Ram Jet ZL1 and 200r4 info.

[Wilkinshc]

As JohnZ said the frame is the same on the c-2 and c-3 dimensions. I call bowtie overdrive and order thier crossmember for a 200r4 and it will bolt in perfectly. Just need to drill holes to bolt crossmember into the frame and of course cut out the old crossmember.

And I got my ZL1 in now.

 

[Tom Bryant]

What an awesome engine. Are you thinking there will be any hood clearance issues with the EFI?

Tom

 

[Wilkinshc]

I know the hood will need to be modified, how much I not sure yet. I have a 65 BB hood and plan on rising the bulge to make it clear. I saw that Midyear had his intake shortened and I am considering that. I plan on switching to a fast xfi system to use a wide band O2 and to control the lock-up torque convertor. I would like to later add a supercharger or turbos, I would have done it now but compression is a little high for me so I want till it's off warranty and redo it then.


If Midyear happens to read this I would like to know who shortened his intake and how much it cost?
Also if you know how much height is needed on the hood I would appreicate you letting me know.

Thanks
Chuck

 

[jims427400]

Wilkinshc,
For some reason I have to know where you baught your ZL1. I'm in the market for a nice 69 and would be interested possibly in upgrading to something like that. If I can nosy, what did you have to pay and where did you get it. Thanks Jim

 

[Wilkinshc]

Jim,

I bought it for Pace Performance and I paid 16,850 ship to the local terminal. Price for the engine was 16,595. Hope that helps.

 

[jims427400]

Wilkinshc,
I'm not sure if it helps any more.That is one expensive motor.But damn ,it sure looks great.Good luck w/it and keep us all posted on your progress. Jim

 

[Wilkinshc]

It is an expensive motor but I was shopping around and it was priced pretty good for what I wanted. I wanted an all aluminum motor that I could turbocharger. I checked with Bill Mitchell and they wanted 12,000 for thier alum. small block which had to high of compression, and I asked if they could build it with lower compression and the gentleman basically told me that it only comes the way they build it or go somewhere else. So I did. I then checked with shafiroff and they were willing to build it with lower compression but no fuel injection, it was 14,000 and I still need to convert to fuel injection. Also the gentleman was very polite and helpful. I checked the Roadster.com site for engine builders and called several but all were close to the same price.

So it was pay 14,000 for an alum small block that still need fuel injection added or pay 16,600 for a Big Block with fuel injection already but would need lower compression. I opted for the BB and figured I would start without the turbochargers to work out all the bugs and run out the warranty, then pull it, lower the compression, and add twin turbos. So the price seems high to start but compared to other engines with similiar features it was priced reasonable.


Chuck

 

[00fxd]

I love that crossmember.
I would like one just like it. My concern is how much structural integrity does the heavy original cross member provide? Would removing it cause the frame to weaken?

 

[Paranoid]

That's one heck of an engine. For some who can only dream, keep us posted as you progress.

 

[grumpy55]

Just curious, why did you choose the 200-4R and not the 700-R4?

 

[Wilkinshc]

Grumpy55,

I choose the 200r4 over the 700 because it is alot stronger of a tranny. I have been racing Buick Grand Nationals for 18 yrs and the 200r4 can be built for around 1800 to hold 750hp reliablely in much heavier cars then the vette. (Buick Gn's weigh around 3800lbs) The 700 would never last at 750 hp even in lighter cars. Here's a couple of site to check up on the 200 if your interested. Also the 200r4 does not have the computer controls like the 4l60 or 4l80. You just need the lockup contol that can be had for 120 or if your using a FAST system it will control it. They also have available the tv cables hookups for around 50. The tv cable will adjust how harsh your shifts will be, just like a shift kit but you can adjust it in seconds. So in short is really strong, easy to hookup to and non computer controled motor, and thousands cheaper then an 4l80.

http://www.ckperformance.com/article2.html

http://www.ptsxtreme.com/

Really good info.

00fxd,

The crossmember is from bowtie overdrive. They told me it would not work but JohnZ said the dimenision of the c-3 and c-2 were the same and I trusted his advice as I yet have seen him wrong and of course he was right again. I used a cutting wheel to take out the old member and a grinding wheel to smooth it down to the frame rail (it was quiet easy). The new crossmember met right up to the frame rails. I mounted the RamJet and 200r4 together and sat them in place. I mounted the crossmember to the tranny and then center the tabs at the end of the crossmember on the rails and measure to the back crossmember to get the same lengths forward. I then drill the two holes thru the bottom to mount the crossmember as most Gm's did in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. I plan on welding in tabs on the sides to bolt to the top of the crossmember as in the c-3's.

As for strength, after taking off the stock crossmember you would be surprised how light or thin the metal is. The new crossmember is close to twice the wieght & thickness of the original. ( I would guess the stock crossmember weighs 15lbs and the new crossmember is 25lbs)

Heres a couple of pic with it bolted in to the bottom of the frame. If your interest I can send better pics with closer shots. They are to larger to post.

Chuck

 

[00fxd]

Thanks for the info Wilkinshc;
I definately would like some more pics if poss.
I am aware that the C2-C3 frames are very similar as my '65 has a '74 frame. If JohnZ see's this I would like his opinion of this conversion?
Thanks, Frank.

 

[Tom Bryant]

That is a sweet installation but why not a Richmond 6 speed? It seems to me that mid years are supposed to have 3 pedals.

 

[Wilkinshc]

That is a sweet installation but why not a Richmond 6 speed? It seems to me that mid years are supposed to have 3 pedals.

I would like to add turbos at some point and an automatic is better for spooling up the turbos. With a 5 or 6 speed you would probably be thru 2nd gear before the tubos spool up. Also I plan on keeping the IRS and with the automatic there is less shock to the rearend.

Chuck

 

[IH2LOSE]

Boy would I love that motor. its actually a part of history that will be written about in future books.


Best of luck with your project.

how funny is this going from a 6 cylender to this monster.

i will be watching your progress

 

[Wilkinshc]

Boy would I love that motor. its actually a part of history that will be written about in future books.


Best of luck with your project.

how funny is this going from a 6 cylender to this monster.

i will be watching your progress

I hate to say it but that v-6 would have eat this motor up with hp & torque to spare while still get twice the gas mileage. But the big block has an impressive visual and sound value. And after thinking about it I thought it might be better to have a limit edition motor in the vette then the real monster v-6. But I do appreciate you words of encouragement.

Thanks
Chuck

 

[JohnZ]

If JohnZ see's this I would like his opinion of this conversion?
Thanks, Frank.

Looks good to me - gotta love that motor!

 

[00fxd]

Thanks John, I was refering to the removal of the crossmember structural wise? It seem to me that the c1- c2 frame trans crossmember looks like it is integral to the engineering of this frames strength. What are the consequenses of removing it?
Frank. [the engine is just the thing as well].

 

[JohnZ]

As low as the level of torsional stiffness is in a C2 frame to begin with, I doubt if you'll notice any difference; that's why C2 convertibles use solid pucks instead of rubber cushions for the #1 body mounts, to try and stiffen the cowl structure.

 

[00fxd]

Thank you sir, appreciate your opinion,
Frank.