1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Had a 1968 Impala original 427/425 car with matching #'s, pulled that motor out and built a Stocker with a 396/325 , Jerico and ran I/S at 4095 pounds. ran 11.70's best, but never really flogged it. I sold car to collector who restored it back to the stock 427/425 car, lliks great. I purchased all the race parts back from him, rear end, ignition, motor ect., now i am building a 1965 Impala with the same motor combo to run I or H Stock.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

I love all of those Big-Block full size cars! Get busy!

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Thanks Billy, my brother Ed ran a 69 Nova in V/SA with the 230 in the eighties with Joe Huestis, Div 1 car, they could never get it yo run like your car though! The Impala is apart, working on the frame. Any input would be appreciated.

Will Lamprecht
Div 1 , Wingdale, NY

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Corner full of race parts! 12 bolt with spool, 4:88's

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

What trans and clutch do you use?

What reliability do you get out of them?

Also how does the rear hold up?
Is the 12 bolt fairly rugged.

Seems some racers have little problems with 4sp's
Others seem to have horror stories and go to Auto.

D

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

I believe the heads are a different casting number for the year change.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Re-weld the upper rear susp. crossmember to the frame while you have the body off.
Otherwise you'll have to cut holes in the floor later.
Ask me how I know...

Double gusset the lower trailing arm brackets to the frame >> <<

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Thanks Mark for this good information.

My 1969 Impala is having a full restoration.
When we pulled the rusty frame off noticed a bunch of cracks.

Have any other suggestions?

D

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Thanks Mark, I am know about that problem with that crossmember pulling out, I gusset and plate all the suspension points in the rear, also a run a crossbrace from the roll bar to that upper crossmember. I did that with my 68 Impala, probaly overkill, but I never broke a part leaving up to 6500 RPM off the line.

Dan, I used a McLoed Soft-Lok clutch and believe it or not just a 14 pound aluminum flywheel. I see some guys out there insisting on using a 30 pound steel flywheel for "inertia" to help a heavy car leave, but if your making HP the car will drive thru that. (one fella runs a 3300 car, making HP, insist on using the 30 lb flywheel, the cars leaves way too violently. Thats old school clutch thing. I used the Jerico 4 speed w 3.09 (?) first gear. Best aftermarket piece ever made, never broke, still working today. I had over 90 passes on that tranny and sometimes I "forgot" to use the clutch!

Will

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Dan , the rear is a 12 bolt from a Impala, they have the bigger wheel bearings and axle tubes. welded the tubes to the housing. Moser spool with rifle drilled axles and star flanges. Cover is a girdle with the braces. 4:88's in it now.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

These are the specs from the 1965 Chevy NHRA blueprint.

325 396 .005ab Dome .201" 22.04cc 2070/1725*398/398 Outer w/Damp .028 063,206,215,280,290,

It shows the 290 heads which I have. Whew, don't scare me like that! the motor I don't really have to touch.!

Will

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Sorry bout that man, my bad. They must have changed the accepted head list when I wasn't looking. LOL

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Love your Impala Will !

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Thanks Will..
Forwarded over to the person who is fixing up the frame.
Have a Budd Rowe 350/255 that had built a few years ago.
But think I have an early cam in it.

I really like that low first gear in the Jerico.
Have 5.13 with a new Moroso Posi and Summers Axles.
TurboAction auto and TCI Converter.
But may buy a new ATI set up.

GM car was upgraded with a 427/335 and 390 over the 396.
Though a 396/265 with a 2v was available.

d

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Willie,
I'm sure Carl has taken a lot of pictures of your progress on this project. Let's get 'em posted on here !

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

I can not imagine a 12 bolt living long is a big heavy stick car.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

what other choice is there?

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Ed...
I think Will has the right set up using an Aluminum Flywheel and Clutch in his BB.

His comment about "the hit" and too violent of a hit is the clue.
With some of the new converters that have a hard STR rate I see the same TOO MUCH HIT. Especially on some lighter cars.

The nice thing on our Plus Sized Cars is that we have real 4-link suspension.
The weakness are the attach points on the Frame.

For some reason when properly stripped they can get fairly light even with BB.

Will what was the lightest weight you got your car?

Dan

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

for some reason i remember 65-70 fullsize chevies having a 3 link (2 on the bottom,1 on top) on the base models with small blocks....or am i just dreaming?
seems to me the 4 links were the higher HP models...

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Tom , most (if not all ) of the 12 bolt cars had the 4 arm suspension.
Most of the 10 bolts did not, although I have seen some 10 bolt 4 arms.
The holes are all there in the upper cross member, so the 4 arms bolt right in...

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

That was the X - Frame 1958 - 1964 Chevy/BOP/Caddy
Yes the 58 got the X-frame as GM began installing heavier engines.
GM always boosted about the ride quality.
The Lower Links were angled toward the X-Frame and no Panhard Bar.
This frame required 2 - short drive shafts and a Center Link prone to snapping. (I know that so well)

65 - 76 went to H - Frame 4 Link set up with Panhard Bar.
Spring set on the Lower Suspension Link.
Used much heavier U-joints.

Then 77 up to 96 D / B Body used the earlier 1964 & up Chevelle/BOP Mid sized car H-Frame set up.
Upper Control Arms were angled eliminating the Panhard Bar.
Spring mounted on the Axle.

The 91-96 used a 8.5inch 10bolt that has a history of being very rugged.
Someone said you can put a larger 8.75 12 bolt Carrier in it.
Never understood why they were not put in Camaro/FB?
The Drive shaft rarely had any issues.
U-Joints lasted the life of the car regardless of abuse.
For racing gears just needed a balancing and the weight tab removed from the Yoke...and still keeping the original U-joints.

On my 1995 Impala SS purchased a Dick Miller Frame Connector for the upper and lower control arms.
Think he makes it for the Plus Sized cars too.

Hope this helps..

D

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Hey Joe, good hearing from you. Yes, Carl is taking pictures and video. I will be posting a new pic next week of the rear frame gusseting work. Only way to make these boats survive!

Rob has the motor in South Carolina with the 1976 Ford F100 truck i bought down there. He has been using the truck w/ the new house. Don't know if I can use it as a tow vehicle, being a Ford and all!! LOL

Dan, the lightest I had the 68 was a the minimum H/S weight or 3950. I added a 135 pound bar to the back to make I/S ! If you want i can e-mail you a pic of the rear work I did on the car so you can show your chassis man.

Will Lamprecht
"Tuns of Fun" !! 65 Impala

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Hey Joe, Sorry I made that comment about the Nova you and Ed ran never getting it to run like Billy Nees Nova. It was still a sweet ride and built right by you guys.

I also run into Ann's brother Eddie all the time now, at the meetings.

so what do you think? "Tuns of Fun" on the side?

Will Lamprecht

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

YES PLEASE

use danfahey@dansources.com

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

I'm diggin' this!!!!!

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

For the record:

65-70 full size ..3 or 4 arm (right or both uppers). Panhard bar, and springs on trailing arms.
71-76 ..Std 4 trailing arm, springs on housing , except for f/s wagons ,which were leaf springs.
77-96 Std 4 trailing arms ....7.5 rear standard in these cars... even in f/s Chevy wagons.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

ahhh, so i'm NOT crazy (even though my mother had me tested;) )

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

91-96 all got the 8.5 inch Rear, at least the 5.7 liter.
Have them on both my 94 Caprice Wagon an 95 Impala SS

The Camaro/FB got the little ones

D

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Nope....you didn't say 5.7 cars, which may be true.
305's came with 7.5's ...I had one...with a 2.56
That gives you about a 1.80 gear in OD..That's how it got 28 mpg @70 with the a/c on.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Yac -

My parents had an '86 Caprice 305 that came with a 2.29:1 7.5 rear axle. I drove them to the east coast to see my brother when that car was relatively new and it got 25-26 mpg @ 70 with A/C on consistently using an electronic Qjet carb! Amazing considering the aerodynamics of that body.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Yeah I can see them with the smaller rear.
But have not seen one with the 4.3L LT-1 but does not mean it was not installed.

My 94 Caprice Wagon has a set of 2.56's and has touched 24mpg best loaded with family. Mostly in the 23.5 range.

The Impala SS originally had 3.08's and get a best of 23.75mpg. But consistently 23.23mpg.

When our Impala B-Body guys added the 6sp.
Some installed 4.10's and reported 25 - 26mpg.

Other TOPIC
HEY WILL...
Please send me the Photo's of your Frame.

danfahey@dansources.com

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

How much back-to-back converter testing have you actually done? Back-to-back during track rentals?

My fastest coverters also hit the hardest. My min weight is 3235.

If Charie Plott at ATI told me a pi** ant could pull a freight train, I would start figuring how to hook that little sucker up.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Not done back to back testing but a lot of testing and documenting.
One thing the ECIRS series provided was experience from the other Impala racers and their documentation.
My Car ran BoltOn, basically IHRA Pure Stock.

Started racing ECIRS in 2004 stock every thing, best ET was 15 sec flat.
Began with a modified 2800 stock converter.
Sucked on the Street but got the car in the mid low 14's.

Installed an Edge 3000, went to 3200 then to 3600.
More BoltOns likeTri-Y headers and RT Cats, Tune, 1.6 roller Tip Rockers.
Got a best of 1.70 at 60 ft. and at more than one track.
Best ET 13.27 at 100.14 at Etown 4 years ago (1.727, 5.30, 8.368, 11.02) November 42 degree weather.

Got new Warren Engine and used the Edge 3600.
Best in good Mason Dixon Weather was 13.20 at 101mph

Rebuilt the Warren Engine because of a broken ring land.
Installed YankSS 3800 eventually broke the 3.73, replaced with 4.10.
Before breaking the gears ran a best of 1.68 sec 60 ft

Good 50/55 f degree weather cut a few low 13 and teens at Mason Dixon and Island. Dragway (13.11 best)
Cecil Cold Weather Day last November ran a 12.88 at 103.64
Best of 1.65 sec 60' and 8.15 sec in the 1/8th.

The Yank was an improvement over the Edge as it MPH better.
Edge and Yank compete for the LTx/LSx market.

Pat Gish held our Bolton record at 12.37 at 106mph at 4000#.
He used an Edge and Lock-Up on the Converter at Atco.

Later he installed a Yank. Ran similar ET without the lock up feature.
For some reason very little improvement gained when it was locked up.
But was running back in Ohio at higher altitude tracks.

Side by side the Yank Converter Lock Up Band is much wider than the Edge.

Some of the guys have pulled a heavy trailer with the Yank and zero problems.
It is a rugged Converter.

The Yank is about $800 the Edge about $600.
Pound for Pound the Edge is Better.
For Performance the Yank is better.
Both companies give great service.

Based on my launching data will upgraded to the YankSS4000.

Hope this is useful.

Dan

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

You need to call ATI.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Thanks ED..I like Jim at ATI.
Will have him do my 1969 Impala 350/255 Combo when ready.

However staying with Yank. It is a proven Converter for my car.
Do not think Jim has a competing converter or would have heard about it by now.
The Yank feels like to a stock converter on the street. Until you nail it.
If I need a new 4L60E, ATI is a solution.

The stock 4L60E had more than 300 runs and 140,000 miles.
The next one died after 20,000 miles.
Hurt that transmission road racing at Summit Point at FATT.

Shane Cobb rebuilt the next one and it runs great.
He is no longer building them and have found a couple 4L60E only specialists.

Soon will be looking for a good used aluminum trailer.
Problem is finding a place to store it.

Dan

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

If you haven't "heard of it by now" you need to get out more. LOL
How many fast, race winning, or record setting NHRA Stock or SS
cars do you see with a yank converter? About zero. How many with ATI?
Most of them.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

If you are looking for a 4L60E transmission builder that can make one live in a drag racing application. Call Finish Line Transmission in Schaumberg IL (city might be spelled wrong) I cannot tell you how many passes are on mine. Its been in mine for years and has not had one problem what so ever. As far as ATI goes Ed gave me the serial number off of his converter from when he was bracket racing his car. (we had similar combos at the time) Called and ordered one. It makes my Yank and my Precision converters look bad. REALLY BAD! Try one you might like it.

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Ed
Are you saying most cars that set records have ati Convertors?
Really?

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Mark, more fast automatic S & SS cars use ATI converters. Check how many of the last 20 automatic SS NHRA World Champs used ATI converters. Like 17 or 18?

Sure not yanks. LOL

What brand would you say, Mark?

Re: 1965 Impala BBC I/S
 

Man this thread started out cool and it took a strange turn into a slushbox forum! LOL! Will take this back to reality please!

Tim Quigley had a cool 66 Biscayne 283 O-P Stick that was a blast to race!

He sold that, but he restoring a street 69 427 4 speed Impala SS.