jjamm7667

After reading so many posts and looking at so many pictures I am ready to get started on my first LS project.

I have a 1971 Monte Carlo that's actually very good body wise considering I'm in Ohio that I plan to put a LQ9/4L60 combo in.

I'm looking for an LQ9 because of the power it has without any mods to the engine but if I can get a 5.3 (much cheaper) and do some simple mods (cam, intake ect.) for around 300.00 bucks, and get LQ9 power I'll do it.

Since this is my first project I guess you could call it a budget build.

My goal is to have my car go from this:









To something like this:

downset71

Good choice.

jjamm7667

Just got the interior out...The floors look pretty good.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9548867955/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9548866529/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9551652752/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9551650528/

BanditDave

iTrader: (11)

yea man, count your blessings. That floor looks really good. You just saved yourself a few weeks of work and a lot of swearing...haha.

Now get that swap done!!!!

jjamm7667

I'm slowly making progress on my project. Today when I got home from work I took the engine and trans out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9612553596/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9612556524/
I originally said I wanted a LQ9/4L60 combo but I came across this link from some one elses post and if I read it correctly I can go with an inexpensive 5.3 (LM7) and add a stock LS7 CAM and get 422 Hp and 395 lb torque.

Is that a good combo?

BOXCHEV

iTrader: (3)

I don't think so, I would do a search on ls7 cams in 5.3. I don't know much on picking cams but I know even IF it worked good in a 5.3 that this wont be a direct swap. Pretty sure you would need a new front cover with the cam sensor on it, cam sensor extension, then remove the old cam sensor and plug it maybe, not to mention whatever else would come into play with that.

May be easier to just get a custom cam.

jjamm7667

Making some more progress. I'm going to do what I can then its going to the body shop. By then I should be settled on my engine setup. The 3rd picture is showing hidden VIN's in case someone needed to know.

BEFORE
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9639520020/
AFTER
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9636364281/

Hidden VIN's

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9639614744/

KY Nova

iTrader: (1)

I had a copper 72 when I was 16. Love these cars and i'll be watching. Good luck.

Jimbo1367

It does look pretty clean for a northern car. Any more body pics? I've always heard the manufacturers had vins' on other parts, but I always assumed it was like 1985 ish and newer. Do other GM products have the hidden vin's in the same spot?

i r teh noobz

iTrader: (4)

I'll be watching this one.

Where are you at? I'm in Canton.

jjamm7667

I know there's a post explaining this but I can't seem to find it.

Are these frame mounts short and wide or tall and narrow? Im thinking short and wide.

To answer the question about other hidden VIN's....I don't know. I'm in Cleveland and I am lucky to have a car in such good condition.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9648634998/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52063970@N04/9648632490/

ModMuscle

Love it! I had a 72 Monte and it was awesome! With Hotchkis springs and sway bar, it handled surprisingly good for a big car!
Wish you all the best with your Monte!

SS67SS

Gen 1's are true classics!

I had a '71 survivor and used it as a D/D....drove it all over the state. Great highway cars that blew ice cubes with those massive A6 compressors. Sold it and 5 days later it got stolen from buyer and ran into a lake.

Jimbo1367

Nice looking ride. by chance, was it YOU that stolen your old ride and ditch it into the lake in sellers remorse? LOL. Feel bad for the person who bought it. Hope he had it insured!!!

ig109

Always loved the 1st gens.. Guy two years ago on power tour with a 24V cummins in one.. under the stock hood!! Engine bay room for days..

Great build.. keep the updates coming..

SS67SS

No joke! The fan shroud is basically a 55 gallon jug open of both ends.

jjamm7667

It's been a while since I've posted. Been busy. Today i spent $800.00 bucks on all this:

Complete 5.3 / 4l60 out of a 2005 Slilverado
complete harness and computer
exhaust manifolds w/o2 sensors
LS1 intake #12560688
extra water pump (f-body)
extra flywheel
Hummer Oil pan (installed)
Original oil pan with tray and all
A/C and all accessories













The guy had too many projects going and I think I caught a great deal. Im also in the process of installing disc brakes from a 2000 camaro.

Im going to be busy for a while.

1975delta88

Nice build. I have 70 with an LS3. You might consider a Holley pan though to clear your tie rods

76larkman

LT1Swap.com has the wiring info needed to make stand alone harness.

jjamm7667

I made a little progress today. I took out a 350 I had in and installed my 5.3 I had no clearance issues at all.