BUILD THREAD Grand prix LS1 build

[85GPLef41]

Update: Didn't do much in regards to the ls1 swap but i did install my aluminum core support. Was a so called 'bolt on" for the most part just some parts didn't line up right like the wheel wells and the fender to core support bolts. The wheel wells sit about 1.5 -2 above the core support and the 2 bolt s that thread in on both sides on each side didn't even line up.. So i left them out. After i installed the support it seems like it solid now. I am going to fab some spacers for the wheel wells and core support. The ends aren't even close though, i didn't want to drill holes on my aluminum core support :? So all in all it wasn't exactly a "bolt in".... so in order to save 12lbs i went ahead and did it
before:

cleaned up
issues:...

<a href="http://s387.photobucket.com/albums/oo316/netochingon1/?action=view&amp;current=20120520_001758.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo316/netochingon1/20120520_001758.jpg" border="0" alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App"></a>

after i removed the original piece:

installed aluminum core support

 

[lsx80monte]

Nice work. Yeah my Al core support wasn't exactly a bolt in deal either but, hey I strive to save weight where ever possible. That's why I opted for the lm4(aluminum block version) for my first swap. I didn't have that issue with the heater box on my swap. I used the trans adapt mount plates. I cut and rewelded a truck oil pan and the pick up tube. Here is a pic of mine.

 

[85GPLef41]

looks good wish I was that far along I want to cruise my car SO BAD!...what plates did you end up using? I ended up using the 4595 one inch setback plates....they sucked! You need a radiator hold down plate..if you are looking for one I have one . are you keeping yours efi?

 

[xodruxo]

Hey "85GPLef41" what part of colorado do you live, Im in Denver and always looking for people who share the same interest as I... I have a 86GP and was looking into doing some of the same things you are doing so I was wondering if I could shadow you and help be a hands on just so I can pick up on ripping the engine out and replacing that weak 3.8 in mines by myself one day. Im pretty handy with cars just never went into replacing a engine and wanted to get some more teaching. Let me know if you need a extra hand on anything.

 

[lsx80monte]

I used the ones that set the engine in the stock location but the suck also. I actually had a small hold down plates which really cant be seen in that pic. But that rad is out now.Just put this new Northern Brand rad yesterday. Found it on Craigslist for $125 NIB. Only thing, it was made to go in a trifive chevy. It was just a few inches shorter than my stock one. I think it came out pretty clean. Made a couple of Al brackets to hold it, the condensor that I attached to it and the fans in place. I am all about the efi. I dont think I will ever go back to a carb unless im doing a restoration. This is my only means of transportation so I need the fuel economy.

 

[85GPLef41]

Hey "85GPLef41" what part of colorado do you live, Im in Denver and always looking for people who share the same interest as I... I have a 86GP and was looking into doing some of the same things you are doing so I was wondering if I could shadow you and help be a hands on just so I can pick up on ripping the engine out and replacing that weak 3.8 in mines by myself one day. Im pretty handy with cars just never went into replacing a engine and wanted to get some more teaching. Let me know if you need a extra hand on anything.

Hey xodruxo, I'm in east Denver send me a PM and we can get together 8) .. I always have somebody over helping on my car or working on something else.

I used the ones that set the engine in the stock location but the suck also. I actually had a small hold down plates which really cant be seen in that pic. But that rad is out now.Just put this new Northern Brand rad yesterday. Found it on Craigslist for $125 NIB. Only thing, it was made to go in a trifive chevy. It was just a few inches shorter than my stock one. I think it came out pretty clean. Made a couple of Al brackets to hold it, the condensor that I attached to it and the fans in place. I am all about the efi. I dont think I will ever go back to a carb unless im doing a restoration. This is my only means of transportation so I need the fuel economy.

Looks good! I wanted to swap over to a aluminum radiator as well BUT i got a 4 row brass one that was practically new from Performance radiator for 25 at the junkyard! Maybe later i will get a aluminum one... I am getting ready to do the wiring and fuel portions what route did you go? MY only caveat is that i have emissions... :| I think i have the factory gauges figured out like the engine temp, oil pressure, and voltage gauges... I need to figure out the starting, speedo, tach ADL, fuel pumps, fans, EVAP etc etc

 

[lsx80monte]

I kept it pretty simple. For wiring, I bought a Howell wiring harness($700) only gauges I am using right now are fuel, tach, oil, and coolant temp. For fuel, I used adapter fittings for the fuel rail. Used my original fuel hard line as my return and bought aeromotive hose and push lock fittings for my feed line. Grand national sending unit, gmc typhoon/cyclone airtex fuel pump, I still need to get a baffled tank. Try to keep it always half full.

 

[xodruxo]

Hey I sent you that PM, hoping to hear from you soon my friend

 

[85GPLef41]

Update: Didn't do much in regards to the engine but we managed to patch the floorboards. i patched the big piece and my buddy Nate patched the smaller one.. Not the prettiest but it gets the job done... i Borrowed a 110 Lincoln mig welder and it worked pretty good took a while to get used to it.
masked off the damaged area:

cut it out:

trimmed the patch panel and cleaned it for welding:

 

[85GPLef41]

decided to butt weld it... spot welded it in would of looked nicer but somehow i cut the patch panel about little to short :shock:

cleaned it up with a grinder kept grinding out some parts just filled them in and left it alone..

finished grinding and primered the floor patch.. Going to add some insulation/ heat shield next.. then a new carpet!! 8)