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'66 El Camino: Engine Swap, Pt. 2 The engine upgrade on the '66 El Camino continues with a beefed up cooling system, short RAM intake and performance exhaust. From "Resto Rides" episode DRRD-103

Our 1966 Chevy El Camino is being transformed from the inside out, as the body remains but the systems under the hood get a variety of upgrades. In this phase of the restoration our project vehicle gets a custom cooling system, short ram intake and upgraded exhaust system.

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The new engine, installed

Christie and Andrew begin by doing some reassembly work. Once the front clip is back on they tackle the cooling system and map out and install the exhaust. With the addition of the shift and throttle linkage, the ignition key becomes — and will forever be the way — to start this El Camino.

The steps in this phase of the restoration, as seen in episode 103 of Resto Rides, are summarized below

Recap

• So far in the restoration, Andrew and Christie have upgraded to big disc brakes (figures A and B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• They've also upgraded the old suspension to modern standards, including new shocks (figure C). and springs (figure C). They also swapped in a fuel-injected small block engine.

Figure C

Figure D

	The original engine, before removal
	Removing the old engine
	Front clip removed

Materials and tools:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), the essential tools required for this phase of the project are listed below.

power steering fluid
flex pipe
masking tape
custom radiator
tin snips
coolant
throttle and shift linkage
plastic bushings
friction tape
custom downpipes
slotted oxygen sensor socket
muffler clamps

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the restoration procedures shown in this episode of Resto Rides. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, don't rely solely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle. When using a jack to access or work beneath a vehicle, always use jack stands for support. Make sure that the jack and stands that you use are rated for the weight and type of your vehicle.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

Front Clip Reinstallation and ECU

It will take at least two people working together to install the front clip. Andrew and Christie struggle a bit to lift the fender wells over the new disk brakes. With the front clip back on, the power steering hoses can be installed and the ECU mounted behind the head light.

• After the front clip is in place, bolt it up at the cowl. Body shims are used to get a good alignment. Andrew and Christie go to the front end to tighten up the two body bolts in front of the wheel wells.

• Luckily, Andrew found the perfect spot for the engine control unit. He screws in a bracket to hold the ECU in place.

• Plug in the harness, and snap the cover into place.

• A purge canister is added so that the updated engine will be compliant with all federal regulations for emissions standards. The canister collects fuel vapors and sends them back into the engine so they're not released into the atmosphere.

• Top off the power steering fluid

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