Chevelle LS1/T56 Swap is on the road!!

[stealth71]

I have had the car running for a couple months now. It is still a work in progress, but at least I can get out and start enjoying it. I have been working on it over the past 2 years. I pulled the body off and redid the chassis as well as adding the LS1 and T56. The car drives great and I got over 21mpg on a ~300 mile road trip the other day. It is definitely a highway car with the 3.31's in the rear. Cruises 80mph @ 1800rpm. I guess I could go with a little more gear when I rebuild the rear. Car had a 350/TH350 when I started.

Specs:
'02 LS1
243's Stock
ARP Head studs
Custom Cam by Camshaft Innovations
LS6 intake
LS6 Valley Cover/PCV
CTS-V Race Lifters
Hardened Pushrods
Ported LS6 pump
March Underdrive
Ported TB by Shaner
85mm MAF
Hooker Swap Headers
Full 3" Mandrel Exhaust w/ X-Pipe and Magnaflow Ovals

'96 Impalla SS Tank
-8AN Supply/ -6AN Return tank mods internally for larger pickup/return
Racetronix kit w/ Walbro 255lph
Aeromotive Fuel Rails
Aeromotive Regulator
60# injectors for future mods

AFCO Swap Radiator
Lincoln Mark VIII Fan

T56
Textralia OZ700
Pro 5.0

Suspension
Front:
'98 Grand Cherokee Steering Box
SC&C stage II
750# springs w/ adjusters front
1 1/8" sway bar front
Full solid/derlin bushings
Afco 1020 Ex. Heavy

Rear:
175# 11" springs rear
Currectrac Lowers
BMR adjustable uppers w/ Wolfe Spherical bushings
BMR Control Arm Mount Braces
Afco 1031 Heavy
No Sway Bar

12-Bolt w/ 3.31's Posi

Shaved the firewall.
Covans Dash insert w/ many gauges.
FJO Dual Wideband


So I'm in the process of putting together the parts for C5 brakes. I just got the calipers the other day. I'm also looking at SC&C's new rear sway bar. I am going to start work on patching the body and getting it back in DP-90 over the holidays.

I'll try and give a shortened progress.

The beginning circa 6/06:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC01643-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC01777-1.jpg

'96 Impala SS Tank
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC01814-1.jpg

Was originally just going to be an engine/trans swap
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02099-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02107-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/02/DSC02417JPG-1.jpg

02/07 Rolling Chassis
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/02/DSC02411JPG-1.jpg

Fuel lines in the frame rail
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02313JPG-1.jpg

Body back on
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02454JPG-1.jpg

Firewall in progress
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02499JPG-1.jpg

08/07
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02782JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02805JPG-1.jpg

[stealth71]

Engine Upgrades
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02631-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02710JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02841JPG-1.jpg

09/07
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC02867JPG-1.jpg

06/08
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/IMG_0544JPG-1.jpg

Everyones favorite. The mini battery.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03402JPG-1.jpg

Wiring and PCM mounted
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03407JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03426JPG-1.jpg

My first exhaust
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03431JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03438JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03440JPG-1.jpg
Actually doing some more exhaust work this weekend. I will be adding V-Band flanges at the collector and welding up the X-Pipe. I started with Bullets and then went to the Magnaflows.

[stealth71]

10/08
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03451JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03465JPG-1.jpg

Eckler's Camarofest. My brother owns the black WS6 and got 2nd place in modified.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03503JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03498JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03499JPG-1.jpg

First start
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atRfNMudZjk

Then I hit the dyno for tuning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1vArioS6UA

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/chevelledyno_STDJPG-1.jpg

Then the Magnaflows went on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03533JPG-1.jpg

Fixing the leaks when the clamps get here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRA6qVPJVQ8

I picked up some budget shoes. 17x9 Soft 8's
255/45 Nitto 555 front 275/40 Nitto 555R rear
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03585_cJPG-1.jpg

As she sits now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/DSC03597_cJPG-1.jpg


What do you think?


Full build thread (http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/510709-71-chevelle-ls1-t56-progress.html)

[icebird84]

good looking project you have there

[BossaNova]

What you did is awesome!

Over 21mpg? Unbelievable. :headbang:

[1971CHEVELLE]

project you have there is awesome:twothumbs

[WILWAXU]

Awesome job!

Congrats on getting running & driving.

[Martin71RS]

nice!! I wouldn't even paint it....never worry about damaging it and it's a sleeper like this.

[Hellbound]

where did you get the wheels ? who makes them ?

[stealth71]

where did you get the wheels ? who makes them ?

Did you read or just look at the pictures? :)

Cragar Soft 8's

A few people are running them. A lot of truck guys use them for offroaders. They are heavy, but for the budget, ability to get good Z rated tires and fit C5 brakes, I decided they would work for now.

I actually first saw them on Randy67's Elcamino.
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=26887&d=1226070428

Hope he doesn't mind. I'll get the CCW's I want one day.

[Hellbound]

sorry yes I looked -posted then read sorry but thanks I think they look tough and I may get them for my 2nd son 1980 trans-am that we are doing

[Motown 454]

Nice work It looks like a fun ride.

[130fe]

Good to see you got good use of that fuel tank (you bought it from me over at LS1tech). Bet it is a good feeling to get it on the road!

[stealth71]

Good to see you got good use of that fuel tank (you bought it from me over at LS1tech). Bet it is a good feeling to get it on the road!

Fuel tank is working great. I think it's about 22 gallons which should give me over 450 mile range. That's until you give it hell. 120 in 3rd when the shift light comes on at 6800. :6gears:

Let me know if you want to meet up sometime.

[Steve68]

Nice complation of pics,

looks great!

except last night when I saw it on jack stands!

[Apogee]

Nice sleeper. I agree with Martin on leaving the body unfinished. Something about it just screams homocidal with a hint of serial killer thrown in for flavor. :P Definitely a cool build...can't wait to see it with some bigger brakes behind those Soft 8's.

Tobin
KORE3

[big540chevelle]

I see you put a cherokee steering box on your car. Is their a reason you pick that box?

[Texas 1972 Velle]

That is awesome! I look forward to all of your updates!

[badbu68]

Jeep cherokee steering boxes have about the same turning radius as chevelle, they have a faster ratio and a tighter feel. Just need a mid 80s full size truck rag joint, and metric threads on the lines and they bolt in.

[stealth71]

Jeep cherokee steering boxes have about the same turning radius as chevelle, they have a faster ratio and a tighter feel. Just need a mid 80s full size truck rag joint, and metric threads on the lines and they bolt in.

It's a direct bolt in minus the rag joint and hose adapters for a stock Chevelle. I had a hose made at the local NAPA. It works great on the LS1 pump.

[JJSmitches]

homocidal serial killer

Now THAT is a project name!

[rlplive]

Looks great. I am getting some cragar window d's for my car. Can't beat the price.

[73supreme455]

Awesome build!!!

I even liked it with the rally wheels.

[stealth71]

I took the exhaust back out and welded in V-Band flanges at the collector. Then I welded up the x-pipe to try and eliminate leaks. I still have clamps at the front of the muffler so I can easily swap between the magnaflows and bullets.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03649JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03651JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03652JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03653JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03657JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03659JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03660JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03662JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03664JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03666JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC03667JPG-1.jpg

[nc69rs]

How about a sound clip? Idle and a drive by would be great.

I have a ls2 with the same exhaust setup except with flowmasters and I'm considering magnaflows.

[stealth71]

There is a clip in one of the first posts with the magnaflows. I'll prob get some more soon. No driving clips yet.

[55chevyman]

off topic but., what kind of welder are you using???

[nc69rs]

I found the clip the car sounds great!!!!! Does it have very much resonance inside?
What is the part # of those magnaflows?

[stealth71]

off topic but., what kind of welder are you using???

Lincoln Weld-pak 3200 from Home Depot with gas.

[stealth71]

I found the clip the car sounds great!!!!! Does it have very much resonance inside?
What is the part # of those magnaflows?

MPE-11219 on Summit. I don't have the back seat or carpet in yet. The bullets shook the whole car under 2k. The magnaflows don't.