Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

I hate to re-ask the same questions, but it would make it a lot easier for me and possibly for others if I could get some questions answered all in the same thread.

I am just starting an LQ4 408 turbo build to replace the 406 nitrous SBC in my '69 Nova. My goal is to have a pumpgas, "streetable" car, that has enough power to run 6.0 1/8 mile at 3,300 lbs (plus driver). Last week I picked up a 2001 truck engine with 240k miles, and I finished teardown last night. I am planning to pick up a 408 rotating assembly, and carry the block to a machine shop to line bore for new main studs and bore the cylinders .030".
In the meantime, I need to start collecting the conversion parts (motor plates, computer, harness, balancer, flexplate, oil pan).

1. I understand that there are 2 or 3 different motor plates with different setbacks. My plan is to use truck manifolds swapped over and pointed down, to mount twin turbos. Would the Hooker plates work best for me since they move the engine back? I can modify my TH-400 mount for whatever setback I end up with.
2. I will only be running a belt driven Alternator. Is the truck harmonic balancer OK or should I go with a lighter one? I hear TCI has a good flexplate.
3. Is there a preferred ECM for my application? I already have HP Tuners, so I want to use a GM computer, but will any year LS1 car/truck computer work equally well. I understand that my computer will have to match the reluctor wheel on my crank.
4. What is the current best oil pan for a turbo LS engine in a 3rd Gen Nova or 1st Gen Camaro?
5. Has anyone installed an LS with flipped truck manifolds into a 3rd Gen Nova or 1st Gen Camaro? Remember the only front acc I will have is an alternator, and I can mount it wherever it needs to go.

hookemdevils22

iTrader: (12)

i'm running non-setback carshopinc plates in my '71. they put my pass. side head approx. 1/2" away from the heater lines - i couldn't go further back if i wanted to. i do believe the hookers put the engine 1/2" further down though, which may give you the extra room needed.

73 nova guy

iTrader: (8)

well one thing i can help with is that truck mainiflods will not work in these cars.

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

im almost 100% sure that 98-99 fbody manifold will work on the driver side, and a c6 on the pass. side. pointing fwd.
if not using 98-02 fbody clamshells on the block
but for sure the fbody on the driver side, but will have to run top mount alt.
might be able to get away with gto manifold on driver side.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

1. Use whatever positions the engine the furthest back, Hooker, maybe Autokraft.

2.Use the Camaro/Firebird balancer and notch the frame for a Camaro/Firebird alternator bracket. You will need all the room in the front you can get.

3. 2002 F body computer is the easiest to tune but 99-02 is ok. Easiest harness is a premade stand alone from Speartech etc. maybe even the Ebay one. You can use a truck computer and harness but the harness is less attrative due to the relay center it uses.

4. Autokraft pan and drill a hole in passenger side just below the pan rail and install a -10 bulkhead fitting for turbo oil drainback.

5. I have a 71 Nova 6.0 with a single turbo using flipped front manis off a 05 GXP Grand Prix. If I do it over someday for a bigger turbo Id use the Stainless Works up and forward headers for $950 (would look nice with twins) or build my own using "weld L's".

Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

Thanks a lot everyone. I have seen several of your build threads, but it really helps getting these questions answered all in one thread. LS1Nova, looks like you have already been there, done that. I'll have to look up any build pictures you may have. I have seen the SW turbo headers, and they are on my list if I give up on manifolds. Too bad the truck manifolds I already have won't work though. What frame single turbo did you go with? I had one friend recommend a T6 frame for my 408, and he said it would be tough to route a 4-5" downpipe. That's why I was thinking about doing twins with 3" DP. Excellent feedback though - I'll start collecting some parts now. Engine build for now, and then I'll start really digging into the turbo selection and fabrication.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

I am using a Master Power GT45, its a T4 approx 70mm. A little small for a 6L but oh well.

You could use 2 67-70mm units?

Or a single 76-TC78 and use a 4" downpipe with oval tubing between the trans and rear axle. Im using single 3.5 regular piping.

frojoe

iTrader: (10)

LS1NOVA, what power range are you aiming for (or achieved)? I'm looking at a 70mm for my 6.0L to make 500ish rwhp, you think that's about accurate since a 70mm is a bit on the small side for the LQ4?

forcd ind

iTrader: (7)

if the heater is a problem, you could use a BB heater core, moves the lines over to the pass side, redrill holes in the outer cover

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

Frojoe, my particular turbo is kind of an odd one compared to just a regular MP 70 so Im unsure of its potential but aiming for 600 rwhp. Its the same one powertrip was using on his Nova on here running in the 10's with a 5.3.

SUPERBOOST

iTrader: (11)

I think you can use your truck manifolds in the nova if you swap sides and flip them to face up and forward.A member on here did this on a first gen camaro and it looked pretty good.If it worked in the first gen it should fit in your nova. He has a lot of pictures on this setup in an album.Do a search for "casey38boost".Mabye he will see this and post up.Its another option if you want to use manifolds plus you already have them.

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

Modified 302 Mustang headers, flipped for ft exit??
Here's a link to some that have used such..
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/tur...x-project.html
Here's another thread, started within the first..Some good pics.
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/tur...ml#post2072486

casey38boost

iTrader: (3)

http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/m...t/67%20Camaro/

some pics of my set up.

This is with a 02 ls1. I am going to be using a 05 lq4. haven't made much progress as of late, but the downpipes are now there and more piping.

6.0L manifolds flipped forward have plenty of room. will have to re - located the coil packs.

Twin 61 mm turbos, i got a universal intercooler online...

I have sheet metal inner fenders so i couldn't tell u how much room u would have with stockers.

I am also going to be using the edelbrock intake manfold on my setup and it looks like there is plenty of room...

Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

Wow - I couldn't have expected such great response. Awefully decent of you guys to share your ideas and experience. Casey - you have already blazed the path that I intend to go down. It cracks me up to see your cars listed in the signature. In my garage I have a '99 FRC torch red and my '69 Nova twin turbo 6.0 project.
It will be a little while before I start fitting up the LQ4 in my Nova. I want to sell the current 406 while it is still running in the car. It may take a little while to find a buyer.

LS1NOVA

iTrader: (12)

Looks like that turned out good Casey!

casey38boost

iTrader: (3)

Yeah i guess we got similar tastes in cars --- i had a few GN's and a TTA before this, u have any of those either??

I am about 70 % done, i still have to get the wiring modified, ecu reprogrammed, fuel system upgraded, member finalized ... stuff like that. Prob get it done sometime this fall.

let me know how it comes along.

I am going w/ a modified 4L80e, what tranny u using?

Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

I already have a TH-400 with transbrake and reverse valvebody in the car. I plan to just leave that in there, along with the 10-bolt 8.5" rear. But I may swap my 3.73 gears to 3.4s or 3.2s. While the 8.5" differential doesn't get much love, it has held up well to years of nitrous abuse.

Negative on owning Buicks or Trans Ams for me. I always like the GNs though.