the_merv

iTrader: (88)

This thread is to document the build on my SS and show what it took to build this car.
I did the initial build on this car in Dec 2010, and in the last couple weeks overhauled the car installing new parts and modifying others to make the build more refined.
This is what the car currently looks like, has come a long ways in 9 years since I bought it.









MOD LIST:

1984 Monte SS
2006 6.0l LQ4, LS2 243 Heads, LS6 Intake, LS1 Fbody Accessories
Thunder Racing Cam, 230/236 .592/.602 112+3 LSA, Texas Speed Hardened Pushrods, BTR .660 Dual Coil Valve Springs
Built T56 6spd Manual Transmission, Monster Stage 3 Clutch, B&M Ripper Shifter, custom Clutch Pedal
Pypes Race Pro Mufflers, 3" True Dual Exhaust over axle with Xpipe
Quick Performance Custom 9" Rear End, Detroit TruTrac Differential with Richmond 3.89 Gears
UMI Performance Front & Rear Solid Sway Bars, Rear Boxed Lower Control Arms with Double Adjustable Upper Control Arms
Bilstein Shocks, Eibach Front Springs cut, UMI Rear Springs, C5 Z06 Front Disc Brakes, LT1 Fbody Rear Disc Brakes, TRZ Solid Body Bushings
Tuned with HP Tuners

MODS I USED TO MAKE THE LS SWAP:

EBAY LS NON SETBACK SBC Adapter Plates, 1999-2002 GM Truck Throttle Cable
Heddman Hustler 45036 LS Gbody Swap Long Tube Headers
Holley 302-1 Oil Pan (Yes, it fits this car)
LT1 Fbody Radiator & Fans, 1998 Fbody Fuse Box, modified 1999 LS1 Fbody Engine Harness, 2002 LS1 Fbody 0411 PCM
Modified Jegs 700R4 Double Hump Crossmember for the T56
EFI Gbody Gas Tank, Walbro 255 EFI Intank Pump, Modified EFI Gbody Sending Unit, C5 Corvette Fuel Filter/Regulator

T56 6spd Manual Gbody Swap

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/t56-6...a-gbody.60659/

Electronic Speedo Conversion

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/elect...FwYlbwWJhzEEtA

C5 Z06 Front Brake Swap

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/c5-z0...WiGszGL13qBwp8

Detailed pictures of the setup in my SS

Attachment 714612

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

With the recent overhaul I swapped in the Holley 302-1 Oil Pan for proper ground clearance. It is flush with the Engine Cradle.
I used to have the GM Muscle Car Oil Pan, also called the H3 Pan.

Pics below comparing the two..





I freshened up the T56, and installed the Monster Stage 3 Clutch to get a little more bite over the LS7 Clutch I had



Once that was done, the package was bolted together and ready for install. The Holley Pan is about 1/4" lower than the T56 Bellhousing



Mounts are the stock Gbody SBC Clamshells bolted onto LS NON SETBACK Plates and on the factory cradle pads







Fuel System has been the same for 9 years without issue. GM EFI Gbody Gas Tank, GM Gbody EFI Sending Unit modified to work with the LS Setup, Walbro 255 Pump.

Gas Tank I used



First thing I did was take the Sending Unit and adapted it for the LS Return setup. The way it was setup from the factory is the 1/4" was the return, and the 5/16" was the EVAP Vent. I turned the 1/4" into the vent, and the 5/16" into the return for the LS fuel system.
I modified the Sending Unit by cutting off the baffle on the end of the 5/16" line and opened up the end of it. This picture here is BEFORE I drilled out that little pin hole there. This little hole on the 5/16" line NEEDS TO BE DRILLED OUT.



Once that is done, then cut a vent in the 1/4 metal line to vent the tank. This helps, it still gets a little splash back on fill up but that is by the design of the whole system. Cutting this slit on the 1/4" now turns that into the vent for the gas tank.



Here is the finished setup with a Walbro 255 GSS 342 Pump installed. The threaded flange was also cut off of the 3/8" line on the sending unit



Install into the EFI Gas Tank and run the proper EFI Rubber Lines







C5 Filter/Regulator mounted up on the front passengers corner



EVAP Line on the SS used as the 5/16" return line

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

GM LS1 Fbody Engine Accessories



GM LT1 Fbody Radiator & Fans



Jeep Cherokee Steering Shaft Mod



Using stock 1999-2002 Truck Throttle Cable



Modified 1999 LS1 Fbody Harness



2002 PCM mounted behind the dash, wiring ran through the Trans Tunnel



1998 Fbody Fuse Box mounted in the front drivers corner



Battery relocation to the trunk



T56 Shifter location

WFO_SS

iTrader: (2)

where did you get that fake bread box for your center console?

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Dixie Montecarlo

CattleAc

iTrader: (7)

Your console setup turned out bitchin'...

The whole swap is vey well executed, But the console looks totally "factory".

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Thanks. The goal with this was to make this swap look Factory. Over the years I've refined it but the initial swap definitely has come a long ways. It's pretty much to the point of a finished running and driving car now. Gas it up, change the oil, and drive.

This Thread here isn't a build progress thread, it is a finished car with full documentation to show people what parts do what.

Which in my opinion that's what I would want to see. The finished product that way you're not sorting through a bunch of pictures just to get to it.

CattleAc

iTrader: (7)

I'd say mission accomplished.


This is an excellent idea...Someday I'd like to do the same with my A-body LS wagon swap...

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Little bump to the top, had a message on this for some of the info, been a while since I've been in here.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Been a while since I've posted in here, made some changes to the SS.

Installed TRZ Solid Aluminum Body Bushings to replace the older wore out factory ones..



Installing those lifted the whole car about 1/2" or so. Knowing that was going to happen I bought and installed UMI Performance Rear Springs, and cut 3/4 Coil from both of the front Eibach Springs that I've had in the car since I built it in 2010. Currently sitting looking like this here..



The solid body bushings definitely stiffened the car up, they don't dampen the road vibrations like the rubber ones did so you feel some stuff a little more, but other than that it drives pretty smooth and looks good.

G Atsma

I would suspect the aluminum bushings allow a more "connected" feel with the road. Kinda like a unibody.....

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Definitely stiffens the car up. I could have went with Poly or rubber, wanted to try these and see what they do. Install wasn't too bad, this is a garage kept southern car so no rust. Old ones out, new ones in with plenty of Antisieze.

The first goal with the body bushing change was to level the body on the frame to chase an issue I've been having in the rear, the drivers side sits lower than the passengers side by about 1/2". Some people say it's because of the weight balance of the car. Gas tank is heavier toward the drivers side more, the steering column and steering box with the linkage is all on the drivers side. Battery I have mounted on the passenger side of the trunk above the rear axle. The frame isn't bent and everything measures out even so it's just what it is. The car drives smooth and straight on the road.

G Atsma

Shim the LR spring about 1/2". Solved.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Already shimmed 1" on the drivers side to see what it would do, brought it much closer than it was. Upper spring perches are even, everything is right in the back. Front is setup right and measures even. Just what it is.

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Was this originally a non-AC car? I don't think I have ever seen a Monte SS without AC...pretty cool.

Andrew

onebadbowtie86

iTrader: (13)

I did a frame off on my 86 monte carlo, had a build thread years ago on mcss. cars never been wrecked, and frame etc is straight but mine also sits lower on drivers side rear. I did coil overs and straightened it out some but still not perfect. Kind of annoying but seems pretty typical.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Several Gbody guys I know have said the same, if I'm within 1/2" it's not bad compared to some of the other ones.

Had AC in it but the box was wrecked and I got this from a Malibu for cheap, controls and everything.

onebadbowtie86

iTrader: (13)

I also put a non a/c setup in my car.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Looks like the Fuel Rail Covers fit well. I have never been able to run them with the 5.3l HO Round Coils I have.

TmacSS

i had an 86 and that is exactly what the 80's Monte SS cars needed.........more power !!!