Test fitting the LS1

I'm still in deconstruction mode this week, but getting closer to reassembly. The frame is completely stripped down and ready to get sandblasted and painted.  The big new this week is that I think we have selected a shop to do the body work.  Jack from Specialized Collision stopped by and took a look, and we had a chance to visit his shop.  He has a ton of experience, and was willing to work with us on the project so we don't get overextended.  He has a smaller shop, and only works on a few projects at a time so I don't think the Chevelle will be on the back burner.  He showed us a beautiful (and expensive) '73 Olds that he is working on now.  Someday the Chevelle will be in that like new shape as well. He has loaned us a body cart to use that will be much safer and sturdier than the sawhorse contraption I put together.  Thanks Jack!

 Saturday, Matt (Amanda's husband from work) came over and helped me mock up the motor in the frame.  We installed an LH8 oil pan with a rear sump, I think this comes from a Hummer.  This gives plenty of room for the frame to go under the block.  With the Transdapt motor mounts, the LS1 drops in pretty easily.

 If you have a sharp eye, you will notice we had to take the factory headers off to fit the motor.  They sit very wide on the block, and there was no chance they would fit.  I'll need to find a set that sits tighter on the motor.  Thankfully several companies make headers for this swap, it's just another $700 to spend.

The transmission crossmember was too far forward with the T56.  In the pictures you can see where it would sit slid back 6-7"from the factory position. The engine looks like it sits level in this position, so I think we can modify the factory crossmember to work.  A new tab will need to be welded on to fit the wider T56 mount.  I'll update once we get the motor more permanently mounted as to what we decide.

I purchased a '93-'98 Jeep Grand Cherokee power steering box from AllJeepParts.  It amazed me it bolted in perfectly! The alternator on the GTO motor sits low, and interferes with the power steering box.  I will need to buy new brackets that mount the alternator and A/C compressor high on the block. Another $400 expense. After all this we took the motor back out and will try to get the frame off this week for painting.  When it comes back I can mount up the new suspension and put the motor in for the final (?) time.