G'day All.
I have been tossing and turning about whether to get this project on the move or to just sell the lot.
Maybe I need some encouraging words for other members.
Ive just bolted the 9" Diff in, so maybe I could keep going.
If I do, Im going to just bolt the lot in and once its all legal and registered properly I will pull it all appart again and make it all look nice.
As Ive only usually had cars that run on Avgas and the like with 4.55 gears and things which usually sit in the shed. This time it was to be something I could actually drive.
At the moment the run down is a 74 LH Torana Sedan. Its chamois grey and white roof.
Engine will be 307 chev.
Racematic trimatic, chev adapted.
TCE converter 3000 stall.
Raceglides built 9" diff, 3.55 gears, mini spool.
VR Commodore rear discs.
Hoppers front disc conversion.
Thats about it really. Fairly basic, low key.
Oh the wheels are the Wheel Vintiques, HQ GTS monaro look alikes in 15x7''.
Any comments or suggestions appeciated.
'74 LH Torana Project
Started by
_BlownOutlaw_
, Jun 13 2008 02:17 PM
160 replies to this topic
#2
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 13 June 2008 - 05:23 PM
Diff in with a wheel on checking, clearance, not bad.
#3
_noslx_
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Posted 13 June 2008 - 06:17 PM
well mate it all sounds good to me 
just keep us posted with pics cheers andrew 
ps those wheels fill the guards good
just keep us posted with pics cheers andrew ps those wheels fill the guards good
#4
kudu
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Posted 13 June 2008 - 06:38 PM
Hi,
just curious why you have chosen a 307 chev. Is it because you already have one?
just curious why you have chosen a 307 chev. Is it because you already have one?
#5
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 13 June 2008 - 07:07 PM
Yes I already have the block, that came from a HK Monaro or something like that.
And after having a 308 before, I'd rather the Chevrolet product. Or at least I will give it a try.
And after having a 308 before, I'd rather the Chevrolet product. Or at least I will give it a try.
#6
_4IDFLXSS_
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Posted 13 June 2008 - 07:43 PM
sounds like a ton a fun to me mate, do it!!
#7
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 17 June 2008 - 05:47 PM
G'day
Thanks for the replies.
Been working on the front brake conversion. Got the passenger side done.
Came to do the drivers side and found that one of the cap screws they sent me in the Hoppers Stoppers kit was incorrect!!
Not particularly happy at this point in time cause I was on a roll.
Have tried the 15" rim and it fits fine with no clearance issues.
-Leigh
Thanks for the replies.
Been working on the front brake conversion. Got the passenger side done.
Came to do the drivers side and found that one of the cap screws they sent me in the Hoppers Stoppers kit was incorrect!!
Not particularly happy at this point in time cause I was on a roll.
Have tried the 15" rim and it fits fine with no clearance issues.
-Leigh
#8
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 18 June 2008 - 09:33 AM
Called Hopprs Stoppers and they have kindly offered to send me up another bolt for the brake kit. They were very helpfull actually.
#9
_1ARC_
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Posted 18 June 2008 - 06:07 PM
Hi Leigh, which stud pattern, rim size and tyres size did you use. Have you tired full lock in both directions to determine the clearance issues. Thanks John
#10
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 18 June 2008 - 07:37 PM
Hi John
I should have said no caliper to rim clearance issues (as they say you need 15" rim dia or more).
These are HQ stud pattern, rims are 15x7. The tyres are too big on the front and I will get them changed but at present they are 235/15/60. I'll probably go back to a 205/15/50 or something like that.
I have not tried the full lock test at this stage, will have to wait till I get different tyres.
-Leigh
I should have said no caliper to rim clearance issues (as they say you need 15" rim dia or more).
These are HQ stud pattern, rims are 15x7. The tyres are too big on the front and I will get them changed but at present they are 235/15/60. I'll probably go back to a 205/15/50 or something like that.
I have not tried the full lock test at this stage, will have to wait till I get different tyres.
-Leigh
#11
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 10 August 2008 - 10:49 AM
Hi Guys.
I just checked my paint codes. I thought the car was Chamois Grey with White roof.
The codes are
568-15351 which seems to be called 'Willow' does anyone have photos of this colour??
Top - 568-13134 is Glacier White so thats OK.
Anyone know about the willow?
I just checked my paint codes. I thought the car was Chamois Grey with White roof.
The codes are
568-15351 which seems to be called 'Willow' does anyone have photos of this colour??
Top - 568-13134 is Glacier White so thats OK.
Anyone know about the willow?
#12
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 10 August 2008 - 11:43 AM
Its OK, ive just found an image of Willow. Its more of a grey colour like what I have so thats good, it matches. I was wrong about the Chamois all along.
#13
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 10 August 2008 - 11:49 AM
One other thing. Im currently being held up by Hi -Energy sumps, who have so far taken almost 2 months!! to get me a correct sump set up for my engine to suit the Torana. Basically I need the sump all good before I can put the engine in.
Last week the sump was delivered and I have found out the pick up tube is the wrong size for the oil pump. They told me they would send another one straight away, but I am still waiting.......
Last week the sump was delivered and I have found out the pick up tube is the wrong size for the oil pump. They told me they would send another one straight away, but I am still waiting.......
#14
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 21 August 2008 - 08:27 PM
G'day folks.
Well, I did get the correct pick up for the sump eventually. I would not recommend Hi-Energy any more, they used to be good but seem to have been bought out. Im getting similar reports from other enthusiasts about them also. It took 2 months to get a sump sorted out.
Next problem has been extractors. I got the chev into Torana extractors from Castle Automotive Enterprises, as this was about the only place I believed I could find a decent premade set. Got them and these do not fit properly. They hit the steering in 3 places, partly on the K-frame and also the floor at the send of the collectors. Not a happy camper I can tell you! I have had to pull the whole engine and box out to get these back out again and now it looks like I will have to modify them myself. CAE dont seem to want to know about it. Again I have spoken to a few prominent people I know who have said they are hearing complaints about this business too.
So all in all everything has just started off well
Well, I did get the correct pick up for the sump eventually. I would not recommend Hi-Energy any more, they used to be good but seem to have been bought out. Im getting similar reports from other enthusiasts about them also. It took 2 months to get a sump sorted out.
Next problem has been extractors. I got the chev into Torana extractors from Castle Automotive Enterprises, as this was about the only place I believed I could find a decent premade set. Got them and these do not fit properly. They hit the steering in 3 places, partly on the K-frame and also the floor at the send of the collectors. Not a happy camper I can tell you! I have had to pull the whole engine and box out to get these back out again and now it looks like I will have to modify them myself. CAE dont seem to want to know about it. Again I have spoken to a few prominent people I know who have said they are hearing complaints about this business too.
So all in all everything has just started off well
#15
lcgtr1970
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Posted 21 August 2008 - 08:33 PM
ahhh im glad to hear thats its not just me that seems to hit nothing but hurdles when playing round with cars!
then again it wouldn't be as much fun if it was an easy process.
then again it wouldn't be as much fun if it was an easy process.
#16
TerrA LX
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Posted 21 August 2008 - 08:45 PM
Next problem has been extractors. I got the chev into Torana extractors from Castle Automotive Enterprises, as this was about the only place I believed I could find a decent premade set. Got them and these do not fit properly. They hit the steering in 3 places, partly on the K-frame and also the floor at the send of the collectors. Not a happy camper I can tell you! I have had to pull the whole engine and box out to get these back out again and now it looks like I will have to modify them myself. CAE dont seem to want to know about it. Again I have spoken to a few prominent people I know who have said they are hearing complaints about this business too.
So all in all everything has just started off well
This, the sump and a few of the other probs you encounter is one of the main reasons i stuck with the holden product for the street.
#17
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 21 August 2008 - 09:01 PM
Hmmm yes, im starting to think the old Holden engine could have been a better proposition. I hope that something goes right soon. Its been a while since I have put a car together and so far am noticing higher prices and lower quality/service. Low quality will put you out of business every time in the hi performance industry for sure.
I dont have any good photos so far, but the rego runs out on this vehicle in about 3 weeks and I am hoping to have the car totally built and running, engineered and registered by then. Lota work to do.
If anyone wants to know about some good companies. Excellent service from Hugo at Raceglides who organised my box, convertor and Michael at Ice Ignitions for the whole ignition system. These guys have only improved since the G'pak build, and are top blokes.
I dont have any good photos so far, but the rego runs out on this vehicle in about 3 weeks and I am hoping to have the car totally built and running, engineered and registered by then. Lota work to do.
If anyone wants to know about some good companies. Excellent service from Hugo at Raceglides who organised my box, convertor and Michael at Ice Ignitions for the whole ignition system. These guys have only improved since the G'pak build, and are top blokes.
#18
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 06 September 2008 - 05:35 PM
After many weeks of hold ups due to Extractors and sump issues, then starter motor, finally got going a bit today with some whip cracking from a mate 'Kane355'. Got a few quick snaps.
Below engine with manifold ready to go.
Not much else to see but here is the tach mounted. Not sure what your call it or how common it was, but beside the dash and wheel, the rest of the interior is a very dark green colour, unless you were on the ball you would just think it was black, you can probably see some green highlighted by the flash.
Thats about as exciting as it gets right now. And by the way, as you can probably see, im putting this car together and getting it running first to sort out all the bugs and bad fitments etc (eg extractors!) first. It will be tidied up and made to look a bit better later down the track.
and sump issues, then starter motor, finally got going a bit today with some whip cracking from a mate 'Kane355'. Got a few quick snaps.Below engine with manifold ready to go.
Not much else to see but here is the tach mounted. Not sure what your call it or how common it was, but beside the dash and wheel, the rest of the interior is a very dark green colour, unless you were on the ball you would just think it was black, you can probably see some green highlighted by the flash.
Thats about as exciting as it gets right now. And by the way, as you can probably see, im putting this car together and getting it running first to sort out all the bugs and bad fitments etc (eg extractors!) first. It will be tidied up and made to look a bit better later down the track.
Edited by BlownOutlaw, 06 September 2008 - 05:43 PM.
#19
Heath
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Posted 07 September 2008 - 10:20 AM
I definately am a sucker for the black dash, SL/R wheel and monster tacho look 
What are the heads mate?
What are the heads mate?
#20
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 07 September 2008 - 12:58 PM
Hi Heath, the heads are Edelbrock E-Tech-200's.
Things are going along alright now.
Heath mentioned the Tacho, regarding gauges, I wonder if anyone has some suggestions of where the other gauges could be set up ? I have 4 other autometer gauges to install. There not that big 1-5/8 faces or something. Water Temp, Oil Press, and 2xEGT. I possibly may need the autometer fuel level gauge too not sure yet.
Im planning on putting the battery up front in the original spot rather than the boot this time also.
Apparantly there is an adaptor kit to adapt a B&M shifter cable to the trimatic, does anyone know about these?
Ive just trial fitted in the distributor, all looking good.
Things are going along alright now.
Heath mentioned the Tacho, regarding gauges, I wonder if anyone has some suggestions of where the other gauges could be set up ? I have 4 other autometer gauges to install. There not that big 1-5/8 faces or something. Water Temp, Oil Press, and 2xEGT. I possibly may need the autometer fuel level gauge too not sure yet.
Im planning on putting the battery up front in the original spot rather than the boot this time also.
Apparantly there is an adaptor kit to adapt a B&M shifter cable to the trimatic, does anyone know about these?
Ive just trial fitted in the distributor, all looking good.
#21
Heath
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Posted 07 September 2008 - 01:20 PM
I would put the guages down low under the vents, or up on the cowl panel (depends on how tight your local cops are).
I've seen some reasonably trick brackets that stick out of the ashtray area and they sit fully proud of the dash. It's not that neat but it does allow for the cool angled look and they are in good view of you when driving.
I've seen some reasonably trick brackets that stick out of the ashtray area and they sit fully proud of the dash. It's not that neat but it does allow for the cool angled look and they are in good view of you when driving.
#22
gtrboyy
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Posted 07 September 2008 - 01:24 PM
Yeah the adaptor bracket you can get from most speedshops,i got mine from rare spares...just tell them what side you need,passenger side bracket or the drivers side one,think it was $20 or $30.
The car looks nice btw.
The car looks nice btw.
Edited by gtrboyy, 07 September 2008 - 01:26 PM.
#23
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 07 September 2008 - 01:35 PM
This is how I had the gauges in the old car 
I'll try and get away with no gauge cups this time and just make an alloy plate or something, maybe down low like heath suggests, but certainly not above the dash or outside.
I'll try and get away with no gauge cups this time and just make an alloy plate or something, maybe down low like heath suggests, but certainly not above the dash or outside.
#24
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 07 September 2008 - 01:51 PM
GTRboy thanks for the comments.
Some other stuff I need to ask is:
-Can I buy a water neck/thermostat housing from a local parts store? (I ask cause its a chev);
-What radiator hoses am I suppsed to get ? (again Chev
)
-What belt size would be needed, ie something standard that should fit, water pump, alternator and crank in Vbelt type.? If too hard ill just get some rope and measure it and take that size in to get one.
-Im putting the water temp probe in the port on passenger side front of manifold, there are other open water ports in manifold and water pump, should these be connected up to anything? or blocked? If I wanted to connect the heater hoses up where would they go ?
-Do you actually need the heater working for rego or only a fan ??
Thats about it so far
Some other stuff I need to ask is:
-Can I buy a water neck/thermostat housing from a local parts store? (I ask cause its a chev);
-What radiator hoses am I suppsed to get ? (again Chev
)-What belt size would be needed, ie something standard that should fit, water pump, alternator and crank in Vbelt type.? If too hard ill just get some rope and measure it and take that size in to get one.
-Im putting the water temp probe in the port on passenger side front of manifold, there are other open water ports in manifold and water pump, should these be connected up to anything? or blocked? If I wanted to connect the heater hoses up where would they go ?
-Do you actually need the heater working for rego or only a fan ??
Thats about it so far
#25
_BlownOutlaw_
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Posted 12 September 2008 - 10:58 AM
Got a little bit more done, not much. Got water pump belt on. Alternator tightened and ready for connections. Different thermostat housing and thermostat which is which is all set up. Mounted transmission cooler and made up and ran braided hose lines to the gearbox last night and connected those, put in speedo cable. Installed gearbox crossmember. Installed tailshaft and U bolts to diff. Took the front wheels/tyres in to get different front tyres installed. I did have 235/60/15 on front, but that was way to big so I have now gone back to 195/60/15 looks pretty good. The Rare spares GTS centre caps turned up for the wheels also, and they are installed now too.
In the process of setting up shifter and cable.
Waiting on radiator/fan and fuel tank and some fittings.
Nothing worth photographing at present I dont think.
Still after advice re heater hose connections to manifold or water pump?
In the process of setting up shifter and cable.
Waiting on radiator/fan and fuel tank and some fittings.
Nothing worth photographing at present I dont think.
Still after advice re heater hose connections to manifold or water pump?
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