Builds Fly By Night (24 Viewers)

[scrapdaddy]

That made the rear frame very stout, good job!

 

[xtiaan2000]

That frame looks killer!! Super stout.

 

[Ol Yeller]

Great update...looks killer.

 

[RUSH55]

Thanks guys

 

[PabloCruise]

I’ll contribute an update to today’s superb forum traffic. I’ve done an underwhelming amount of work on the project this month and so just waited to have something mostly complete before posting.

Not long after I finished my clone version of Scrappy’s rear x-member, I had an idea to alter it a bit, and then finally decided to do it since it’s gonna be one of the first pieces to get the paint. The new pieces were made out of 3-1/2”x1/4” square tubing.

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Nice!

 

[scrapdaddy]

I was just looking at your rear crossmember, I really like how that turned out. You taking a break or holding out on us?

 

[bobm]

out??

 

[bobm]

Sitting back Toking ona Fatty thinking bout da next move Merry Christmas

 

[RUSH55]

Well, been skimping off for a couple reasons.
Want to pick up an engine soon so I can get mounts set and the crossmember hashed out before painting the frame. Holding off on pulling the trigger on something until after Christmas. Had been thinking about doing the 5.3, but for just a little extra, could go with an LQ4/LQ9 6.0 instead. Thought about throwing it out to the group for a discussion
It’s only a 0.7 liter difference in displacement. One keen thing I got studied up on is the flywheels are easy and cheaper to come by than the 5.3 version that is more of a custom mod since manuals were never offered with them.
If I can find a toolbox with the right dimensions I’m looking for, I can get started on the under-seat storage which will be under the back seat.
Can soon buy a sheet of 14ga stainless to start on the fuel tank.
Gonna wait for warmer weather to start painting.

 

[RUSH55]

Sitting back Toking ona Fatty thinking bout da next move Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas brother!

 

[scrapdaddy]

I didn't realize getting a 6.0 flywheel and I'm guessing clutch would be cheaper and possibly more choices. As far as anything else, like needing more horsepower, etc. I believe the 5.3 is perfect for the wagon. It goes as fast as I want and has plenty of grunt fully loaded down with crap, not to mention gets very good MPG's.

Are the 6.0s harder to find in the boneyard? I bought mine from a guy in Reno, NV. BD motors, Brian finds low mileage vehicles and retunes the computer for your application. He had a harder time finding the 6.0s and they cost more naturally.

Lil' John should have some input here, he been around this block a couple of times.

 

[RUSH55]

The 6.0 crank protrudes 0.40” more at the rear which GM made factory flywheels for. The flywheels for the 5.3 have to be made 0.40” thicker. The average price for the factory 6.0 flywheel is $150 while the special 5.3 flywheels run ~$400. It’s more or less a non-issue since both can be acquired and you don’t really blow through flywheels very often.

I can find almost as many 6.0’s as 5.3’s, but they tend to average out at about $500 more. I’m holding out for a drive-by-wire (DBW) and as late of a model in the Gen III series as I can get (which is 07). MPG I can’t imagine being a huge difference between the two (12 - 18 MPG?)

 

[scrapdaddy]

I remember the crank problem now that you mentioned it. I've got a 2004 DBW and if I drive the speed limit I've gotten @17 MPG. I checked the mileage on one trip and that was it, not a big deal. So, what you're saying, which ever you can find for what you're looking for.

Are you thinking about the Advanced adapter bell housing or Mark's?

 

[RUSH55]

The bellhousing to fit the NV4500 to a 350 came with that tranny/t-case combo I picked up awhile back. Looks to be the same bellhousing to fit to the small block LS engines.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Ok, so you're not going with a Toyota tranny. Makes a somewhat easier.

 

[Megadoomer]

Ya my late 03 is DBW too. I went 5.3 for cost and I wanted mpg over hp.

 

[RUSH55]

Ya my late 03 is DBW too. I went 5.3 for cost and I wanted mpg over hp.

I’m fairly flexible with the cost right now and would opt to pay more for a newer, lower mile engine. While searching the net a little to find MPG ratings and feedback, I found this comment that kind of sums up my view of the difference of 41 cubic inches.

The beauty of it is, if you don’t like one, it’s relatively easy to change over to the other.

 

[scrapdaddy]

I know from past experience putting a V8 in a cruiser, any V8 will make you giddy with power and have your foot in it more often than not. When you conquer the urge to bump the throttle you'll see a mpg increase. These modern Chevy motors have their sheet worked out. I said look for the lowest mileage LS motor you can find.

 

[RUSH55]

You got that right Ron! I am really looking forward to making the switch over to the LS V8 platform!

 

[bobm]

Coyote