85 Monte Carlo SS build

[firebird_1995]

So here it is... the recipient the day I brought it home...


It's a 1985 Monte Carlo SS. I got it with a 350/350 turbo in it. I swapped in a 200-4R because the 350 turbo was slipping and I used it as a DD for about 6 months. Plus its what originally came in it so I felt it added a little nostalgia. I've always collected LT1 parts and cars and feel most comfortable with the platform so I decided to start planning for a transplant. Over the last few months I've hunted down some great deals on parts to use for the build. So far I've got:
Plain jane LT1 block (to be machined)
Eagle 4340 forged 3.48 stroke crank
Scat 4340 H beams
ARP 2 bolt main stud kit
Mezziere EWP
MSD opti
Vision power core 10.2mm plug wires
CC306 cam
ARP 7/16" rocker studs
GMPP guideplates
Arp head studs
Comp pro mag rockers
M122 from a 2010 gt500
Wiring harness and ecm from 95 firebird
And several other stock parts from various engines

Still need for engine:
Forged pistons (had a good deal on a set but they turned out to be junk)
Rings, bearings, gaskets.
Port work on heads
Hardened pushrods
60# injectors
400lph fuel pump
LS7 lifters

I'm hoping to have 550-600 HP at the rear wheels through a built 200-4R and 9"
The car will see zero track time except for the shootout, but just for kicks. I'm looking for a street car that can be driven daily if needed but still hold its own.

I've already purchased the paint and materials for the body work. The car will be this color...

Black metallic firemist
Id like to retain the stock wheels, at least for now.

So today the build technically started. I've got a 1970 4 door nova that's getting the 350 from the monte.








So while I had the engine bay open, I thought I would try out the por15 I bought for the monte.

Turned out pretty good but I made a god-awful mess. My paint gun didn't get cleaned well enough last time I used it and the fluid needle stuck open, pouring paint everywhere. While I made a hasty attempt to clean the gun I got por15 all over my hands. It will not come off!

With the nova engine out I pulled the monte in to start pulling the engine and trans.


Got the trans out tonight. Tomorrow I will get the engine pulled and put in the nova. The guy buying it is looking forward to it early this week so its gotta get done tomorrow. Then I can continue the work on the monte. Going to por15 the engine bay and underside first then start on the body while the engine comes together.