Builds Another Texas LS1 Swap (3 Viewers)

[warpdriv]

Well after the PHH killed my engine, https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/385064-phh-kills-friend.html#post5543972, I did a lot of soul searching. But I could only search so far because of budget. Yea, if I had bucks, diesel would be it. So that left me with replacing the current engine or putting in something I wanted. I think we can all agree that 80s need more power and a V8 should of been put in there from when Mr. T started making these models.

The decision of putting in a V8 only pointed me in the direction of the journey I must go. I have done a swap before, Untitled, so I have a good idea what I'm going to get into. The only unknown I'm going have to figure out, is the computer stuff. Fortunately, there is lots of help on the net. So what I started to do is to read everything I can and talk to anyone that has any experience in what I was getting into. I also hang out on LS1Tech.com and ask all the newb questions I can think of. The 2 other LSx build threads here on Mud I’ve subscribed to will help wrangle parts I will need.

I’m going to put in a mid 2000s 5.3/4l60/FJ60 tcase and here is why. 5.3 – power that will also help me get decent gas mileage. 4l6x – they are used in the 1500 series Silverados and it is about the same weight as an 80. FJ60 Tcase – I want part time 4WD and I’ll save over a $1000 in adapter and part time kit costs. Finding a complete engine/tranny that has around 50k milles on it will be a challenge. Most salvage yards pull the drive train and strip it down. I’m am a patient person and besides, getting a quality engine/tranny is worth the wait.

I have lots of good parts on the old engine,https://forum.ih8mud.com/parting-out/393965-parting-out-95-fzj80-engine-transmission.html, so let me know if you need anything.

So on with swap!

Parts Section: (added this on 10/1/2010 to consolidate where I'm getting things)
Tri State Salvage: Engine/Tranny from an 04 Avalanche (5.3/4l60) and all the stuff 40k miles $2500 shipped! PM Paul (pzary3233)
Relocated the Wiper Bottle today I got from Slee (Slee - Battery Related Products)
Adapters: AdvanceAdapters.com | Engine & Transmission Conversion Adapters - Advance Adapters
Camaro Oil Pan: Complete kit with gaskets and bolts. Chevy Chevy Engine Oil Pan Kit, Aluminum, For LS1, LS2, LS3 & LS6 Engines, 1955-1972 - [li]Eckler's Classic Chevy Parts
Electric Fan: LINCOLN TAURUS RADIATOR COOLING FAN jeep mustang vw sho: eBay Motors (item 280568985767 end time Sep-30-10 13:54:17 PDT)
Found a wiring kit for the fan. The Hollister Road Company
Shifter linkage kit: http://www.jegs.com/i/Lokar/625/ACA-1800/10002/-1
Headers: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOK-2312HKR/
Harness and ECM programming: http://psiconversion.com
91 FJ80 Shifter - mud classifieds - needed shifter with PRND32L pattern
Hoses and fluids: $224
Hubs - $125 - Georg (OrangeFJ45) Valley Hybrids

References
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/817787-lsx-oil-pans.html
http://chevythunder.com/drive_by_wire.htm
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1316722-cruise-control-drw.html
http://www.lt1swap.com/dbw.htm
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1300460-question-ls1-pcm-cooling-fan-control.html

Harness:
http://www.lt1conversion.com/product-details.php?id=44
http://fuelinjection.com/
http://www.speartech.com/

Here is day 1:

 

[warpdriv]

Second day I got it out.

 

[warpdriv]

Something that surprised me was the amount of rust on the coolant pipes to the floor heater.

 

[jlg32281]

has your truck always been a texas truck? that is a lot of rust.

keep the pics coming.

 

[warpdriv]

Not sure. There is no rust like that another place. More pics as I progress. I just need to find an engine/tranny now. The quest continues.

 

[wayneosan]

OH my that's a lot of rust. OR it's Oklahoma mud.

I am subscribed!!!

GET THIS, the engine I got came with a clutch fan because it came out of a 1500.

I just downloaded the pin outs for the LS engine, so maybe we should swap spreadsheets and add/correct/test. I'm pretty sure I can get the engine bay connectors without having to cut them out of the harness, but either way that's where I'm at.

The fan coming with the new motor seemed like a bonus. I'm going to have a shroud water or laser jet out to fit the stock radiator but go around the GM fan. Once we draw them up they'll be easy to duplicate. hint.

Let's get it on!! I'm coming down to Austin soon!

 

[TejasYOTA]

This will be a great transplant.. like you mentioned, too bad it will not a diesel.

 

[locrwln1]

Glad to see someone doing this to a later model (95-97) 80. I am anxious to see how you do with getting everything working, ie. AC, CC, etc.

Good luck, I will watching the build.

Jack

 

[warpdriv]

I am anxious to see how you do with getting everything working, ie. AC, CC, etc.

Me too! AC shouldn't be any problems after getting some hoses built. CC, not to optimistic. I'm not sure if it works with the ECU. Anyone know?

 

[wayneosan]

yes, if you get the drive by wire set up, I don't see it as being a problem to work.

all you need is a brake switch input if you got an ecu out of an auto.

you can configure things in the ecu as well.

I'm building the Mega Squirt board as we speak and after I'm done with that, I'll start on the wiring for the GM to Toyota; I'll post up as soon as I have a solution.

wp

 

[alia176]

Subscribed.

I was curious about the Tcase selection - your main reason for selecting the 60 Tcase is so that you can have part time ability and don't need to buy an adapter? So, this Tcase simply bolts on to the 4L60E transmission directly?

My Tcase has been converted to part time but I wonder if it can be bolted on directly with the GM transmission.

 

[97 40th]

Can't wait to see.....

 

[AustinCruiser]

Too bad about your engine. Have you tried Capitol Imports on South Congress? They may have an engine for you. I've bought a lot of parts there and they have good customer service too.

Ed

 

[warpdriv]

Subscribed.

I was curious about the Tcase selection - your main reason for selecting the 60 Tcase is so that you can have part time ability and don't need to buy an adapter? So, this Tcase simply bolts on to the 4L60E transmission directly?

My Tcase has been converted to part time but I wonder if it can be bolted on directly with the GM transmission.

I will need adapters from the tranny to the tcase.

HF2A - Adapters $1,385 + Part time kit $895 + about 2 hours labor for kit install at $50/hr = $2,380
1/86+ FJ60 case - $500 to buy (approx)+ $400 (approx) to rebuild + adapters $583 = $1,483 and it's rebuilt.

 

[warpdriv]

Too bad about your engine. Have you tried Capitol Imports on South Congress? They may have an engine for you. I've bought a lot of parts there and they have good customer service too.

Ed

I did the car-parts.com search. The search was pulling up 150k mileage engines for $1,500. I do not want to invest the time and money in an engine that old. Besides this gives me the excuse I need to the conversion.

 

[alia176]

I will need adapters from the tranny to the tcase.

HF2A - Adapters $1,385 + Part time kit $895 + about 2 hours labor for kit install at $50/hr = $2,380
1/86+ FJ60 case - $500 to buy (approx)+ $400 (approx) to rebuild + adapters $583 = $1,483 and it's rebuilt.

Hmm, that logic does sound good. Holy cow, wonder why the HF2A adapter is crazy expensive!!

 

[warpdriv]

Scored my tcase today. 87 FJ60. So, tcase $150, rebuild kit $270, labor $100 = $520. A salvage yard called me and had an all aluminum engine/tranny out of a trailblazer SS 4x4 with 30k miles for $2,750 + shipping. I'm passing because the adapters will not work on a 4x4 tranny. Fyi, if I did, I would need to get a camaro oil pan and pump pick up.

 

[alia176]

cool, hopefully you'll document everything so that the rest of us can just copy!!

 

[warpdriv]

cool, hopefully you'll document everything so that the rest of us can just copy!!

Yep. I plan on posting places, part numbers, and prices so y'all can get an idea what your in for.

 

[silverhorse]

Subscribed, Good luck with the build!