S10 Frame Swap w/ AD and LS motor

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by 05snopro440

The LT1 uses around 40PSI, where the LS uses closer to 60. You can't use an LT1 fuel pump setup for an LS, just not enough pressure.

well definitely cant use the fuel pressure regulator from an LT1 but the syclone pump (and probably even the LT1 pump) is definitely capable of 60psi. The FPR at the end of the injector rail is what sets the fuel pressure, you have to make sure the gpm rate is enough for your engine but again, a turbo syclone engine will likely use more fuel than a mild ls or lt1.

[tlorber]

Spiff, thanks for the comment and best of luck. I have been enjoying the process and have no regrets. HOWEVER, if you look at post #99 of this thread I reference different methods of doing this process. Since that time a friend of mine has started doing frame swaps and chassis fabrication using C4 Corvette parts for suspension components. When using stock chassis he fabricates cross members to connect the Corvette suspension to the stock frame (although he says it is just easier to have his fabricator just make a new tube frame and connect to it). When he is done he ends up with trucks that handle like sports cars, albeit with a bit higher center of gravity.

I mention this because, since you have a 3/4 ton, you are starting with a longer bed and chassis. To do the S10 swap you will either need to section your bedsides (like I did) or buy a new bed. It really depends upon what you want to end up with, how high or low you want the truck to sit, what you want for the final brake system, etc. Let me know if I can help at all.

[SPIFFAV8]

Originally Posted by tlorber

Spiff, thanks for the comment and best of luck. I have been enjoying the process and have no regrets. HOWEVER, if you look at post #99 of this thread I reference different methods of doing this process. Since that time a friend of mine has started doing frame swaps and chassis fabrication using C4 Corvette parts for suspension components. When using stock chassis he fabricates cross members to connect the Corvette suspension to the stock frame (although he says it is just easier to have his fabricator just make a new tube frame and connect to it). When he is done he ends up with trucks that handle like sports cars, albeit with a bit higher center of gravity.

I mention this because, since you have a 3/4 ton, you are starting with a longer bed and chassis. To do the S10 swap you will either need to section your bedsides (like I did) or buy a new bed. It really depends upon what you want to end up with, how high or low you want the truck to sit, what you want for the final brake system, etc. Let me know if I can help at all.

It's tempting to go for that type of performance! Though if I where to go that route, I'd just call Art Morrison and have Craig send that crazy setup he has under his "Farm Truck". I've ridden it and it's frigging awesome. I've got the Camaro build for the corner carving. The goal with mine truck build is just to have a decent ha pndeling driver. There are plenty of aftermarket S10 suspension parts out there to help me reach that goal.

Thanks for the advise.

[tlorber]

I got the exhaust put onto my chassis (still can't call it a truck quite yet).
Here are a few pics... it has 2.5" pipes that run into one Magnaflow muffler with a single 3" pipe out the back.






I also added a collar onto my fuel filler neck so that it will fit more tightly in the grommet.


I've cleaned it up since this pic.

I also found the fan I will be using. It is from a mid 90's Lincoln Mark 8. It is pretty large and draws a lot of current. I will most likely get a controller from Dave at Hollister Road, which allows a gradual and variable ramping up of the fan speed. I still need to alter this shroud to work with my core support.

[99 to Life]

looking good

[DKO]

tlorber,
Enjoyed reading your thread. Keep up the awesome work!

[hagenkustoms]

Subscribed Nice build ! What headers did you end up using ? Everything looks awesome can't wait to see it done !

[tlorber]

I got some work done over the weekend attaching my fan to the core support. First, I cut the shroud down by about 3/4" to give more clearance.


Then I made some brackets to attach to the core support.


Here's the final version.



This gives me about 4" between the throttle body and the fan motor. I will need to find an elbow that clears this.



Now I need to find the some radiator hoses that will fit my application.

[99 to Life]

looks good

[Lookin4the1]

someone may have asked but what headers are you running? about to mock up mine in a few weeks and want to have the headers on there to check clearance

[tlorber]

I got them from CPP Industries (Classic Performance Products) out here in Placentia a couple years ago now (yeah, that's how long this project is taking me). I'll need to get up to the shop if you need the model number-I think I still have the invoice.

[tlorber]

I got my steering linkage put together. This will need to come apart again since I will be taking the cab back off, but at least it is one more project out of the way.



Now I need to find the right power steering hoses to fit my hybridized monster.

[99 to Life]

looks great. I get those heim joints off ebay from a guy, great price. I know some places charge an arm and leg for those.

[tlorber]

Yeah, I went to one of those places that charge an arm and a leg. I saw them on line for around $6.00 but I needed it right away so that I could fab up the bracket-so I payed like $24.00. I rationalized it by telling myself that I'm helping to keep a local hardware store open. That store does have a lot of obscure items, but that's also a hell of a margin.

[99 to Life]

funny you mention that. of course they prolly marked that piece up 500% and I tell myself the same thing, pay way more and keep local business around. but does it have to be that way? I can't help to wonder why some stuff is so insanely expensive, some stuff is competitive. This whole corporatize everything is definitely annoying and helping ruin local business. I am in the city split week and a small town the other part of the week. So we go through the same thing. I see big businesses rolling and and squashing out small business. walmart squashed out a 100yr old drug store, advance auto squashed out smaller auto store, tractor supply coming in and will prolly squash out the local feed store.

[tlorber]

I built a pressure pot to force oil into my motor, since it has not been run for a long time. Basically I put oil into the pot and then used compressed air to force oil throughout the oil gallery. When I saw it come out the rockers I figured I was good.



If any of you in the Los Angeles area need to use this please feel free to ask. It will not be seeing much use at my end.

Also, after having my motor for slightly over 3 years now, I was able to get it fired up on Saturday for the first time. Since I had the whole harness apart I wasn't sure if all wiring was reconnected properly (albeit only on a temporary basis). I'm not sure how to post a video but I was really happy to hear it run, and it idled incredibly smoothly-sounded like a well oiled sewing machine. I still have some cab work do to before I permanently land it onto the frame, but at least I know that aspect works and I look forward to getting the PCM permanently installed in the cab.

[oldman3]

It's always great to hear them fire, the first time, nice job...Jim

[99 to Life]

congrats on the engine. very exciting. cool oiler idea. I'm hoping to fire up my LS build this month as well.

[Advanced Design]

Congratulations on the start...always a good feeling.

[tlorber]

I started welding in the seat frame for my Durango seats. These handle most of the upload for the seat belts, but I have a few additional mounting points to put in.

[tlorber]

I got the front pedestals welded in for the seat. I still need to put some in for the back, which the seat will rest on when folded into driving position, but I am going to hold off for now. I may need to integrate them with whatever seat belt mounts I go with. The particular seat I am using doesn't really need them since most of the weight is borne by the center mount.


Next on the list will be some undercab mounts that will attach connect cab to frame in order to provide more support for the center seat belt mounting points.

[tlorber]

I got my battery tray tacked in last night. This is basically in the stock location that the '54 used. It is tight but it works. Battery will be accessed by the cover in the cab floor.





I will need to use a battery with side mounted terminals instead of top ones, but this lets me keep the battery out of the cab, and out of the engine bay.

[Clay54]

Several posts on this thread show the front of the S10 frame with the S10 radiator mounts still on the frame. Curious, what is your plan for these mounts.

I think your battery tray is the first I have seen for a S10 swap. Great idea. Most of the builds have the cab too close to the frame to allow for this
Thanks, Clay

[tlorber]

Clay,
I will ultimately cut off the radiator mounts and probably shorten the chassis rails and then close them up. I am waiting until I get the front back on to determine where to make the cut. I also want to keep the rails open until I figure out how I will be mounting the front bumper. I may want to weld some captured nuts inside them before putting the ends on. Also, my battery will barely fit-I made it to fit an 8" tall battery and have no room to spare. Any lowering on my truck is done at the suspension-not between the cab and chassis. This truck will not be super low, since I will occasionally need to use it for carrying stuff.

[tlorber]

I landed my cab onto the chassis for what better be the last time. I've begun snaking the wires through the firewall and started putting things back into their place (accelerator pedal, harness/relay boxes etc.)





I also painted the cab interior with POR 15 in all the areas that were not still covered with the original paint.