Just another new guy thread

[FairlyRandom]

Hey everyone, new member saying hello.

I have a 72 base model - 350/350 from the factory with a bench seat and no vinyl top. 

Was a southern car, luckily safe from the salt that we see here in Cincinnati. She came out of the Baltimore plant and was delivered to a dealer in South Carolina. It lived there for nearly 50 years until a couple of guys from Cincinnati went and scooped her up and gave her a respray in a slightly modified Chevy Placer Gold (that was her original color) - they added a bunch more gold metallic to the paint and now she really pops in the sun.

The guys who resprayed the car were body shop guys for a local GM plant here in the 70s and 80s. The same plant where a family member of mine retired. They actually all worked together once upon a time. That person has since passed, but it was kind of a cool full-circle moment when we made a deal on the car!

Other than the paint and the wheels, she's very original as far as I can tell. I have the original build sheet and protect-o-plate along with some other original sales materials, so that's been helpful in getting her backstory.

The stock 350ci smokes badly, and is way down on power. It has been decked at some point, as the serial numbers are missing from the passenger side block lobe. The block casting number is the period correct generation , so it's pretty safe to assume it's the original.

But, with the smoke/oil consumption and low power, the car needed a change. So, about a year ago I started planning an engine swap. A few weeks ago my new Blueprint crate stroker showed up - it's a 383 complete that was dyno'd at 437hp/466tq at the crank. Should get plenty rowdy. From what I can find online, the stock th350 and 8.5" 10 bolt rear end are up to the task. It's a cruiser, not a bruiser, so no hard launches. I do plan to convert the rear brakes to disc and add a rear sway bar with upgraded upper and lower rear control arms, and urethane bushings all around as well. Should be a fun winter project!

But for now, here's that new engine finally in place:

The swap is still in process, and I plan to write up a build thread shortly. I'm probably 85% done, but still have exhaust and some other odds and ends that need handled before I'll call the swap done. My plan is to be ready for first start this weekend.

Eventually I will rebuild the stock motor, probably bore and stroke it too. I want to keep the original equipment together and with the car.

Well, that's it for now. Looking forward to participating in this community!

Edited September 12, 2024 by FairlyRandom
Spelling and autocorrect

[FrankOC]

Welcome, great back story and some nice upgrades so far.

[cny first gen 71]

to the site, looks like a pretty nice car for sure and should be a great cruiser. We have members not to far from you too. Good luck with start up and all the fun you'll have. 

[Dtret]

I welcome another Cincinnati (Amelia actually) to the group. Great bunch here you won’t be disappointed, best 25 bucks you will ever spend. I look forward to possibly meeting up someday. If you need anything don’t hesitate to whip up a post. Great car and story. I worked right across the street from the plant you’re speaking of in the early 90’s. But it was already closed (1987). Camaro Central we called it. 

[Scott S.]

LET THE FUN BEGIN !!! 

Welcome to the club Andrew. 

[DragCat]

Welcome to the madness, and thanks for posting pictures 🤘

[Marks71]

Welcome to the club Andrew. Looks like it’s coming along nicely.

[420ponies]

Welcome to the FGMCC ! !     I see the " snowball effect"  has already started. We here are always ready and able to spend someone else's money on upgrades. That is one nice color on a First Gen !! Again, Welcome to the Club!!

[stangeba]

Welcome! Nice looking Monte!

[Glen]

Welcome, Drew.  Great story and a beautiful, documented Monte you’ve acquired. You’ve come to the right place as this is a very cool club with a ton of knowledgeable people. 

[FairlyRandom]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Looks like a really good site and I'm looking forward to learning more about the club!

[714024SPEED]

Welcome!! Nice Monte 

[Rob Peters]

Andrew, Welcome aboard the boards, we hope you like what you see here and decide to become a full fledged dues paying member of the club. 

rob

[Wd71MC]

Welcome to the club Drew nice Monte and thanks for the pics.

[sbarnette]

Welcome Andrew! Beautiful Monte you have there. Looking forward to seeing more of her!

[Canuck]

Welcome!

 

[willie]

Welcome Andrew!!!!   She is beautiful!!! And a few more and younger squirrel's to boot!!! SWEET!!!!