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LTX and LSXPutting LT1s, LS1s, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.
What’s up everyone? I have a 88 base automatic formula, getting ready to start my swap. There is a Cool past to this thirdgen. IMO anyway. Bought in 1996, restored in 99. Kept until 2006. Sold to my father in law, we unfortunately lost him to cancer in 2014, and fell back in love with it and couldn’t let it go to someone else.
I’m going to try and keep posting as I get further, along the way looking for advice. Done a bunch of research on here. And bought too many parts 😬. Plans for the car are local autocross and occasional daily driving.
The donor motor/trans is out of a 04 GTO 6 speed. Only ever worked on Toyotas,(22 years 😩) and have little experience with GM. So this thing is kinda foreign to me. Have a few questions to start.
-What is everyone using for engine gaskets? I’m sure OEM is great but wanted to ask.
-Do I have to use a manual trans car steering column to swap in the T56?
OEM gaskets are fine. The only non OEM gasket to use would be if you change or modify the heads and need a different thickness to dial in quench. Its more important when you change hardware (can't reuse head bolts). The car looks great. Any plans for the motor other than just a swap? I would assume yes since you are looking into gaskets.
OEM gaskets are fine. The only non OEM gasket to use would be if you change or modify the heads and need a different thickness to dial in quench. Its more important when you change hardware (can't reuse head bolts). The car looks great. Any plans for the motor other than just a swap? I would assume yes since you are looking into gaskets.
Thanks for the compliment. Over all the car is still solid. Unfortunately my late father in law kept it outside for the time he owned it and some of the rust came back. It was near mint previously. The paint job is about 20 years old. Goes to show how well carnauba wax is. This is probably the worst spot. Left rear quarter
as far and the motor goes I am only doing external gaskets and valve stem seals while it’s on the stand. Unfortunately don’t have the extra budget to do more at this time. Will be all stock for now.
Don’t want to get carried away with mods. Still have brakes and suspension to to upgrade. I wanted to do a btr cam but then need springs and then probably a good idea to do lifters and on and on ect lol. Besides that a nice 6.0 liter or something maybe better to build in the future.
I did want to ask about the PCV system, and I think it’s called a steam pipe? I plan to add a catch can. I know there is some threads about it on here I need to look up again.
Last edited by NUNZI 534; Feb 12, 2020 at 02:52 PM.
You don't need a manual transmission steering column, just remove the interlock cable off the ignition switch on your current column
Thanks scooter I seen that cable on the column when pulling the brake pedal and booster. I'll get back under there and try to figure out how to remove it!!
thanks man, it breaks my heart when i think about how good it looked when I sold it. BUT it was a huge blessing in disguise for the family, because this firebird made Mike happy before he passed. So it is nice to know he had this for his last years alive!!
thanks for the link! I do have a chilton manual i bought in 1997 haha. not sure Yet how that compares to what you shared. I'll definitely use the link though. Thank You!!
I'd really encourage you to do a camshaft. LS engines reaaaaaally respond to a camshaft. Could gain upwards of 80 Hp. The engines really like long tube headers too.
The "steam pipe" is part of the engine coolant system. It is the little tube on the front of the engine that crosses over between the cylinder heads. Allows vapors to escape from engine to the radiator. Just run a hose from it to the radiator. People have done it different ways (some crappy, some great). Post #366 shows how I did it on my car by utilizing the unused trans cooler ports in my radiator, https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...ml#post6007199 . You would definitely want to flush it clean since yours has had trans fluid in it. Not difficult at all, just use up a can of brake clean and let gravity do the work for you.
LS1 PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems weren't that great and spewed a lot of oil into the intake manifold. Each generation of engine (LS1, LS2, LS3) got a better PCV system than the previous. The PCV valve is integral to the valley cover on your engine. You can't use the LS3 style which is the best of the bunch, but you can upgrade to the LS2 valley cover if you want.
I do have a chilton manual i bought in 1997 haha. not sure Yet how that compares to what you shared.
The GM service manuals are leaps and bounds better, especially wiring diagrams. I still have my old Chilton manual because it's good for when you want to hammer, drill, or punch through something and not ruin your bench top.
The GM service manuals are leaps and bounds better, especially wiring diagrams. I still have my old Chilton manual because it's good for when you want to hammer, drill, or punch through something and not ruin your bench top.
I understand that. Thanks. We have a membership with Identifix also. So there’s some more information available.
What's up Fellas? Hope everyone is staying safe. I wanted to ask about clutches, Rock auto has LUK, witch is OEM for toyota and probably other manufactures. What do you guys recommend for clutch components? I plan on using Tick performance 02 f-body clutch master, LUK LS1 F-body clutch kit. I am wondering if the LUK 02 f-body slave cylinder is any good. If anyone has experience with the f-body LUK slave please let me know. The slave cylinder from GM is about $140, and the LUK is about $75. In terms of the aftermarket auto parts industry I know for a fact in some cases they are a OEM manufactured part. When you purchase from Toyota and they put it in a Toyota box they charge about 100-150 more for the same part. I have no experience with GM, if anyone knows please let me know!!
Last edited by NUNZI 534; Mar 27, 2020 at 01:31 PM.
LUK is a trustworthy brand. I know they manufactured the LS7 clutch for GM.
Thanks, I also thought about the Centric slave also.What are the advantages on using a LS7 clutch? Its more expensive is the main reason Im leaning towards the LS1 clutch, also the kit comes with a flywheel for a good price!!
LS7 clutch is no advantage if you don't need it. It's actually heavier than the LS1 clutch and the car will be slower.
LS7 clutch can hold more torque though, so it's a pretty cheap way (or used to be anyway) to get a stronger clutch on the cheap with smooth as butter drivability.
NUNZI 534,
I did what you are in the process of doing. I had an '88 Formula 305 TBI that installed an '04 GTO LS1 T56 into. I love it!!!!
I'm also in Lexington lol
No kidding!! small world, I'd love to come and look at your rides for extra motivation. I've never seen a LS swapped third gen in person lol. Dang Rona been holding everything up lately though,
What’s up fellas. Posting some progress and looking for some information.
I mocked up the clutch pedals and got the fire wall cut. Also got the 6 speed shifter hole cut as well as a access panel for the fuel pump.
The left front strut tower ended up being worse than I thought so had my body guy “expert” lol come over and replace it for me. He also helped me get the factory k-member notched. Painted the engine bay and some other miscellaneous parts.
Been a while since I posted. Progress is really slow and been a rough year with some personal crap. Got the fuel system all figured out. Welded in a Detroit speed access panel. Installed the motor and trans, had to modify the Holley trans cross member a little but over all fits really good. Under coated the car. Started on some of the wiring little by little getting there. The threads that pocket did in the wiring has been really helpful.
Last edited by NUNZI 534; Nov 17, 2021 at 01:38 PM.
I'd really encourage you to do a camshaft. LS engines reaaaaaally respond to a camshaft. Could gain upwards of 80 Hp. The engines really like long tube headers too.
The "steam pipe" is part of the engine coolant system. It is the little tube on the front of the engine that crosses over between the cylinder heads. Allows vapors to escape from engine to the radiator. Just run a hose from it to the radiator. People have done it different ways (some crappy, some great). Post #366 shows how I did it on my car by utilizing the unused trans cooler ports in my radiator, https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...ml#post6007199 . You would definitely want to flush it clean since yours has had trans fluid in it. Not difficult at all, just use up a can of brake clean and let gravity do the work for you.
LS1 PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) systems weren't that great and spewed a lot of oil into the intake manifold. Each generation of engine (LS1, LS2, LS3) got a better PCV system than the previous. The PCV valve is integral to the valley cover on your engine. You can't use the LS3 style which is the best of the bunch, but you can upgrade to the LS2 valley cover if you want.
Thanks for the encouragement lol!! I did go ahead and do a BTR stage 2 truck cam and a set of springs and push rods that I got from Walter performance. New oil pump from Melling and Tick clutch master as well as there remote bleeder.
You're welcome. I didn't know that the lever was different between the GTO and F body until I mounted an F body shifter on it. lol
I understand about trial and error learning!! Do you still have your Formula? Ive only ever seen one other Formula in Lexington and its blue. Is that you?
wow very nice man love the freaking hardtop kind a wish mine was actually really do lol. I’m pretty sure that’s the one I seen and if it is I think you live pretty close to me like in the subdivision across 421. Pretty cool man thanks for sharing the pic I would love to come check it out someday. A visual of my own project may actually help me move along I’m having trouble kind of visualizing the end the project
Can you explain more about this tool and what you did?
It’s a rivet type insert with threads. Amazon has the kit. Basically you drill a hole then use the tool to collapse the insert into any location of sheet metal and it compresses on the other side of the sheet metal like a river. The purpose is to have a threaded hole lol. It’s on th list of “cool tools” 😎
My interior carpet is out of the car so I can check before I drill to avoid damaging anything like wires ect. I plan to do some type of dyno mat inside the car and will just add some extra matting to the rivet before reinstalling the carpet.
This was so I can easily install the aftermarket line brackets.
Posting some progress pics. AC works 😎 Engine bay almost completed 👍🏻 Moved the battery to the spare tire spot Finally took her out for her maiden voyage and first time in over 6 years getting some fuel. very happy moment 😁 Made my old battery location the power distribution block. I know it looks like a lot wires but I enjoyed making most of it. Ended up with the Holley Terminator ecu and engine harness.
Last edited by NUNZI 534; Jan 30, 2023 at 02:57 PM.
Nice! Good idea to make a fuse block at the old battery spot. I've noticed the positive battery pole is really close to the chassis, but maybe that's just the angle of the picture. Would hate to see your car catch fire just because the insulation rubbed through after a while.
Nice! Good idea to make a fuse block at the old battery spot. I've noticed the positive battery pole is really close to the chassis, but maybe that's just the angle of the picture. Would hate to see your car catch fire just because the insulation rubbed through after a while.
thanks. Are you referring to the battery mounting area or the distribution spot?
