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This is my first LS build, I definitely learned a lot along the way.
For this generation of mustang there isn't much LS conversion information or swap parts compared to other years. Most people opt for a coyote swap.
Picked up a 5.3 for cheap off craigslist, it included all the accessories, computer and harness. The engine was sold as a "core" but thought I would take the gamble.
Tore it down.....
The cylinder wall had some good sized gouges in it. It will make a good mock up & spare parts engine.
Started to rework the harness.
Picked up a 4l80e from a 2006 silverado.
Pulled out the blown up V6 from the mustang.
The engine fit great. I had to build mounts for it and attached them to the factory subframe. The truck pan had clearance issues with the power steering rack and hung far to low. I went with a aftermarket pan from Jegs.
Getting the transmission to fit was a challenge. I had to heavily massage the transmission tunnel and cut off about half of the factory crossmember mount. I then extended the crossmember mounts further back and built a tube cross member.
Started working on the fuse box that will provide power to the LS harness.
Picked up a another engine from LKQ, pulled the valve cover and found a surprise.....only 130K
Loaded it back up in the truck and returned it. I ordered a second one from them...much better. They were very easy to deal with on the return.
Another issue, one of the spark plugs was slightly cross threaded. I'm guessing it happened after the compression test. Only a few threads were damaged. I ended up pulling the head off and running a chase through it from the combustion chamber side. I didn't take any pictures of it.
Painted the block and got it ready to reinstall.
Plumbed in a fuel return to the fuel hat and ran a -6 return line. Also added a Automotive adjustable fuel regulator. Running the stock pump.
I was able to run the factory radiator and fan. I used Hooker exhaust manifolds 8501HKR. They fit great plenty of clearance on both sides. Running a remote oil filter housing with the aftermarket pan.
Fab'd up a gas pedal using a Silverado DWB pedal.
Installed a B&M shifter. I also swapped all the interior to black with leather seats. Found a great deal on craigslist, $200 for all the interior of a wrecked mustang. I was excited to get rid of all the ugly grey cloth.
Also, swapped in a 8.8 rear end from a GT.
Build an exhaust and buttoned everything up.
Purchased HP tuners to delete Vats and all the unnecessary things.
I drove the car over the summer and had fun, it wasn't to fast but I didn't expect to much from a stock LM7
Decided to go with the 'merica kit from Motion Raceworks. In my option its a very good DIY kit with quality components for the price.
Comes with:
PT7675 .96 AR
JGS Wastegate
JGS BOV
Hot and cold side kit with flanges and vbands
I need to get some stuff out of the way to make room for the turbo.
Bent some tube for a front bash bar and lower sub frame.
Removed the factory radiator and went with a aftermarket dual core.
Build a bracket for the turbo, then started cutting some tube and pie cuts. This project would have sucked without a metal bandsaw. Luckily I scored a old one off craigslist for $100.
TIG Time. I've been welding as a hobby for a few years. Pretty happy how most of the welds looked. Everything was back purged as well.
Picked up a Treadstone Intercooler and built all of the charge piping.
Put High temp Cerakote on the exhaust manifolds and turbo housing.
After the turbo stuff was all built, I pulled the engine for a Cam and Stall.
TSP Stage 2 Turbo cam with springs and retainers
Arp Head studs
3200 Circle D billet stall
Swapped out the pan with a Summit racing pan with the filter housing built in. The remote filter was a pain to deal with. Everything had the same dimension.
After reading about terminator X, I was convinced to ditch the factory computer. Wish I would have done this from the beginning.
With the terminator X I converted over to Cable throttle. Luckily a company makes the cable pedal conversion but you have to delete your windshield wipers.
Those S197s have a lot more room under the hood than the Fox/SN95 platform cars. The downpipe routing is still obviously tight, but the truck accessory drive and intake manifold don't clear the stock hood on the older cars. Pretty cool.
Powerglide, this is a purpose built Drag Week car that runs mid 8's, has a full interior and stock location suspension, it is street legal but not a daily. You did a great job working within the original systems. Mine is all rewired and has no Ford electronics except for the power windows. I use Holley EFI as engine management and digital dash.
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