Started my first frame off - 72 SWB LS1, 6-spd manual

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by RRR18

Real nice man!

Thanks Ryan

I'm really enjoying the build again. I like the mechanic's of the build and glad to be past the body/paint stage.

Originally Posted by derotoreut

Mark,
I just read through your entire build thread. Excellent work and good job! It's giving me inspiration for my new build project. I recently bought an original '71 SWB out of Arizona for my next project. It's a good starting point for me. I am planning to do an extensive build such as yours. I am looking to install an LS engine, but with automatic. I decided to use Scotts Hot Rod for my chassis. After looking into everything I wanted to do with the suspension, I decided to buy a custom built chassis. It should be here by the end of January. Very exciting. Once again, great work and I look forward to following the rest of your build.

Dan,

Thanks for taking the time to read through my build... You're really going to be glad you choose the LS. The Scott's Hod Rod chassis look really well built and not over priced. Let me know when you begin your build thread I would love to follow along.

[trkfrk]

I was able to get the new water pump and thermostat installed last night. Now I should be able to run it long enough to get the engine up to tempature.

[trkfrk]

I have spent the last few days getting everything back together and tested. I've learned these LS motors are challenging to get the air out of the cooling system. I ended up borrowing a vacuum tool from a friend to bleed the air out. I'm really amazed how well the motor runs so far. I've run the engine long enough to make sure the thermostat and cooling fans are kicking on/off. I order a http://www.plxdevices.com/product_info.php?id=GSST2WIFI so I can read the vitals until I get my gauges hooked up. Next step is to finish up my intake system and get the exhaust done.

[trkfrk]

Pic 2

[trkfrk]

Airlift tool

[notchbackgta]

It helps to fill the engine through the upper radiator hose

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by notchbackgta

It helps to fill the engine through the upper radiator hose

Yes, you're right. I did that and still had an air bound system. After reading on the LS forums it's almost a must to use the airlift tool since the thermostat is on the bottom (suction) hose not on the top (return) hose.

[boynton]

Yes I had the same issue. You can either use this tool or spend 2 hours slowly filling to radiator until all the air escapes. Once you can get eater to the thermostat you are good to go because it will open up. My fill wasn't bad because the top of my radiator is above the top of my motor so air escaped pretty easy. I also have a short top hose (both inlet and outlet are on the right side of the radiator). This tool just makes everything much better! I wish I had one when I bled my system the other day.

[notchbackgta]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

Yes, you're right. I did that and still had an air bound system. After reading on the LS forums it's almost a must to use the airlift tool since the thermostat is on the bottom (suction) hose not on the top (return) hose.

Hmm, that's not what I read, and I filled mine through the upper hose and then the radiator and I never had any problem. Are your steam vents hooked up?

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by boynton

Yes I had the same issue. You can either use this tool or spend 2 hours slowly filling to radiator until all the air escapes. Once you can get eater to the thermostat you are good to go because it will open up. My fill wasn't bad because the top of my radiator is above the top of my motor so air escaped pretty easy. I also have a short top hose (both inlet and outlet are on the right side of the radiator). This tool just makes everything much better! I wish I had one when I bled my system the other day.

Yes, you nailed it. I'm sure if I had the patience I could have gotten it bled but it sure is nice to be able to borrow tools from good friends lol.

Originally Posted by notchbackgta

Hmm, that's not what I read, and I filled mine through the upper hose and then the radiator and I never had any problem. Are your steam vents hooked up?

Yes, I have the steam port running to my radiator. It's all good now Cooling system is working perfect. Fan 1 kicks on at 201 degrees F and off at 198 degrees F. It doesn't take long for the 16" SPAL fans to cool the radiator.

[trkfrk]

Steam port is located right below the upper hose.

[mcbassin]

Great progress Mark. The last assembly stuff seems to take the longest.
I need to get one of those purge tools, I'm certain I still have a small amount of air in my system. Although mine doesn't overheat, the heater just doesn't get hot.

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Great progress Mark. The last assembly stuff seems to take the longest.
I need to get one of those purge tools, I'm certain I still have a small amount of air in my system. Although mine doesn't overheat, the heater just doesn't get hot.

Thanks Mike.. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer all of my exhaust questions.

Yesterday I finished up my front end (minus the front turn signals I forgot to order lol). I am really happy how well it came out.

[trkfrk]

I found an air filter and plumbing off of Amazon I think may work.

[trkfrk]

I love how the Red looks almost Orange in the sunlight.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

I love how the Red looks almost Orange in the sunlight.

Truck is looking good. I wish I was at this point in my build! What kit did you use for your air filter? I need to add it to my amazon cart.

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by texasld

Truck is looking good. I wish I was at this point in my build! What kit did you use for your air filter? I need to add it to my amazon cart.

Thanks.. You can find some really good deals on Amazon.. I have about 20 items in my wish list lol. You can find LS6 intakes priced right.

[slowcpe]

Truck looks great!!! I've read through it a couple of time and realized I never subscribed.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

Thanks.. You can find some really good deals on Amazon.. I have about 20 items in my wish list lol. You can find LS6 intakes priced right.

Awesome, Thank you. One more question, sorry if I'm blind and missing it, but where is your MAS?

[Bennett68C10]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

I love how the Red looks almost Orange in the sunlight.

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by slowcpe

Truck looks great!!! I've read through it a couple of time and realized I never subscribed.

Thanks Ryan.. I appreciate you following along.

Originally Posted by texasld

Awesome, Thank you. One more question, sorry if I'm blind and missing it, but where is your MAS?

Your not blind lol. I ordered two 3.5" to 4" neoprene couplers so I can put it in behind the filter. Sorry I forgot to mention it. The red couplers aren't really red either, they are more orange. It's a nice kit for the price.

[mcbassin]

Looking good Mark!

[texasld]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

Thanks Ryan.. I appreciate you following along.



Your not blind lol. I ordered two 3.5" to 4" neoprene couplers so I can put it in behind the filter. Sorry I forgot to mention it. The red couplers aren't really red either, they are more orange. It's a nice kit for the price.

Just need to clarify, The MAS is 3.5" and the tube is as I see 4". So from 4 to 3.5 to MAS and then 3.5 to 4"? That makes since. Just like to order it all at one time. Sorry if i'm being a pest.

Thank you for the answers, Mike!

[trkfrk]

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Looking good Mark!

Thanks Mike. Again, I appreciate you answering all of my exhaust questions. I found a muffler shop here in town that's going to install my exhaust. The guy has done numerous 67-72 trucks and quoted me a great price.

Originally Posted by texasld

Just need to clarify, The MAS is 3.5" and the tube is as I see 4". So from 4 to 3.5 to MAS and then 3.5 to 4"? That makes since. Just like to order it all at one time. Sorry if i'm being a pest.

Thank you for the answers, Mike!

Yes, the MAS is 3.5". So I plan on going from 4" aluminum pipe to MAS to 4" filter. As soon as I recieve my order I will post a pic. I'm glad to help. I read through your build and looks great. You've made a lot of progress in a short amount of time.

[texasld]

Originally Posted by trkfrk

Yes, the MAS is 3.5". So I plan on going from 4" aluminum pipe to MAS to 4" filter. As soon as I recieve my order I will post a pic. I'm glad to help. I read through your build and looks great. You've made a lot of progress in a short amount of time.

Awesome!

Thanks bud. What else is a 23 year old single dude suppose to do?