Larry's 49 Chevy gets a 500 hp LS3

[larry mcgrath]

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Started this 2 years ago, work on this every day, this a total frame off build ,bought the total running gear from a 2012 Camaro with 28,000 miles on it , has a 6 speed manual trany, installed a GM Hot cam in it raised the HP to right at 500 HP. Will try to post pix. I have a bunch Larry

[larry mcgrath]

some more pix of 2 yrs of work.

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[larry mcgrath]

This car was my Dad's car, he passed when I was 12 years old, my mom didn't drive and I became the family driver. Back in 1962 I put a v 8 in this car, 283- bored 1/8 th to 301 cid -- edelbrock ram induction 2 AFB carbs, fuel injection heads with 2.02 intakes 1.67 exhausts , Mallory dual point ignition, iskey Z 50 cam -- largest flat tappet cam at the time ,11 1/2 to one pistons, this was balanced by C-T automotive in Calf, hand built tube headers into a 4" collector , with a B/W T 10 4 speed trany, 4.56 rear end, Hurst shifter, I was 15 yr old at the time. The fastest car in high school. When I went in the Air Force I was stationed in Tuscon Arizona in 1966, it was upholstered in Nogales Mexico. This car has always been a nice car, I've rebuilt this several times, now that Iv'e retired this is getting the full Montie frame off resto , pulled the 350 - turbo 400 and has a 2012 Camaro 6.2 lt Ls3 -6 speed manual trany with a 2012 camaro interiour . Lots of work, keeps me busy, and a lot of memories in this car and fun. Larry Buy the way the Rocket is still running great, with 48,000 miles on it with very few problems--- minor wiring problems-- runs great.

[Petros]

Wow larry, you always take on the "easy" ones don't you?

seems to be that frame should get some reinforcement to make it more stiff and strong, 500 hp will put a lot of stress on that old chassis.

On a car like that, you are not limited by any federal requirements, so you can do any improvements unrestricted. Well, it still needs break lights and tires with tread, but not much else.

[ARCHINSTL]

That Generation Chevy coupe was always the best looking of the body styles - even beating the 'vert!
I had a good buddie in HS ('58) who had a '51, but with Power Glide - unbelievably slow with that slushbox! He always, but aways, started in Low. I think the early PG had only two gears forward?
PROPS on your VERY impressive work (and certainly perseverance!) over the years - I am certain your Dad is smiling down on his son!
Tom M.

[larry mcgrath]

Thanks for the input guys. Peter the frame is fish plated both sides over the rear end to beef up for the rear Triangulated sup, re-enforced inside the frame for the mounts and all Tiged welded including the Camaro subframe that I grafted on in 1988. This has always been a nice ride--- this time around it WILL be a lot nicer----- told my wife this my new Chevy Silverado 4x4. Larry

[larry mcgrath]

A few more pix. A friend fabed up a 3" S/S exhaust for this -- got it back yesterday----- all I can say about this ex system is F--KING WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this sounds WILD. Couldn't be happier. I have a lot of pix of this build, I'll post a bunch more. Larry

[larry mcgrath]

Pix of the build, car on a rotesori I fab out of stuff laying around shop.

[larry mcgrath]

pix --- The first start of this is on You Tube---- 49 chevy ls3 first start -- leave a comment. Larry

[larry mcgrath]

More pix of exhaust. This is to the point where i'll be taking it apart to start the painting process, color will be dark green.

[larry mcgrath]

more pix

[splatterdog]

Geez, you and Bryan are making me feel a bit lazy! All looks great! The exhaust looks amazing.

[larry mcgrath]

Thanks splat this has been a lot of work but a lot of fun, I have high hopes for how this will turn out. Larry

[larry mcgrath]

A few pix. Larry.

[larry mcgrath]

More pix.