Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
#1
Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Yo thirdgen,
I decided to document my LSx swap in this thread. THIS IS A NOOB BUILD (still learning). I will be making videos and taking lots of pix. Videos will be posted on PHOTOBUCKET and YOUTUBE. Photobucket vids seem to have better quality. I will also try to post prices and total the amount spent thus far. I will also state where the part(s) come from.
I decided to document my LSx swap in this thread. THIS IS A NOOB BUILD (still learning). I will be making videos and taking lots of pix. Videos will be posted on PHOTOBUCKET and YOUTUBE. Photobucket vids seem to have better quality. I will also try to post prices and total the amount spent thus far. I will also state where the part(s) come from.
Last edited by blakecharles; 02-25-2013 at 07:45 PM. Reason: cool like that
#2
Member
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Springs, MS
Car: 1987 Monte Carlo SS
Engine: HSR 383 AFR180/268XFI EBL
Transmission: 200-4R, Edge 2800 L/U
Axle/Gears: 7.5/3.73/PowerTrax No-Slip
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Looks to be a good foundation for a spectacular hot rod. Good luck!!
#5
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
LS1 or LS6 (all stock, gotta pass smog)
1998-2002 T-56
When my suspension comes in (all from spohn), I will post that as well.
thinking about CME exhaust (pics from my dead CME thread).. A company named "Phab" said they can make it for me in an X or Y pipe (FOR A 3rd GEN). I'm still researching that, I need to see how my SFC's fit first.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/show...2&goto=newpost
1998-2002 T-56
When my suspension comes in (all from spohn), I will post that as well.
thinking about CME exhaust (pics from my dead CME thread).. A company named "Phab" said they can make it for me in an X or Y pipe (FOR A 3rd GEN). I'm still researching that, I need to see how my SFC's fit first.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/show...2&goto=newpost
Last edited by blakecharles; 08-17-2011 at 03:58 AM.
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (30)
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 4
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Looks like a nice convertible project. I'll be keeping my eyes on this one. Good luck with everything, don't hesitate to ask, a lot of people around here have some good knowledge on these swaps, I got 100% all my info for my swap on this very forum.
#7
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Good choice on engine and transmission, I believe you need to have the 4th gen dash and everything to keep it smog legal, i'm so glad we don't have any emissions BS down here where I live. Might be a good idea imo to get a donor car in your case.
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#8
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
I'm a vary big fan of your car (it's my desktop wallpaper)! I may have to pick your brain.
#9
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
what??!!! is this true? I was gonna use a fiber glassed GTO dash! can anyone confirm this??
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 615
Likes: 1
From: Warrenton, VA
Car: 1987 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: LS1
Transmission: LS1 T56
Axle/Gears: Richmond 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
#11
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
Looks like you have a nice project starting there. Your brother's car is pretty sweet also.
As for your dash question... Im not sure you can use the GTO cluster...unless youre using other parts of the GTO system.
However...the important parts to keep it SMOG legal, are just the electronics from the LS1 dash. You need the cluster because it uses serial data from the PCM for certain functions. Mainly, the EVAP. The PCM uses the fuel level and pressures, then sends serial data to your fuel gauge. You cant have an aftermarket fuel gauge and functioning EVAP...etc etc. Things like that.
But...its very doable to use most of the wiring, and thats the important part. I dont know much about the GTO clusters or their systems, because the LS1 stuff is more common and more simple I believe. But do some research. You might be able to get away with what you want to do. You seem to be pretty prepared to do some major customization...so fitting whatever dash you want will just be another project to tackle. If you can do the other stuff you want...you can do the dash.
Good luck and keep us posted! Def let us know if we can help!
J.
As for your dash question... Im not sure you can use the GTO cluster...unless youre using other parts of the GTO system.
However...the important parts to keep it SMOG legal, are just the electronics from the LS1 dash. You need the cluster because it uses serial data from the PCM for certain functions. Mainly, the EVAP. The PCM uses the fuel level and pressures, then sends serial data to your fuel gauge. You cant have an aftermarket fuel gauge and functioning EVAP...etc etc. Things like that.
But...its very doable to use most of the wiring, and thats the important part. I dont know much about the GTO clusters or their systems, because the LS1 stuff is more common and more simple I believe. But do some research. You might be able to get away with what you want to do. You seem to be pretty prepared to do some major customization...so fitting whatever dash you want will just be another project to tackle. If you can do the other stuff you want...you can do the dash.
Good luck and keep us posted! Def let us know if we can help!
J.
#12
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Looks like you have a nice project starting there. Your brother's car is pretty sweet also.
As for your dash question... Im not sure you can use the GTO cluster...unless youre using other parts of the GTO system.
However...the important parts to keep it SMOG legal, are just the electronics from the LS1 dash. You need the cluster because it uses serial data from the PCM for certain functions. Mainly, the EVAP. The PCM uses the fuel level and pressures, then sends serial data to your fuel gauge. You cant have an aftermarket fuel gauge and functioning EVAP...etc etc. Things like that.
But...its very doable to use most of the wiring, and thats the important part. I dont know much about the GTO clusters or their systems, because the LS1 stuff is more common and more simple I believe. But do some research. You might be able to get away with what you want to do. You seem to be pretty prepared to do some major customization...so fitting whatever dash you want will just be another project to tackle. If you can do the other stuff you want...you can do the dash.
Good luck and keep us posted! Def let us know if we can help!
J.
As for your dash question... Im not sure you can use the GTO cluster...unless youre using other parts of the GTO system.
However...the important parts to keep it SMOG legal, are just the electronics from the LS1 dash. You need the cluster because it uses serial data from the PCM for certain functions. Mainly, the EVAP. The PCM uses the fuel level and pressures, then sends serial data to your fuel gauge. You cant have an aftermarket fuel gauge and functioning EVAP...etc etc. Things like that.
But...its very doable to use most of the wiring, and thats the important part. I dont know much about the GTO clusters or their systems, because the LS1 stuff is more common and more simple I believe. But do some research. You might be able to get away with what you want to do. You seem to be pretty prepared to do some major customization...so fitting whatever dash you want will just be another project to tackle. If you can do the other stuff you want...you can do the dash.
Good luck and keep us posted! Def let us know if we can help!
J.
1993 3.36 2.07 1.35 1.00 0.80 0.62 (std)
1993 2.97 2.07 1.43 1.00 0.80 0.62 (G92)
1994+ 2.66 1.78 1.30 1.00 0.74 0.50
M12 T-56???? anyone???
#14
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
I have an mn12 transmission in my car, the mn12's have the same gearing and synchro setup as the Zo6 corvettes
#15
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
Check over this thread for getting the GTO cluster to work
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...2-install.html
The dual exhaust system flat out wont fit a 3rd gen. Their forward Y-pipes wont either, those pictured are from a 4th gen
The single exhaust system is a modified SLP LM1/2 system with the CME added to the tail pipes. I hope no one goes for their dual system because it fits like poo. Look at that gap
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...2-install.html
The dual exhaust system flat out wont fit a 3rd gen. Their forward Y-pipes wont either, those pictured are from a 4th gen
The single exhaust system is a modified SLP LM1/2 system with the CME added to the tail pipes. I hope no one goes for their dual system because it fits like poo. Look at that gap
#16
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Check over this thread for getting the GTO cluster to work
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...2-install.html
The dual exhaust system flat out wont fit a 3rd gen. Their forward Y-pipes wont either, those pictured are from a 4th gen
The single exhaust system is a modified SLP LM1/2 system with the CME added to the tail pipes. I hope no one goes for their dual system because it fits like poo. Look at that gap
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...2-install.html
The dual exhaust system flat out wont fit a 3rd gen. Their forward Y-pipes wont either, those pictured are from a 4th gen
The single exhaust system is a modified SLP LM1/2 system with the CME added to the tail pipes. I hope no one goes for their dual system because it fits like poo. Look at that gap
#17
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
you sure? I thought the 5th gear was a lil different..? did you have to do anything special to get it to work? size difference? input shaft? bellhousing?
#18
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
the mn12 is physically the same as the f-body T-56, you have to use the gto starter with the mn12 bellhousing, the slave cylinder and clutch are the same as well as the input shaft. I switch over to an f-body shifter too, you have to change the cup tho. Supposedly the MN12 is a little bit better transmission than the t-56 as far as durability goes.
Last edited by dynodanmanda79; 05-11-2010 at 09:32 PM.
#19
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Here's the gear ratios:
fbody z06/gto
1st - 2.66 2.97
2nd - 1.78 2.07
3rd - 1.30 1.43
4th - 1.00 1.00
5th - 0.74 0.84
6th - 0.50 0.56
Also here's a link to a thread I found on LS1tech that shows the difference between the f-body and gto shifter cups and why it needs to be changed to use the f-body shifter.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1
fbody z06/gto
1st - 2.66 2.97
2nd - 1.78 2.07
3rd - 1.30 1.43
4th - 1.00 1.00
5th - 0.74 0.84
6th - 0.50 0.56
Also here's a link to a thread I found on LS1tech that shows the difference between the f-body and gto shifter cups and why it needs to be changed to use the f-body shifter.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1
Last edited by dynodanmanda79; 05-11-2010 at 09:52 PM.
#20
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Here's the gear ratios:
fbody z06/gto
1st - 2.66 2.97
2nd - 1.78 2.07
3rd - 1.30 1.43
4th - 1.00 1.00
5th - 0.74 0.84
6th - 0.50 0.56
Also here's a link to a thread I found on LS1tech that shows the difference between the f-body and gto shifter cups and why it needs to be changed to use the f-body shifter.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1
fbody z06/gto
1st - 2.66 2.97
2nd - 1.78 2.07
3rd - 1.30 1.43
4th - 1.00 1.00
5th - 0.74 0.84
6th - 0.50 0.56
Also here's a link to a thread I found on LS1tech that shows the difference between the f-body and gto shifter cups and why it needs to be changed to use the f-body shifter.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...26tbs%3Disch:1
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 615
Likes: 1
From: Warrenton, VA
Car: 1987 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: LS1
Transmission: LS1 T56
Axle/Gears: Richmond 3.73
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
look like someone had their way with that car
and whoever painted your dash needs to be shot
and whoever painted your dash needs to be shot
#30
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Last edited by blakecharles; 05-12-2010 at 10:41 AM.
#31
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
looks like the only problems I have other then bad scratches in the paint are with the chin + nose, GFX, fenders. I already have new fenders, they are not OEM so I may have to mod to get them to fit. I plan to repair the GFX. I can get the side skirts and rear done fine (fiberglass), but I don't know what to use on the chin. has anyone ever fixed a chin? anyone used the after market chin from classic industries?
#32
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Crestview, FL.
Car: 1989 IROC-Z, 1979 Malibu Classic
Engine: LSx 5.3
Transmission: MN12 6-speed, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.42
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Looks like somebody had fun with a key on the passenger side door lol
#33
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Engine: LT1 Hotcam only
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 4.30 gears and a Locker
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Just found this thread, you have a solid base to start with this is going to be a thread I will be following! Sounds like you know what direction you want the car to go in. Good luck with the build.
#34
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
thanx, I see you have a vert too. how dose your car handle with 4.30 gears and a T-56 w/ a full locker (full posi, Oakland slang)?? dose it flex much? got SFCs? what kind?
#35
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Engine: LT1 Hotcam only
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 4.30 gears and a Locker
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Yes mine is a vert to, and love it! If you want to see pics of it look for my intro thread (didn't want to hijack your thread and post pics of it here). The 4.30's aren't to bad with the T-56 it runs 2500 rpm's @ 70 mph. I don't have aftermarket SFC I am going to put a 8 point cage in it instead. I have to put a cage in it to run at the 1/4 mile track here any thing faster than mid 13's in a vert you have to have a cage. Some people don't care for the locker but I think its straight BA! It is noisy when you are turning corners its click click click haha.
#36
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Yes mine is a vert to, and love it! If you want to see pics of it look for my intro thread (didn't want to hijack your thread and post pics of it here). The 4.30's aren't to bad with the T-56 it runs 2500 rpm's @ 70 mph. I don't have aftermarket SFC I am going to put a 8 point cage in it instead. I have to put a cage in it to run at the 1/4 mile track here any thing faster than mid 13's in a vert you have to have a cage. Some people don't care for the locker but I think its straight BA! It is noisy when you are turning corners its click click click haha.
your not spamming the thread at all. we're vert bros lol! I was thinking about having a low profile cage made, the rollbar will not come any higher then the top of the door (only 4pt's). But with the dual SFC's it may not be necessary. Im not building a track car, more like a daily driver.
#37
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Engine: LT1 Hotcam only
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 4.30 gears and a Locker
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Here is a link to my intro thread.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...vert-site.html
It has pics of the interior and under the hood shots just scroll through it. When I bought my car I was going to keep it totally stock as a DD........well you see how that worked out hahaha. Yea man I am all about a clean 3rdgen vert just because you don't see that many of them around!! Your car with the swap is going to be nasty!
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...vert-site.html
It has pics of the interior and under the hood shots just scroll through it. When I bought my car I was going to keep it totally stock as a DD........well you see how that worked out hahaha. Yea man I am all about a clean 3rdgen vert just because you don't see that many of them around!! Your car with the swap is going to be nasty!
#38
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Here is a link to my intro thread.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...vert-site.html
It has pics of the interior and under the hood shots just scroll through it. When I bought my car I was going to keep it totally stock as a DD........well you see how that worked out hahaha. Yea man I am all about a clean 3rdgen vert just because you don't see that many of them around!! Your car with the swap is going to be nasty!
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...vert-site.html
It has pics of the interior and under the hood shots just scroll through it. When I bought my car I was going to keep it totally stock as a DD........well you see how that worked out hahaha. Yea man I am all about a clean 3rdgen vert just because you don't see that many of them around!! Your car with the swap is going to be nasty!
Tricked-Out-Toy TOO!!!
#39
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Engine: LT1 Hotcam only
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9" 4.30 gears and a Locker
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Thanks bro!! Yea man there is a lot of LONG days and nights put in it. I have not got in a hurry on any asspect of this build, and thats key to a clean build. Tricked out is my bro he has helped/is the reason this car is where it is today. Just wait for his car!!!!!..... It's going to be f'n stupid hahaha. I am staying LT based just because.... at this point you are well on your way with the LS base. It has been a fun build and its fun having a car thats not suppose to be fast outrun a few ppl. Its making 465rwhp on the jug right now which isn't bad for a 3rdgen vert. IMO
#40
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Yo,
Sorry I took so long to post an update! I been vary busy!
Anyway... I took off the fenders and bumper.. Took some pics and made a video so I don't forget how to put it all back on the car. I will post the pic and vids when I get home.
I ordered all new sheet metal for the front end of the car
- bumper cover
- bumper re-enforcement
- fenders
- IROC hood
- black projector headlights
I test fit the fenders to the car and they fit perfectly! I don't see any GM stamps on any of these parts, but they all seem to line up fine. There are pix of everything. I will upload soon. Other then that, still waiting for parts to come in.
Sorry I took so long to post an update! I been vary busy!
Anyway... I took off the fenders and bumper.. Took some pics and made a video so I don't forget how to put it all back on the car. I will post the pic and vids when I get home.
I ordered all new sheet metal for the front end of the car
- bumper cover
- bumper re-enforcement
- fenders
- IROC hood
- black projector headlights
I test fit the fenders to the car and they fit perfectly! I don't see any GM stamps on any of these parts, but they all seem to line up fine. There are pix of everything. I will upload soon. Other then that, still waiting for parts to come in.
#41
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Getting ready to drain out ALL the fluids and take out the radiator. I'm wanting to prep the car for a "drop out" removal of the 305 and 700r4. Uhhh, I been reading but can't seem to find a good starting place. WHERE SHOULD I START? WHAT SHOULD I DISCONNECT FIRST?
#44
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
Getting ready to drain out ALL the fluids and take out the radiator. I'm wanting to prep the car for a "drop out" removal of the 305 and 700r4. Uhhh, I been reading but can't seem to find a good starting place. WHERE SHOULD I START? WHAT SHOULD I DISCONNECT FIRST?
In that order. Leave the wiring attached to the engine when pulling it, just drape the long bundles over it. If you have an old U-joint plug it in the back of the trans to minimize the mess
#45
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
Exhaust, driveshaft/TA, wiring, coolant lines, trans lines, brake lines, K-member/crossmember
In that order. Leave the wiring attached to the engine when pulling it, just drape the long bundles over it. If you have an old U-joint plug it in the back of the trans to minimize the mess
In that order. Leave the wiring attached to the engine when pulling it, just drape the long bundles over it. If you have an old U-joint plug it in the back of the trans to minimize the mess
#46
Re: Blakes LSx swap - pic/vid heavy
HOW I TOOK OFF THE FENDERS
1. remove hood (no pix)
2. remove top bolts
3. remove bolt in wheel well
4. remove bumper bolts
5. remove door bolt
1. remove hood (no pix)
2. remove top bolts
3. remove bolt in wheel well
4. remove bumper bolts
5. remove door bolt
Last edited by blakecharles; 06-21-2010 at 01:09 AM.