89' IROC-Z LSX 383 Swap +AFR+T56 in 30 days or less!
03-11-2010, 09:28 PM
#1
89' IROC-Z LSX 383 Swap +AFR+T56 in 30 days or less! So over the past 2 years that I have been stationed in Japan, I have been gathering info and ordering parts to do an LS1 Swap into my 89' IROCZ. I want the car to be seriously streetable, completely reliable, fairly quick, and something out of the ordinary. I have yet to see an LS1 swapped 3rd Gen in NM. So I am about to PCS outta Japan and move to San Diego. I will arrive in ABQ on March 16th and I have 30 days to do this swap before I gotta high tail it outta here and drive to CA. The T56 that was in the car before was an LT1 style and wouldn't work with and LS1 so it has been sold and an LS1 style T56 has been acquired. Anyways here is a list of parts that I have already purchased, and a list of what I still need. I will be updating this thread once I start working on the car and will most likely have questions for the LS swap guys.
Parts I have.
ENGINE
Stock 1998 LS1
Callies Compstar 4" stroker crank
Callies compstar H-Beam Rods
Mahle -6cc forged pistons
Gaskets and bolts
Shortblock built by Performance plus in ABQ.
AFR 205cc Mongoose Heads Milled to 62cc and cleaned
Used center bolt Valve covers
Hawks LSX Throttle Cable
Hawks LSX T56 Swap Cross member
Hawks LSX Swap Motor Mounts
Hawks A/C delete shroud
Hawks LSX Swap fuel lines W/Regulator
Hawks Racetronix Fuel pump
Stand alone wiring harness from ebay member "Techrods" (anyone have experience with these harnesses?)
TRANSMISSON
T56 Tranny
LS1 Bellhousing
Ram billet flywheel
Ram HD Clutch
Pro 5.0 Shifter with Lous short stick
Ram adjustable master cylinder
LS6 slave cylinder
LS1 Driveshaft
LS1 Torque Arm
LS1 Manual trans wiring harness
PARTS I STILL NEED.
Cam
Tune
LS6 intake Mainfold
Exhaust (do shorty f-body headers work?)
Other little odds and ends I am sure I will need to get once I am working on the car.
Some pics to start everything off....
Parts I have.
ENGINE
Stock 1998 LS1
Callies Compstar 4" stroker crank
Callies compstar H-Beam Rods
Mahle -6cc forged pistons
Gaskets and bolts
Shortblock built by Performance plus in ABQ.
AFR 205cc Mongoose Heads Milled to 62cc and cleaned
Used center bolt Valve covers
Hawks LSX Throttle Cable
Hawks LSX T56 Swap Cross member
Hawks LSX Swap Motor Mounts
Hawks A/C delete shroud
Hawks LSX Swap fuel lines W/Regulator
Hawks Racetronix Fuel pump
Stand alone wiring harness from ebay member "Techrods" (anyone have experience with these harnesses?)
TRANSMISSON
T56 Tranny
LS1 Bellhousing
Ram billet flywheel
Ram HD Clutch
Pro 5.0 Shifter with Lous short stick
Ram adjustable master cylinder
LS6 slave cylinder
LS1 Driveshaft
LS1 Torque Arm
LS1 Manual trans wiring harness
PARTS I STILL NEED.
Cam
Tune
LS6 intake Mainfold
Exhaust (do shorty f-body headers work?)
Other little odds and ends I am sure I will need to get once I am working on the car.
Some pics to start everything off....
03-11-2010, 11:58 PM
#2
Nice, looks like you already have it planned out pretty well. 30 day swap should be possible. I did mine in 2 weeks into the El camino but I didn`t have a job at the time so it was 15-18 hour days working on it. I`m sure it could have been faster though, it was my first engine swap.
03-12-2010, 12:09 AM
#3
Nice, looks like you already have it planned out pretty well. 30 day swap should be possible. I did mine in 2 weeks into the El camino but I didn`t have a job at the time so it was 15-18 hour days working on it. I`m sure it could have been faster though, it was my first engine swap.
03-12-2010, 12:13 AM
#4
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I am planning a similar conversion for my 88 GTA, so I will be watching very closely. Please keep us all posted on your progress and any little things that pop up that you need.
03-12-2010, 12:45 AM
#5
I hope I'm not stating something obvious, or already covered, but I say these in an honest attempt to help. Things I didn't see on your list are the following:
radiator and hoses
cooling fans
extra wire
relays
gauges
When I did my LS1 swap into an '84 T/A I used the stock 4th gen fuel tank. It had the built in pump and regulator. I also used the 4th gen fuel lines. they fit in the back and under the car only needing modification in the engine bay. Of course, it was a stock fuel pump, but it was a clean install. Since you're going with an aftermarket pump you can use a c5 corvette fuel filter. they have an internal regulator. I used one of these on another LS1 swap I did. good for stock fuel pressure. you may need a regular regulator for your modified set up for optimal power.
The 4th gen radiator and fans fit in the car just fine, and you can use stock 4th gen radiator hoses. I did, however, have to use relays to wire in the fans.
I'd also eliminate any/ all fusable links in the electrical system. at least in my car the newer engine with greater electrical loads soon fried the fusable links and left me stranded on the road.
You can use the LS1 power steering hoses- they bolt straight into the third gen box.
Gauges you can technically run without, but are good to have. The tach should work OK, not sure if your car has a digital or mechanical speedometer, but you will need an electrical one with your t-56 (maybe you have that already) . The voltage and oil gauges should work ok, too. but you may need a sender for the oil pressure. Autometer sells a universal one. sorry, don't have the part # but you can get it on their website.
I have a small page on my ls1 swap. you can see it here. I hope it's helpful.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2407208
radiator and hoses
cooling fans
extra wire
relays
gauges
When I did my LS1 swap into an '84 T/A I used the stock 4th gen fuel tank. It had the built in pump and regulator. I also used the 4th gen fuel lines. they fit in the back and under the car only needing modification in the engine bay. Of course, it was a stock fuel pump, but it was a clean install. Since you're going with an aftermarket pump you can use a c5 corvette fuel filter. they have an internal regulator. I used one of these on another LS1 swap I did. good for stock fuel pressure. you may need a regular regulator for your modified set up for optimal power.
The 4th gen radiator and fans fit in the car just fine, and you can use stock 4th gen radiator hoses. I did, however, have to use relays to wire in the fans.
I'd also eliminate any/ all fusable links in the electrical system. at least in my car the newer engine with greater electrical loads soon fried the fusable links and left me stranded on the road.
You can use the LS1 power steering hoses- they bolt straight into the third gen box.
Gauges you can technically run without, but are good to have. The tach should work OK, not sure if your car has a digital or mechanical speedometer, but you will need an electrical one with your t-56 (maybe you have that already) . The voltage and oil gauges should work ok, too. but you may need a sender for the oil pressure. Autometer sells a universal one. sorry, don't have the part # but you can get it on their website.
I have a small page on my ls1 swap. you can see it here. I hope it's helpful.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2407208
03-12-2010, 01:35 AM
#6
A 30 day swap is very possible..it took me 7 days total work time factoring in starting with a running LT1 Car, yanking that apart, and dropping in the LS Engine with the LS Wiring Harness I made for it.
Granted it didn't happen all at once like that cause I had to wait on parts and stuff..but it was a day gettin the LT1 and wiring out..about another day re-wiring the LS Harness for the setup & getting it tuned, then a day building the LS Engine, 3 for the install and little bit of re-wiring in the car..and prob an extra day for the little stuff.
Good luck.
Granted it didn't happen all at once like that cause I had to wait on parts and stuff..but it was a day gettin the LT1 and wiring out..about another day re-wiring the LS Harness for the setup & getting it tuned, then a day building the LS Engine, 3 for the install and little bit of re-wiring in the car..and prob an extra day for the little stuff.
Good luck.
03-12-2010, 08:00 AM
#7
extra wire
relays
gauges
relays
gauges
Reusing the 3rd gen relays is just fine, several swap including mine have done it with no ill effects. The LSx doesnt require anything that the TPI didnt have to begin with. Only original carb cars have to update the fuseblock/relay center
Whats wrong with his stock gauges? 89 Should be cable driven speedo, but a cable-x box can solve that easily. The rest hook up and are A-ok with the new engine
Hes got the hawks fuel line kit with an engine bay mounts AFPR. He needs to update the fuel pump and call it a day
I still havent figured out why people go through the trouble of using a 4th gen gas tank in a 3rd gen. Lots of extra work and expensive quick connect fittings for... practically no benefits
He has a V8 3rd gen to begin with. The stock rad will be plenty fine for the new engine and the stock fan(s) are more than capable of cooling it. Once again, more work for little/no benefit to switch to 4th gen
Deleting fusible links can lead to disaster. I would suggest to move them somewhere local and not on the starter to speed troubleshooting, but running without fused protection is asking for trouble. The fans, IGN circuit, and HVAC blower fan all rely solely on the fusible link
The 3rd gen oil pressure gauge works just fine with the LSx sender. He can even reuse his stock 89 connector. Older ones require the new style connector, but wiring and the gauge are still compatible
A 30 day swap is very possible..it took me 7 days total work time factoring in starting with a running LT1 Car, yanking that apart, and dropping in the LS Engine with the LS Wiring Harness I made for it.
Granted it didn't happen all at once like that cause I had to wait on parts and stuff..but it was a day gettin the LT1 and wiring out..about another day re-wiring the LS Harness for the setup & getting it tuned, then a day building the LS Engine, 3 for the install and little bit of re-wiring in the car..and prob an extra day for the little stuff.
Granted it didn't happen all at once like that cause I had to wait on parts and stuff..but it was a day gettin the LT1 and wiring out..about another day re-wiring the LS Harness for the setup & getting it tuned, then a day building the LS Engine, 3 for the install and little bit of re-wiring in the car..and prob an extra day for the little stuff.
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03-12-2010, 10:09 AM
#9
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its very possible I did mine in like 5 days,, but only work on it for about 10-12 hrs a day , one day of the week only( wife;s deal) but i didnt have to put the engine together,,
03-15-2010, 11:08 AM
#10
A 30 day swap is very possible..it took me 7 days total work time factoring in starting with a running LT1 Car, yanking that apart, and dropping in the LS Engine with the LS Wiring Harness I made for it.
Granted it didn't happen all at once like that cause I had to wait on parts and stuff..but it was a day gettin the LT1 and wiring out..about another day re-wiring the LS Harness for the setup & getting it tuned, then a day building the LS Engine, 3 for the install and little bit of re-wiring in the car..and prob an extra day for the little stuff.
Good luck.
Granted it didn't happen all at once like that cause I had to wait on parts and stuff..but it was a day gettin the LT1 and wiring out..about another day re-wiring the LS Harness for the setup & getting it tuned, then a day building the LS Engine, 3 for the install and little bit of re-wiring in the car..and prob an extra day for the little stuff.
Good luck.
So I figure a day to pull the L98.
2 days for fuel pump/ cleaning painting.
1 day to build the engine.
2 days to drop engine/trans in.
And a week to button everything up.
Any extra wire he may want can be reused from the massive pile he will cut from his 3rd gen harness
Reusing the 3rd gen relays is just fine, several swap including mine have done it with no ill effects. The LSx doesnt require anything that the TPI didnt have to begin with. Only original carb cars have to update the fuseblock/relay center
Whats wrong with his stock gauges? 89 Should be cable driven speedo, but a cable-x box can solve that easily. The rest hook up and are A-ok with the new engine
Hes got the hawks fuel line kit with an engine bay mounts AFPR. He needs to update the fuel pump and call it a day
I still havent figured out why people go through the trouble of using a 4th gen gas tank in a 3rd gen. Lots of extra work and expensive quick connect fittings for... practically no benefits
He has a V8 3rd gen to begin with. The stock rad will be plenty fine for the new engine and the stock fan(s) are more than capable of cooling it. Once again, more work for little/no benefit to switch to 4th gen
Deleting fusible links can lead to disaster. I would suggest to move them somewhere local and not on the starter to speed troubleshooting, but running without fused protection is asking for trouble. The fans, IGN circuit, and HVAC blower fan all rely solely on the fusible link
The 3rd gen oil pressure gauge works just fine with the LSx sender. He can even reuse his stock 89 connector. Older ones require the new style connector, but wiring and the gauge are still compatible
Reusing the 3rd gen relays is just fine, several swap including mine have done it with no ill effects. The LSx doesnt require anything that the TPI didnt have to begin with. Only original carb cars have to update the fuseblock/relay center
Whats wrong with his stock gauges? 89 Should be cable driven speedo, but a cable-x box can solve that easily. The rest hook up and are A-ok with the new engine
Hes got the hawks fuel line kit with an engine bay mounts AFPR. He needs to update the fuel pump and call it a day
I still havent figured out why people go through the trouble of using a 4th gen gas tank in a 3rd gen. Lots of extra work and expensive quick connect fittings for... practically no benefits
He has a V8 3rd gen to begin with. The stock rad will be plenty fine for the new engine and the stock fan(s) are more than capable of cooling it. Once again, more work for little/no benefit to switch to 4th gen
Deleting fusible links can lead to disaster. I would suggest to move them somewhere local and not on the starter to speed troubleshooting, but running without fused protection is asking for trouble. The fans, IGN circuit, and HVAC blower fan all rely solely on the fusible link
The 3rd gen oil pressure gauge works just fine with the LSx sender. He can even reuse his stock 89 connector. Older ones require the new style connector, but wiring and the gauge are still compatible
He needs to make a long trip after the 30 day period. Its an all or nothing deal. Personally Id drive the SBC for the trip and do the swap when time/space isnt an issue. His window leaves no plan B should the swap have an unexpected critical failure. Im not saying it cant be done in the window, hes just betting on everything being good. My swap took 6 days from driving it onto the lift until driving it home with 5 days of actual work. I also had a mountain of parts nearly as tall as the car and had been going over the job detail by detail for nearly a year so there wouldnt be any surprises. My critical failure was the oil pump which nearly wrecked the whole swap. His will be new, but thats not saying everything will work out smooth as glass
1.The car currently has no tranny.
2. I can't bring all my tools, the LS1, extra parts, and other **** with me in my car.
3. Im itching to get this swap done.
So Plan B=Last minute airline ticket. I have also been doing SO much research for the past 2 years that I have been planning for this. Also been buying tons of parts for the swap as you can see the list I made in the first post. Oil pump is a brand new TSP ported LS6.
I am currently sitting in the airport waiting for my flight. Should be arriving home in about 36hours. I ******* hate airports.... ah well, will post pics once progress progresses!! lol
Last edited by 89L98T56; 03-15-2010 at 11:14 AM.
03-23-2010, 02:21 AM
#20
Ordered a bunch of ****. Tomorrow is pull the wiring harness for the TPI motor, rip out the AC, pedals, throttle cable, and old motor mounts. Paint the engine compartment, and install new pedals, master cylinder, throttle cable, and FPR. Will update with pics.