Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula

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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 12:45 PM
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Default 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula

Hi;
Starting my first swap ever in the driveway!
Out with the Old...


Brian
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00059.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00061.jpg  
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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 12:54 PM
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Here's the new transplant and some preliminary k-member notching.
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00071.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00075.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00076.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00077.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00078.jpg  

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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 01:01 PM
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This will be an 4L65E with A/C & DBW. Rattle canned the engine bay
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-dsc00064.jpg  
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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 01:09 PM
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Took the GTO oil pan out and swapped in F-body pan.
The new motor has 36k and trans has 28k - junkyard pullouts.
Here's pics of pan, pick-up, windage tray, and all bolts --> $200+ S&H if anyone's interested PM for more details. Also have exh manifolds and engine mounts (pedestals).
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-006.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-007.jpg  

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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 01:12 PM
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Hawk's will be converting the harness, SSW 2" headers w/complete exh system, fuel reg, a/c conversion lines, mounts, trans crossmember.

If anyone has helps on A.I.R. & EGR delete, and DBW pedal mount fab - please chime in.

Brian
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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 04:14 PM
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Looks like a fun project! You may want to look around Thirdgen.org.. Someone there did a DBW converson. cant remeber who.. been a while. You'll have fun with the car! I finished mine 2 years ago and since pulled it back apart for resto/ Turbo build.
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Old Sep 2, 2011 | 09:48 PM
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Nice project, good luck!! I had an 87 TA years ago, fun cars for sure.
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Old Sep 6, 2011 | 09:23 AM
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I do enjoy the car - original owner. Put 214,000 on the original drivetrain! Then took it out on Road America (sig pic), and decided it was time for a swap. Harness should be here soon, I hope. Anxious for install.
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Old Sep 6, 2011 | 03:58 PM
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Nice! I live not to far from there maybe 45 min south are you from WI too?
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 09:01 PM
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Yes, I'm in the Fox Valley. Tracking number received for harness, should be here Fri w/complete exhaust. I'm anxious to get 'er in - and chase the gremlins. Hope to drive it to the SCCA Natl runoffs in three weeks! A Great weekend of various types of racing, and pit conversations.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 09:55 PM
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Cool build!
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Old Sep 8, 2011 | 12:13 PM
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Had a 1989 Formula bought new and loved that car. Cool build!
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Old Sep 8, 2011 | 11:17 PM
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Deleted the drive by cable and used some fender washers w/rubber washers to close it up - worked well.
If anyone needs a pedal & bracket, throttle cable, cruise control cable, and plenum bracket for cables, shoot me a PM and make an offer. I'm now wireless, so to speak!
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-008.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-009.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-010.jpg  
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Old Sep 12, 2011 | 08:48 PM
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Complete exhaust arrived. Headers are great!!
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-024.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-025.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-026.jpg  
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Old Sep 12, 2011 | 08:52 PM
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Tak Pak arrived today, and went and got my re-balanced 3" alum driveshaft with new 1350 series u-joints.
Over the weekend and cut off the GTO on the covers. I didn't like the transplant look. No way to get the black plastic background smooth and consistent, but I think it still looks better than opening the hood and seeing transplant. I don't think the letters will adhere over time, but I'll figure something else out by then.
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-023.jpg  
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Old Sep 13, 2011 | 07:46 AM
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Default nice build

Looking good, man. I am in the process of putting the exact same drivetrain in my '70 El Camino. I'm hoping you get ahead of me so I can learn from what you are doing. Good luck!
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Old Sep 13, 2011 | 09:12 PM
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Since the 4L65e came out of a GTO, am I right in assuming that I do not need the shift electronics (the black electrical connector on the shift mechanism?
No need to keep it on there if I'm not using it.
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-005.jpg  
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Old Sep 14, 2011 | 08:14 PM
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nice swap im doing a 98 ls1 and a th350 in a 87 formula
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Old Sep 15, 2011 | 09:25 PM
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I bolted the trans up, today. I swapped the hard line fittings off my 700R4 and reused those hard lines - you can see them sticking way out front. Reused the dipstick & tube, as well. Filled up the torque converter before bolt-up.
Took off the evap solenoid and lines from the LS2 in preparation for using dual catch cans from Saikou Michi - more on that once I'm in the car. If anyone is interested in that evap solenoid or the lines, PM me.
Getting anxious to drop it in. I'm going in from the top - will jack up the back as much as possible. Bagged everything that is going in the fender-well opening.
Just received my weekend ticket for SCCA Natl Runoffs of Road America next Thurs-Sun. Always amazed at the variety of racing at this event. I hope I accomplish a lot before then.
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-030.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-031.jpg  
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Old Sep 17, 2011 | 07:57 PM
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Got in in, yesterday!
Tried to put it in with the starter on - wouldn't clear the prongs on the Spohn Mounts. Then it snagged on the alternator bolt on the gusset (frame to K-member) so I took that gusset out, and it slid right in. Plenty of clearance for the oil pan.
Once in, I noticed that I could not get the fitting on the A/C. I had to take the compressor out, and re-cut and re-weld more relief horizontally all the way to the frame rail! I did not expect that from all the pics I've seen. I have compressor part # 1140104. That GTO compressor must be a real fatty. Took all day today to do that with the motor in.
The accessory drive appears to be a good 3 - 4 inches back away from the radiator compared to before. That's great - better weight transfer along with the weight savings.
Attached Thumbnails 06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-032.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-033.jpg   06 GTO LS2 --> 89 Formula-ls2-swap-035.jpg  
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