Builds Dirty Bastard (3 Viewers)

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4.8 LS engine is on its way, 78,000 miles with video of it running and video of a compression test. Stupid cheap and shipped to my door. I think that soon these will be the next hot item like the 5.3 is now, so I'm happy to have gotten one while they're still inexpensive.
 
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I've almost completed rebuilding the 205, but I guess others can use this as a heads up if you were ever going to go this direction with a divorced 205 case: they are not compatible with anyone's off the shelf doubler system, but can be made to work using two different methods. The first is having the input bearing opening machined to accept the large bearing type used for the 32 spline input shaft and while you're in there, have the 6 hole round pattern drilled and tapped into the case to accept most adapters. The second (and the route I'm going) is to use a 6010NR bearing to adapt the preexisting hole to house the larger input shaft. Due to the differences in width between the large and small bearing, a bronze thrust washer must be used between the input shaft and bearing to maintain the thrust depth of the shaft. There is not an off the shelf part that works for this application, so I'm using a cast bronze sleeve that has the internal and external dimensions I need, which I'll have turned on a lathe to produce the proper thrust bearing along with spares. I'll then drill and tap the case myself with a drill press. It's a bit of a process, but overall it saves me over $100 and turn around time with the machine shop.
 
Could you post up some pictures with how you located the 6 hole locations on the 205 case? Looking to learn how that process would work.
 
Could you post up some pictures with how you located the 6 hole locations on the 205 case? Looking to learn how that process would work.
I will when it's complete. I'm going to wait until I have the ecobox in hand so that it's mounted properly in relation to the shift rails.
 
The 205 is almost back together. I replaced all bearings, shims, and seals along with giving it a pretty paint job. I thought VSS was going to be a chore, but found that I can use the ring from the NP241 in the 205, have it turned down 1/100", and then drill and tap for the sensor. Very straight forward to make the Vortec sensor work.
Speaking of Vortec:

Engine arrived today, although I was not happy with the packing job from the seller, but for what I paid shipped to my door I can't really complain. I'm going to replace the oil pan gasket while I have it on a stand, but other than that I think it'll be good to go.
I have two weeks until I'm back in class, so expect to see some mad action (hopefully have the frame in the garage and the drive-train mounted) followed by ten weeks of nothing.
 
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I love plans, gives me something to get irritated about when they don't work.... but I'm certain that won't happen with you ;)
Not having a previous owner or two's "modifications" to meld into this project is allowing me to keep things moving pretty well as planned. I'm not doing anything new, basically mimicking the efforts of many others before me to make something that's pretty straight forward. My links are easy because I'm starting with a base frame and can weld in things where I like without interference. The drivetrain, minus the ecobox to divorced 205, has been done countless times before; and the cage is nothing particularly special in comparison to the rock bouncer folks.
With luck and some effort, there shouldn't be too many hiccups as this thing progresses.
 
I was able to get the drivetrain removed from the donor 55, but without help, I just couldn't get the body off. Looks like I'll put things off until spring term is over, but parts accumulation will continue.
 
With the help of some great guys from Cascade Cruisers, we were able to get the 55 torn down to the frame. Hopefully I'll throw it on a trailer this week, pressure wash and degrease it, and stick it in my garage where it'll sit for a couple of months (plus I'll have my oldest take a wire wheel to it).
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Started the tear down of the 4L60E today. It'll take a few days (I'm taking my time as I don't want to miss anything), but I'll be happy to have it done and checked off the to do list.
 
I was able to get quite a bit done on the transmission today. After looking at the sun gear shell and noting some play in the gear, I ordered one of monster transmissions sun gear shells and some other parts to upgrade the internals. One less thing to worry about I guess.
 
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I found the 3-4 clutch pack to be toast, literally looked to have been on fire. All metals were shot, so that's something I'll have to buy outside of the rebuild kit. Kind of a pain time-wise, but not really a big deal.
 
Transmission is almost finished. I've been using the ATSG manuals along with videos from this guy: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="GM 4L60-E Transmission Re-Assembly (Rebuild) - Transmission Repair - YouTube" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> to help with the rebuild. This is the second auto I've rebuilt, and other than a couple of special tools for installing teflon bushes, the process is very straight forward. You just have to be organized and patient.
 

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