The never ending K5 Build LS Swap

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

For the LS engine mount, I ended up going with Dirty Dingo. I did extensive research on this subject and after talking directly to Pacific Fabrication and Dirty Dingo I ended up with the latter.

The reason I went with the DD is that they guaranteed me that my stock height leaf springs wouldn't be an issue with the cross member hitting the top of the pumpkin on the differential. (We Shall See!) The only thing I didn't like about the DD is I am going to have to make new brake lines and re-route. The Pacific Fab has cut-outs or notches if you will, in their version and I would have gone with theirs if it didn't require at least a 2" lift.

The install was pretty easy and they provide you with detailed instructions that are easy to follow.


I had to bend my existing line to allow the cross member to fit. It's binding on the frame so a new custom line will go in it's place.

[CJM72]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

For the LS engine mount, I ended up going with Dirty Dingo. I did extensive research on this subject and after talking directly to Pacific Fabrication and Dirty Dingo I ended up with the latter.

The reason I went with the DD is that they guaranteed me that my stock height leaf springs wouldn't be an issue with the cross member hitting the top of the pumpkin on the differential. (We Shall See!) The only thing I didn't like about the DD is I am going to have to make new brake lines and re-route. The Pacific Fab has cut-outs or notches if you will, in their version and I would have gone with theirs if it didn't require at least a 2" lift.

The install was pretty easy and they provide you with detailed instructions that are easy to follow.

I had to bend my existing line to allow the cross member to fit. It's binding on the frame so a new custom line will go in it's

How much clearance do you have between the pumpkin and your DD cross member? What springs are you using? I have the same x-member but I'm using an LQ9 with a 4l65e. T- case is in the stock location. The front plate of my DD x-member is dangerously close to the vent on my pumpkin.

Of course I have original springs with an old add a leaf in them. Still, I'm talking 2" of clearance! May modify the bolt in center section of the x-member for another inch of clearance. Your truck looks great! Keep it up

[Ptjsk]

I have to say you're making me feel bad with my "mild" restoration.

Looking at yours, you have restored it just as I restore my old Corvettes!

I've been trying to curtail the level I'm restoring to, yet project creep keeps taking ahold. Especially when I see a project like yours (as well as a few others on here).

Thanks for keeping up on the pictures,

Pat

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by Ptjsk

I have to say you're making me feel bad with my "mild" restoration.

Looking at yours, you have restored it just as I restore my old Corvettes!

I've been trying to curtail the level I'm restoring to, yet project creep keeps taking ahold. Especially when I see a project like yours (as well as a few others on here).

Thanks for keeping up on the pictures,

Pat

You bet. I'm going to have a bunch more stuff to share now and over the next month. Blazer get's back from body shop next week and my LS will be ready then too. A lot of work ahead of me

What kind of vettes do you have? One of my favorites is the C2

[Ptjsk]

A '62, and a '63.

The '63 is just nearing completion. Then I got sidetracked a little with the Jimmy!

Pat

[SeventyOne]

nice rides!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by Ptjsk

A '62, and a '63.

The '63 is just nearing completion. Then I got sidetracked a little with the Jimmy!

Pat

Very nice rides!

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

The K5 went off to the body shop about 3 weeks ago and I'm hoping to bring her back home this week so I can get working on it.

Here's what the firewall looked like before.


I had the shop use this 5 piece kit from Vannatta Fabrication

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by CJM72

How much clearance do you have between the pumpkin and your DD cross member? What springs are you using? I have the same x-member but I'm using an LQ9 with a 4l65e. T- case is in the stock location. The front plate of my DD x-member is dangerously close to the vent on my pumpkin.

Of course I have original springs with an old add a leaf in them. Still, I'm talking 2" of clearance! May modify the bolt in center section of the x-member for another inch of clearance. Your truck looks great! Keep it up

Thank you. The K5 is at the body shop or else I would go measure. However, until I drop in the new engine it would be hard to say for sure right now.

I had a set of custom springs made by Atlas Suspension. They were made for stock ride height. I moved my Tcase back when I installed the 4l80e and left the engine in stock location. I suppose moving the engine fwd would put it closer to the pumpkin.