1969 Firebird LS1 swap build thread.

[Goose919]

So now that I'm up and running I'll put a few photos out there for all to see.

The car started as a 1969 Firebird 400 non-ram air with a TH400 trans. I purchased the car from a family friend who had not touched it in 12 years. The car was fairly well hacked up through the 70's-80's. The previous owner did do a lot of work but the car still sat between OEM and pep-boys warrior project.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSCN0196_022_zpsgw3xslqg-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/DSCN0196_022_zpsgw3xslqg.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/Drivers20Side20Interior_zpsmvphvslq-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/Drivers%20Side%20Interior_zpsmvphvslq.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/40020Motor20B_zpsyy68eeui-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/400%20Motor%20B_zpsyy68eeui.jpg.html)

[ryeguy2006a]

Looks like a pretty solid car to start with. Nice project

[Goose919]

First thing that i needed to address was the old and worn suspension. I used hotchkis 2" drop in the front and 1.5" in the rear. When replacing bushings I used Del-A-Lum bushings on the upper and lower control arms. I also added a global west offset cross-shafts. For shocks I did KYB's. After driving on them realized that they were NOT for me. I'm into any shock suggestions from members as I am going to order a new set soon. Thinking hotchkis? Once I got the car off the lift it was evident that I needed tires as my stock 15X7's had limited tire options so I went with 17X8 Rally 2's.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/photo201_zpsk6mvt5xs-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/photo%201_zpsk6mvt5xs.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/imagejpg1_zpse6712b66-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/imagejpg1_zpse6712b66.jpg.html)

[Goose919]

While I was working on suspension I had to pull the 400 as she had leaks all over mainly the rear main. The car never really ran strong, what I had diagnosed as a faulty ignition system ended up being much more. Long story short 100 miles after the engine went back in she started knocking, broke and frustrated I put it away for the winter. I decided that to fix the 400 was going to end up as a waste of money so I decided to go LS. After only a few hours of searching I was able to source a used 2002 LS1 & 4L60E from a TA WS6. The original car was totaled (rear end) no evidence of any mods to engine and the odometer showed 60K. This being my first swap I took the next few months searching the web for tips and tricks to completing swap.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_0038_zpscwyglfum-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0038_zpscwyglfum.jpg.html)


When installing the engine I wanted to see where the alternator would end up so I dropped her in and was able to mark where I needed to notch the subframe.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_0003_zps5u9j4zps-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0003_zps5u9j4zps.jpg.html)


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_0021_zps71actb2m-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0021_zps71actb2m.jpg.html)

I do wish that I paid more attention to some of the products I used. I purchased the Holley LS swap kit (Hooker headers, engine mounts and LS swap pan). I was displeased with large portions of this kit after install I mentioned some of them below.


The mounts put the engine in a decent location but was a bit annoyed that it did not come with the through bolts


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_0020_zpsz5dxkzft-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0020_zpsz5dxkzft.jpg.html)


the Headers were not manufactured correctly. The O2 sensor bungs are both facing inboard and make it impossible to install the sensor! makes contact with the trans. I ended up modifying my "H" pipe by welding in an additional section of pipe. I called Holley to report the issue and the guy on the phone acted as though he could care less. Funny they were attentive when I was ordering?


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_0015_zpsrf57cvsp-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0015_zpsrf57cvsp.jpg.html)


Finally the last part of my purchase was the oil pan. It is great quality and tucks up under subframe perfect, my only complaint is that didn't know I needed to buy the LS6 oil dip stick.

[Goose919]

More progress...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_0091_zpsenksqfw4-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0091_zpsenksqfw4.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_0027_zpsuzcpvfho-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0027_zpsuzcpvfho.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_0087_zpsolvmzyiv-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0087_zpsolvmzyiv.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_0086_zpsy8ixu92v-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0086_zpsy8ixu92v.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/IMG_0080_zpsnyp9l0he-1.jpg (http://s943.photobucket.com/user/Firebird919/media/IMG_0080_zpsnyp9l0he.jpg.html)

[Later-A-body]

Nice Firebird. Great find with the LS1. You'll love the difference in power and driveability.