Stephen's 33 Hot Rod Build

I have wanted to build a Factory Five 33 Hot Rod for over 10 years. I finally pulled the trigger, went to Build School, and ordered a kit. The kit was delivered 11/2024, and I have been working on it since. I am a father of three, work full time and have a side business that takes up way too much of my time. Hoping to stay focused and see where I can get in four months when my garage is scheduled to be torn down and replaced with an ADU.

Here are some photos of Build School that I attended with my father-in-law. We had a blast putting a 33 together in 2.5 days.

The delivery was memorable, the truck nearly fit down our street as was stuck for some time when it was time to leave.

My first personalization on the build was to turn the fire wall.

I spent the last two months learning to powder coat and have finally figured out how to base, and clear my color of red. Looking forward to coating the control arms in the next week.

Welcome to the family! Enjoy the journey and remember we're here to help!

Steve

Congrats on purchase and starting your build. I don’t have the ability to build a 33 so I purchased one already built. Love the car. I would post a pic but can’t figure out how.

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Originally Posted by Bakofly

Congrats on purchase and starting your build. I don’t have the ability to build a 33 so I purchased one already built. Love the car. I would post a pic but can’t figure out how.

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Bakofly You can learn about using the image gallery HERE

Ominousman the firewall look GREAT!. I'm a huge fan of engine turning and the different techniques used. I did quite a bit of it on my builds as well.

A very auspicious start to the build!

:)

Thanks for the note on images... will need to get up to speed on images ( my first post was horrible ).

Always glad to see another SoCal Hot Rod builder. Welcome to the madness!

Keith HR #894

My cousin Joe is in the car with you. We are currently doing his FF 33 HR Looking Good!

Dave

I turned my firewall almost exactly as you did. It looks so good, but when the project is completed, about 75% of all that turning will not be visible. However, I know it is done right. I followed that theme and made an aluminum turned dash insert and door trim panels as well.
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Once completed, there is not a lot of the firewall that is visible.
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Wow the engine turning looks amazing. I have the same mindset were it doesnt matter if anyone see's it, if I know it was done right ( or wrong ), I will know.

I do wish I took more time to on the turning but am happy with how it turned out on the fire wall. Will take my time on the interior work.

I remember your cousin Joe, he was well into his build when we had the class. Does he have a build thread?

Need some help... i dont think my account is fully setup or I am doing something wrong. When I try to edit my profile, I get the following message. I see the same message when I try to create an album.

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Any suggestions on how to get access / permission to edit my profile? :rolleyes:

I suggest that you go to the Welcomes and Introductions page and read the "Sticky" post titled "IMPORTANT : Registration and New Member Functionality PLEASE READ". There are several restrictions on what new members can do until they reach 20 or more posts. These restrictions can be waived by the Forum Moderators at their discretion.

HTH Keith HR #894

The engine is here ... time to jump start the learning.

I picked up an LS2 off eBay a few months back to take advantage of a New Year's sale. Just got it out of storage and started looking at what I have. I don't have any experience with engines and know I spent hours researching and trying to find the best deal. Not sure why I went with an LS2, I think I was intending to go with a basic engine I could upgrade in the future but this is what I ended up with. It's a 2006 GTO 6.0L LS2 ENGINE TREMEC T-56 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION.

I assumed I got an engine that would be ready to drop in and use, but it looks like I have some learning and modifications that need to be made. The first thing I noticed was the power steering reservoir and the connected power steering pump. And then I saw the AC condenser/pump. I was thinking if I could use the AC condenser/pump, but it looks like I will run into space issues. So I am planning to pull both of these off and size a new belt.


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I assume I was getting the ECU and wire harness with the "complete" engine but I guess I missed that in the auction description. Looks like I will also need to source my own engine cover... not sure how to confirm everything else is there and/or what is missing. I will need to read up on wiring harnes and ECU's. Will also need to determine the best hydraulic clutch to use.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ominousman

The engine is here ... time to jump start the learning.

I picked up an LS2 off eBay a few months back to take advantage of a New Year's sale. Just got it out of storage and started looking at what I have. I don't have any experience with engines and know I spent hours researching and trying to find the best deal. Not sure why I went with an LS2, I think I was intending to go with a basic engine I could upgrade in the future but this is what I ended up with. It's a 2006 GTO 6.0L LS2 ENGINE TREMEC T-56 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION.

I assumed I got an engine that would be ready to drop in and use, but it looks like I have some learning and modifications that need to be made. The first thing I noticed was the power steering reservoir and the connected power steering pump. And then I saw the AC condenser/pump. I was thinking if I could use the AC condenser/pump, but it looks like I will run into space issues. So I am planning to pull both of these off and size a new belt.


Attachment 213157

Attachment 213158

I assume I was getting the ECU and wire harness with the "complete" engine but I guess I missed that in the auction description. Looks like I will also need to source my own engine cover... not sure how to confirm everything else is there and/or what is missing. I will need to read up on wiring harnes and ECU's. Will also need to determine the best hydraulic clutch to use.

Attachment 213159

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I would look at Holley ECU's like the Terminator X LS kits
https://www.holley.com/brands/holley...x_max_ls_kits/

Thanks for the link, will check it out... seems like there a ton of options.