VAN454

OK, so I have been planning this one for a LONG time and I have ordered almost all the parts I need now (I think), I will have a motor and trans in the next week or two and then things wil kick off.

BUT here is where I need some assistance, you see as I am in Australia the easiest way for me to get an Ls1 is from a Commodore, same as a GTO, and I have come accross a problem. As I understand it the trans from a Commodore(GTO) doesn't have a mount for the torque arm. I haven't bought my crossmember yet so the obvious answer is to use a torque arm relocation crossmember right? Here's the catch, the shipping is very high, so I don't want to do a torque arm right now so I need one that I can use the stock torque arm on. UMI crossmembers can use the stock arm, but they don't have a crossmember for the 4L60E, just the T700R. BMR says that you have to use their torque arm and so does spohn.

So, any suggestions?

07LMBZ06

iTrader: (1)

Get a tail shaft housing from a transmission from an LS1 F-body, then you can use the stock torque arm, not sure if you are using a 4L60 or T56, but either one will work from an corresponding F-body, If you need to get it from the states shipping will be much cheaper than a torque arm...

07LMBZ06

iTrader: (1)

looks like you are using a 4L60 so you can use on from an 98-02 F-body with a 4L60 & that will have the mounting to use the torque arm.
John

86White_T/A305

I understand shipping is high..alot of parts I got from US to Canada were not cheap with all the fees that come with it,but having the right part you need is priceless.

I do agree that maybe ordering a tail housing from and fbody and having it shipped along with getting the 4l60e cross member might be a better.Or make your own cross member but atleast order the housing and use the stock torque arm.

Curious to see how the steering shaft clears with an ls1 swapped rhd car though.I assume you will be using the stock manifolds...maybe custom long tubes?

gp90gta

iTrader: (1)

Why not just make one, I'm sure there are tons of guy out there that can weld.

I by the way I'd love to see some pic's of this setup so dont forget to post some .

VAN454

Thanks guys, sounds like I'll have to get a tail shaft housing then. How hard would it be to use the UMI crossmember and modify it to suit a 4L60?
I will post some pics once I get started, I am waiting for parts to arrive.

VAN454

OK, so I have ordered a UMI crossmember that I will mod to fit the trans, I have recieved the oil pan. I have bought a set of VE commodore (pontiac G8/2010 camaro) exhaust manifolds and this engine and trans

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281060647...84.m1497.l2649
The milage is pretty low and it is one of the last ls1s so it has all the improvements that they got along the way. Once the rest of the parts I have on order arrive the swap will begin.

Brando5641

iTrader: (-1)

damn good price

VAN454

yeah the price was very good, I picked it up yesterday. the engine is super clean, it looks like new. I can't wait to install it, but I am still waiting on some parts to arrive before I can start

rogerjet

Hi VAN454,

I'm also from Aus and just getting started again on my swap got the engine a couple of years ago ( I bought the front half of an '01 Z28) but then spent the money elsewhere.

I have an 86 TA I will be watching your post...

VAN454

I remember when you bought that half cut Roger. so, I am well into the swap now, the motor and Trans are in. the umi crossmember fits great, I just lengthened the slot and it works great. the ve manifolds fit but clearance is right. I had the loom modified into a stand alone loom and I have removed the excess from the chassis loom. I did run into an issue with the dbw pedal, it wasn't going to fit so I cut and welded it so that the pedal module can mount sort of sideways. I can't wait to get it going, I still have to finish the wiring, fit the exhaust, refit the radiator and hoses and fit up the fuel lines. nothing too big.

rogerjet

Hi Van454,

I about to purchase some items your experience will be appreciated.

What engine mounts did you go for. The UMI ones look good reusing existing holes on kmember and which umi trans cross member did you go with? I have a 4l60 as well.

What have you done or going to do about A/C. I am thinking of relocating to the top and using the 4th gen radiator overflow bottle/battery holder to help with space.

Thanks in advance

VAN454

I have the spohn mounts. the umi friendster is the torque arm relocation one to suit t700r4. I used the Holley AC relocation bracket which allows you to use the thirdgen AC pump. shoot me a pm and I'll put you in contact with the guy that modified my loom. if memory serves you are from Geelong aren't you? I'm from Melbourne so it would be a bit of a drive but you are welcome to come and have a look. or you can add me on Facebook and then you can message me if you have any questions, I'll help out wherever I can.