71 Firebird Formula LM7 turbo swap - build thread
10-23-2012, 07:47 PM
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71 Firebird Formula LM7 turbo swap - build thread Hello,
Well the time has come to more another step forward with my project Firebird.
I am getting a LM7 motor less harness and accessories for basically free.
I have been reading on these forums for about a month now and am really leaning towards swapping in the LM7 and then putting a turbo on it.
Here is a potential list and a few questions as well. If those of you whom have done this swap before can give me any pointers or suggestions on the build that would be great.
Motor is a 2003 LM7 DBW with out accessories or a harness.
I plan on picking up a 4L60E to put behind it and shorten my drive shaft.
For harnesses looks like speartech and pci have good websites and recommendations on this site, any preference between them? Also I would assume I can purchase a PCM from them programmed as well. Do years make a difference on this? Also should I stick with the DBW?
Does the trans module need to match the PCM?
It seems that most people for a F-body swap use the F-body oil pan and accessories so I believe I will be looking into those for my swap.
As for the motor goes, I see some people use LS6 cams and intakes/valves? I would like some more info on that, something I should do with a turbo or what everyones thoughts are? I have searched it but figured for future reference would be nice to have it answered here.
That is hopefully not too long winded! I added a photo of my starting point for clicks.
Aaron
Well the time has come to more another step forward with my project Firebird.
I am getting a LM7 motor less harness and accessories for basically free.
I have been reading on these forums for about a month now and am really leaning towards swapping in the LM7 and then putting a turbo on it.
Here is a potential list and a few questions as well. If those of you whom have done this swap before can give me any pointers or suggestions on the build that would be great.
Motor is a 2003 LM7 DBW with out accessories or a harness.
I plan on picking up a 4L60E to put behind it and shorten my drive shaft.
For harnesses looks like speartech and pci have good websites and recommendations on this site, any preference between them? Also I would assume I can purchase a PCM from them programmed as well. Do years make a difference on this? Also should I stick with the DBW?
Does the trans module need to match the PCM?
It seems that most people for a F-body swap use the F-body oil pan and accessories so I believe I will be looking into those for my swap.
As for the motor goes, I see some people use LS6 cams and intakes/valves? I would like some more info on that, something I should do with a turbo or what everyones thoughts are? I have searched it but figured for future reference would be nice to have it answered here.
That is hopefully not too long winded! I added a photo of my starting point for clicks.
Aaron
10-23-2012, 08:17 PM
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very nice car! for my swap I used the following
Carshop.com 1"setback plates
Fbody pan
ls6 engine
Vette Accessories
edelbrock headers
I will say if you plan on putting a turbo on it, plan your build for it... and your trans should be fine, some of the years had different pinouts I believe, and I havent looked into the autos in awhile since I swapped mine to T56...
Carshop.com 1"setback plates
Fbody pan
ls6 engine
Vette Accessories
edelbrock headers
I will say if you plan on putting a turbo on it, plan your build for it... and your trans should be fine, some of the years had different pinouts I believe, and I havent looked into the autos in awhile since I swapped mine to T56...
10-23-2012, 09:22 PM
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Wow that is a sweet car. I love the stance. Do you take it to the Trans Am Nationals?
As far as the swap goes. I'm doing a similar set up. with a 79 and I'm using f-body accessories and pan with the car shop 1" set back plates...fits perfect
As far as the swap goes. I'm doing a similar set up. with a 79 and I'm using f-body accessories and pan with the car shop 1" set back plates...fits perfect
10-23-2012, 09:38 PM
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Nice car!
I used LS7 Corvette accessories and a two-piece Corvette batwing pan. The motor mounts were welded in with the LS1 bolted to the car's original TH350. The trans was in the stock position. Everything dropped in easy, with no frame mods or other craziness. I did have to thump the trans tunnel a bit to get the T56 to fit.
I used LS7 Corvette accessories and a two-piece Corvette batwing pan. The motor mounts were welded in with the LS1 bolted to the car's original TH350. The trans was in the stock position. Everything dropped in easy, with no frame mods or other craziness. I did have to thump the trans tunnel a bit to get the T56 to fit.
