Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

^^^ That's a pretty large chunk of frame missing. Especially since it has gotten so close to the curve (actually looks to be beyond the start of the curve) which would significantly reduce the structural integrity of the frame. I wouldn't do it without some additional bracing in that area. Just my .02

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

My biggest concern with this area is the proximity to the idler arm. It bolts to the frame about 2" away.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

It's coming along nicely. Very nice looking work. Good Job!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Yeah that would make me nervous too. I would head back to the thinking tank like you are doing for the a/c

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Wouldn't be an issue with triangulation and some gussets....IMO

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Oh I agree, but the way the fittings shoot up outta there it would be difficult to do that correctly. That is, using the 06's hoses and splice them into the 85's hoses. I wonder though about reinforcing that area by welding some plate around the notch, something heavier than the frame like 3/16" or 1/4" plate on top and on the side?

Now, buying blocks and using 90° threaded fittings would probably allow that area to be raised, boxed on one side, and gusseted.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I have no doubt you will figure it out while making it even better than it was before. Hhhmmm, remembering a TV show from my youth...could this be the 6 million dollar truck :)

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic truck. Fred will be that truck. We can make him better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

:lol: that should be your sig.

where's the new pics of all the wiring tucked away in looms? i need my fix!! :haha:

and those last pics look like alot had to be notched out of that frame. it does look like he reinforced it unless im seeing things. just by the way our frame is prone to crack by the steering box i'd be hesitant on cutting that much out. heck i dont even want to notch mine in the rear!:lol:

another thing is i'm not sure how much pressure that idler arm shaft takes but i'm pretty sure the bolts were only 3/8" but i'll have to double check that... i'm just suprised there isnt a kit or something that adapts to the compressor to point the hoses straight up.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Tonight!!

I can't tell, but I'm not seeing anything that would make me think it's reinforced in any way.

As a whole, a lot, right at that part of the frame. The steering gear and the idler arm take a pounding when you hit a bump, pot hole, curb, high speed cornering, etc. There is a ton of lateral force being put on those spots. Go out in your garage and imagine kicking one of your front tires as hard as you can in front of the spindle, and picture where all that force is being transferred to.

There are adapters, but they are worse than the OEM hoses. First there is o-ring the block that mounts to the compressor. THEN the hose fitting screws into that block. So by the time you add those two pieces, the 90° bend doesn't occur for a good 2.5" to 3" away from the compressor. That puts them well beyond the top frame rail.

Compressor adapters:

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/ima...pters_copy.jpg

And the 90° fittings:

http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/ima...690fitting.jpg

You would think someone like Street & Performance should be making a "pancake style" block with threaded fittings coming off the side instead of the top. THAT would solve everything!

I'm going to try and fit that thing in there again. I think I can clearance the back side of the bracket enough to make room for the trans cooler lines. I gotta make this work! I know I can!

I wish I had a spare frame and a block to play with........

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

:haha:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

On your a/c issue, what if you used a compressor from an earlier vortec 5.7 like whats in the 96 model trucks and used the adapter fittings from this site...
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...n-left-332.php
then had some hoses made to work? The compressor will bolt right up and the belt will work on it also.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Have you physically done this yourself? The 96 era 5.7 was a Gen II block, and the compressor was on a bracket on the upper left side. The bolt pattern doesn't look quite the same.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I haven't gotten as far as putting the adapters on yet, but the motor is in and the compressor is on. I also have the belt on the compressor right now so I could see if that was atleast right. When I get home I'll try and snap a pic and repost it so you can see what you think.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

That would be GREAT! If and when possible, I would like to see the adapter at least held into place too. Thanks!!!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Heres the pics of my a/c compressor, but I haven't gotten the adapter yet. Honestly didn't know if it would work until I found your thread and found the link to the adapters on here. I have about 2 inches of clearance from the a/c compressor to the frame so I'm not sure why it wouldn't work. I am using the brp motor mount conversion kit though. But it looks like we both may have about the same clearance.
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_0113.jpg
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_0114.jpg
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_0115.jpg
Let me know what you think. I was going to order the adapter tonight.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I'm bbq'ing right now, but that looks like it will definitely work!!! I'll be back later on.

Thanks!!!!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

With that flat adapter pointing back, 90* fittings will point them up with little if any interference with the frame.

You say it bolted right up to the AC bracket?

Dude, I think you just solved a major problem for all of us here!!!! :metal:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Cool I was hoping I could help out with all the help I have gotten from everyon else. Yeah the compressor bolted right up. I've been piecing my motor together and when I got the compressor I didn't even realize I didn't get the one that comes on the 5.3's until I already had the motor in and was comparing the setup to my avalanche!!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

It looks like the flash washed it out, but is there a part number on the compressor? And you know for sure it is off a 96? This is fantastic, with that flat block and 90* fittings I can't see anywhere this would cause a problem.

Do you have a build thread on here?

Thanks again!!! :metal:

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Dumb question, but is that a much different compressor, or is the motor just sitting higher in the frame? I was looking at your pic, Bob, from post #522 vs. Codys87's and it kinda looks like the motor sits a bit higher. Don't blast me if I am wrong :)

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

whoa, i'm i reading this right???

a compressor off a '96 gen II small block bolts right up to the ls motor and clears the frame rails?

how is the compressor quality compare to the newer style?

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Well, anything is better than the ones like I have.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

I think you are right, the upper compressor bolt on his looks to be above the frame rail, where I had to angle mine to clear the rail to get the bolt in the hole.

BUT..... and this is a big but :lol: , the manifold on the 96 compressor is flat and exits to the rear, whereas the 06 compressor exits up at about a 45* angle. With the flat manifold block of the 96, a pair of 90* fittings could be ran straight up.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Then again.....

Compare the height of my heater hoses above the frame (barely seen in the top of the pic) to Cody's.

Cody, if you would please, could you measure from the top of your frame to the bottom of the heater hoses? I'll measure mine here in a little bit.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010206.jpg

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...t/IMG_0115.jpg

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

looks pretty close by eyeballing it....

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Measuring from the top of the frame rail to the bottom of the heater hose is right at 2 1/2 inches. But I am using a different motor mount set up too.

Give me a day and let me check out and make sure this compressor is the exact same as the 96. Problem with mine is that when I was cleaning it the part number from the sticker rubbed off!!! unless there is another spot on the compressor I could check for a part # I need to go to the parts store and compare some stuff. This compressor looks just like the compressor on my dads 96 Silverado, but with no part # I don't want anyone else to go out and buy one until I'm for sure.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Wow, this is really turning into an educational experience for all. Bob, you my friend should get an award for build thread of the year. :)

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Mine is right at 1.5", so you are an inch higher. I still think it might work. :D But I'm not going to worry about AC until spring, so we have some time to figure it out. Or at least, I do. :lol:

OK, Dennis is in need of a pic fix, so here we go:

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...P1010168-2.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010173.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...P1010174-2.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010176.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010177.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010171.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010178.jpg

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...c/P1010179.jpg

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Lookin' Good Mr. Kotter!!!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Thanks dude! I'm blown away that it's at almost 700 posts in just two months! And there's not really that much BS'ing going on. :lol: But there has been a TON of great LS swap info brought out in this thread. It will definitely make to task of drawing up a 73-87 LS swap guide a whole lot easier!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Let me just start off by saying that your build is awesome! It looks so neat and like it came from the factory that way. Very nice!:metal:

And after searching like crazy because I don't want to disappoint, I finally found the compressor that I have. It's not a 96 style after all, because one bracket mount is different, but it actually came on the 99-02 5.3.
Two part numbers I found are:
Delphi - cs20010
Delco - 1520413

Also if your heater hoses are 1.5 from the frame rail that would mean you should have a little more room to put the adapter in, right?

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

hahaha! thats sweet Bob. i felt something move below my belt line when i seen that overhead view!:haha: i feel better now;)

this thread is chocked full of great info and pics! excellent job buddy.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

LOL @ Dennis! Thanks man!

Cody - you did not dissapoint brother! Thanks for getting that info! And I think you are right, since mine sits lower I should have a little more room between the block/fittings and the under side of the frame rail.

I'm laying in bed on the Blackberry right now, so I'll check out those part numbers tomorrow. See if I can find who has the best price.

G'nite all!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Yeah this is a very resourceful thread for LS swaps. If anything it is the iconic one. Soooo much information.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Looks like if one were to use this compressor, price-wise it would be better to find a junk yard one. The Delco part goes for $360 (with core) at Rockauto.com, and the Delphi number is $286 (no core).

With that in mind, I think I am going to stay with the Kwik Performance high mount ($342 for brackets and compressor). On my truck, I still have issues with the tranny cooler lines between the block and AC bracket. Had I known this sooner, I could have cut the cooler lines back near the trans and ran braided line all the way up and routed them under the engine stands. If a person is just starting their swap, and not as far along as I am, this style of compressor would definitely be the ticket though!

Of course, I don't plan on installing the AC until spring, so I might have a wild hair by then to re-do the tranny lines and install this one in the stock location! With me, you never know!

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

just a thought... if someone were to go with the BRP kit for $450 they wouldnt need to get a different compressor or anything? only because the kit sits the motor higher up? it would end up almost a wash compared to buying the high mount a/c kit right?

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

The mount, and it's interference with the compressor and bracket, is a only one issue. The other is how and where the fittings connect to the compressor and what is in the way.

The problem with the compressor used on the 03 and up motors is that the only blocks that I can find available have threaded fittings that project straight up from the compressor body. Now, with the one Cody is using (99-02), there is a manifold available that has the threaded fittings exiting toward the rear:

Manifolds for my compressor (x2): http://www.rayeveritt.com/Compressor...s/06300738.jpg

Manifold for Cory's compressor: http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/ima...332GMpadup.jpg

The adapters for my compressor are about 1-3/4" tall, NOT including the 90° fitting that threads on to it, and I only have 2" from the compressor body to the under side of the frame rail for the discharge fitting. All moving the compressor up does (where my engine sits -vs- Cody's) is give me less room under the rail.

At least with his compressor, he will be able to have 90° fitting that come straight up from the compressor, then loop over toward the inner wheel well, completely missing the edge of the frame rail.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

Don't forget that upper radiator hose clamp at the radiator is not in place.

Re: Glock's new project: "Fred"
 

If you used the taller mounts Cody used do you think the air intake tube would clear the top of the fan shroud?

Would the mechanical fan blade clear the top of the shroud if the engine was an inch higher or would you have to raise the shroud?