81 fairmont -new project LSX turbo
 

Hey guys ,

long time lurker here. I've been around NA LS motors and boosted mod motorsI figured why not combine the two together? This project is obviously inspired by Denmah/sloppy mechanics and various others who have done similar swaps with these Fairmonts.

I bought the car (800 bucks) from an 88 year old women who was the original owner, she had fallen recently and could obviously no longer drive. It has 92,000 original miles, the body is solid , but has a few holes at the bottom of the doors. (Nothing bondo can't fix) the old lady told me to send her pictures of the car once I fixed it up. I'm not sure if I should ! :). I'm sure her idea and my idea of fixed up are two different things.

my goals are a fun street car, that can click off low 10's. (Possibly push it deeper later on in the build)

I'm planning on using a 5.3 /4L80E/sloppy stage 2 trickflow cam/whatever other cheap shit I can find in the junkyard. . Turbo origin Chinese. Turbo size yet to be determined.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...c71e1d9582.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...4eb0ff5373.jpg
It looks to be still wearing its original paint.https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...c15668aba4.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...0aeaff710b.jpgI'm not quite sure what exactly this bumper sticker means?, but I'll leave it just for fun.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...1f55b1b74e.jpg

Should be a fun project. Keep us posted

Man that thing was a steal!

Take the old lady for a ride when you get it up and going, say ma'am did you know this car was this fast? You just had some bad gas in it is all lol good looking start

Any suggestions on motor mounts? I was planning on going AJE crossmember, but for $800-$900 bucks is the package with all the control arms etc... it seems like quite a bit of money. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/a...FZ22wAodn4INUw

I think I will go with these mounts and use the factory K member...The only issue is I understand a factory truck manifold won't fit using this setup....I'd have to switch to a lower profile LS1 intake....
http://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/produ...oducts_id=1431

How cheap do you want to be? And how sketchy do you want to be? Welcome to the fairmont life. On year 6 of my build.

What engine did the car come with? The I-6 had a different k-member from the 4cyl and V8. If you can weld then I'd say make your own.

What was your experience on the AJE install ? Did you buy the control arms too ?

I got it with their arms then changed them to one's with spherical bushings.

You'll have to enlarge the rear holes, but that's it. I've went well over my initial budget, but who cares it'll be bad ass

Looking for mounts for stock K member, I have a 79 Zephyr that came with the I-6. There was a guy that had some fast stuff and is part of the sloppy mechanics group on FB. He engineered up and made some nice mounts for these cars that came with the I-6. I have a set that I got from him as soon as he advertised he was going to make and sell some. I can't remember if you can fit the truck mani under the stock hood with them, but far as I can remember you don't have to do any mods to the oil pan or anything to make the engine fit nicely. Supposedly he only made a short run of them, sold them all and is no longer making any, but here is a pic.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...26&oe=593DD6E7

Dude you gotta keep the hubcaps !!!

i like it, looks like a great start

The car did come with an Inline 6.

I believe the guy who custom made the fairmont mounts is Tony Reiner?? dont know the exact spelling. There is a guy on youtube Dick Hamm that just built a LS fairmont with Reiner mounts and he also had to cut the hood to fit the truck manifold. Although I'm sure the LS1 manifold would probably fit under the hood. My goal is to definetly keep a factory hood

I will try to get a 15x7 or 14x7 summit rim that I can shoehorn the factory hubcap on. This is the plan and it would be hilarious.

I tore out all the hoses and radiator yesterday. Should have the motor out in the next few weeks...I've got my eye out for an Fox 8.8 that I can pick up cheap...

And incorporate that sweet tailpipe!!!!

It was Tony that made the mounts.

I have an LS1 intake mani that I bought because I refuse to cut the hood or anything like that. Trying to keep the car as much intact and original as I can as far as that stuff goes.

I have an 8.8 housing from a fox that I got from a friend a while back. It has the ends cut off because he was going to put 9" ends on it. I also have an 8.8 from an Explorer with the trac lock stuff. I had planned on swapping over the diff and all to the fox 8.8 and getting all of that squared away. Just haven't gotten to that point yet. I've been slacking big time on this project, but recently regained interest. I have the engine basically all together finally. Next obstacle is rebuilding the TH400 that I got for it.

How do you get ahold of the Tony guy to try to purchase some of these mounts?

Far as I know he isn't making them anymore. I dealt with him through facebook from what I remember though.

See the donor vehicle for my new project. This 2000 silverado has donated it's 4.8LS, judging by the condition of the vehicle it looks like the motor has 180,000 miles hah.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...8a51dbfdee.jpg

see shot of the next victim is it a 4.8 or 5.3? who knows ...... how will she like 15lbs of boost?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...b463e3b493.jpg

took a peek at the crank casting.....verdict is 4.8LS.... oh well just add more boost!

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...8b4a817d0d.jpg



Old I6 ready to come out...it ran and drove great. a bit of a shame to scrap it. oh well.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...8f42e8aa8d.jpg


Relieving the Fairmont of it's ford powered guts....should be replaced with LS excellence soon.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...13ecacf6d9.jpg


now the question is do I pressure clean and paint it black? or leave the caked on grease and gunk just for comedic effect.........
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...7171547ff3.jpg

Stage 2 Turbo Cam & Valve Springs in route........updates to come

Installed PAC1218 valve springs + Trickflow Cam ground for boost.
Should be ready to fire up pretty soon. Can't wait to see what this cam sounds like. I'm contemplating to get the thing fired up in the car naturally aspirated first just to check the health of the motor.



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I'm envious of you. I can't wait to drink the Sloppy Turbo-LS Kool-Aid on my own fox platform sh**box project.

What did you end up doing for engine mounts?
Did you go AJE for the cross member?
Are you going with a KB Racing Log manifold (or equivalent) for the turbo hot-side or building your own?
Stock ECU or Megasquirt?

Keep going! Can't wait to see the finished product.

I am going to go with the AJE k member. It's only 280 bucks and seems like it is a bolt on piece.i can even use the stock struts which is nice. I'm not exactly going for a corner carver! I will use the AJE mounts made for their k member (68 bucks).

i will be using stock ecu with hptuners. Yesterday I picked up a stock ecu from a 2000 gmc 4.8 sierra. From the research I've done this should be the easiest pcm to tune and get up and going. One of my buddies bought the HP software so this should be a great platform to experience and learn with.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...53fb5f5e41.jpg

For the turbo kit I am still researching what the best way to go is. I'm in between ON3 kit and vs racing universal setup with a premade log manifold. I've still got a long way to go before I need to buy turbo parts.

Killer. I will be interested to see your numbers when finished as well as how things go together. Cheers.

Picked up 2 fox body rear ends 8.8's, one has 3.15 gears and one has 3.73 with a spool. I'm thinking of using the 3.15's what do you guys think ?https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...2347bb57d3.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...3d0f68ceb4.jpg
AJE crossmember is here ..... installation soon

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...48bfd2df37.jpgPulled the stock gas tank out. This is a southern car and it still has a few rust holes in the trunk floor. Perfect for weight savings
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...c59f4777e8.jpgGot the stock tank out , I'm still contemplating getting this thing sumped or maybe going with a fuel cell off craigslist. If I ever decide to do hot rod drag week or hot rod power tour it would be nice to have a full trunk!

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...641ebbbdea.jpgToday I pulled apart both of the 100 dollar rear ends to see what I'm working with. The first rear looks like it has an upgraded Richmond 3.73 gear set
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...8cc9bcfc4a.jpgSecond rear has 3.08 gear set , they should both do the trick for this project. If one blows up I have a backup !

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...e6dfbd5045.jpg
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Today I removed the full front suspension and I member. AJE k member and stock springs/struts/control arms to go in next week. Making progress !

Got the AJE k member all bolted up. I'm going with stock springs ( any input on how the stock springs will work with the iron 4.8? I'm also going to throw some new ball joints on the stock lower control arms , as well as some new struts from rockauto (40 bucks ea)


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...9ad7bd1405.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...6acc5ca7b8.jpg

8.8 fox rear differential control arms , 110 bucks on eBay, how can you go wrong ? Will I ever build a Chevy ever again ? Haha
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...a6a047d2c1.jpg

damn makes me wanna build one of these cars!! gonna be a runner once finished.

I'd say go with the 3.73s mate. Front springs should be fine with an iron block after all the old 3.3 lump is no lightweight

This weekend I ripped into my 4l80e with a buddy of mine. We installed the transgo HD2 shift kit and it was not too bad at all! I've never rebuilt a tranny or ever installed a shift kit so this was definetly a learning experience. The instructions were pretty straight forward and watching denmah's YouTube video on the install a few times really gave us confidence!
Of course we used all the firm shift springs! No slushy shifts here !

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...47802a4fbc.jpgThe harbor freight engine stand really came in handy
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...16f30bff18.jpgI'm not going to lie once you crack into this thing it's pretty daunting.
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circle d spec'd me this 3400 stall triple bullet converter, damn this thing is a piece of art! It's quite funny when your torque converter costs more than the car ! https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...c9f699c0c8.jpg

I have a 5.3 in my Zephyr with 3.73's and I run out of gear really quick on 5lbs of boost. I'm going to be going to a 3.27 or 3.08.

thanks for the feedback mate ! I appreciate it

Have 3.55 in mine. Going through the traps at 6000 at 130ish mph. Going to leave them in for now and maybe try some 3.27 next year

I spent an hour yesterday pulling out the stock 7.5 rear end, the fox body 8.8 with 3.08 will be going in next.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...3e39b568f9.jpg

Here is after we dropped the stock rear out of the car

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...a80fde8016.jpg

I'm waiting on stock lower control arm bushings to reassemble the front end.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...0f7d95eb20.jpg

Here's the old stock 7.5

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...513ca0bdbd.jpg

My buddy just loaded fairmont 3.0 tune into my PCM. Should be all ready to go. Hey no more messing with carb floats and jetting. I'm throwing my Holley jet kit in the trash !

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...bcb02b0e42.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...ddfc4023ef.jpg

8.8 1991 mustang GT rear end is finally in the car!
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...bfde126408.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...71d7f1dd1c.jpg

build looking good... any sleep status touches in the works? Like maybe a bible on the dash lol

I am open for sleep status touches.. I like bible on the dash. I was even thinking a JESUS license plate haha. The car already has a AAA vehicle service sticker from 1990.

love this! whats your target budget for this thing?

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...4154b6561c.jpgControl arms with the 80s fox patina
$6-7k I could definelty do it for cheaper, but I'm buying a lot of new parts. Rear is all done and on the ground now. Hopefully I'll get the stock springs back in this weekend and we'll have a full roller again.

My favorite all-time sleeper touch was on Skinnies LTD. He had a small receiver/hitch with a wheelchair on it, lmao.

He also had the turbo hidden far as I know and some other sleeper touches. Cool car for sure.

Looks like the project is coming on along. I've been procrastinating on mine for a long time now.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...5d341f5271.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...e383550190.jpg
Front springs and shocks are in the car (all stock suspension) I've just got to bolt the brake calipers on and I'll tow the car to my buddy's house for the fun part. Subframe connectors and motor and transmission install next.

I already made the decision I'm going with the VS racing 78/75 Chinese turbo with my stock truck manifolds flipped.

i'm in the middle of a 78 mercury wagon swap. very similar and were about in the same spot. for the pass side (driver side manifold ) I had to pie slice it a bit to clear the sway bar . but so far everything fits. truck intake and accessories too!

hey thanks for the tip. I deleted both front and rear bars. I assume no front bar is best for the strip. I may put back the rear bar if it 60 foots better with it. We'll see.

love this build makes me want a fairmount for sure!

I drive and race a '78 Zephyr. I drove it without any sway bars for a while. It sucked with skinny front tires and body roll. So I decided to try a Mustang GT front sway bar with urethane frame bushings and end links all greased with synthetic grease. My ET's and 60 foot times were indistinguishable. I'm talking a few thousands difference. It handles so much better, even with skinnies on the front. Everyone said a front bar would slow it down. Not true, if it is properly prepared to allow weight transfer. And my car does high 1.50's 60 foot btw.

Love the build! Should be a blast!

Mine handles fine with a anti roll bar in the rear

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...bacc25716f.jpg

Back on the ground, suspension is all done. I ran into the same problem others had with the AJE k member the steering shaft is 1 in too short . Looks like we'll have to weld a collar to make it fit..

Motor is finally in the car, subframe connectors are in.https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...2affd15802.jpg
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https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...55c2166459.jpg

nice! were about at the same spot.

what are you gonna do for a driveshaft?

once the 4l80 crossmember is in, I think I'll use "Denny's Driveshaft" in New York. We'll see if the local places are cheaper. A 3" steel should be fine.

The one strange issue is the front end is sitting pretty high with the motor in the car. I used stock fairmont springs with the AJE adapters to use coil springs instead of coilovers. (gotta keep the budget!). Not sure if anyone else ran into this issue. Guess They've gotta come out again and chop em up!

Yep, same. I figured we would wait until everything is in before we cut.

also, you put the car on the ground before tigthen ing the lower arms right?

i believe i did torque the lower control arms bolts in the air. I guess I'll remove the nut and re tighten later on down the road...

truckdoug, I saw some of your videos, love the build!

yeah i figure all the turbo piping, the turbo and intercooler, radiator, coolant, oil and all the other little stuff has gotta be another ~100lbs so we won't cut until it's on the road and all settled out.

all the fairmont/zephyr turbo swaps i've seen with stock springs actually sit a little nose down compared to stock.

anyways, lookin good. i'll keep and eye on your build!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...eb80f4bdb8.jpgSummit 15 gal fuel cell is in with a rear mount battery
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...a6748fb34d.jpgGot all the fuel system plumbed, going with an Aeromotive A1000 fuel pump I got free with another project I have. 3/8 rubber supply and return lines.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...8e6a304c76.jpgWiring harness is 80 percent done , used stock truck radiator hoses

Looks like a fun project! I've got to get me one of these!

Well guys, everything is all together. The junkyard motor that was sitting in an aisle lives again. That camshaft sounds nasty ! Progress continues.

Many thanks to denmah We're using the fairmont 3.0 base tune, she fired right up. See first idle video below

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SUQ0vD...ature=youtu.be

sorrry for the etrocious video, my camera broke so I was using the selfie vid side of my iPhone 😂

HY! thats the best when they fire right up.

we'll be right behind ya, our first fire next weekend

Truckdoug good luck firing up yours next week.

I was defineltly not expecting it to fire up right away. Considering it has coils pieced together from multiple junkyard cars, all used ratty sensors, and a greasy ugly maf and truck intake lol!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...8abf36f8a2.jpg
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Sounds pissed off!

Trans crossmember finally is in. Turbo parts get here this week, more shenanigans to come.

heres a small rev clip

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...a897d87411.jpgStarting to test fit the intercooler. Guys I apologize about the coffee table, it's a ford 351 😂
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...91b4723354.jpgTurbo is finally here, china billet 7875.

nice, wish we had ponied up for the 7875 on our fox, this gt45 is about the size of a soccer ball i swear!

The stock shaft will slide out far enough to reach. I forget how I did it now but the information is out there.

AJE tech told me the same thing , said it's collapsible should extend out a bit with some force. Mine wouldn't budge. I'll try one more time with some penetrating oil

my buddy will be starting with the hotside fab in a few weeks.

I had to put my column in a vice and stick a rod through the bolt hole and hit it for it to come out

The hotside is now 50% done,looks pretty nice for a pieced together Pontiac G8 2inch exhaust . We are also using the OEM flex coupler from the Pontiac G8 as can be seen below. The drivers side will then merge into the 3inch portion of the pipe after the flex coupler. Work in progress! Should get to mount the turbo next week. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...0a6a4aebd8.jpg

Looks like a Mod motor to me?

Finally the hotside is done from cobbled together g8 exhaust. turbo is mounted! Temporary haterpipe , maybe it will stay haha

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love the hater pipe! we went all the way out the back with our wagon. total pain in the ass!
good news is that it passed DEQ sniff test so we can pull the cat off and start really whoopin on it

Cool stuff you plan to run pump or E85?

great news glad to see the wagon is coming along!

running 93 pump gas for now to work the bugs out, once it's time to turn it up over 10lbs I'll swap out the 3/8 rubber lines for 1/2 and run straight E85.

Nice, i actually am following you on youtube didn't know you had a thread on here. Nice build i got my fairmont for $500 but yours looks mint compared to mine.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...16f7375251.jpgFront mounter intercooler is on the car finally
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...5cca92bac7.jpgThe famous VS racing boost controller

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...0f1b9b7dab.jpgInner fender shot, quite alot going on here... hah
Nice little dump under the front fender. We had to completely obliterate the inner fender in order to fit everything .Got the front brakes done, rear brakes will be next week.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...9a5291c334.jpgShe has come a long way. First LS turbo project and it has been a blast.

hell yeah! lets see some burnout videos!

Finally got the car on the street. It's an absolute monster with 15lbs of boost. We accidently had the boost controller turned all the way way up and HOLY cow the car moves. We bolted some old drag radials on and we finally able to get some tuning done. She is running great. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...9fafb79e44.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...67eb1e3952.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech...03bbd72f56.jpg

HY lookin good!

are you gonna dyno it ? is it to late for track times ?

planning on taking it to the track sometime early next year. I don't think I can run it straight 93 on kill..... Need to convert to e85.

she is still on 15lbs of boost on straight 93 octane.
even with 3.08 gears it really just burns the tires down. the old drag radials are down to cords, new tires are badly needed.
I can't imagine how she'll feel with a better 1/4 mile gear 3.73.

so far so good, running great

Awesome build. I just dropped the front end out of my 83 Zephyr. Installing AJE k-member soon. How much fun am I going to have trying to reinstall stock springs?

with this type of tool you can install them no problem. if you install lowering springs I doubt you'd need this tool...

https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.co...SABEgKEcPD_BwE

Nice man love the build.. just picked up a fairmont myself. Doing a pretty similar build, gen4 5.3/80e/8.8 rear, probably gonna do some sort of VS racing snail. Time will tell..

keep up the the good work I’m tuned in

we're running my buddy's 78 zephyr wagon on ~10 psi and it's great. might make the switch to a 7675 to spool quicker over the old school 69mm gt45. very similar build

happy holidays!

^^ That shit made me laugh! Thanks I needed that! Just visited Mom at the dementia unit.

Truckdoug: wagon looks awesome!! congrats

you running 93 pump gas no meth on 10lbs?

92 cat pee. No meth. 11.5* timing