LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

[super-gt]

Ok guys, I know I have been talking about the LS1 swap into my GT for awhile now, but I am finally starting it this weekend. I figured I would start a thread for my build and I will update it with pics and such every week or so.
Here is the plan for the build:
(1.)Swap in LS1/4L60E
(2.)Relocate battery to the bed
(3.)Relocate a fuel cell into the bed
(4.)Build a 2.5 or 3 inch dual X-pipe exhaust set-up dumping in front of the rear wheels.

Those are the main things I will be getting done over the course of this summer. There are other things on the truck I will be addressing eventually, but I can only get so much done at once . I should have some pics up for you guys by the beginning of next week.

-Taylor

 

[Daron]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Pics? Gotta start the pics...

 

[T-Bone]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Daron, I'm rootin for ya. I am in the process of doing a LS1/6 speed swap in my 68 shortbox Chevy p/u and it is a slow tedious process. Can't wait to finish it and throw on some M/T to see what it will do. Might have to add a supercharger to achieve the times I am looking for though. All the best to you and keep us informed of your progress.

 

[Syborg Twin Turbo]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

call Mike Lee - there is a swap book that he is aware of.

PS - that is my next swap

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Sorry guys, I have been kinda busy and haven't posted anything in here.
Anyways, I will be getting pics this comming weekend, so I will post em up.
So far we have done the following:
-removed the core support/front end
-taken out the 4.3 and tranny( Took ALOT longer than expected)
-removed the exhaust and gas tank
-cleaned the engine compartment (still doesn't look that great, I'm gonna do more cleaning this comming weekend)

We have been abit held up because I was wanting to convert my truck to rack and pinion, but it appears there will be too much bumpsteer. So I believe I will just be going with the original idea of converting some brackets to corvette style ($$$).

This up and comming weekend should be very good and we should make alot of progress. We will be cutting the crossmember to clear the oil pan, notching the frame for the A/C compressor, putting on the corvette brackets, and hopefully getting the ls1 and trans mounted.

I know you guys want to see pictures, sorry I don't have any yet, but I assure you, be patient and I'll get some good ones up real soon. Hopefully my headers get done soon and I'll snap you guys a shot of those as well.

-Taylor

 

[midnightbluS10]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Check out v8s10.org They know where to get the book, too. Doug's headers makes LS1 S10 swap headers.

A 62 page Ls1 swap manual is available from Sham at www.v8s10s.com

The JTR book may be of some help, as well.

Some info from advanceadapters.com

http://www.advanceadapters.com/catalog/037.html
http://www.advanceadapters.com/catalog/038.html
http://www.advanceadapters.com/catalog/039.html

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Yea I have an ls1 swap manual and a v8 s10 swap manual from JTR.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build

Alright guys!! I finally have an update for you ...WITH PICS :tup:

We have been abit held up the past couple weeks on parts and figuring out what we need and need to do and whatnot. That is all figured out and we have been progressing quite abit this week and last week. Now on with the pics....

As you can see we cut a good chunk out of the crossmember and if you can tell we also had to heat and hammer the top part of the crossmember in two places.

if the gaping hole in the a/c box is any indication..the valve cover and coil was hitting it. So i spent a good half an hour cutting and fitting a cover that will provide more clearance. You can also see where we had to beat the tranny tunnel alittle bit for clearance.

Along with clearancing the crossmember we also notched the oil pan abit.We also had to modify the oil tube/bafle to fit right.(I will take this moment to share something I have come to know....everyone seems to use the 5.3L truck oil pan to clear the crossmember. the problem is that it hangs acouple inches lower than the crossmember therefore people wack the bottom off it...well what does that do for oil capacity?? I am using the stock Fbody pan and as you can see I haven't notched the oil pan or crossmember that much. My advice, take some time, measure, and use the fbody oil pan....much better choice).

Time for the LS1 and tranny to go in....

This is how the oilpan fit with hardly any hammering on the frame. The pan now clears the crossmember by a good 1/4-1/2 inch. plenty of room.

By the end of the day, we had the engine and trans all bolted in....Yay!!!( still has to come back out to notch the frame for the a/c compressor and patch the a/c box.

This is my dad holding up the alternator and bracket where it will go.( I had to buy the corvette alternator bracket, power steering pump, pulley, reservoir as the fbody alternator will run into the steering box.)
Also note how nice the LS1 sits in the engine bay, it's lower and further back than the 4.3 was!

So next weekend I will update again. We will be notching the frame for the a/c compressor and patching up the ac box then it is time to hook everything up!

Incase anyone was wondering what red car was in the backround, it is my dad's prostreet nova, he is swapping an LT1 into it.

 

[Syborg Twin Turbo]

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

awesome pics - keep up with the updates

 

[Syclone#2960]

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

Very nice!
Can't wait to see how it turns out for you.

 

[JuStBlAzIN]

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

that is looking sweet

 

[JSM]

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

62-65 Nova.

Got 1, well kindof 2 myself.

 

[super-gt]

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

Thanks for the comments guys....I can't wait until it is driveable again!

 

[406sbSonomaGT]

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

my 406 sits lower and further back as well
makes for a tight fit with my headers

 

[chelo]

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

While you had the engine out. You should have cleaned and painted the crossmember.

 

[super-gt]

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

While you had the engine out. You should have cleaned and painted the crossmember.

I still plan on it...it has to come out once more so I can cut the frame for the ac compressor. When I pull it out im going to clean it up pretty good and paint it black.

 

[PPI Typhoon]

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

Lookin good man, glad to see you got up some pics.:tup:

 

[QUICK STORM]

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

sweet, i like it.

 

[HotRodV6]

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

Nice progress, and keep it up and youll be smoking the tires before long.

 

[PPI Typhoon]

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

Did you get some of your parts from this guy??

http://ls1performanceparts.com/

Looks like he has oilpans, motor mounts, etc for S-series conversions.

He's local too! :tup: