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#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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LS engine swap info
A lot of questions have been asked lately about LS engine swaps. I have done a bunch of research and wanted to share what I have found. I hope it helps some of you out. Spend some time clicking the links, I have put a lot of the time into finding this stuff.
LT1swap lots of good wiring harness info with pictures and DIY tips LT1swap Lots of good LS information, what are the engine differences etc LSprimer LSprimer part II A thread with LS engine swap questions and answers Questions and answers Another sites questions and answers ANOTHER Question and answer thread I will add to this post and thread as I go through my information Last edited by Thealien; 12-22-2009 at 08:37 AM. |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Here are a few Engine sources to look at. I only have experience with Spaulding Automotive. I will elaborate more when I finally start my build thread.
SPAULDING AUTO Here is a you tube link from one of their ads Spaulding auto ready to run package A couple people have bought from these guys Schram auto Pacific fab also does pull out and ready to run packages they also have a pretty cool 4X4 Ls crossmember I'll talk about later Pacific Fab Another vender that seems to have happy customers? TNScrambler And last but not least car part.com Car Part.com These are all just a reference, buyer beware and I am not recomending anyone at the moment. Ask questions, try local and good luck there are deal out there Last edited by Thealien; 01-30-2010 at 10:05 AM. Reason: Adding info |
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Motor mounts and adapter plates
A couple of drawings of adapter plates, you would need two of either plate. This one would move the engine forward some. ![]() They are showing the wrong hole countersunk. The hole that should be countersunk is the one between the two 1.75 inch measurements. The point goes forward and to the top. You have to countersink the hole that ends up behind the motor mount. The two plates will be mirror images with the countersunk hole on opposite sides of the plate. This is more like most of the aftermarket adapter plates. Most of them are 5/16-3/8 while these are 1/4 inch. The slight thickness differences could change engine height. I haven't read much about anyone having any issues with any of the different thickness adapter plates. ![]() Scroll down S&P multi position adapter plates MULTI POSITION Moroso scroll down MOROSO Year one YEAR ONE Car Shop Car Shop And advance adapters. They are the only one that doesn't use the bottom bolt hole to position the motor mount? Hmmm Advance Adapters Now the drawings say 1/4 inch and all the rest are 5/16-3/8 which in my humble opinion will slightly change where your engine sits, higher/lower? There are some issues with crossmembers on the 4X4 trucks causing motor mount and crossmember problems. My truck is stock height so these won't work for me but 4" plus lifted vehicles can use these from Pacific Fabrication Pacific Fabrication ![]() ![]() Last edited by Thealien; 12-24-2009 at 10:23 PM. Reason: Added links |
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#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Wiring, harnesses, and connectors
If you want to modify your own harness there is some good info at LT1swap in the first post. Here is a list of links to places that either modify your own harness or build complete new ones. After contacting a bunch of them and having some emails go unanswered I am having my harness done by a board member 68 short step Check him out for your project Jims performance is very knowleagable and was the most reasonable. You must call him. Jims SPEARTECH Wait4me Current performance also has fuse/relay panels connectors and will either rework your harness or build new. Current performance LS1wiring harness Nelson performance In addition to currant performance here are a few places to get fuse/relay panels, connectors, pins and bulkhead connectors Pictures of GM connectors Bulkhead connector Terminals wire connectors If you know the connector part number and pin part number this is the place MOUSER Fuse blocks Fuse block wiring kits Painless circuit boss Painless Autotrend fuse relay The brake switch you will need if you want cruise control AC Delco D850A Last edited by Thealien; 01-24-2010 at 02:09 PM. |
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#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Transmission info and adapters
If my transmission ever needs a rebuild I am going with these guys. Check out all the pictures and attention to detail! Finish Line Transmission build thread Not a lot of info to post here. The harnesses can be changed from either a 4l60 to a 4l80 and the other way around. It is easier to alter a 4l80 harness for the 4l60 but both are doable. The 4l80 has 2 VSS sensors and the 4l60 has one. If you have a 4l60 harness you have to add the other VSS for the 4l80. If you have a 4l80 harness you remove the extra VSS for the 4l60. It matters which one but if you are doing your own harness you will have the pin outs. If you are having it done they should know what to do if not find someone else. In the big round connector there are a couple of wires moved between the 4l60 and 4l80. HERE IS THE DIFFERENCES IN THE TRANSMISSION WIRING There is a big switch on the side of the transmission. It is your park/neutral safety switch. Many people remove this and that can be done. The PCM does use that information for more than the safety and gear indicator but from what I have read it is not necessary. Here is what I have found The PCM uses the signal to adjust idle speed based on whether the car is in gear or in park/neutral. As soon as the PCM "sees" the car go in gear it drops the idle speed by around 100 rpm to prevent jerking going into gear, and to prevent tugging at the torque converter. It can be considered as optional on a swap. As long as the line is left open the PCM will always assume the car is in gear, and will drop to lower rpm when the engine is started. This also causes a much quicker rpm rampdown on a cold engine start. Some aftermarket wiring harness companies that have no clue as to how the PCM works will wire this line to ground which makes the PCM think the car is always in park or neutral. On some applications this allows some diagnostic tests to be skipped (EGR, purge, etc.) so that these items can be left off without setting a code. The problem is that the idle is too fast then, and the car wantts to pull a little when sitting still, as well as other issues. I have a 4X4 and am keeping the NP205 transfer case in the factory location using the 4L60 transmission. Here are the aprts I needed to make this work. 4L60 to 205 Here are some of those parts being installed(bottom first page) And here is another thread showing more of that installation The transmission must be disassembled to install the output shaft. I did not want to move my transfer case shifter or change my almost new driveshafts so this is the route I took. There are a couple of passenger side drop transfer cases that will mate to the 4L60 but I do not have the information on what works and what doesn't. If somebody has information on what works and how they handled the shifter etc I will be happy to include it. With all that being said I may still have driveshaft/transmission pan clearance issues due to being stock height. I will update with pictures when I know. I am also going to try to modify my stock shifter linkage to work. Some say I won't be able to shift into first? Again I will update when I know. Here are a couple of shifter linkage solutions Lokar shift linkage Lokar cable shift linkage If you need to run a mechanical speedo with a 4L60 this is one solution Shiftworks The fittings on these 4l60/80 transmissions are not NPT but National pipe straight thread And use fittings like these Corvette servo information courtesy of Glock35ipsc Corvette servo Last edited by Thealien; 01-18-2010 at 12:55 PM. |
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#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Cooling
Here is some reading on cooling that will keep you busy. I will add more later I am tired of typing. More than you thought there was to cooling A couple of thread on an ebay aluminum radiator. If you conatct him he will add steam ports, change inlet and outlet sizes, you can even get them with fans! Ebay Radiator Ebay Radiator 2 His Ebay store A fan install thread Frugal fan install Some hose adapters and steam port Ts Hose reducers etc. Look around this site a bit JTR Last edited by Thealien; 12-21-2009 at 08:07 PM. |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Links to build threads
Calling all LS1 owners Glocks build LS1 into a 73 Ackattacks 69 Burb 5.3 Incredible HULK Sicmaro 72BlazerCST 68 Short Step Shifty Killers 5.3 72 Shortbed 6.0 Super 73s 63 Chevy C10 68fleetsideC20 budget build 37 Ford lots of great fabrication and ideas! Last edited by Thealien; 01-01-2010 at 11:30 AM. |
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#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
AC compressor relocation options
THE EXPENSIVE ONES BUT??? A LESS EXOENSIVE SOLUTION BUT USES AN EXPENSIVE SANDEN COMPRESSOR AND HERE IS THE THIRD OPTION AC Compressor manifolds courtesy of Big Port Jimmy 6 search for AA2209 Docsblocks compressor manifolds Cable X box for running a mechanical speedo from a VSS Cable X Power steering pump info Use your old fitting on your new pump Link to torque values Scroll to the last 2 posts Aeroforce technologies. Cool little gauge that plugs into your OBDII port and has lots of programable features! AEROFORCE Some interesting LS engine covers ENGINE COVERS LQ4/LQ9 engine mechanical service manual thanks to 1972 supercheyenne LQ4/LQ9 engine service manual Last edited by Thealien; 02-11-2010 at 11:53 AM. |
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Fuel system (any chance a mod can move this post up?)
The LS engines require 58-60 pounds pressure at the fuel rails. Older fuel rails had a regulator on the rails and there is a feed and return on these engines. On the later fuel rails there is only the feed on the rail. You need to have something like the filter regulator shown below to return the excess fuel to the tank. Some of the tanks these engines came with did this internally in the tank. Corvette filter/regulator I don't know how long this will last but a decent deal on the regulator/filter and he will take offers for less I am told GF822 Lots of people use Walbro external pumps Walbro external pumps and fittings Dorman quick disconnects for GM fuel line Dorman 5/16ths Dorman 3/8ths Russel AN quick disconnects Russel 3/8ths Russel 5/16ths Don't have a way to make the GM quick disconnect? Try one of these Dorman flare to quick disconnect Fuel pump tank adapter F-body LS1 fuel pump adapter kit here is an installation tutorial of the adapter kit Tutorial of adapter kit Another gas tank modification EFI pump tank mod Dual tank info Compliments of Glock35ipsc Last edited by Thealien; 01-06-2010 at 11:51 PM. |
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#10 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sammamish, WA
Posts: 2,404
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Re: LS engine swap info
This will be great when it's all sorted out. Hopefully it'll be a sticky!
Thanks for doing it, and it makes a difference - that's why you try ![]() |
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#11 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,541
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Re: LS engine swap info
Sorry, I thought you were brain fried like me, Youre not, you just have a plan.
I think this is a FANTASTIC idea, and I applaud you taking the time to do it! I think others that see how easy this swap is will jump right in when they have information like you are putting together, Thanks Thealien!
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 ![]() ![]() ![]() support our troops! Last edited by Clyde65; 12-21-2009 at 04:54 PM. |
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#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Random parts/links
Brass fitting and adapters LS engine pulling fixture Happy Hooker The last flaring tool you will ever need. Does the GM quick disconnects also and this is the best price I could find! Mastercool universal flaring GM Gen III & IV bolt and sensor list Bolts and Sensors There are not a lot of vacuum options on an LS manifold Vacuum manifold Some Vehicle Speed Sensor options VSS VSS OPTIONS BRAKE BOOSTER NIPPLE FOUND HERE ![]() Last edited by Thealien; 01-28-2010 at 11:05 AM. |
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#13 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,541
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Re: LS engine swap info
You are doing a great job, thank you for doing this, if I would have had that happen to me, my PC would be in the middle of the street and I with a sledge hammer hoisted high over my head ready for the explosion of PC parts all over the neighborhood, but that is me.
May I add this for cooling, I know it is from the F word car forum but this is what I am doing and it really cools my truck fast. http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/coo...tric-fans.html
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 ![]() ![]() ![]() support our troops! |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, Ca
Posts: 2,841
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Re: LS engine swap info
If there are any direct questions that i can help with, please let me know. I've been dealing with LS1's since 2001 and as well as being a moderator here, I am a moderator on LS1tech.com and Performancetrucks.net
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------Motor---------------Bottle 60'---1.53---------------1.41 1/8---6.58 @ 105.92----5.87 @ 118.41 1/4---10.38 @ 126.97----9.24 @ 142.49 |
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#15 |
60-66 Nut
![]() ![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,247
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Re: LS engine swap info
Thank you for putting this together. At some point in time I'm sure I will be doing a LS swap, so this will come in handy.
On the motor mount adapter plates there are two drawings, is one of each needed for a swap? One other source that I know of for wiring, connectors and a lot of other EFI related components is this one. http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/default.aspx He does some really cool things like the 24X coil per plug conversion for older EFI engines. Just lots of cool stuff that he does.
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Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, Ca
Posts: 2,841
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Re: LS engine swap info
For the adapter plates, 2 of one picture will work... They both use one of the existing SBC bolt holes. If memory serves me, the lower one keeps the motor in the factory location where the upper one moves the motor slightly.
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------Motor---------------Bottle 60'---1.53---------------1.41 1/8---6.58 @ 105.92----5.87 @ 118.41 1/4---10.38 @ 126.97----9.24 @ 142.49 Last edited by Super73; 12-22-2009 at 01:03 AM. |
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#17 |
Sunburst C10!!!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,560
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Re: LS engine swap info
thanks for this thread
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Gage 1967 C10 Shortbed Stepside |
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#18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
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Re: LS engine swap info
Correct I will add that to the description
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#19 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
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Re: LS engine swap info
Quote:
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#20 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
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Re: LS engine swap info
Quote:
If you see any inaccuracies or something that should be added I would be happy to change or add as needed Added your build to the list Last edited by Thealien; 12-22-2009 at 08:14 AM. |
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#21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,124
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Re: LS engine swap info
Added some links
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Click on my Not really a build thread, yet NOT SO RUST FREE RUST FREE BLAZER LS ENGINE SWAP INFORMATION THREAD BOLT RESTORATIONS 4l60 to an NP205 |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Hampton, GA
Posts: 76
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Thanks for the info.
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![]() 1972 Chevy Cheyenne LWB 350 engine TH400. |
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#23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: LS engine swap info
If you want to do your own computer tuning I suggest HPtuners
You will have to have some tuning done to remove at least the VATS. I would also assume most of us doing swaps will not be running a lot of the emissions equipment, so that can be removed from the tune as well. Once you get your engine up and running you can also edit other things like the timing and fuel curves (similar to re-jetting your carb and adjusting your distributor for the old schoolers). Additionally, if you run an electronically controlled tranny (ie 4L60E) you can change the shift parameters. Very usefull tool. But, be careful because if you don't know what you're doing you can blow up your engine or ECM. Also, this program allows you to monitor all of the sensors the engine is putting out, check and clear Check Engine Lights (DTCs) etc.
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Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index Last edited by Ackattack; 12-23-2009 at 05:16 PM. |
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#24 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sammamish, WA
Posts: 2,404
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Re: LS engine swap info
A couple of quick links to great LS swap articles:
CarCraft LS A-Body Swap Part I CarCraft LS A-Body Swap Part II CarCraft LS Swap Accessory Guide |
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#25 |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: LS engine swap info
Thanks Thealien! I have a lot of info saved but it is nowhere as complete or this organized. GREAT JOB! Needs to be a sticky for sure!
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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