8.1 Vortec Conversion...Anybody??????
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Let's not go OT - who cares where HP comes from? Heck, I put "4x4" cams in most of my GEN I SBC street builds 
This is a cool, smart swap - watching with great anticipation!
I may have missed it, but what did you pay for the pullout engine?
This is a cool, smart swap - watching with great anticipation!
I may have missed it, but what did you pay for the pullout engine?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
Planning on running hooker style sidepipes. Working on that now. I anticipate some issues with the tall block.
The exhaust port (other than the tall block) is identical to an old school big block..
Did you try www.jagsthatrun.com
They may have something you can use. They seem to deal mainly with GM trans, but maybe you can adapt something.
They may have something you can use. They seem to deal mainly with GM trans, but maybe you can adapt something.
alswagg I am running the exact engine 496 HO in our Supra Ski boat. It puts the ol POS 454 to shame. yes it is a metric motor but all of the motor mounts, bell housing mounts are the same. This motor has a much better usable power than either the 454 or 502. I am glad you put in a modern engine and forget what the Vette Praisers say. you will be able to drive it and have fun, while they will be praising and wishing it would run good. Allan
By they way guys....just having some fun with gery72 - if we can't laugh at ourselves...then what's the point. No offense taken....none meant.
I was surprised it took this long to get somebody taking a jab for giggles and grins. After all, the other most popular use of this engine is in the GM powered gasoline flat bed and tow trucks from 2001 to now. So, chances are, if your Vette takes a dump and a GM top kick or other platform comes to pick you up with a gasoline engine...it is a 8100 Vortec under the hood!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
Here is the good part...and I'm glad you asked.
I paid $1,200 with shipping for the complete long block. I have see deals as low as $800 out there and as high as $3,500 or so. The more complete - the better. Mine didn't come with a harness. If it did we could work with one of many vendors to have it converted. Instead, I'm working with Painless on LS harness and having to make a few minor mods due to length and sensor position.
Motor, harness, computer, sensors, fuel pump, lines, headers etc....should all be under $2,500 when done - which is a lot of bang for the buck compared to a full LS conversion, or any engine swap.
Once I plow through this and make all the mistakes first...I'll leave a nice trail behind for any other brave soul to venture down. I hope this will be the new alternative to "just another LS" swap.
I paid $1,200 with shipping for the complete long block. I have see deals as low as $800 out there and as high as $3,500 or so. The more complete - the better. Mine didn't come with a harness. If it did we could work with one of many vendors to have it converted. Instead, I'm working with Painless on LS harness and having to make a few minor mods due to length and sensor position.
Motor, harness, computer, sensors, fuel pump, lines, headers etc....should all be under $2,500 when done - which is a lot of bang for the buck compared to a full LS conversion, or any engine swap.
Once I plow through this and make all the mistakes first...I'll leave a nice trail behind for any other brave soul to venture down. I hope this will be the new alternative to "just another LS" swap.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Motor, harness, computer, sensors, fuel pump, lines, headers etc....should all be under $2,500 when done - which is a lot of bang for the buck compared to a full LS conversion, or any engine swap.
Once I plow through this and make all the mistakes first...I'll leave a nice trail behind for any other brave soul to venture down. I hope this will be the new alternative to "just another LS" swap.
Once I plow through this and make all the mistakes first...I'll leave a nice trail behind for any other brave soul to venture down. I hope this will be the new alternative to "just another LS" swap.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
The taller heads will probably give you some issues with the hooker sidepipes, may need to lengthen the primaries a smidge. I'm curious to how it will sound and get a long with the pavement.
If I were you I'd pick up a set of used big block hooker sidepipes, cut and lenghthen till you're happy then send them to JetHot and get them ceramic coated to help with the heat. You'll also need to weld a O2 bung in there on the inside of the collector hidden from view. They'll look brand new.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York
If you haven't found a solution to your VSS issue yet, definitely check out ls1tech.com (if you haven't already). Go to the "conversions and hybrids" section and check it out there. I believe there is an active thread with a guy trying to hook up an old school manual to an LSx and has the same issue. Either way that place is a good source of info, although looks like you're doing great without it. Good luck and keep us updated
Last edited by greg75vette; Aug 18, 2009 at 01:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
If you haven't found a solution to your VSS issue yet, definitely check out ls1tech.com (if you haven't already). Go to the "conversions and hybrids" section and check it out there. I believe there is an active thread with a guy trying to hook up an old school manual to an LSx and has the same issue. Either way that place is a good source of info, although looks like you're doing great without it. Good luck and keep us updated
LS1tech guys have been very helpful...and that would be me over there asking those same questions.
Here is a pick of the Jagsthatrun set up. From what I see - I don't know how this would clear the crossmemeber and diff mounts. Perhaps I'm wrong? I this would work...it would make a neat clean and simple way to get the signal.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
Alright...there is no way to fit the jagsthatrun wheel on the Corvette. Just too big.
So...I yanked the ROD 6 down to get look inside. I know it has the same size diameter shaft as a TH400 - I found a TH400 conversion to put a VSS in....and have ordered that reluctor and a smaller sensor and hope to have it all by this weekend.
Okay..here is a shot of the speedo hole access on the ROD 6 - I have slid the rear cover off exposing the position of the plastic gear locatoin.
This picture is to show that the gear is directly behind the hole - but it is off to make the stock connection at 90 for the driven gear. However, there is ample material below it to drill and insert a standard VSS sensor (4L80E)
Here is an idea of exactly where it sits on the shaft (32 spline)
This gear isn't centered here, but it gives you and idea of how much room there is in the housing at just about the exact location on the shaft:
And this shows the size of the hole at the most narrow section.
So...I yanked the ROD 6 down to get look inside. I know it has the same size diameter shaft as a TH400 - I found a TH400 conversion to put a VSS in....and have ordered that reluctor and a smaller sensor and hope to have it all by this weekend.
Okay..here is a shot of the speedo hole access on the ROD 6 - I have slid the rear cover off exposing the position of the plastic gear locatoin.
This picture is to show that the gear is directly behind the hole - but it is off to make the stock connection at 90 for the driven gear. However, there is ample material below it to drill and insert a standard VSS sensor (4L80E)
Here is an idea of exactly where it sits on the shaft (32 spline)
This gear isn't centered here, but it gives you and idea of how much room there is in the housing at just about the exact location on the shaft:
And this shows the size of the hole at the most narrow section.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
2. VSS from the Ricmond 6 (like an old Muncie). The stock LS has a 40 tooth reluctor wheel and generates about 128K pulse a mile. The highest aftermarket off the shelf sender I can find is 8K - so about 40K a mile. Checking with the programmer now to see if he can manipulate the tables, or if I have to find a way to put a new reluctor in the trans.
My question is: Does the PCM really need the VSS input? Other than turning off the fans above a certain speed and cruise control, what is it used for?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
You might need a signal converter between the VSS and the PCM. I used one for my speedometer to use the PCM output, but I don't see why you couldn't use one as an input into the PCM.
My question is: Does the PCM really need the VSS input? Other than turning off the fans above a certain speed and cruise control, what is it used for?
My question is: Does the PCM really need the VSS input? Other than turning off the fans above a certain speed and cruise control, what is it used for?
Having the VSS on a standard shift helps with a variety of things. It helps the idle to come down during de-acceleration, fan operation while cruising, and for a DBW car - CRUISE CONTROL.
I know we can program that out and just lock it down in the computer. I however am holding that for the last possible option as I want it to be right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
No, you can't kick the signal up high enough with a signal converter from the 8PPM conversions that are already out there and bolt on.
Having the VSS on a standard shift helps with a variety of things. It helps the idle to come down during de-acceleration, fan operation while cruising, and for a DBW car - CRUISE CONTROL.
I know we can program that out and just lock it down in the computer. I however am holding that for the last possible option as I want it to be right.
Having the VSS on a standard shift helps with a variety of things. It helps the idle to come down during de-acceleration, fan operation while cruising, and for a DBW car - CRUISE CONTROL.
I know we can program that out and just lock it down in the computer. I however am holding that for the last possible option as I want it to be right.
Are you sure you can't calibrate the PCM to recognize the 8K ppm from the VSS?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
Update....
1. VSS is in, and appears to be working.
2. Fuel system is done and ready to be tested
3. clutch/flywheel/Z-bar, etc all in and ready to test.
4. Painless wire harness in - all connected and ready to test
5. PCM from Select Core - programmed and ready to test.
Items remaining:
1. Fuel pump relay (need to get one)
2. Correct starter bolts (on order)
3. Oil dipstick (Looking for a custom Lokar unit)
4. Headers - working on something special there
5. Drive belt (need to buy one and install)
6. Waiting on the power steering holding tank - bought one from a 85-88 Vette off ebay - waiting...waiting...waiting...
7. See #6 - Have to hook up the lines to the R&P - all is good except I have to come up with an adapter for the feed line.
8. fluids in all boxes
9. - ready to test fire
10. body back on frame - radiator in....electric cooling fans/hoses/water -
11. Hook up the brakes/steering/pedals
12. Go for a spin...and head to the dyno!
1. VSS is in, and appears to be working.
2. Fuel system is done and ready to be tested
3. clutch/flywheel/Z-bar, etc all in and ready to test.
4. Painless wire harness in - all connected and ready to test
5. PCM from Select Core - programmed and ready to test.
Items remaining:
1. Fuel pump relay (need to get one)
2. Correct starter bolts (on order)
3. Oil dipstick (Looking for a custom Lokar unit)
4. Headers - working on something special there
5. Drive belt (need to buy one and install)
6. Waiting on the power steering holding tank - bought one from a 85-88 Vette off ebay - waiting...waiting...waiting...
7. See #6 - Have to hook up the lines to the R&P - all is good except I have to come up with an adapter for the feed line.
8. fluids in all boxes
9. - ready to test fire
10. body back on frame - radiator in....electric cooling fans/hoses/water -
11. Hook up the brakes/steering/pedals
12. Go for a spin...and head to the dyno!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
Brilliant..... keep us updated pls...
Lately I've been dreaming about a 'Vette with a Duramax Turbo Diesel..
( footsteps running..)
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-avg-1128.html
keep us updated pls...Lately I've been dreaming about a 'Vette with a Duramax Turbo Diesel..
( footsteps running..)http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-avg-1128.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 3
From: Clinton IL
It lives... We lit the candle last night - albeit "rigged" with a battery on the floor - and hand held wires with a screwdriver on the starter....BUT IT RAN!
Had to test for fuel leaks - etc. Was shocked when it fired off - open manifolds - no O2 sensors and no MAF even plugged in.
SWEEEEEEET!
Had to test for fuel leaks - etc. Was shocked when it fired off - open manifolds - no O2 sensors and no MAF even plugged in.
SWEEEEEEET!
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: middleburg fl
taller deck
how much taller is the new deck on these heads ? If its only a half inch or so ive seen someone who notched the frame and boxed it in. On my 496 the hookers touched the frame so i wrapped them in a towel and jumped up and down on them till i had 1/4 inch clearance.