LS2 up and running
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
LS2 up and running
It took months longer than expected, but I finally got my car back yesterday. Long story short: LS2 with a few goodies, T-56 with Viper back half, Moser Ford-9 with 3.50's, and all suspension and k-member is tubular (some mild and some chrome moly).
It's about 99% done though. The tach still doesn't work, but they think the PCM is bad (no power at the correct pin). The heater isn't working, but I'll take it in tomorrow to try and fix that. The engine runs really good and I think it sounds good too. The ride is pretty harsh, I was hoping the progressive rate springs would keep things smoother. The suspension springs make a lot of noise too, like they're shifting around; I'm hoping they'll settle in as the powder coating wears off. I'm also thinking about cutting the springs and placing a thin rubber bushing on top; there isn't enough room for one right now.
Although I took it to a shop, I picked up a lot of valuable information about the conversion. Thanks to everyone who's shared their knowledge and experience.


On the way home:
It's about 99% done though. The tach still doesn't work, but they think the PCM is bad (no power at the correct pin). The heater isn't working, but I'll take it in tomorrow to try and fix that. The engine runs really good and I think it sounds good too. The ride is pretty harsh, I was hoping the progressive rate springs would keep things smoother. The suspension springs make a lot of noise too, like they're shifting around; I'm hoping they'll settle in as the powder coating wears off. I'm also thinking about cutting the springs and placing a thin rubber bushing on top; there isn't enough room for one right now.
Although I took it to a shop, I picked up a lot of valuable information about the conversion. Thanks to everyone who's shared their knowledge and experience.


On the way home:
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 757
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From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
No more washer solvent huh??
Looks great man, I wish I could pay someone to finish mine off, it never seems to get any closer to being done.
Looks great man, I wish I could pay someone to finish mine off, it never seems to get any closer to being done.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
That container is actually the washer fluid, the coolant overflow is a smaller black tank on the passenger side. The stock jug wouldn't fit with the air intake there; I just bought new containers too!
Eventually I want to find two aluminum or stainless steel overflow containers and place them on both sides of the radiator.
I'll try to get some better pics this weekend. I also have an extensive list of part numbers for the GTO LS2's. I'll start another thread later in case anyone needs to find parts.
Eventually I want to find two aluminum or stainless steel overflow containers and place them on both sides of the radiator.I'll try to get some better pics this weekend. I also have an extensive list of part numbers for the GTO LS2's. I'll start another thread later in case anyone needs to find parts.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Thanks
I bought the motor from MTI and I bought those parts with it. It's the FAST 90mm and Nick Williams 90mm.
I bought the motor from MTI and I bought those parts with it. It's the FAST 90mm and Nick Williams 90mm. Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 757
Likes: 10
From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
I'd love to see some detail pics on the overflow tank and lines you have. I'll be putting my pcm on the front side of the strut tower, right where the rad tank is right now.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Yea, the heater wasn't a big deal, but it's been fixed already
.
The new PCM is right where the old one was. It's a snug fit and a bracket was made to hold it in place, but it fits. I'd rather have it inside than under the hood; might as well try it out before moving your overflow tank.
I do have some better pics, but I'm short on time right now. I'll post them soon though.
. The new PCM is right where the old one was. It's a snug fit and a bracket was made to hold it in place, but it fits. I'd rather have it inside than under the hood; might as well try it out before moving your overflow tank.
I do have some better pics, but I'm short on time right now. I'll post them soon though.
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From: East Tennesse
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
Sweetness man. Looks nice.
If don't mind my asking, what kind of AC bracket is that? I want it...heh. (well, not yours....)
You can use the stock 4th Gen tank as well.
Here is some pix of it. I'm wanting to do the same.
If don't mind my asking, what kind of AC bracket is that? I want it...heh. (well, not yours....)
Here is some pix of it. I'm wanting to do the same.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Sweetness man. Looks nice.
If don't mind my asking, what kind of AC bracket is that? I want it...heh. (well, not yours....)
You can use the stock 4th Gen tank as well.
Here is some pix of it. I'm wanting to do the same.
If don't mind my asking, what kind of AC bracket is that? I want it...heh. (well, not yours....)
You can use the stock 4th Gen tank as well.
Here is some pix of it. I'm wanting to do the same.
The overflow tank is nothing special, it's a canister with a tube that runs from the bottom to the radiator, and the top of the canister has a tube that runs to the bottom of the car. If the fluid overflows then it just dumps out.
I finally got the fuel rail covers on too. I had to use Corvette coil packs and the GTO covers required some cutting.

Here's the Hydraboost brakes and fuel lines:

The cold air intake:
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 757
Likes: 10
From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
Sweetness man. Looks nice.
If don't mind my asking, what kind of AC bracket is that? I want it...heh. (well, not yours....)
You can use the stock 4th Gen tank as well.
Here is some pix of it. I'm wanting to do the same.
If don't mind my asking, what kind of AC bracket is that? I want it...heh. (well, not yours....)
You can use the stock 4th Gen tank as well.
Here is some pix of it. I'm wanting to do the same.
The A/C bracket is from Street and Performance http://hotrodlane.cc/
The overflow tank is nothing special, it's a canister with a tube that runs from the bottom to the radiator, and the top of the canister has a tube that runs to the bottom of the car. If the fluid overflows then it just dumps out.
The overflow tank is nothing special, it's a canister with a tube that runs from the bottom to the radiator, and the top of the canister has a tube that runs to the bottom of the car. If the fluid overflows then it just dumps out.
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From: East Tennesse
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
Look right between the battery and the fender. The overflow sets below the battery tray. The tank in front of the radiator is the windsheild fluid tank.
Yea, I couldn't find it on their either.
Yea, I couldn't find it on their either.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Try this: http://hotrodlane.cc/onlinecatalog/o...%2074-91ls.pdf
You have to search their catalogue for LS parts. It's shown as part of an accessory kit, but you can buy the bracket by itself. Page 5 or 6 I think.
You have to search their catalogue for LS parts. It's shown as part of an accessory kit, but you can buy the bracket by itself. Page 5 or 6 I think.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
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From: Davenport,IA
Car: 90 Camaro
Engine: 418 LS3 whipple charged
Transmission: Magnum T56 w/ Street Twin
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
Couple of questions for my LS2 swap. What is the module on your firewall next to the wiper motor? Is the small hard tube that runs behind the radiator your steam vent? What is the aluminum fitting in the upper radiator hose?
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Thanks Bingo. The hard tube is the steam vent and the other fitting is the temp sensor.
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From: Davenport,IA
Car: 90 Camaro
Engine: 418 LS3 whipple charged
Transmission: Magnum T56 w/ Street Twin
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
Where did you get the aluminum fitting? I am assuming you placed it here instead of the passenger head?
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Engine: LS2
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You can probably find them in Jegs or any other parts store. It's just a tube big enough for whatever radiator hose you have with a threaded fitting for the temp sensor. So buy the temp sensor and radiator hose, then find an adaptor that fits both. You want it in the upper hose to get the most accurate readings; that sensor is what turns my fans on, it came with the Be Cool radiator kit.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Are those BMR front crossmembers strong? Can they handle road racing or hard cornering with a Kenne Bell LS1? I was thinking about buying one to save weight and time but it looks like with only having one small tube going across that it wouldn't hold up to abuse like the stock K-member. Very nice car BTW, I love that LS2!
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
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Thanks
It seems pretty stout. I think all aftermarket k-members have a single bar across the bottom, they all have different ways of bracing it though. I've seen other guys on the board say to stay with the stock piece if you do a lot of road racing, but the tubular pieces are lighter.
It seems pretty stout. I think all aftermarket k-members have a single bar across the bottom, they all have different ways of bracing it though. I've seen other guys on the board say to stay with the stock piece if you do a lot of road racing, but the tubular pieces are lighter.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS2 up and running
Forgive my ignorance but what is the small bottle next to the throttle body? I am looking to do an LS2 in my GTA now and I am looking into what I really need to get. I am thinking GM Performance crate LS2 and the conversion harness and I would not have a donor car to do this with.
Thanks, James
Thanks, James
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From: Tennessee
Car: 1989 Pontiac GTA
Engine: 350 5.7 T.P.I.
Transmission: TH 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
Forgive my ignorance but what is the small bottle next to the throttle body? I am looking to do an LS2 in my GTA now and I am looking into what I really need to get. I am thinking GM Performance crate LS2 and the conversion harness and I would not have a donor car to do this with.
Thanks, James
Thanks, James
Does that engine kit come with the front drive accessories? If not, then buy a complete aftermarket kit. I bought the parts one by one, it was a PITA and cost just as much.
Nothing wrong with searching old posts!

----------
Here's a parts list:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...ts#post3358274
Last edited by A10Beav; Nov 12, 2007 at 08:19 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS2 up and running
I would rather buy the GM stuff for the accessories and piece it together, I usually do not like the aftermarket stuff.
Based on what I said is included what else do I need to get that engine to work in my car as far as sensors are concerned? I know I would need PCM, pedal and harness but do I need a MAF? MAP? Temperature sensors, etc?
Thanks for any help. I would like to see more of your car!
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
Check out the link in my previous post, it has almost all the parts I used. If you can find an Oct '07 issue of High Performance Pontiac, then you can see more of the car; it got featured
I can try to add some other pics later.
I can try to add some other pics later. Thread Starter
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
I should have mentioned I started with a long block as well. The link does have almost everything you'll need, but I did forget the knock sensors (2). You will need a temp sensor for the fans, but mine operates seperate from the PCM.
Also, the compressor listed is the stock piece. I changed to an aftermarket one to keep it off the K-member.
Also, the compressor listed is the stock piece. I changed to an aftermarket one to keep it off the K-member.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS2 up and running
I would be starting with a crate motor which includes a few items, but unfortunately the documentation on GM's site is very poor and does not list EVERYTHING that it has or needs. I will probably buy the engine and conversion harness and go from there.
You list is very comprehensive and I will be referencing it once i get ready to do all of this.
You list is very comprehensive and I will be referencing it once i get ready to do all of this.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 308
From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS2 up and running
Do you think that you can update the list with the knock sensor part number too? Also I am reading about the steam tube, is it necessary to run this? I do not have current provisions and would rather not use it, but if I am going to wind up with problems then I will figure something out.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 757
Likes: 10
From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
Re: LS2 up and running
Yes you need it, though it doesn't seem too critical where it's hooked up to. The important thing is it is hooked up to something. If you look at the new LS1 swap sticky, there is a bunch of info linked. There seems to be ppl attatching it to the top of the radiator, drilling the top of the water pump or even the upper radiator hose.
Basically it's there to carry away any steam that gets caught in the head with a constant stream of coolant.
Basically it's there to carry away any steam that gets caught in the head with a constant stream of coolant.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
I agree with V6 canvas. Mine runs to the radiator but if you want to hide it, then a lot of guys have tapped a hole to the top of the water pump. I'll see if I can find the part number for the knock sensors.
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 308
From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: LS2 up and running
I have now read the problems you can run into if you do not use the steam tube. I would like to hide it though so I think I would plumb it into the water pump. I want everything to look as clean as possible. If you can get the number for the knock sensors would be great, thank you
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
I had a few parts provided with my harness and the knock sensors were part of it, so I don't have part numbers. They also included my O2 sensors (2), crank sensor, idle air control valve (LS1) and throttle position sensor. The last one is for the cable throttle, you could also try an electric throttle.
You can just call a dealer parts store to get those part numbers.
If you scroll up to post 10, you can see my steam tube in the 1st and 3rd pictures. It runs parallel to the air intake, so it doesn't stand out too much.
You can just call a dealer parts store to get those part numbers.
If you scroll up to post 10, you can see my steam tube in the 1st and 3rd pictures. It runs parallel to the air intake, so it doesn't stand out too much.
Last edited by A10Beav; Nov 14, 2007 at 03:52 PM.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
I just learned my article was posted on-line, so here it is:
http://www.highperformancepontiac.co...ine/index.html
http://www.highperformancepontiac.co...ine/index.html
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 757
Likes: 10
From: Middle of MI
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Stock LS1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9 bolt
Re: LS2 up and running
Nice article, hopefully mine will end up being halfway decent. You're definatly setting a bar to be reached
Thread Starter
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
Thanks! I've had 13 years to think about this project. I've seen other 3rd gens getting a complete strip and make-over however, so I'm still reaching for the bar too
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From: Lake Jackson Tx
Car: 91z,97ws6,98fb,87&90jeep,05 yz250
Engine: 5.0tpi,5.7LT4,5.7LS1,4.2I6,5.7TPI,1
Transmission: t5,4l60e,
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: LS2 up and running
looks good, i think my bro talked with you about his car that we did. There's a link below. You are the one i saw in pontiac high performance We used a tach convertor box from dakota digital to get our tach to work.
Last edited by socal; Nov 21, 2007 at 08:34 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
Thanks, and it looks like you guys did a good job on your '92! I'm sure it's running pretty strong.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
I bought mine from Summit, but the part number I used is no longer on there. I bought a kit with a new master cylinder, but you can buy one without it.
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From: Republic of Texas
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser Ford-9, 3.50
Re: LS2 up and running
I think I paid around $700 for it. Summit still has the kits but they don't seem to have the same variety.
I had a hot-rod shop install mine, so I couldn't give you the details on that. The manufacturers site may answer some questions:
http://www.hydratechbraking.com/
I had a hot-rod shop install mine, so I couldn't give you the details on that. The manufacturers site may answer some questions:
http://www.hydratechbraking.com/
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