deja Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 After 4 1/2 months I finally was able to attempt starting my LT1 swap. Oh sure, its still on jack stands, there is no driveshaft or exhaust, the heater hoses go nowhere, the complete Z28 wiring harness is lying on the car floor the whole interior including the dash is out of the car........but it started!!!!! I am sure you guys know how I feel right now. But this undertaking has been something of a learning curve for me. I haven't done anything quit like this before. I've played around with cars a lot and even built a kit car, but this was over the top for me. I choose to do some things I probably shouldn't have attempted, like using the Z28 fuel tank and wiring harness and building a custom dash all of which have unique problems. But its all coming together at long last. Now I need to get that driveshaft measured and installed so I can see if this thing will drive and hopefully meet my expectations. For those who don't know my car is a '77 280Z and the swap is a '94 Z28 LT1 and a 4L60E tranny using JTR stuff. http://www.dejavideo.net/280z8/280Z-LT1-starts.wmv Please right click on the video link and download it, I have limited bandwidth on my site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badjuju Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 way to go man, you'll be skipping for the next week at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 I watched your video, CONGRATS.....YEAH, been there and know the feeling well! btw couldn,t help but notice you appear to be and older geezer like ME! (59) its nice to see that all the younger college age kids on the site are not the only ones posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 CONGRATS DALE!!! I know that feeling too and I'm about to know once similar once this tranny ordeal is finished and it's back on the ground. btw, couldn't help but notice you appear to be and older geezer like ME! Glad "I" didn't say that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtmny1999 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 ^^^^ lol Congratz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 My congat's as well. Even though the first engine start on my swap was quite a while back, I still remember the feeling well. I let out a whoop that I'm sure the neighbors heard...as if they didn't hear the open header engine running first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 I watched your video, CONGRATS.....YEAH, been there and know the feeling well! btw couldn,t help but notice you appear to be and older geezer like ME! its nice to see that all the younger college age kids on the site are not the only ones posting Thanks. Oh yeah, I'm older than water, LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 My congat's as well. Even though the first engine start on my swap was quite a while back, I still remember the feeling well. I let out a whoop that I'm sure the neighbors heard...as if they didn't hear the open header engine running first. Hey, thanks man. Your ride as been inspiration for me from the start. Still have a pict of your engine on my garage wall! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 CONGRATS DALE!!! I know that feeling too and I'm about to know once similar once this tranny ordeal is finished and it's back on the ground. btw, couldn't help but notice you appear to be and older geezer like ME! Glad "I" didn't say that Thanks Warren. I had issues this weekend even getting the starter to kick. Seems I didn't fully understand the GM anti-theft system like I thought I did. Anyone want to buy one of those EBay vats bypass modules? If you still use the vats box you don't need that thing. LOL, I've been called worse by much lesser people! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschiltz Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Congrats, deja! The only thing better than firing up the first time is driving the first time. It's only a matter of time! Hey grumpy, what year is the silver 'vette in the background of that pic, 85? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 yeah its an 85, thats my TOY, the 1996 in the fore ground is daily transportation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschiltz Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Cool, A friend of mine just got one same year, same color. Does yours have the targa top? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 I have a smoked clear roof removeable roof panel , unfortunately the damn things cracked, and will need replacement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Cool, A friend of mine just got one same year, same color. Does yours have the targa top? Nope, standard body. Seems like silver was a very popular color. Mine was repainted when I got it but I don't know if the color is Datsun or not. Honda touch up paint is very close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnjdragracing Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Congrats Dale...... I can still remember my 1st big project back when I was 16 with my 1969 Chevelle..... I know exactly how you feel.... Hey by the way it only gets better. Wait till you give it a spin around the block. Look forward to seeing the finished project at SEZ next year. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v80z Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Congrats Man. No matter what happens they cant take away that feeling of accomplishment. Good Job!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeMS Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Way to go Dale! You know I've been watching your progress with interest as I'm about three months be hide you. Nice job. Can't wait to hear mine roar. Good to see us old guys still can get her done. Congratulations!! Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Congrats!! Thanks for keeping us posted. Maybe a video of the car doing a smokey burnout later?? Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Congrats Dale...... I can still remember my 1st big project back when I was 16 with my 1969 Chevelle..... I know exactly how you feel.... Hey by the way it only gets better. Wait till you give it a spin around the block. Look forward to seeing the finished project at SEZ next year. John Thanks John. I still have a lot of work to do but it will be there in March, too bad the Sept event won't happen this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted June 14, 2007 Author Share Posted June 14, 2007 Way to go Dale! You know I've been watching your progress with interest as I'm about three months be hide you. Nice job. Can't wait to hear mine roar. Good to see us old guys still can get her done. Congratulations!! Lee LOL, some days I feel like I'm too old to be playing with hotrods, but its still fun and that all than matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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