Johann nice to see you on here again. That looks like a fun project and as an owner of a 305 equipped car i think you'll really like it. I see that if i want to change mine over that article looks pretty interesting. Makes me wonder if i decided to just change exhaust to a true dual set up what little extra horse power boost i'd get? Would making a change like that affect the Crossfire set up? I'm guessing if i did a dual setup like the 82-84 Vettes it would be ok. Just a fun thought. As it is the car sounds good but maybe down the road i'll want to change it up some.
blacktransam wrote:Johann nice to see you on here again. That looks like a fun project and as an owner of a 305 equipped car i think you'll really like it. I see that if i want to change mine over that article looks pretty interesting. Makes me wonder if i decided to just change exhaust to a true dual set up what little extra horse power boost i'd get? Would making a change like that affect the Crossfire set up? I'm guessing if i did a dual setup like the 82-84 Vettes it would be ok. Just a fun thought. As it is the car sounds good but maybe down the road i'll want to change it up some.
Morning, Firstly congratulations to you and the wife with the beautiful baby. Boy or girl?
Glad to hear that you have a 305. It appears that mine is an 82 L69 and I will start working on it next week once it is at home. We must exchange notes and pictures! With regard to the true dual system, remember to fit the cross-over exhaust. Major difference in power! Here are some more pics showing the condition of the chassis not yet fully cleaned. "Ol'e Bullit Proof" is stil in, waiting for Block and tackle to buy on Tuesday.
cdnpont wrote:What a fun little project you have there Johann, how much does the little holden weigh. 3000, 3200? Either way, it should by silly fast with a warmed 305/700r4. Was it offered with a V8? If so, I'd try to duplicate the engine to look as close as possible (or at least a tribute to) as the factory did it. Was it blue? As well as the body as a GTS. The yellow with black GTS looks sweet imop. Just curious, what rear suspension does it have? I think I see unequal length A arms at the front.Keep us updated on this project, It'll be fun to watch the progress. Mark
Hullo Mark
It weighs 1470 KG 3240 lbs
Not in South Africa (Kommando = 4.1 six only)
The engine was grey originally (Machined in South Africa)
Found the Manifolds were cast in Mexico!
The rear is Coil springs same as 65 Chevelle.
Shocks are slightly different at the top same as top of front shocks.
Front suspension same as 65 Chevelle
I intend to use the GTS paint striping with the yellow body.
The paint work is not too bad
Same body technology as the "A" frame and makes it easy for me to work on.
I am going to need your know how as the 305 is scarce here but the parts are available.
blacktransam wrote:That looks like a fun project and as an owner of a 305 equipped car i think you'll really like it.
Hullo Randy PS. What is your diff Ratio? Locally I'm told to change to a 4.1 ratio. I have a 3.55 in at the moment as fitted with the 250CID and manual box. Johann
-- Edited by Johann65 on Sunday 25th of October 2009 09:06:00 AM
Hey Johann, Thanks for the congrats. My 305 is all stock and has 140,000km on it. I haven't changed anything in the couple years i've had the car. The ratio is 2.93, limited slip diff, the transmission is the THM200c 3 spd auto and the car has posi.
blacktransam wrote:That looks like a fun project and as an owner of a 305 equipped car i think you'll really like it.
Hullo Randy PS. What is your diff Ratio? Locally I'm told to change to a 4.1 ratio. I have a 3.55 in at the moment as fitted with the 250CID and manual box. Johann
4.11 and 305 and 3000 lbs Wow!!! I would run the 3.55's
Thanks Randy and Carl, I thought the 4.1 diff was a bit steep. I have no intention of over-revving the 305. Am I correct? I want a grande Tourismo style of motoring.
The 700R4 box, I believe, has an overdrive that is solinoid controlled. Anybody able to show me where it sits? I believe you use a 3 spd shifter and then a switch to lock in or out the overdrive.
and the car has posi.???
My autobox knowledge is ZERO!!!!
-- Edited by Johann65 on Monday 26th of October 2009 10:36:51 AM
-- Edited by Johann65 on Monday 26th of October 2009 10:38:07 AM
Johann for posi i meant positraction. Once i really make sure the car is mechanically sound i'm looking forward to going out at least once and burning some rubber and leaving two nice black streaks on the pavement!
Johann65 wrote: It appears that mine is an 82 L69 and I will start working on it next week once it is at home.
Johann, the L69 version was not put into production until the Monte Carlo SS recieved the engine as an 83 1/2 introduction. This model featured a smoothed off front end and was purpose built for NASCAR teams, winning several races that began a dynasty for the 84-88 Monte Carlo SS making it the all time winningest car in NASCAR.
If your engine is from a 1982 Camaro it is in all likelihood an LG4 version, the same as the build up article engine.
As far as engine colour goes, in 1975 the year of your Kommando a Canadian small block would have been painted Chevrolet orange, so that would be period correct. The 305 did not go into any 1975 production vehicles, that first happened in 1976 and they would have been orange too. In 1977 the engines were painted GM corporate blue. The first L69's were black as I know from owning one in an SS.
73SC wrote:The first L69's were black as I know from owning one in an SS.
Hullo 73SC, The engine as in the pics is painted black as original. Will look for the casting date when I collect it next week. The year was a guestimate.
blacktransam wrote:Johann for posi i meant positraction. Once i really make sure the car is mechanically sound i'm looking forward to going out at least once and burning some rubber and leaving two nice black streaks on the pavement!
Actually Randy, the LG4 is a carburetor low output passenger car engine. The injected version is known as the LB9, sounds like that is what you have, 190 to 230 HP depending on year.
The rating on my engine is 165hp, with the Lg4 carb version rated at 145. Same for both Trans Am and Camaro that year. So i'm not sure what the coding is then, all i know is mine is designated LU5. I'll have to look at my GM documentation to see if there is a stated code just for the block.
Boy was I ever asleep, you have the LU5 version. Three V8's available in your year Firebird, LG4, LU5 and LB9.
So now that were all duly confused the engine Johann has can only be a LG4 or L69 because it has a carburetor.(Well actually it could be an LE9 if it was out of a truck which would be really good since they had the highest factory rating at 210 HP.)
-- Edited by 73SC on Tuesday 27th of October 2009 02:30:20 PM
I just found a website with info on the 82 and 83 Firebirds. Only V8's were the LG4 and LU5. Other than that V6 and the why on earth did they do it iron duke 4 cyl.
Johann, no matter what year you have, 305 is still a great little engine and you can change it to suit your needs i'm sure! It is fun though to find out exactly what engine it is. Maybe we'll pin it down yet.
You are right with the "A" body. Looked at the engine again today. Has electronic ignition, 4bbl QuatroJet Carburettor, Aluminium inlet and the engine came out of a Camaro. I think once I have removed all the emmision control items and unneccessary parts, there is going to be a lot of horses!!! Received a set of Chrome tappet covers and a console with the engine.
Is there a special code or something to identify the L69? The motor will be at home this Saturday and then I will take detailed photos for all to see.
Body going in on Tuesday for repairs and complete body spray paint.