Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Nice job on the swap so far dude! I'm still gathering parts for my 5.3/4l80e swap in to my 89 K5 and love watching all of these square body LS swaps for motivation :metal:

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Not a big deal. I'm glad I got people here to give me a heads up on things before I find out the hard way!;)
I went with the 80 for its factory durability and because I plan to add a cam later on and already have a nitrous kit to put on so I figured why chance it with a 60/65? Plus it's the trans that came gm installed behind this engine in the first place. :chevy:

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Thanks man! I plan to do a parts list at some point to help others figure out what's needed. I bought a lot of unnecessary things and some stuff could be done more cheaply but it'll give people a general idea anyway.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Wife's new cooktop arrived last night and I spent the night installing so nothing new to report. Also, works got me covered up for the weekend so I doubt I'll get much else done but gonna try to at least get the trans cleaned up. If all goes well, next weekend I'll be pulling the old engine and dropping in new engine and trans! Still have to pull the bed to do my blazer tank swap and get started on fuel system but I'm hoping a few neighbors will help me get that off sometime next week. Summer is my busiest time at work so progress is definately gonna be slow. :(

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Oh yeah, if the transmission will stay stock-ish, 80 all the way. I had to have a built transmission either way and the price difference for a 750 horse/torque 65E was less than a comparable 80E, so for me the built 65E was the way to go. The guys at Monster Transmission are great to work with if you ever need parts by the way. I've had three of their transmission in three different vehicles and never one issue with them.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

I had actually looked into just getting a rebuilt trans from them at one time but no more power than I'm going to be making, even with the nitrous, I figured an 80 with a shift kit and maybe a good converter would be more cost effective. Of course the converter will have to come later..... Don't think the wifeys gonna let me buy anymore "optional" equipment till this things running again,lol

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

got some new valve cover gaskets since mine were seeping after the paint

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psyoulmbzu.jpg

and since I had to buy new grommets too, I jyst went ahead and got some new stainless bolts. ;)

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psgyfhutmo.jpg

New locking transmission dipstick

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psxfoagntc.jpg

And a fresh set of iridium plugs

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psoxhsush2.jpg

Not really related to the swap but I wanted to raise the rear of my truck a bit so I got some 1 or 2 inch drop shackles. its currently sitting on two leafs and the PO had also extended the rear shackles by cutting and welding 3" of steel into them. axle bottoms out on the frame so this was my cheapest way to be able to gain an inch or two of suspension travel in the rear.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psy65otomo.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Poor girl just begging for a new drivetrain, lol

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psfj71tu2u.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

So Ive been doing some preassembly mock up to check fitment and soooo glad I did!She looking good!

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1ajfd94c.jpg
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psn0mnttkj.jpg
http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psb0nmcull.jpg

BUT, I've got a problem!Everything is fine on passenger side but the two middle plug wires on the drivers side are smashed hard against the header tubes!

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pskpsiqnkw.jpg

I noticed on the box it shows that Taylor makes these 45 degree boots but they arent listed on the website so Im going to call monday and see if I cant special order at least two of them with terminals and re-make the two middle wires or possibly all of them with the angled boots and terminals.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pszvjcdmdn.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Do you think she will sit lower in the front with the LQ4 in there?

Engine looks great by the way..

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

im actually going to raise the whole truck up a few inches when this is over. Im thinking the lq4 should weight a bit less than the engine that came out though?

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

the LQ will weigh less, but that 4l80e will make up the difference.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Im hoping it all balances out in the end.;)

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

So Ever since Ive had the truck Ive noticed that the inside of the front wheels are making contact with the lower control arms..its cut a groove into the inside of the wheels and I thought maybe the wheels had the wrong offset until I ran the numbers on these belltech drop spindles and turns out theyre for a 71-72 c10. Im guessing these spindles have moved the front wheels in too far, hince the contact. Guess Im redoing the front suspension for sure now. :(

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pspwe4dkt1.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

the new stainless bolts I got for the valve covers didnt have spacers on them.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psxpqdwgc5.jpg

I assume the spacers are to keep from over tightening and cracking the valve covers so I took the old ones off and put them on the new bolts. I would definately do this if you used this style bolt on the intake as well!

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0bgcjzka.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pszlbah55p.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

This gasket came with my valve cover gaskets and I have no clue what its for! anybody????

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psln4qrjzd.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

my ratty interior.....needs ALOT of work!!!!

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psifiqpzij.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Test fitting intake

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psgrc7r5zo.jpg

How do I attach the filter the the MAF? Its quit a bit larger diameter than the MAF so do I need some sort of reducer?

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psqaiaizt8.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psgl9t6zsx.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Got a power steering pulley tool from harbor freight.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psusz6znad.jpg

I thought about using my impact on it but every couple cranks it comes apart and I have to unscrew it and tighten it back again. Very tedious and frustrating and I figured because of this I shouldnt use an impact on it so I decided to use my good old Army force multipier!!!!

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http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pswwvtksel.jpg


LMFAO. Sorry guys....had to throw some humor out somewhere.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

My engine covers I won on ebay for $50 got here today. Look to be in good shape...just gotta clean them up. :)

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...ps27b7iycd.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Ok so it turns out Taylor now makes LSX wire sets with 135 degree boots for use with headers! I sent my wires back to summit to exchange for these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tay-76246

So in case anyone else has wire clearence issues....now you know what to get. Taylor makes them in different colors and is 8.8mm, 9mm, and 10.4mm wires with prices ranging from $55 to $76 for the set. They call the ones with the 135 degree boots the "race fit".

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

They are probably 3" drop spindles..If you have 15" wheels they will come in contact with the lower control arm on lock to lock turns. A little grinding to the lower arm fixes it.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

I probably wouldn't put them in the washing machine..LOL

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

They are indeed 3" drop spindles but for a 71-72 model. So would they still rub if I had the correct spindles for my truck?

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

so.....um.....what if I use the dishwasher instead? :lol:

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

That seems to be the case with 15" wheels. But it's very minor grinding to the lip of the arm that is needed. There is probably a mark on it now where you need to clearance it.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

the gasket is for egr equipped engines.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Thanks for the help! So do you think I should replace them with the correct part number for my truck or will I be ok to leave the 71-72 spindles on there and just grind the control arm? I'm just afraid it might be effecting suspension geometry since I really don't have a 73-87 spindle to compare it to.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Thank you! Guess I don't need it then. I don't even see anywhere on my valve covers that it would have went anyway, lol.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Hey guys, on these three piece engine covers, are there supposed to be some kind of spacers under the bolts that attach them to the intake and valve covers? I'm wondering because the bolts that go into the valve covers lack a whole half inch being able to screw all the way in and I don't feel like they should stick up that far and let the covers flop around like they do. I've been searching for a fisc or exploded view but havent had any luck finding one. Something's definately not right though. Maybe someone's got s link or some pics of Thier mounting hardware for the covers? Pretty please?

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

One of the lowering gurus on here should be able to answer this question.
I'm a carpenter..LOL

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Isn't the 71-72 stuff the same as 73-87? Was always told you could bolt the 73-87 stuff onto the 67-72 trucks

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

I'm not sure but I know the bell tech spindles for 73-87 are a different part number. I've also read that a spring that's a 1" drop for a square body is a 2" drop for the 67-72 or it might be the other way around. Anyway, I want 4" of drop in the front so I was gonna go with 3" spindles and a 1" drop spring. If these are truly the same as the ones for 73-87, then I just need to order up some springs and gring on my lower control arms a bit. If not, then I need to order spindles too. I don't care if it's the wrong part number.... I just don't want anything to be "off" you know?

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Got my harness back from wait4me performance today and Im sorry to say Im not too thrilled with it. Basically its a mess. I feel like I payed for a few labels and all the power leads to be tied. other than that it pretty much looks like it did when I sent it off except with alot of electrical taped connections peeling off everywhere. Maybe I was expecting too much? I just hope the tunes good. :( Wish I would have spent the extra money and just got a new harness.:(

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

I was going to try to set the engine in this weekend but I think I'm just gonna spend a day tearing this harness back apart and trying to re-route and re-wrap everything so it makes a little sense and isnt coming apart everywhere.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psf7eirpgh.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psdu2kwnh8.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Now I need some help.

I need to know how to wire up these relays and fuses to these wires. I'm not very savy on these things and everytime I try to figure it out I confuse myself even more. My main issue is the relays and do the fuses wire in before or after them?

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pskogxqish.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psgzpxbsbu.jpg


Now some positive....just in case I cant get this rat nest straightened out, at least I've got these to cover up the mess,lol

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pscjejf8ft.jpg

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Covers look awesome.. I plan on getting my harness from Fuel Injection Connection.
I got my TPI harness from them and it was a quality piece. I think they are in the $600.00 range for a DBW harness.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

I wish I would have went the new harness route. I'm going to rip this one apart and re-route everything I guess. I'm not happy with it at all other than the labeling which was sufficient. It also seems that I'm missing two connectors for the transmission???? The black box on the gear selector shaft.....there are no plugs for it in the harness. I'm thinking there should be because I've seen pics of the wait4me converted harnesses in other build threads and the connectors were there. I guess I'm gonna have to call Jesse today and ask some questions.....may be sending harness back. :/

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

Very Nice Build. Im swapping an 8.1L into my dually in a few weeks and Im going the new harness route. Was going to spend the time on an old harness but like you i think I wouldnt like it when im done. Keep up the good work.

Re: Project "Steppin Wolf" LS swap
 

I think I'll be fine with it when IM done, I'm just not very happy with it the way it came back to me. My main issue is the routing which I will admit was assumed on my part and in no way promised by wait4me performance. They did what they were supposed too, I'm just gonna redo the routing and use some better tape,lol.