Builds 1996 LX450 5.3L swap let the fun begin!!

[RockJock82]

Hey guys, I've got all my parts ordered and they're starting to come in! Got the engine chillin out in the garage and my project for this week is to mount the 203 and the 60 case to the trans and then hang the engine so I can start taking measurements.

Couple things that look like they're going to be an issue is the exhaust manifolds and the oil pan. Any one know what the best option is for each? I think it was mentioned that an pan from a camaro should just bolt up and then no more clearance issues with the front axle.

As far as exhaust manifolds, anyone have insight into a specific model that works best? Between the frame rail or go out and over the rail?

Oh and rockjock, those dirty singing mounts, were they the 100% adjustable ones?

Thanks guys!

Here is a pic of my motor mounts. Yes, they are fully adjustable. Manifolds everyone run the ls1 blocker hugger headers. There is a guy on Ebay that sells Stainless block huggers for 200 to your door but you need header spark plugs for cylinder 1 and 4 due to clearencing. BUT they are stainless vs painted steel. As for the pan the F-body pan is what you want to run for clearance. Whats the story on this 203/ splitcase how long does it end up being said and done? Shifters?

 

[rockrod]

I used an f-body pan - I think I ordered a kit that included the pan, dip stick , tube, and windage tray. Search the LS1 swap - someone has a linked posted.

I was planning on using the LS3 iron manifolds because they are center dump, however once the motor was in place they would not fit. The 80 series frame is too narrow. The motor positioning is pretty much set by the power steering pump clearance on the driver's side and the a/c compressor on the passenger side. There's maybe 1/2 in clearance each side.

I went with the headers warpdrive and kirk used and they fit the best, but i needed to do a little trimming on the passenger side mount to make room for the collector. I had no issues with using the stock truck starter with these headers, but the starter wire and crank position wire needed to be relocated. My exhaust is not done - I found out that I am required to run two cats to pass the denver test so I will be redoing it. I am half tempted to let hanksville hotrods do it.

glad you got parts - that's half the battle. PM me if you need help with the wiring. I have the EWDs and can help you figure out the interface.

 

[Mr.Bryan]

Is this what you're talking about for the oil pan? by the description on the website, it looks the same as what I have on there now...

Chevy Engine Oil Pan Kit, Aluminum, For LS1, LS2, LS3 & LS6Engines, 1955-1957 - Eckler's Classic Chevy Parts

As far as the 203 goes, with all of that in there rough measurements seem to be pretty close to what stock length is give or take an inch or two. I don't have it connected so that's just measurements of each individual piece in a half assed manner but that's what I got.

As far as shifters, I'm going to build my self a custom center console and put in custom shifters. Should be some straight forward levers, nothing fancy; it's not a daily driver. I don't have any of that mocked up yet, but hoping to start banging away at it in the next 3 weeks.

 

[Mr.Bryan]

Just got the headers and mounts ordered and found an fbody oil pan on ebay with the windage tray and pick up tube. Done ordering parts! (for now)

My goal for this weekend is to hang the engine in the bay and start taking some measurements.

Worked last night on hooking up the 203 to the split case. Having a slight issue with it fitting flush, it's off by ~32nd of an inch. Looks as if the total power train length will be the same if not an inch shorter than stock... Everything seems to look good last night. I'll report back what I find when I get the power train in the truck but as of now, shouldn't have any clearance issues.

 

[Mr.Bryan]

Got everything together. Actually came up 8" shorter than the stock drive train. put it in just to take a look and a few measurements. Looks like it will be perfect.

 

[RockJock82]

wow looks pretty good!

 

[RockJock82]

Well shoot Im ball deep now in this swap . Pulled the trigger today and order the piece of gold to adapt my 4l65e to my tcase.. Vic said I should have an update in a couple weeks when it should be arriving. Looks like I caught the boat just in time before their pallet leaves Au. Mean time I am almost done porting out the heads and getting ready to button the motor back up. Thanks to Rockrod I ordered up and received the parts to build my temp sender bung and start on the oil sender for the pan. Pics to follow...

 

[bowtiestang]

Figured I would help you out and post a pic of your engine for you

 

[RockJock82]

Figured I would help you out and post a pic of your engine for you

I thought I heard someone in my garage!

 

[Mr.Bryan]

Old mounts are out out and ground flush. New oil pan is on. My goal is to have the engine mounted by the end of the weekend. I'll toss some pictures up soon.

How's your stuff goin rockjock?

 

[RockJock82]

Old mounts are out out and ground flush. New oil pan is on. My goal is to have the engine mounted by the end of the weekend. I'll toss some pictures up soon.

How's your stuff goin rockjock?

Lotsoparts on order is where I am...

tcase adapter
fuel pump
fuel fittings
headers
trans shift kit
fan controller

Pretty much at a hurry up and wait state... OH also waiting for Bowtiestang to come get his 1FZ and trans HAHA

 

[bowtiestang]

Lotsoparts on order is where I am...

OH also waiting for Bowtiestang to come get his 1FZ and trans HAHA

On my way

 

[rockrod]

Old mounts are out out and ground flush. New oil pan is on. My goal is to have the engine mounted by the end of the weekend. I'll toss some pictures up soon.

How's your stuff goin rockjock?

you should create your own thread!

 

[warpdriv]

Got everything together. Actually came up 8" shorter than the stock drive train. put it in just to take a look and a few measurements. Looks like it will be perfect.

When I did mine, it was short enough to perfectly fit an FJ60 DS in.

 

[RockJock82]

Well look what the cat brought in . Man that was some fast shipping! Now I need to get busy on installing it on the 4L65E...

 

[rockrod]

certainly can't complain about the shipping time.

 

[RockJock82]

I can about the price but Im sure its worth every penny right?

 

[rockrod]

I can about the price but Im sure its worth every penny right?

umm....... yes (sort of).

the t-case shifter plate is going to need some work to get it to line up with the hole in the floor for the shifter.

btw - in regards to front drive shaft clearance. I have been running a spicer style front CV with a 2 in dia tube and with my smallish lift, I have had no contact with the trans pan. The taco CV shaft will not fit unless you lift the rig higher than 3 inches, or do some major pan work.

 

[RockJock82]

umm....... yes (sort of).

the t-case shifter plate is going to need some work to get it to line up with the hole in the floor for the shifter.

btw - in regards to front drive shaft clearance. I have been running a spicer style front CV with a 2 in dia tube and with my smallish lift, I have had no contact with the trans pan. The taco CV shaft will not fit unless you lift the rig higher than 3 inches, or do some major pan work.

Im running around 5in of lift in the front so we'll see how the taco dshaft fits.

 

[rockrod]

You will gain about another 1/2 inch of lift once the 1fz is out so I think you will be good to go.