I was, from what I've been able to find, agree that I'll need a different set of bolts, but was also under the impression that the hub adapter stayed, because the LS transmissions weren't 100% compatible with the LQ motors...

 

Only the early LQ4's, '99 & '00, which have the .4" longer crank hub. '01-up all have the same crank hub length as the 4.8/5.3/5.7, etc.

 

Right, ok, I remember reading about that...it's because the LS converter has the longer snout on it that is missing on the older transmission/converters.

 

Correct.

And the 4L80E is its own unique animal.

 

I saw the swap thread about the 4L80...seems like it might be a good thing to do over a built 4L60e since it fits if just barely.

 

Dont bring the motor in. I had 4 broken manifold bolts on my 5.3... all broken flush with the head. Get a cheap welder and some 1/4" or 5/16" steel nuts from the store and weld those b@stards on... welding DC steel wont stick or harm the aluminum. THe heat from the weld helps loosen the bolt too. One you get a good weld on the nut/stud, use a socket or wrench to get the bolt out. Comes out like butter every time. Took me 30 min or so to get them all out when its on a stand. Hardest part is getting a good weld inside the nut to the stud.

For the tranny converter adapter... dont bother with the bolt on type. get the small adapter that slips inside the flexplate to align the converter. Thus if you change the tranny you just need to unbolt the tranny and slip the collar out back out and your golden. Plus the one I used is only like $25 on ebay.

 

My son's first LS swap vehicle (done by the previous owner) had one of those adapters that slips into the crank to align the converter hub. He had to pull the crank after the damper spun on the front end. We never did get that thing out of the crank.

4L80E is a good tranny. For the stroked LQ4 I have in the '57, I got an SFI flexplate with the 6 converter mount bolt holes. My aftermarket converter only had three bolts - hasn't been a problem, though. Interestingly I had to use an LS1 starter on it - the LQ4/4L80E starter wouldn't work, nor would a 5.3. But the LS1 starter has been fine for 3 seasons, even with its 403 cubic inches and 11.3:1 CR.

 

hmm intereresting. Mine slipped right out and currently resides on the conveyer but slips off easily. I did use Lucas red tac with antiseize lubricant on it before install and used fine sand paper to clean out the back of the crank and on the converter.

Either way they still work, don't require removal of the flexplate and should slip on and off. Just another cheaper option. I've run the bolt on type on my 521 BBF and that worked well.

 

So after a long time off I've been working slowly. I managed to sell my old exhaust, acessories, carb and intake and 700r4 so ive been able to recoup some of my budget.

In the mean time ive settled on using the Hooker Blackheart Exhaust and mount system.

The engine itself is a 6.0 that i needed to have bores .005 to clean up a few of the cylinders as well as linr hone and then clean up and balance the crank.

Ls6 Intake Manifold, ported 243 heads from Thompson Motorsports, And Engine Power Systems (EPS) cam is 226/230 duration, .604/.604 lift on a 113 LSA. When the shop was done with the short block I assembeled the Top End and we ran it on the shop ECM.

Using their basic tune i hit 485hp and 456tq!!

With a true good tune I may break 500hp!

 

I will post pictures as soon as i can make them smaller...

 

On the engine dyno after assembly!



485HP and 456TQ! Over 400TQ at 3100 RPM!



400TQ at 3100 RPM made me giggle!





Hooker Blackheart!



Old 355 Dyno for comparison



Back in the garage, ready for some paint.



Harness from Pocket!



Supberb Craftsmanship!



1.7 Rocker with Straub bushing kit



Hooker Blackheart Transmission Crossmember

 

Cool, glad you're having fun with the progress. That's what all these projects are all about.

 

I'm also going with a 4L60e with 3600 converter from FTI.

 

I think my next project with be an LS project. My buddy's girlfriend has an 87 T/A that's in near mint condition, but they hate the L03. He has a golden horseshoe shoved up his ***, so I'm sure he'll find a wrecked LS1 car that we can use for parts.

Grats on the motor! You're going to have a blast with it! Keep us posted on the progress. With any luck, maybe we can do a local-ish get together next summer.

 

The project is looking good, Ozz!