Pontiac Ventura LS1 Build
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2009
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Pontiac Ventura LS1 Build I have been a member of this forum for quite some time, just sitting back, reading and trying to learn the in's and out's of an LS conversion. I have finally decided to take the plunge.
I have a 71 Pontiac Ventura that I'm going to convert to an LS1. I bought this running Ventura, on ebay but the body is rough and is going to need a lot of work. Its a good thing that its' like a NOVA so parts should be plentifull. It came with an inline 6 with an on the column 3 speed.
So far, I have bought an LS1 out of a 04 GTO with a six speed
(34xxx miles). I got it with the ECM, the wiring and all the accessories. Now I'm ready to mock it up before I send the subframe to get powder coated.
After reading up on some conversions, I have decided to take the first step and go with the following.
Mast Oil pan
Dynatech headers
Carshopinc 1" conversion setback
Classic industries small block frame brackets
Classic industries short and wide poly mounts
My question to ya'll is:
Any problems fitting with this set up? Any opinions?
I just want to make sure this will fit before I bust out the credit card
Everybody loves pictures, so here's a few.
I have a 71 Pontiac Ventura that I'm going to convert to an LS1. I bought this running Ventura, on ebay but the body is rough and is going to need a lot of work. Its a good thing that its' like a NOVA so parts should be plentifull. It came with an inline 6 with an on the column 3 speed.
So far, I have bought an LS1 out of a 04 GTO with a six speed
(34xxx miles). I got it with the ECM, the wiring and all the accessories. Now I'm ready to mock it up before I send the subframe to get powder coated.
After reading up on some conversions, I have decided to take the first step and go with the following.
Mast Oil pan
Dynatech headers
Carshopinc 1" conversion setback
Classic industries small block frame brackets
Classic industries short and wide poly mounts
My question to ya'll is:
Any problems fitting with this set up? Any opinions?
I just want to make sure this will fit before I bust out the credit card
Everybody loves pictures, so here's a few.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, Ga
This car looks like my old Ventura, same color and all. It ended up with a SBC TH350, caged and mini tubbed.
I think if memory serves that all of the first gen Camaro conversion parts should work here. Can't promise on the pan.
I think if memory serves that all of the first gen Camaro conversion parts should work here. Can't promise on the pan.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 18
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Well that sucks but I really want the 6 speed so I may have to chop the tunnel. I went ahead and ordered a bunch of parts for the mock up so I've got my fingers crossed and we'll see how everything fits.
There is a part of me that screams - DON"T TOUCH THE BODY/PAINT ON THAT CAR!!! ESPECIALLY THE DOG DISH HUBCAPS. Of course that is totally for you to decide, but there is something pretty cool about authentic patina. It sounds like you have a great parts list, and are well on your way to turning that car into a driver. You may find that the valve cover and heater box are very close with the 1" setback - my Nova was too close with the taller valve covers I used. But with stock valve covers it should be acceptable. Good luck with the project. Keep plugging away at it.
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Thread Starter
Teching In
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As a matter of fact I do..
I have been working on this for the last few months. Its been going slow but its going. I wanted to wait until I had some progress before updating. I have done all the motor and tranny mock up on just got the subframe from the powdercoat shop today. I ended up with:
Mast oil pan
Carshop plates in the standard location.
Short and wide frame and motor mounts
Stainless works headers.
G-Force crossmember
If anybody wants to use to use this combination, I guarantee it will all fit without cutting or any modifications......Well so far. No spacers on the frame mounts of any kind. Of course this doesn't take into account the accesories. I went with the GTO setup so I had to notch the frame for the alternator and A/C. I did go with the Alan Grove A/C brackets to get the compressor closser to the block.
I have been working on this for the last few months. Its been going slow but its going. I wanted to wait until I had some progress before updating. I have done all the motor and tranny mock up on just got the subframe from the powdercoat shop today. I ended up with:
Mast oil pan
Carshop plates in the standard location.
Short and wide frame and motor mounts
Stainless works headers.
G-Force crossmember
If anybody wants to use to use this combination, I guarantee it will all fit without cutting or any modifications......Well so far. No spacers on the frame mounts of any kind. Of course this doesn't take into account the accesories. I went with the GTO setup so I had to notch the frame for the alternator and A/C. I did go with the Alan Grove A/C brackets to get the compressor closser to the block.
Last edited by vdiaz133; Sep 21, 2012 at 08:00 PM. Reason: forgot to add the crossmember
Thread Starter
Teching In
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I used 1/8 steel for the notches. I also made the mistake of using a oxy/acytle for cutting the steel. If i had to do it again I would have used a cutting wheel. Also after using the rod burner and not liking the results, I went ahead and bought a MIG. I know my welds look like crap but I guarantee they are strong solid welds. I haven't welded in about 15 years and my first to weld with a MIG
Thread Starter
Teching In
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This is where I'm at today. I will start putting everything back together either Sunday or Monday. BTW, I did go back and welded the whole frame. The factory welds just don't look good but I guess theyre ok if its been 40 yrs. Before and After
There is a part of me that screams - DON"T TOUCH THE BODY/PAINT ON THAT CAR!!! ESPECIALLY THE DOG DISH HUBCAPS. Of course that is totally for you to decide, but there is something pretty cool about authentic patina. It sounds like you have a great parts list, and are well on your way to turning that car into a driver. You may find that the valve cover and heater box are very close with the 1" setback - my Nova was too close with the taller valve covers I used. But with stock valve covers it should be acceptable. Good luck with the project. Keep plugging away at it.
http://youtu.be/96Hv_jRQMv8
