March 14, 2025, 08:01:55 PM

Author Topic: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!  (Read 278720 times)

Offline Exidous

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #735 on: May 01, 2020, 12:02:45 PM »
Do I see a different engine going in?
94 BB Sleeved gen IV LS7, MS3ProU with TC, RONIN 8.8 and LT's with custom 3.5"single to VAREX muffler.

Offline MPbdy

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #736 on: May 01, 2020, 12:39:58 PM »
Do I see a different engine going in?

I wish! Haha.  The ls7 isn't getting any love these days during quarantine. 

My trans has leaked and popped out of reverse since day 1.  I had the front end up to swap the battery and pull the rad and it just poured fluid out the back.  The whole underside of the car is filthy because of it.  Just getting more stuff done that I planned on during the LS7 install, but it'll be nice to get it sorted now.

RPS BC2 carbon clutch will be going in :) Should be a fun improvement over the Monster LT1S.  Takes like 15 pounds off the crank.

Offline wickedrx7

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #737 on: May 01, 2020, 12:58:23 PM »
Welp things have really escalated lol




I’m not a certified mechanic but that doesn’t look like a radiator?

1993 Touring, 2012 L99, T-56, Ronnin 8.8, Ohlins, Speedhut, Samberg and lots of custom parts
Build Thread - http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=19354.0
Pictures - www.flikr.com/wickedrx7

Offline MPbdy

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #738 on: May 01, 2020, 01:10:20 PM »
Welp things have really escalated lol

https://i.imgur.com/D0Be92W.jpg


I’m not a certified mechanic but that doesn’t look like a radiator?

Yeah...quarantine has me losing my mind lol.

Apparently Samberg changed the cooling fans he used part way through production...so I bought some new ones that were curved blade and higher flowing that were listed as compatible and didn't think to check the specs in detail.  They're freaking 38A per fan and almost 2 inches thicker.  Waiting on a more equivalent fan to show up that also works with the new mounting on the shroud and only draws 18A like the old fans.

I had a V2 rad kit with a V3 top.  I guess the V3 had different fans.  Just another $300 spent on fans lol fun times.

Offline Exidous

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #739 on: May 01, 2020, 01:25:05 PM »
That RPS clutch is no joke. I'd love to have one but just a pipe dream. Until my LT1-S lets go my pocket book is safe.
94 BB Sleeved gen IV LS7, MS3ProU with TC, RONIN 8.8 and LT's with custom 3.5"single to VAREX muffler.

Offline MPbdy

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #740 on: May 01, 2020, 01:32:05 PM »
That RPS clutch is no joke. I'd love to have one but just a pipe dream. Until my LT1-S lets go my pocket book is safe.

Yeah I found someone selling a used 500 mile unit that I'm hoping works well.  It was too good a deal to pass up.  The story is they didn't like it because it was too aggressive for them noise/performance wise.

I like the LT1S clutch a lot, but it wasn't as light as I imagined.  I want something really snappy.  I'll be keeping the LT1S on the shelf in case I ever de-mod a bit or if I build another 6 speed car.  It is the best clutch I've had despite a vibration when lugging a higher gear.  I just drive around that issue and it works great.

Offline digitalsolo

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #741 on: May 01, 2020, 05:22:35 PM »
Not to freak you out, but I think your transmission fell off.
Blake MF'ing McBride
1988 Mazda RX7 - Turbo LS1/T56/ProEFI/8.8/Not Slow...   sold.
1965 Mustang Coupe - TT Coyote, TR6060, modern brakes/suspension...
2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - Gen V LT4/TR6060, upper/lower pullies, headers, tune.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance - Stock...ish.

Offline MPbdy

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #742 on: May 01, 2020, 05:38:06 PM »
Not to freak you out, but I think your transmission fell off.

Hahaha I am mildly freaked out because now I have to get it back in the car.  The damn thing got so stuck on the way out I really didn't think I was going to be able to get it free.  The firewall is going to be getting some love before it goes back in and I'm going to grind on the bellhousing a bit too I think.  My freaking shoulder feels like someone tried to rip my arm off yesterday lol.

Offline wickedrx7

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #743 on: May 01, 2020, 06:24:25 PM »
Not to freak you out, but I think your transmission fell off.

Hahaha I am mildly freaked out because now I have to get it back in the car.  The damn thing got so stuck on the way out I really didn't think I was going to be able to get it free.  The firewall is going to be getting some love before it goes back in and I'm going to grind on the bellhousing a bit too I think.  My freaking shoulder feels like someone tried to rip my arm off yesterday lol.

Mine got caught on the passenger side body mount for the stock cross brace. It is the mount that Hinson use to use for his trans mount. Neither side exists on my car after that. you might want to think about removing that if you haven’t already. It might have been what you got hung-up on.


1993 Touring, 2012 L99, T-56, Ronnin 8.8, Ohlins, Speedhut, Samberg and lots of custom parts
Build Thread - http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=19354.0
Pictures - www.flikr.com/wickedrx7

Offline largeorangefont

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #744 on: May 01, 2020, 06:36:13 PM »
Hahaha I am mildly freaked out because now I have to get it back in the car.  The damn thing got so stuck on the way out I really didn't think I was going to be able to get it free.  The firewall is going to be getting some love before it goes back in and I'm going to grind on the bellhousing a bit too I think.  My freaking shoulder feels like someone tried to rip my arm off yesterday lol.

I have a Harbor Freight transmission floor jack if you want it. It is what I used to do my trans. Getting it up into place was slow and steady, but pretty effortless. Once I had it up there at the right angle I just rolled it forward and was able to start the bolts.







Quote from: cool
Sell it to spacevomit.  He'll finish it.

Offline MPbdy

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #745 on: May 01, 2020, 07:51:49 PM »
Thanks a bunch man I really appreciate it. My dad has the same one I’ve used it before. When I get the clutch I’ll grab it.

My issue was kind of strange. I wasn’t able to slide the trans out far enough due to the bellhousing hitting the firewall. Definitely did not have this issue last time.  I find it easier to get to the bellhousing bolts at the engine than taking it off at the trans. I’ll probably put it back in separately this time though.

Typically I’ve seen the engine falls backward when the trans is lowered, but I had the rear of it supported by a height adjustable stool lol and the bellhousing supported by a floor jack. When I slid the trans off the dowel pins the engine actually stayed flat or actually tipped forward a hair. It wasn’t pretty but a lot of prying and kind of using the weight of the trans I was able to drag it out.

Offline shainiac

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #746 on: May 01, 2020, 08:55:15 PM »
One thing that helped me a lot when installed the trans with a twin disk - use a digital angle gauge and make sure the engine block and trans are at the same angle. I measured off of one of the machined flat spots near the oil pan and also the machined flat near the trans mount. Getting the trans and engine aligned eliminates a lot of the headache.
'88 TII -  Rods/Pistons LS3, Twin G30-770s, MaxxECU Pro/PDM
BMW DCT Swap, Ronin 8.8" IRS

Offline largeorangefont

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #747 on: May 01, 2020, 09:00:55 PM »
In the FC it was easier taking the trans off the bell housing. You just need universal sockets and long extensions. My ratchet was by the shifter taking the trans bolts out of the bellhousing.
Quote from: cool
Sell it to spacevomit.  He'll finish it.

Offline MPbdy

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #748 on: May 01, 2020, 09:23:59 PM »
I think I’ll put the bellhousing on first this time. I’ve been using a wobble and a 2ft extension. Luckily the bellhousing bolts aren’t super tight they break loose easy. I had a seized exhaust bolt and stripped the shit out of it. I now own a MAPP torch and a die grinder lol.

Great advice on the digital level. I’ll steal that trick too. The trans jack let’s you adjust the angle and height. I also struggled to install it but I think it’s because I had pressure in the slave.

Offline largeorangefont

Re: 403 LS2 FD - LS7 Build for 2020!
« Reply #749 on: May 01, 2020, 10:14:36 PM »
Yea I was nervous about putting it back in too, but it went really smooth. I was able to get it out just by pulling the driver side header. I ended up putting ARP exhaust bolts back in.
Quote from: cool
Sell it to spacevomit.  He'll finish it.