As described, everything comes stock that way. Like I said. It was, and still to this day, one of chevy's strongest frames made. (one of, not The strongest...)

The rear end is the weakest link right now. However thats not to consider it a 'weak' link. its the 8.5" 10 bolt. It's open right now, however I'll be putting an Aussielocker in it eventually.

As for tearing it up. I dont think so. Theres waaay more chance of that happening on all these other junk Chevy and ford conversions, that have brittle and flexible C channel frames.

Call my tree shady or not, I do have quite a bit of experience in frame and suspension building. Though most of it is in Crawler building. Ie. Pirate4x4 was my home before.


My Magnaflow just got in today, so I spent the night welding up the rest of my exhaust. I kept it hugged to the body as much as possible, however the floorpans drop down 2" lower down the half way point of the car, so I have hardly any ground clearance. I'll run it for a few days and try to reassess. But it sounds very smooth now. Cant wait till friday for that Intercooler piping.

 

This guy has been running his Duramax powered chevelle double duty street or strip for some time now . The frame isn't boxed if I remember correctly and weight distribution doesn't seem to be a major issue considering his 1/4 mile times . And the torque never seemed to destroy the frame . I am also in the process of installing a Duramax/ Allison in a 76 El Camino . While I don't know what the Cummins weights The Duramax is only around 200lbs heavier than the big block an all accessories that I removed . Granted I know the Allison is a good bit heavier that the 700 Raptor that was in it. I have had this going for several years now and the project stalled for health reasons , I am ready to fianally get back on it .Oh here is the link to the chevelle he also has several you tube vids going down the track he used a modified th 400 in his .

1970 Duramax Chevelle - Norcal1320.com


To the original poster nice Camino. Did you have to modify engine cross member or steering . I believe I will have some issue just by measurements alone but will know more when I start initial mock up. Wiring is going to be interesting because I am using and LBZ with 6 speed and possibly hvac from donor vehicle . I have much sheetmetal work in front of me with fire wall and trans tunnel . Did you keep your vacum powered brakes or switch to hydraboost. Any way real nice Camino

I was a mechanic by trade did many engine swaps that people said wouldn't work wouldn't be safe etc etc . From small and big block chevy luvs S-10's and helped with many others swaps from all manufactuers. And all within reason where no more dangerous to drive . They all stopped and handled accordingly . My stock 68 Dodge Coronet 440 was by for more dangerous to drive than any of those and countless little old ladies teenagers drove the exact same car and managed . Big Block car with non power 4 wheel drum brakes made for excitement when it came time to slow down . Now stopping distance surely increases with added weight but one learns to drive accordingly .

 

Yes. Thats correct. The frames are not boxed on Chevelles. However, El Camino's got the fully boxed treatment, as well as the Malibu Station Wagons (same exact frame).

They are very strong frames, and the body is one piece unlike a pickup truck, that acts as a "5th" frame tie in. Overall these things NEVER tweak..... EVER. They were putting big power 454's in them from the factory.


I did not modify the engine crossmember at all. Other than the fact that I welded mounting tabs directly to the Valley. As for the transmission crossmember, I had the luck of just being able to flip it upside down, and weld the mounting tab right back in spot.

My steering shaft clears by a good 6-7 inches. You unfortunately wont have that luck with a duramax I have a feeling. I couldn't imagine doing my project over years.... much less months. Hell the 16 days I spent on this seemed to drag on forever. I dont have much patience.

On that Chevelle... Woah. he built for some power... those are huge intercooler pipes. I'm not building so much for power. If I can get 300-350 I'll be waaay more than pleased. I'm just aiming for 30-35 mpg. I'm also hoping I dont grenade this 10bolt too easy, as I definiately dont want to pay for a 12bolt, nor spend more time welding a 9" in the rear, then paying for conversion shafts back to gm lug pattern.

THanks!

 

So.... I'm about to run my intercooler piping tomorrow.... If I can manage to run only 1 battery, that will eliminate about 3 feet of extra tubing to get around the frame.


What do you guys think? Will I be alright with a single battery rated around 1000 amps?

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Well I moved the batteries to a hidden compartment under the bed of the truck today. Laid about 16 feet of cable between the Pos and Ground cables. Tried using only one battery, just the 27-2. It starts, but its pretty easy to tell its much weaker, and only a few starts at a time are likely. So second battery is in as well.


My charge piping came in today, so tomorrow... to the shop to plasma cut 2 holes in the front clip, and route all the piping to the intercooler!

 

Looks like it rides nice in your video. Nice

 

The 1st Gens are speccd' for a single 1100 cca battery. What type cable did you use?

 

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