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Decided to start this thread to document this C3 build. Car is an 1980 L82. It has a lot of new parts, but I bought because I wanted to learn to do an LS install.
1980 C3 L82 Body off. Had to repair all 8 body mounts Cleaning chassis. Degreaser POR15 completed 04 GTO LS1 WS6Store high lift cam install and PAC springs Fbody baffle Completed for now.
So far this is what I have on the to do list:
Headers - order and install
Install water pump once its back from shop that is threading it.
This what I have in parts that I need to install:
Custom Image Corvette radiator - (Superior Radiator with fans)
Holley Terminator X install
Dakota Digital gauge install - Hoping that they have a Holley Terminator X connection kit soon
Fuel install - Walbro 255 lph and Corvette filter/regular install with 82 sending unit
Borgeson install
Possibles:
Change diff to Detroit Truetrac and change gears.
I have a 70 Nova project at the same time, but I am motivated to get the C3 off the lift soon; otherwise I need to buy a body cart as the Nova parts are piling up.
take the GTO aircon bracket off , you wont get that big compressor down on that side.
what gearbox is going in ?
If you get the engine mount brackets that share the bottom hole then that alternator will fit in as is .As in super tight (but still removable if you have to ) like it was made to go there.
take the GTO aircon bracket off , you wont get that big compressor down on that side.
what gearbox is going in ?
If you get the engine mount brackets that share the bottom hole then that alternator will fit in as is .As in super tight (but still removable if you have to ) like it was made to go there.
Thanks, I am using the 4L60 it came with. My mounts have two options. You are saying I should switch to the other ones?
I used them when I did my swap with a 4L60 , all I had to do was shorten the drive shaft and put the Camero sump on to get the pair to fit.
Others on here swear by the other mounts but seem to have to change the alternator mount and have clearance issues with the power steer pulley. All imo just another cost when I just left mine as is
.Of course having a manual gbox is a good reason to move the engine to get the shift stick in the correct spot but being an auto and using a cable control there is no issue.
Which sump did you put on ? Yours looks very similar to the one I used.
The one I used was used on the camaro. Clearance for the crossmember and steering, the gbox just went in attached to the motor , I had to make a new tongue off the cross member to attach it ,as high as possible.
How soon before you join them up and lay them back on that nice clean frame ?
Also wondering if your planning on aircon ?
What exhaust manifolds do you have ?
I am hoping to drop them in the chassis very soon. I need to install the borgeson first and decide on headers. I guess I will order MR headers, because they are the only ones I know that clear borgeson, but its hard to drop 800 bucks on those.
My plan is to get this running before dropping the chassis back down incase I a have to pull it out for changes.
I am planning on AC, but not to get it running. Will most likely do a Vintage Air kit for cleaner install and to create more space on pass side. I am creating space on driver side because I am dropping in a hydroboost.
Finally dropped the motor and trans in. I decided to skip a new converter for now. My next goal is to get the fuel plumbed, and then install the Holley EFI. I want to start it before putting the body back on so I can fix any issues with more room or in case I have to pull the motor.
Front view. Close to alternator but should have good clearance. Side view. LS1 and 4L60 installed.
While you have the body out of the way, this will be about 7 million times easier. If you can, replace those bolts with carriage bolts. Especially important with the Ridetech brace, it will save you nearly 1/4" inch of tire clearance for making tight left-hand turns.
You will need to keep an eye on the trans. dipstick and your trans. cooler lines where they connect to the box. In that shape they wouldn't fit under my 77 body when it went back on. Your later body might be differant though.
Tonight I got headers on. Was scared at first because I didn't think they would clear the Borgeson but they do!
Whoops forgot to put the starter on first.
Now I am doing fuel. This is a 82 sender. Where do I ground the 3 grounds?
Walbro pump and 82 sender. Where do I ground the grounds?
I have a Corvette filter regulator that I will mount up front to minimize making new lines except for 1 2 foot feed.
I don't recall mine having 3 grounds.....1 wire should be ground, 1 is 12vdc pwr and the other is fuel gauge signal. Mine was simply replace pump and had a pigtail that plugged the pump into the 82 sending unit wiring which you can see below. Outside of the tank there's a plug with pigtail you can buy and hardwire it to the car's harness. Hopefully this helps you out.
I know its been a while since I posted but I wanted to give a slight update. Car is fired. Lots more to figure out with the tune. Then time to drop the body back on.
Would love some advice on the birdcage. I don't really want to replace each of these parts. The kit is the whole thing and is 500 bucks. Should I weld some washers on? Just send it? I will treat the metal but not sure if I should weld one patches at all. I would likely weld them on all 4 to keep it even though both numbers 1s are okay.
1980 C3 LS1 build thread
