1966 GTO L92 / 6L80E / Street Challenge Project

V

V8TV

Forum Member
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 transmission, 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 posting every step of the build on video.

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

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Check the link again, it works fine here... ?

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/
 
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/
 
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/
 
To those looking to swap in a new Variable Valve Timing engine into your hot rod project, keep an eye on hood clearance, because the VVT hardware adds some length to the block, making accessories a little tricky. Here's what we did to make them work on the GTO.

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/560/43/
 
The GTO's chassis got a bath in the new Eastwood Ceramic Chassis Black. We like the satin finish, and hope it has the chemical and chip-resistance for a driver. It's a 2-part catalyzed chemical that cures up hard. Spraying is pretty simple, although it seemed to like to run just a little if you "pound" it on.

Video: http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/566/1/

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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.

http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/579/43/
 
We're kind of jumping ahead and posting nightly video updates as we push to get the GTO ready for the Power Tour. We'll be posting more of the detailed installs later, but for now, we'll post these quick updates, as we've got about 18 days to make this a driver!

Video: http://v8tvshow.com/content/view/580/43/

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