'72 Chevy SWB, Project Driver

[usmcchevy]

Thanks guys.

Originally Posted by tantrumpipeline

So the whole dd and build as you lasted a long time haha lookin good, pretty cool these new fuelies in the classic trucks, best of both worlds, keep up the good work
Posted via Mobile Device

Ya it did

Wires on the windshield need to go in the cab, just need to drill a hole.







Little messy, but I want to make sure everything works before I finish the loom.



No circuits were integrated, every one kept the same amperage fuse they had in the van. Safer in my opinion and should I have a problem, it will make troubleshooting easier. Relays are for fuel pump, key on power and starter/neutral safety. The fuse block wires were left long so when I add E fans and headlight relays I'll have room to expand.

[67chevy1series]

lookin good! now get this thing on the road!!! haha

[usmcchevy]

Oh, and Summit Racing rocks! Ordered on Monday got my stuff Wednesday morning...........minus 4 back ordered hose ends that now have a delivery date of April 21st

LSx fuel system in a box!


Shift linkage too nice for my truck.

[gringoloco]

Had one of the Lokar column linkages on my Blazer. Super nice piece that takes out all the slop. If you haven't figured out the manifold/engine mount issue yet, you might try a set of 73-87 engine mounts. They are a completely different setup that frees up some real-estate in that area and updates you to the captured clamshell type mounts and bolt right in. I think I paid $10 for my last set at the pull-a-part. FAQ write-up here.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Nice build thread and congrats on the new one..

[usmcchevy]

Thanks guys! I'm looking into the the 73+ mounts.........still not sure what way to go.

[67shortie]

I'm at work and can't see the pics, you have 6cyl frame mounts in there? If so, I swear I read that they are shaped differently than the V8 mounts and these SS manifolds hit because of that.

I am using my V8 frame mounts in the 6cyl location just drilled a new hole in the crossmember for the bottom hole. I will keep in touch with you when I get my SS manifolds in the brown truck that will be at the house soon and if they work. If so then all you will be needing is V8 frame mounts, if not I need a new plan too

[usmcchevy]

Yes, currently I have 6cyl frame towers with the adapter plates cut down so I can use the 4.8's Ac compressor. I have a set of v8 towers sitting here that another member gave me (thanks Rick). The V8 towers are similar on top, but the dent is moved forward just a bit. I don't think its enough to clear and still allow for motor mount flex. I'll post pics tomorrow.
I've looked into:
73+ mounts, move the engine too far forward
POL mounts, move engine up and forward
ECE mounts, move engine forward and cost$

I even borrowed some 98 Firebird manifolds.......no better than the TBSS manifolds.

I've pretty much decided that I need to just modify my current mounts. Won't be too bad. I'm going to cut the towers off right above where the motor mounts sit and weld some 3/16" plate straight over to the frame then fill the gap between the plate and frame with same square tube. A couple gussets and I'll have all kinds of room.

On a positive note for the day. I hooked up a battery and she turned over and has power to all sensors! Now, do I buy HP Tuners or let a pro handle it

[67shortie]

Humm, makes me wonder about mine. If it's close I can shim the engine up slightly so they will.

Also, did you look at the way the V8 mounts set the engine, I mean the mounting hole is designed to raise it over the 6cyl? Worth a shot, just compare the holes I guess

If mine show up soon I will compare, I do remember the truck manifold fit no issue it was just the pass side.

[andy4x4]

this is going to be a nice "dd"!!!

[68greg]

Wow, got off work over here in iraq and read your whole thread from start to finish, got alot of ideas for my '68 when i get home to Ar. anyways belated congrats on the bith of your son mine graduates h.s. in may. and again thanks for the welcome to the site a few days ago. I'll be following this build till your done keep up the good work.

[oldblue1968chevy]

I envy your future potential gas mileage..lol

[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by andy4x4

this is going to be a nice "dd"!!!

Thanks, I hope it is! I'm down to riding my motorcycle pretty much all the time now

Originally Posted by 68greg

Wow, got off work over here in iraq and read your whole thread from start to finish, got alot of ideas for my '68 when i get home to Ar. anyways belated congrats on the bith of your son mine graduates h.s. in may. and again thanks for the welcome to the site a few days ago. I'll be following this build till your done keep up the good work.

Thanks! I've spent some time at Al Asad and TQ, actually thats where I started researching swapping to an LS engine. Good times.

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

I envy your future potential gas mileage..lol

Thanks, Hopefully its better than the 250 I took out. In that 100 miles I drove it, it used over a half tank


I owe a thank you to everyone that assisted in my search for the correct motor mounts, I finally got something to work. If/when I do this again I'll use the 73+mounts with extensions welded to the cross member so the motor can be all the way back. The way I have it now is a bit far forward, but this is what came together and I might not even need to modify my drive shaft now.









I picked up a trans cooler off of Craigslist tonight.

[68greg]

good times........yeah, I did have a question, i know you you got a heck of a deal on your motor and trans but did you look at the cost of a gen 1 smallblock rebuild and compare the two or was an ls swap part of the plan all along.

[usmcchevy]

I didn't do a cost comparison this time, but in the past I have built up a ol 350. By the time I had good parts (parts are the cheap part) and all the machine work. I had well over $2,000 in it and maybe only 300hp, horrible cold starting(in MN) with 9-11mpg. After owning a vehicle with a LS, I knew my small block days were over.

[68greg]

just wondering i built a 383 stroker for my 95 gmc last year and after it was said and done i had about 3600 in it and it gets terrible mileage havent compared the cost of the two yet but if i could find a set up similar to what you have there really isn't a comparison especially if i can get a low mileage engine/trans combo anyways looking good can't wait to see it run got a lot of research to do.

[oldblue1968chevy]

looks great!!

whys the sig say 292 4l80e? is that what the 4.8 comes out to lol? im jealous!

[gcburdic]

Nice to see this progress!!!....What are you gonna do about that top radiator hose?

[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

looks great!!

whys the sig say 292 4l80e? is that what the 4.8 comes out to lol? im jealous!

4.8x61=292.8 and I think GM calls it 294, but whos counting

Originally Posted by gcburdic

Nice to see this progress!!!....What are you gonna do about that top radiator hose?

Thanks! It might get trimmed a little, but it will look much better when I get E fans in there and tie it to them.

[68greg]

looking good , are those the o.e. manifolds or off something else its been awhile since i read that part of your thread. looks like your getting close to fireing it up.

[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by 68greg

looking good , are those the o.e. manifolds or off something else its been awhile since i read that part of your thread. looks like your getting close to fireing it up.

Thanks, The manifolds are stock Trail Blazer SS (LS2) manifolds. They are just set in there with 2 bolts right now to see how they fit. Honestly I could plug in the TAC and gas pedal and it would start and run IF I had my fuel hose ends. Which are back ordered until the 21st.

[68greg]

Wow the 21st that sucks, don't you hate it when a couple of fittings are all that's holding you back.

[oldblue1968chevy]

What was the hardest part of the swap so far at least (shucking out $ for parts doesnt count lol )

[Average Joe]

Coooool project! Kudos to you for making the harness work. Personally I dont think I would have the patience or ability. Nice work!

[usmcchevy]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

What was the hardest part of the swap so far at least (shucking out $ for parts doesnt count lol )

Ya know it would have to be getting the freaking motor mounts to work with manifolds For most it prabably would be the harness, but I enjoy that kind of work

Originally Posted by Average Joe

Coooool project! Kudos to you for making the harness work. Personally I dont think I would have the patience or ability. Nice work!

Thanks!

TBSS manifolds bolted up, just had to trim about 1/2" off the drivers side trans "wing" I used the original bolts and gaskets....hope they don't leak.
This on the other hand WILL leak so now I get to search for a drivers side flange. I think it happened when the guy pulled the motor out with a skid loader.



Finally ran all the wiring in the cab, now to hook it up.