Part 9. September 2004
Modernizing of the driveline
Well, modernizing isn’t the true really. The engine is from 1966, the auto trans from the early seventies and the rear axle from 1977. But significant newer then the original. I already have the Corvette 327 engine and the Th 350 auto but I have to buy a 10-bolt posi rear axle from a 1977 Caprice.
The old torque tube axles with its 4.10:1 ratio have to go and get room for newer and stronger thing. When measuring I discover that a Chevy Caprice have the exact width as the original rear, 62” between wheel mounting surface. Here's two vehicles 35 years apart and the widths are identical - talk about luck! That’s good news for all you 1939-1960 Buick freaks who want to get rid of the old solution and go for open drive shaft instead. Because I intend to mount my 10-bolt axle in leaf spring I had to remove some brackets from the K-link and strip it. I get the leaf spring from a 1975 Firebird. The Chevy axle has a 2.56:1 gear ratio with limited slip. Something of an autobahn ratio almost. I have to drive down to Germany some time and race against some Mercedes or Bmv on their free-speed highways.
Leaf spring brackets and shock mount had to be made.
I have to make the front leaf spring mounts because the car have coil spring original. These mounts are important to place right. Measure and measure again, is the way to go. These mounts decide where the axle ends up in the wheel wells. The wheels in the picture are a little bit small but centering looks good.
Hers the rear leaf spring mounts. The frame gets wider to the rear and new frame profiles have to be made to reinforce the brackets.
The engine has to go and all that’s left is a wet spot. Anyway, the str8 has done its job and will be retired. The engine compartment needs painting.
Some tight fitting of the engine and trans. The 327 looks small compared with the str8 but it will be real tight fit at the steering box. No way to use headers. But ok. fender wall headers will work. I think I have to move the brake master cylinder up to the firewall and go for hanging brake pedal as well.
Detail picture of new engine mount. The compartment is painted. Sorry for the loose hanging wiring and I assure you I will take care of that.
As I mention before I decided to retire the master cylinder and assemble a modern Power dual master cylinder. I took the whole unit from a 1983 Cadillac. The exhaust is tight fit at the steering box but its works. I connect the original gear stick to the 350 auto and after a couple of nasty words its working out very good. The whole point by the upgrading of the driveline is that it should look original both inside and out, of course with the hood closed. I should be able to go to a classic car event without to be lynched by the mob because ruin a veteran car. Hopefully nobody will notice it.
Upgrading of the brakes is the work for today. Some new break lines has to be installed and the rear suspension has to be finish.
New breakparts on the rear axle. New oil filter in the 350 auto.