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What manifolds do you intend to try in your swap with the 4 speed with Z-bar?
If you are sure that the Billy Boat headers work, the 2004-2006 GTO manifolds look to exit at a very similar angle to the Billy Boat, I overlaid images to test. The C5 manifolds weren't close, neither were the truck logs (as you already mentioned). Where did you read the Billy Boat's work? It might be worth trying the GTO as a cheaper alternative.
And regarding your later comment about the clutch, I was planning on choosing the Luk replacement for the 1976 Corvette, which is 11". Some of the C5 part numbers from that thread are larger, which I'm not sure will fit.
I'll probably just use the Billy Boat headers. Which cost as much as the LS swap itself, but whatever.
I am sure the Billy Boat under-car headers work with the Z-bar. It is claimed by the manufacturer in this thread (Post 13). It looks like the sidepipe headers work, too.
I don't know the answer to the clutch question. Have you checked your bellhousing? The SST bellhousing will fit my surplus LS6 flywheel, and whatever clutch I want.
I have the L82 engine and T10 transmission out and I'm working on cleaning up the engine bay and replacing anything that needs it while I have so much space to work. I'd like to redo the suspension while I'm in here.
I'm going from an L82, with AC, with Power Steering, to an LS1, without AC, without Power Steering.
What should I do for front springs? I'm assuming from my reading that whatever I do will involve cutting a spring down, is that correct? And if so, what spring should I start with? Rockauto has a lot of really affordable options:
And regarding shocks, are Bilstein B6's reasonable? I'm going to leave the rear stock for now but will eventually be replacing with mono spring, and I suspect I'll want Bilstein B8's back there.
The stock 450 pound front springs and Bilstiens should be more than adequate for how much lighter everything is going to be, although you might find that the front end sits too high after all the weight you’re removing. You could cut a coil out of your current springs (a process outlined here), which would lower the front end and slightly increase the spring rate too. Springs aren’t as much of a wear item like shocks or bushings, they probably have plenty of life left in them.
On the other side of the spectrum if you really like spending money you could get coilovers.
Check out RideTech dual-rate lowering springs. Multiple previous posts on this forum. I installed them without cutting and indexing on the bottom. Some guys like to take off 1/2 coil so they index both top and bottom. I combined with Vansteel 330 rear spring; 360 would only be a little stiffer.
Charlie
