Stepping up to a Vortec (LM7)

[badsamaritan]

Been waiting a while to start this thread but it looks like things are finally underway with the Vortec Swap!

I ordered a LM7 from BD Turnkey Engines in Reno, NV. Awesome guy to work with and the new engine arrived here Friday. It's out of a '03 Suburban with 86k on the clock.

It will be going into my 69 FJ40 with a SM420 and the stock 3spd transfer case. Yesterday I installed the pilot bearing, clutchplate and pressure plate. As soon as my correct motor mounts (from AA) get here I'll start some test fits. I may also need to swap oil pans as I have read on here the truck pan maybe too deep. I have access to a camaro pan from a friend if I need it.

A friend sent me a good car craft article addressing mating newer Chevy Gen3/4 engines to older auto/manual transmissions. I am using the parts they recommended for better spline engagement.

Article:
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0810_engine_transmission_swap_gen_3/viewall.html

***Bolts:***

Flywheel Bolts (ARP 330-2802):
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-330-2802

Pressure Plate bolts (ARP 134-2201)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-2201/

Bellhousing bolts (black, class 10.9, bought at local hardware store)
M10x1.5x45mm (4)
M10x1.5x70mm (2)

Gen1 SBC motor mount bolts (ARP 130-3102)***
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-130-3102
(***If you use the AA motor mounts you will get all the hardware you need included. I just had these laying around and decided to put them in)

***Clutch/Flywheel Etc.***

Flywheel:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCL-460535

Pilot Bushing:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCL-8617

Clutch Kit:
Sach's K5473-01
http://www.amazingsavingsautoparts.com/index.php?action=item&id=8816847

Advance Adapters Clutch Slave Cylinder Bracket PN 716287
http://www.advanceadapters.com/prod...nder-bracket-for-use-with-chevy-bellhousings/

Advance Adapters Clutch Slave Cylinder (longer throw than stock)
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/716213--toyota-land-cruiser-slave-cylinder/

Advance Adapters Clutch Fork PN 716176
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/716176--gm-cast-iron-release-arm/

Advance Adapters Release Arm Wedge PN 71639
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/716139--gm-release-arm-wedge/


***Engine***

AA Adapter plates (My rig previously had a sbc in it so it already has AA sbc motor mounts in it.)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ADD-713088-P

Advance Adapters Block Hugger Headers for LSx engines.
P/N 717043-HDR

***Please Verify PN's on your own before ordering***

1998-2002 Camaro LS1 Oil Pan: 12628771
windage tray: 12558253
Oil Pump Pickup: 12558251
Oil dipstick tube: 12551577
Oil dipstick: 12551581
Oil pump pickup "O" ring: 12557752

GM metal exhaust gaskets (sold individually): 12617944

Autometer NPT to Metric adapter (if using port on cylinder head for temp guage)
ATM-2277

Autometer Cylinder head Temp Sender (these are shorter than the normal sender and must be used if using the metric adapter) This is for the short sweep electric guages.
ATM-2259

Seals-it brand Grommet PN GS404-16

***Fuel System Related***

Vetteworks LS1 style fuel pump mounting ring,
http://www.vetteworksonline.net/cat...ducts_id=89&osCsid=vbhh9mvp5d22e6g97bjp0reud4

LS1 Fuel pump.
http://www.vetteworksonline.net/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=108

3/8 fuel line to -6 AN adapter (for the fuel pump) fittings (2)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-644123

-6AN to -6AN female/female coupler fitting (2) (from pump -6 to fuel filters both inlet and outlet)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-640001

40 Micron 6AN inlet/outlet fuel filter (have one for supply and return) (2)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-650133

20ft 6AN PTFE lined hose
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-220985

6AN Summit PTFE straight hose ends (4)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-220141

33-240OHM Autometer ultralight fuel guage (1)
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-4316

***Cooling System Related***

Champion Radiator 4 core aluminum radiator PN: MC180
http://www.championradiators.com/Toyota-Land-cruiser-radiator

G&M Honest Performance Fan Shroud (local deal only)

Lower Radiator Hose Gates PN 21356 (1991/2 Ford Probe & Mazda MX6 and 626)

Upper Radiator Hose (1997 Dodge Dakota w/4cyl engine)

***Misc Electrical***

460 piece weatherpack kit
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OS5DEG/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Weatherpack crimping tool
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CCAEJ6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[hobbes]

 

[s800]

looks new!

 

[allan man]

Subscribed !!

 

[Al Johnson]

Awesome ! Wish I could afford to make that happen myself - should be sweet - Keep those pictures coming

 

[bomb69tech]

I have the Vortec in my 69 and have been extremely happy with it. I am running the 4L60E auto behind it with and Orion.

 

[badsamaritan]

Finally got my motor mounts from Summit, spent a little time removing the stock exhaust manifolds as I don't think they are going to fit. I'll check around to see what stock manifolds will work, would rather go that route than fork out for block huggers or similar.

Also removed the AC compressor, I'll be hanging on to it in case I want on board air later.

 

[bomb69tech]

Mine has some hooker headers to get everything to fit.

 

[badsamaritan]

Mine has some hooker headers to get everything to fit.

Can you post the part number? I'd like to check them out

 

[bomb69tech]

I will have to check to see if I have it on my computer. I am currently in Afghanistan and do not have access to my receipts.

 

[apeterson]

subscribe

 

[4thHorseman]

subscribed.

I will be putting a Vortec in my '67. Scared as hell too. I hope you don't mind if I have a number of questions to as when the time comes.

Pics and part numbers will be amazing. Thank you.

 

[40's rock]

I'm at the same spot with mine. 5.7 out of an 03 tahoe, staying with stock transmission/transfer for now.

Just got my wire harness and computer from Howell...highly recommend them.

 

[khan74fj40]

Me too. Not sure where to start.

 

[badsamaritan]

I will have to check to see if I have it on my computer. I am currently in Afghanistan and do not have access to my receipts.

No Sweat I understand, I've been to the sandbox once myself. Take care and thank you for your service!

 

[badsamaritan]

subscribed.

I will be putting a Vortec in my '67. Scared as **** too. I hope you don't mind if I have a number of questions to as when the time comes.

Pics and part numbers will be amazing. Thank you.

Not a problem, I'll be keeping a spreadsheet as I go to help keep organized, I'll try and post as many PN's as possible. Check out that car craft article I posted in my first post. There is a ton of info and PN's for people looking to use Gen3/4 engines with older trans (TH350/400 SM420/465 etc.)

 

[badsamaritan]

I've got a set of the center dump Hookers on the LQ4 in my FJ55. I can't wait to get them out of my rig.

I got the non-ceramic coated version in 3 years with very few miles, they are rusting I also wasn't too impressed with the quality of them... some bad cuts. Be on the look out for mine going up for sale before the end of Sept

Ceramic coated version might be better for the rusting but not sure if I just got the Friday version.

I'm looking at going with what I believe are Corvette manifolds. I'm just trying to track down that rumored "every Corvette shop has them stacked to the ceiling and giving them away" set I'll probably end up paying ~$100 for a set. Then third shot on an exhaust

I saw a set of LS2 C5 Corvette manifolds on Ebay last night for $65. Center Dump, 3 bolt flange and o2 sensor port. I should have picked them up just to try them out.

 

[badsamaritan]

I'm at the same spot with mine. 5.7 out of an 03 tahoe, staying with stock transmission/transfer for now.

Just got my wire harness and computer from Howell...highly recommend them.

I went with a recommendation from a buddy who is on Pirate a lot and use BD Turnkey Engines. He has been really cool to work with and includes the PCM, Harness, and Tune with his engine packages. I like the idea of one stop shopping for everything. You can't go wrong with Howell though, I have heard nothing but good things about them.

Let me know what you end up doing with your pedal assembly as I think we have close to if not the same one. I have been looking for a good spot to mount mine and the thing is just too big. I am going to do some searching to try and find a smaller pedal assembly that will work with my TAC module.

 

[bomb69tech]

Also you could look at Chicago' build he documented his stuff really good.

 

[badsamaritan]

Was looking around for some bolt sizes for a different project and came across this. It's not a complete list but there is some good info in there.

http://www.enginepartsplus.com/pdf/Performance_ Catalog.pdf