Ep. 8 - 70 Chevelle Restoration- 454 Engine Install

Welcome to the Soole Garage! This is episode #8 on my 70 Chevelle restoration. In this video I am prepping the 454 engine for install. In this episode I will be installing the fly wheel, pilot bushing, clutch, pressure plate, motor mounts. Also attaching the bell housing, clutch fork and throw out bearing as well as mounting the transmission. And then Getting it all mounted on the frame. I hope you enjoy and thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe to make sure you don't miss the next episode!

[@cuzz63]

KZbin algorithm sucks. I have been looking at all things Chevelle for along time and just found your channel.

[@user-rz8su6dk4e]

Depending on the condition, restoring a car like this is so much hard work its not even funny ,there is so much more to it than people think .

[@soolegarage]

I appreciate your comment !!!

[@BessieMorrison]

Nice work. Clean chassi and engine. Thanks for uploading. Looking forward to see the rest of the build.

[@tagon]

Finding your channel and being able to follow through and see your rebuild process has truly been awesome! I have a 70'Chevelle as well, waiting to be restored, so it' been great to see your progress and what you've accomplished. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the body and all your future episodes. Thanks!!

[@soolegarage]

I really appreciate your feedback thank you. Thanks for watching

[@cdiazcetina]

Man I really appreciate the work and effort you’re putting into this build. My dad was a mechanic but We never got along that well. Hearing that you have a background in education and also working with cars really gave me hope to building my 1970 buick skylark

[@soolegarage]

Carlos, I really appreciate your comment and thanks for watching. Someday I would like to see a picture of your project.

[@dongrause2858]

Sure is looking good. Kinda fun watching you build that baby. That engine is so clean, you’re not going to want to drive it!

[@soolegarage]

Thanks Don, I appreciate it. Getting anxious to go for a spin.

[@jmack428]

Great stuff buddy! Keep up the amazing work!

[@bartsarton2212]

Tip: Put the swivel casters on your engine hoist at the back and the non-swivel ones at the front of the long legs. That way it won't have a "mind of its own".

[@soolegarage]

That’s actually a simple and great tip I really appreciate it thank you.

[@craigrichardson8096]

I am in envy.....I had to pull the engine out of my 69 SS Chevelle: a LS6 454/450 hp and putting in the trans AND aligning it from under the car is a ISSUE. Your doing a great job!

[@soolegarage]

Thanks Craig, I appreciate your comment. Sounds like you’ve got a great car 69 SS with an LS6, Super nice.

[@israelbetanzos9248]

Hey man, I love how simple and easy to understand you make everything. You are a great teacher. I have a question about the torque wrench you have. What torque wrench is that? (brand/size) and is that the only torque wrench you used on this entire build? -Thank you for your time.

[@soolegarage]

I did use the same torque wrench for the build. It is a Tekton 1/2 inch drive. 10 - 150 foot lbs. Not the most expensive but very good quality and accurate.

[@israelbetanzos9248]

@@soolegarage Copy. Thank you so much!

[@flinch622]

Anyone ever tried nordlock washers on a flywheel? I'm not a fan of galling machined surfaces. Edit: Adjustable upper control arms on the axle are a serious bonus at this stage of a build. You can set pinion angle the way you need so you get just the right driveshaft measurements. Yes, it will need minor readjusting once the body is on and the gas tank about half full, but not a big deal.

[@russmcelreath5623]

Just procured a 71 and 72 and a 454 period correct big block...Two to make one...depends...love watching your adventure ...Tell me about cam ...

[@robgrause9578]

Another great video James. You do a really great job of describing what and why. Couple questions: 1. When do you use blue vs red LokTite? 2. ARP bolts. Did you order a bolt set(kit) for your engine? Really good stuff. More Hazel....

[@soolegarage]

Hi Rob, thanks for the comments. Red is high strength, I use it on parts you don’t want coming apart. Blue is more of a medium strength holds well but if you ever need to take it apart you can get the bolts out

[@soolegarage]

Love the more Hazel comment! AARP are the best and strongest bolts for motor assembly try to use them whenever I can. A little more expensive but great quality.

[@oggiali]

What is the part number for the flywheel and clutch kit

[@derekkilguss1301]

That engine plate will hold that weight. What bolts do you use?

[@gavinkim7770]

Nice work. Enjoy the build. Who was your engine builder?

[@soolegarage]

I used J&M engines in Denver. Great machinist and mechanic.

[@highspeednoblesgarage3152]

Great work, what bellhousing did you use, 671?

[@soolegarage]

I found a 11" original 3899621 on Ebay. they are getting hard to find. If you don't mind a reproduction there are some good 621's out there, I almost bought the one from partsplace inc.

[@highspeednoblesgarage3152]

@@soolegarage I meant 621. I will definitely be on the lookout for an original. Love the build and looking forward to more videos.

[@soolegarage]

I figured that’s what you meant. I . Put the Chevelle back in the shop today and I’m going to start bodywork and hopefully get it painted and finished up.

[@highspeednoblesgarage3152]

@@soolegarage good deal. Check my channel out. I painted mine over the summer. You figure the color out yet? Still in the process of putting the interior back together. Just installed the “not so” painless wiring harness. I plan to post an update video shortly.

[@soolegarage]

@@highspeednoblesgarage3152 Thanks, and nice work on your paint. I do like the shadow grey. I will watch the rest of your episodes.

[@cuzz63]

I am new to your channel, is there a backstory on this Chevelle? what about you? you seem to know your way around cars..what do you do or are you retired? Us old guys wanna know...lol

[@soolegarage]

I Chevelle sat in a garage in Washington for 25 years, sat next to a Camaro 68. Guy from Denver who buys and sells found them and brought them back to Denver kept the Camaro decided to sell the chevelle. I Chevelle had no drivetrain and a bit of rust so I got it for a pretty good price. As for me I’m a teacher, But retired at the end of this year. Been around cars most my life learned everything from my dad who can do it all from mechanical to paint.

[@cuzz63]

@@soolegarage Cool, wouldnt have guessed a teacher. I myself am a technician in a factory so use my skills every day. . I am 57 and getting close to retirement myself. I plan on getting a 70-72 Chevelle soon, just got to get my shop built so I dont have to leave it outside. I heard you mention your dad, thats great about him.

[@soolegarage]

cuzz63 I have fixed up a few other cars along the way but always wanted a 70-72 chevelle. Thanks for following and sharing Hope you find a good one.

[@anthonymaniz9896]

What's the specs on motor

[@soolegarage]

GM steel crank.Stock rods(shot-peened)ARP bolts,Line honed,Square decked,balanced,Forged pistons,10:1 compression,1970 semi closed chamber oval port heads,Large valves,fully ported,3/8” chrome-moly pushrods,full roller rockers,Hyd. Roller cam. .530”/540”lifts.230/236@.050”duration.