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| The rear suspension and brakes also get some much needed attention. The rearend cover is removed to release the axles. | |
| With the wheels, brakes and axles removed the new rear shocks are easy to install. | |
| The axle housing is cleaned and the brake lines are checked and repositioned. | |
| New axle bearings, bushings and seals were installed before reinstalling the axles. | |
| Urethane bushings were installed on the freshly painted upper and lower control arms. | |
| With the increased horsepower the new engine will bring, converting the rear drum brakes to disks for better stopping power is a good idea. | |
| Manufacturers are responding to the growing popularity of this trend by creating complete brake conversion kits which reduces the fabrication necessary. | |
| Painting the frame rail is a small detail that adds to the value of the restoration. | |
| The rebuilt 383 Stroker engine with the new transmission is lowered into place. | |
| New motor mounts attach the Stroker to the chassis. | |
| A G-Force crossmember replaces the stock support to accommodate the new transmission. With the transmission in place, it's possible to measure for the correct drive shaft length. | |
| After replacing the waterpump with a reverse flow chrome version, the steering pump with bracket and tensioning pulleys are installed. The belt on this serpentine system wraps over the top of the waterpump creating the need for reverse flow. | |
| The March Performance serpentine system mounts the chrome alternator on a billet aluminum bracket with a tensioner rod. | |
| Only one wire is required on the new alternator and it was rerouted to hide most of it. | |
| The plan for installing the new engine included moving the AC compressor and alternator to opposite sides, reducing the number of hoses, wires and lines crossing the engine compartment. | |
| As more major components are installed, the types and locations of fittings, brackets and lines becomes clear. In this case water lines run over the AC compressor tensioning adjuster and under the bracket. | |
| The stock evaporator is replaced with a new more efficient model using custom fabricated brackets. Proper clearance of all cooling components is checked by test fitting the radiator and fan shroud before the AC evaporator is permanently installed. | |
| Some minor machining to the spacer was required to attach the new fan clutch to the waterpump. | |
| Test fitting the assembly determined the proper length of the spacer creating the correct distance between the fan and radiator. | |
| With all the components in place, the correct serpentine belt length can be measured and installed. | |
| Serpentine belt alignment is checked at the contact point of each pulley. | |
| Final placement and measurements for the AC lines are determined before replacing the dryer. | |
| Replacing both plastic resevoirs adds to the overall appearance and reduces the possibility of fluid leaks that would cause dirt buildup. | |
| Electrical connections are sorted and paired before being routed through wire looms to create a cleaner appearance. The hood is bolted back in place, checking for proper alignment. | |
| The El Camino went out for a new exhaust system including new catalytic converters. | |
| A pair of Flowmaster mufflers provides the true hot rod sound. | |
| Chrome side dump exhaust tips finish the new system with a distinctive look. | |
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The end result of this engine swap and component upgrade not only delivers better performance and handling, it just plain looks better! Resto and Repop can take pride in returning this 1987 El Camino to it's owner with more horsepower, improved braking and a smooth ride to be enjoyed for another 20 years.
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Street Rods Forever 512-462-9855
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Austin, Texas. All Rights Reserved. All brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. site maintained by Dave McConnell d.b.a. CableSmart! |
