some left in the attic. They came off of 72 customs and have been stripped of paint and are in primer. I already have them on all three of my montes. Mike

Hey Mike (72 LS5), If you click on the pic that I posted it will take you to the video of the engine actually running along with all of the other progess pics. Mike

I got the engine fired up this weekend and it was a great Christmas present to myself. I hope this link works. Mike

It can and it will !!!! lol ...

Hey Mike, I had the same decision to make with my zz454. Then I read the article in Super Chevy where they broke in and dynoed a zz454 and they used Royal Purple Break-In Oil. I figured that if they used that oil then I would also, even if it is a little expensive. I did not want any problems with the engine after all of the work I already have in it. I also did not want to have GM say I voided the warranty by not using break-in oil. Maybe I am just being paranoid, but after all of the time and money already in this project, what is another $50? I hope to fire up the engine in the next week or so. Here is the link to the article: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/engi...gine/index.html Mike

Thanks for the info/suggestions. I will have to check my original stock bracket tonight and see if I can make it work. On the small block engines I would just order an AC/header bracket and was all set to go. Maybe that's why I can't find one for a big block. Thanks!! Mike

Does anyone know where I can get a bracket to support the rear of the AC compressor on a BB engine with headers? I see that Hooker makes them for small blocks but I didn't see one for Big Block engines. I haven't tried it yet but I am assuming the the GM stock bracket will not work with headers. Thanks!! Mike

Hey Guys, Thanks for all of your help, advice, etc. After many phone calls I was finally able to verify from a GMPP person that the correct fix to the problem is PN: 12495360 (as many of you have said). I suspected that was going to be the final outcome but I wanted to hear from GM that the part number was correct and changing to that kit would not void the warranty. Dave - Do you just have the pan or do you have the whole kit? Thanks!! Mike

Well I called a local GM dealership and spoke to the "Parts" and "Service" departments and neither one has a number to call for GMPP Technical Support. Anyone out there with GM contacts?

Really? I didn't know the monte engine sat back further than the Chevelle and Camino engines. That's good to know. After all of these years I can still learn more each day.

I did not know that the factory big block oil pan capacity was only 4 quarts instead of 5. That would make me feel better about the 4 qt option. I'm surprised that there is no easy to find tech support number for GMPP. I guess I will just have to call the local GM dealer and see what they tell me.

What the heck was GM thinking putting truck oil pans on their crate motors? Maybe they have a surplus of truck oil pans? You would think that GM would offer a "car" oil pan that could be purchased as a replacement or ordered that way when the engine is ordered. Does anyone have a number for GMPP Tech Support? I can't seem to find one on their website. I would like to know what GM says is the replacement option so the warranty is not affected. I really like the frame cutting and welding idea. That way I do not have to touch the crate engine at all. I am a little nervous about using a 4 quart pan. Am I just being paranoid? I do not intend to race the engine but would like to push it on occasion. Anyone else use a 4 qt pan? Mike