454ss & 04 GTO motor swap.

[V3NOM GTO]

So how many truck lovers would crucify me for pullin the big block out of my 54,xxx mile SS and droping in my H/C/I LS1? I've been thinkin about doing this for a couple of reasons.

Good for Truck

LS1 + T-56 (don't know if it would hold up well) = 20 MPG Hwy.Currently gets 8MPG
450RWHP on a DD
Walk all over Lightnings, always a plus
Seems pretty simple swap, specially if I go Carb

Good for Goat

496 with aluminum heads and a LOT of spray would be nice.
Already would have a TH-400 behind it.
Would be a full race car, no more in between stuff


My questions would be how would I go about everything, my 1st prority being the truck since it's my DD. I would want fairly little hassle and would like to keep Fuel Injected if I could. Would want all the accesories to work includeing A/C. The most confusing parts would be wiring, for the tranny and gauges and especially the ECM if I don't go Carb, other wise I'd just buy the edlebrock carb kit.

[GMCwantsLS1]

Sounds like a great idea! That will net you about 20+ MPG fun daily driver. You will need a harness to start. Then you need to decide if you want to cut the frame to add the factory AC compressor or some have added a high mount unit. Some custom AC hoses to complete your setup. T56 should hold well. I think the swap is easier with the fuel injection. You will also need a fuel pump, pressure regulator ect to feed the LS1. Nelson Performance has a simple wiring kit and tuning that will work great with you LS1 setup! Plus you can tow your GTO to the race track without problem.

[V3NOM GTO]

That's what I was thinkin. I was really wanting some one to build up my courage to keep it FI. Does nelson Performance make plug and play kits with ECU and all?

[GMCwantsLS1]

Yes they can set you up with what you need to make it work. You will need to hook up the wires to constant power, switched power Fuel pump ect but all will be labled and easy to hook up. Everything else will plug into your sensors injectors ect.

[farmtruc]

If u can get past the engine and trans installation the wiring will be easy!!!
Fuel injection is a lot easier IMO. Not saying it's less complicated to a beginner but if u know both and consider the issues, drivability, and maintenance carbs have and add on top the mileage difference. Overall fi is easier. Don't hesitate it's a good choice.

Give us a call!!

Thx
Allen

[Bad 454ss]

i pulled the junk ass tbi big block out of mine and i am building a 6.0 with twins. my parts should be coming in in a couple days or so.

[V3NOM GTO]

sounds good, gonna be calling Nelson Today.

[ss454327]

Kwik Performance makes a bracket to move the alternator and compressor to a high mount. Also I think any header made for a '99 and up V8 truck will fit.

[88stepside]

Im just putting the finishing touches on my 1988 Stepside with an 04 GTO LS1 and T56. Buy a wiring harness, the GTO harness is a little different because of the Body Control Module. I spent at least a hundred hours on converting the GTO harness, and rewiring some of the interior. What year is your SS? Does it have the VSS going to speedometer first and then the conditioned signal sent to ABS and cruise? If it's like the 88-90 C1500 it does but I think I've found a solution that lets me keep original cluster. Headers are Shoenfeld swap headers for OBS to LS1. Clutch master and pedal assembly is salvage yard pick from 88-90 C1500. Clutch slave is Z28 unit with GTO hose installed then to hard line up to master, with fitting adapter from Napa to convert standard brake line to clutch master. Motor mounts were standard conversion plates, without setback, my driveshaft fit without having to be shortened. Shifter is Pro5.0 with Hurst dog leg stick with bushings in the stick to reduce the bolt holes down to shifter bolt bore, it puts the shifter right at edge of bench seat with seat all the way back. Can either notch the bench seat or just tall people can drive it. Have a hose made for the fuel line at a local industrial hose shop, from the Corvette filter to the fuel rail cost me $75. Walbro or similar pump to replace tbi pump, make sure pump harness wiring is at least 16ga. I used the high mount ac from Kwik, but I left the alternator in stock location, had to buy a smaller alternator because GTO 140 amp unit was too big. The clearance on the alt is very close, i'll be watching that to see if it rubs the steering shaft cover. LS1 fans with high and low controlled through ecm, had to be programmed that way as the 04 gto controls one of the fans from BCM. ECM has to have VATS programmed out, no bypass available.
There was a million other little things but most of them are covered in the OBS LSX conversion sticky. Good luck it should be a great ride.