slow4dr

iTrader: (5)

I've had my wagon for sale going on 18 months because I just don't have the time or money to put into it.

five7kid

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.

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

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.

cvman

I'm hard at work on mine. Thanks to Tuned55 and Chevynut I am making good progress
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/l...ty/56%20Chevy/

hammanNZ

what size wheels and tyres on your car?

spot_55

alot of good info for a really old thread.

Alley Kat

when installing a LS1 into a 1955 chevy do i need to change the fuel tank and who makes a cost effective replacement.

hoboy

56 210 2 door hardtop with 99 LS1 / T56. May eventually get a 6.0 LQ4 thats warmed up a bit

five7kid

3 years later, not a lot of progress. But, at least it's in the works now, with some modifications to the original guess:

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.

Bo185

A stock tank will work. The EFI replacements aren't really cost effective!


Pretty much just run a external pump and either place the return in the sender or use a return in the filler neck.

74modified

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.

55 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.

74modified

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.

JHall1975

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

57 Dreamer

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.

alloy

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.

SICMARO

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.

five7kid

The 5.3 pan won't clear the steering link. The Holley pan, or the "muscle car" pan I referenced, will. Here's what the muscle car pan looks like:

SICMARO

Thank you! picking the car up Friday and going to dig Into it.