5.7L vortec to sm420 ???

[rustyb]

I am about to install the 96 model vortec in my rig and need to round up parts. The donor has an auto behind it so I need to buy a flywheel p/p and t o bearing to run it with my sm420.I am pretty sure I have the bellhousing already, but if not, I know I have one for sm465. Is there a special pilot bushing or bearing that I need to go with or just a stock pilot for sm420? Is the depth of hole for pilot bushings different on vortecs than from older sbc engines?
Thanks, Rusty

 

[Downey]

(1) You can use a standard old school pilot bearing, BUT you will need a special adapter sleeve for it.
(2) You will need special LS-1 front motor mounts.
(3) You will need a special LS-1 starter.
(4) You will need a special Chevota clutch that has been remachined to work with your limited slave cylinder travel.
(5) You will need a special LS-1 flywheel with a double bolt pattern for the Chevota clutch.
Need more specialized info, PM me!!!
Also, you are going to have to do some reprogramming on the computor because you removed the GM Auto Tranny (which sent signals to the computor) and installed a tranny that does not send signals.

 

[rustyb]

(1) You can use a standard old school pilot bearing, BUT you will need a special adapter sleeve for it.
(2) You will need special LS-1 front motor mounts.
(3) You will need a special LS-1 starter.
(4) You will need a special Chevota clutch that has been remachined to work with your limited slave cylinder travel.
(5) You will need a special LS-1 flywheel with a double bolt pattern for the Chevota clutch.
Need more specialized info, PM me!!!
Also, you are going to have to do some reprogramming on the computor because you removed the GM Auto Tranny (which sent signals to the computor) and installed a tranny that does not send signals.

I ordered a set of Matt Bier motor mounts that should be here tomorrow so I hope they work. I also ordered a standard flywheel for '96 5.7L and a matching clutch assembly since it is mating to a chevy tranny. There is really nothing left of the drivetrain that is toyota except for the front axle. Why is it that I need Chevota clutch and other special parts? I am aware that I will need a vss to connect to the dana 300 tcase. I have been told to check with AA for one.
Thanks Rusty

 

[handcannon]

I ordered a set of Matt Bier motor mounts that should be here tomorrow so I hope they work. Thanks Rusty

Do you know if these mounts center the motor in the frame or do they offset it?

Don

 

[rustyb]

I am pretty sure they center the engine in the frame. If I see the need to offset the engine then I will likely make a set just like the Matt Bier's but with whatever offset I need then sell the originals.

 

[rustyb]

I just got back from local parts place and have a question. I have to order a clutch kit since they do not stock em anymore. The clutch kit should have the press plate, 12'' disc, t/o bearing,fork and align tool,and pilot brng, right? What is the difference in a clutch kit for an '82 to 95 model than a 95 to 2000 year model ? The guy at napa says the clutch discs are the same according to his book so there must be something different in one of the other components of the kit. I dont want to pay a restock fee if I get the wrong kit so any help here would be great.

 

[Downey]

Rustyb, good luck with building the front motor mounts. Yes, the drivetrain should be off-set 1" towards the drivers side. For the rest of the problems you will probably run into, GO BACK AND READ MY POST ABOVE!!!!!

 

[rustyb]

To clarify things a bit :The donor vehicle is a 1996 chevy 2500 with a 5.7L vortec engine (not LS motor)

 

[rustyb]

I bought a flywheel and clutch kit for 93 model 5.7L . The 95 and newer models used an internal slave cylinder .

 

[radioridge]

Did that flywheel work? I have a 97 5.7 that i hope to swap into my 40.

 

[rustyb]

We are still working on it. The flywheel and clutch assembly bolted up just fine. Right now we are finishing up on the wiring harness, oil cooler and tranny hump. I may also have to deal with the master/ slave cyl to get enough travel .

 

[splib]

Could you post up some pics? This sounds intriguing.

 

[rustyb]

I will try to remember to get some pics this weekend. The harness work and tranny hump work should be done by Saturday. I kept the motor centered in the frame to give a little clearance on the steering shaft. I think if I tried to offset it more than 1/4 " it would make contact. This does create minor issues with the tcase and the tranny hump .

 

[radioridge]

What about the pilot bearing? i had read that it had to be something custom but was not sure if that only applied to the newer engines (LS_). Also what are you useing for exhast? Manifolds or headers? will the older manifolds im useing now bolt to the 5.7?

 

[rustyb]

I just used the pilot that came in the clutch kit from autozone. I am using 2" ramhorn exhaust manifolds. Do a search on here or por for " tech contest vee eight exhaust " written by an old fart known as Texican. I ran 2.5" exhaust from the xover pipe out to a 2.5 hushpower exhaust and 2.5 tailpipe.
When you ask around about vortec stuff, most people will assume you are talking about the LS motors. What we are dealing with is the same as a early 90s engine with different heads and intake for the most part.

 

[rustyb]

We are not done yet but were able to take it for a short ride. The engine is running in limp mode right now since we have not had the computer reprogrammed yet. We also have to get the wiring harnesses cleaned up a bit and wire in the fan controls. The rear cv joint was tapping the tranny tunnel when goosing the throttle so that had to be modified a little. I may have some issues with the front driveshaft clearing the side of the tranny but not sure yet. And for the record, I will go along with what others have said about offsetting the engine about 3/4'' to drivers side. I did not do it but if I had, I would not have needed to trim the tranny tunnel and may not have had to deal with front driveshaft clearance problems. Although, I would have to modify my steering shaft to clear the exhaust manifold. Also , the Matt Bier mounts are not designed for offsetting the engine.

 

[radioridge]

Are you useing the stock t-case? If so what are you doing about a VSS.

 

[rustyb]

I am running a Dana 300 tcase. Ordered an 8k pulse generator from Dakota Digital for the vss. The guy programming the PCM suggested I use that one.

 

[splib]

What fan and shroud are you running?

 

[rustyb]

The fan and shroud are from a 89 Lincoln continental with 3.8l engine. It is a 2 speed fan and moves a lot of air. The same fan can be found in a lot of 90s ford cars with the 3.8l like the Taurus or Sable. I just made an aluminum angle iron frame that bolts to the stock radiator frame, then welded a few tabs for the shroud to be cradled in. 2 bolts hold the unit in place pretty much the way it was in the car I snagged it from. It's dimensions are about perfect for an fj40 radiator.