Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

So things are working out how I hoped they would. The Porterbuilt trailing arm crossmember will act as both the transmission mount, as well as the front driveshaft loop.

I was worried that if the mount plates for the trailing arms took a beating from the driveshaft, that they would tweak and bend.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...023_201926.jpg

Therefore, it seemed like a good idea to box them in. The additional material should make the side plates bulletproof in the event of a ujoint failure.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...023_210621.jpg

On to the trans crossmember.
Ended up using tube clamps that are typically used for offroad cages. Gotta love easy transmission removal....especially with my history of shelling transmissions.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...023_221845.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...023_221717.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...023_221945.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...023_221958.jpg

Going to add some more tube bracing between the original hoop and the trans crossmember to tie it all together.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Where did you get those tube clamps?

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Thanks, I've been looking for those to use on my trans x-member.

Looks good!

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Nice on that trans crossmember...hey Wasted...is that turbocharger setup on your 5.3 a kit, or did you fab that together.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

I fabbed it from scratch.

In fact...I'm thinking about selling this setup as a kit to fit a 69-72 C/10. (Not to produce, just this specific setup).

I kinda want to build something different to package it a little differently to allow for A/C.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

All the parts for the Megasquirt MS3x.
Capabilities include realtime tuning with wideband feedback, electronic boost control, 3-step rev limiter, launch control, traction control capability, progressive water/meth control, bluetooth logging and tuning, 2 stage variable nitrous control, E85 flex fuel sensor control, dual fuel table switching, 2.5 bar MAP sensor.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...215_181945.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

So are you building your own harnesses for the lsx or do you you use the factory one and modifiy them?

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

I typically take a factory harness and modify it to be a stand alone. However with the megasquirt, I'm hacking up a factory harness for the sensor pigtails, and building a completely new harness.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Made some big progress tonight. It rolls again.

Assembled the front suspension
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...031_220133.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...031_221037.jpg

Got the rear axle back under it
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...031_232516.jpg

Then set it on the ground and rolled it back and forth a few times
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...031_230019.jpg

And some glamor shots. Seeing it sitting on wheels got the motivation stoked up again.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...031_230036.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...031_224048.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...031_230152.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

WOW that looks MEAN!

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

That thing is going to be killer!:metal::burnout:

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

really like the last pic , that's sweet

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

that looks sweet. I like the stance. is that at your aprox ride height? What front coil over are you using?

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Thanks guys.

I think the front ride height will be close to that in the end. The coilovers are at the lowest setting now, and I will crank them up a bit to maintain that height when the tub/front clip/cooling system/turbo plumbing is installed.

I was trying to get away without notching the rear rails, but I'm not a huge fan of the rake, so I want it to sit more level (lower) in the rear. I also want room so it won't bottom out with 3 buddys and a full cooler in the back seat. ;)

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Great build, and exceptional talent! Enjoying your work, almost as much as you...

Thanks for taking the time to post up, keeps me entertained

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

I reckon you'll want at least a small frame notch; I'm gonna do one pretty quick here.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Great progress so far. I think a c- notch will have to happen.... especially if your beer cooler has to support your three buddies. LOL. My 72 doesnt have one yet and the rear pings off the frame from time to time.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Thank you, I appreciate that. Posting about it keeps me entertained at work, also ;)

Yeah, after looking at it a little closer this weekend, I agree with you guys. However, the next issue is that the top of the diff will contact the bed floor at full compression if I go too much lower with it. I had that problem with the blue truck. I guess I could maybe fabricate a "bump" for the bed floor to clear the rear axle center section. I'm gonna think on that one a bit yet.

Not a ton of progress on the blazer over the weekend. I did get the tubes cut and notched to tie the trans crossmember to the trailing arm crossmember.
Also did a lot of measuring...standing around...measuring...scratching my head....measuring....trying to figure out where exactly I want to mount the coilovers in the rear.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...104_174207.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Ordered up some RideTech single adjustable coilovers a few days ago, and they showed up last night. Very nice units. I mounted them to the "stock" location on the Porterbuilt lower arms, and the upper shock crossmember. The packaging is nice, but I don't like how close together they are. I have the room to move them outboard on the frame, and behind the axle, which should increase the lateral stability quite a bit. That should also allow for mounting the coilovers in double shear. Time to fire up the welder and plasma again this weekend and cut up some more perfectly good parts.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...108_194438.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...108_221218.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...108_221147.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Got the C-notch done. Was hoping to get away without having to cut the frame, but it was necessary. Measure 54233 times, cut once.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...110_232806.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...111_153937.jpg


Before I did the notch, I got the frame on jackstands, and shimmed so it's level in all directions.
Next task, while it's level, will be some additional frame bracing and boxing to beef this ***** up a little.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...111_153545.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Made room for my upper shock mount crossember.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...114_204144.jpg

Fabbed up some lower shock mounts.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...117_201343.jpg

This layout should work a lot better for handling purposes. Got the coilovers at a 15* tilt in.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...117_211907.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...117_211857.jpg

The top all burned in

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...118_201623.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...118_201350.jpg

Also started working on wiring up the megasquirt. This is going to be an incredibly clean and small harness compared to the stock LS style harness.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...117_202700.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Nice! Coilover mounts look good-plenty of room to run exhaust now.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

I really like the built in storage tray on the frame :lol:

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Will that angle on the shocks limit your wheel backspace choices?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

I already have the wheel and tire combo that I'm planning to run, and they fit fine. I'll get some pics one of these days. I don't want to disturb the chassis until the rest of the bracing/stiffening is done on the chassis, since it's all level and square right now.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Took some much needed time off over the past week, and was able to let my motivation recharge.

Make the plates to box in the frame. Got everything prepped and tacked in place.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...127_213434.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...127_231519.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...127_232016.jpg

My driveshaft also showed up. It's a 4" aluminum unit with Spicer 1350 joints, rated at 1500 hp from Dynotech Engineering.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...125_191212.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

I need to get over to the blazer side more often!

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Chipping away at the work that needs to be done to the chassis.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...205_215437.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...205_215552.jpg

All the factory crossmembers except for the one back behind the fuel tank, which I'm leaving in place, have been cut out. Still need to make boxing plates and a crossmember for the very front yet.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...205_215425.jpg

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

wowzers! that is some great frame work

really coming along

JP

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Looks great. Do mine next :lol:
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Wow, I bet that frame is nice and stiff now. What is your plan for exhaust routing?

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Thanks guys. It actually is noticably stiffer just sitting on jackstands. Hopefully that will = a better handling and "tighter" truck.

I'm not done with the tube work yet. Might re-do/modify a couple things to be more structurally sound.

Exhaust will be either a 4" or 3" downpipe. I will worry about routing it when the time comes, but I can say it will not exit out the back of the truck. Probably out the side in front of the rear wheel. Might even get stoopid and do a fender dump :)

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Really nice work on the frame. :metal: Looks like a lot of hours laying that out and welding it all in.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Nice!

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Yes! Make sure and dump it out the pass side so you don't have to hear it :lol:
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

On the latest setup, I had it dumped in the inner fenderwell on my C-10 with an electric cutout. Sounded ok, but the e-cutout burnt up, lol.

Here's a vid I put together 3 years ago after the very first turbo build on my C-10. It was with the 5.3, and the downpipe was 5" dia, and about 5" long, lol. Dumped right before the firewall under the hood. It was loud, but not too bad. The open dump wastegate was WAYYY louder and more obnoxious than the DP.


Back to the build at hand.

Decided to modify my bracing a bit. Planning to tie the trailing arm x-member into the frame up near the engine as well, but ran out of DOM tube.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...209_202135.jpg

Now I have to put the cab back on the chassis to make sure everything will clear the floor before I burn it all in.

I'm ready to move on to something else. The chassis work has me wore out.

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Great sound in the cab!

"Doze whistle tips, day go WOOO WOOOOO!" :lol:

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

Wow nice build!

Re: Project Family Truckster: 2wd Conversion Turbo LSx Blazer Build
 

For the guys that were asking, there appears to be plenty of tire clearance with the current coilover mounting location
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...209_164711.jpg

LS3 top end goodies. Think I'm ready to start working on the engine and put the chassis on hold for a bit.
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...211_202014.jpg