Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
#351
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Central Connecticut
Car: 91 Trans Am 'vert
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 bolt
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Damn Blake, I just read through this thread after you posted the link on mine and I gotta say, you're doing this the right way man! I'm also surprised at how clean your car's underbody was to begin with... that definitely saved you a lot of work in terms of rust repair that us northern people usually have to deal with LOL. And I love the way you've painted the rear end components, I'm usually not crazy about colors other than black/silver on suspension parts but I actually think that you're doing a vey tasteful job and once it's done your 'vert will be a show stopper. Good luck and be sure to keep us updated.
#352
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 36
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
http://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-d...center/sdls7ck
Current price: $459.95
Aluminum flywheel kit:
http://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-d...enter/sdls7ack
Current price: $559.95
The steel flywheel kit was $399 when I got it a couple of years ago. I've beat on it at the track last year and even more this year, still works like a charm both on the street and at the track.
#355
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 36
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
I'm running a factory 2000 f-body MC with drill mod. But, I shift at 6K RPMs, so I'm probably not as hard on it as some are.
#358
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From: PA
Car: 86 Trans AM
Engine: LS1 (not stock...)
Transmission: Built T56
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt w/ 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
#360
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 36
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
For the 2nd swap, I got the plates off of eBay. I don't recall any problem getting the plates to sit flush on the block. But, it's been right about a year since I did the last one.
Can you get a pic of what's going on? Is it just one side, or both sides?
#361
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Car: 1991 RS L99 1992 Z28 L98 Heritage
Engine: L99 L98
Transmission: 6L80E / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 LSD disc (both)
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
[quote=blakecharles;5014998]
yea, I had to learn nearly everything the hard way... but it wasn't all bad. All of the black paint was done on the 1st try (engine bay and wells). Came out perfect!! If I was gonna paint the car black I would have left it alone.
The bottom layer is Everglass filler. The guy that sold it to me said it was the most flexible he had. The Bondo Gold was only used on the top layer to hide any imperfections/pin holes and add to the overall shape. I would never use it for my base layer though.
If it dose crack (most likely because the strut tower caps moved), I will grind the whole thing back down and do it over again (without smoothing the caps).
Or I will do this (unknown cars)
Who makes those billitt strut caps/mounts, those a real purty (pretty), dam those look boss, does anyone know what kind those are? I bet they are huge $$$$$$ too!!
yea, I had to learn nearly everything the hard way... but it wasn't all bad. All of the black paint was done on the 1st try (engine bay and wells). Came out perfect!! If I was gonna paint the car black I would have left it alone.
The bottom layer is Everglass filler. The guy that sold it to me said it was the most flexible he had. The Bondo Gold was only used on the top layer to hide any imperfections/pin holes and add to the overall shape. I would never use it for my base layer though.
If it dose crack (most likely because the strut tower caps moved), I will grind the whole thing back down and do it over again (without smoothing the caps).
Or I will do this (unknown cars)
#363
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Car: 1991 RS L99 1992 Z28 L98 Heritage
Engine: L99 L98
Transmission: 6L80E / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 LSD disc (both)
#364
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 7
From: Apopka, Florida
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
It looks like it's these: http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ca...ountspair.aspx that have been ceramic coated or something.
I think Blake was saying you could get a similar result on the stock strut mounts, You probably couldn't do it by just polishing them, but you could have them ceramic coated or chromed. And no, they aren't aluminum.
I think Blake was saying you could get a similar result on the stock strut mounts, You probably couldn't do it by just polishing them, but you could have them ceramic coated or chromed. And no, they aren't aluminum.
Last edited by dprest68; 08-31-2011 at 12:53 PM.
#367
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 7
From: Apopka, Florida
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Looks like there are 3 bolts on both the alternator and p/s pump brackets. Along with one bolt on the back of the alternator. Should come right off if all of those are removed. Maybe post a pic so we can see what you are having trouble with.
What color are you planning on painting the block?
What color are you planning on painting the block?
#368
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Car: 1991 RS L99 1992 Z28 L98 Heritage
Engine: L99 L98
Transmission: 6L80E / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 LSD disc (both)
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
you need a gear puller to get the harmonic off/ crank pulley if your having trouble with that!!!
#372
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 7
From: Apopka, Florida
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
When you say all 6 bolts, it leads me to believe you are talking about the water pump bolts. Because your alternator bracket is already removed & the only other accessory bracket remaining is the power steering pump bracket. It only has 3 bolts holding it on, iirc. Take all 6 bolts out and tap it with a mallet like Tyler suggested. It's probably just stuck on there. I think you have to pull the p/s pump off before you can remove the bracket that holds it on to the block, iirc.
#373
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
i remember in auto shop last year ford donated a whole bunch of prototype all aluminum 4.6L that were sitting for years, and they get corroded and you have to give it a gentle but firm slap with a mallet and if all the bolts are off then youll know because itll pop right off
#374
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 36
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
2 of the PS bracket bolts are a bear to get to, and one doesn't come out - you basically have to loosen it last, and let the bracket move away as you loosen the bolt. I only see one of the three bolts in the pic, the rest are WP bolts.
#378
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 7
From: Apopka, Florida
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Oh yeah! I had one hell of a time getting mine off. Luckily I had a high torque impact wrench to get the bolt off. It still took me awhile to get the balancer off after that, but you can do it. I'd probably leave it on the engine though too, like you said, if you don't need to remove it for anything.
#382
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 10
From: PA
Car: 86 Trans AM
Engine: LS1 (not stock...)
Transmission: Built T56
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt w/ 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Ah the pickle fork...useful for SO many things, yet I dont think Ive ever used it for separating an actual ball joint haha.
Looking good Blake! Taking the motor apart, cleaning it, and painting it was something I should have done before each of my swaps. I get so darn impatient though. Once its all together, its really hard to get that gunk out of the little crevices. And the motor is so pretty when its clean! This time, since I have to take the motor apart, Im going to clean, and probably paint the block. And seal the heads if I can.
Removing the P/S pulley isnt too bad with the correct puller. Can be a bear, but the tool does all the work.
If you dont have any real need to pull the balancer other than to paint, I would clean around it, tape it, and paint around it. Unless you are installing an underdrive pulley or something. There should be enough room for you to get some paint in there without a problem. Just my opinion... Not worth the hassle.
J.
Looking good Blake! Taking the motor apart, cleaning it, and painting it was something I should have done before each of my swaps. I get so darn impatient though. Once its all together, its really hard to get that gunk out of the little crevices. And the motor is so pretty when its clean! This time, since I have to take the motor apart, Im going to clean, and probably paint the block. And seal the heads if I can.
Removing the P/S pulley isnt too bad with the correct puller. Can be a bear, but the tool does all the work.
If you dont have any real need to pull the balancer other than to paint, I would clean around it, tape it, and paint around it. Unless you are installing an underdrive pulley or something. There should be enough room for you to get some paint in there without a problem. Just my opinion... Not worth the hassle.
J.
#383
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 36
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
So, you were trying to get the water pump off...
I've gotten the PS pump off without removing the pulley. Needed to use a combo wrench is all. Much easier than removing the pulley, which has to be pressed back on.
The damper can be removed with a simple 3-jaw puller, but putting it back on requires a special damper tool. The parts store loaner tool set didn't have the right stuff to install it, though.
I've gotten the PS pump off without removing the pulley. Needed to use a combo wrench is all. Much easier than removing the pulley, which has to be pressed back on.
The damper can be removed with a simple 3-jaw puller, but putting it back on requires a special damper tool. The parts store loaner tool set didn't have the right stuff to install it, though.
#387
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,956
Likes: 200
From: NC
Car: 91 Trans Am
Engine: LSA
Transmission: T56 AWD
Axle/Gears: 8.8 4.10
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Balancer is cast iron with a rubber dampner ring separating the pulley. Wire wheel all you want
I wouldnt go deeper than pulling the pan and looking for blued rod caps. If the bottom end is as clean as the rockers then you should be golden
Be things Ive found for block cleaning are pressure washers, wire brush and common brake cleaner
I wouldnt go deeper than pulling the pan and looking for blued rod caps. If the bottom end is as clean as the rockers then you should be golden
Be things Ive found for block cleaning are pressure washers, wire brush and common brake cleaner
#389
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
took off the rocker support bracket to clean some crap out of there and saw some debris... so I took the whole head off. All the Rods seem to be in good shape, but the pistons look like crap and something looks to be growing on the otherwise smooth walls.
what should I do?
what should I do?
#390
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
looks as though the walls still have thier crosshatching, as for the pistons themselves i dont know what to determine
#391
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 18
From: WI,USA
Car: 89 FORMULA 350, 91 Z28 Convertible
Engine: ls1, LB9
Transmission: t56, Auto
Axle/Gears: S60/ 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
looks like it sat for some time and got moisture in the cylinders. I bet you could have ran it and never would have known a thing. if your this far into it you may want to look at honing the cylinders and freshen up the engine. you need new bolts and head gaskets now
#393
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
ARP has alot of reusable bolts, but definitely not factory ones. id invest in a set of ARP's your gonna want to clean that debri out also otherwise it will scratch your piston walls
#394
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 18
From: WI,USA
Car: 89 FORMULA 350, 91 Z28 Convertible
Engine: ls1, LB9
Transmission: t56, Auto
Axle/Gears: S60/ 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
felpro makes the bolts as well.. my last tear down I went with arp studs and GM multilayer head gaskets.
personally I would just clean out the carbon and rust and then oil the cylinders before putting it together however since the heads are off you might want to inspect the lower-end first
personally I would just clean out the carbon and rust and then oil the cylinders before putting it together however since the heads are off you might want to inspect the lower-end first
#395
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
yeah id say drop the pan, check for any of that junk in the bottom, also excessive metal chunks are always a good thing to check for.
#396
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,956
Likes: 200
From: NC
Car: 91 Trans Am
Engine: LSA
Transmission: T56 AWD
Axle/Gears: 8.8 4.10
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
If none of the rod ends are blue and you dont see an excess of bearing extruded out (high mileage) then I wouldnt touch a thing. Button it up and call it good. It is general practice to replace the oil pump on any used engine though, but many have been successful not doing so. I will tell you LSx pumps are a HUGE PITA to replace in a 3rd gen
Personally, I wouldnt have bothered to pull the heads unless you dropped something down in there. FYI, summit has the best price on head gaskets and bolt kits. GM sells their own bolts but not in kits. Remember, there are two different kits available. You want the 97-03 version. Dont bother with ARP studs/bolts or whatever, they're not worth the cost for a mild build. Heck, high end guys still use stock bolts without a problem. Also, you want multi-layered steel (MLS) head gaskets, not the nasty graphite ones you'll have fun cleaning off in the next few days
To answer your questions the stuff growing is rust. Generally you want to knock this off with a rag and WD40, never the piston rings because the rust particles are actually iron and can get between the rings and cyl wall to cause scores. Since you already knocked it off, run the back of your fingernail across any vertical lines in the cyls. If they catch your fingernail, a hone is in order. If there arent any, button her up. The crosshatching looks excellent, lots of miles left in that engine
The black stuff on the pistons is just carbon build up, totally normal. Clean it off with a brillo pad if you want, but it wont help/hurt anything. A year of use and it will look just like that again
#399
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
that is still some beautiful crosshatching