V8TV

We've got another new project starting in the V8TV shop - an L92 / 6L80E powered 1966 Pontiac GTO.

This 1966 GTO has seen better days, and this intro video explains the project details from start to finish, including the crazy timeline. It kinda goes like this: Install GM 6.2 liter L92 V8 and 6-speed 6L80E tranmission, install Air Ride Technologies Street Challenge air suspension system, upgrade the wheels, tires, and brakes. Drive on Hot Rod Power Tour. Disassemble entire car, replace quarter panels, repair holes in trunk floor, window ledges, fenders, and doors, paint, reassemble, and take to SEMA 2008. Whew!

As always, we'll be bringing you every step of the build on video.

Intro Video: http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/485/1/

LSfan70s

Sweeeet project!!
I want that engine for mine.

But the time line is just too crazy.

Wish you the best. Hope you make it!

V8TV

Thanks! It's going to be another thrash. I think (hope) we have a handle on this one!

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

Very nice presentation. Talk with John at Speartech about the wire harness for the trans. Are you planning on running AC? What about the pedastal/engine mounts? How are you going to address the oilpan? Looks like a very do-able project for a profesional, my wife and I did ours (67 Camaro) in 3 months and it runs/drives great! I will definately look for it on the tour and at CarCraft!

ls1leadfoot

iTrader: (1)

wow...6sp auto....time to ditch the m6......that should be a sick car......air ride......all i can say is wow......be sure you dont punk out on the wheels.......make em big in the back!!!!!!!

V8TV

Thanks, guys. We're working with Speartech on the harnesses. We've got a Street & Performance pan and mounts, and a Speartech throttle pedal assembly. No AC for now, but we'll see after the Power Tour. We're pretty excited about the car.

I'm sure we'll have many questions for the crowd on this board! Thanks for the support!

- KO

V8TV

We yanked the original engine from the GTO's nose, and later found it to be a date-code correct 1966 389 block. The multiple coats of aerosol paint make it look more like a cosmetic resto than a mechanical rebuild, but we didn't tear it down to see. Now we're focusing on fitting the new 6.2.

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/491/1/

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

A shop CAT???? Kinda lost a few points there Kevin, everyone knows that dogs are the only animal smart enough to build a car, cats are just too lazy.

Awesome work, keep it coming. Should be looking at a test fit soon!

Edit:
Watched the vids of the Royal Sport Camaro. Absolutely first rate work. I am afraid that paint and bodywork to that level just isn't in the cards for any of my vehicles. Very informative videos.

V8TV

Yeah, you heard me order the damn cat out. Kelle's the shop cat person.

Thanks for the compliments on the Royal Sport Camaro - that was a big project... fun to look back on, but high pressure at the time!

V8TV

Tonight, we bolted the Street & Performance engine plates and oil pan to the L92 V8 and 6L80E six-speed automatic combination. We were pleasantly suprised to see that it almost fits the car without modification, but we will need to do some more test fitting to be sure.

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/492/43/

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

Kevin,
You may want to put the mounts back on correctly and plan on moving the AC compressor up. Considering that you are already looking at changing the accesory routing, this may be the simplest mounting option for placing it nicely. Several vendors (including S&P) offer kits to relocate the AC higher on the pass side, but all are spendy. You could go ahead and fab the brackets yoursefl as well. Note how tightly the compressor will be placed at the crossmember, you may have to alter the xmember a bit to get proper clearance depending on where you finally settle the engine. Just a thought...

V8TV

Wow, this is a huge transmission.

Here's some shots of another test fit from under the car... the top of the trans is 1/4 inch from touching the floor of the car. The trans has to go up at least another 4.5 inches to bring the bottom of the pan to 1" below the frame. Then, the output shaft is up higher than usual, so the trans tunnel and the drive shaft tunnel have to be cut out to make room. Next comes possible issues with the engine / trans angle... the engine may have to go up in the front to allow for the trans to pitch down towards the rear axle, making the engine / hood clearance too tight. Hmmm...

bowtieguy79

iTrader: (1)

Sweet build up! Can't wait to sit back and read your posts and see the video's. Can't wait to see your handy work on PT this summer too!

Keep up the good work!

V8TV

Thanks Bowtie!

We've test fitted, measured, scratched our heads, tested again, looked at the calendar, scratched our heads again... and we've determined that the 6L80E, while cool, is not going to fit this car in the timeframe required. The trans is just too big, and the amount of surgery needed is going to take a long time, and then it would take just as long to un-do if the trans didn't live up to expectations.

So we talked to Mark Bowler at Bowler Performance Transmissions about his upcoming project... a collaboration with Bowler, Twist Machine, and Gear Vendors to create an 8-speed 4L65E auto that can be paddle-shifted (is Shrifted a word?) up and down through 8 gears. Sounds cool to us, and it actually fits in the car! So the story changes a little, but moves 2 gears ahead!

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/502/43/

subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

Did you guys make a determination on wiring harness/programming yet?
I'm following closely as I'm hoping to do a L92/T56 swap to the Buick.
Thanks for leading the way!

MrOverkill

iTrader: (1)

I'll keep an eye on this, I just set the LSX between the frame rails on my 66 GTO which I'm about to start a thread about... Killer project!

V8TV

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

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/542/43/

V8TV

I think we're still going with a Speartech harness... what's your Buick project all about?

subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

Thanks for asking!
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/863138-73-77-bodies.html

I'm digging the V8TV website, by the way! It has what TV car shows lack...realism! Keep up the good work!

And if you want to take over my Buick project (so it actually gets done soon), let me know.

V8TV

Thanks for the kind words. Your Buick is killer... I am a fan of some of the different Buicks... have a '68 Riv myself. I'll be following your build... it's cool!