Lss3

[69cunningham]

The time has come for the restoration of my 69 short stepside. Here’s a picture of it in 1981 with a fresh paint job.

I bought it in 1977 to drive to high school. It originally had a 307 with 3 on the tree, but by ’80 they had been replaced by an SS Chevelle 350 backed up with a Corvette 4 speed.
In 1982, the truck was disassembled for a complete restoration. The time and money wasn’t available so it sat in storage for the next 32 years.
I’ve collected a few parts for it over the years. The most important is the LS3 out of a 2010 Camaro. It was pulled out with 4 miles on it for an LS7 swap.

(Don’t ask about the Jeep in the in the background.)

Some of the parts being reunited after a very long separation. The engine is mounted using 911 GEN III conversion mounts from Early Classic.

The stock mounting location leaves more gap between the firewall than I would like. I slid it back 2 inches and will eventually drill new mounting holes.

The transmission is a T56 Magnum from American Powertrain.

[69cunningham]

Transmission Mount Progress:

The crossmember is made from 1X2 1/8" wall tubing. Braces are included to stiffen the frame so the cab won't flex out the top.

Purchased a stock type rubber transmission mount for a 1972 Camaro from Napa auto parts, 620-1024. This mount was used in many GM vehicles up into the 80’s.

[screaminchevypickup]

Sweet project and power plant..

[trkfrk]

I am tuned in for this build. Nice score on the motor and transmission.

[69cunningham]

Fuel Tank Work:
The tank is a Boyd Welding Special EFI A1000 aluminum fuel tank. I had Boyd not include provisions for the fuel level sender or fuel pump.

I am customized it to hold an in tank fuel pump from a 2012 Silverado fuel pump, MU1949. The pump was shortened to fit the tank.
I made a fuel pump clamping ring. It will need to be welded to the tank.

[uxdesigner]

Amazing start, can't wait to see more. Any info (part #) for the fuel ring/o-ring?

[69cunningham]

The O-ring came with the 2012 Silverado fuel pump. RockAuto lists it as an AC Delco G41 (22682111).

[mcbassin]

Awesome project. I'm in. Love the powerplant and tank.

[mikeleeshields]

Very good start.

[Low Elco]

Innnnnteressssting..... I'm in. Nice motor!

[faribran]

will you have to use a high hump to clear this tranny?

[69cunningham]

I am currently looking for a high hump. It doesn't look like it there is enough clearance, but I haven't put the cab on since I got the trans.

[faribran]

very good. thank you. that is what i was guessing..... i like your project so far... keep it up... maybe the weather will get warmer soon.

[69cunningham]

I just tried setting the cab on the frame to see the clearance to the transmission. I definitely need a high hump transmission cover. It might work if I were willing to slide the engine forward and tip the back of the trans down, I would rather have the drivetrain where I have it.

Anyone have a good high hump?

[trkfrk]

I installed the same transmission and used a high hump. It fits very well. I did have to notch the cab floor to clear the top of my transmission because I moved my engine back a couple of inches. Keep the pictures coming your build is looking good.

[69cunningham]

I got the fuel pump clamping ring welded in. I’ll try to fit the tank to the frame this weekend so I can get the tank powder coated.

[Rusbuilt]

Very nice!

[aggie91]

Looks like a cool project. I like your trans crossmember.

[mcbassin]

Nice welding on the tank.

[Hardesty454]

Nice stuff going on here. Cant wait to watch some building! Wish I could find an LS3.


Where is Windor? Unless you meant Windsor over by Santa Rosa?

[69cunningham]

Oops! No one said that I could spell. It's Windsor, near Santa Rosa.

[69cunningham]

Mounting the fuel tank:
When it comes time for final assembly on the truck, the fuel tank area is going to be very congested with the tank, hitch, bumper and bed all competing for the same area. To allow the tank to be installed without access to the top of the mounting bolts, I made bolt plates. They drop in to the top through existing holes in the frame. Rubber pads and nylocks will be added later.

I will need to notch to top of the frame to make room for the fuel filler hose.

[conman585]

Updates?? It's been a long 9 days...

[Hart_Rod]

Nice project. You're going to love the LS3.

[steelhorse]

Looks like a cool build.