1966 GM A Body - continued from New Members...

[Copperhead]

Planning a project car. Wanted to buy an engine from a certain builder but can't get emails or phone calls returned. Oh well, no bad feelings, glad they're busy and doing well. I have the experience and ability to assemble but not a mill large enough to do any engine machining. My purpose in joining this forum is to define a parts list and a procedure list, and hopefully references to engine shops that can do the machining, to build a twin turbo LSx. Going into a street 1966 GM A-Body. Ideally would like to be a weekend car also highway capable to attend events. Would like to be able to take it to the track and clock 9's..... yet be reliable and fun to cruise.
Hope I can find the info I need here.
Thanks

[Copperhead]

Welcome! Which "A body" are you playing with? Whichever it is you'll have plenty of space under the hood to stuff those turbos. You can build up an iron block 6.0 if you want to keep the price somewhere below the stratosphere.

Looking at a couple, looks like aftermarket suspension parts etc will bolt on any.
Preference:
1) Pontiac LeMans (GTO)
2) Buick Skylark or whatever
3) Chevrolet Malibu, Chevelle
4) Oldsmobile Cutlass

1966 Because that's the magic year for inspection exemption in AZ

Seems as if Pontiacs and Buicks are much better values for a straight coupe in this vintage, Chevelles are overpriced.


THANKS ALL

[Copperhead]

OK
Decision #1

Start with a "finished block": 19260095 LSX376

Or get a tall deck and get the machining done: 19260100 LSX Tall Deck Block

Kind of leaning towards the latter, 4" bore x 4.25" stroke for a 427 stroker....

What do you think??

[FasstChevys]

Honestly - if money isn't an object, the LSX 376 is an awesome choice. However, you can get a 5.3 out of a '02 - '09 Chevy, utilize the shortblock, put a good set of heads on it, bump up the camshaft, put your turbo system on it, and I think you'd get what you're looking for. 9's at the track, and a good street cruiser. If you go with an E85 fuel system set up, it'll be even easier to get in to the 9's.

This option is cheaper - but not necessarily 'better'. It's all what you want to do IMHO. If it's super important to have a brand new engine, then my idea doesn't work.

[Copperhead]

That's a good idea, I just need to find a steel LSX block. Heads will be swapped but at least I would have a pair in hand for core.
Best price I've found on a new 19260100 shipped is $2500.

[FasstChevys]

That's a good idea, I just need to find a steel LSX block. Heads will be swapped but at least I would have a pair in hand for core.
Best price I've found on a new 19260100 shipped is $2500.

My 5.3 came out of an '06 Tahoe. I got it for a thousand bucks complete intake to oil pan - it even had the exhaust manifolds on it. If you go turbo, I suggest the Hooker "truck" manifolds, and you'll also want the Holley LS pan.

Holley 302-1K1, Holley GM LS Engine Retrofit Oil Pan | Holley

It's probably obvious, but you are planning to have an intercooled turbo system, correct?

[Copperhead]

Ya, dual air to air in the front, out to the sides behind/below headlights in the inner fender area somewhere

[pajeff02]

An iron 6.0 is another option. Cost effective and a stout foundation for a build.