LT1 GenV swap

[87chevy.com]

After being away from the forum for almost a whole year, Ive made my way back! With my current 2003 5.3/4l60e swap going on 6+ years the transmission starting to slip, I decided instead of a rebuild, swap in something new. 2015 powertrain new. Cant beat 380 hp ish with E85 and 6 speeds of fun. Ive already done one of the LT1 GenV swaps for a friend I work with, aboesec10. The engine and trans if all goes well should be here in about a week or 2. I still need to wrap up one other project before I take my double D down.

Ill take pictures and all that mumbo jumbo as progress is made.

Just like the other LT1 swap, I will be using the factory fuel pump, fuel pump module, fuel pump pressure sensor, factory accelerator pedal, factory harness modified to standalone. I will add the E85 composition sensor to run the e85.
Fuel lines will be braided capable of e85
Exhaust - not sure if the factory manifolds will work - no worries if not as I have a setup for header fabrication and icengineworks header modeling kit for a set of headers that will fit with clearance to spare.

Main difference in the L83.. power steering problem. I am not satisfied with the current aftermarket bracket solutions. I am going to design my own mounts to use a power steering pump on the driver side, and the alternator in the factory L83 location (passenger side). I picked up a hydrolocked 5.3 and 6l80 drivetrain pullout for mockup up from craigslist for cheap and for spare parts. I already have the cylinder head bolt holes mapped in cad so all that's left is to start mocking things up.

As far as cluster... only option is likely aftermarket or modify the factory cluster somehow. The e92 pcm doesn't have a vss or tach output so no option to use factory gauges except the fuel and volt gauge. Oil pressure can be used if adding aftermarket sensor. No coolant temp in the cylinder head on the L83 heads Ill cross that road later

As far as cooling the engine, i plan to use the Silverado fan assemblies somehow.

A/C - factory compressor - w/o ecu control for the time being - goal is to have a module made or retrofit the factory module to send the proper a/c request signal so the idle is increased and all that stuff.

I still have all of my wiring notes, pinouts etc so wiring isn't going to be a issue.

Once the motor arrives, I'll update with pictures,
Clint

[cornerstone]

Awesome Clint... we will be doing basically the same setup. Ive been sitting on a 2014 L83 and your buddy Aboesco10 has been getting me fired up about it. Ive made some pretty good progress on the teardown and getting stuff ordered as soon as I know im gonna need it. Really looking forward to you build. Im thinking of starting a build thread too...
Brian

[Heliarcn]

Subscribed. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

[87chevy.com]

Mail man dropped off the pallet of goods. Once I finish the exhaust on my BME 525 LS swap and box in the battery area I'll be starting this swap. So no updates till then. Going to order some motor mount adapters and the dirty dingo water pump adapters to use the gen4 water pumps.
clint

[Hart_Rod]

Have you looked into the Holley FEAD setup?

[BR3W CITY]

I"m pretty sure the FEAD lets you keep the truck offset balancer stuff, which might be nice if you are mixing and matching the Gen IV w/p and have any concern over the stuff all being in line.

[87chevy.com]

I think that's not for an lt1 swap though. I did only view one link but it was all LS blocks....

[BR3W CITY]

lt1
http://paceperformance.com/i-2384076...t-p-s-a-c.html

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by 87chevy.com

I think that's not for an lt1 swap though. I did only view one link but it was all LS blocks....

I didn't think there was a difference in the LS and new LT blocks.

[87chevy.com]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

lt1
http://paceperformance.com/i-2384076...t-p-s-a-c.html

that kit is tips the scale at 8x as much as I would spend on such a kit. plus I would still need to deal with vacuum. Im going to make a set of brackets to mount the alt and power steering pump just like they have and still retain the factory a/c and vacuum pump.

If the factory LS accessories bolted up, that would be nice, but still need a vacuum pump/source. maybe when I pull the motor and trans from my truck, i'll remove the accessories and test fit em.

[87chevy.com]

still gathering parts, modified the passenger side a/c and alternator bracket to and a/c only bracket. Simply cut off the excess, drilled the 3rd hole the rest of the way so it can then be bolted to the block. Factory has only 2 bolts, but since its there and is simple, why not.
I got the DirtyDingo LT to LS water pump adapters and for something that was engineered.. they missed the mark on the LT side of the flange.. the rectangle port is off center by about .05 and the width as wide as the gasket too.. the LS gasket is a perfect match. I called them about it and they said I was the first one to notice / complain about it. I cant see any reason it was not made to be centered in the gasket which matches the coolant port on the block ... I'm pretty sure it would work no problem... but I already drew up the LS and LT flanges in cad and made my own adapter a few months ago... I also want the adapter to be about .1 thinner. I sent it to a machine shop to see how much it would cost to get made. I know it will be more than 150 but if its not to much more, Ill just have it made and sell the DD ones.
Still waiting on the BCM, BCM connectors, Cluster Connector, FPCM connector and Flex fuel sensor. going to order terminals for all of them so I can make a harness with out splices for a more quality product and less chance of a why is this not working...
clint

[87chevy.com]

added a pic of the adapter



The other hole is also misaligned... again close enough, but no cigar.

[87chevy.com]

Much nicer..

[BR3W CITY]

[Heliarcn]

Nice work. Let me know if you decide to part with the DD adapters.

[87chevy.com]

Originally Posted by Heliarcn

Nice work. Let me know if you decide to part with the DD adapters.

They have a 30 day return policy, sending them back next week. If you want them, 140 shipped. Its 144.99 online shipped for free. It came with all gaskets and bolts. Pm if interested.
Clint

[87chevy.com]

I found a shop that can make a small batch (2 sets) one for me and one to sell. It will be an even better version as the center section of the 2 patterns will be cnc ported. Finaly figured out how to do it in the cad program. Granted you could hand port the original design of the 2 patterns drilled strait down 1/2 way. The cost adding the cnc poring operation is on the acceptable side of the scale.

Once the order is placed and received I'll offer it up for sale as long as it pass' my own inspection.

last thing I need to do in cad is finish mapping out the Exhaust manifold port/bolt holes - 90% done

I have ordered the e85 sensor, fuel line. I finally sourced new connectors for the cluster, fuel pump, fuel pump driver module, e85 sensor, fuel psi sensor connectors. I also won an auction for a BCM with pigtails, but the bcm is not a match for the application, but for the price I paid, was ok to acquire the correct BCM pigtails which are not sold by GM or online unless bought from a manufacture.. looking at 500$ minimum. The point of getting the connectors new is to save from the junk yards... they want an average of 250 for the pigtails. Im not one to go in and steal them so this is the most affordable option which is defiantly cheaper than 250!
I also have located all the cluster, fuel pump module, fuel psi sensor, e-85 sensor, bcm, and ecu terminals to make my standalone harness. I have one member interested in me making him a complete stand alone harness, fuel pump to ecu which is a complement.

The point of doing all of the research and locating the terminals is to prevent butt connections / unnecessary splices in the harness. Yes it works and will function, but if something doesn't work, especially since I will be attempting to get the 2015 cluster/bcm to function... I don't what to have to worry about a splice.

Just about done with the current project will by my daily driver.. the LS swapped 5 series BMW so cant wait to drive it and start on the 87 Silverado. I wont start on the 87 till I sell the motor/trans/exhaust (as 1) as I cant afford the space to have that motor/trans setup sitting around so its a small problem/but a good problem as the buyer can hear the motor and take a ride in the passenger seat before the purchase unlike a motor sitting on the garage floor on top of a tire..
clint

[cornerstone]

Nice work Clint... I only wish I was able to be that detail oriented. My project (same drivetrain but in a 72) is getting closer to needing the harness. Just to reiterate I do have a complete 14' harness in great shape and matching computer. Just give me a pm when you think you will be able get me going. Thanks man, Brian

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by 87chevy.com

Mail man dropped off the pallet of goods. Once I finish the exhaust on my BME 525 LS swap and box in the battery area I'll be starting this swap. So no updates till then. Going to order some motor mount adapters and the dirty dingo water pump adapters to use the gen4 water pumps.
clint

What is the advantage to using the gen 4 water pump on the gen 5 engine? I'm reading all this with a lot of interest- I'm doing my research for a potential 2015/2016 L83 swap into my '70.

Is GM using the vacuum pump on the L83 just for vacuum assisted accessories or are they scavenging the crankcase too?

thanks

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by NC_John

What is the advantage to using the gen 4 water pump on the gen 5 engine? I'm reading all this with a lot of interest- I'm doing my research for a potential 2015/2016 L83 swap into my '70.

Is GM using the vacuum pump on the L83 just for vacuum assisted accessories or are they scavenging the crankcase too?

thanks

Might have found the answer to my own question- I think they are also using the vacuum for the DOD system. Of course, if that is disabled the pump could be removed.

It looks like ICT Billet has a pretty good answer to the power steering question and at a much more reasonable cost compared to the others. The only issue I see is that the pump appears to be put on the wrong side of the engine requiring more hoses across the front end.

http://www.ictbillet.com/lt1-l83-alt...uck-gen-v.html

[87chevy.com]

Originally Posted by NC_John

Might have found the answer to my own question- I think they are also using the vacuum for the DOD system. Of course, if that is disabled the pump could be removed.

It looks like ICT Billet has a pretty good answer to the power steering question and at a much more reasonable cost compared to the others. The only issue I see is that the pump appears to be put on the wrong side of the engine requiring more hoses across the front end.

http://www.ictbillet.com/lt1-l83-alt...uck-gen-v.html

I just dont like the coolant hose routing, nor the power steering on the passenger side.. when said and done the front end will be simple and clean.. once everything is put together. Since i ordere a few more of the adapters, 5 sets total, ill likely make 5 sets of alt and power steeeing pump brackets as anotjer solution for others.
Clint

[NC_John]

Originally Posted by 87chevy.com

I just dont like the coolant hose routing, nor the power steering on the passenger side.. when said and done the front end will be simple and clean.. once everything is put together. Since i ordere a few more of the adapters, 5 sets total, ill likely make 5 sets of alt and power steeeing pump brackets as anotjer solution for others.
Clint

Yeah, that I can agree with. We have a '15 in the driveway (my wife's current demo vehicle) and I crawled around it a bit trying to ID major components. The thermostat hose is a straight shot to the radiator but the one coming off the water pump is a mess. Down to the bottom of the rad on the drivers side but then across to the passenger side where it looks like it tees and then goes who knows where. I'm really interested in what you come up with.

[toddoky]

I thought I'd let you guys know that Holley will soon be releasing an LT FEAD system as well and it is based on the use of an LS water pump and uses the existing Holley LS alternator/PS pump components/brackets also. It was previewed at LS Fest last weekend and I can post a photo of it next week if you guys want to get a look at it.

[cornerstone]

That would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance...

[87chevy.com]

Originally Posted by toddoky

I thought I'd let you guys know that Holley will soon be releasing an LT FEAD system as well and it is based on the use of an LS water pump and uses the existing Holley LS alternator/PS pump components/brackets also. It was previewed at LS Fest last weekend and I can post a photo of it next week if you guys want to get a look at it.

Did it keep the vacuum pump? Hope so.. can't wait to get my ls-lt water pump adapters in and offer the rest up for sale ..only 4 though.
Can't find anything linking a lt1 to a ls fead setup but it looks like it would or could clear a vacuum pump.