Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Eagle chief: the wiring is tedious, cutting the wrong wire not much of a concern, you pull the pins out of the connector and then the wire from the loom. Would be hard todo it 20 minutes at a time though!

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

If you want to save the couple hundred of dollars on the harness you can find the time to make it work. I understand you have a new born but maybe the engine swap needs to be shelfed for a little, adjust your time frame, or stop getting hung up on wiring, that should be pretty much your last step. Get the engine in, trans in, figure out exhaust, plumbing, sensor placement, fuel system, shifter linkage, PS hook up, etc, then worry about wiring in a few months when maybe the kid is sleeping a little more normally, and you can spend an hour at a time on the harness. Plenty of people have dove into a harness with zero automotive electrical knowledge, its not hard, just takes a little time. Get a 4x8 sheet of ply wood and lay the harness out on it so it's not just a jumbled mess of wires in a box, then you can ID the pins you need and don't, take your removal tool and slide the wire out, throw it in a box for spare wires and pins and move on to the next. It's pretty straight forward when you let your self take your time and don't try to bite off more than you can chew. It sounds like you're giving yourself an "overhauling" or TV style time line, that's just flat unrealistic, especially given the fact you can't work on the truck full time. Make your self a legitimate list of things to do and conquer them one step at a time. The board is always here to help and answer questions so you can have the info you need before you walk into the garage not after.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I had a 1999 Trans Am and the stock manifolds did not fit. Headers might have. I went with Speed Engineering Headers and they needed some work too. I have this in a 72 Blazer with ICT mounts and all the way back so the Stock oil Pan would clear. If you choose to purchase a harness, someone on here will snatch up the stock unit.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Just went back to the ICT site to see what I could find. They actually have a video posted that says the front-most set of holes are the closest to factory small block location. I didn't see that video when I was on their site before. But, for future reference, or anyone else that wants to know, here is what they say:
"There are 4 positions for maximum adjustment of engine (from .100" forward of OEM bellhousing position [due to bolt interference, OEM location is not possible for any brand of flat style swap plates] ~forward most position shown in photos~, Secondary positions are: .600", 1.86", and 2.36" engine moved forward)

These swap plates will shift the crankshaft centerline up .177" above factory small block location."

I currently have mine set at the #2 position. I may move them up, but I wonder if it will make a difference that my truck did not have the factory transmission. Trial and error it will be. :D

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I definitely don't have a TV style timeline... I know better than that. I mean, my motor has been sitting on the garage floor for almost 2 months, so definitely not in a hurry. ;) I'm just trying to make a list in my head and have an idea of what I need to look forward to. I like the idea of not worrying about the harness until after everything is mounted and in place.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

So, fun story...

Friday evening after the kids were asleep, I went out to the garage to try and extract the stuck exhaust manifold bolts. Center drilled the first one (flush with head), drilled a slightly larger hole. Then tried a slightly larger drill bit - NOPE! That bit snagged on the edge of the hole, and, SNAP!! Broke it in to 3 pieces! So, I get the extractor out. Work it into the bolt... won't work. I try it a few times - back it out, put the extractor back in, try it, back it out, etc. Nothing. Spray it down with PB Blaster for the 3rd or 4th time, try it again. SNAP! Busted the bolt extractor right at the head, flush with the bolt!!!! WTH?!! After that, I didn't even try the other bolts. Off to bed I went, defeated... for the time being.

I'll be back at it. I have some new bits ordered. Watched a couple of "how to" videos to see if I can get it out of there. If not, guess I'll have to pull the heads (don't want to do), and bring them into my shop to get machined. To Be Continued... :)

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I understand the "no" time line, my truck has been off the road for like 5, going on 6 years, and has been in pieces for the better part of 3 haha. Making a big written list (I do them in the notes section of my phone so I can look and ad when things pop into my brain), like engine, body, exhaust, plumbing, then smaller lists like brake lines, fuel lines, coolant, trans cooler, etch will help you out tremendously. Its super daunting, but little by little you start to make progress when you can and then you look back your list that keeps getting smaller and BAM, your driving the truck haha.

That really sucks about the bolt, do you know any one with a small 110V MIG welder they can bring over, it's a super fast job to tack onto the bolt and then weld a nut on and back it right out. Especially with it out of the truck, would honestly take 15 min. If I was near you I'd gladly swing by, but VA isn't near OK.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Well, 2 of the bolts are flush with the head, or down inside the head a little bit... 1/8" or so. The other 2, that would probably work. I believe my neighbor has a small welder. I'll have to hit him up and see if he has it in is garage.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

The bad (or good) is that those extractors are super hard metal. You won't be able to drill them out with common drill bit. I know its not fun but I'd pull the heads and send them to a machine shop for repair..

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

The welder trick works great. Especially on aluminum heads. And welding the nut onto the bolt even though it’s a little down in the hole heats up the bolt and now with the nut it usually comes out pretty easily. Good luck.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I never bother trying an easy-out unless I know the broken bolt is not seized up. They always just snap off. Welding a nut over the broken bolt is the best way to get them out. You need a welder big enough to burn into the broken bolt.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

the bolts are locktited in, and require heat to get them to come loose. only way I've gotten them to come out.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

So, I'm still looking for some exhaust manifolds. Found a couple of sets of interest. A set from a 2017 6.2L Camaro, and also a set from a 6.2L LS3 Corvette (not sure of the year, yet).

Anyone know if those will work out for me?

EDIT**** Well, found out the Camaro set is an LT engine, so that's out.

**EDIT 2** Buying the Corvette manifolds. I'll see if those will work. I know they'll bolt up to the engine, just need to see if they'll work when installed. ��

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Do you have a pic of the Corvette manifolds? Generally Vette manifolds don't fit in most swaps. You would be better off with TBSS, Gen5 Camaro or Pontiac G8 manifolds.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Just FYI. I'm working on a 1980 Camaro project with a 6.2/4L60E swap. I typically use Howell harness and computer package. I was a bit shocked to learn their lead times are 4-6 weeks. So I called Speartech, I've used them in the past also. Their lead times are 11-13 weeks! In years past it was 2-3 weeks. So plan ahead.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

This is all I have, from the listing.

That's a bummer if they don't work. I've been searching off and on for a while. TBSS manifolds are non-existent locally. Camaro versions (at least what I have found) are going for the same price as shorty headers.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I think you may be alright with those since they look an awful lot like Camaro manifolds. It is possible they used them on a Corvette and I have just never seen them, or it could also be the seller is one of those "my Camaro has the Corvette engine" kind of guys. LOL!

I noticed in one pic they have flanges and the other they do not. If at all possible, get the flanges with them, it will make putting the exhaust on a lot easier.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Check over on Speedway Motors. As I recall they have weldable flanges that match the manifolds.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Small victory on Monday evening... Neighbor brought his welder over and we got the exhaust bolts out!

That's all. :) I know it's not a big deal to the majority of you, but for me, that's a big deal!

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Any progress is progress!!

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

agree...;) just take one bite at a time....:lol: nice job!:metal:

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I was happy as all get out when I was able to remove my broken bolts. So I am with you on your success. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now I have a broken bolt in my 2014 pickup. Same rear bolt. For the life of me I can't figure out why GM put those small bolts in and they kept breaking and they kept right on putting them in. I never broke an exhaust bolt in my GEN 1 engines. I wonder if they can be machined for larger bolts that will not break. Any way - Great job! To Me, that is a huge hurdle overcome.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

It's not really the size of the bolts but the torque as they were installed and steel bolts into aluminum. When you put new bolts in use never seize.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Thanks guys! One step closer to getting this engine in. I'm hoping, depending on my hoist availability, that I can try it one of the weekends this month. *Fingers crossed*

I'll definitely be using some anti-seize on the new bolts.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Subbed and following along here... just put a deposit down on a refurbished 5.3/4l60e for my 75 Cheyenne. I’m in the research phase myself, and it’s nice to come here and find I’m not the only one with all these same questions. And congrats on getting the bolts out. I know how it is to have limited garage time available... a “minor” setback like that can sometimes gnaw at you for days on end when you don’t have time to wrench and solve it. I’ll be checking in on your progress.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

You can do it! If I can, then anyone can do it. I can remove bolts and might be able to put them back in the right spot. That's about as far as my knowledge goes. :D

Looks like I'm going to try and put the motor in this coming weekend!! The hoist is available, my neighbor "should" be home *fingers crossed* (he's a pilot and is on reserve standby this weekend), and the wife agrees that it's time to get the motor in (my biggest hurdle). :D It helps when my son was disappointed that I didn't bring the "crane" home to put the motor in his truck.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I am also watching, trying to learn something new....any idea, lift points..for the motor....trans going in as 1 piece?..I think the removal was done with straps around the oil pan on mine....don't want to lift from the exhaust manifolds from what I have read. I was hoping to put it back in the same way but unsure how to lift safely.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

With four chains from the cherry picker I use the open holes on the heads to lift the engine and trans together. Buy a engine leveler, it makes getting the angle so much easier.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Thanks, I need to finish removing the crate....lift clear and hopefully set partially on trans pan and block the front. And motor mounts.. I also bought Speed engineering shallow oil pan and will try to replace from underneath unless that seems totally stupid. I would like to avoid removing intake, keeping as much original as possible.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

EagleChief, have you come to a decision on wiring harness? I know you have limited time with the new born..( Hope that's going great BTW.) I am going to attempt to rework the original, this guy has very good video's IMO... he is doing an LS swap in a jeep but basic LS wiring for dummies which is what I need..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHIVd_SkB9Y

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

No reason to install the pan after install. Intake just be careful of hitting against the fire wall. Just give the engine and trans a bit of an angle and then get a jack under the trans to level things out as you get it close to the engine mounts.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Before install in engine bay, I was hoping to lift engine 2ft or so, still connected to the hoist but safety blocks front and back. Pull pan and replace. Don't know if the windage tray needs trimmed for Speed engineering pan.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Did the pan come with a new pick up?

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Yes...Speed engineering pan comes with pick up and gasket.26-1039

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

I'll try and give my best answers. Can't guarantee that they are correct, or the right way to do it - but, it's my plan for now. ;)

My lift plan as of now... Use a 4ft piece of chain with hooks. Attach one side to the front passenger side of the motor, on the bracket at the front. The other side can attach to the rear driver side - there's a bracket mounted behind the fuel rail that protects the rail from any damage. It is sturdy. When we unloaded the engine out of the delivery truck, that's where they attached to in order to lift it out and set it in my garage. I figured that would work for me.

I have a new pan kit as well. It came with everything, pan, pickup tube, windage tray, gaskets, hardware, etc. My thought is to raise the motor (as stated above), and replace all of the oil pan stuff while it's in the air. Probably not the safest, but I don't have a way to mount the engine on anything to get underneath it. Once I get that stuff swapped out, put the motor in.

First of all, thank you! Baby girl is doing great and growing like a weed! We're starting to get longer sleep cycles at night, so that's always great.

I found a shop in Dallas, Texas that does rework and programming for LS swaps. He quoted me $400 to re-work my harness, flash the CPU and tune it to my needs (basic tune and remove what's not needed). I send my stuff to him, 3 days he turns it around and sends it back. Said it would be plug and play when I got it back. There are a couple of shops local to me that I need to talk to and get quotes. I'll compare them first, then make my decision.

See above - I have the same idea. Lift it up, replace the stuff and install it in the truck.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Got my speed pan on, only slight modification. No trimming of the windage tray... test fit with the pick up tube on mine and would not clear the baffle in bottom of pan, unbolted baffle and trimmed a 1/4" off. The cutout looks like a car, cut the roof about a 1/4-3/8 and pick up tube fit thru the hole. Your results may vary. You need a 5mm allen wrench for the 2nd pickup tube bolt. Haven't tried the dipstick yet, we'll see.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Did some work on Saturday! Swapped out the pan - everything fit like it should. I was baffled at the omission of a bolt on the engine. On the driver side, the new pan had a location for a bolt, but the block didn't have a hole for it. I think it was the 3rd bolt back from the front?? Anyway, everything else fit up just fine. Pickup tube went in fine. i kept the stock windage tray and it seems to fit fine.

After that, we actually got the engine inside the truck!!! Now, I'm not finished getting it buttoned up in the engine bay - I ran out of time to work on it. But, there is one motor mount bolt in place. I still have to get the other one in (driver side) and get the trans crossmember in (another story). But, the motor is sitting in the engine bay!!! Woohooo!

Now - I have a tubular crossmember for the transmission that I ordered from CJ Pony Parts. I tried to install it (quickly, mind you) late Saturday night. When I held it up, it appears that it is too wide for my frame.

Here is the part I ordered: https://www.cjponyparts.com/tubular-...3-1972/p/CM13/

I really haven't tried too hard to figure out what I'm doing, but at first glance, I don't think it'll work. I'm going to try again in a couple of days to see if I can get a better understanding of what's going on. Does anyone know the measurement of the frame, from rail to rail? I'm going to get a measurement of mine and to see if it's correct.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Congrats on getting engine set, frame inside to inside is 33 1/2.....33 5/8....the shape of the after market cross member will cause you some grief....the flared ends don't make it easy....I am close behind you, engine is in but also motor mounts are a bugger....I am using OEM crossmember for the trans, it may need moved, maybe next week...aarrrgh.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Why didn't the old trans crossmember work for you? I'm using the factory piece in the factory location without issue.

Re: Doing LS Swap - I have no idea what I'm doing!
 

Well, one of the previous owners had swapped out the original engine trans with a different setup - they had a 350 engine with a 700r4 trans. Shouldn't have been an issue... BUT, when they put the transmission in, they used the original crossmember and WELDED it in place for the 700r4! So, when I pulled the motor and trans out, I had to cut out the crossmember. Thus, leaving it useless. So, that's why I had to get another one.