'78 Grand Prix LSx swap + build thread + roof carnage

[motorholmes]

Got another Quicksilver shifter. I was really impressed with my last one

Building A/C and alternator brackets. It's fun, and I don't have to spend $1200 on something that I'm not sure will even fit correctly. FYI, yes that's the stock 1978 A/C bracket, cut and welded to an industrial garage door bracket I found in the trash. I'm using a 1991 Caprice A/C compressor and a 1996 suburban alternator.

I've got a really cool plan for the belt routing too. Should be able to use all off-the-shelf replacement parts in the future, and my configuration only uses one idler and a tensioner. Plus the serpentine belt doesn't need to be nearly as long as some that I've seen, but still has plenty of contact on all pulleys. This setup doesn't use the stock 2005 silverado 90mm idler though, it uses a 3.8l 75mm idler (from say a '98 Monte Carlo 3.8l). Hopefully I'll have that whole accessory drive done this coming weekend.

 

[motorholmes]

AND..
Thanks to Blake (blake442) for getting that old transmission out of my way and GIVING me a FREE air cleaner too!
The problem is.. That's only two people from GBF that I've met in person. Maybe this summer...

 

[LS1GN]

Great build - you have a lot of patience. I think it is turning out great. Don't let anyone hassle about the carburetor either, that car of yours should SCREAM when its done.

 

[motorholmes]

Thank you, my sunshine state brother!

By the way, if anyone needs these 2010 Camaro stainless exhaust flanges, let me know before I list them on EBAY

They're brand new, no gaskets or hardware, just 2 stainless steel flanges. $25 SHIPPED

 

[Blake442]

AND..
Thanks to Blake (blake442) for getting that old transmission out of my way and GIVING me a FREE air cleaner too!
The problem is.. That's only two people from GBF that I've met in person. Maybe this summer...

And thanks to you as well! It was great to meet you.
That dual-pattern th350 ought to be just the cure for my inability to decide on chev/olds power... :lol:
I sure was tempted when I looked at that GP before you bought it, but I'm glad it went to a good home!

 

[motorholmes]

I just realized i didn't have any interior photos.

Accessory drive progress slow, but maybe today..

 

[beeterolds]

I love your swap bro!! I love how your doing a lot of fabbing instead of franksteining it together Like I did.... MY truck accessories fit perfectly, I had plenty of room around the power steering pulley and I used the 105 amp alternator (the smaller of the 2 truck alts) and knock on wood it should fit..

I used a Gates 20734 hose for the lower and a stock truck (sectioned down by 16inches) for the top.. the top is also cut for my metal bypass tube which has a fitting for the steam vent and coolant temp sensor... I know these will be 2 issues that you will run into.. but minor bullshit nothing serious..

I too am running manifolds..for now... stock F-bodies would have been cheaper than hookers

 

[motorholmes]

stock F-bodies would have been cheaper than hookers

Yeah but stock F-bodys don't say HOOKER on the side!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do about the lower hose. I might get a 3rd gen Camaro radiator cuz the lower outlet sits up higher and will give me enough frame clearance to make getting a hose a lot easier. That Gates hose looks like it almost does the trick though, huh?
I'm running the steam line in the rear of the engine up to the heater hose.

 

[khan0165]

hey, I was just looking at your interior shot... any chance you'd like to see that shifter knob?

 

[LS1GN]

Ha! You're NoShow on LS1tech - I just figured that out.

I don't know whether to stick with the LS message board because of my engine, or stick with this site because of my cars.