Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

The G-Body Swap Thread

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2011 | 04:44 PM
  #401  
bigmandengo's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: WI
Default

Can you guys post some pics of the mods you did to the pacesetters? Im not sure if i have the stuff to do it.
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2011 | 11:16 PM
  #402  
the_merv's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (88)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 893
From: The Beach...
Default

Those are some nice Headers. I'm using the BRP 1 7/8" Primary LT Headers on mine.

Originally Posted by bigmandengo
Where have you guys been mounting the pcm? I would like to have it somewhat hidden. Pics would be nice.
Not really hidden, but functional..


That is a Non-AC Box too..

Originally Posted by carfreak07
Pictures or it isn't happening! Lol pics please
That's all you get till the build thread..


What's up with the Fuel Tank thing there? I have a vent already on the Tank so will I be good?
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2011 | 11:55 PM
  #403  
NBM-WU8's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Byron, Illinois
Default

I've been doing quite a bit of research lately. I'm trying to figure out hooking up the factory tach. I realize that accomplishing this with a LS base ECU is simple, but I plan on running carbed with the GM LS ignition controller. While I can't find the manual for it online, I did find one the for the MSD6010 and it mentions a tach signal wire "Yellow - Tach Signal. Provides a 12 volt square wave signal." Will this run the factory tach, or will I need to pick up some kind of signal converter?
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2011 | 01:04 AM
  #404  
the_merv's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (88)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 893
From: The Beach...
Default

And it runs..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Tl13a3nDY
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2011 | 01:37 AM
  #405  
gofastwclass's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 28
From: KCMO
Default

Originally Posted by the_merv
And it runs..

The Merv is mobile yet again. Nice.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2011 | 12:38 PM
  #406  
*02WS6TURK*'s Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 1
From: Oregon Grown
Default

Nice Merv!
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:05 PM
  #407  
cornfed74's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: SE, Michigan
Default

Nice work, Merv!
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:45 PM
  #408  
01cherryreds10's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: IL
Default

That thing sounds nastyyy
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 9, 2011 | 10:21 PM
  #409  
2Aspire's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Plainfield, IL
Default

Originally Posted by the_merv
And it runs..

Nothing like a built LS in an SS..Definitely not your Daddys SS monte..


Awesome looking SS..
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2011 | 07:13 PM
  #410  
the_merv's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (88)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 893
From: The Beach...
Default

Thanks guys..it's got no problem grabbing 110mph..I assure you...
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2011 | 03:09 PM
  #411  
spacemanspif's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Swedesboro, NJ
Default

Hi guys and girls,

I apologize if this has been covered already but I haven't seen it in my searches.

How is everyone wiring up their SES, seatbelt and high beam lights in their Monte SSs? I am assuming that the printed circuit needs to be removed especially since I am running AutoMeter gauges and the back of the housing needs to be cut to fit them. So how can I power these bulbs? Is it possible to solder a wire to the little tabs that are used to make contact with the printed circuit?

Also if anyone can take pics of how they mounted their truck DBW pedal into the car that would be great because I am currently looking for ideas to mount mine.

Car is a 87 monte ss and the engine is a 2004 5.3L with DBW.

Thanks for any help
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2011 | 08:29 PM
  #412  
NBM-WU8's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Byron, Illinois
Default

Anybody seen or used the AFCO direct fit LS swap radiator? Worth the pricetag? And what are you doing for you overflow tank?

Reply
Old Jan 20, 2011 | 09:26 PM
  #413  
bigmandengo's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 372
Likes: 2
From: WI
Default

Originally Posted by NBM-WU8
Anybody seen or used the AFCO direct fit LS swap radiator? Worth the pricetag? And what are you doing for you overflow tank?

You should be able to use your stock overflow tank and radiator. Also check out the champion radiators on ebay. They are very nice aluminum radiators for the money.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:03 PM
  #414  
deuce4935's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 760
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by spacemanspif
Hi guys and girls,

I apologize if this has been covered already but I haven't seen it in my searches.

How is everyone wiring up their SES, seatbelt and high beam lights in their Monte SSs? I am assuming that the printed circuit needs to be removed especially since I am running AutoMeter gauges and the back of the housing needs to be cut to fit them. So how can I power these bulbs? Is it possible to solder a wire to the little tabs that are used to make contact with the printed circuit?

Also if anyone can take pics of how they mounted their truck DBW pedal into the car that would be great because I am currently looking for ideas to mount mine.

Car is a 87 monte ss and the engine is a 2004 5.3L with DBW.

Thanks for any help
Yes you can solder wire to those tabs for the turn signals/high-beams and run the wire to some small led lights. As for the ses light, does your harness have a wire labeled ses? If so just run that wire to the bulb. If your harness doesnt have one then you will need to run the wire directly to the designated pcm connector. Seatbelts bulb will need to receive keyed on 12volts, use a resistor to keep from blowing the bulbs.
Reply
Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:17 PM
  #415  
2Aspire's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Plainfield, IL
Default

Originally Posted by bigmandengo
You should be able to use your stock overflow tank and radiator. Also check out the champion radiators on ebay. They are very nice aluminum radiators for the money.
LOL... I just sent him a PM about the same..

Anyway.. for all to see here is a 3 row champion with aluminum two fan shroud and fans that I paid a little over 500.00 for the whole shabang..

Things I liked:

1. Fit in the stock position with the Buick Fan\Rad top mount bracket.

2. Had a threaded fitting for the steam vent tube (pictured here with brass barbed fitting)
Yes I know there are other cleaner options.. This is the route I took..

3. Good craftsmanship.. Nice welds and a quality piece for the price..

4. Clean OEM look...

Things I didnt like..

1. No provisions for fan holes in the shroud... Not a big deal as the fans made for an easy template Edit: By "Holes" I meant the 4 mounting holes at each corner not the main holes open to the Rad..

2. No hardware was given to mount the fans to the shroud.. The guy that sold it to me on ebay refunded me the amount I spent at the hardware store so no biggie.. I was amazed he even offered.. I was just mentioning to him as an FYI and he responded with the offer..

3. Fans seem a little on the cheap side (Just my opinion)As I really dont know what to expect as far as the life expectancy as I dont know what the critical moving componenets are comprised of. Edit: I did try the fans out.. As for the operation.. I had no issues.. They are quiet and move the air effectively as described in flea-bay..


Shot at 2011-01-20

Last edited by 2Aspire; Jan 21, 2011 at 10:34 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2011 | 12:31 AM
  #416  
LS1MCSS's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,831
Likes: 8
From: Dover, Arkansas
Default

Originally Posted by NBM-WU8
Anybody seen or used the AFCO direct fit LS swap radiator? Worth the pricetag? And what are you doing for you overflow tank?


I have this radiator ordered from Summit, but if they move the ship date back one more time I'm going to cancel the order and get something else.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GR...8-LS/?rtype=10
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2011 | 09:48 AM
  #417  
the_merv's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (88)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 893
From: The Beach...
Default

I used a stock LT1 Radiator & Fans with the stock Monte Carlo overflow Tank. I had to make a custom Radiator Shroud..the LT1 Radiator is 1" narrower than the stock Monte Carlo one.
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2011 | 09:18 AM
  #418  
cornfed74's Avatar
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: SE, Michigan
Default

Been waiting to complete the project before I contributed to this thread- which has, and this site, been a wealth of knowledge for pulling off the swap. Here we go. . .

Car: '84 Monte SS
Drivetrain: 5.7L LS1 and 4L60E from '01 TA w/ 52k miles. Bought from Cleveland Pick-a-part

Goal was a close-to OEM installation without cutting the car. I wanted to retain a totally stock interior appearance, too.

Radiator: Stock g-body w/ extra nipple for steam hose. G-body Cutlass top radiator retaining bracket. F-body LS1 fans w/ custom brackets for attaching to factory retaining clips. Buick Grand National A/C condenser- passenger side connection and same brackets as MCSS.

Intake: DIY parts from Silicone intakes.com. Stock MAF.

Engine swap parts: Spohn motor mounts, Kwik A/C bracket, BRP Mid-length headers, RetroLSX oil pan, NAPA G-body temp sending unit machined to fit in rear of passenger cylinder head (Vato Zone sending units deteriorated during machining process, Current performance stand-alone module for engine (chassis uses OEM fuse block). 2.5" 304 stainless exhaust w/ H-pipe and Dynomax VT mufflers. Mufflers at idle and normal RPM have factory F-body sound but roar when you spin up the engine.

Trans swap parts: Shiftworks tailhousing, built-to-spec trans cable (couldn't find adequate OEM part), custom trans cable mounting tab, Iceman x-member (not quite bolt-in application), F-body shifter modified to mount in factory G-body location and use stock MCSS shift handle. No mods were necessary to fit MCSS handle to F-body shifter. Shortened OEM MCSS driveshaft- will eventually replace with new driveshaft.

Electrical: Wait4Me performance flashed the ECM and converted the harness. I intended to do the electrical work myself until a local shop opened, Downriver Motorsports Wiring in Romulus, MI. The rates were exceptionally fair and quality of work far exceeded my expectations and abilities. The ECM is enclosed in a custom housing on the passenger toe-board beneath the carpet. The passenger loses about 2-2.5" of legroom.
I have a 34" inseam and could sit comfortably. Also had car dyno tuned. In hindsight, I paid twice for the harness and ECM flash, but it was a relatively inexpensive lesson to learn.

Fuel delivery: Buick Grand National gas tank/fuel pump/sending unit/, 'vette filter/regulator, currently have -6AN line from tank to engine but have plastic line to replace it when the weather breaks.

Fittment: RetroLSX pan is the cat's ***. Front cross-member is ~5" off the ground and the pan is tucked from harms way. ~1/8" clearance between stock steering box and alternator pulley. Pass rear spark plug is touching A/C box. I plan to clearance the box when the weather breaks. The engine-to-AC clearance is why the harness is draped over the rocker covers. BRP headers would have melted the OEM steering shaft. Jeep XJ steering shaft was too bulky, so I got it right with Borgeson hardware. Clearance is still a scant 1/8-1/4". BRP header flanges negated use of stock trans cable mounting tab.

Lessons learned: I'd not buy a harness or tune twice, and I'd opt for making my own trans x-member or just buying a G-force unit. I bought the Iceman used but never installed and didn't receive paperwork with it to know if I had the correct application or not. Unmodified fitment was like a saddle on a cow, but it worked out fine. I'm very satisfied with the end result. In hindsight I shouldn't have pussed out and cut the car. Had I gone that route it would have a T56.

Other stats: SC&C Stage 2, SPC tubular lowers and springs (all corners), SC&C frame brace, Vari-Shocks on all corners, Currie upper and lower rear arms, Baer Track 13" kit on OEM spindle, Baer Track 12" kit on rear, 18" Rushforth Fuel on Khumo Ventus tires.

Open issues: headliner repair, driveshaft replacement, purchase DIY A/C lines & charge system, wait for snow to melt and enjoy.









Reply
Old Jan 23, 2011 | 12:43 PM
  #419  
hammertime's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
20 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 2
From: Smithton, IL
Default

Wow!! Looks like the ultimate G-body G Machine. Love the work you've done, and love the wheels/brakes/stance!!

Reply
Old Jan 23, 2011 | 04:11 PM
  #420  
JHenke's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Default

Looks great cornfed! I'm putting the finishing touches on my big block '86 GN swap and I already regret not waiting to do an LSX swap. But, I started this 3 years ago, and that's the route I picked then. Dont get me wrong, this thing sounds like an animal. I cant wait to strap it on the dyno and run it down the track. I guess when I fuel inject it, I'll feel better. I'm far from a carb guy.

Keep up the good work guys!
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:19 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE