Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Around The House). This thread is read-only.
This is my 84 El Camino… Its my first car so over the last few years i have been turning it into my weekend warrior. Here is a pic of how i got it.
It had a 305 rebuilt engine but because carburetors are not my favorite i decided to bring this car to life. I found a 2002 6.0 out of an escalade and started my Frankenstein
I rebuilt the engie upgraded valvetrain, large Cam, flat top pistons. Lets say i put some money in it
I rewired the stock harness myself and with some programming was ready for the transplant
Got everything under hood ready including some electric fans and some custom built engine mounts. Thats me in the pic;)
Bam the monster 6.0 was in, i installed and electric modern 4L60E trans behind it and finished wiring everything to work with guages and all linkage.. Ran steel braided lines for fuel. Eltric fuel pump and other goodies to make everyhing come togeher
I then started the front suspension, i rebuilt the whole front suspension of the car with polyurethane bushings, dropped springs and new shocks.. Then i started the rear end rebuilt.. Found a Grand National rear end, installed some 373 gears with posi and thru that puppy in.
Far from finished in the pics u will see 07 corvette z06 wheels and tires. With some 315 wide in the rear. I also have 2002 corvette z06 brake and rotors on the front, had a custom made bracket made to make those fit. After all the suspension upgrade.. I had the exhaust built for me full 3in dual exit in front of the rear wheel. I installed a body kit and the roll pan. This is how the car sat finished, and my first time driving it was a great feeling. Fucker is fast too.. Off the line sucks cuz it has no weight in the back but the dam thing kept up with my motorcycle(gsxr 1000) on a roll.
Time for some Candy paint, i chose a lambo blue took it to my boy, and he hooked it up, also had the bedliner sprayed and some ghost stripes.
Minus the paint job and the exhaust that was put on, i turned every nut and bolt, bled all over the car, and left my salt sweat all over it…Ive made this car to my liking the way i wanted it…its my baby… Still left to do is the whole interior as its gutted right now. Many years of slow and steady work, saving money here and there to slowly pay for each part, over 25k of money i pulled out of my ass workig while still accomplishing other goals..this mofo takes up my garage and im proud when i drive it! Thanx for checkint it out fellas..hope i see the candy blue on some TIA:D
Wow you wouldn’t expect It was the same car from the before pictures at all. I really like the color you picked blue has always been one of my preferred car colors
Looking good Frankie!!! You hit the Dyno yet?? That Candy blue is awesome. I know all about the blood, sweat and tears. I spent more than a few nights catching a few hours sleep in my ’82 Mustang and then heading right back to work while I was building it.
Looks great! I bet that it will get up and go. A stock 6.0 is no slouch let alone a built one.
Thanx guys.. I have never ran it on the dyno since i barely got it back from paint.its been in the garage for the last month. Other guys witht a 03-05 silverado ss with the same 6.0 and same cam,stal convertor set up were getting 440hp to the wheelS after i good tune… So im probably flirting with that #..still gonna get some bigger injectors then retune…
Picture of the undercarrage..dual 3in. exhaust, 
Engine when being built
Currently been trying to make a cover for the engine
Looking good, really digging that blue on the engine. Pretty soon this will be a show car. Good job Frankie G
You went through the whole car and did it right. That’s the only way to do it IMO. Looks fantastic !
Thanx fellas
Great looking El Camino
Is the 4l60E going to be strong enough?
Its actually a 4L65 out of a h2 with shift kit…should be plenty strong
Sweet ride dude. Now…..you need to get a chrome tool box and ladder rack for the bed 🙂