1955 56 57 Conversions Post here
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Onepiece -
Thanks for the tip on the LS headers. Their website said they acquired Doug's Headers. Doug's built pretty good headers I understand so maybe these will be decent. Price is right.
Billet Specialties has a new LS accessory drive. Beautiful, but also $$$. At this point, S & P's system works best for my LS7 because of the crank pulley offset so that's where mine came from.
Thanks for the tip on the LS headers. Their website said they acquired Doug's Headers. Doug's built pretty good headers I understand so maybe these will be decent. Price is right.
Billet Specialties has a new LS accessory drive. Beautiful, but also $$$. At this point, S & P's system works best for my LS7 because of the crank pulley offset so that's where mine came from.
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: MN
Good to know! S&P's complete ls1 mount kit for 55-57's is only like $110, so am covered there. Tanks Inc. sells a 55-57 repro SS tank for less than 300, and in tank fuel pump for around 225. Only thing left on my list is a radiator, did a search here but function is broke. Is it OK to use an aluminum radiator with an LS1? have heard rumors of cross-contamination, whatever that is...
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
he said the original style, aluminum radiator would be fine
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: MN
Is it OK to use non-aluminum radiator????
ac brackets...Car Creations only carries vette type, gave me Alf's number at Performance Automotive (831-394-4403), thats where they get theirs. Alf carries Vette and Camaro/Firebird type, black painted with fasteners and idler pully for $430. They fit any 98 up LS engine. So for ac bracket, its S&P, Zoops, and Performance Auto? Anyone else? Bueller?
ac brackets...Car Creations only carries vette type, gave me Alf's number at Performance Automotive (831-394-4403), thats where they get theirs. Alf carries Vette and Camaro/Firebird type, black painted with fasteners and idler pully for $430. They fit any 98 up LS engine. So for ac bracket, its S&P, Zoops, and Performance Auto? Anyone else? Bueller?
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, Ca
Radiator My research recomendation for the LS engine is crossflow also. Another source is mcculloch@alumrad.com here is an example of their work.
Jim
Jim
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Wardrum
By "original style" do you mean the downflow type? I have an aluminum downflow Griffin in my '57 convertible with a ZZ4 and it provides marginal cooling at best in very slow traffic, high temp situations. A crossflow is much more efficient and would be my choice.
Mark said the LS engines cooled easily. I personally don't know, that's just what he said. I am hoping I can move the electric fan to the inside of the radiator (i.e. the engine side of the radiator), and eliminate the shroud. If it's hot, I'll add the shroud back. I will try that before I spend money on a new crossflow radiator and all the attending changes.
It'll be interesting to see if anyone is getting by with that type of radiator. If no one knows, I'll be posting back on that success (or hopefully not...failure) next spring. I'm thinking if no one has tried and can tell me it won't work, I'll find out for myself. Those selling crossflows of course will recommend them. They are 'the cool thing' right now
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by HioSSilver
Wow, only one other guy besides me using the factory frame.
I have had to change the front A-Arms, as the originals wouldn't align correctly any more.
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Stock rearend on 56 Has any one used the stock rear end on there LS1 swap? The one in the 56 looks heafty but I just don't know if it will be strong enough to go from 100hp to 345hp also, is there any company that makes a posi unit for this rear? It looks similar to a 9" ford with the way the gears and carrage bolts in from the front of the rear end.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Kyle1974
Has any one used the stock rear end on there LS1 swap? The one in the 56 looks heafty but I just don't know if it will be strong enough to go from 100hp to 345hp also, is there any company that makes a posi unit for this rear? It looks similar to a 9" ford with the way the gears and carrage bolts in from the front of the rear end.
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: MN
The stock rear should hold if you take it easy...if you hammer it off the line things will eventually get messy (how soon depends on condition of the axle and how much traction you get...remember...not alot of stress if the tires are spinning). It all hangs on how you plan to use it. I'm using a Ford 9" rear, narrowed for the car, Moser axles. I found a nice set up off a wrecked 55, but you could have one made locally. Besides the hot rod shops, check with the 4 wheel drive places...they do alot of these for the trucks. These housings are cheap, easy to find, and most places that have a jig will weld them up for a resonable price. You also have a ton of gears/3rd members, axles, brakes, etc. to choose from. You can get these pre-made for the tri-fives as well, if money is not an object. I don't know of any good bolt in sections for stock rears, but you would still have to worry about the axles. IMHO...hope it helps,
D
D
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
Thanks for the info guys. Ewingr where did you get the posi unit for the stock rear? The car will be used as a driver not a racer so if I can set mine up with a posi unit and a 3:70 ish ratio I should be good. The cost of doing it this way will be way more cost effective than getting a new 9" or Dana 60.