1972 "Heavy Chevy" LS1 Frame-Off
1972 "Heavy Chevy" LS1 Frame-Off I've been working on this "project" for going on six years now and would really like to finish it up. So I'm hoping I can show you all what I've got so far and maybe get some feedback on how to proceed. The Cardomain link in my sig is a little more up-to-date if you want to see more
Here she is a few years ago when I was just getting started
I originally had a TH-350 bolted up to the LS1, but later I traded it and some cash for a 4L60e since the Painless harness required it. You can also see that I used to have shorty headers but I have recently upgraded to Hooker longtubes
After getting the 4L60 in I noticed that the body was sitting on the transmission and not reaching it's remaining body mounts so I cut this hole
Here you can see the longtubes and the fiberglass fenders in place (but not really mounted)
I replaced the original frame with one from a '68 Cutlass convertible after mine cracked while I was jacking the car up. Long story short, I must have scrapped the old transmission crossmember and now I'm stuck with this piece that contacts my exhaust flanges and doesn't seem to dip low enough in the middle for the 4L60e. Should I fabricate a new one or modify this one?
Here she is a few years ago when I was just getting started
I originally had a TH-350 bolted up to the LS1, but later I traded it and some cash for a 4L60e since the Painless harness required it. You can also see that I used to have shorty headers but I have recently upgraded to Hooker longtubes
After getting the 4L60 in I noticed that the body was sitting on the transmission and not reaching it's remaining body mounts so I cut this hole
Here you can see the longtubes and the fiberglass fenders in place (but not really mounted)
I replaced the original frame with one from a '68 Cutlass convertible after mine cracked while I was jacking the car up. Long story short, I must have scrapped the old transmission crossmember and now I'm stuck with this piece that contacts my exhaust flanges and doesn't seem to dip low enough in the middle for the 4L60e. Should I fabricate a new one or modify this one?
Last edited by LS1HeavyChevy; Oct 27, 2009 at 05:51 PM.
I have the f-body oil pan but I hear good things about the cts-v pan. I've got a set of Trans-Dapt motor mount adapters, but I had to shim the hell out of them to get the oil pan off the frame.
At first I thought it was a bad idea to cut up an original HeavyChevy, but then I read that you didn't have the original motor for it. Are you going to put the outside back to stock with the factory HeavyChevy stickers and stripes? Will be a cool ride when you get done, keep up the good work.
A convertible cross member and a coupe are different. A Elcamino and convertible have the same cross member. Just out of curiosity why fiberglass fenders? Nothing wrong with them just wondering for weight savings?
I am doing a 70 frame off LS2/T56 conversion. I am using the CSTv pan and Hooker headers. I made my own mounts and repositioned the original frame mounts with a 3/16 inch spacer under each one. I am doing some similar stuff to your build. I have tubular a arms and the Vette style alternator bracket.
I am doing a 70 frame off LS2/T56 conversion. I am using the CSTv pan and Hooker headers. I made my own mounts and repositioned the original frame mounts with a 3/16 inch spacer under each one. I am doing some similar stuff to your build. I have tubular a arms and the Vette style alternator bracket.
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I used a CTS-V pan on my swap.. that was done in the end of 2005.. I may have been one of the 1st ones to use it on a A-Body.. its short coming are that it does hang a bit lower than the x-member, depending on what combo of mounts you use.
Mine is +1" below and with my car lower, I have scraped and banged on it a few times on being speed bumps. I am using Early style BRP mounts.. I have Edelbrock header.. so
I know the combination that your plan on using will work out ok. I have a T56 and had to cut the top of the trans tunnel off and fab up a new top. Trans Cross member was simple. I have a TH350 x-member, I cut the tab off, flipped it over and welded it back on as needed for the correct 1-5deg angle..
good luck with all and keep us posted..
Mine is +1" below and with my car lower, I have scraped and banged on it a few times on being speed bumps. I am using Early style BRP mounts.. I have Edelbrock header.. so
I know the combination that your plan on using will work out ok. I have a T56 and had to cut the top of the trans tunnel off and fab up a new top. Trans Cross member was simple. I have a TH350 x-member, I cut the tab off, flipped it over and welded it back on as needed for the correct 1-5deg angle..
good luck with all and keep us posted..
To ls1nova71, yes I am planning on doing the original side stripes. In my opinion, the SS stripes are a little played out. Especially if it's not a real Super Sport
To bczee, you never fail to be awesome. Thanks for all your advice along the way
To bczee, you never fail to be awesome. Thanks for all your advice along the way
Oh and Bowtie70SS, yes lighter=faster so I'm going with the lift-off fiberglass hood when it comes time. Anybody have a C5 power steering pump for sale? It's the only way I can think to make the belt line up, even though I'm not not running PS
