LS1 Engine & Trans in place

mrsbojigger

Howdy from the Lone Star State,
Its a cool 94 degrees here today!
Well, I had another milestone today in the construction of my "Lola". I was able to install the engine and trans with the firewall in place. It took 2 weeks of altering things to shoehorn it into place. It's a tight fit at the firewall but I have plenty of clearance below. I think I could drop that sucker all the way onto the frame and not touch the bottom of the engine, not that I would do that. Note the engine lift brackets that I had to completely (re)make.
I am using a tool called a Pivot Plate manufactured by Myk's Tools from Coos Bay, Oregon. It works great!!!!! No, I do not get any royalties from him. It's just a good product.
Peace,
Chaz

bellbigdawg

cool! I'm dropping a 2007 LS2 and 6 speed in my 41 bigboy pickup right now. just got frame back from powdercoating, finishing cab so I can start installing motor. keep us posted on the LS series swap

mrsbojigger

Good morning,

Bellbigdawg, We like pictures! Lots of pictures!

Rick, Most of my progress pics are on the "sheet metal" and "morn all" threads by me as you may know. Today I'll be installing the gears into my '78 Granada rearend. I will also be doing some work on an English Wheel I am building. I hope my wife doesn't see your post or she'll have me doing some work in our bathroom. The house sort of waits while I'm working on the car as it should be. Right?
Have a great day and Peace,
Chaz

[Deleted User]

Very nice. I've been mulling that option over myself.... but right now I have other plans.



On a side note.... how much was frame powder coating?

bellbigdawg

I paid $425.00 for the sandblasting, powdercoated primer, then powdercoated black. I handed him an oily, full of dirt nasty frame, came back nice! for that price, screw the doing it myself and painting route, add up your time, sandblasting, epoxy primer, good urethane paint, etc. and it will still not be as tough as this TGIC powdercoat.

bellbigdawg

what are you going to do about the radiator? I know with an all aluminum block, the stock 6 cyl. hudson radiator would almost be to big/ run very cool. I was thinking about a custom aluminum one to save weight, but they cost alot more. other than the weight savings, the stock one would work fine. what do you think??

[Deleted User]

Wow...no kidding.... that's money well worth it! Thanks for the info!

mrsbojigger

I'm using a radiator made by Howe Racing. Its aluminum and have both inlet and outlet on the right side. Can't remember what it cost but it was quite reasonable or I would not have purchased it.
Peace,
Chaz

SuperDave

mrsbojigger wrote:

I'm using a radiator made by Howe Racing. Its aluminum and have both inlet and outlet on the right side. Can't remember what it cost but it was quite reasonable or I would not have purchased it.

Peace,

Chaz

Yep! from time to time I get racing catalogs in the mail. There have been several deals on aluminum radiators for less than $200. Compare that to a recore of an original Hudson radiator and you will be convinced.The last one cost me about $400.00.:eek: