Builds V8 Swap Project Begins!

[concretejungle]

wow, look at all the room in the front of the block! You could get a few more cylinders in there if you wanted


Seriously, it looks great. I'm getting a bit jealous.

 

[kirk]

there was a lot of talk about the tranny, I have a 95 with a 343, will my tranny hold up to 5.3 vortec out of a late model truck. or should I install a turbo on the inline 6

The 5.3 vortec puts out about 15 more lb/ft of torque than the 1FZ. It should be no problem at all. I would be way more concerned with the whistler added to the 1FZ engine. This would put out a bunch more torque than the 5.3 There is less experience in the aftermarket in altering the 343. the shifting points of the 343 seems to me a potential issue. Valve body adjustments and TCU adjustments may be needed.

I know I can make the 442 work b/c the aftermarket valve and electronic tuning pieces are available. Someone will tackle the challenge of tweaking valve body mods to the 343, maybe they already are I just havent heard.

As for V8 or turbo I-6 there is no clear choice. Both sides have strong arguements. Ask yourself WHAT DO I NEED FROM THIS TRUCK? Do your homework and you will see the light that fits your situation best.

 

[Waggoner5]

The tranny will hold up fine as long as it was in good shape to start. I have done 2 LT1 conversions on 80s both using the stock tranny. The only issue is the shift points. They will be somewhat low and very difficult to get absolutely perfect. They will shift fine and as hard as you like, but they will shift a little early for the LT1's higher RPM band.

As far as routing air, either go with a 1LE air intake or go custom. The marine unit does not use a MAF sensor therefore will have to be adapted. You can also buy an aluminum piece from Paxton that bolts to the air valve and can be plumed to the MAF then to a filter. 1st pic is using the Paxton piece, second is the 1LE piece. Both have provisions for the IAT sensor.

Don't worry about the water issue on the later model LT1s. This was an issue on earlier models, but was resolved with a sealed system and proper distributer venting.

On your truck you can either swap sides for the air system or use the 91 battery box and swap sides for the battery.

 

[bdyer]

kirt, thanks for the info on the 343. I look forward to seeing the finished product. I think you will have a great cruiser when you are done.

 

[kirk]

Super clean job Gary, mine will not be near that detailed out. You had some major time involved in that project. Thanks for the pics. Kirk

 

[Waggoner5]

PM me if you need anything.

 

[mobi-arc]

Plenty of room for the compressor and welder!

 

[kirk]

Here are some pics of the mechanical fan mocked up. I never knew this fan existed, it is from a LT1 Caddy Fleetwood. Ironically it is in almost the same position as the 1fz fan is. I could use the OE fan shroud with minimal trimming.

 

[Waggoner5]

That is excellent. I am a big believer in mechanical fans when theres room.

 

[kirk]

More pics-Driver side engine mount fabrication, and my laser.

 

[Waggoner5]

Did I here you say they were cut by laser? Very cool. My buddy has a water jet cutter and I use it some for brackets. The laser seems more precise, but not as versatile. Lets see some progress pics.
G

 

[kirk]

Did I here you say they were cut by laser? Very cool. My buddy has a water jet cutter and I use it some for brackets. The laser seems more precise, but not as versatile. Lets see some progress pics.
G

Laser cutting is more precise and faster than water jets. Lasers can hold +/-.002tolerance on size and waterjets are more in the +/-.008 range. Both are better than high definition plasma.

Anyhow, the pics I posted of the tacked driver side mount fit perfect. Tomorrow I will work on the pass side. The motor is not in the true center of the frame so the passenger side is about 1" longer.

I am semi perfecting all these parts and documenting all my work. All of my fabrications will be for available for anyone else interested in doing their own swap.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

All of my fabrications will be for available for anyone else interested in doing their own swap.

Thats awesome!


He's making the V8 swap more and more enticing

 

[OGBeno]

More pics-Driver side engine mount fabrication, and my laser.

Looks great Kirk...I see you were at the shop today!!

Just got back into town this afternoon. Sorry I wasn't around to wrench...I know....bad helper....

SEe you later.
-o-

 

[kirk]

More Pics... New Camera!

 

[kirk]

 

[kirk]

The engine is finally sitting on the mounts. I have the mounts tacked heavily enough to support the engine. When I take the engine out I will finish weld.

 

[clownmidget]

Nice work Kirk

This is great eye-candy and looks like you're almost ready to drive it.

Got any plans to dyno it?

 

[kirk]

Nice work Kirk
Got any plans to dyno it?

Thanks! Yeah probably will dyno sometime. I am interested in seeing how much loss is in the driveline. We know the engine with the corvette exhaust makes 300hp/330ftlbs at the crank.

 

[Waggoner5]

Looks great Kirk. You will like the performance. The couple I've done make the truck what it should have been from the factory. Not fast, but very respectable for a 6k lb truck.
Gary