Did you get the OEM computer with the LS3 or are you going to use a different controller?

 

I did get the OEM computer with it. The computer is off right now getting all the not used stuff out of it like the VATS and stuff. It is getting a basic tune for my setup and will be tweaked by ECS once it gets up running.

 

Here is the fuel pump setup. I used bulkhead fittings to pass through the plate and am using #6 twist lock hose to go from the tank over to the filter regulator. It is at an angle so it sits flat on the bottom of the tank. I took an old piece of aluminum fuel line for the return and angled it away from the pickup so there is no fuel spraying right at the pickup area. #6 hose should arrive this week. It was on backorder.





Just placed in the tank right now.

 

Lots of custom fabrication going on here.... You should create a conversion kit and resell it looks great!

 

Gordonm, I was wondering about the return as well, the info that came with the pump says to run the vent back into the tray, leaving it one inch short of the bottom of the tray. Are you thinking that by doing that it will disturb the flow of the pick up? I was thinking it would not be a problem and only help to insure that there is fuel in the tray when fuel levels are low. Whats your thought?

Riggs.

 

I've been told too that stock LS pushrods wont have anything to do with 7K+ RPM and I would seriously consider upgrading them but, if your sticking with stock roller lifters and keep the rev limiter set low enough I guess you'll survive. I think you will be giving up some top end potential but it's your build. Looking good so far

 

Im not to worried about it running out of fuel. I elongated the hole in the end of the tray to allow fuel to come in at a lower point. I just dont like the idea of the fuel being forced in right at the pickup area. I know the instructions say to do it this way but i dont think this should be an issue. Not really sure how hard it flows back into the tank either but ill try it this way. Should not be a problem as most of the thime my fuel gauge says empty long before it gets down to low.

Yea for the cost of a set of pushrods i will most likely change the stockers out. I spent so much on this conversion whats a few more dollars for some insurance against motor failure.

 

Just catching up with your thread now Gordon, have been in the middle of a tough few months of travel. These look great and you are doing a great job of documenting and reporting out so thank you for this. I will keep watching and let me know if you need anything from me along the way.
Great job Gordon.
David

 

Couple of shots from today. Removed most all of the interior. Took out all the old HVAC controls, cables and heater box. They are gone. Prepairing for the Vintage AC. I did some assembling and modified what need to be moded on the firewall in prep for the AC box. Took out all the wiring that was not needed and cleaned up the harnesses. Does not look very good but it is an organized mess at this point. I know what each wire is for and where it goes. Some I even labeled from the last time it was apart.

 

Holy macaroni Gordon - I had no idea your project would involve that much inside the car! You must have one heck of a staging area surrounding the lift

 

Yea it has kind of morphed into a total redo again. The AC system requires some disassembly so I thought why not take it all out and start over again. The basement is pretty full right now. I have kept the garage pretty clear, have to if I want to stay organized.

 

This is without a doubt the most interesting thread going on in tech in quite a while. Very Well Documented!
Keep up the good work and i will eagerly await the completion.

 

News to me. Guess I'm so used to using doubles on the big(ger) cams that I didn't know the 918's had been updated. Good to know!

Glad to see you'll consider the pushrods, with everything you've done so far, it's just too easy to spend the $100 and have that peace of mind!


Good luck with the build, you're doing great so far!

 

That looks like a familiar shot Gordon. I have seen a similar one on both my cars, one of them twice. I know what you are capable having worked with you in the past so this is just a small case of organized chaos which will look beautiful when you are done and will be nice to have that air when the summer sun comes glaring. Nicely done.
David

 

Just a thought as long as you're at this point. My 40 year old wiring harness was looking pretty rough. And the new truck alternators can put out as much as 250 amps.
You might consider a heavier aftermarket harness since you'll be adding relays for fans, fuel pump, AC compressor/HCV, etc.
I put one behind the passenger dash pad.
And with the VA, lots of people are having difficulties getting the 2 hoses to the center vents for factory AC cars. Mine was non-AC, and the single vent hose was tight.

 

New pushrods should be here later this week.

As for the harness an aftermarket one from PSI is being used for the wiring. I will get the two together at some point and use what is needed from the 72 harness. The wire off the alternator looks like battery cable.

 

Excellent choice. Just a heads up. I did the same thing, big wire to the aftermarket fusebox. Then wired the additional fans, fuel pump, etc relays off the opposite end of the copper strip that runs thru the fuse box. Dumb....the high current draw wasn't heating up the alternator wire, it was heating the copper strip in the fuse box!!!! Had to rewire....live and learn.

 

Just arrived home and the new wire harness and reprogrammed computer are sitting on my workbench. I will pull it out tomorrow and check it out. I'll learn from your mistake.

 

Wow awesome keep us posted, Cant wait to see it finished

 

Little more work today. I had some home stuff to do so not as much done as I wanted but you have to keep the other half happy. I installed the new pushrods as most said the stockers were not up to the task. Comp Cams stock length rods are in there now and all ready to go. I took the motor off the stand and back on the feet so I could get the clutch and Quick time housing on. Here you can see the LS7 style pilot bushing. Actually a big bearing. Also you can see the adapter fitting and 90 degree fitting so the oil pressure sender tucks in nicely out of the way.



Here I took the bellhousing and took of the bottom flange as it was hanging down below the oil pan. Looked horrible and a speed bump or something sticking up in the road would certainly do some damage. It is now perfectly even with the bottom of the oil pan. This required cutting it off and working a lot with a grinder and finishing disc. Painted it up and looks nice now. Thanks to 1coolC2 my brother inlaw for this trick. I saw it on his car and duplicated it.





Lightweight 18 lb steel flywheel



Funky clutch disc. Monster Stage II clutch and they assured me it will hold well over 500 RWHP and be very street driveable.



Pressure plate bolted up



Quick time bellhousing installed and all fasteners bolted up.



The motor is about ready to go back in but I want to get the Ac system installed before dropping in the motor. So for now it sits covered up waiting.