Mech-Head's "The Other Woman" build thread - LS3 Upgrade

[mech-head]

Well, I guess it's time to start posting some pictures and begin the swap process.  I have been cleaning and replacing gaskets on the LS1.  It's been a dirty girl and she needs to be cleaned up in order to be presentable (power steering puked all over bank 1).  The goal is a good dependable cruiser that maintains the power steering and air conditioning.

Swap details/plans are as follows:
2001 Camaro LS1, T56 transmission (Stock for now)
S4 Turbo II rear
LS-7 Clutch
Pez engine mounts
Pez transmission mount (If they are ready in time)
Hinson cooling
Power Steering (Turn One) and A/C will be kept

The rotary was run for the last time today.  It's officially in the process of being pulled so I can start prepping for the LS1.

Here is the car (aka "the other woman").


Here is the rotary.


Here is the dirty LS1 set up for a test run on the stand.


Test run went very well and the motor started up immediately.  I have to give props to my buddy/co-worker Brian for setting up the wiring box and CPU.  Lucky for me that I work with some gearheads that happen to be electrical engineers too.  He actually made the start/run box from scratch.  Just plugged in a few wires, hooked up a battery, plumbed fuel, and cranked it right up.  It went without any issues or drama, so I guess the fire extinguishers were not necessary after all.  I was a happy camper.  I can only hope I have the same luck once the engine is installed.

Also I really like to thank everyone at SNS2010.  You guys provided tons of motivation.  The rides from Don, Pete, and Berg made me realize how much more fun my car can be.  I hope everything is done and ready for SNS2011.

[mech-head]

Intake manifold before


Intake manifold after

[theantirotor]

Hinson cooling isnt bad but I would personally pick the JTR setup.  I think it is a nicer kit.

[mech-head]

Engine test run video

[mech-head]

Hinson cooling isnt bad but I would personally pick the JTR setup.  I think it is a nicer kit.

I already picked up the Hinson premium cooling setup from surubasi on the forum here, so that's what I will use.  I think that Pez will have a sweet kit when he starts selling them.  I would like to have the intake come over the radiator like an FD, but that ain't gonna happen for me this time.  What I have should take care of me.

[bikedad]

Very nice Rick.
Glad to see you started on it. Can't wait to see it on the road.
I might be riding with you at SNS11.

From the startup video I'll bet you won't have any problems getting it going in the car.
Nice to have your own wiring expert. LOL

[WannaBeFast]

Nice another vert - clean one too. Best of luck to you. Keep the pictures coming.

[bergls1]

JUST KEEP WORKING ON THAT THING RICK, WE WILL CARAVAN TO INDY!

[mech-head]

Sounds good Berg.

Progress has been slow lately because of the weather.  The car is in an unheated steel building, and I am too much of a wimp to wrench in 10 degree temps.  Most of the work lately has been cleaning up pieces/parts from the LS1.

There is however a large pile of crap building up while pulling the rotary.

[acuracy00]

Its good to see your progress on your car Rick.

[Rayminator]

Rick.......spend a few bucks on a heater, or work twice as fast when it is cold out. You will be done in no time!


How many miles on your vert?

[cool]

Thats a badass 320hp engine hoist...

FD wheels always look good on FC's.  Nice looking car youve got.

[zbrown]

Wow clean vert!

[mech-head]

Thanks for the comments guys.

Pete, good to hear from you.

Ray, the building is well ventilated, so heat doesn't stick around.  Maybe working faster will help, I will try that today.  The chassis has 106k on it.  Rotary is not original (big surprise), but a lot of suspension has been replaced.

I hope to get some work done today and possibly post some obligatory rotary-pull pictures.

[FCs Rule]

nice another vert!! i love the test stand..lol keep up the great work!