Alden Thomas GTO Meets LS3 & F40 (Page 1/3)
V8Steve AUG 09, 07:50 AM
I've recently acquired an Alden Thomas GTO and am adding an LS3 and F40 via V8Archie kits. Any input related to this rare car would be greatly appreciated, especially the origin, contact information of original creator, etc. It's my hope to restore it back to original. Chassis is 88 Formula.

We've been told this is one of as many as 12 produced and likely one of the last ones. It appears the earlier ones had three vents behind the rear wheels and mine has two.












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88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com

[This message has been edited by V8Steve (edited 08-19-2024).]

Spadesluck AUG 09, 10:33 AM
The kit from pictures looks good. Usually not a fan of the rebodies. Will be watching the build. I however have no information of origins.
fieroguru AUG 09, 08:08 PM
Steve, looks like a fun project!
V8Steve AUG 10, 08:05 AM
Found good tip on PFF to drain fuel tank. Attached hose to fuel line Schraeder valve and then added jumper across oil pressure sensor connection. It's an easy and safe way to drain the tank. Disconnected battery and will drain all oils and coolant next. Wheels coming off today.

New MAXJAX two post lift makes life a lot easier. My first V8 swap was in 1999 and I spent years using a creeper.

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88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com

Spadesluck AUG 10, 09:23 AM
I have the same lift. It is definitely a game changer not having to use a cherry picker to lift a fiero up.
V8Steve AUG 10, 09:33 AM
I've put two different V8's in my 88 GT using the cherry picker, jacks, and dollies. Am pretty sure the cherry picker does not have enough reach to go past the rebody.

Have you dropped an engine with your lift? Any tips?

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88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com

Spadesluck AUG 10, 11:43 AM

quote
Originally posted by V8Steve:

I've put two different V8's in my 88 GT using the cherry picker, jacks, and dollies. Am pretty sure the cherry picker does not have enough reach to go past the rebody.

Have you dropped an engine with your lift? Any tips?




Dropped many motors with the lift. I use a Harbor freight dolly to hold the engine cradle. I do modify the dolly to have a bigger footprint with wood to match the cradle. Lower the car down to that dolly and unbolt the cradle from the car and lift it out of the way. Then just roll the whole thing to where you need it. I will take a picture of the dolly for you later.

[This message has been edited by Spadesluck (edited 08-10-2024).]

V8Steve AUG 10, 12:01 PM
Maybe I'm over thinking it by imagining the car is still high in the air so I can get at the forward horizontal cradle bolts without using a creeper. Then I'd need a dolly with upper surface at least 2-3' off the ground!

Meanwhile, remove wheels, brakes, rear struts, cables, axles, etc.

Anyway, will keep posting progress.

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88GT 355 CI, AED HO 750 Double Pumper, AFR milled 180, Dyno'd at 427 HP, 360 WHP, F40 6-Spd
anderson@gdsconsulting.com

[This message has been edited by V8Steve (edited 08-10-2024).]

Spadesluck AUG 10, 02:02 PM
It's all depends on what you are putting the engine/cradle on during removal. You don't necessarily want to drop it on the ground. You want to make it mobile. If you are working with a mobile platform that is taller then you can lift the car up higher to remove bolts.
Spadesluck AUG 11, 03:13 PM
This is the harbor freight dolly that I modified to lower the cradle/engine onto.