This Budget El Camino Build Rips!!! 1980 Project 355 SBC TH350 373 Gears

Budget 1980 El Camino Project Rips!!! It has a SBC 355 with 9.5:1 compression, with a built th350 and 373 gears. 425 hp dyno tested build recipe.. Vortec Heads - ebay.to/2RVTLim
Comp Cams 268H - ebay.to/3bsTyuT
1.6 roller tip Comp Cams lifters - ebay.to/3atF9gN
Eldelbrock Air Gap Intake - ebay.to/2XS45vE
Quick Fuel 750 Carb - ebay.to/34RB7xF
Long Tube Headers - ebay.to/3eLEJG7
FlowMaster 40 Series Mufflers - ebay.to/3cAtUEB
Hughes 2500 Stall Converter - ebay.to/3cDcYh2
Red Eagle Clutches - ebay.to/2XShmo8
Hardened Sprag - ebay.to/34Uupa1
373 gears - ebay.to/3allcc0
Detroit Locker - ebay.to/3cAp4HC
Moser Axles - ebay.to/3btFbXc
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Something to note: Keep in mind that I'm just a normal guy who loves cars. I'm not a trained mechanic, although my father was. If something interesting car wise comes up, I try to film it and upload it for entertainment and the "look at what I done" factor. Pat me on the back, or give me a "good game" pat on the butt. These videos are meant to inspire other DIYers. Working on cars can be dangerous, even life threatening, if the proper cautionary measurements aren't taken. You also run the risk of damaging your vehicle and or voiding your warranty. If for any reason you feel like the job is too big to handle, I would suggest consulting with a professional mechanic.

[@fredrickbanks4594]

Want to sale it ?

[@cmattdabrat]

Heck, I wish I still had it...Sold it back in 2016. Loved that car, but got a divorce. I'll leave it at that.

[@franciscohuerta9860]

ey mathiew similar set up got a 327 cam looking at a vodoo 268/74 -.504 lift n the mag cam from comp 280 .480 lift. th400 with a trans go a jegs 27-3000 stall n 355 gears for street. 700 do holley jegs vortex intake not sure tryin to get a monte for it you think it can run hi 12s?

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

@@franciscohuerta9860 vortec heads,flat tops,decked block and a .550 life cam should do 12s with a decent gear,stall etc...

[@Anthony-ue4zm]

@@cmattdabrat its time to build another!

[@alogeetaylor3365]

Hey mane when you had that elco how fast was you driving on hwy and at what rpms. Was it safe to drive on hey all the time?

[@jimmy_olds]

3.73’s are awesome but need an OD for any kind of long distance runs. I just sold my gbody Cutlass but it had a mild Olds 403, 3.73 gears (also with a locker) and I had a 2004r built. Love those gbodies, your Elco is badass.

[@cmattdabrat]

You're right about that. The stock 3.08s were great on the freeway. The 3.73 burn up some gas. Fun though at WOT.

[@darriandk]

I have 4.56 gears with a th350 I drive 62 mph 40 miles one way to town you just can be a pussy about it

[@Alex-e8h6t]

Love it ,355 ,411 gears ,67 C10!

[@cmattdabrat]

Awesome!

[@felixsanchez1720]

That's a sweet ride man I'm building a 1980 Malibu with a 350 sbc

[@cmattdabrat]

Nice! Thank you. It definitely was a dream car project and did everything to it I could have wanted. Did break the bank doing it either.

[@DYFEA]

idk how i havent seen ur channel till now but im definitly subbing! ive got an 83 so always nice to see a nice texas elcy.

[@cmattdabrat]

DYFEA nice! What do you done to yours?

[@DYFEA]

@@cmattdabrat definitly not a 355 with hot gearing!!! Still stock, just edelbrock top end components basically. Whats your top speed?

[@cmattdabrat]

@@DYFEA I don't have the car anymore because of a divorce, but the car would top at around 120 because it had 3:73 paired with the th350. It would get to top speed really quick though. My only issue was keeping the rear tires from burning off because I never tossed slicks on the car before I had to sell it.

[@DYFEA]

@@cmattdabrat damn thats too bad, really was a great car

[@cmattdabrat]

@@DYFEA You're right about that but life changes. Definitely loved that car.

[@lowslow3467]

Badass little elco, how I want mine. Trying to get her in low-mid 400 HP range. I see your in the same city as me lol, maybe I'll see it around someday now if I pay attention. Cheers man

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks! That shouldn't be too difficult. Mine had 425hp.

[@lowslow3467]

@@cmattdabrat that's all I need. Enough to cause some trouble, and not too crazy. Something I can take out anyday and not have it sitting until the weekend comes along for a small cruise/car show

[@guitarhonda1]

Hi i was wondering the cost of this build. Thank looks great

[@rogerstill719]

I just ran across this video. It runs and sounds great. I have just one question; your Cam: was that duration (268°) @.050? It sure sounds a lot bigger and better than a 268H Very nice build!!

[@genaroe9323]

Great job!.. bad A ride fun ride I know.. my son has an 81 . 350.

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks!!! Nice! What has he done with his, or what are the plans?

[@genaroe9323]

@@cmattdabrat hes saving his money to make it a custom cruiser. Maybe air bag it.he got it for a graduation present. Not a racer. But I've always been a fan of these elcos all years.when I retire I plan on buying myself a hotrod one maybe a 67 0r69 chevelle front elco. U know.but thanks for sharing your video goodluck.

[@cmattdabrat]

@@genaroe9323 Nice! I've always thought they were pretty unique.

[@kevinclay723]

Are you interested in doing a engine and transmission swap for me on my 1987 stock elco? I’m in Austin.

[@cmattdabrat]

I would mind helping out. What engine and trans combo do you have in mind?

[@prutissbartlow8835]

Hell yeah El Camino all day checker Flags..eeeya da-i-mean?

[@cmattdabrat]

lol

[@Hutt92]

That's crazy my dad had a red diablo in the 90s pretty much the same setup used to eat the mustang's alive at the strip.

[@cmattdabrat]

Nice!!!

[@12345nope12345]

I finally made it here

[@cmattdabrat]

Welcome!

[@austinrandall1343]

Great video bro love what you did. I got a 1984 El co just swapped to a 350 bored 40 over roller cam roller lifters fresh rebuild but I have the stock TH350 and I feel my tranny not catching 2nd gear on time do you have any suggestions? Also how long did you wait to start dogging the El Co around the block?

[@cmattdabrat]

That's awesome, and thank you! I take it the th350 is stock? If so, I would upgrade the clutches to red eagle clutches (if you have the version that only has 4 clutches, you'll need to machine it down so it'll accept 5 to hold more power), install a hardened sprag, and a shift kit. I rebuild mine going by the this book amzn.to/3iMYJL2 Took me a couple evening to do it, but was well worth it. As far as how long you wait, I personally believe once you fire it up, you need to put the car under load so the rings will seat, so I would do a few street pulls to 3500. Then drive it around for 500 miles, and you should be fine. You just want to give the parts a little time to mate / wear in. Good luck and I hope this helps!

[@Tyd2daGame]

Man you can come down the road to humble and help me build mine lol. I have a 77.

[@cmattdabrat]

LOL, nice! What are you doing to yours?

[@moosecoffey4259]

What mufflers did you have on it

[@cmattdabrat]

FlowMaster 40 series.

[@xavierschneider6274]

My father recently passed and left me his 1980 elcamino, I don’t know much about cars but I’m in the process of trying to obtain info on how to fix it up,have any tips on where I can figure out what I need?

[@cmattdabrat]

Do you know what engine is in it? They're all pretty much the same. th350 trans. Either a v6 or v8 Gen I sbc. Lot's of good info out there on SBC. Pretty straight forward and easy car to work on.

[@xavierschneider6274]

@@cmattdabrat the original engine was a 229 but my father dropped a 396 blue print crate engine about a year ago

[@xavierschneider6274]

@@cmattdabrat it’s a manual transmission but grinds bad In first gear and reverse gear have any tips on the steps I should take?

[@budderman223]

All the links just go to ebays homepage, any help on what search for on the rest end gears?

[@cmattdabrat]

Let me update those and I'll get back to you. eBay listens don't last that long. Maybe amazon links will?

[@iliketacos2763]

Nice ride . Not all nice rides have turbo chargers . Not all nice rides are perfect but they are still appreciated by real gear heads .

[@cmattdabrat]

I appreciate it!

[@iliketacos2763]

@@cmattdabrat I have a '85 so I am biased . Mine is no where near perfect but just like your's , it's fun to drive and many people have never seen one .

[@cmattdabrat]

@@iliketacos2763 It's funny cause I was at a gas station once, and an Aussie said, "hey, you don't see those around often. We call those Utes".

[@iliketacos2763]

@@cmattdabrat when the glass company came to install the windshield in my '85 , it was a Father and Son team . Son was 18 years old . He walks in the garage and says " That must be rare , WTF is it ? His Dad and I laughed

[@cmattdabrat]

@@iliketacos2763 LOL, it makes me appreciate growing up around the car community. My ride home from the hospital was in a Duster. My old man has been a project car kinda guy before I even came in this world. That's cool though that he works with his dad and learned a little something.

[@Tdillard29]

what part of texas you located

[@jonesdemarco81]

I have a 355 in my caprice will a th350 be a good chance of trans for street driving

[@cmattdabrat]

Nice! Definitely a tried and true combo.

[@User-jg4sm]

Have a 1980 el camino. What can would u suggest?????

[@cmattdabrat]

I really like the XE268. Nice little lump, good power gains, but not too ridiculous so it works well with a 2500 stall.

[@skagonmotorz4199]

I just fired up my 355 today similar set up what size carb you using ? I got a 650 qft

[@cmattdabrat]

That's awesome. 750 cfm carb.

[@deluciv6634]

Since most of the links don’t work anymore what was the build list I have the same car and a 350 that needs a rebuild and I’m going for what you did on your build not to expensive but cheap neither could you maybe help me out with some of the things you bought for it

[@cmattdabrat]

Sure. In a nutshell, it's a 355, 9.5:1 CR, vortec heads with upgraded valve springs / screw in studs, RPM air gap intake, 750 carb, comp xe268 cam, 1.6 stamped steel roller tip lifters, long tube headers, 2.5" exhaust, flow master mufflers, 2500 stall, built th350 (upgraded sprag, red eagle clutches, machined for 5) 3.73 gears, LSD, summit preload cover on the diff with Mosser axles. Pretty simple setup without breaking the bank.

[@deluciv6634]

@@cmattdabrat thank you

[@mattneal3433]

Looks to be running a lil rich lean it out some go down 3 jet sizes lean is mean

[@cmattdabrat]

Had I known any better at the time, I would have just installed an AFR / Lambda gauge to help dial in the fuel. :) Thanks for watching!

[@mjkasper76]

Nice build man! Exact engine build I did 7 years ago on my 80 Elko. Studied those CHP and car craft articles on the mighty mouse to replicate the dyno numbers. Th350, 3.73 with Auburn posi, 2200 stall. Ran mid 13s all day on sticky tires through flowmasters. If I tuned and timed properly and opened headers, I'm sure it would hit 12s.. junked the rusty body now that engine is on a stand forc sale :(

[@cmattdabrat]

Thank you! Sounds like a fun car, but sucks the body had to be junked. There's always something else you could toss that in.

[@capford6810]

How much you want for that motor bud

[@cmattdabrat]

@@capford6810 Well, I sold the car to fund other projects.

[@CC-ss7ol]

Nice

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks!

[@reece604]

What was price for the motor

[@cmattdabrat]

I spend around 3.5k all expenses.

[@Noe-zl6uo]

What radiator did you go with? I have an 83 El Camino with Ls swap 5.3 but can’t decide on the radiator

[@cmattdabrat]

I just used a oem replacement. Worked great for the power levels I was at. 400+hp.

[@Noe-zl6uo]

@@cmattdabrat thank you

[@prutissbartlow8835]

He pushed it from a 350 to 355? Badass just jus the same Old school push rod

[@cmattdabrat]

Just a 30 over 350. :)

[@koltonsatvmadness5373]

What pistons,rods,crank did you go with or are they just stock.

[@cmattdabrat]

The stock rods and crank were fine for my HP goals. I did get some flat top pistons, I forgot what brand they. are, to help bump up the compression.

[@koltonsatvmadness5373]

@@cmattdabrat oh alright I’m building a simular set up with a set of speed master aluminum heads. You still running stock rods and crank?

[@cmattdabrat]

@@koltonsatvmadness5373 Nice. It has stock rods and crank balanced at the machine shop. Upgraded ARP studs in the rods. Holds up well and takes a beating.

[@koltonsatvmadness5373]

@@cmattdabrat sweet man. I will probably copy the set up with stock rods,crank and pistons for now and use arp rod bolts.

[@cmattdabrat]

@@koltonsatvmadness5373 Nice!

[@brandonbell8159]

How hard was that trans rebuild I’m thinking of doing the same setup as you on a th350 I have

[@cmattdabrat]

It wasn't too bad, honestly. It requires only a few special tools. The only tool I had to purchase was the piston compressor tool you have to install to remove a snap ring. Think it was like $35. The how to rebuild a th350 book was very clear at walking me through the tear down and rebuild. I got a little creative with tools rented from AutoZone's loan a tool. It took me about 12 hours from start to finish. Did it over a weekend. This was my first rebuild, and I was pretty proud of it all working.

[@deluciv6634]

Are these the 5.7 vortec heads ?

[@adamclark4625]

What did it run in the 1/4 mile? I have a very similar setup in my 1986 elcamino and trying to get a figure on the time

[@cmattdabrat]

Nice! It ran a low 15's. The problem I had was traction. It would just burnout through every gear. Needed some slicks. Should run a mid 13 with some sticky tires.

[@adamclark4625]

Matthew Chevalier please keep the videos on it coming!

[@cmattdabrat]

@@adamclark4625 Definitely will!

[@tapa2466]

@@cmattdabrathey. I wonder what’s the difference in other setups. Because your build is very well done and better than most. Bored out 350. Mod for mod though and granted the HP you said pushing with that 3.73, i for sure woulda thought you’d already be in the mid to high 12 sec 1/4 mile range already. What mph you trapping? That would tell a lot. Do you have cal-tracs? Could you give insight because I’m building a 350 350 combo with 3.73 rear too. I’ll just get my set up done and draggy mine to see what can be done with seat time. I not gonna bull crap, I’m not gonna be happy if after the work I do, I only run a 14 sec. Because you have more work done to yours than mine. A 13.8? I’m liable get stretched by some stock v6. 😣

[@mx44yamaha]

What’s the best 1/4 mile time you got out of it?

[@cmattdabrat]

13.8 on street tires.

[@mx44yamaha]

@@cmattdabrat with the original gears and trans or after you did that stuff?

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

@@mx44yamaha Yeah, at 425hp and all the other upgrades, it should have easily been in the 12's FFS!!

[@Serpentsfate808]

I'm breaking ground on my 79 build tomorrow

[@cmattdabrat]

Nice! You should post video.

[@Serpentsfate808]

I'm literally about to go drop the gas tank now I think I just might

[@masyningles8667]

425 crank ?

[@cmattdabrat]

Crank.

[@prutissbartlow8835]

So you have MSDconversion kit

[@cmattdabrat]

I forget what the brand was. Dyna something or another HEI.

[@luislam6259]

Love your build man. How much did you spend in parts?

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks! The car was in pretty good shape when I got it. It had a V6. It was about $3500 for the short block, machine shop expenses, heads, etc. Then I burnt up the trans and broke the rear diff. To rebuild the trans myself, and the rear diff, was another $1500.

[@austinrandall1343]

Damn That’s what I’m worried about doing to mines now

[@chriswells1440]

there is no way that has 425 horsepower go to the comp cams website that cam only puts out 342 horsepower and something like 412 lb of torque.

[@cmattdabrat]

This is a dyno proven build. 355, 9.5:1 CR, .035 quench, 1.6 roller tip rockers, vortec heads, air gap intake, 750 vacuum secondary carb, 268XE flat tappet cam, 1 5/8 long tube headers, 2.5" exhaust. Simple build, but attention to the details is what matters. Comp cams website is a different combo. This is closer to the combo... www.superchevy.com/how-to/project-cars/week-wicked-finish-planned-day-five-build-recap

[@PatandDoopypoopy]

​@cmattdabrat that 268xtreme is such a versatile cam. Mild to wild it supports hp

[@lanceleblanc5946]

What block did you start with? What size sbc?

[@cmattdabrat]

It has a v6 when I got it. I pulled a SBC GenI 350 for the donor black, crank, and rods.

[@Maxo52]

🔥🔥🔥

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks!

[@danielboone2300]

Drop a 3.08 10 bolt rear end gears then you will make some mph !

[@franciscohuerta9860]

mathew you got a stock converter on the th350?

[@cmattdabrat]

2500 stall.

[@NSLBC]

Yo who did that beat? Nice build btw

[@cmattdabrat]

At what time marker?

[@NSLBC]

@@cmattdabrat 1:45

[@andymiesbach2167]

What kind of headers did you put on it?

[@cmattdabrat]

They're just some cheapy Summit long tube. Think they were around $160 at the time I bought them.

[@bradyhurst7760]

What size cam

[@cmattdabrat]

Xe268

[@mariogreene3048]

Are you running a transmission cooler ?

[@cmattdabrat]

I am. Cheapo from Summit.

[@coreyhorton1748]

What cam are you using

[@cmattdabrat]

201268XE comp cams

[@kennethheadden2229]

Is this a 2 bolt main?

[@cmattdabrat]

It is a 2 bolt main.

[@nobodyspecial6436]

I’d be a little concerned about the 25 lbs of oil pressure at idle.... that should be around 40 to 50 shouldn’t it... especially since it’s a rebuild... i had a rebuilt 327 back in the 90s and it had 45 lbs at idle...

[@cmattdabrat]

25 lbs is normal, IMO, once the engine is warmed up. 40-50 seems a little high. Perhaps is because I had a stock volume oil pump. Tolerances will make a difference too. I only had the crank polished and not turned down. Everything was within spec and the motor runs great.

[@roknroy1]

sb chevy only needs 7psi at 1000 rpm to live. that's why people put chevys in fords

[@cmattdabrat]

@@roknroy1 And in Volkswagens ;)

[@jonathanlawson4667]

That's normal for a Chevrolet buddy

[@tapa2466]

His engine is running very healthy. Oil pressure is great. Noticed the cooling temp too. 👌 can’t get no better than that. Driving around fully hot he is around 170-180. 20-25 psi @700-500 rpm stock pump is 👌.

[@skrilx12345]

Yoooo that is so sick, I have the same cam in my truck! What heads are you running

[@skrilx12345]

And is this for sure 425?

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks! They're vortec heads.

[@cmattdabrat]

I followed a dyno build. 9.5 CR, 350 ci, vortec heads, 201268XE cam, 1.6 roller tip CC lifters, 1 5/8 long tube headers, and 750 cfm carb. 425 fwhp at 31-32º total timing. It really hauls the mail!

[@briansharp1610]

Could you put a link to the dyno build you used?

[@skrilx12345]

Matthew Chevalier are the runners stock cfm? It’s been awhile I forgot if it had been mentioned. I got 1.6 stamped rollers with 750cfm carb, duak plane intake and a spacer. My heads are 185cc runners and the valvss are 2.02/1.6 64cc ofc. I thought this thing would maybe get 360 but wow I’m surprised. It gives me hope

[@lemondre]

With the ac on😂😂

[@rawhodges8074]

We’re is you located???

[@cmattdabrat]

Houston Texas

[@victorortiz863]

So how much was the excellent build 👍?$

[@cmattdabrat]

3500 on the engine, and other 1500 on the trans, LSD, and moser axles. Bought the car with a v6 for 4k.

[@victorortiz863]

@@cmattdabrat Sounds 💯My budget 👍

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

Only one link leads to anything, all the rest just go to the eBay home page, no parts.

[@cmattdabrat]

I'll be sure to update them sometime this weekend.

[@monteske6687]

What is lift on cam

[@cmattdabrat]

It's as fairly mild cam. XE268 hydraulic flat tappet comp cams with 1.6 stamped steel roller tip lifters.

[@monteske6687]

Good Deal I Have 280 Magnum flat tappet in a 355 with 1.6 full roller rocker

[@franciscohuerta9860]

wat it ran in the track with the set up?

[@cmattdabrat]

I took it a couple times for fun.

[@cmattdabrat]

But it did high 13’s on 205 street tires. Traction was awful because of the light rear and small street tires.

[@franciscohuerta9860]

not bad mathiew n I bet I will go with 255s drs.

[@cmattdabrat]

@@franciscohuerta9860 It was definitely fun. Smoked a Vette on the freeway from a 60 roll and that was good enough for me.

[@marcusmccomb1789]

You have a parts list of everything that went into this build?

[@cmattdabrat]

Let me go back and make sure the description has it.

[@livinthe5thsun79]

Bad Ass!

[@cmattdabrat]

Thanks!

[@roknroy1]

500 mile break in is wives tail

[@cmattdabrat]

Drive it like you stole it as soon as you break the cam in. It'll help seat the piston rings.

[@danajett]

500 miles = myth

[@cmattdabrat]

I don't get it?

[@danajett]

Meaning im not a believer of 500 miles before hard run been doing it for yrs just saying

[@cmattdabrat]

@@danajett Ahh, I'm right there with you. As soon as the 20 minute break was done for the flat tappet cam, I went and ripped. It helps seat the rings. lol, and I had to see what it had.

[@bobbybentley8136]

Slow elco

[@cmattdabrat]

LOL, just a fun build is all.