Here we go, I just wish the garage I could claim as my own. Here she sits in my Dad's garage about two years ago just after purchase, not running, but waiting for some TLC.

 

Did you find the headers for the swap? Anyone know what will work well in a midyear that kept the mechanical clutch?

 

I will probably be using the following since they were designed specifically for this type of swap in mind.

http://www.speedhound.com/header/C3LSx.html

 

I've managed to build a simple, functional gauge housing for some electronic gauges. I know it isn't top shelf, but I figure it will hold over until I do a complete restoration.





Almost finished the fuel system. I've dropped the tank and found the build sheet for the corvette. Kind of a nice surprise, but it was so rotted, only bits and pieces could be made out.

Just a few more weeks and the motor finally gets a home!

 

Okay, finally moved forward a little more.

Managed to take apart the fuel tank and was surprised to find the build sheet. Not much left but a little was able to be salvaged.

I've installed a late model F-Body in-tank fuel pump and have it wired to a new fuse block with a 20 amp fuse. I've also installed new fuel lines and was wanting to test the setup.

Before I put power to the pump I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to blow anything up.

So the pump is wired to the block and ground is attached to the frame. Block has a 20 amp fuse. Now all I need to do is attach power to the block and presto?

Does this sound right or am I about to blow up something or someone?

 

Hey man, what kind of gauges are those?

 

I'm in the process of doing the LS1 swap into my 78 vette. I have a build thread I just started the other day. if interested its

C3 78' Corvette LS1/T-56 with Holset HX-55 Turbo build

Your engine looks great, seeing it has made me decide to do some major clean up on mine.

 

El cheapo, Marshall gauges. I went as about cheap as I could go knowing I may run into problems. They are going to be interim until I get enough courage, funds, and tools to do a full frame off restoration. At that point nicer ones will definitely be on the menu, but these will do until then.

I spotted your thread and will be keeping tabs on it. I hope the build goes well!

 

Been so long, couldn't believe it.

After losing two years going back to school, changing jobs, moving and now finally getting back to working on the vette.

Completed the wiring - reused the new to me LS1 harness, integrating it with the harness from the C3.

Note: Test your wiring harness!!!! Tested all the connections and found the camshaft position sensor wires were damaged and needed repair.

Installed new lead specifically for the power to the items for the new stuff going to a distribution block with fuses and relays:
Fuel Pump - Signal from the PCM
Coil Packs - Signal from Ignition
Fans Lo/Hi - Signal from PCM - to be installed


For the Starter, went with push button to engage the starter. Went this route having issue with the relay integrated into the automatic shifter. Since, I'm switching to a manual I would want the clutch switch and will add this at some point down the way as a good safety measure when starting.

Video of it running to follow soon.

Ran into a couple issues when trying to start. Put in fresh gas, primed the motor, but no start. Initially, forgot to install a VATS bypass. Then wasn't sure the coils were getting enough juice from the 8 year old battery, even with a charge/starter. Pulled a lead to a plug and installed an old plug and sure enough no spark. Replaced battery, and after a couple of short starts where it seemed she was trying to run...

My dad was on the scene and thankfully opened up the throttle body during startup and she fired up without issue. After a few seconds he was able to let go of the the throttle body and she kept going... I squealed like a little girl and probably wet myself.


Items to do:
Bulkhead connectors to move the PCM into the cab.
Bleed and install the slave cylinder.
Mount the slave and install the trans.
Install new u-joints and driveshaft.
Install accessories.
Install radiator and power steering hoses.
Intake/Airfilter.
And Gauges/Electrical Cleanup.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTT!!!!!

 

Oh while I'm at it, I'm in need of a new MAF and headers. Speedhound is now no more.

Anyone recommend a specific MAF, was going to order one from RockAuto? Any particular type or brand to stay away from?

 

Melrose has the Speedhound headers, great pieces. Went in without a problem.

Transmission is in, for some reason, it was a real bear to get in.

Recommend finding bulkhead connectors for moving your ECU into the cab, military style have some 45 pin connector units that I'm going to try out, pics to come. This will have a nice connection between the wiring harness in the engine bay transitioning to hiding in the interior through the firewall.

Next items: installing the new u-joints, confirming/adjusting pinion angle, installing bulkhead connectors, and push to start button (been trying to find a lambo style or aircraft cover military type switch - unsuccessfully).

 

Finally some updates:
Yes, I’m lazy. I haven’t uploaded the video of it running for all of 10 seconds, but felt it was a bit premature given the issues I’ve run into and only recently made forward progress after several bumps along the way.

Original driveshaft fits with LS1/T56 combo!!! WHAAAT??! Felt like I won the lottery.

So, a few pointers/recommendations:
• Grounds!!! GROUNDS!!! – Made the stupid mistake of not updating or at least cleaning my original grounds. DO IT! Save yourself some hassle and install a few extra grounds and clean the originals!!
• FI hose isn’t FI submersible hose. Use gasoline submersible rated FI hose for fuel sending units. I now hate ethanol even more.
• Just because something is new, doesn’t mean it isn’t broken. Purchased a starter with bad contacts causing me to chase my tail for two months.

Things actually accomplished:
• New U-joints Installed (Driveshaft)
• Pinion Angle Checked
• Custom Image Corvette cross member installed, fit perfect!
• Troubleshooting crank sensor error
• Troubleshooting low fuel pressure
• Troubleshooting poor starting/main fuse blowing
• Two button start setup (one button for ACC, Fuel Pump relay power (activation still controlled by PCM), run condition notification to PCM, and coil power; second button for power to engage starter)
• Mock up of coolant hoses
• New custom bent brake lines

Current Focus:
• PCV system with catch can
• Installation of submersible rated hose for fuel sending unit
• Installing shift plate with shift rod (probably not their names)
• Bleed clutch
• Bleed rear brakes
• Test Coolant system

To Do:
• Install bulkhead connector to move PCM into cabin and clean up electrical system
• Install Accessories (Alternator and PS initially)
• Install dash with new gauges

Big hurrah will be getting the old girl down to my home from the farm so things on the interior and exterior can move forward much faster. Been a long drawn out project having only the chance to work on the car a weekend a month. Between forgetting tools, delays, not having the car handy to measure and test to determine what I actually need. Been a real test of my patience. Was close to wanting to give up a few times (freaking new starter not working was a big smack to the face).

I have a new found respect for those who have done the swap and still holding my breath – that mine will soon be running in another couple months.

 

Yes Yes Yes. I would love to do this swap with my wife some day.

We need more pictures of where you are with it.

 

Transmission installed and Headers Mounted:



Wired up all relays in order (need to label them). Grounds are in black. Yellow is IGN: wired to On/Off button. Provides power to fuel pump relay (PCM signals Pump), Coils, and signals PCM of start condition.

Starter is wired to secondary momentary switch.



As she sits, finally running on all cylinders (video was taken at this moment).


Still has a lot of small piddly things to do before on the road.

 

Link to Video of it running:

 

Geez, I'm slower than molasses in January.

Finally running, but not drivable for anywhere more than 5 min or less.

Final list of to dos:

Mount Radiator Fluid Reservoir
Mount buttons for ACC/ON and IGN in Dash
Clean up Wiring
Finish Building Exhaust

State Inspection


Later on the list:

Build Mounting Brackets for "new" leather seats out of an RX-8
Prep for Paint
Linear Actuators for Headlights

 

Added Mounts and Brackets for Coolant and MC Reservoir:






Built brackets for ECU to mount within fender well:









Cleaning up the wiring....yep. Working on building a new dash...

 

almost 7 years later from thread start date, thats crazy

 

Oye it makes me want to cry.

2 years - MBA
4 years - Moved away for a job
0.5 years - Getting corvette to me now that I have a place to work

yep... oye.....

yep six years lost


...yep..