occhevelle

I figured I would post some pictures as I build because everyone else's builds have been so helpful. This site is awesome! Keep in mind I am a complete rookie and have never done an engine swap of any kind. The car is a Malibu that started with a 383/Th350 with a cracked head. Here's what is going in:

LS1/T56 from 2004 GTO with 30k miles
BMR style 1" setback plates
ES short/wide motor mounts
Hooker headers
95 Impala gas tank
Bczee style fuel system with Russel AN fittings

How she started




The new engine going in


Fits well so far


Trans fits well


1 1/2 - 2 inches of clearance


First major problem - steering box doesn't clear the alternator

occhevelle

I'd rather not relocate the alternator - any ideas?

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Honestly, that would be the easiest alternative.

Andrew

bmf5150

Corvette acesorys!!nice car!!!

lizeec

iTrader: (57)

Your easiest bet is a Fbody alternator they are smaller in diameter and will bolt right up to your existing brackets, you will need the correct plug for it as it is different than the GTO plug, you may still have to clearance the power steering gear box a little bit with a grinder, I also changed the bolt on the power steering gear box there are 4 bolts on the top cover I replaced the bolt closest to the alternator pulley with a button head allen bolt, BRP hot rods details the procedure on their web site.

occhevelle

Test fitted the Hooker headers today. Not perfect, but not terrible. I had to grind down part of the bellhousing and starter to get the passenger side in.

occhevelle

The latest problem is that the driver side header is hitting the steering. Any ideas? I've done a bunch of searching and haven't found the answer. I may try to do more shimming.

occhevelle

Today I dealt with a sheared off header bolt in the cylinder head. It was flush with the head so I drilled it and tried to easy out it. As usual with stupid easy outs it didn't work and snapped off. I then got a carbide bit and drilled it out and tapped the hole which solved the problem.

I also messed with the trans crossmember and found I'm going to have to mod the tab to get the right angle. I also put in the CPP 1 1/2" drop springs in front. I was a little disappointed that it's hard to see the drop. I'll post pics of the car tomorrow.

eyecell007

For not ever having done an engine swap before, this is quite the project. Please keep posting pics and I'm sure the members here will do their best to help. I have a 66 Chevelle and am contemplating a similar project so I will definitely be keeping an eye on your build. Good luck!

80superbu

iTrader: (8)

Now would be a great time to do some spring cleaning in the engine bay. Looks good though. I'll follow along a I have a 67 SS chevelle that was once a 396/4 speed car. Undecided on the motor/trans combo for it.

bretts

Nice project I too have a 67 malibu with thoughts of an upgrade, my 283 headers rubbed on purchase and i solved it with 1/4 inch spacers on driver side mounts