Ford 9" Rear end, Radiator, and Ignition for Liberty! Can we still make Sick Week?

Vice Grip Garage

26 Jan 202452:34

Summary

TLDRThe video follows a car restoration project on a 1971 Chevelle called Liberty. Work continues as the team upgrades parts like the rear axle, radiator, wiring, and more to triple the horsepower and torque. They run into some challenges fitting new header tubes but make steady progress, getting the ignition system fully functioning. More work lies ahead on the fuel system, suspension, and brakes before the finished Chevelle can make its debut at a 5-day driving event called Sick Week.

Takeaways

😀 They are replacing the rear end of their Chevelle project car 'Liberty' with a beefier 9 inch rear
🚗 They are also doing major upgrades to cooling, ignition, steering, wiring on Liberty Chevelle
🔧 They removed homemade ladder bars and stiffened trailing arms from Liberty Chevelle rear end
🚚 They are also working on their other project car 'Independence', stripping rear end and parts to upgrade it
🔧 They installed new radiator, fans, and plumbing fittings in Liberty Chevelle engine bay
⚡ They wired up new single wire alternator, relay for electric fans in Liberty Chevelle
🔥 They installed new MSD ignition box with rev limiter in Liberty Chevelle
👷‍♂️ They have friend helping fabricate full frame reinforcement for Independence project
🛢️ Still have major fuel system and brake work left to do on Liberty Chevelle
🚗 They plan to drive Liberty Chevelle at an upcoming Sick Week driving event

Q & A

What rear end is being replaced in the Chevelle?
-A 12-bolt rear end is being replaced with a custom 9-inch rear end to handle the increased horsepower and torque of the new engine.
What upgrades are being made to the suspension?
-New adjustable trailing arms, coil over shocks, and other components from TRZ are being installed for better handling and weight transfer.
What is being done to improve the cooling system?
-A new aluminum radiator with dual electric fans and high flow hose fittings is being installed.
What wiring upgrades are being made?
-A new MSD ignition box with rev limiter, 1-wire alternator setup, and relay for the electric fans have been wired up.
What is the line lock wiring for?
-The line lock will allow locking the front brakes only to help with doing burnouts without wearing the rear brakes.
What drivetrain will the Chevelle have?
-It will have a 468 cubic inch big block Chevy motor backed by a 3-speed manual transmission.
What upgrades were made to the spark plug wires?
-Custom fit porcelain spark plug wire sets from MSD are being installed.
What vehicle upgrades will be done to the Independence project?
-It is getting frame reinforcements, a 12-bolt rear end, and engine/transmission upgrades.
What event are they preparing the cars for?
-They will be participating in Sick Week, a 5-day track event held in Florida.
Who will be driving the Chevelle during Sick Week?
-Chad and Haley will be driving the Chevelle for the event.