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It's been awhile, but I've made some good progress. Have a 430hp LS3 on order, should get it next month. Decided to go DBW, stock intake and exhaust manifolds, mechanical clutch, DeWitt's LS radiator, and Holley mid-mount accessory drive. Ordered a GM engine controller and harness kit from PSI. Since I'm keeping the LS3 all stock, PSI assured me the tune that comes with the ECU will work just fine and not need further tuning. I sure hope so as my goal is to get this engine installed and drive this car hassle free.
My dad came up this weekend and we got the body pulled and old engine removed today. We strapped the body to the garage ceiling and then lowered the lift. Rolled the chassis out and then rolled it in next to the lift. Built a frame to support the body on the lift. Worked really well. The lift gave much better control than the electric winch I used last time to pull the body.
Tomorrow I'll pull the pan and do a cursory inspection. Already have a guy interested in the engine.
My dad just after pulling the body (or more accurately, just after dropping the chassis)
Dad, son, and neighbor helping to roll the chassis off the lift
Body dolly
Last edited by Patrick03; Oct 23, 2021 at 08:33 PM.
Ok, believe I now have most parts on order. Let me know if I'm missing anything. So far I either have or its on order (links might just be for the main item):
1) LS3 long block with intake manifold, coils, and starter LINK
2) LS7 clutch and flywheel with the correct pilot bearing LINK
3) DeWitts LS radiator w/ dual electric fans LINK
4) Radiator hoses (Dayco 71794 and Dayco 72468
5) Engine controller and engine wiring LINK
6) LS3 exhaust manifolds and exhaust tubing (including a x-over pipe) - purchased from Summit
7) Bellhousing LINK
8) 7" power brake booster LINK
9) Holley Mid-Mount system LINK
10) Oil catch can for the PCV system FlyNavy30 posted about LINK
11) Dirty Dingo motor mounts LINK
12) Clutch pivot ball bracket (let's me keep the mechanical clutch) LINK
I'm not sure if I bought the right motor mounts. Thoughts? Let me know if I missed anything else.
Thanks,
Patrick
Last edited by Patrick03; Oct 24, 2021 at 09:58 PM.
Looks like a hell of a shopping list!! Looking forward to seeing this come together!
Thanks Greg! Really looking forward to getting this all put together over the winter. I know I'm missing some little stuff, like I forgot to buy the O2 sensor bungs, but pretty sure I have all the big stuff.
Looks great. I copied all your links because I'm still not sure what engine I'm going with.
I have a 454, but I want the reliability of an LS, but I don't like the looks of the LS intake and valve covers.
I like the way you took the body off. I made a gantry and removed the body outside the garage, because my garage ceiling isn't high enough.
Best of luck with your engine swap. i'm watching intently !
Dom
So I'm going with the stock LS3 exhaust manifolds as I know they'll clear the Borgenson steering and clutch z-bar. Thinking about getting the Camaro downpipe that mates up to the manifold and using the first catalytic converter off of it. Thoughts on any downsides with adding cats? I like the idea of less unburnt fuel smells. That would be a big plus to me.
I just went through the same swap in a 64. I will try and highlight a couple items I went through...may take a couple post to remember:
DBW is great but you may have some real estate issues on the fire wall with your emergency brake, where is penetrates the firewall. I went with an electric parking brake and removed the parking brake completely.
Power steering pump / reservoir is very close to the upper control arm. I debated since I did HydroBoost for brakes. I ended up doing a remote reservoir.
The harmonic balancer / pulley is fairly close to the cross member. You'll want to install before installing the engine to the frame. You can always lift the engine a little to get it in after the fact.
Have you put thought into the fuel pump location / tank. Maybe consider this (Link) hydromat from Holley. I replaced my fuel tank for fuel injection baffles but also added this for it's filtration attributes. I did the regulator up in the engine compartment with two lines. HydroMat / Fuel Pump / 10micron filter / injector rail / regulator
Does your 5 speed have the offset shifter?
AC compressor cut out - the compressor are limited to a certain RPM and may need to cut the AC compressor clutch engagement. I used the GM ECU (I have the LS3 533HP) and I was surprised it didn't come with this feature (output signal). They do have a throttle position output signal so I've put a comparator relay circuit in to cut out at a certain throttle position (high throttle means you want more power and high RPMs).
...(still thinking)
I just put the an air filter on to keep dirt out. Working through all the systems before final paint. You may want to put a steel oil pan on the engine. This aluminum oil pan may only take a couple speed bumps. Fuel injection tank with vent mounted
Thanks much @Acordrey ! I thought about the hydraboost but decided to try a smaller diameter brake booster. Will see if there is interference. I installed a TKO from silver sport a couple years ago. It has the offset shifter and it works great. I had also previously installed a Holley Sniper EFI so have the right fuel setup.
Where did you put the engine controller and fuse block?
Here is a link to the blog (Blog Link) I was doing with my son. I have some other information you may find useful (crossmember, intake cheapskate, etc)
Patrick,
I would look at Summit first for all those parts. Usually they are cheaper or could beat the competitor's prices (upon relooking, I see you are mostly using Summit)
However, I did check the long block and their price is exactly the same. Just a comment on motor mounts, in addition to the LS plates you will also need the SBC mounts. ICT is cheaper than Dirty Dingo...pretty much same part and it shows how the motor mount affixes on the page: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/icb-551628
I apologize if I missed something regarding your parts earlier.
Last edited by vjjack04; Oct 26, 2021 at 10:21 PM.
Also, you probably have, but will ask, have you verified those are the correct hoses for the Holley Mid Mount with the Dewitts LS conversion radiator? I spent around 3 hours in the auto part store finding mine and the fit that set-up like factory. I can get the numbers if you need them. Also you will need a radiator overflow, I used this one. https://www.chasebays.com/collection...olant-overflow
These folks also make a decent looking oil catch can similar to what you're considering.
Acodrey,
I am a little confused by this:
" DBW is great but you may have some real estate issues on the fire wall with your emergency brake, where is penetrates the firewall. I went with an electric parking brake and removed the parking brake completely." Are you implying the wiring harness cable to the accelerator could be in the way? Seem to be could just make another hole. I think that's what I did, (but its been a while so I'd have to check).
Acodrey,
I am a little confused by this:
" DBW is great but you may have some real estate issues on the fire wall with your emergency brake, where is penetrates the firewall. I went with an electric parking brake and removed the parking brake completely." Are you implying the wiring harness cable to the accelerator could be in the way? Seem to be could just make another hole. I think that's what I did, (but its been a while so I'd have to check).
Since I knew I was going with and electric emergency brake, I blocked off the emergency brake holes in the firewall in preparation for paint of the engine bay. If I recall correctly, these are roughly in the same location I used to mount the bracket for the DBW accelerator pedal. That's why I gave myself the caveat of "may have some real estate issues".
Hope this helps clarify the highlighted item to consider.
Also, you probably have, but will ask, have you verified those are the correct hoses for the Holley Mid Mount with the Dewitts LS conversion radiator? I spent around 3 hours in the auto part store finding mine and the fit that set-up like factory. I can get the numbers if you need them. Also you will need a radiator overflow, I used this one. https://www.chasebays.com/collection...olant-overflow
These folks also make a decent looking oil catch can similar to what you're considering.
I think I have the right radiator hoses. I read through a bunch of threads awhile back and those parts are what I took away as being the correct ones. But we'll see. If not, I'll update my parts list.
Thanks for the catch on the overflow tank, didn't know I needed one, but makes sense.
Yep, probably should have bought most of that from Summit. I usually buy most of my stuff from them. Their ship times rival Amazon!
Patrick
Last edited by Patrick03; Oct 27, 2021 at 06:57 AM.
Ok, believe I now have most parts on order. Let me know if I'm missing anything. So far I either have or its on order (links might just be for the main item):
1) LS3 long block with intake manifold, coils, and starter LINK
2) LS7 clutch and flywheel with the correct pilot bearing LINK
3) DeWitts LS radiator w/ dual electric fans LINK
4) Radiator hoses (Dayco 71794 and Dayco 72468
5) Engine controller and engine wiring LINK
6) LS3 exhaust manifolds and exhaust tubing (including a x-over pipe) - purchased from Summit
7) Bellhousing LINK
8) 7" power brake booster LINK
9) Holley Mid-Mount system LINK
10) Oil catch can for the PCV system FlyNavy30 posted about LINK
11) Dirty Dingo motor mounts LINK
12) Clutch pivot ball bracket (let's me keep the mechanical clutch) LINK
I'm not sure if I bought the right motor mounts. Thoughts? Let me know if I missed anything else.
Thanks,
Patrick
Hi Patrick:
I'm not sure that I know yet what intake system you plan to use on your LS long block, but a friend of mine just brought this "fuelie" intake to my attention. It's expensive and probably not what you had in mind, but I thought I would post it in case others on this thread were not aware of it (I wasn't aware of it). It looks to me that the height of the plenum might require a big block hood.
That's a beautiful looking engine Joe! I thought about going a more old school look on the engine but decided to just go all in with the LS look. I'm using the stock intake manifold and will probably use the plastic engine "covers" used on the LS3 Corvette. Something like what OHSIXX posted earlier:
Last edited by Patrick03; Oct 27, 2021 at 01:47 PM.
Patrick,
Also, don't know if you have considered it, but I really can recommend the ABS Electric Brake system. http://abspowerbrake.com/instruct/10...%20(307KB).pdf
Their website leaves a lot to be desired, but I have been very happy with the product. My car stops better than my wife's 2020 BMW, in my opinion. (However, I do have big 2013 Z06 brakes)…For what its worth, I have noticed a lot of others using this system lately. The only sticking point could be that you have to build a mount for the EBS motor. But not big deal if you can weld or know someone who can...If interested I would call them directly to discuss their product and application for you....
Patrick,
Also, don't know if you have considered it, but I really can recommend the ABS Electric Brake system. http://abspowerbrake.com/instruct/10...%20(307KB).pdf
Their website leaves a lot to be desired, but I have been very happy with the product. My car stops better than my wife's 2020 BMW, in my opinion. (However, I do have big 2013 Z06 brakes)…For what its worth, I have noticed a lot of others using this system lately. The only sticking point could be that you have to build a mount for the EBS motor. But not big deal if you can weld or know someone who can...If interested I would call them directly to discuss their product and application for you....
Interesting! Have never thought about adding ABS. That might have to wait till next year though. Between the engine and vintage air install, think I have enough on my plate for now 😁
