26 replies to this topic

[Oobli]

Hi everyone,

 

So, as mentioned in my introduction, I am about to embark on the restoration/transformation of my LX SS Hatch that has followed me around (mostly in boxes) for the last 30 odd years. Firstly, to the purists, I'm sorry, this is not going to put it back to what it was. It was originally powered buy a 253/Trimatic/ Banjo combo (yuk). I plan to give this little car the attitude and stance it deserves. In consultation with a friend of mine (Grant) who has an LS powered Hatch (who regularly runs very respectable times with it as a drag car) about my plan and he was the one who turned me toward this website. I am in his debt for that. I had no idea such an amazing website existed.

 

Anyway, I digress.....

 

This Torana needs a lot of attitude (as mentioned) so I am thinking Full body kit , including Flares, Drop tank, Big wheels and a sound that will remind my neighbours that I don't like them very much. I still have the 253, though the turd who borrowed it from me left it in the garden for a couple of years so all of the pots filled with water and rust... The salvageable engine parts I have are Cast iron Yella Terra heads (that probably need a reco), Pete Jackson Gear Drive (which I could never hear despite the naysayers..maybe coz I didn't remove the direct lubrication nozzle, so they were always sprayed with oil), an Edelbrock Performer dual plane manifold (port matched to the YT heads), YT Roller Rockers, the obligatory HV oil pump and a Quadrajet Carby.

 

Given this list of bits and pieces, I think my best move forward is to secure either a 308 or 304 short motor and build what I can. I was thinking maybe a stroker as I previously owned a VS Senator 215i which had the 355 and it was very nice to drive... but again more expense....and it was way too smooth for what I feel a 70's muscle car should be. It doesn't need to be fast, but, it needs to be MUSCLE.

 

I told my friend, who has the super fast LX, what I was looking for and we agreed on......Old School 308, Big lopey cam (for attitude rather than necessity), manual trans and a 9 inch coz the banjo belongs at the tip and then all of the trimmings that make an LX Hatch look tough.

 

Well, this will take me a while. Wish me luck fellas. I'll post pics as appropriate. Nice to meet you all. 

 

Cheers,

 

Russ.

 

 

[RallyRed]

Following with interest Ooblis.

[jeffblanco]

Hi Russ,

can't wait to see how you do things.

 

Mando

[yel327]

If it was my engine I'd stroke it to 350ci like the HSV cars. Then it doesn't have to be cranky to make really nice power, just nice and smooth. Given its a 1978 build are you going to register it? You might want to talk to an Engineer first out what is legal in an ADR27A car.

[Heath]

Welcome Russ, look forward to seeing more about this hatch of yours, and some photos!

 

I assume your mate Grant is Grant Grech with the orange unflared hatch?

[Statler]

It's a '78 ? 

Ooooohhhhh ... There's a few special pieces . 

[Ricky Bobby]

Welcome Russ, It sounds like you have all the right ingredients, I'm looking forward to seeing your vision. My advice is build it until it starts, drives and stops, Then give it the shine. Good luck fella (love to see some pics), Consider the no flare look for my 2 cents

Edited by Ricky Bobby, 09 January 2025 - 06:44 PM.

[Oobli]

Hi guys, sorry it's been a while, been settling in back at work from a fantastic holiday with Mrs Oobli and the little Oobli's at Merimbula. Never been before, wow, what a nice place. Anyway, back to business.....

 

yel327, I haven't decided what to do (motor wise) yet. Like I said, I've had a 355 in a HSV Senator before and the power is great but it was way too well mannered and  I'm not really looking for power, just attitude. So I'm still thinking an "over-cammed 308 or 304 with lots of attitude and who cares how much power". 

 

Heath, yes, correct Grant. He's already done enough "fast" for all of us, so I'm heading down a different path....with his blessing 

 

A mate came over yesterday and we started to strip the money pit so I have a couple of pics from the first day. This mate is a massive Ford nut so I'm not allowed to mention his name for fear he'll get bashed by his other Ford buddies. Anyway Scotty was a big help at pulling out the rats nests and junk on day 1.

[Oobli]

At risk of sounding like a bit of a silly old fart..... can anyone tell me how to upload photos?

[FLY_LX]

click on more reply options @ bottom

@ bottom of box click attach files

[Hatchback13]

Looking forward to this build, can’t beat a good hatchback done well. Good luck, cheers

[4dabush]

At risk of sounding like a bit of a silly old fart..... can anyone tell me how to upload photos?

Hi Russ, 

 

The easiest way I have found is if you reply on this thread, down the bottom is a more reply options button, click that, then there is an option on the left to add files.  Add your images one at a time and then attach them to the post one at a time. Smaller images are better and if downloading from an iPad/iphone, when you select the photos, you have an option to use the full size image or reduce its size.  Reduce it to the smallest option and it should fit the page window perfectly.  In the post they come up as a text file wherever you left your cursor.  You can then preview the post and it  should show your images.  If you aren’t happy, you can go back and edit while in the preview and delete the text file if it’s in the wrong spot, and then move your cursor, and re-attach the image where you want it. You’ll get the hang of it. 
 

hope that helps and look forwards to seeing the beast! 

[Oobli]

Thanks for the info 4dabush.... I'll load some pics of The Bucket (not beast yet) tonight after work.

[Oobli]

 LEFT AFT.jpg   230.5K   3 downloads

Lots n lots of work ahead....

 RIGHT AFT.jpg   241.87K   4 downloads

Check out that C pillar..... It's alive and growing!!!

[Oobli]

 FRONT LEFT.jpg   308.89K   4 downloads

 FRONT RIGHT.jpg   308.04K   4 downloads

Edited by Oobli, 17 January 2025 - 04:47 PM.

[Oobli]

So as you can see guys, I have my work cut out for me but I'm pretty optimistic that it will, some day, go from Bucket to Beast. I'm pretty embarrassed to show those pics to be honest but you have to start somewhere I guess.....

Edited by Oobli, 17 January 2025 - 05:01 PM.

[claysummers]

All looks pretty straight Oobli. Floors okay? A pillar bottoms?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Oobli]

 FLOOR AFT.jpg   201.46K   4 downloads

Edited by Oobli, 17 January 2025 - 06:02 PM.

[Oobli]

Cheers Lotsa posts!, The floor is in pretty good condition. Minimal rust.

Edited by Oobli, 17 January 2025 - 05:59 PM.

[RallyRed]

Wouldn't be embrarassed at all mate, good  on you for pulling it on. Good project.

[Oobli]

Thanks Col....

[LJ RB30]

Mate that looks like a bloody sturdy body to start with!

I'm not a late model Torry man but i look all the posts on here & have seen keen guys resurrect  vintage metal way worse that yours!

Will be following your journey

Always good to see another old girl being saved

[4dabush]

Looks pretty darn good starting point. Good luck with the build! 

[Oobli]

Thanks guys, very encouraging.

[Hatchback13]

Nothing wrong with that as a start, have the battle is still owning these things, try buying and starting from scratch these days. I bet you’re happy you kept hold of it all these years, mines in a similar position and I’ve had it for 20+ years. Good luck. Project sounds tough. Cheers