vdiaz133

I have been a member of this forum for quite some time, just sitting back, reading and trying to learn the in's and out's of an LS conversion. I have finally decided to take the plunge.
I have a 71 Pontiac Ventura that I'm going to convert to an LS1. I bought this running Ventura, on ebay but the body is rough and is going to need a lot of work. Its a good thing that its' like a NOVA so parts should be plentifull. It came with an inline 6 with an on the column 3 speed.
So far, I have bought an LS1 out of a 04 GTO with a six speed
(34xxx miles). I got it with the ECM, the wiring and all the accessories. Now I'm ready to mock it up before I send the subframe to get powder coated.
After reading up on some conversions, I have decided to take the first step and go with the following.

Mast Oil pan
Dynatech headers
Carshopinc 1" conversion setback
Classic industries small block frame brackets
Classic industries short and wide poly mounts

My question to ya'll is:
Any problems fitting with this set up? Any opinions?

I just want to make sure this will fit before I bust out the credit card
Everybody loves pictures, so here's a few.

oldgoat69

This car looks like my old Ventura, same color and all. It ended up with a SBC TH350, caged and mini tubbed.
I think if memory serves that all of the first gen Camaro conversion parts should work here. Can't promise on the pan.

Anthony Williams

iTrader: (3)

Muscle car under Lou did a LS 6 speed swap in a I belive 70 Nova, requierd alot of tunnel mods to fit the 6 speed in.

vdiaz133

Well that sucks but I really want the 6 speed so I may have to chop the tunnel. I went ahead and ordered a bunch of parts for the mock up so I've got my fingers crossed and we'll see how everything fits.

74ventura

I just put an lq9 in my 74 ventura. Not too bad. Bought the 1 inch set back mounts and used the morroso 20140 pan

t_raven

iTrader: (12)

Nice! I want to build a Ventura someday

Chevy406

iTrader: (12)

There is a part of me that screams - DON"T TOUCH THE BODY/PAINT ON THAT CAR!!! ESPECIALLY THE DOG DISH HUBCAPS. Of course that is totally for you to decide, but there is something pretty cool about authentic patina. It sounds like you have a great parts list, and are well on your way to turning that car into a driver. You may find that the valve cover and heater box are very close with the 1" setback - my Nova was too close with the taller valve covers I used. But with stock valve covers it should be acceptable. Good luck with the project. Keep plugging away at it.

vdiaz133

Thanks guys. I have received a lot of the parts already and will begin mocking up soon. I will take pictures of the goodies tomorrow just to show off.

Moter

iTrader: (20)

Updates?

vdiaz133

As a matter of fact I do..
I have been working on this for the last few months. Its been going slow but its going. I wanted to wait until I had some progress before updating. I have done all the motor and tranny mock up on just got the subframe from the powdercoat shop today. I ended up with:

Mast oil pan
Carshop plates in the standard location.
Short and wide frame and motor mounts
Stainless works headers.
G-Force crossmember

If anybody wants to use to use this combination, I guarantee it will all fit without cutting or any modifications......Well so far. No spacers on the frame mounts of any kind. Of course this doesn't take into account the accesories. I went with the GTO setup so I had to notch the frame for the alternator and A/C. I did go with the Alan Grove A/C brackets to get the compressor closser to the block.

vdiaz133

Here are a couple of progress pictures

vdiaz133

a few more

vdiaz133

and a few more. This is the A/C compressor that comes with Vintage Air. I didn't buy the whole kit, im not ready for it but I did get the compressor for mock up. oh, and the Alan grove brackets

vdiaz133

I used 1/8 steel for the notches. I also made the mistake of using a oxy/acytle for cutting the steel. If i had to do it again I would have used a cutting wheel. Also after using the rod burner and not liking the results, I went ahead and bought a MIG. I know my welds look like crap but I guarantee they are strong solid welds. I haven't welded in about 15 years and my first to weld with a MIG

vdiaz133

This is my work area. Also, I had to modify the engine mount to let the A/C fit.

vdiaz133

Everything fits perfect!

vdiaz133

This is where I'm at today. I will start putting everything back together either Sunday or Monday. BTW, I did go back and welded the whole frame. The factory welds just don't look good but I guess theyre ok if its been 40 yrs. Before and After

brewster240

iTrader: (1)

im with him. a little inspiration:

http://youtu.be/96Hv_jRQMv8

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

I guess I'm not the only one looking for this? All I see is a pretty decent gold one. You don't live in California by chance do you?

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

I concur. If my car had that little rust it wouldn't be off the frame right now! Cars in this area have that much rust after 5 to 10 years.