LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Yea, he notched the oil pan for me and I got motor mounts from him. Oil pan looks great, the motor mounts are abit of a different story though. The holes he had drilled in them didn't match up very well, so we had to redrill them. We got them to work it just took alittle while. He is also fabbing up long tube headers for me which I should be getting within the next week. I'm gonna make sure they fit when I get them if they fit good than I will get them jet hot coated.

Here is a pic of some he fabbed for another customer.(mine will look just like this)

 

[kentuc]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Real nice job.Many many hours there already.Your on your way.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Real nice job.Many many hours there already.Your on your way.

Thanks,Haha, I've lost count.

 

[PPI Typhoon]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Very cool, I emailed him yesterday asking if it worked out our AWD trucks. Looks like a good resource especially considering they're local.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Very cool, I emailed him yesterday asking if it worked out our AWD trucks. Looks like a good resource especially considering they're local.

Yea, that shop has mixed reviews. Steve is a very nice guy. He owns the shop and I believe he does basically everything. People usually are complaining about how long it takes to get stuff from him but I don't think they know he is custom fabricating everything on his own. I cut him some slack because I know he has alot of things to do. You should go meet him and check out his shop, currently he has a colorado in there gettin a 6.0 liter lsx swap...he is probably nearing completion too.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Hey guys, here is a couple things we got done on Saturday and Sunday.

This is where we notched the frame to clear the LS1 A/C compressor

Here is the A/C evap housing cover that we put on using pop rivets and silicone sealant.

After we dropped the engine/trans back in this is the clearance we had. pretty good, about a 1/4 inch.

When we took the engine back out I painted the frame and part of the firewall to clean things up abit.(This weekend I will be removing the inner fenders and painting those as well as applying a second coat on the frame.)

This is where the engine and trans are going. In this picture all the bolts holding the motor mounts and tranny crossmember are in but we haven't bolted them down yet.

I'm picking up the headers this week, so assuming they fit without problem's, I will send them out to get jet hot coated and we will go to town on the truck. (fuel system,wiring, putting things back together, etc.)

-Taylor

 

[QUICK STORM]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

good progress

 

[HotRodV6]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Looking good, good up the good work.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Thanks guys :tup:

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Ok....Time for an update! :tup:

So I haven't been updating lately because I have been so held up by these damn headers.... it is a long complicated story, but lets just say I don't recommend LS1performanceparts.com I have had the worst time trying to get these headers, finaly got them, weren't even close to fitting. took them back to the guy, long story short, he blamed my truck for having a bent frame or messed up front suspension which is why his headers didn't fit. yea....ok... :roll: I had the same issue with this guy on motor mounts. We had to completely redrill the holes in those because they didn't fit at all. Bottom line....just stay away. I now have headers on my truck but one of the tubes is dented in quite alot to clear the driver's A-arm since he didn't want to re-route the tube I'm stuck with a dented up driver's side header. I could really care less at this point though. But anyways....end of :rant:

moving on....

As you can see I have took out and painted the inner fender-wells, the engine is bolted down completely....as is the tranny. W also put on the tranny cooler lines which you can see down near the sway bar. We also have all the accesories mounted now...most of it seen in pic's above. Also got the modified A/C lines so the at this point the A/C is all taken care of and ready to go.

The "wonderfull" headers which are such a royal pain in the ass to put on it isn't even worth joking about.

Here is what we did to the cross member so that dual exhaust can be ran on the truck without the tube on the driver's side hanging TOO far down.

The fuel cell and pressure regulator

And this one I have deemed " Junk in the Trunk" ....So what if I don't have a trunk :squint:

More pictures in a week or two. Hopefully will be running end of september.

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Lookin' good so far, I hope I don't run into the same header problems that you did. (When I get that far) I thought there were places that specifically made LSX headers for S10 V8 Swaps? At any point did you consider relocating the AC, or would it not fit with the fender's and all?

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Lookin' good so far, I hope I don't run into the same header problems that you did. (When I get that far) I thought there were places that specifically made LSX headers for S10 V8 Swaps? At any point did you consider relocating the AC, or would it not fit with the fender's and all?

Well, I know JTR has ls1 s10 headers coming out but they are only for later model trucks I guess...not mention they have been "coming out" for quite awhile now. What I would do if I were you is just wait and see when ur ready to get headers if anyone makes them for an s10 and that they actually fit. If you can't find any and you really want headers, you can get them custom made but they are wayyyy pricy. Cheap route...just use the manifolds off the camaro/firebird.... cut the flange off the bottom and extend the flanges down further and they fit fine. I have decided that I'm just going to learn to tigweld really well and make my own headers from now on. As for A/C, I have looked into different ideas with it. The truck compressor is smaller but in the same area I think and corvette isn't much different. Problem I see with accessories is that they are so damn expensive. I mean there are relocation kits I have seen that mount the compressor elsewhere but they are upwards of a grand. I just can't justify that kind of money. Also I am trying to do this as cheap as I can but without being stingy. But theres only so much money I make while going to high school and working at the same time.

 

[SEL777]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Looks good. Keep the pics and progress reports coming.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Looks good. Keep the pics and progress reports coming.

Will Do :tup:

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Any insight as to whether or not the stock LS2 manifolds will fit?

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

From looking at GTO LS2 manifolds I would say no. They stick down to far, it looks like they would be running into the crossmember/upper A-arm area. I know that the LS1 corvette manifolds are even worse than the way the GTO manifolds route. So in reference to that I would bet LS2 vette manifolds wouldn't fit either. May need to do something custom??

So are you planning on going with an LS2 into your truck? I wanted to do that but they were twice what LS1's cost it seemed when I was looking but they have like an extra what...50-70 hp to the wheels? That would be cool. But I think I'll be ok with 325 to the wheels for now especially since I still don't have good size tires on the truck....should be interesting in the rain :squint:

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

From looking at GTO LS2 manifolds I would say no. They stick down to far, it looks like they would be running into the crossmember/upper A-arm area. I know that the LS1 corvette manifolds are even worse than the way the GTO manifolds route. So in reference to that I would bet LS2 vette manifolds wouldn't fit either. May need to do something custom??

So are you planning on going with an LS2 into your truck? I wanted to do that but they were twice what LS1's cost it seemed when I was looking but they have like an extra what...50-70 hp to the wheels? That would be cool. But I think I'll be ok with 325 to the wheels for now especially since I still don't have good size tires on the truck....should be interesting in the rain :squint:

Yeah, that's what my plan was. I didn't think it'd be such a hassle seeing as people are doing them in the newer S10 models, and the dimensions are the same as the other LS motors. *I think* :dunno: What's different in the late model trucks that make's their custom LS header dimensions so different than ours? Would tubular arms make a difference is clearance? Looks like there's not a whole lot of room between the driver's side header and steering shaft either, or is that just the angle of the pic?

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Yeah, that's what my plan was. I didn't think it'd be such a hassle seeing as people are doing them in the newer S10 models, and the dimensions are the same as the other LS motors. *I think* :dunno: What's different in the late model trucks that make's their custom LS header dimensions so different than ours? Would tubular arms make a difference is clearance? Looks like there's not a whole lot of room between the driver's side header and steering shaft either, or is that just the angle of the pic?

No, your eyes do not fool you, it is a VERY tight fit on both sides, but the driver's side especially. We actually dinged the header on the driver's side because it was rubbing on the steering shaft.(kinda hard to see in pic)Yea I could see tubular A-arms giving some clearance, infact I was looking into doing that the other day but then I saw the price on 2 tubular upper A-arms....that changed my mind quick. My biggest problem on my truck is that it is lowered a good amount so the A-arms stick in pretty far. Although I told the guy who was making my headers before hand that my truck had 2 inch drop spindles and 1 inch drop springs....he didn't listen. My headers are so close to the A-arm it freaks me out....I'm really hoping they don't rub when the engine torques....I don't think they will, but I'm paranoid. As for newer s10's, they really aren't very different but there are some little differences here and there. I notice the frames are shaped abit differently. I'm not sure on demensions of stuff though. You really shouldn't have near as big of a problem as me unless your truck is lowered like mine is. In which case, just get headers made that actually fit your truck.

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

No, your eyes do not fool you, it is a VERY tight fit on both sides, but the driver's side especially. We actually dinged the header on the driver's side because it was rubbing on the steering shaft.(kinda hard to see in pic)Yea I could see tubular A-arms giving some clearance, infact I was looking into doing that the other day but then I saw the price on 2 tubular upper A-arms....that changed my mind quick. My biggest problem on my truck is that it is lowered a good amount so the A-arms stick in pretty far. Although I told the guy who was making my headers before hand that my truck had 2 inch drop spindles and 1 inch drop springs....he didn't listen. My headers are so close to the A-arm it freaks me out....I'm really hoping they don't rub when the engine torques....I don't think they will, but I'm paranoid. As for newer s10's, they really aren't very different but there are some little differences here and there. I notice the frames are shaped abit differently. I'm not sure on demensions of stuff though. You really shouldn't have near as big of a problem as me unless your truck is lowered like mine is. In which case, just get headers made that actually fit your truck.

Lol, unfortunately, yes the truck is lowered, but I plan on raising it back up an inch and throwing in a set of upper/lower tubular control arms. I found these online, http://suicidedoors.com/ARTS10UpperandLowerControlArms.php I wonder if they are applicable to our gen of trucks, or if they're only for newer ones, doesn't specify. Might be something to keep in mind after you start winning the big bucks from street racing all the ricers Jumping to conclusions based on Hoover's new S10, with a great rear suspension 10's should be easy to accomplish for you, and hopefully myself.

As per the steering shaft, did you have to ding it because he just measured wrong, or would it have been a no-fit either way? *If only it was possible to get a thinner S-Shaft*

Good luck! As soon as I find a complete build axle *be it Ford, Dana, or just 8.5* I'mma gonna order that S & W rear frame and get things underway this winter.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Lol, unfortunately, yes the truck is lowered, but I plan on raising it back up an inch and throwing in a set of upper/lower tubular control arms. I found these online, http://suicidedoors.com/ARTS10UpperandLowerControlArms.php I wonder if they are applicable to our gen of trucks, or if they're only for newer ones, doesn't specify. Might be something to keep in mind after you start winning the big bucks from street racing all the ricers Jumping to conclusions based on Hoover's new S10, with a great rear suspension 10's should be easy to accomplish for you, and hopefully myself.

As per the steering shaft, did you have to ding it because he just measured wrong, or would it have been a no-fit either way? *If only it was possible to get a thinner S-Shaft*

Good luck! As soon as I find a complete build axle *be it Ford, Dana, or just 8.5* I'mma gonna order that S & W rear frame and get things underway this winter.

No it wasn't really his fault about the steering shaft, it is just very close to the engine.....it is a small ding anyways. Why are you rasing your truck up an inch? I want to lower mine another inch....hahaha! :rotf: I dunno, basically my plan right now is to just get the truck together and running. Then save the money to do the rear suspension/new wheels in about 8 months. If it just so happens that the headers aren't working for some reason I'll throw the stock manifolds on and then take the headers to a person who knows what they are doing and have them re-done to fit when I get the money. The dumb thing about the headers is that there is room for the tube with all the problems to be re-routed so it hits nothing and no other tubes have to be messed with, but for some reason the guy didn't do that when he made them ...