Finally finished my LSA swap in my 78 Malibu.

[gnvair]

Back to the engine.......Once I had the long block completed I picked out accessories. I wanted to keep the R4 compressor and lines I was using on the old small block. I also wanted to keep a separate belt for the blower. The best compromise was the LS3/LSA water pump spacing. To go along with this I used C5/C6 Corvette accessories on the left side (alternator is from a C5 without the decoupler pulley, ps pump and reservoir). ICT Billet has compressor brackets that fit PERFECTLY. I did not even discharge the system. I laid the compressor to the side while swapping the engines and when the LS went in the compressor dropped right in place with NO modifications. The power steering pump clears the steering box by about 3/8".

 

[gnvair]

During the install we had to revisit the clearance issue at the HVAC box. I was not able to get the engine to tilt back far enough to get the gear box onto the engine. During the course of fitting things it popped a hole in the box. I ended up taking measurements and opened it up to give myself the needed clearance. I made templates and then metal patches to cover it.

 

[gnvair]

I had the engine in and out of the car a bunch of times. The next clearance issue was with the Hooker 302-3 oil pan. The mid section was hitting the frame. I tried shimming to engine up but it would have require VERY thick shims. I did some more research and ended up spending the money for the Mast Motorsports pan. I am not sorry because it provided a ton of clearance. I could probably remove the pan with the engine in the car!

 

[gnvair]

and then there was the clearance issues with the back 2 coils on the right side. The bottom of the coil towers were just about touching the hvac box. This took several days to resolve because I only had so much realestate to play with. I made 2 brackets for each coil to angle them and shift them upwards. In the process I had to cut a superfluous cast aluminum tower off the right side valve cover that was in the way. I removed the valve cover to do so. Believe it or not, I can remove the valve cover with not too much effort. I am happy to report that the plug wires fit and are not rubbing on the box.

 

[gnvair]

The engine was finally in for good. I was then able to start dressing it. I am using the Chevrolet Performance LSA connect and cruise wiring harness kit. This came with a brand new E67 computer, the mass air sensor, o2 sensors, bungs, a DBW pedal from a CTS and a very nice harness. I played around with laying out the harness and came up with an installation that suited my taste and well. In the process I also removed the radiator support and blasted and painted it to help clean up the engine compartment. Radiator was an aftermarket replacement that I bought for my Grand National. I wasn't happy how the transmission cooler lines attached on the Buick and ended up getting another radiator for that. But this brand new radiator seemed like it would be perfect for this. I installed it with a Cutlass top plate and dual Spal fans using a Casper's Electronics dual relay harness for a GN. I also used a GN fan pig tail to make removal easy in the future.

 

[08Malibu]

Very nice.