LS1/T56 installed!

[FirstGen]

Shawn,
Do you have any idea how broke I am? LOL
Thanks,
Taylor

[69Custom]

How did you connect the throttle body and MAF. I like. Would you let me in of your secret and take a closer pict. Also what headers are you running?

Here is what mine looks like so far. Just started this week

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...id=92560&stc=1



Jeremy

[FirstGen]

go to home depot and get a 3" black rubber pipe coupler. It was like $5.97.
Then heat it up in the microwave a little or put it in the sun so it is real flexable and WD40 up the TB and work it on... It's pretty easy.

[72CheyenneRY]

Hey FirstGen, would you mind giving me a call so I can discuss your swap, I live in Carrollton and have been trying to find some local contacts for my swap. I have heard the 6.0 would be a much better truck LS1 and would like to hear what the install issues are. I'm going to start in a few months, Rhett 214-356-1787 cell.

[FirstGen]

I'll give you a call but this weekend is maxxed out already so it will be early next week.
Thanks,
Taylor

[GMCGRANDS]

Looks good First Gen. Wish I were at the same point. My 6.0 is still on the pallet. Still working on suspension issues. What are the exhaust manifolds off of ? Are you using the truck type fan or going electric? I noticed the Fabricated trans crossmember, and the way its mounted below the frame. Is this do to trans tunnel clearance issue? Low hump or tall? Ive been wondering the same for my 4L80E. Looks like you used the truck oil pan any issues? As far as engine mounts looked like stock towers. In 6cyl. or V8 holes? Did you use the adapters from LS1 truck.com for the block? Sorry for so many question just trying to get so ideas ahead of time. Again looks great ! Good luck at the dyno.

[FirstGen]

Manifolds are from '02 vette modified. used LS1 dual elect fans controlled by the ECM just like a stock vette/camaro. mine is low hump. I redrilled the frame to put the motor mount perches in the position I wanted and angled them alittle. used a motor mount plate schematic from the ones S&P sells and made them out of .25" steel plate. truck oil pan clears fine but hangs as low or lower than the trans crossmember.
BTW, I could have no mounted the crossmember as low if I used different tranny mount but I wanted the stock T56 mount and it is about 2" thick...

[FirstGen]

dyno results were 379.4 rear wheel horsepower and 395.2 rear wheel torque. Pretty damn respectable if you ask me...

outside temp was 92 and it was about to rain!

[68c10owner]

what cam did you end up using? how much did you shave from the heads? any other performance upgrades?

[FirstGen]

Stock 2003 LQ4 6.0l
milled heads .030 and reassmbled with new stock GM gaskets and head bolts
C5 manifolds into 2.5 Y-pipe and 3" single ehaust with a huge (quite) Magniflow RV series muffler.
Stock intake, TB, and MAF (descreened)
'01 LS6 cam/springs
LS1 electric fans
ASP underdrive pully
little bitty K&N filter (3" compared to the 4" MAF inlet)
custom wiring harness to fit my truck (1968 C10)
F-body PCM
NO EGR crap
Aeromotive fuel pump and regulator
stock injectors and rails


T56 tranny
12 Bolt with posi and 3.42 gears
Running 295.50R15's

[shifty]

Hey Taylor, thanks a ton for creating this thread and inspiring everyone here who's followed in your footsteps. I would literally be clueless if I hadn't been digging up and following your posts. Appreciate it a ton.

I'm finally fed up with the L6 and ready to drop some real balls into the truck (LS1/T56). I'm actively seeking out a motor + tranny combo.


I have your threads and some threads from LS1tech bookmarked, A couple of photo albums from here and there and I've read a ton of the questions people have asked but still have some questions. Hoping I didn't miss anything and I hope you can take a sec to answer these if you got one:


1) Does the LS1 PS Pump lines on the LS1 bolt right up to the PS gearbox for our truck?

2) Did you redrill your perches (engine towers) farther back? How much so?

3) You used the L6 towers, right? Do you have the motor mount plate schematic for the mounts, or do you suggest just buying the motor mounts from someone on eBay? (Like THESE ?)

4) Who fab'd your driveshaft? Any helpful details on that?

5) What can you tell me about your tranny Xmember? Do you ever rake it on bumps being so low? If it's a custom fab, do you have a pattern? Did you use the stock tranny xmember in addition to the custom one?

6) How did you overcome the pull-pedal setup for gas?

7) Was any frame cutting necessary?

8) Was it necessary to relocate anything on the front of the block (alternator or other)?

9) Can you tell me more about your shifter? (PRO 5.0 shifter)

10) Can you think of some of the small things you forgot along the way? I know I need engine + tranny, motor mounts, computer, just curious about the other things people usually forget like hoses and adapters - what kind of stuff you wound up having to drop everything and drive to the auto parts store for?




I have a list of links related to this swap and similar swaps if anyone is interested.

FirstGen's LS1-T56 thread (this one): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=111137
FirstGen's Vintage air install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post1310375
Project1970's LS1 install thread: http://forums.livingwithstyle.com/sh...d.php?t=129960
Example of motor mount adapters for LS1: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=50454
Suggested contact for LS1 Wiring adapter: Jared @ www.currentperformance.com
LT1/4L60E swap from jay-dawg: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=52057
Here's where Hart_Rob suggests getting your engine (Ask for Jeremy. Tell him Rob Hartley said to call): http://stores.ebay.com/Schram-Auto-P...erLinksQQtZkm?
LS1 motor mount info thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=154591
68LSS1's photo album from his swap: http://revxtreme.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7
Link to a photo album from LS1tech member covering his swap: http://www.salj.info/cmine/thumbnails.php?album=1
Short thread on the LS1 swap with links to other pages in this list: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=150829
Other general info on late model engine swaps: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&page=1&pp=25

[FirstGen]

No problem, hope this helps!

1) Does the LS1 PS Pump lines on the LS1 bolt right up to the PS gearbox for our truck?

No the lines do not bolt up, you will need to have one line made to fit (the high pressure line) and the low pressure line you can clamp together.

2) Did you redrill your perches (engine towers) farther back? How much so?

I actually had to move the towers forward slightly to give adaquite room around the rear of the tranny tunnel. When you get to this step it will be clear.

3) You used the L6 towers, right? Do you have the motor mount plate schematic for the mounts, or do you suggest just buying the motor mounts from someone on eBay? (Like THESE ?)

I used the V8 mounts that my truck came with but I actually did some welding and drilling on them to make them better later. If you have a cheap MIG and some basic fab skills you could easily make some nice towers. If not just will need to re-drill the hole in the middle of the tower.
I will look for the schematic for the mounts, however I would just purchase the plates if they are less than $50 shipped.

4) Who fab'd your driveshaft? Any helpful details on that?
The final driveshaft was built locally by a company with .085 wall steel tubing and 1350 yokes on both ends with solid U-Joints. Any competient driveline shop should be able to set you up for under $325 for this piece.

5) What can you tell me about your tranny Xmember? Do you ever rake it on bumps being so low? If it's a custom fab, do you have a pattern? Did you use the stock tranny xmember in addition to the custom one?

I actually used a piece of 1.25" square tubing mild steel and welded on a piece of angle iron in the middle to make a mounting pad. I don't have a template but it's super simple. I'll try to take a picture of the current setup for you. I have yet to scrape it...

6) How did you overcome the pull-pedal setup for gas?

I used a throttle cable and pedal from a 2001 Chrysler something I had in my stash of parts for some reason but if I was doing it again I would look into a nicer Lokar unit.

7) Was any frame cutting necessary?

None for use with manifolds, mid-length headers requires a good inch of trimming on the drivers side and several cuts on the bottom of the chanel on the driver side.

8) Was it necessary to relocate anything on the front of the block (alternator or other)?

Nope.

9) Can you tell me more about your shifter? (PRO 5.0 shifter)

The PRO 5.0 is nothing more than a more solid stock shifter that is a little tighter and has adjustable stops built in so that you don't break sliders in your tranny when grabbing gears.

10) Can you think of some of the small things you forgot along the way? I know I need engine + tranny, motor mounts, computer, just curious about the other things people usually forget like hoses and adapters - what kind of stuff you wound up having to drop everything and drive to the auto parts store for?

Yeah, a lot of little crap. Budget for at least 20% in funds for all the little stuff. I couldn't even begin to go into that...

Hope that helps a little bit. If you have more specific questions that arise I would be happy to help.

Take care,
Taylor

I have a list of links related to this swap and similar swaps if anyone is interested.

FirstGen's LS1-T56 thread (this one): http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=111137
FirstGen's Vintage air install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post1310375
Example of motor mount adapters for LS1:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=50454
Suggested contact for LS1 Wiring adapter: Jared @ www.currentperformance.com
LT1/4L60E swap from jay-dawg: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php3?t=52057
Here's where Hart_Rob suggests getting your engine (Ask for Jeremy. Tell him Rob Hartley said to call): http://stores.ebay.com/Schram-Auto-P...erLinksQQtZkm?
LS1 motor mount info thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=154591
68LSS1's photo album from his swap: http://revxtreme.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=7
Link to a photo album from LS1tech member covering his swap: http://www.salj.info/cmine/thumbnails.php?album=1
Short thread on the LS1 swap with links to other pages in this list: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=150829
Other general info on late model engine swaps: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&page=1&pp=25[/QUOTE]

[Project1970]

I'll throw in a few notes from my own LS1 swap. Which, it appears, you've linked below anyway

Originally Posted by shifty

1) Does the LS1 PS Pump lines on the LS1 bolt right up to the PS gearbox for our truck?

No, I had to get the pressure line custom made. If you get the stock Camaro hose, it's actually no problem for most shops to fabricate a line using the metal tubing on the pump end of that hose, and the metal tubing from the gearbox end of the truck hose, with a short length of high-pressure line between.

Originally Posted by shifty

2) Did you redrill your perches (engine towers) farther back? How much so?

Yes, but since I wasn't the one doing the actual drilling there, I don't know exactly how much. Of course...

Originally Posted by shifty

3) You used the L6 towers, right? Do you have the motor mount plate schematic for the mounts, or do you suggest just buying the motor mounts from someone on eBay? (Like THESE ?)

I went with the V8 towers myself, but I did use plates very similar to those. That said, you run into one interesting little issue with those - once you have the plate on the engine, it's difficult to easily mount the three-bolt mount to it. If you weld the top two bolts of the three-bolt mount to the plate (effectively making them studs) then you solve that issue. That said, Early Classic has a mount kit out now that converts the truck to use the LS1 mounts, new towers and all - a bit pricey but it should take all of the guesswork out of the swap.

Originally Posted by shifty

6) How did you overcome the pull-pedal setup for gas?

I think it was '71 or '72, but GM actually did install a cable throttle stock in some of these trucks. It's a surprisingly easy thing to fix anyway.

Originally Posted by shifty

7) Was any frame cutting necessary?

Nope, but I have yet to hook up the AC still. That said, it should clear too.

Originally Posted by shifty

8) Was it necessary to relocate anything on the front of the block (alternator or other)?

Again, no - I have the alternator and compressor tucked neatly into the rails. The only real issue this creates is that the Camaro compressor is rotated so that it's difficult to get the lines out; a Corvette compressor would be much easier, but you'd need to either space it to align it with the Camaro accessories, or change pulleys/clutches.

Originally Posted by shifty

10) Can you think of some of the small things you forgot along the way? I know I need engine + tranny, motor mounts, computer, just curious about the other things people usually forget like hoses and adapters - what kind of stuff you wound up having to drop everything and drive to the auto parts store for?

A lot of oven cleaner Fuel lines and fittings, gauges, adding a return to the fuel tank, all sorts of fun stuff. I tried to document the whole thing as well as I could but I'm sure I still forgot some things here and there.

Originally Posted by shifty

Link to a photo album from LS1tech member covering his swap: http://www.salj.info/cmine/thumbnails.php?album=1

Yep, that would be me

[shifty]

One more question: How did you deal with the clutch situation for the T56? I take it you went hydraulic? Any tips on the install?

[Custom 68]

I took a bit of a different approach. I built my own mounts...completly... well amost. My motor is slid rearward about 4 inch from the stock small block position. I had hopes this would help get the weight rearward. The front of the block is now centered over the front tires. I am using the 4l60 tranny. I purchased my harness from Painless. It really went smooth. My computer is inside behind the seats. I have the extra long harness.
I used vette exhaust manifolds since they flow as well as headers ( I have read) it sure runs good and was a fun project.
Dave

[oscareltemblo]

any updates or pics on this.

[BowTieOgre]

Originally Posted by FirstGen

I have heard of carbed LT1's since they have a sort of mounted weird crank trigger/dizzy idea called optispark or (optipuke ).

Wow...why the puke about the LT1?

[smbrouss70]

WOW, this is an old thread!

[FirstGen]

Originally Posted by BowTieOgre

Wow...why the puke about the LT1?

Ask anyone who has made any power with an LT1 and they will tell you why.

[shifty]

Originally Posted by oscareltemblo

any updates or pics on this.

The truck was involved in an accident and I believe it was totalled.

Originally Posted by BowTieOgre

Wow...why the puke about the LT1?

The optispark setup on the LT1 was riddled with problems:

http://delteq.com/opti_design.htm

That explains it better than I would. If you read anything, read the 4th paragraph, but all of it is good reading, especially if you own a stock LT1, or one that hasn't had the water pump or anything else replaced on it.

I found a whole writeup at a website (using Google) which covered all of the shortcomings of the LT1, it was very informative. LT1 < LS1.

[BowTieOgre]

Originally Posted by shifty

The optispark setup on the LT1 was riddled with problems:

http://delteq.com/opti_design.htm

That explains it better than I would. If you read anything, read the 4th paragraph, but all of it is good reading, especially if you own a stock LT1, or one that hasn't had the water pump or anything else replaced on it.

I found a whole writeup at a website (using Google) which covered all of the shortcomings of the LT1, it was very informative. LT1 < LS1.

Thanks for the info Shifty. Lot more info than "ask somebody else". I will make sure I address those issues before I install the motor.

[chevybill]

Originally Posted by shifty

One more question: How did you deal with the clutch situation for the T56? I take it you went hydraulic? Any tips on the install?

I really hate to hear this truck is totalled and off the road.
Shifty's question is mine as well. I have a NV 3500 tranny with the integral bellhousing. I am trying to figure out pedal linkage and how to attach to the stock gm release bearing fitting.

Any ideas, thanks
chevybill

[shifty]

Originally Posted by chevybill

Shifty's question is mine as well. I have a NV 3500 tranny with the integral bellhousing. I am trying to figure out pedal linkage and how to attach to the stock gm release bearing fitting.

I'm doing the same thing that FirstGen did. I went out and bought the master cylinder (GM PN# 12570277), which comes with the hydraulic piston, resevoir and threaded line that attaches to the hydraulic nipple on the T56 bellhousing and/or tranny casing (I forget exact location). A picture of this part is here: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/part_images/12570277.jpg

That picture is hard to tell what the heck it is, so I will explain - the black thick part at the bottom of the picture is the piston. There is a line going up and to the right which is the resevoir holding the fluid. the line going up and to the left is the braided line from the base of the piston to the tranny. You will notice a metal bar coming out of the top of the piston and tucking behind the resevoir line - this attaches to the clutch pedal linkage. There is also a beefy angled bracket in the middle of the piston which mounts to the firewall.

Basically, the easiest way to do this is to fab up an angled, flat bracket to bolt to the firewall (engine bay side) that will allow you to mount that piston at the correct angle so it can tie into the pedal with the correct alignment so that when the pedal is pressed down, the rod will go into the piston accordingly and engage the clutch.

I do not know if the GM Part # listed above will work for you. I doubt the "quick connect" at the end of the braided line will plug into your NV4500 like it does the T56. You may be able to adapt the line, but I'm not sure.

Originally Posted by BowTieOgre

Thanks for the info Shifty. Lot more info than "ask somebody else". I will make sure I address those issues before I install the motor.

You gotta realize, the topic of LT1 reliability and problems has been beaten like a dead horse...well, not just a dead horse, but a horse so dead it's nothing but bones with leather stretched over it. FirstGen is an incredibly helpful guy, gave me tons of advice, knows his stuff about engines, programming, internals, boring, customizing, buildups, etc. I don't think he hits the forum as much anymore and I'm sure spending time explaining something that is pretty easily found on google searching for "LT1 optispark problem" is high on his list , although I think he was referring to the problem being problems with the block and/or internals having problems when you try to build them up for power applications.

[chevybill]

Shifty, I have that exact part for my nv3500 and the connection is exactly the same. How are you dealing with mounting the angled cylinder to your straight firewall? How are you going to connect to your clutch pedal and ensure that you do not have to much pedal travel for the hydraulic cylinder?

Thanks

[chevybill]

back to top so shifty might see this