71 Chevelle 408 LSX build thread

[Chevelle598bb]

Well I'm still figuring out the rear spring issue and the ac compressor brackets aren't going to work the way I wanted. I am using edelbrock motor plates and the compressor is all over the motor plate and mount. So back to square one!

[gmachala404]

I am doing the LS3 71 Chevelle. I am using the Kwik brackets for a Sanden compressor its slick you should check it out. Its affordable too. Google Kwik brackets. I actually bought the brackets for the alternator and power steering from a bone yard for 150 bucks minus power steering pump and alternator. I plan to get the Kwik/Sanden setup to finish the accessory drive hopefully with a total of $500 for the whole front accessory drive system.

I got an LS3 crate engine and am doing a cam only with Stainless Works headers and 3" exhaust. I found the headers and exhaust discounted on Byun Speed. I paid around $1800 for the 1-7/8" headers and 3" exhaust system (retail would be about $2100). Folks on the LS1 tech forum are getting 460 RWHP with the cam and long tubes (2010 Camaro's) so it should be fun. I really wanted the LSX like you have but couldn't budget the money for it. It would have costs me easily 5K more than what I have in my LS3.

How in the heck do you get to try out so many wheels. That's not fair. I am really struggling with wheel choices. The wheels I like all cost 2.5K plus which is crazy. I really like the Fikse profile 5 in bushed/clear best I think. You can check out my build on here too 1971 Chevelle SS clone LS3 swap. Love your car :-) going to watch yours too.

I love the late model GTO seats too. Nice choice. I went with an 04 Z06 pair of seats. I was able to get the power seat to work fairly easily too.
I'd rather have the GTO seats but hard to find at a reasonable price. I got a good deal on the Z06 seats and they look nice just the Z06 logo is kind of odd.

[AZSaleen04]

Nice Build!!

[Chevelle598bb]

I have seen the kwik a/c bracket but I wanted to keep it low mount so I could run the ac lines under the fender for a cleaner appearance. Now I may just break down and buy a kwik bracket. There is also a one piece billet bracket on eBay. Looks simple to make on a mill. So that's up in the air right now. Finally got the motor set where it needs to go. The passenger hear is 1.75 inches from the firewall and I have an inch of clearance between the f body oil pan and the crossmember.

I got all of my front accessory brackets from a local gm dealer for about 200 bucks. I got my water pump from a local guy off a crate ls3. I still need an alternator and power steering pump.

I own the black z06 wheels and a buddy had the c5 speedlines. I liked the c5s but the fronts were too narrow (only 8 inches wide). The z06s are 9.5 and 10.5 wide. I have to run spacers with the corvette wheels but they are full billet with hardened studs so I don't think they will be an issue. I torque everything religiously anyways. I am looking at the new zr1 replicas. It is hard finding 18x10, 18x11,19x11 cast style (affordable) wheels. They do make the zr1s in 19x12 but that's a little too big unfortunately. I wish some 2 or 3 piece wheels were in the budget but there arent. I like The whole Fikse line up but the profil 10 is my favorite.

I ended up cutting the top pig tails off of my drop springs (1.5 inches total) for a total of 2 inches of drop. I need to check rearend to floor clearance since I am running a moser m9 which is massive. I also need to check shock clearance and stroke length. Now I need to cut the spring adjusters in the front to drop the front some more.

[StyleIn68]

Nice. What are you going to be using for engine management with that intake setup?

[Chevelle598bb]

I am building a stand alone harness and I will be using a 2002 f body ECM. I will place the air intake temp sensor in the air filter base and run it in speed density mode. I will also be using a wide band for tuning. I had a 94 camaro a while back that I swapped an ls1 into. It always ran better with a speed density tune than a Maf tune.

[gmachala404]

I did the same with the brackets got them for 300 with tensioner and a power steering pump reservoir and a PS pulley all for a Vette setup. I too need the alternator and PS pump. The alternator and PS pump are not cheap. Found some used ones 90 for alternator and 125 for pump.

I am kind of up in the air about what kind of suspension to go with. You know the LS3 is about 100lbs-150lbs lighter than what I had. Plus I am putting battery in the trunk and putting a cold air intake box where the battery was so thats pushing about 200lbs off the front. So ride heights and springs/rates going to be tricky. I thought about using the adjustable lower control arms in the SC&C kit http://scandc.com/new/node/740 so I can tweak the front if need be.

BTW what kind of fuel tank setup you gonna go with?

[Chevelle598bb]

I am just going to keep an eye out on e(vil)bay for the alternator and ps pump. I have a buddy that runs an autoparts store and can get me a good discount but it is still some cash.

The LS3 set up is much lighter than my all iron bbc i had in there before. I am adding a few things back in, such as a/c, ps, radio, heat, power seats and a few other things. I still think the car will be about the same weight after I am done. Im not sure if I want to keep the battery in the back or put it back in the front for a factory look. I may keep it in the back because I want to autocross the car some and the factory hold down is pretty flimsy. I've already had one battery take a dive into the alternator so Ill probly just keep it where it is. Also it will make the audio wiring easier if I keep it in the back.

Well I haven't locked down the fuel system yet but I do have a nice factory tank that I may cut open and baffle. Then I would just integrate a walbro pump onto the stock pick up. I also have a 96 b-body tank that I may throw in there. I don't like how much they hang down but the extra capacity will help with the trip on power tour. Also I wont have any issues with the pump sucking air with the impala tank.

[Mikes83ss]

I like the draglites the best on that car.

[andrewb70]

I like the draglites the best on that car.

He had to swap them because the 80's called and they want their wheels back...

Andrew

[AZSaleen04]

He had to swap them because the 80's called and they want their wheels back...

Andrew

LOL!!! They are the best looking drag wheels but for sure they belong in the 80's or just drag racing.

[Chevelle598bb]

That is funny. To be fair, I do like draglites but they only do one thing well, go in a straight line. Now Andrew, the eighties didn't call to get the wheels back, a guy with an 80s mustang called and got them. Thats what they are on now. Andrew, nice goat by the way.

[Chevelle598bb]

Well a buddy of mine is setting me up with a great deal on a new set of z06 c6 brakes and new rear intro pentias in 20x10 with new tires. A deal I can't pass up. So I have a c5 z06 front and 12 inch rear ford explorer disc set up for sale. Thanks ole blue.

[AZSaleen04]

Great setup!

[Chevelle598bb]

I didn't want to change up the set up this far along in the build but it was a deal I couldn't refuse. Now if I can sell my old set up.

[Chevelle598bb]

Well here are a few pics of the new wheels in mock up. I need to narrow the m9 housing a few inches to get the wheels to work.

[Chevelle598bb]

Forgot to add, the rear is at ride height and the front needs to go down a few inches. I am going to wait to set that until I get my front wheels and tires. The tire size on the rear is 295/40/20. A little taller than I wanted to run but they are brand new bfgs and came with the wheels, so I will use them for now. Next time I will run a 295/35/20.

[Nemesis RR]

[QUOTE=Chevelle598bb;824744]

Were did you bolt the harness without a roll bar?

[Chevelle598bb]

The lap belts were bolt to the stock seat belt locations. The top harness was just put through the seat. Those pics were before a cage was installed.

[AZSaleen04]

Looking great!