Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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1978 Trans Am 5.3 swap

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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 08:50 PM
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Default 1978 Trans Am 5.3 swap

Just thought I would share the first start up of my lm7 with everyone. Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSm2oiNgaeg

Last edited by bronx_peanut; May 25, 2010 at 07:58 PM.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 08:58 PM
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Damn, these LS engines are SMOOOOOOOOTH running engines lol On a engine stand no less.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 08:59 PM
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Sweeeet. What other mods do you have?
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 09:18 PM
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what all do you need to run your engine on the stand? I wanna test my stand alone harness before throwing my engine in my truck.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 09:22 PM
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All you need to hook up is your ground, constant power and key on from your relays also have you ECU flashed to remove the VATS and fuel of course.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 09:23 PM
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Only mods I have are the cam and an ls1 intake. Not sure what else I can do without really getting into the motor.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 10:01 PM
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did you just get a small tank with a fuel pump?
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 10:41 PM
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is that unmuffled? sounds hella quiet. but is sounds Sweet though.
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Old Feb 5, 2010 | 11:05 PM
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There is something refreshing about starting an engine for the first (or one of the first) times.

Nice job!
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Old Feb 7, 2010 | 06:29 AM
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You also need the safety chain holding the engine up to prevent it from torqueing over the stand, in case you didn't notice his. Sounds great. What did the cam mod run you?
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 08:57 AM
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What kinda vehicle you putting it in?
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 11:53 AM
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Its going into my 78 Trans Am
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 01:11 PM
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NICE!....very NICE!

when i first saw that engine was sitting on the stand and was about to be fired up, i thought it was going to be one of those america's funniest home videos type moments. i would have never thought you could safely run a motor on an engine stand.

do you have any idea what kind of power your setup wil put down?
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 05:10 PM
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I am hoping for about 400 hp. I ordered a set of edelbrock ls swap long tube headers for it today I was running the manifolds just for start up purposes.
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 06:12 PM
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man that was sweet, I thought about doing that but was afraid....
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 07:27 PM
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Really cool video....I can't tell, but how are you supplying fuel?
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 08:52 PM
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I did the same... after a few swaps I decided it's better to get things sorted on a stand rather than in the car.

I used a small, sealed can w/ a Bosch fuel pump in it wired and plumbed. Worked well.

What sort of RPM range do you expect w/ that Z06 cam and a 5.3?
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Old Feb 8, 2010 | 09:19 PM
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Stupid question but it seems the Z06 cam is a fairly common upgrade.

Are you guys using an actual Z06 take-out or are there aftermarket reproductions available?

Tipsy
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 12:59 AM
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It is a very common upgrade I bought it used off of ebay gm part number 12565308. To supply the engine fuel I used a pressurized fuel injector canister that I got from my friendly mechanic. All you do is put fuel in the canister and pressurize it with an air hose. I am hoping to get a max rpm of 6500 with this setup. I you do decied to do this cam swap be sure you swap valve springs. I am using the yellow ls6 springs.
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Old Feb 9, 2010 | 01:05 AM
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I am putting the 5.3 in this

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