1966 GTO L92 / 6L80E / Air Ride Street Challenge Project

[Kevin O]

We received our new 4L65E transmission from Bowler Performance Transmissions the other day, and now the progress on the GTO continues...

[Qball]

That looks to be a great solution!  I'm eager to see it mounted and to see what alterations for thecross member have to be done. 

[Kevin O]

Our next challenge is the alternator height... but I think we've got a solution there, too.     More to come!

[newguy]

How about that "super top secret" chassis coating?  You are teasing us with what you are doing with the Chevelle... now let's see the GTO!

[Kevin O]

The "top secret" chassis coating is coming.      We've got new video posting on the GTO in the next couple days.    The project is coming along well.... here's a teaser...

[newguy]

MORE MORE MORE!!!  The frame looks pretty sexy being all cleaned up like that!  Got another teaser??   

[Kevin O]

Here's the latest on the GTO... we had to do a little homework to get the long-nosed L92 VVT engine to accept a stock Camaro style alternator and power steering bracket to clear the hood...

[Kevin O]

Part of our 1966 GTO's plan includes a killer suspension system and a beefed-up chassis to support it, so we disassembled the stock stuff,  popped the body off the frame, and went to town.   First, the GTO's skeleton was media blasted clean of all rust, scale, and old paint.   Next, we fabbed up some supports and TIG welded in some plate steel to box up the originally open frame rails for strength.    Then we began to test fit the Air Ride Technologies Street Challenge suspension system... more on this later, but it's the key to making this old Goat handle like a new 'Vette!

[newguy]

Looking good Kevin!  Is there any problems that you see in getting the car up and running for the Hot Rod Power Tour?

 

[Kevin O]

I hope not!    I don't really want to say, because whatever I predict will go smoothly will come back to get us later!     We're waiting on some parts, but we still seem to be on track. 

[Qball]

I've really been enjoying this build, Kevin.  Keep up the great work.  By the way, nice work on Kellie's truck!

[Kevin O]

We sprayed the GTO's chassis with some new coatings from Eastwood... their high-build 2-part Epoxy Primer and then their new Ceramic Chassis Black.   Both are catalyzed chemicals that spray out really nicely and the Ceramic Chassis Black dries to a velvety satin sheen.    It's intended to have strong chemical and chip resistance, which is what we want considering that this car is meant to be driven! 

Eastwood Ceramic Chassis Black

[Kevin O]

The GTO is now under all-hands-on-deck status... we're getting it ready to drive on the Hot Rod Power Tour with a delivery date of 6/1... that's like 27 days and 12 hours... it won't be a perfectly painted show car, but it will have the chassis and driveline finished and ready to rock.   The body will be a cool satin 2-tone for the trip.    The goal then is to shake it down, then bring it back to the shop for final bodywork and paint for SEMA.    We'll have to replace the quarters, trunk floors, and some footwells.     So for now, follow along for daily updates until June first to see if we make it.     Here we go again!

[Kevin O]

Quick shot of the "temporary" paint scheme... it's going to get a silver stripe at the color break, and then it stays un-cleared for the Power Tour and the CC Nats.    Then it comes back here to have the quarters and floors ripped out and a "real" paint job!

[Kevin O]

After seeing the Air Ride Technologies 1966 Chevelle thrash the autocross at the Run Through The Hills III event, we were sold on the outstanding handling AND smooth ride of the Air Ride Street Challenge suspension system.    This time, we build the front 1/2 of this system on our '66 GTO.     We're still pushing to get this car on the road for the Hot Rod Power Tour in less than a month.