1955 56 57 Conversions Post here
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Littleton, CO
I'm gathering parts for mine. It certainly won't get started until after the racing season is over, and if I carry out my threat to do a frame-off, it'll be even longer before I get started because I'll need a car that runs quicker than the rest do currently to take the place of the '57 for next season - meaning the '82 Camaro gets its LS engine first.
The plans for the '57:
2003 LQ4 (6.0l) from a van, stroked to 4" for 402 or 408 CID (depending upon whether or not a clean-up overbore is needed)
4L80E that came with the engine, stall in the 4000 RPM range
L92 heads, currently bare, valves & springs TBD
L76 intake (to fit the L92 heads)
Custom grind cam (exact specs TBD)
90mm or 92mm cable throttle body
Custom harness & PCM (source TBD)
1-7/8" BRP long-tube headers, 3" mufflers, probably 2-1/2" pipes to the back (pretty much what I'm running now)
May use TransDapt front adapter plates to go to my current side mounts; already cut the trans side mounts off the frame for the 396, will probably remount the current trans crossmember
I hear the LH8 pan works well, available new for less money than f-body pan/pick-up will cost you.
No power steering or AC planned (will make belt routing a challenge). Might put the heater/defroster back in, though. Current rear is a '71 Nova 8.2" 10-bolt with 4.11's, might beef that up to a 12 bolt if funds allow.
The car is my weekend warrior, driven to the track. Would like to be able to take it on the highway as well, so the OD and lock-up converter will be welcome additions.
The plans for the '57:
2003 LQ4 (6.0l) from a van, stroked to 4" for 402 or 408 CID (depending upon whether or not a clean-up overbore is needed)
4L80E that came with the engine, stall in the 4000 RPM range
L92 heads, currently bare, valves & springs TBD
L76 intake (to fit the L92 heads)
Custom grind cam (exact specs TBD)
90mm or 92mm cable throttle body
Custom harness & PCM (source TBD)
1-7/8" BRP long-tube headers, 3" mufflers, probably 2-1/2" pipes to the back (pretty much what I'm running now)
May use TransDapt front adapter plates to go to my current side mounts; already cut the trans side mounts off the frame for the 396, will probably remount the current trans crossmember
I hear the LH8 pan works well, available new for less money than f-body pan/pick-up will cost you.
No power steering or AC planned (will make belt routing a challenge). Might put the heater/defroster back in, though. Current rear is a '71 Nova 8.2" 10-bolt with 4.11's, might beef that up to a 12 bolt if funds allow.
The car is my weekend warrior, driven to the track. Would like to be able to take it on the highway as well, so the OD and lock-up converter will be welcome additions.
Last edited by five7kid; Jul 24, 2009 at 12:28 AM.
Am looking for a set of the 1 3/4", shorty/mid length Mustang headers, to modify for my 6.0/55 project. I had a location, but never got a response from them.. NE1 know of a place? Don't care if they are stainless, or not.
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Valley, Ca
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/l...ty/56%20Chevy/
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Verdad Gallardo Teching In
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Littleton, CO
The plans for the '57:
2003 LQ4 (6.0l) from a van, stroked to 4" for 402 or 408 CID (depending upon whether or not a clean-up overbore is needed)
4L80E that came with the engine, stall in the 4000 RPM range
L92 heads, currently bare, valves & springs TBD
L76 intake (to fit the L92 heads)
Custom grind cam (exact specs TBD)
90mm or 92mm cable throttle body
Custom harness & PCM (source TBD)
1-7/8" BRP long-tube headers, 3" mufflers, probably 2-1/2" pipes to the back (pretty much what I'm running now)
May use TransDapt front adapter plates to go to my current side mounts; already cut the trans side mounts off the frame for the 396, will probably remount the current trans crossmember
I hear the LH8 pan works well, available new for less money than f-body pan/pick-up will cost you.
No power steering or AC planned (will make belt routing a challenge). Might put the heater/defroster back in, though. Current rear is a '71 Nova 8.2" 10-bolt with 4.11's, might beef that up to a 12 bolt if funds allow.
2003 LQ4 (6.0l) from a van, stroked to 4" for 402 or 408 CID (depending upon whether or not a clean-up overbore is needed)
4L80E that came with the engine, stall in the 4000 RPM range
L92 heads, currently bare, valves & springs TBD
L76 intake (to fit the L92 heads)
Custom grind cam (exact specs TBD)
90mm or 92mm cable throttle body
Custom harness & PCM (source TBD)
1-7/8" BRP long-tube headers, 3" mufflers, probably 2-1/2" pipes to the back (pretty much what I'm running now)
May use TransDapt front adapter plates to go to my current side mounts; already cut the trans side mounts off the frame for the 396, will probably remount the current trans crossmember
I hear the LH8 pan works well, available new for less money than f-body pan/pick-up will cost you.
No power steering or AC planned (will make belt routing a challenge). Might put the heater/defroster back in, though. Current rear is a '71 Nova 8.2" 10-bolt with 4.11's, might beef that up to a 12 bolt if funds allow.
4" stoker still in the plans. Manley forged kit, .005" over.
Erson has recommended a cam to the shop doing the machine work. Don't have specs yet, but supposed to be in the 2500-7000 powerband range.
Erson recommended 3000 to 3500 stall. I'm going to shoot for 3500 (I have yet to over-stall on the first try).
Headers will be Hooker 2292-1, 1-3/4" primaries with 3" collectors, ceramic coated. Actually found them on eBay (Holley listed them as clearance, apparently they were their tri-five first article units).
Front engine mounts will be adapter plates I got from the same outfit I used for the LS1 in the '82 Camaro conversion. Worked well enough there, so should work for this one.
Oil pan will be the GM "Muscle Car" kit, p/n 19212593. Has the pan, pickup, windage tray, dipstick & tube, gasket, bolts for $150. Don't think you can beat that.
Rear end, I'm looking at the Currie 9" tri-five bolt-in housing kit with 31 spline axles and drum brakes. I'll have the 3rd member and driveshaft put together locally. Should cost less complete than a 12 bolt would without brakes.
I'll rework the harness from the van, mostly eliminating unused circuits.
Still need to find injectors, I think 43 lb LS3 parts should do the trick (support 500 HP at 58 psi, 80% duty cycle). Fuel pump - not sure yet.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,685
Likes: 7
From: Beebe, Arkansas
Pretty much just run a external pump and either place the return in the sender or use a return in the filler neck.
Launching!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 2
From: Mobile, Alabama
If you did need a new tank, (55 was a long time ago), Tanks Inc. has one for ~$200 set up with baffles for an injection pump. I like in tank pumps, IMHO they are quieter, and the pump stays cooler. There are several kits to insert a pump in your original tank.
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Ls1 to bel air I have *** 2 door I also have a 98 z28 camaro ill be using the motor tranny and hopefully brakes. Will the wiring harness from the z28 work or should I look into getting a new one.
Launching!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 2
From: Mobile, Alabama
You have a couple of options, re-work the harness to make it a stand alone, have someone re-work it, buy a new stand alone. You will need to have VATS and un-needed emission stuff tuned out of the computer.
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
55 LS swap My dad and I did an 2004 LM7 5.3 in our 55 with a Munice 4-speed.
Here's a link to our build:
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72541
In the link we did a mini tub, spare tire tub removed, rear spring relocation, centered the new Spectra FI fuel tank, installed a Corvette fuel filter/regulator on the rear shock bar, mounting of the ECU on the lower driverside inner fenderwell access panel, upper and lower hoses, relocating the AC to an upper mount, how we built our own exhaust setup, getting the proper tach signal for an Sun retro tach, making the stock gas pedal work with the DBW throttle pedal plus other stuff. Our car with the LS1 runs really well and we're very happy with it.
Jason Hall
Here's a link to our build:
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72541
In the link we did a mini tub, spare tire tub removed, rear spring relocation, centered the new Spectra FI fuel tank, installed a Corvette fuel filter/regulator on the rear shock bar, mounting of the ECU on the lower driverside inner fenderwell access panel, upper and lower hoses, relocating the AC to an upper mount, how we built our own exhaust setup, getting the proper tach signal for an Sun retro tach, making the stock gas pedal work with the DBW throttle pedal plus other stuff. Our car with the LS1 runs really well and we're very happy with it.
Jason Hall
Teching In
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: West Olive,Michigan
LS1 going in 57 Bel Air I am just getting started. Pulled 57 drivetrain (350 w/ 700 R4). Pulled the donor out of my 98 camaro (5.7 w/ 4l60e). Recommend reading the book: GM LS - Series Engines - The Complete Swap Manual by Joseph Potak, very helpful so far. I am planning to pull as much off the camaro as possible - All wiring including fuse system, cooling etc. Off to a decent start. Looking for any advice I can find or give at this time.
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: Toutle, WA
Joining this thread. I pickup up my 55 wagon a few years ago, and life threw me a few curves, but now I'm back working on it again.
I'm looking at an 04 GTO engine/T56 combo for it. Back when I bought it I was going to go with a small block and TPI setup, but the LS prices have come way down in the last few years and it seems about a wash to go with the small block or LS engine.
I'm on a budget and I'm torn between starting on the bodywork and having the car blasted, or picking up the LS engine. I can't do both right now. I'm more of a mechanical guy than a bodywork person. I know enough to be dangerous with bodywork, but that's about it.
Anyway this is how I found it. Rusting away. So I got the CAR FOR $2250 and bought a $6000 24' cargo trailer and put it in there. My ex asked, so you bought a $2000 car and bought a $6000 trailer to put it in. I said yes pretty much so
It has only one rust spot and that's in the right floor board, but it came with a new patch panel for that.
I'm very new to LS engines, so I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.
I'm looking at an 04 GTO engine/T56 combo for it. Back when I bought it I was going to go with a small block and TPI setup, but the LS prices have come way down in the last few years and it seems about a wash to go with the small block or LS engine.
I'm on a budget and I'm torn between starting on the bodywork and having the car blasted, or picking up the LS engine. I can't do both right now. I'm more of a mechanical guy than a bodywork person. I know enough to be dangerous with bodywork, but that's about it.
Anyway this is how I found it. Rusting away. So I got the CAR FOR $2250 and bought a $6000 24' cargo trailer and put it in there. My ex asked, so you bought a $2000 car and bought a $6000 trailer to put it in. I said yes pretty much so
It has only one rust spot and that's in the right floor board, but it came with a new patch panel for that.I'm very new to LS engines, so I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
back at the swaps again. I have a 72 camaro LS6/4L60E and a 71 C-10 5.3/4L60E swap. GF just got a 56 Belair and we are going to put in a 5.3/4L60E. I'm new to Tri-Five's.... I see we need the side mount engine stands. Camaro manifolds (i have an old set). Will the 5.3 oil pan clear? what trans crossmember? or can the stock be moved and re drilled? never been under a 56 lol. any tips would be great thanks.
Last edited by SICMARO; Jun 30, 2013 at 09:04 PM.
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
