Project: LS1ick68

[Slick68]

OK, I got the old engine/trans out Friday evening. I was going to wait until Saturday morning, but the weather man said Friday would be somewhat nice(at least for Feburary) with a high of around 50 deg. But, it was supposed to start raining late Friday night and turn into snow, then the high for Sat. was only going to be around 34 deg. I know for some of you guys up north, that's probably t-shirt weather but for us southern boys, that's just too dang cold!! Especially for me. I'm turning into a bit of a wuss when it comes to cold weather. :embarrassed: So, I pulled the engine while the weather was tolerable.

Almost out!


Finally out!!



Looks like I have a lot of degreasing to do. :grin:




TH350 in all it's grimy glory.


I'm not so sure if I'm gonna stay with the TH350 now, though. It was built in 2001 and has served me well and has no issues, but it has started leaking alot in the past couple weeks of just sitting. I'm sure it could use all new seals and gaskets, a filter change, and an overall checkup. All of this is gonna run me about $200. I'm also going to have to change to some kind of stall converter, which will be about another +/-$200. That's going to be about $400 in this trans. and I can get a 700R4 built for about $900. I figure I might as well just spend the extra money on the 700R4 and be done with it.

[Slick68]

You have a beautiful truck! This is off the subject, but what color and paint code is your truck? Very sharp!

Thanks! The color is called Atlantic Blue Pearl. The color is from the 04-08 Dodge Ram trucks. The Chrysler color code is PBJ.

[Slick68]

Some more parts in!

Here's the adapter kit to mate the engine to an older trans.


coil packs


windage tray and pickup tube


rear cover



MSD 6010 ignition controller

[custom 68]

Matt, looking good. I swapped in a 5.3 in mine about 5 years ago. It is a great addition. I stayed Fuel injected. They are great motors.

[Grumpy]

coming along great!

[Kansas T]

That's a good looking truck.

[Slick68]

Thanks, guys. A little progress.

Coil relocation brackets made.






Made a valley cover out of 1/4" aluminum sheet and painted. I made this because the factory LS1 valley cover has 2 large holes for knock sensors. I also used some button head bolts for a cleaner look.


Oil pan painted Cast Coat Aluminum. Front Cover painted a cast iron color. Hard to tell the difference in these pics.

[Slick68]

Matt, looking good. I swapped in a 5.3 in mine about 5 years ago. It is a great addition. I stayed Fuel injected. They are great motors.

Yeah, I remember seeing your swap done on the 67-72 board. Do you hang out any there, anymore?

[custom 68]

Yeah, I remember seeing your swap done on the 67-72 board. Do you hang out any there, anymore?

Matt, I read on there alot so yes I am but my posts are not as often. I seem to rather do my project stuff rather than take pics and alot of posts. I wish I took more time like people like you to show it all up. I was one of the first to do the swap I think and it sure is nice. I have sense added a turbo so it just keeps growing. Yours is looking great. good luck.

[Slick68]

Got a few more parts.

Wonder what's in the big box?


New trans crossmember! My old one was going to rub the x-pipe, so I needed one that sat level or just above frame rail height.



2010 Camaro SS manifolds. I got a decent deal on these. I figure if they're good for 430 HP LS3s, they'll be fine on my LS1. Plus, I didn't have to buy $500 headers. They came with heat shields, but I'll leave them off. I may knock down the mounting tabs and smoth these off when I know for a fact they will work.


Got some stock 5.3 valve covers. Here they are cleaned up and the coil pack mounting tabs removed.


Filled the holes with JB Weld. I plan to just paint these and run them for now. I may get some dressier VCs later.


Test fitting stuff. here's the motor mounts and adapter plates.


Manifolds held on with a couple bolts.


And here's the stock frame stands just bolted to the mounts. I have about 1/4" clearance on the drivers side, but they rub on the pass. side.



So, I ordered these to take of that problem.
http://www.performanceonline.com/196...RACKETS-16820/

Not pictured yet is the starter I received last week. I've bought a used custom COMP Cam and a truck accessory drive system from private sellers on LS1Tech.com. They should be on their way. I'm going to order my intake, fuel pump, and aluminum radiator today. Hopefully they will be in by the end of the week!