72 Skylark Custom / Gs / Lt1 Retro

Discussion in 'Members Rides' started by 72buicklt1, May 1, 2011.

  1. bmiller

    bmiller Active Member

    I think the Impala radiator is wider than the radiator support, I think it would work but would need some modifcations.
     
  2. ed1le

    ed1le Well-Known Member

    Did some further investigation and a standard radiator will work. The reverse flow only pertains to inside the engine. Coolant goes through the heads first, then the block, backwards from traditional sbc's. Outside the engine though it flows the same with radiator fittings low on passenger side, high on drivers side.
     
  3. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    interesting, I have read that you want to use a reverse flow radiator, but often wondered if there really was a difference. Although me going with the z28 radiator I was able to slide the dual fan setup into the existing bracket making it an easy swap to.. lowering the thermostat to 160 degree and programming the fan to come on earlier should help keep things running cooler. Oh, speaking of programming I sent my pcm to PCMFORLESS and should have it back in a few days so hopefully my engine will be alive by this weekend.:TU:

    Dan C.
     
  4. ed1le

    ed1le Well-Known Member

    I do like the idea of the factory fan set up fitting right over the f-body radiator for a factory appearing fit but I don't feel like doing any modifications to my core support. Will have to verify measurements and maybe pick one up for a test fit if it looks close. Worse csae, I'll just return it. I'm running a CSR electric water pump & 160 stat as well. Plus, if the factory f-body radiator kept these engines cool in their confined engine bays, it should be easy work for them in our much larger & open engine bays.

    Be sure to post some video of that thing running! :beer
     
  5. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    would have just went all out been ls powered if i was doin a swap
     
  6. darkstar02496

    darkstar02496 LT1 into .....everything


    Let us know how you like the tune. I have one from them in my 95 z28 and plan on having them do the one in my skylark when the time comes. You've moved pretty quick on this. I'm still stripping down my frame.
     
  7. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    I did the PCMFORLESS custom mail order tune and initial impressions are good. From when I shipped it out to getting it back was a 3 day turn around so they get a big :TU: from me so far.

    After the normal oil priming I put in the fuel pump fuse and connected up the coil wire and she fired right over. Sounds really good with a little bit of attitude on the idle. Next step is to start to clean the wheel wells and bolt back in place so I can finish up the wiring and items that will be bolted to those.
    I may do a short u tube video of the engine compartment and sound of the engine once I get a few more things buttoned up and I will post the link on here.
    Progress is slow but I try to do a few hours here and there when I can. Plus it has been brutally hot lately so that makes it difficult working in the driveway when in the 90's with high humidity...

    Dan C.
     
  8. ed1le

    ed1le Well-Known Member

    Good job on the progress! Be sure to share the link if you post a video!
     
  9. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    Ran into a bit of a snag :Do No: when I put the rad support in the proper location and connected up all the hoses. I realized that I didn't have enough room for the ram air scoop that I planned on mounting straight down in front of the water pump and under the bumper,, So I decided to use a couple of pieces from the piping and put it off to the side and made a bracket to support the filter. I don't know if this will be permanent or a temporary fix but it works and looks pretty good too.. I think it will get a nice blast of cold air coming in from the opening next to the radiator even without the scoop. I am going to put a shield on the back side to deflect the engine heat away and that is ordered so once i get it on I will get a picture and post.

    Dan C.
     
  10. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    I wanted to share some more shots of the progress - slow but steady.. Engine in and running decent.. sounds mean.. spun the tires pulling it back into the garage this evening - - oops..

    Anyways I spoke to my body guy and he will be ready to do the teardown and straighten for paint in the spring so i have more time than i thought so i am going to continue to fit things and make sure working good before the Winter sleep.

    So here are some of the shots of the front fenders installed / alignment could be better but body guy will do that. Hood is installed after getting GS panel cut in - turned out real nice.. I will remove the hood and do the underside cleanup and spray bedliner to give a protective clean underside..

    Still a lot to do but feeling good about where I am progress wise.. Starting to see glimpses of a Buick GS retro Lark...''''SWEET!


    Dan C.

    :TU:
     

    Attached Files:

  11. ed1le

    ed1le Well-Known Member

    Lookin' real good!
     
  12. darkstar02496

    darkstar02496 LT1 into .....everything

    Looks great. Keep up the good work. I'm just getting around to ordering paint for my frame so I can put it together.
    On a side note. Be carful with those air vents in your hood. The opti spark is pretty vulnerable to water.
     
  13. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    The vents will be for show only,
    Thanks for the headsup..

    I walked downstairs in the garage this weekend and really started to think how nice it would be to be able to do some other projects that I need to catch up on this winter but won't have room because of my resto in storage taking up the space.. Got me thinking About selling or parting out... I don't know, a lot of effort to this point but I find it harder and harder to get back on the car, a lot of other priorities keep popping up...

    We'll see I guess,,,:Do No:

    Dan C.
     
  14. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    The vents will be for show only,
    Thanks for the headsup..

    I walked downstairs in the garage this weekend and really started to think how nice it would be to be able to do some other projects that I need to catch up on this winter but won't have room because of my resto in storage taking up the space.. Got me thinking About selling or parting out... I don't know, a lot of effort to this point but I find it harder and harder to get back on the car, a lot of other priorities keep popping up...

    We'll see I guess,,,:Do No:

    Dan C.
     
  15. ed1le

    ed1le Well-Known Member

    Parting out or selling is a sad thought, especially how close you seem to be to completion (at least compared to mine) but I also understand. Thinking of putting mine on hold and searching for a finished car b/c with my wife & I both working full-time and 2 little kids, finding time for the car is nearing the impossible.
     
  16. Freakazoid

    Freakazoid Gold Level Contributor

    I really hate to see you sell it Dan. You have done some awsome work. You have real tallent. Im sure everyone here agrees. All that work and almost done and never get to drive it. Your just too close to quit. Just let it sit till you get caught up. Don't forget you deserve some days for yourself to work on the Buick.
     
  17. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    Appreciate the encouragement... I am pushing forward, just at a slower pace than anticipated.. But Winter is here so I will be taking a break from the car and getting my spring plan together.. I may take a few pictures of the progress before I really put the tools away for Winter...
    Oh I changed the top engine cover after having a rear intake oil leak ( typical of the lt1 from what I read) , anyhow put it back together with The Right Stuff gasket maker and leak is gone. The engine cover I bought off of EBay gives the motor a higher stance in the engine bay.. So I may wind up using it instead of the Corvette covers that I modified.. Haven't decided yet.:confused:

    Dan C.
     
  18. ed1le

    ed1le Well-Known Member

    What is the engine cover you got?
     
  19. slolark

    slolark Well-Known Member

    Then would you be selling the "gran sport" fuel rail coveres?
     
  20. 72buicklt1

    72buicklt1 Well-Known Member

    I will post the pictures tonight, need to get the camera back from my brothers kids.

    But basically it is the homeplate that is used on the impala and roadmaster lt1's.. not sure if I like it as it covers my expensive Arizona Marina and Speed Throttle body and nice red intake.. although it covers all of the wiring for the most part..

    So later I will try to get a few pictures downloaded.

    Dan C.
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2011

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