Thanks, '70 Impala running!
06-07-2008, 11:39 AM
#1
Thanks, '70 Impala running! My '70 Impala with a Magnacharger on top of an LQ9 is running under its own power! Finally!
I would like to thank the people on this forum for answering my questions along the build, this is the only place I could go when facing a problem. I do not remember all the names of who helped me, but thanks a lot! And yes, most answers I received were actually good and useful! And a few "pros" had told me locally that this kind of swap cannot be done...
Here is what I have done:
The car is a '70 Impala Custom Coupe (350/TH350); engine from an '04 Siverado SS, trans is a 4L80E from a full size van, new custom made driveshaft.
I use Trans Dapt motor mount adapters on the stock Impala mounts; the engine even clears the heater box and wiper motor. For the trans, I use the stock crossmember, moved a few inches back thanks to 2 home-made angle iron brackets.
The trans tunnel had to be modified a bit on each side, mainly to give space for the fluid lines: I did not feel like sweating with a big hammer, so I cut the floor and redid it with fiberglass, not a really big bump, really. I use stock GM trans fluid lines, this way I know they fit properly in the trans, then I had to cut them a bit forward of the starter motor and finish them in rubber hoses.
I use the stock LQ9 oil pan heavily modified (it is a rear steer car); I moved the oil filter away, so I could build "wings" on each sides of the pan to preserve capacity, it now takes about 7 quarts plus filter.
The magnacharger is the intercooled model for the Siverado SS and it does fit under the hood! I did have to remove some of the bracing under the hood, but it fits!!! The main problem was actually the electric motor of the DBW throttle body, I had to rotate the throttle body counter clockwise a bit to clear the hood... I was even able to use the air filter box (cut a bit on the underside) from the Silverado and the plastic tubing supplied with the blower.
Headers are long tube Big Block 2nd gen Camaro from Hooker adapted to new GMPP LS1 header flanges. Fuel pump is a heavy duty 255gph Walbro, using the original pick up on the stock tank (in which baffles were added). I use a CableX box to connect the harness to stock speedo.
Computer and harness were reworked by Speartech.
Engine and trans dipsticks are from Lokar as well as the nifty adapter kit to connect my column shifter to the trans.
I think that is it, it is a bit quick, but maybe it will help someone... Of course, I have not really used the car much, so I cannot tell you if everything works as it should, but at least, it's in!!!
And to finish, I would really like to thank my 2 best friends all along this build, my Dremel tool and the pit in the garage floor: I do not know how I would have made it without you two!!!
I would like to thank the people on this forum for answering my questions along the build, this is the only place I could go when facing a problem. I do not remember all the names of who helped me, but thanks a lot! And yes, most answers I received were actually good and useful! And a few "pros" had told me locally that this kind of swap cannot be done...
Here is what I have done:
The car is a '70 Impala Custom Coupe (350/TH350); engine from an '04 Siverado SS, trans is a 4L80E from a full size van, new custom made driveshaft.
I use Trans Dapt motor mount adapters on the stock Impala mounts; the engine even clears the heater box and wiper motor. For the trans, I use the stock crossmember, moved a few inches back thanks to 2 home-made angle iron brackets.
The trans tunnel had to be modified a bit on each side, mainly to give space for the fluid lines: I did not feel like sweating with a big hammer, so I cut the floor and redid it with fiberglass, not a really big bump, really. I use stock GM trans fluid lines, this way I know they fit properly in the trans, then I had to cut them a bit forward of the starter motor and finish them in rubber hoses.
I use the stock LQ9 oil pan heavily modified (it is a rear steer car); I moved the oil filter away, so I could build "wings" on each sides of the pan to preserve capacity, it now takes about 7 quarts plus filter.
The magnacharger is the intercooled model for the Siverado SS and it does fit under the hood! I did have to remove some of the bracing under the hood, but it fits!!! The main problem was actually the electric motor of the DBW throttle body, I had to rotate the throttle body counter clockwise a bit to clear the hood... I was even able to use the air filter box (cut a bit on the underside) from the Silverado and the plastic tubing supplied with the blower.
Headers are long tube Big Block 2nd gen Camaro from Hooker adapted to new GMPP LS1 header flanges. Fuel pump is a heavy duty 255gph Walbro, using the original pick up on the stock tank (in which baffles were added). I use a CableX box to connect the harness to stock speedo.
Computer and harness were reworked by Speartech.
Engine and trans dipsticks are from Lokar as well as the nifty adapter kit to connect my column shifter to the trans.
I think that is it, it is a bit quick, but maybe it will help someone... Of course, I have not really used the car much, so I cannot tell you if everything works as it should, but at least, it's in!!!
And to finish, I would really like to thank my 2 best friends all along this build, my Dremel tool and the pit in the garage floor: I do not know how I would have made it without you two!!!
06-07-2008, 09:33 PM
#3
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I agree. What did you do with the trans crossmember? I think I did about the same thing. Do you have any pictures of that you could let me see?
That thing sounds awesome! We have a TBSS that my wifes usually drives, and thing thing can haul the mail, I bet yours with the charger on it is NICE!
That thing sounds awesome! We have a TBSS that my wifes usually drives, and thing thing can haul the mail, I bet yours with the charger on it is NICE!
06-08-2008, 01:58 PM
#5
Now I feel stupid OK, so now I feel really stupid, I can swap an engine but I cannot download pictures onto LS1Tech!!!! I get a message that my files (JPG) are too big to post...
Can someone help me with posting my pictures from my camera?
Can someone help me with posting my pictures from my camera?
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07-05-2008, 10:54 AM
#11
I have not driven the car much, but it sure is lively! It needs front end work and better tires so it can be dyno-tuned: the dyno operator was afraid of blowing up the old tires... The shop only found 282HP at the wheels so far.
08-27-2008, 09:01 PM
#12
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would it be possible for you to email me some pics? I am about to start a ls1/4l60e swap into my 70 impala 4drht and would love some detailed pics of your swap.
brettcollins_17@yahoo.com is my email
thanks.
brettcollins_17@yahoo.com is my email
thanks.
08-10-2010, 08:21 AM
#13
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do you remember how long your driveshaft was and where you got it from? it is a 1 peice, right? what rear end is in the car? im still working on a 67 ls1 turbo and i think we finally got our shaft right, but i gotta work on pinion angle.
08-11-2010, 01:51 PM
#14
Sounds like an awesome build! Thanks for posting up all the info. I hope yoyu can figure out the picture thing, because I really want to see this!
This should help
http://www.tetra-fish.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12535
http://www.tetra-fish.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12535
08-11-2010, 06:27 PM
#16
Sounds like an awesome build! Thanks for posting up all the info. I hope yoyu can figure out the picture thing, because I really want to see this!
This should help
http://www.tetra-fish.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12535
This should help
http://www.tetra-fish.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12535
