Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

I sent them a lot of pictures to work with. They said no problem. It should be set up close to 4.5/6 to 5/7. It will be interesting to see how it works out. I'm nervous and excited to see the final stance. Since I'm not bagging it, I'm limited to how they set it up. It is, what it is. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Yea i'm not too keen on bags myself, part of what is making this build interesting for me.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

I know it's been a little while, but I seemed to have a snafu with my chassis. When laying out the bed, it turned out that rear kick up over the axle was too high causing interference with the location of the bed wood. You can see by the pictures that the wood floor would interfere with the frame.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

More pictures of the interference between the bed wood and frame.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

After discussing this with Justin at Scott's Hotrods, they decided to build me a totally new chassis. They found that the kick up over the rear end was off, and would be too hard to modify it. Since then they built the new chassis and I now have it. I'm beginning my new layout of the bed, cab and front clip. More pictures and details forthcoming.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

At least they owned the mistake and made it right.
How long did you have to put the build on hold?

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Yep, glad they backed up their product!

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Looking forward to seeing more your project.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Sorry I've been slacking on my updates. The new chassis was completed and ready for pickup. I picked it up at the terminal. Once home I was able to get cab set up on it. Unfortunately the new chassis build set me back by more than half a year.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Worked on cab and bed layout to make sure no interference problems this time. So far so good. I'm installing a wood bed on this build, so I wanted to make sure there was no problem with any of the new cross sills.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Very excited about this delivery. Brand new GM Performance LS3 6.2L with Hot Cam and 4L70E transmission. 480 HP / 475 ft-lb torque. Gonna be fun!!! :metal:

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Thanks for the update! was wondering about this build.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Awesome man, can't wait to see more!

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

This is going to be one sweet ride :metal:

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Decided to do some engine test fitting on the Scott's chassis. Bolted up the 4L70E to the LS3 to put it on the chassis. The LS motor mounts from Scott's are pretty slick. The only problem was the LS oil pan interfered with the cross member. Going to use a Holley oil pan.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

I really like that chassis! Can't wait to see it going together!

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Coming along nice! That LS3 looks great in your chassis.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Thanks Mark. Your build has been a big inspiration for me. Thanks for putting it together.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

So I bought the Holley 302-1 oil pan for LS retrofit applications. It is a really nice pan. The only problem was I found some porosity in the casting around the oil filter area. I contacted Holley and sent them some pictures. They thought it would be fine to use, but wanted to be safe and have me return it anyway. I decided not to take the chance and return it for another one.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

good eye and good call on the oil pan. it looks like it was a bad pour. you never know where else it is weak/compromised. looking great otherwise.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Really nice looking project Dan! Love the new frame and drivetrain :metal:

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Thanks. I agree on the bad pour. Thanks for the complement.

Thanks Keith.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

I received the new Holley 302-1 oil pan to replace the one that had porosity around the oil filter area. This one looks much better. Did the install, which was pretty easy and straightforward. Good thing for the engine stand.


Attachment 1546904


Attachment 1546905
I thought there might be some modifications required to the windage tray, but there weren't any needed.


Attachment 1546906
The install went pretty good.


Attachment 1546907
Test fit on the chassis will be coming up soon.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

With the new Holley 302-1 oil pan installed, I wanted to do a test fit with my LS3 and 4L70E.

Here is the LS3 with the new Holley pan installed. Pay no attention to that orange thing of mine in the background. ;)
Attachment 1547859


The Scott's LS motor mounts were installed on the block.
Attachment 1547861


Chassis is ready for test fitting.
Attachment 1547864


Engine and transmission fit on the chassis like a glove!
Attachment 1547874

Attachment 1547879

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Here are some close up pictures of the Scott's custom LS motor mounts installed on the engine and in the chassis.
Attachment 1547885

Attachment 1547886


No clearance problem now with the chassis crossmember.
Attachment 1547890

Attachment 1547891

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

looking great. I know you have a long road ahead but the small victories are always nice along the way. Also I couldn't ignore the orange thing in the background. it's too nice.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Yes, there's definitely a long road ahead. Hopefully I can stay positive with the build. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Well I ran into another snag with my oil pan. I decided to install the rack and pinion to be sure there was enough clearance. And guess what? The oil pan hit on the rack. Time to back pedal a bit.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Humm, did Scott's recommend that particular rack and pinion?

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Mike, Scott's did recommend that particular rack and pinion. That's what shipped with my chassis. I'm now finding out that they used a factory Corvette oil pan on their LS3 build. Apparently the Corvette pan is more shallow at the front end. Here is a picture from Scott's Hot Rod of the oil pan they used. One step forward then one backward. Oh well.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Since the Holley 302-1 oil pan hits on my rack and pinion I'm going to swap it out for the 302-2 pan. The 302-2 oil pan was designed mainly for LS swaps in Gen-1 F & X-body cars like Camaro, Firebird and Nova. They say its also used on other car and truck LS swaps. Hoping it should work OK

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

I went ahead and did the swap to the Holley 302-2 oil pan. I am very pleased in how it turned out.

Here is the engine with the oil pan removed and full windage tray still installed.
Attachment 1560005


Removed the windage tray.
Attachment 1560006


I had to either modify the existing windage tray or purchase the GM one. I decided to buy the GM tray already modified.
Attachment 1560007


Once the new pan was installed I had plenty of room between the rack and pinion and the oil pan.
Attachment 1560008


You can see there is plenty of clearance between the 302-2 oil pan and the cross member as well as the rack and pinion.
Attachment 1560009

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Any updates, how is the build going?

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Good to see someone posting what actually happens on these type of custom builds … parts rarely just bolt on and the lack of instructions with many of these custom setups leaves the end user to figure things out on their own. Nice build and keep up the persistence!

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Hey Keith, I'll get some updates on here soon. I've been busy with work and family. I haven't given up on the build. I'll keep you posted.

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

I bought a Gen IV DBW throttle bracket from fellow member Rob (Hart_Rod). I did some layout with the pedal bracket and found out that it wouldn't line up with the mounting holes in my firewall.

Here is my stock pedal installed in the cab
Attachment 1633299

You can see Rob's DBW bracket on the left, and my throttle assembly on the right. There is no way that the bracket will mount to my cab since the holes don't match.
Attachment 1633300

Neither of us had any idea why it didn't line up. Rob says that the dimensions of my pedal are the same as the ones on 73-87 trucks. I have no idea why. My truck is an original 71, built in California and spent it's life in Arizona. If any one has any ideas or information, I'd love to hear.

Since I'm going with a shaved firewall, I don't really need the mounting holes any way. I just needed to find the best location for the bracket. I took turns installing the bracket in various locations using only one bolt (since that's all I could install at one time). Each time I took measurements, comparing it the the stock pedal measurements. Once I found the best location, I installed the bolt and tack welded the bracket in place.

This was the best location for the DBW bracket with the 2005+ Corvette pedal installed.
Attachment 1633301

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

How is this project coming along?

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

I'm sorry guys. I haven't been too diligent with keeping up on my build. It is still going forward, but on a slower pace then anticipated. Sometimes real life gets in the way and so do life's priorities.

In the meantime I decided to add onto my 40 x 40 workshop. My wife said we can't leave the family to go south or west during the Buffalo winters. I said then I needed something to do in the winter, so I added onto my workshop. She agreed (she's a saint). Hopefully I don't bore you by getting off track here, but I'm super proud of what I accomplished with the shop and it's a great winter hideaway. I just finished it.

Here was my original 40'x40' building. I decided to add onto the front of it.
Attachment 1877697


I decided to add a 46' wide x 48' deep x 14' ceiling addition.
Attachment 1877698


Attachment 1877699


Attachment 1877700


Here is the addition onto the front of my original workshop.
Attachment 1877701

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

Once I closed in the building I insulated the ceiling with blown in fiberglass R48.
Attachment 1877709


I tore out the old approach to the original building.
Attachment 1877710


While down at the fall Hershey car show I detoured and picked up some reclaimed XPS insulation. I planned to install in-floor radiant heat and I wanted to use the insulation under the concrete. It was 4" thick, 400 psi rated. Perfect for my project.
Attachment 1877711


I put down a 15 mil vapor barrier as I went along, sealing all the edges.
Attachment 1877712


Once the vapor barrier and insulation was down, I laid down wire mesh to attach the pex tubing to.
Attachment 1877713

Re: Project "Buffalo Blizzard Surprise" 71 SWB build
 

The pex tubing was laid out over the wire mesh and zip tied.
Attachment 1877714


I marked out a spot where my 2-post lift would go.
Attachment 1877715


All the tubing runs and domestic water was brought to a central location. This is where I would install the condensing boiler.
Attachment 1877716


Then came the concrete pour!
Attachment 1877717