Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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New Project: 1968 Cutlass Convert LS1

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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 10:33 AM
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Default New Project: 1968 Cutlass Convert LS1

New Project: 68 Cutlass Convert LS1/4L60 (GM A body)

I've been reading posts here for a while, thought it was now time to start a thread on my projeect. I'll have lots of questions.

I'm gathering parts and hope to pull the tired 403 this fall and have it back on the road next spring.

Trying to upload a pic. Says I'm limited to 100KB is that true?

Eric -
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 10:54 AM
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Some pics..
Attached Thumbnails New Project: 1968 Cutlass Convert LS1-1968-cutlass.jpg   New Project: 1968 Cutlass Convert LS1-ls1.jpg  
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 11:19 AM
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Wow, the body sure is straight...at least from the back!

Should be plenty of room up front once the 403 is byebye

You can always load your picks to another site, then link them using the "image button" (looks like a little yellow square with a mountain on it).

Good luck - look forward to seeing more pics.
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 11:33 AM
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Eric,
fquick.com is a pretty good one for uploading your car pics. The cost is right (free), and we haven't run into any limits yet.

www.fquick.com/67RSSS
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 12:22 PM
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Any recomendations on who I shouild talk to for a cam & converter? I've read quite a few posts under the internal engine area but still need some help. What companies have you guys found most helpful?

This will not see any track time. I'm looking for the easy performance gains while retaining good driveability. I don't know if I can upgrade the cam without doing the converter too?

Eric
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 03:48 PM
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Eric,

Could you give some info on your car such as the tire size and rear axle ratio. This will be your starting point.

What are your goals for performance? This will decide how much cam and how high a stall converter.

I am learning a ton on the LS1 possibilities from searching posts.

Look at a Z06 combo for good power and manners. That is what I am modeling my Elky after. I have a 2000 z28 engine which is under rated at 305 HP. I have picked up a ls6 intake manifold, looking for LS2 - 243 casting heads and z06 cam or better. I also am looking hard at buying the HP Tuner package since I can use it for tuning my Elky and my wife's GTO. Steep learning curve but that is the fun of it. So I maybe able to help out others with tuning.

- John
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 08:50 PM
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Keep the Olds's alive! let me know if you need any Olds specific info.
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Old Aug 3, 2007 | 10:04 PM
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Awesome car. I have a 1977 442. I rebuilt the stock motor not too long ago and after I finished I wished I had just put an lsx in it. Too bad my car isn't in the kind of shape yours looks to be. Mine needs a lot of work
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Old Aug 5, 2007 | 10:57 AM
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Another one! Please post pics with progress mine sits until fundage for motor arrives. lol, I have 403 in mine also, how wierd is that ?
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Old Aug 5, 2007 | 07:47 PM
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Thanks for your help so far. Some more info for you to digest:

Rear end ratio is to be determined. I've got a 3.08 posi now, seems I'll need deeper gears. I'll be swapping to something like 3.42, depends on what becomes available. I want lower highway RPM's than I have now with my TH350.

I'm kinda going for that pro-turing thing...classic muscle car with today's technology. I want the easy HP yet with a car my wife can drive.

I'm driving on a new set of Cargar's with 245-45-17's.

So, what I need to know:

1) Cam: I talked with John of Texas Speed. He was helpful. He suggested that he has some running something like a 228/228 cam with 588 or 581 somehting lift on a 112....using a stock converter... Any thoughts on this cam with the stock converter from a 2002 TA/ws6? I guess my question is how much cam can I run with the stock converter? Is the stall around 1800?


2) Exhaust. I'm hesitant to run headders. I'm not sure what would fit in my application... I've seen some GTO LS2 take off exhaust manifolds on the evil auction site. Would these be a step up from the stock LS1 manfolds?

3) Wiring harness: I'm about ready to ship it off to wait for me performance...any comments?

And finally, I had my roof re-done on my house today. While they were flopping bundles of shingles on the roof, a large milk-glass globe (picture school-house light) fell on my brand new closed lap top. I'm now working on a minimized window on the 50% of the screen that still works...****.

Eric
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Old Aug 6, 2007 | 09:46 PM
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Eric,

Nice project you got there. I only wish I started with something that nice. My project is a 68 Lemans with an 02 LS1/4L60 (in progress). I've decided to go with the HOOKER conversion headers and they fit great. They clear all steering and suspension and ground clearance is not an issue. They are a little pricy, but I figured these would be less hassle. I also went with the BRP style motor mounts so I wouldn't have to modify the oil pan.


You can get some close up pics of the headers from the following link:

http://s118.photobucket.com/albums/o..._ls1/?start=20 - towards bottom of page...

Tons more pics of the build-up in the signature link....

Tony

Last edited by GOLDRUSH98; Aug 6, 2007 at 09:59 PM.
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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 12:44 AM
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Cool project!
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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 08:41 AM
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Anone want to take a stab at my questions in #11 above?

What if I backed off on the cam to someting like a 224. Could I get by with a stock converter then...or is the converter as important as the cam..
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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 08:46 AM
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Im new here but I just wired my ls1 into my 1970 442 coupe. Im using an 01 ls1 and a t56, 12 bolt gm rear with 3.73's. i have lots of questions like what do you guys use for the power steering lines. i would like to keep the stock box if its possible.

thanks
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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 08:51 AM
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here is my toy.
Attached Thumbnails New Project: 1968 Cutlass Convert LS1-dscf0016.jpg  
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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 08:51 AM
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Many people have enjoyed gains from a converter and nothing else. They are a good bang for the buck investment and it will only accentuate any other mods you do now or in the future.
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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 07:48 PM
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Slygy0,
Give me an email address, and I will send you part numbers and a drawing of what you need to do to keep your steering gear. It isn't hard, but will set you back a little cash. Also, you can check our thread for pictures of the lines.
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Old Aug 7, 2007 | 09:15 PM
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my email is ri2sign@***.net i am very interested in the steering parts.

im also interested in what you used for the fuel system? did you keep the vent/test line? i have a 20 gallon fuel cell with -8an outputs if that helps.
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 09:05 AM
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We had a stainless tank fabbed at Rock Valley. We are using -6AN connections. The drawing shows the fuel system we went with. Our gas cap is vented, so we just put a little cap and clamp on the vent tube, and have had no problems yet. We are on our third tank of gas already, so it seems to be holding up well. I will get that over to you right away...
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Old Aug 8, 2007 | 10:38 AM
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67 rsss: I'd be interested in your power steering steering info too. eric@dynequip.com

Where do you live? I'm in minnetonka and would love to see your ride.
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