Taking the plunge: LS3 into '64 Tempest. Need help with shopping list. by b-man

4 minute(s) of a 224 minute read

.....will be required to get the LS3 engine in the car.

So I spent some more money, what else?

Ordered up a new SS3600 245 mm (9.5") lock-up converter from YANK Performance Converters: http://www.converter.cc/converters/street/GM/1/They're on sale right now for $725 with free shipping. This one should flash to about 3200 behind the LS3 according to Dave at YANK, it's their most popular converter.

Street/Strip Super Stock 3600 Converter description from the YANK site:

245mm very high stall torque ratio. 3600 stall, 2.50 STR
Lightweight billet cover 

Rather than swap to a bigger cam I spent about the same money on a torque converter. A good converter is an absolute must for anyone with a performance car running an automatic trans.

I had them send the new converter over to Finish Line Transmissions:http://www.finishlinetrans.com/trans...meDuty4L65.htm When the new 4L70E trans is finished they can put the trans and converter combo on their dyno for testing before shipment.

The 4L70E-5 Extreme Duty – Level 5 trans is on sale for 10% off right now, for $2,295 plus $150 shipping (core return shipping is free). I'll have my trans here in about 4 weeks.

I spoke with Andy at FLT and he helped me figure out exactly what I needed before placing my order, a big thanks to Pro-Touring member Karch for steering me towards this fine trans shop.

I'll have it configured as a Trail Blazer SS trans rather than an F-body unit so the correct speed sensor will be installed to 'talk' to the Speartech computer/wiring harness that I still need to buy. Right now I need to find a trans core to send them.

New 4L70E description from the FLT site:

4L65/70E-5 Extreme Duty – Level 5

FLT performance built pump ( Includes machined pump halfs to ensure flat surfaces, New delco 13 vain pump/rotor/slide kit ) 
Media blast case, bell housing, and tail housing to restore a new aluminum finish. Prep case for assembly. 
FLT sleeved input drum 
FLT beast shell kit w/bearing 
GM 5 pinion input carrier 
GM 5 pinion reaction carrier 
Bearing style reaction shaft 
New reverse input drum 
Alto wide 2-4 carbon lined band with reinforced anchor 
8 B/W hi-energy clutches w/koleen steels in 3-4 clutch 
B/W 29 element sprag 
4L65 low roller clutch 
Transgo HD-2 shift kit 
Corvette Servo 
Sonnax super hold 4th servo 
Bushing kit 
New solenoids 
New Internal wire harness ( If needed on 4L70E ) 
New GM Spacer plate 
B/W clutches 
Seal & gasket kit 
Filter 
GM deep pan 
Updated aluminum accumulator pistons 
FLT prepped valvebody 
Set end play to FLT specs 
Install new cooler fittings

Previous (swap-related only) total - $9,903

Cost of the today's installment - $3,170

Total swap-related expenditures at this point - $13,073

New seat upholstery, wheels, tires, wheel adapters and rear brakes not included.

Short list of needed items:

Vintage Air setup
Speartech engine/trans controller and harness
Driveshaft
Corporate 8.5" 10-bolt rear end (still on order)
New windshield
Floor insulation

This hobby can be expensive if you're trying to build something nice.

Mainly because it's fairly light and nearly as strong as a 12-bolt. The pinion bearing is the same as the one in a 12-bolt, the ring gear in a 12-bolt isn't much bigger at 8.875". Plenty of 10 and 11-second drag cars run the 8.5" rear successfully.

It's also better than a C-clip rear, the tapered-bearing axles on the '71 -'72 Olds/Buick 8.5" are superior from a durability standpoint. It's simply the best of the 8.5" corporate rear ends, and it it a direct bolt-in on any '64 -'72 GM A-body.

I'm getting this one built up for less than a grand by a guy who knows GM rear ends better than just about anyone. New 3.42 ring & pinion (NOT Richmond 'whiners'), all new bearings, properly rebuilt factory posi, 28-spline heavy duty factory axles. Plenty of strength for my needs.

If I wanted to spend money (at least twice as much $$) on a really tough rear, I'd do a Ford 9" like I run in my '64 GTO. But my GTO is a 1/4 mile car turned street car where unsprung weight isn't a big concern. A car built for cornering will benefit from a lighter rear end, the 8.5" fill the bill nicely.