Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
#103
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I didn't get to spend anywhere near as much time as I wanted on the car this weekend. I did finish the CAI, and began to Modify the crossmembers. I cut the center out of my spohn crossmember, and bolted it to the trans mount underneath the double hump. This was to make sure the torque arm mount was in the same place as before, and make sure it wouldn't interfere with the driver side exhaust. I will tack it together tomorrow and weld it up, and box that portion in, or add a brace, until I feel I is overkill.
#104
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Here is the hawks double hump with the spohn torque arm mount bolted in place for fitting. The space between the torque arm and the trans mount is enough space for the drivers side exhaust to cross over to the passenger side.
#107
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I played in the back on the drivers side to try to prevent twisting the crossmember with the torque arm pulling upwards on it, since this crossmember was never intended to have a torque arm mounted to it.
#108
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
A second piece I welded in, as a upward support from the spohn piece, to the too of the drivers side hump of the hawks piece, and also welded to the plate that I boxed the front side in with, for more piece of mind.
#109
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I did sacrifice some space for exhaust routing, but I still think there is enough room to pass through here without losing much, if any ground clearance..... I will just have to be more precise with my pipe fitting here.
#111
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Started on exhaust today, and already hung up and at a stand still. One band clamp was boxed wrong from summit, and am waiting for a replacement. The magnaflow xpipe I ordered was just too wide to fit in the front of the trans tunnel without hanging low. Probably would have been fine, but I did t want to finish the exhaust and find out it was intact too low and tear it up. It was 9.5 inches wide, I found another of the same design tha is only 7.5 inches wide, it should work. Hopefully my parts can all arrive for the weekend and I may just finish it, and get to call for a tune Monday, we will see.
#112
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
It all looks good man. I like your idea of combining the two trans cross members. I hate to cut-up my nice Spohn cross member, but I think you have a good idea to gain more room for the exhaust routing.
#113
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Thanks dprest, I appreciate it!
I finally got the exhaust done tonight. It sounds good, I was able to route both 2.5 inch pipes over the axle and so far, doesn't seem to vibrate against anything. The drivers side pipe is a little low for Michigan roads. I have enough of the 3 inch bend and straight left, that I will re-do the section from the header collector, to the xpipe right behind the trans. Trans, T/A mount, and crossmember are all fighting for the same space right there, but I think I can get a inch more of clearance.
Time to call TJ @ Baker engineering for a tune tomorrow, hopefully he can get me in within the next week or two.
I finally got the exhaust done tonight. It sounds good, I was able to route both 2.5 inch pipes over the axle and so far, doesn't seem to vibrate against anything. The drivers side pipe is a little low for Michigan roads. I have enough of the 3 inch bend and straight left, that I will re-do the section from the header collector, to the xpipe right behind the trans. Trans, T/A mount, and crossmember are all fighting for the same space right there, but I think I can get a inch more of clearance.
Time to call TJ @ Baker engineering for a tune tomorrow, hopefully he can get me in within the next week or two.
#116
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Had to remove the stock washer tank to make room for the CAI enclosure box. Just a simple sheet metal enclosure with weather strip on the edges to seal off the engine bay. Have the 5wire truck MAF wired in now, and re-routed those 5 wires to hide them.
#118
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I am wishy-washy on the tips. I couldn't help myself, I had to go around the block to see how it sounded. It's a little louder than I was shooting for, but it is the first exhaust I have liked the sound of. No crackle on downshifts like the flowmaster exhaust had, which I couldn't stand. Can't wait to stab it good and wind it up. At 3,000RPM, it sounds like the gates of hell are about to open. Wasnt brave enough to spin it up past that without a tune. Going to set pinion angle this week, and swap for a new set of plugs again to be safe, and put the SVO reds in and off for a tune on Friday morning!!!
#120
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Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
NICE job on the CAI enclosure!!! You are almost there!!
#121
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Car: 86 IROC-Z, 98 Z28
Engine: 370 LSx, LS1
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Axle/Gears: 3.73, 3.42
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Awesome job. Really thinking about ditching the track pak and going with a custom torque arm cross member like you.
#123
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Took the day off work, and left early this morning for baker engineering. It's a little past noon and I haven't gotten any calls yet. I am taking that as good news at the moment, that he hasn't ran into any issues that he needed to call me for. Should be ready in a couple hours.
Side note, the ls1 fuel tanks MUST hold more gas. I never got more than 13.5-14 gallons in the stock tank from fumes, fuel guage showed just a tick over E, and took 16.2. Will be awesome to go more than 190 miles on a tank between the larger fuel capacity and better mileage the ls1 should get.
Side note, the ls1 fuel tanks MUST hold more gas. I never got more than 13.5-14 gallons in the stock tank from fumes, fuel guage showed just a tick over E, and took 16.2. Will be awesome to go more than 190 miles on a tank between the larger fuel capacity and better mileage the ls1 should get.
#124
Senior Member
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Good to know!!!
#126
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Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Nice work!! I bet that is a blast to drive!! I drove mine around the block and so far all I feel is the conveter. Cant realy get on it untill the tune is done. All it wanted to do all the way around the block is die... I really hope there is some power in there for me? Not just a bunch of noise. We'll see. You Are getting out of snow season So enjoy that beast and go beat up some forth gens or even some Rustangs!!
#127
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Snow here is pretty much done and over with, 2-3 good rains to wash the salt off the roads and its cruise time. May spin it around the block tomorrow and make myself smile.
I need to call Hagerty or Grundy and insure it again. Not paying 109 a month for full coverage when my insurance company only values the car at 2800.
I need to call Hagerty or Grundy and insure it again. Not paying 109 a month for full coverage when my insurance company only values the car at 2800.
#128
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
This thing is a totally different machine! Such a wider power and than my old 383, and the ls is just such a totally different sound than I am used to hearing. First gear with anything close to half throttle results in tire smoke, and the tires just start to spin in second gear with a easy 1st to 2nd shift. I am thoroughly impressed with the ls, a high mileage engine with stock GM part,(except cam), runs so hard.
Only issues on the half hour test drive was a minor coolant leak from the thermostat housing, and it keeps trying to throw the serp belt. I will buy a new tensioner, and double check pully alignment. It did this when the engine was still in the donor car too, and I though the bad idler pully was the cause, but apparently not.
Only issues on the half hour test drive was a minor coolant leak from the thermostat housing, and it keeps trying to throw the serp belt. I will buy a new tensioner, and double check pully alignment. It did this when the engine was still in the donor car too, and I though the bad idler pully was the cause, but apparently not.
#129
Senior Member
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I think I see you used the 4th gen Accelerator cable. How and how much did you have to bend the lever?
#130
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I did a hybrid cable, found a little how-to post on here a while back, but can't find it now. No bending of gas pedal either. Used the stock thirdgen sheath for firewall side, with 4th gen sheath on other side. I also ended up using a inner steel cable from a late model Chevy truck, as the end inside the car was the same as the thirdgen, and the Harrell end for the throttle body was also correct. Cut the steel cable a few inches from the Barrell end, so I could insert the longer steel cable I to the now longer hybrid sheath. I used a small cable crimp to join the steel cable back together after being cut to length. This splice needs to be done in just the right spot, so the cable splice doesn't ride into the throttle lever cam, and also so it won't hit the end of the cable sheath to prevent WOT. Can take pics in a few.
#131
Supreme Member
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Lol I think its time to update your sig
Id love to see your dyno graph..I bet you couldve made the pull upto 6700 without issue.You made good numbers..man i wish I had the dough for longtubes lol
Id love to see your dyno graph..I bet you couldve made the pull upto 6700 without issue.You made good numbers..man i wish I had the dough for longtubes lol
#134
Supreme Member
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Congrats on a clean built swap my friend .Look forward to seeing what it does at the track/street vids.
#136
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Car: 72 nova/ 90 camaro rs,04 suburban
Engine: blown 327/ 355/306/355/5.3
Transmission: muncie 4 speed/T5/powerglide,4l80e
Axle/Gears: 342/411/456/ moser axles
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Nice swap! Im old school, prefer old 350 builds, I am impressed with your swap! Very neat, sounds great!
#137
Senior Member
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
LIKE the Dyno graph!! Currious to see what mine will do with the similar set up I have. Bout the only difference would be V3 cam, Automatic and tune.
Are they sure they could not SQWEEZE another 6 HP out of it?? LOL!!
I'm jealous
Are they sure they could not SQWEEZE another 6 HP out of it?? LOL!!
I'm jealous
#138
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Car: 1984 Camaro
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Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/4.30
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Friend, if you ever build an LS you'll sell every piece of old school 350 you have as soon as you get the swap finished. The LS is like steroids, a whole lot of benefit for not much effort.
#139
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I was always a gen1 advocate too, "was" being the operative word. Nothing wrong with a sbc, but I can say with a huge grin on my face, that I have never had a gen1 sbc with all stock parts, plus cam and headers pull anywhere near this hard!!! Gen1 won't even touch a ls based motor on fuel mileage either.....
#140
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Just a "after completion" update. Have about 150 miles on the car since I has been tuned. Had a few issues, most are sorted out. Thermostat housing has a minor leak, that was addressed, the serpentine belt kept getting thrown. The tensioner was found to be bad, no more thrown belts since its replacement. Also had a MIL light set for a O2 heater circuit malfunction. Found that the o2 sensor had been making contact with the trans tunnel and damaged it. A OE replacement was about a half inch shorter than the one I had used from the donor car, and gained some clearance. So far, MIL light has not been set since.
Bought a rpm activated switch, I will install it this weekend to operate the factory "SHIFT^" indicator in the 90-92 Camaro clusters. Just thought it would be a nice touch and make the swap seem even more factory, might as well use that, than add a huge aftermarket one, it just doesn't fit the look of my car.
Total blast to drive, very mild manors in town, super easy to drive in traffic. Already had comments and comments on the sound, see a lot of people turn heads to see what's coming. Really does have a wicked sound to it. Will try to periodically post here with updates related to the swap as time goes on.
Bought a rpm activated switch, I will install it this weekend to operate the factory "SHIFT^" indicator in the 90-92 Camaro clusters. Just thought it would be a nice touch and make the swap seem even more factory, might as well use that, than add a huge aftermarket one, it just doesn't fit the look of my car.
Total blast to drive, very mild manors in town, super easy to drive in traffic. Already had comments and comments on the sound, see a lot of people turn heads to see what's coming. Really does have a wicked sound to it. Will try to periodically post here with updates related to the swap as time goes on.
#141
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Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Just a "after completion" update. Have about 150 miles on the car since I has been tuned. Had a few issues, most are sorted out. Thermostat housing has a minor leak, that was addressed, the serpentine belt kept getting thrown. The tensioner was found to be bad, no more thrown belts since its replacement. Also had a MIL light set for a O2 heater circuit malfunction. Found that the o2 sensor had been making contact with the trans tunnel and damaged it. A OE replacement was about a half inch shorter than the one I had used from the donor car, and gained some clearance. So far, MIL light has not been set since.
Bought a rpm activated switch, I will install it this weekend to operate the factory "SHIFT^" indicator in the 90-92 Camaro clusters. Just thought it would be a nice touch and make the swap seem even more factory, might as well use that, than add a huge aftermarket one, it just doesn't fit the look of my car.
Total blast to drive, very mild manors in town, super easy to drive in traffic. Already had comments and comments on the sound, see a lot of people turn heads to see what's coming. Really does have a wicked sound to it. Will try to periodically post here with updates related to the swap as time goes on.
Bought a rpm activated switch, I will install it this weekend to operate the factory "SHIFT^" indicator in the 90-92 Camaro clusters. Just thought it would be a nice touch and make the swap seem even more factory, might as well use that, than add a huge aftermarket one, it just doesn't fit the look of my car.
Total blast to drive, very mild manors in town, super easy to drive in traffic. Already had comments and comments on the sound, see a lot of people turn heads to see what's coming. Really does have a wicked sound to it. Will try to periodically post here with updates related to the swap as time goes on.
#145
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Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 6.0L LQ9
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 3.92
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
i went way overkill with my clutch, monster level 3. its like driving one of our stock cars when you get in stop and go traffic in town, the 4.10s should help out with that though. i babied it and it never "broke in", when i called monster, they told me you don't break in the level 3, you just beat on it...haha, yes sir!
#146
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Car: 1984 Camaro
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Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
Nice CAI box. I know my same setup worked real well to keep it cooler. At road speeds my IAT's are right at ambient air temp.
They're easy to make, and since I've got the template still hanging on the wall I've entertained the idea of making and selling them here on the forum. I've just got too many irons in the fire for that to happen now though.
Also, I wouldn't worry about the hybrid Hawks/Spohn crossmember bending. I've launched hard with slicks using my same hybrid setup will no ill affects. The way you've got yours strengthened I wouldn't worry about it at all until you get a real rearend installed and start leaving at 5000+ rpm.
They're easy to make, and since I've got the template still hanging on the wall I've entertained the idea of making and selling them here on the forum. I've just got too many irons in the fire for that to happen now though.
Also, I wouldn't worry about the hybrid Hawks/Spohn crossmember bending. I've launched hard with slicks using my same hybrid setup will no ill affects. The way you've got yours strengthened I wouldn't worry about it at all until you get a real rearend installed and start leaving at 5000+ rpm.
Last edited by UnstableAviator; 04-05-2013 at 12:53 PM.
#147
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I was worried about IATs(hence the plastic tubing), I didn't want to cut a hole in the battery of area to mount it under the bumper, and thought this would be the next best thing. I seen a few done like mine, and yours may very well have been one I seen to follow design.
Too bad spohn didn't make a double hump to work with their torque arms, it appears the market is definitely there. My torque arm "thumps" on take off sometimes, need to figure that one out, you can feel it in the tunnel.
Too bad spohn didn't make a double hump to work with their torque arms, it appears the market is definitely there. My torque arm "thumps" on take off sometimes, need to figure that one out, you can feel it in the tunnel.
#148
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Car: 1984 Camaro
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Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I was worried about IATs(hence the plastic tubing), I didn't want to cut a hole in the battery of area to mount it under the bumper, and thought this would be the next best thing. I seen a few done like mine, and yours may very well have been one I seen to follow design.
Too bad spohn didn't make a double hump to work with their torque arms, it appears the market is definitely there. My torque arm "thumps" on take off sometimes, need to figure that one out, you can feel it in the tunnel.
Too bad spohn didn't make a double hump to work with their torque arms, it appears the market is definitely there. My torque arm "thumps" on take off sometimes, need to figure that one out, you can feel it in the tunnel.
Also check the tunnel near the rearend, it might need some thump therapy (hammer) to cure the noise.
#149
Re: Another ls1-t56 swap- only one question so far...;)
I did have to "massage" the tunnel at the rear diff. I'll look on spohns website for the poly link and see what it is about. Mine has a shackle setup, solid mount on trans mount and I don't remember what style bushing the T/A has. I do know the shackle isn't vertical. Wondering if I try to thread the T/A end out to lengthen it, to make the shackle perfectly vertical, if it will help. I think it would control pinion angle more accurately regardless.