Cascade Crew

RoosterC · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 10:04 am Post subject: 2.8/7000R4 to LS/T56 Swap

Yes, this is happening. I'm going to deploy soon and there's certainly going to be some money burning a hole in my pocket when we return and I figure this is the best way to resolve my problem. This would be taking place when I get back early-mid next year.

Overview
Engine: LS1, 5.7 or 6.0
Trans: T-56 3.73 gearing (will come later, sticking with stock for a little bit)
Suspension: Eibach Proline (18in rims)
Axel: S-10 (POSI to come later, if not already applied)

I had been going back and forth between doing an aspirated 3.4 V6 and 700R4/TH350 or biting the bullet and swapping a V8, but the swap would end up costing about the same overall (the 3.4 had some huge plans along the lines of Pllsbry10, and project89's set up) and this is still going to be my daily driver when it's finished.

I have mapped out the swap and have a list of parts that I need, only factors are what order the parts come in. I plan on doing the suspension, rear end, and brakes (rims willing) first to have a solid foundation. followed by the accessories to prep for the swap i.e. wiring, radiator, water pump, drilled holes for the clutch&shifter, clean out the engine bay, then try and throw the engine and trans in over the weekend. I think the best way to put the engine in would be to drop the car onto it while it's attatched to the spohn K-member to save myself the headache of jamming the long block in through the top or removing the hood and dealing with alignment later and there is a lift here on base for this application. I think the transmission and rear end will be my biggest problem because I have limited information (for now) on how to do the swaps

I have heard of a site that specializes in finding LS motors for you and for a good price complete with wiring harness and ECM. But so far I've had no luck with a few sites working for me such as "bestautojobs" most of them have been server failures, or did not contact me with any information.

I feel that the suspension is pretty straight forward when changing out the parts and shouldn't run into much trouble there, the brakes will be a little problem considering I've never done a drum-to-disc conversion before, and I'm pulling a rear axel out of an S-10 (need more insight) and bolting that in. The engine has a rediculous amount of articles on ThirdGen that I have read and I feel pretty comprehensive of that area.

I expect this swap to take about 2 weeks of straight hammering/working to get it completed and tuned up. If anyone has done this swap before, and has more information or helpful tips it would be appreciated.

-Rooster

forgot the brakes, will add later

91RSVert · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 1:52 pm Post subject:

Axel, s-10?? Its not the right width or right mounts. Only thing thats the same is the gears and brake drums.

rest I see is fine.

iansane · Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2011 3:12 pm Post subject:

Good luck! I think everyone should have at least one LS in their garage. Very Happy

The trans swap is fairly easy. Hanging the pedals isn't that fun, but not difficult.

There are a few oddities about the LS stuff but most involve fuel system and mounts which you've taken care of half by deciding on the after market kmember. Are you sticking with AC?

RoosterC · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:42 am Post subject:

I don't have AC XD
I forgot to add the exhaust, but I'm sticking with mostly stock for the beginning, just changing the muffler to a hooker Aerochamber

Xophertony · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:25 am Post subject:

I have an aerochamber. I dig it.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 10:52 am Post subject:

LS engine through 2.8L pee shooter exhaust? Bad Ju Ju. You try breathing through a straw and running wind sprints!

Alphius · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:47 pm Post subject:

Xophertony · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:13 pm Post subject:

yeah, that sounds about right.

RoosterC · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 5:59 pm Post subject:

ruffles..

I had posted before that I forgot to add the stock exhaust from the LS1 set up with the exception of the hooker aerochamber mufflers.

d00012 · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 11:16 pm Post subject:

Awesome, we're at about the same stage right now; planning! I'll be getting everything started around the same time, too. Very Happy

Would have started sooner, but stumbled upon a super clean '88 GTA for a price I can't pass up. Something to drive while the Camaro is getting it's swap.

1987_sportcoupe · Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:31 pm Post subject:

i'm looking to do something pretty similar to my auto 2.8. I want to swap a healthy 350 in and do a 5 speed swap. the only problem is I don't have the facility to do this swap. If anybody can help, let me know Smile

RoosterC · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 12:29 pm Post subject:

d00012 · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:07 pm Post subject:

That would be a good idea. I have started to buy suspension/chassis parts. But taking it slow right now, with just one or two pieces a month. Though, I really need to make a more detailed list and do more research.