After 5 Years, My First Short Drive

[gm_fan]

I could hardly keep the smile off my face after I got to take the Monza up the road for a short run today. Sure the front sheetmetal isnt on yet , But who cares, that is minor to where I started . Just as I remember in the early eighties , when I had my last Monza, a 1975 2+2....Just like a little go cart. The engine is a 1970 Lt-1 shortblock with a comp cams nostalgic cam kit insalled. I also installed a set of Aluminum Vortec fast burn heads with some .060 headgaskets and a rpm performer vortec style intake..I orginally installed a 2000 high stall corvette convertor, but had to pull the trans back out[ouch] because of leaving out the forward clutc drum, so guess what , no forward. This time around I used a 10 inch convertor at about 2600 stall and I found out today, it will idle in gear now..In park, about 1150 and in gear around 850 RPMs..I am going to get an exhaust installed Tuesday, any suggestions for a dual set up???? I still have some tuning to do , as I checked my total advance in the HEI and only am getting 26 degrees total and running my base timing at 16 degrees with no vacuum advance..I also installed a set of Gm performance parts fully roller aluminum rockers with poly locks to maintain the 12 thousands lash the cam calls for..Really had some fuel problems at first usedthe whole unit out of a 1995 Lesabre in Monza tank and initally didnt run a return line[mistake], but I used the vent line originally off the monza for a return line, with a 3/8 s fuel line off a 2009 Malibu for the supply, both up the passenger side and now got my fuel pressure down to 6-7 pounds..Seems like everything that could go wrong has , but after todays little test drive, it was worth it....Sheet metal hopefully will be complete in a couple of weeks and then I guess I will replace the xxxxing heater core!! I guess I showed the car I am too stupid to quit and It finally decided to see things my way..Got a posi and 3:42 gears for the rear from MONZAZ and they will get in before spring if everything goes well..Good luck to every one on their projects....and thanks for the H-body website for everything..gm_fan

[72 SS PNL]

congrats !! its gotta make ya proud to finally drive it , even if its not finished

i bet you wanted to keep going too !! LMAO i know i do

[Racin Jason]

Hey GM fan, thats great to see. I love to hear about other h-body fans getting their project going. I'm a long ways off but i have started. Keep the pics coming because its pure inspiration.

[gm_fan]

I will post some pics of the car with the front sheetmetal installed , hopefully shortly..Its already painted, and ready to hang..Luckily, I dont have any interior work to do, so maybe it will come together fairly soon...Thanks

[80 MONZTA]

That's pretty cool. I know I can not wait to drive mine again for the first time. Shoot, post up some pic's the way it is. I am sure all of us would like to see the way it was for it's short maiden voyage.

[gm_fan]

Here's a few photos of the Monza the way it looked on my first test drive..
Started hanging fenders and preparing for hood installation today.. I know my neighbors will be glad when I get some exhaust on . NEXT WEEK hopefully...

[72 SS PNL]

looks good

[bill1978v8]

Sweet looking ride! More pics if you have them!

Bill

[waybad]

is that cortez silver? I like it!

[gm_fan]

I just found a pic of the trim tag and wanted to see if anyone could tell me anything about it..??? I am also posting a few more photos...thanks everyone!!!!

[res0o7eb]

Beautiful Monza.
The trim tag indicates that this is a Canadian-built Chevrolet.
There should be a sticker on the driver's door jam with more information. Like exact date of manufacture.

[gm_fan]

Kinda like these?? I know 68 and 69 camaro as well as anyone, but these H-bodies are greek to me,,,thanks the car has all original paint inside door jambs and pillar posts

[ROB]

Gorgeous car!!! Very nice work. I only hope mine will turn out as clean when I'm done.
Rob

[NixVegaGT]

I'm wiping the tears from my eyes. I can't wait.

[vegon71]

Its looking great, that motor looks sweet!!