Hello all

Planning a LS1 (or 2) conversion on a little S10 currently a 4 cylinder 5 speed. Main concern is how to stuff all the parts such as alternator and a/c compressor in the S10 engine compartment. I do not want to cut the frame rail to clear the stock location a/c compressor where it is at on the LS engines. Ran across a full accessory set up from a V6 on E-Bay. Got to thinking, wonder if all that would bolt onto the LS series engine. Would require some research BUT I think the V6 stuff is used on some of the V8 engines in trucks. Take a look at THIS auction and see what ya think. Or, if anyone has tried this or thought of it.......would like to hear your thoughts.
Seems too easy, if all the V6 stuff would bolt on the V8 and work. Haven't seen or heard of it being done. If this stuff would work, what a time saver that would be. Look forward to thoughts.
Other thing I been pondering is exhaust. Seems the V8's have cats on each bank of the engine, right off the manifolds. Thinking that ain't gonna happen in my little S10 frame rails. However, I require cats here in Missouri. Wondering, could I do one cat in the exhaust system or does it require two?

 

Does my post need to be moved to the newbie forum or elsewhere? Just wondering because I figured someone would know if the V6 bracketry would work on the LS1 (modified or not).

If my post does need to be elsewhere, MODS.........move if required please.

Thanks, appreciate it.

 

Pretty sure that if it fit, people would be doing it. To my knowledge, the dimensions of the LS1 vs. the V6 do not allow the brackets to be swapped over, also, the difference in the water pump probably makes for some clearance issues as well with how the brackets usually go around it and how they bolt up.
Maybe with some modification they could work, but I wouldn't imagine it would be simple, or like I said, all of the people swapping out their V6 for an LS1 would already have done that.
As for converters, I know people that have run 2 cats on regular cab short bed S trucks, they just have to be staggered a bit. Oryou can run one and put both rear O2's in the same spot, or better yet... eliminate the rear O2's and just use the one cat.

 

accessories don't interchange with LS1 346(5.7) engine. Your options are: Corvette accessories, or LS truck accessories. When using the Vette accessories, you will need to buy the S & P Sanden 508 A/C compressor & pully's, or fabricate your own "passenger side/high" A/C bracketry using the LT1 type Delco A/C compressor. JohnB on this board went this route & offers the bracket(s), etc., to accomplish this. This will be the answer for not cutting your crossmember, etc... I am not sure, but I think using all the truck accessories, including the A/C, will work "as is", someone correct me if I'm wrong. Hope this helps. Gar

 

Thanks for the info, appreciate it. If the "LS truck" bracketry possibly works, what engine do these come from? The Vortec stuff won't work on LS engines will it? Wish there were some more pictures of these type of conversions. Either way, I have got to figure out a way to get the A/C compressor up on top as well as the alternator. Shall continue my search for further info. However, if anyone has info as to where I can see pics of folks that used the LS truck brackets OR fabbed their own, that would be kewl too!

 

the truck brackets will give you less clearace than the corvette brackets, if you move the radiator to the forward position,by cutting the support and putting the corvette radiator inside it. you may have enough room for the truck acc. I don't know for sure! I used the corvette acc. and relocated the a/c to the passenger side top. the 4.8 5.3 6.0 truck engine is the ls1 type 99 and up, they are all coil on plug efi engines. you can see pics of the brackets as well as the support modification on turbols6.com click on gallery, scroll down to typoon z06, THANKS

 

I put a 5.3 LS1 in my 89 s-10 frame. You will have 1/4-1/2" clearance for the A/C. This is obviously not enough.
It only takes thirty minutes to notch the frame out. On my frame, there is a "flat spot" along the top corner of the frame. The A/C will have clearance issues because it fits just behind this flat spot. So I just extended the flat spot by cutting the corner off, flipped it over, and welded it back in. a couple of small plates on the edges and you're done in 1/2 an hour, and gained 1"-1.5" of clearance. Think about it , it'll save you a bundle and looks better too.

 

Ah yes, more helpful! The pics on turbols6.com are helpful. Been researching this conversion for about 3 months now. However, can't do anything about it until Spring 2006 Big problem is my truck is a 2002 model year, thus to get by inspection and emissions easier the engine has to be a 2002 or newer. Considering 2002 was the last year for F-Bodies it makes this project more interesting. Other option would be a GTO driveline and how cool would THAT be! Wonder if any of the street rod parts would work on this idea, like A/C brackets and what not. I know cutting the frame for oil pan and the A/C compressor would be quicker and get me on the road faster. However, that isn't the route we want to go. My other hair brained idea is to design and build a custom front "sub frame" that would allow direct install of the engine. Might not be that bad of an idea considering that would eliminate exhaust problems, compressor clearance, etc. We shall see and I appreciate the info received thus far from board members. Thing about the GTO engine (LS2) is the drive by wire throttle, wonder how all that would pan out in my application. Also, far as reprogramming the ECM to work in my truck.........this can be easily done for the LS1's. LS2's, haven't seen any info on this. Been talking to Current Performance Wiring for harness needs and ECM reprogram. They can do a custom harness for my truck and an LS1 as well as a reprogram on the ECM to maintain the truck's factory functions. Dunno, lots to consider

 

Don't forget that the truck motors (4.8, 5.3, & 6.0) are all the same basic engine as the LS1 that's in the F-body & C5. They are iron block motors, which weigh a bit more (like 75lbs or so) but they are mostly interchangeable.

Also, it would probably be very difficult for whoever the emissions testing group is to verify whether the engine is indeed a 2002 or is instead a 1999. Because most of the agencies aren't going to go digging around under the hood chasing casting numbers. They're likely to check what the computer program says (year wise) and thats something that should be fairly easily reprogrammed. So, I'm not sure I'd sweat the year all that hard. I would stay away from the '97 & '98 perimeter bolt valve cover motors, because they are readily distinguishable (and the head castings aren't quite as desirable).

I've talked to Current Performance (via email), and I'm sure they can do what you need. However, they said that the program they would provide would be locked, such that you couldn't use LS1edit, HP tuners, or EFILive to adjust any parameters. I've talked to Nelson, and they said they can make all the factory stuff work, no problem, and have it be unlocked so I can adjust as I desire. And I think Speartech should be able to do the harness, just to give you a second vendor.

'JustDreamin'

 

Last time I talked to Current about a harness and programming, they mentioned that it would not be locked, and it also includes the Diablosport Predator which would allow changes to be made with any of the software programs, as well as with the Predator itself. I think it was something new though, so I don't know when it was you last asked them about it.

 

Reason I am trying to stick to a 2002 or newer engine IS because of legal stuff here. I'll most likely have to take the truck to a referee station for proper inspection. The ECM doesn't contain any model year info that I know of so that isn't a problem. Problem is I have to provide proof of engine model year. This could be a title from the original donor car or sales ticket with a copy of the title from engine's origin. VIN number will provide the same thing as well. I know there are ways to avoid all this but trying to go about this as legal as possible as this will be a daily driver. Don't want to spend time and money and then have an illegal truck
I've talked numerous times with Jered at Current Performance Wiring. He knows his stuff I'll say that much. He helped with a TON of questions I had regarding the computer side of the engine swap out. His harness and reprogram will provide proper engine functions. Along with that, all of my factory stuff on my truck (i.e. tach, abs, a/c, speedo, etc) remains operational. After he reprograms the ECM, it isn't locked and he does include the Predator hand held for future tuning use. Having them do the custom harness for an LS1 in my truck, reprogram of the LS1's ECM and the Predator is a little over $1200 I believe. Well worth it though as there won't be as many headaches to deal with on the computer end of this swap.
There has to be some sort of combo of brackets off the numerous LS family engines that can be made to work in my application. Have to admit the GTO engine is very tempting with 400 ponies. However, pricing is pretty steep on 'em yet. Usually $8k at least for a complete driveline. I'll stick to the 5.7 LS1 idea for now unless there is a heck of a deal on an LS2 Goat engine I can't pass up. Looked at the 5.3 and 6.0 brackets for alternator. They look somewhat promising for use in stuffing the engine in an S10. Guess most of the alternator brackets also house the pwr. steering pump as well, looks like it at least. Dunno why GM insists on cramming the compressor down on the bottom these engines. Clearance issues in production cars and trucks with these engines is a guess though.
Thanks to all that have provided insist thus far, great info and you've pointed me in new directions. Maybe by the time this conversion takes place there will be more aftermarket goods for swaps into S10's to make this easier. Did see that Jags That Run claims to have an LS1 swap oil pan in the works for 2wd S10 trucks. That would be a big help!

 

What you really need to be looking for then, is a '02 or newer C5 (or C6) Corvette motor. They are available, and are often complete with accessories. I'd expect to spend somewhere above $2500 for a complete engine package.

The C5 accessory package is what you really want. It fits. I'm not sure about the GTO package, but it looks like the alternator is mounted low. I know for that the F-body package doesn't fit (alternator & steering box try to occupy the same space). The truck package has the correct layout, but is 3" longer than the C5 package, making it not fit well (radiator to water pump clearance is GREATLY reduced). Don't know about the CTS-V accessory package, but I'd expect that the C5 stuff would be easier & cheaper to source.

'JustDreamin'

 

That's good to know. I think last time I talked with them was at least 9 months ago. And at that time they were insistant that the PCM would be locked up and that they would be the only ones who could make any changes. Sounds like they've changed their minds. Which is good, because I had ruled them out due to the inability to easily access the PCM for future modifications (like the single turbo I want to put on, if I can figure out where to run the piping, or even something as simple as a intake manifold change or tuning for headers). And I want to be able to shop around for the best package (not just price, but also confidence in fit & function, vendor's programming & tuning ability, ability to tune afterwards, quality, reputation etc.). Personally, when I go to do it, I will be willing to spend a little more money for confidence that it'll work the 1st time and not take me 80hrs of harness work (which I don't have time to do). There are only a couple of vendors who I think can do that (Current Performance, I'm sure Speartech can do it, maybe a few others).

'JustDreamin'

 

Guess the Corvette stuff is an option, engine-wise. If I go that route I'll have to hunt down a 6 speed too with all of it's goodies. Aren 't the C5 Vettes rear transaxles? The 6 speeds are a dime a dozen but have to make sure what year you're getting. Heard certain years were not as durable and the later years have upgraded shift forks? Thinking I will hold out for a 2002 F-Body complete driveline. Then pick which brackets will work best. The A/C is my only concern really but something can be designed to house it up on top as I've seen others do. For some reason the GTO engine keeps popping into my daydreams Either way, everyone that has replied here has provided top notch info and experiences.
Current Performance Wiring is where I will be going for harness and computer work. He (Jared) said that his package will be plug and play due to their research and experience in 98-2002 S10 swaps. He also stressed that with the Predator (Diablo Sport) I can get into the computer and tweak on anything that would be needed. Can do simple stuff like tire diameter changes, gear ratios, disable certain parts of the PCM. It is big bux for his work and products he provides but seems fair. If it truly is plug and play and will get ya running quick, it will be worth it.
Welp, again thanks for the mucho info produced here. Been spending WAY too much time cruising the board here. Learning lots though