LS swap project "hold my hand"

[class01]

Hey guys im about to start my swap. Putting an L76/6l80e out of a pontiac G8 into my 72. It will be a while until I start the actual install into my truck because im doing the DOD delete and cam install first. As the title says im gonna need you guys to hold my hand through this. Ive never done anything major like this. Where is the best place to get my harness and computer done? Motor mounts/stands?

[Lazyb]

I put a ls in my 69. I did my own wiring harness. It's not hard just time consuming. For the motor mounts I upgraded my frame plate to 73-87 style. They will have to come from a 2wd truck. They will bolt right up if you hold your tounge right. I went with the dirty dingo mounts for the same model truck. You will have to lower the motor mounts about 1/4" or so to make everything "sit" correctly. I googled the info to upgrade the motor mounts to the "clamshell" style and found a pic that was very helpful for that. I am planing on using the guy from ltswap.com to do my computer since he only charges $75. You can find a lot of info on the wiring there as well. Hope this helps some.

[class01]

thanks for the info Lazyb.

[Matt Cramer]

I cut my own adapter plates and used the '72 engine stands set back to the 6 cylinder position. In hindsight, the '73-up stands would have been a better idea. Templates for the adapters I used are in my sig.

[KMC3420]

Hey Class01. I am in the same boat. There are tons of threads to read, but on my side I don't want to order wrong parts and have to go through that hassle. I am a question asker, the guys on here have been very helpful. I am using Dirty Dingo slider mounts, and CPP sheet metal perches. Will you be running headers or manifolds? One thing to consider is if you will be using A/C and where you will mount it. You can relocate the A/C to upper passenger head through a few options. Dirty Dingo has one, but they are pricey, Holley has another option. I would suggest taking a look at this thread, tells what mount everybody has used, motor and trans, as well as fuel tank and radiator. It will give you a consensus. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=566743

[Hart_Rod]

6.2/6L80 in my 68 C10...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...358692&page=17

[class01]

Thanks KMC3420 I think thats the best option for me CPP with dirty dingo. Im not sure what im gonna do about the A/C. Ive seen so posts saying you cant use the LS compressor with the factory truck A/C? Ill be running DT headers.

Hart Rod......i look at your builds everyday haha

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by class01

Thanks KMC3420 I think thats the best option for me CPP with dirty dingo. Im not sure what im gonna do about the A/C. Ive seen so posts saying you cant use the LS compressor with the factory truck A/C? Ill be running DT headers.

Hart Rod......i look at your builds everyday haha

Thanks, feel free to ask me questions if you have any. As far as the AC compressor goes, it's my understanding that you can use a "non-variable" LS AC compressor with a factory truck ac system (as well as with aftermarket kits such as Vintage Air or Old Air). The problem is figuring out which ones are variable and which one aren't. I believe boardmember Clinebarger or 71LSNova did a write up on which one was which.

[Clyde65]

I think I read somewhere that only the car compressors are variable. Probably be a good idea to ask Cline and\or Ls1nova tho

[ls1nova71]

Im about 99% positive that a G8 will have a variable compressor. You can use it, but it wont work as well as it should. Personally I wouldnt use it, I would get a Sanden or something. I tried the variable compressor on a Vintage Air system and it just was never "right".

[Beetle]

That G8 motor is a whole different animal than the LS's and is actually not even considered an LS at all. I had an 09 and loved it but they have some problems with the Active Fuel Management (aka Displacement on Demand) and a lot of guys just simply delete the system all together. Here is a link I had bookmarked, great info on the G8s motor:

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22509


Displacement on demand delete

https://www.texas-speed.com/p-717-do...elete-kit.aspx

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by Beetle

That G8 motor is a whole different animal than the LS's and is actually not even considered an LS at all.

The G8 L76 engine is as much an LS engine as any truck engine, 5.3, 4.8, 6.0 etc., they are all based on the same architecture. It is just an Australian Holden engine based on the LS2, so it is an LS engine. The DOD has been troublesome on a lot of the engines, and is generally best to be deleted on a swap.

[class01]

yeah i ordered the DOD delete and cam yesterday. Ill try to post some pics this weekend. Definitely an LS engine

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Beetle

That G8 motor is a whole different animal than the LS's and is actually not even considered an LS at all.

mis·in·for·ma·tion
ˌmisinfərˈmāSH(ə)n/
noun

[class01]

working on getting the trans off and getting the motor on a stand

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

mis·in·for·ma·tion
ˌmisinfərˈmāSH(ə)n/
noun

@ BR3W,

[class01]

still haven't started the swap. just finished my 4/6 drop

DSC_1524 by ericbroussard, on Flickr

72 c-10 4/6 drop by ericbroussard, on Flickr

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Truck looks great in that color combo. I learned something new..thought the DOD delete was just an ecu tune-out

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Justin@EntropyRad

Truck looks great in that color combo. I learned something new..thought the DOD delete was just an ecu tune-out

You can turn the DOD/AFM off within the tune or you can physically/mechanically delete it (it still has to be turned off in the tune). If you plan on going high RPMS, most people choose to physically delete it because the DOD/AFM lifters are the wink link on high lift cams and high RPMS and tend to fail when pushed hard.

[NorCalAnthony]

Originally Posted by class01

still haven't started the swap. just finished my 4/6 drop

DSC_1524 by ericbroussard, on Flickr

72 c-10 4/6 drop by ericbroussard, on Flickr

That truck is beautiful and exactly how I would want mine set up

[Marty68]

nice looking truck i will be following

[sammygroundzero]

Nice looking truck and great choice on engine and getting the dod deleted before it give you trouble down the road.
What headers or manifold are you going with. Heard tbss long tubes work great on these swap or f body headers

[class01]

thanks guys. Im going with doug thorleys 1 7\8 headers whenever i can find them at a good price

[nsb29]

when you get to the drive shaft go to my post 6l80e drive shaft ?? there is a loot of information from other members in one place

[class01]

got my wheels on today!!

lowered with rims by ericbroussard, on Flickr