And so it begins......

[Daaaanz67]

I wanted my exhaust to run above the trans x member that's why I went with aftermarket. I know I could have removed the piece that bolts to the upper frame rail but felt better using a trans x member that bolts the same as original. Much cleaner than oem. My exhaust. You can see how much higher than bottom framing rail.
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[cjohnson6772]

I bought a returnless fuel rail to replace the return style rail and when it showed up I noticed the end was kinda dented in. Do y'all think it'll be ok? Will it leak?
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[cjohnson6772]

Originally Posted by Daaaanz67

I wanted my exhaust to run above the trans x member that's why I went with aftermarket. I know I could have removed the piece that bolts to the upper frame rail but felt better using a trans x member that bolts the same as original. Much cleaner than oem. My exhaust. You can see how much higher than bottom framing rail.
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Your exhaust set up looks awesome. I love the way it runs over and through your cross members. What size hole saw/pipe did you use in the trailing arm cross member?
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[Daaaanz67]

I think 3". Had to make 2 hole blanks out of 3/4 plywood then positioned them on the x member bolt the two pieces together to sandwich x member then remove center bit of hole saw now the blanks are your guide kind of have to do it this way because where you will be drilling there's no Metal for the drill to center itself. A plasma cutter would have been easier.
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[68Stepbed]

I used the POL towers and an ECE trans crossmember in my swap. The only issue I'm currently having is a wrong pinion angle. I plan to eventually get a Porterbuilt tailing arm crossmember and tubular trailing arms.

[cjohnson6772]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I used the POL towers and an ECE trans crossmember in my swap. The only issue I'm currently having is a wrong pinion angle. I plan to eventually get a Porterbuilt tailing arm crossmember and tubular trailing arms.

Great info. I think i may use the POL stands and cross member. What engine mount adapter plates did you use? Where did they place your engine?
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[68GMCCustom]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I used the POL towers and an ECE trans crossmember in my swap. The only issue I'm currently having is a wrong pinion angle. I plan to eventually get a Porterbuilt tailing arm crossmember and tubular trailing arms.

I've had the same issue with completely different mounts. I finally had to raise the tail of the trans as I had mis-read and had about 5.5* of downward tilt. Its got roughly 3* now as does the rear. I may have to get the tall trans hump and raise it some more if I can't settle things down. I've read somewhere that on some vehicles for high speed you need closer to 1* of angle at both ends vs 3*.

[cjohnson6772]

Originally Posted by 68GMCCustom

I've had the same issue with completely different mounts. I finally had to raise the tail of the trans as I had mis-read and had about 5.5* of downward tilt. Its got roughly 3* now as does the rear. I may have to get the tall trans hump and raise it some more if I can't settle things down. I've read somewhere that on some vehicles for high speed you need closer to 1* of angle at both ends vs 3*.

Wow I hadn't considered the drive line angle too much for this swap. What mounts were you using? And would you recommend them?
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[68GMCCustom]

I'm using SBC towers with TransDapt plates, mounted in the forward frame holes. Trans x-member is a CPP tubular with poly mount.

That said....I plan to switch to the POL towers some day as I like the setup better. I've had a bear or a time with vibration. Thinking maybe something got damaged when my rear ujoint broke. Shafts balanced...but something's causing it.

[cjohnson6772]

I've been busy guys! I know you all love pictures, but unfortunately I don't have any pictures to show, but what I do have is 4 tracking numbers that I am checking obsessively and will hopefully have 5 by the weekend

Didn't know it was possible, but I think this week I have (with the help of LS1tech) melted my debit card. Paypal is sending me self-help emails for crying out loud. Stay tuned for goodies

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by cjohnson6772

Great info. I think i may use the POL stands and cross member. What engine mount adapter plates did you use? Where did they place your engine?
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I used Trans Dapt plates. I mounted the towers in the rearward 6-cylinder location, so it's kinda hard to say how much it moved everything.

[nlped]

68StepBed...that is B-E-A-UTIFUL!!!! Love all the stainless bolts and such...nice touch!

[GASoline71]

Sorry for the derail... but... 68stepbed... how did you mount the coils? I like that clean valve cover look without the COP.

Gary

[cjohnson6772]

I've been out of town for work but when I got back tonight I had some parts waiting for me!

LS3 heads should be here Monday!!!

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[cjohnson6772]

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!
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[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by cjohnson6772

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!
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Nice! Where did u get the heads?
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[cjohnson6772]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Nice! Where did u get the heads?
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They are BNIB LS3 heads I scored off of LS1tech. I should have a matching L92 intake Monday. I'm about to pull the trigger on a fuelcellguy tank and all POL mounts. Once I measure for the 10th time

Actually that brings up a good question for you: seems like I remember you had done a side marker fill with a cabinet hinge. Are you still happy with it?
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[cjohnson6772]

Well a few new parts on the way. I went ahead a bought the Pacesetter 72C2276 TBSS long tube headers. I'll keep y'all updated on the fit. Fingers crossed. I'm used to 3 bolt flanges or v-band collector connections, but these have slip connections. Any idea how I'm supposed to hook the rest of the exhaust to the collectors? Just a simple swell on the end of the pipe? I know this question has to sound stupid, but I'm not familiar with these style headers.

Also, what do y'all think about running this aluminum line along the frame rail?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Series-3-8-Aluminum-Fuel-Line-Tubing-Hose-25Ft-/310514982206?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item484c229d3e&vxp=mtr

[nlped]

I ran aluminum fuel line on a fuel injected CJ-5 I built many many moons ago and I abused that thing in the woods and rocks without ever having any worries.
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[cjohnson6772]

So what do y'all think about running a frame mount trans cooler on the outside of the frame rail beside the trans vs running lines all the way up to the factory radiator? I am going to be running a 4L80e and factory A/C on the engine. I'm thinking about bending up aluminum line for the trans lines and using a trans cooler seems a lot simpler. And I over thinking this? Which way would be better for the trans?

[cjohnson6772]

So it's official: I've entered the doldrums with this swap. Got everything bought and cam FINALLY arrived tonight. Hoping to take the engine to the engine shop this week for the LS3 top end swap. I was getting some stuff together at the shop tonight and noticed that some of the paint from where I painted the engine orange had started flaking off already. I started looking and all the paint is crap. So now I need to strip the whole engine again and wipe down with lacquer thinner. With an unheated shop and 40 degree highs I can't get the paint to stick. Just delaying the engine and the whole swap even more. It sounds petty but just stupid set backs have been getting the best of me.

Quick: provide me some inspiration.
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[cjohnson6772]

Warning: the images contained below may cause sickness.
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[no moa]

What the !!!!
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[cjohnson6772]

Just received that from my engine builder. He was just supposed to be doing a head/cam swap. Now I'm sick and at a loss.
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[Jon01]

Well, looks like you'll be getting some higher compression pistons out of the deal.

CL motor I assume?

Edit - I'd be very suspect of the trans. That motor has had water in it. I bet it came out of a flood vehicle - do you have the VIN off of what it came out of?