Wagz

I just scored a T56 on eBay and I'm hoping I didn't screw up. The tranny I bought is off a '98 LS1 Z28. I am (was) fairly certain I could mate this thing to a pre '84 SBC with the proper flywheel, etc. I was just going back through my JTR manuals and both refer to the '93 to '97 T56. Is a '98 going to be a problem? They look like the same gear smasher from the pictures I have. Anyone have any words of wisdom for me? Guess I should have asked you guys BEFORE I made a bid.

Nathan - How do you like your Velo Rossa kit? That kit is the reason I bought a Z this year. I saw an ad for the Velo Rossa in a kit car mag and decided I have to have one. I visited John Washington in his shop last year and was impressed with what I learned. My '71 is being torn-down, refurbished and V8'ed before I have my kit delivered. I'd love to hear more about your experience with the kit and maybe even sneak down to Eugene and bother you for a 'tour' of your car. -Marc

quote This probably isn't the item for me to learn to weld on. Thanks for the material list. The whole setup is too large for my garage, but I can easily adapt it too my needs.

Having my own rotisserie would make life sooo much easier. Especially, in geting the under-carriage completely cleaned up and installing the SFCs. Jim: That is one serious rotisserie! I especially like the fact it's on rollers. Very nice setup. Unfortunately, I doubt I could get my car mounted on it AND get it and my wife's car all in the garage at once. I might take you up on plans/measurements and customize it a bit. Mike: Thanks a lot for the tips on Portland area shops. I'll make a few phone calls and see what pans out. I'll be giving you a call about pricing out the F/R disc brake conversions. Tim: I think your version of the rotisserie is more realistic for me. I'd love to get some more detailed pics. Whatever you can share would be much appreciated!

Tim - I have seen your pics. Did you develop your own rotisserie or did you have a plan to follow? I'd love to get my hands on one or at least some plans for one. I'm sure your right about learning to weld 1st. The thought crossed my mind and I've been keeping my eyes open for a killer deal on a MIG welder. My impatience to get this project kick-started is my biggest problem...

It’s about time I quit lurking around the place and introduce myself. My name is Marc and I own a Z… (Oh, wait. This isn’t the 12-step meeting… Is it?) Anyway, I’ve been lurking around this site (and some of your personal Z car sites) for months soaking up as much knowledge and wisdom as I can. I gotta say, this site is fantastic and I’ve never seen such a great group of helpful guys. The fact that I’ve been able to learn as much as I have without posting a question before this is proof of the extreme body of knowledge that exists here. O.k. Enough, with the brown-nosing. I’ve recently acquired a ’71 240 and am in the middle of stripping the car down to the bare chassis. The plan is to stiffen the unibody (a la Pete Paraska’s plans), completely upgrade the suspension and brakes and install an LT1 and T56. Haven’t decided on all of the body mods yet. I missed out on a complete ’97 LT1 and T56 on eBay today so, I’m an in-liner for a little longer. I’ve acquired the JTR manuals, a complete coil-over setup with Tokico Illuminas and 10”, 200# springs From Dave Turner and have all of the Energy Suspension bushings I’ll need in the garage. I’ll be deciding soon which disk brake conversion to go with: Arizona Z, Modern-Motorsports(Ross C) or the Outlaw setup from Mike SCCA (your opions are welcome). On to the questions: 1) Is anyone here based in or around the Portland, OR area? 2) If so, can any of you recommend a good source for fabrication and welding? (sub-frame connectors and minor floor pan fixes) Pete: Any chance you’ll fly out to Portland and build the connectors for me? j/k. Sorrowfully, I cannot weld (yet). In the past I’ve been a parts counterman at a GM dealership and various parts houses and have been an under-the-table mechanic, and done tons of R&R work, but never learned to weld. I’ll be signing up for welding classes at a local CC soon. Thanks for your help!