Japan meets America (Ls Swap) (1 Viewer)

[wiynwiyn]

After working and living the dreams in Vietnam for a few years, I returned to the state in May of 2024 and begun to work on my ls swap on my 97 80s. I sold the yellow FJ since it doesn't give me the excitement as the LC. I found a good condition 5.3 ls engine and 4L60E transmission (2 wheel drive) from a wrecked 2005 suburban. Many thanks to the ls swap committee for the wealth of knowledge. I'll be sharing the stages, failures I learned.

 

[wiynwiyn]

Father and son project. Architect and builder. My old man is pretty clever with machines. He resolved many complex puzzles on this project. I owe him unlimited beers. It took one day to remove the LC engine, tranny and transfercase (super heavy, should have wore a back support).

 

[Outsane]

Cool project!

 

[wiynwiyn]

Shaving off the LC mounts for cruisermatt's mounts. I like the design for it uses the GM original rubber mounts.

 

[effjay80]

Dog Shiba overseeing work too. Enjoy the time with your Dad.

 

[bkfj40]

Can’t wait to see some more progress!

 

[McDowra]

Looking forward to watching your build

 

[D21FJ60]

That e30 tho

 

[thatcabledude]

Looks like the transmission is probably a reman.(it’s been painted)

 

[wiynwiyn]

Looks like the transmission is probably a reman.(it’s been painted)

You are a professional thatcabledude. Good eyes. They rebuilt it and then the truck got into an accident. Lucky me. I’ll show more progress per day. I bought another 5.3 Ls engine from a 2001 Silverado (drive by cable) prior to this purchase. Can’t pass on a good deal with everything intact. Makes it easier to work with. Shiba (Ando) is the supervisor on this project.

 

[wiynwiyn]

Cutting the shaft on the 4L60E was a horrifying experience. I emailed marks to double check. Measured 5 times and cut once. I asked them about the hole highlighted in blue. They said, “In your application, this hole is not used/required. Please use the supplied welch plug and apply sealant to resolve this problem.”

 

[wiynwiyn]

does anyone know what those two plugs are? I can’t figure out where they plug into or if I need them. Vehicle speed sensor related? Currently I’m using a satellite speedometer until I can figure out getting the LC speedometer to work. Thanks

 

[NeverFinis]

does anyone know what those two plugs are? I can’t figure out where they plug into or if I need them. Vehicle speed sensor related? Currently I’m using a satellite speedometer until I can figure out getting the LC speedometer to work. Thanks

View attachment 3767666

They are either transmission connectors, or one of those might be the VSS that is on the back of the transfer case, circled in the picture below. No modification is needed to make the stock speedometer work, as long as you left the wiring in place. A Satellite (GPS) speedometer isn't needed.

 

[wiynwiyn]

They are either transmission connectors, or one of those might be the VSS that is on the back of the transfer case, circled in the picture below. No modification is needed to make the stock speedometer work, as long as you left the wiring in place. A Satellite (GPS) speedometer isn't needed.

View attachment 3767790

Thank you neverfinis for the info. I checked the wiring diagram and those two plugs don't go into the VSS (has three wires: brown, yellow and red green). Brown wire to ground, yellow to power, and red green to speedometer in the gauge?

 

[wiynwiyn]

Installed the transfercase to Mark's. I couldn't get the Mark's metal plate that holds the shifter to work, so we had to fabricate one. Also, we used the trailblazer cable to shift the gears.

 

[wiynwiyn]

Removed surface rusts on the chassis: The first owner was a lifeguard in Cali that explains why. I'm lucky to be the second owner. Pressure washed, degreased, sanded, painted the chassis with Kbs satin black rust seal and Kbs flat black top coat. I watched a few YouTube videos on this rust seal product and I was convinced (durable and flexible). Was messy to paint with a bush but turns out good. I don't mind the brush marks it leaves behind, looks like an oil painting. Besides its hidden.

 

[NeverFinis]

Thank you neverfinis. I must have cut off the plugs going to the vss. I can run wires from the vss plug right? Brown wire to ground, yellow to power, and red green to speedometer in the gauge?
View attachment 3767834

Yes, you can do that. It just depends on where you splice into the harness.

You need to see if you still have wires going to Ea1, and after the EC1.

Ea1 Pin 1, Y, Power
Ea1 Pin 2, R-G, Signal
Ea1 Pin 3, BR, Ground

Otherwise, you will have to go back to EC1, which carries the t-case stuff, which you should still have.

EC1 Pin 3, Y, Power
EC1 Pin 6, R-G, Signal
EC1 Pin 9, BR, Ground

 

[wiynwiyn]

Painted the rear chassis and axles.. Installed OME suspension (2.5 inch)

auto500

 

[wiynwiyn]

Installed the transmission, marks and transfer case wasn’t too difficult. Lines right up perfectly to the LC crossmember.

 

[PNWGERMAN]

Cool build. I'm going to fallow along because I'd like to do an LS swap down the road some time.
Love the e30 too. I've had a'91 318i 4 door manual, and a '87 325e that I caged and turned into a track toy.