Thread: Engine swap Gen III to 52 Chevy

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I've been off line for a long time working on the car. Ended up going a slightly different route. We bought a 98 350 Vortec from a 3/4 ton pickup and then put a NV3500 from a 2001 Chevy 1/2 ton behind it. Would not choose that transmission again, but it was much less expensive than a T-56.

In summary: Bought and installed a gas tank from Tanks, Inc., that was set up for in tank fuel pump. Bought the pump from them, the high output option. Ran all new fuel lines (total hassle) and had much difficulty getting the gas filler to match up.

Fuel Injection Specialties reprogrammed the factory PCM and built a complete engine harness. I deleted the after cat O2 sensors, evaporative fuel and EGR, plus convinced the PCM that we had a manual trans. The big problem is that we swapped the wiring for the Bank 1 & 2 O2 sensors and then had an exhaust leak from the header down pipe blowing directly on the sensor. DRove the computer wild trying to compensate and it ran real rich.

Still don't have the speedometer working right.

We moved the radiator forward, took the factory fan off the water pump and cut the end of the exposed shaft off flush with the pully. We then installed a dual electric fan which puts the two fan motors on either side of the water pump for better clearance. It has a temp switch and is working fantastic. It's a big hog 2700 CFM dual fan that runs both fans. We moved the radiator one half inch too far and the dimples on the radiator top strap dimpled the hood. RATS!

We used a Sanden AC compressor designed as factory replacement for a 98 Tahoe. Bought an adapter from Vintage Air to match generic hoses to the GM style compressor. It works great, but could use a bit more condensor so had to take a little freon out to keep the head pressure within limits.

We used Sanderson coated headers specifically designed for 49-54 Chevy 350 installations with stock front suspension. It works, but mother is it tight. Because of the headers we didn't fab up the EGR and deleted it. Would have gotten better milage with the EGR, so they say.

We put a complete new wiring harness in from Easy. What a bargain at $165.

We used a Lokar floor mount pedal with a LS1, 350 Vortec specific throttle cable. I bought the 48 incher and ran it to the factory throttle cable mount. Glad I got the 48 incher.

We used Dolphin Gauges. The volts and oil pressure are working great straight from the ECM out to gauges as wired by Fuel Injection Specialities of San Antonio. The speedo is spliced into the VSS output from the tranny, but not working. May be a bad splice. The PCM is getting a speed input signal, or at least was when looking at all the trouble codes for O2.

We used the factory intake air set up for the most part until we got to the garage sized piece that mounted to the inner fenderwell of the truck. That part came off and we plumbed up a cold air intake set up with a K&N knockoff straight from your local Autozone.

We relocated the batter to the back to give us more room for AC hoses being run on the factory brackets attached to the alternator, and to give room for our cold ram air intake set up.

What would I do different? Beg, borrow or steal a T56. The NV3500 drives like a truck. Swap out the original style front end for a Fatman or TCI set up and go with the 5.3. The 350 was an easier install than the 5.3 with a stock front suspension. I had already converted to disk brakes on the original style front end with a MasterPower kit. I might plumb in the EGR for better mileage.

Driving impressions: Runs great, nice sound with 21/2 duals, Dynomax Turboflows. Gets scratch in first three gears, pulls a hill in overdrive and is lots of fun to drive. So far it looks like the fan set up will let me use the same radiator and not require an aluminum custom replacement. That radiator did have a more modern core than the original, but it is 3 row not 4.

You guys that are doing the LSx swap are going to love it to death when you get it rolling. My Studebaker has been running with the LS1 since April this year, we have about 2k miles on it and I still get excited every dam time I get it in it. Runs like a scalded dog, gets about 25 mpg, doesn't care if it is at sea level or 7000 ft. Just purrs nice and quiet and the will scare you when you romp on it. Also runs nice and cool, no problem at all cooling these motors. If you have not found it yet, check out www.ls1tech.com and go to the conversions and hybrids forum. That's where a bunch of LSx swappers hang out and there is a ton of knowldege there. Also check out my swap journal at the link in my signature. I'd be happy to help out with any info I can provide.

Realmccoy you have been one busy dude, sounds like you have it all together now, any pictures we can see and admire?

Pat

i second ls1tech, i am a member and have been for quite awhile, though i am known as badtexasz28 over there.