1971 Chevelle Duramax Swap and Build

[rfletes79]

The 4L will fit, but the tunnel will need to be modded regardless of the tranny. The engine sits higher then desired in these cars and puts the tranny higher in the tunnel. Nature of the beast, not a big deal.

Nice to see another Duramax Chevelle being built close by, I'm sure I'll get to see it as often as I want.

Someday I may make the switch to the 4L or a LU 400, but for now my non-LU 400 is still doing the job. BTW I have approx 60K miles on my 400.....

 

[oscyjack]

Sub

 

[contenderv07]

good luck!! starting this reminded me of this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJTJ3_ARmPI

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

I still remember this build. LB7 backed with a GM performance parts 4l85E that Mike worked over.

http://youtu.be/9x2t6BK3E_0

 

[unfinished business]

good luck!! starting this reminded me of this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJTJ3_ARmPI

AWD would be amazing, but she will already be a tank! I could only imagine if I would add a Tcase and front axle of some sort.

Awesome vid!

 

[unfinished business]

I still remember this build. LB7 backed with a GM performance parts 4l85E that Mike worked over.

http://youtu.be/9x2t6BK3E_0

Wow! That sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing the vid. I cannot wait till mine is running and driving. I know I only put up my first post a few days ago, but Russ and I are already talking about a few changes from my original post...more to come :woott:

 

[unfinished business]

Progress pics! The body is off!

 

[SmokeShow]

:woott:

 

[unfinished business]

O boy! Sh!t is getting real! Triple 66mm sxe and wagler intake manifold

 

[SmokeShow]

I saw someone posted that the body has been lifted off the chassis, no interest in it, just curious what you're doing with the old drivetrain?

 

[unfinished business]

The engine and trans have been sold. The 8.2...not sure yet.

We figured now would be a good time to replace the body mounts, blast the frame and coat it with Por 15.

 

[unfinished business]

Russ is making GREAT progress! The frame has been blasted and coated with POR 15, SPC uppers and lowers installed, new spindles and front discs are on, new strange 9" arrived and installed, new UMI uppers, lowers and frame braces have been installed.

The 4L80E has been ordered from Jake and should be ready in the next few weeks.

I believe Russ is going through the engine now to make sure everything is 100%

With any luck he will mock up with a core engine and trans and get mounts made this week!

All in all, I cannot say enough good things about Russ and RPM!

 

[unfinished business]

More Pics!

 

[SmokeShow]

Wow! That's making quick work!!

Did you by any chance talk to JoshH (Top Notch Garage in vendor's section) about building a 4L80/85 to go behind your built duramax? He has had the most success of anyone running one behind a powerful duramax diesel. Think he even had a Jake trans at one point?

 

[unfinished business]

Honestly, I didn't. No disrespect intended to Josh. I have used Jake for a long time and multiple builds, so it was almost a "reflex" to utilize him lol. To your point, I have never used him for a diesel build, so we will see what happens.

I will keep yall posted on the build!

Wow! That's making quick work!!

Did you by any chance talk to JoshH (Top Notch Garage in vendor's section) about building a 4L80/85 to go behind your built duramax? He has had the most success of anyone running one behind a powerful duramax diesel. Think he even had a Jake trans at one point?

 

[unfinished business]

The built LBZ is almost done!

Engine and trans mounts have been mocked up with a block and spare 4L80e!

Russ is doing great work! Still hoping to be racing in a couple months.

Paul

 

[unfinished business]

Here are a few update pics. The build is coming together nicely!

 

[Tothemax]

:thumb:look awesome

 

[unfinished business]

:thumb:look awesome

Thank you! Russ is doing a great job!

 

[A. Stock Lbz]

Wow! Coming rite along! Gonna be killer when done. What kinda pump and injectors are ya gonna run with the triples?