ok im gonna make this my thread with the build up from here on out...
little progress this weekend...
painted new front suspension, installed brakes, and installed engine/trans.
i had lots of help from both my wife and daughter too:)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1004.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1006.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1007.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1008.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1010.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1018.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1026.jpg

and more
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1025.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1023.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1016.jpg

looking good so far :metal: keep the progress pics comin later Mike

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1014.jpg

That's pretty cool that the Mrs. got out there to lend her support. She gets 2 thumbs up from me!

that's because the engine is clean! lol. j/k

jay

that's because the engine is clean! lol. j/k

jay
yea your probley right
:)

That looks like a great project. Ought to be sweet when you get it finished.

lookin good man, I have a gen 3 5.3 in mine it is great.
where and what are the a-arms you have installed, they look great.
what suspension settings are you going to set them up to?
caster, camber and toe...

lookin good man, I have a gen 3 5.3 in mine it is great.
where and what are the a-arms you have installed, they look great.
what suspension settings are you going to set them up to?
caster, camber and toe...
what kinda gas mileage are ya getting?
DJM tubular control arms.
not quite sure what all my setting are gonna be yet, but ill let ya know when i know.

Looks good.Cool aint it.

lookin good.
where did you get those motor mounts?

well it looks great, my mileage is around 16 or so with some town driving. I hoped to get better but should on a highway trip. It is hard not to press down on that go pedal.
I have a road trip planned this month and hope to get around 20 MPG, I will report back.
Dave

lookin good.
where did you get those motor mounts?
from performanceonline.com
tubular mounts with adapter plates from ebay

your wife have a sister? the only time i get mine to help is when she wants something.

What headers are you running?? Looks awsome. I have a old skool 383 TPI in my 67. I'd like to try something newer.

:bling:

What headers are you running?? Looks awsome. I have a old skool 383 TPI in my 67. I'd like to try something newer.
pacesetters LT for ls1 camaro/ firebird. ill post more on how to get them to fit as i have only the pass side mocked up.
but it looks to be the best choice for any stock application ls1

got a little more progress. had the drive shaft made.
its 3" diameter and .083 wall thickness.
here are some pics of the truck getting loaded and my new before and after drive shaft paint job.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1163.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1162.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1161.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1160.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1171.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1173.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1175.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1176.jpg

I want to see this one.

the truck is looking great. keep up the good work. awesome!!!!

Nice job man. Looks great! The thing I like the most is it looks like a family project. The picture of your daughter handing you the bolt is cute.

That motor/trans looks so cool sitting on that frame. Great build up man. Keep it up! :metal:

nice! can you tell me a little more about your fuel line setup? i STILL haven't got mine done, but i have the [aluminum] line out in the garage. curious to hear about fittings, what you used for clamps, etc.

nice! can you tell me a little more about your fuel line setup? i STILL haven't got mine done, but i have the [aluminum] line out in the garage. curious to hear about fittings, what you used for clamps, etc.
i used braided steel line (-6) for both the feed and return. the connections are a assortment of streight,90's,and unions. for the " dummy proof factor" normal red and blue AN fittings are for the feed, and black are for the return. attaching the fuel rail i used summit fuel rail fittings for gm ls1. i made a connection at the fuel tank so i can remove it if i need to. you can do something similier with tube to an fittings (last pic) o yea the filter is earls -6 on both ends.... as for the clamps they are padded rubber line clamps.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1108.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1109.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1110.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1186.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1185.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1184.jpg

did you make your own lines? i know there are a lot of simple kits out there to make braided lines, just curious if that's what you did.

you are using a fuel pressure regulator, right? i am quite certain you cannot get by without using one on this engine. the stock LS1 has a filter/regulator in one unit.

did you make your own lines? i know there are a lot of simple kits out there to make braided lines, just curious if that's what you did.

you are using a fuel pressure regulator, right? i am quite certain you cannot get by without using one on this engine. the stock LS1 has a filter/regulator in one unit.
yes i made my own lines.. i bought 30 ft of -6 braided lines and all the fittings. no special tools needed, just a cut off wheel, and wrenches.
im useing the truck manifold, which has the regulator built in the fuel rail.

wow :D i need one of those!

oh - last question - how much you have sunk into the lines and adapters alone?

Nice progress man!! I dont think my wife has been in the garage over 10 times in over 2 yrs.

oh - last question - how much you have sunk into the lines and adapters alone?
the setup i have ran me about 235$ and if you did hard lines you'ld save about 50$. also with the filter/regulater you'ld be able to get by with 15ft of braided line.

Nice progress man!! I dont think my wife has been in the garage over 10 times in over 2 yrs.
thanks.... mine comes out there everyday, to tell me to "get in"

i had the opposite problem - ever since my woman and i broke up a couple weeks ago, i ain't got nothing done :( i couldn't keep her out of the garage in anticipation of the truck being done.

i've been helping other board members with stuff though, enough that i have an excuse why i can't work on the truck :rolleyes:

Did you use the same size lines for feed and return?

R

Did you use the same size lines for feed and return?

R
yes, both are -6

Beautiful job!!! Nice pics and expalination. I just ordered my fuel line and will be putting in my Fuelcellguy tank and running line. I am using a combination of hard aluminum and braided line.

Awesome Awesome Awesome!!! Keeps me motivated on mine. Keep the pics coming.

good progress....keep the pics coming.

yes...very good write up and thanks for the part number on the fuel line adapter.

welp, more progress to report... been working on the rad support. under the bat box was all corroded and pitted or non existant, so i cut out the old metal and welded in new metal, shaved the ' bumps ' on top of the support, filled a few non used holes ( need to fill couple more ), and finished mounting my radiator..... i had to drill out the old bottom rad mounts , move them to fit this rad ,and welded them back to where there new home now is.. the overflow tank is pretty streight forward locate and drill 2 holes and mount with included hardware.. plan for the next week include finish 'smoothing' rad support, disassemble (after mock-up), take to get sand blasted, prime, sand,sand,sand, paint, sand,clear,clear, clear, sand,buff.....reassemble and install.....
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1360.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1359.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1358.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1356.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1351.jpg

Yeah right, show off.

Tell me how you prepped and painted the engine/trans, chassis and driveshaft if you would. Im almost ready to get my frame going. Nice job BTW.

Tell me how you prepped and painted the engine/trans, chassis and driveshaft if you would. Im almost ready to get my frame going. Nice job BTW.
short version is on engine and trans used oven cleaner, and tooth brush for hard to reach places.... water hose to rinse off...let dry then paint with aluminum paint, when dry apply 3 coats of high temp clear.....
on the frame and such... i had them sandblasted, then go over it with acetone (till clean), prime it with 2 coats, paint with 3 coats paint, then 3 coats clear..
remember get good quality primer, paint, clear so it will with stand the road... or powdercoat it

It's looking better every post.

ehaust will be gitting done this week.... had to install my flang on the slip flang (i dont like) so it'll be easier to connect/disconnect should i need to....
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1604.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1607.jpg

prommises to become a verry nice truck ill keep an eye on the progress .
those LS1's look great and from wat i've read about them there pretty sturdy too

Very nice work, looks real good. Keep it up!

Looks great!!! Nice work.

the exhaust is ready to be installed... i had to get the rear sway bar installed so there wouldnt be a interference problem with the exhaust being dumped in that vacinity..... i got the POL front and rear kit ( although the front has no way of fitting, atleast as i see it... and the rear i would of designed the mounting bracket to pick up a existing hole in the frame instead of haveing to drill a new one!! but so far there customer survice is doing good, i'll keep ya'll posted)
and the rear installed pics
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1632.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1631.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1630.jpg

the exhaust pipes are bent up ( have the mufflers, moroso spiral flow) they are 3 inch.. ill mount the mufflers when i mount the bed cross seals. so i can see where i need the hangers to go... its gonna be dumped just before the rear axles (i also have the turn downs )
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1637.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1636.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1635.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1639.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1638.jpg

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet :metal:

Man, that looks nice!

please post more pictures of wife

:lol:

It looks like you ran your fuel supply and return lines all the way up to the engine - is there a particular reason why?

:lol:

It looks like you ran your fuel supply and return lines all the way up to the engine - is there a particular reason why?

im useing a truck intake manifold, and they have the regulator on the manifold.. thats where both, the feed and return inlets/outlets are... i know what your getting at. why not use a vette style regulator....the reasons are
-already had this style intake
- most suv/truck intakes have both a feed and return up on the fuel rail
and i didn't see it neccacery to find one.

please post more pictures of wife

ill tell her.. and have her pose infront of my rad support, im still working on...

Nice I'm still having problems getting headers to fit..

Maybe I missed it, did you get your tank from the Fuelcellguy ?

Maybe I missed it, did you get your tank from the Fuelcellguy ?

yes

i'll definately be following this. I'll be doing the same set-up when i start my frame. what tranny are you going with?

4L60E
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_0622.jpg

Man thats puuuurdy!!!

i know what your getting at. why not use a vette style regulator....the reasons are
-already had this style intake
- most suv/truck intakes have both a feed and return up on the fuel rail
and i didn't see it neccacery to find one.


I was genuinely curious, I wasn't getting at anything :)

I've never seen such a thing. Curiosity speaking here - how much was the braided fuel line (supply only)? You know how many feet it was? Can you show me some pictures of where you've got it terminating?

Also, curious - sorry if you mentioned this before - but which manifolds are you using?

It really is an awesome Job check mine out http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h36/oscareltemblo/ password is 1968

I was genuinely curious, I wasn't getting at anything :)

I've never seen such a thing. Curiosity speaking here - how much was the braided fuel line (supply only)? You know how many feet it was? Can you show me some pictures of where you've got it terminating?

Also, curious - sorry if you mentioned this before - but which manifolds are you using?

which end of the termination do you wanna see (at the manifold or tank?) if at tank look at page 1 bottom.... ill get you some pics up of the connection at the manifold side......supply only 15' will be enough to run the lenght of the frame and have some left over.... all my lines and fitting cost me around 260 ( around there) you could do the same for less than half (supply only, with a vette style regulaor, and have some for the short return line from the reg.) im useing 00 camaro headers....

It really is an awesome Job check mine out http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h36/oscareltemblo/ password is 1968

o i have been following your build up, shiftys (who hardly posts updates anymore :( ), along with others doing this swap... keeps me motivated and gives me ideas..

I don't update because I haven't been working on the truck for almost 3 months :(

I got more updates now though. Tonight I bolted on the front clip and Cowl again (all but the 2 rad support bolts), I fabbed up my hydraulic clutch bracket on paper and IT WORKS! so I gotta get that knocked out. I also got battery tray hooked up and got the stock wiring integrated - deleted the voltage regulator, respliced several lines, removed any unnecessary lines...

All in all, I'm good to go. I probably will not be updating my ls1tech page anymore - still a little bitter at some of the assholes over there.

nonetheless though, I have info to share with regard to tapping out the oil pan to add a standard (mechanical) oil pressure gauge for your engine and some other stuff if you want it :) Maybe I should continue my buildup thread over here :)

which end of the termination do you wanna see (at the manifold or tank?)

The manifold side - if you can get pictures, that would be great!

nonetheless though, I have info to share with regard to tapping out the oil pan to add a standard (mechanical) oil pressure gauge for your engine and some other stuff if you want it :) Maybe I should continue my buildup thread over here :)

good idea :)
id be instrested with the oil pressure line connection. as i have yet to do so..

The manifold side - if you can get pictures, that would be great!

ill get some tonight... (not only you, but others have asked me the samething)

Ok, here's what I got for ya. I didn't realize it but I already posted pics of this in my gallery :) I didn't get the tank bolted up, and it looks like my pictures are up to date, excpet for the front clip being back on and the tank almost being bolted on :D

http://satellitehead.com/images/68chevy/ls1/clip_on%20008.jpg

http://satellitehead.com/images/68chevy/ls1/clip_on%20009.jpg

Those are two huge closeups that will show you where to tap and how. You will see three things in the first picture:

1) The brass fitting and copper line for my oil pressure gauge
2) An aluminum fitting from S&P that is totally unnecessary (hindsight is 20/20, cost me $50 too :mad: )
3) The factory tap (has two bolts holding it to pan) that I think is typically used for oil cooling line or something on LS-series engine pans.

Here is the sloppy description of what to do to make this connection:

* Take the two bolts out to remove that tap.
* Take a good look at the piece and notice that you can drill a hole through it - it's just casted closed
* Take a drill and drill the oil pressure tree with a 1/4" drill bit.
* Next, run a 1/8" NPT Fine thread pipe tap to thread in the sensor. (Check the thread on your brass fitting for your oil gauge ti ebsyre ut;s 1/8NPT fine thread!!).
* Screw in your oil gauge pressure line :)
* Drink a beer, and thank shifty ;)

This is great way to add manual gauges. Also, to add a manual water temp gauge...

http://satellitehead.com/images/68chevy/ls1/clip_on%20006.jpg

On the rear of the passenger side head, you will see a hex head bolt with no obvious purpose - need a picture of it? Look just to the right of the threaded hole at the rear of the head here: http://satellitehead.com/images/68chevy/ls1/manifolds/ls1_manifolds10.jpg

That's it. Pop that joker out - it plugs a water passage through the head. I think it's a pipe thread - NPT10 or something ? S&P sells the adapter to convert it if you want to buy theirs - but, as with anything else from them, it's priced 3x what you'll think it's worth...After spending the gas money driving around to every specialty shop known to man and wasting the money in gas I woulda spent on the part, I finally broke down and bought it from them.

good info on the oil adapter.. i planned on doing that, now i know it'll work... (thanks shifty) also thats where i plan on getting the temp from... that sucks nowhere has that adapter, ill probly waste my time and $ on gas too, until i brake down and go to S $ P..... here are the pics of the feed and return line at the fuel rail... the black fitting is my return (used black on the return all the way, from tank to fuel rail, for ease of maintance)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1645.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/bigD76/68%20short%20step/100_1644.jpg

68SS, Nice job on the fuel lines. Shifty, did you ever get the headers figured out?

I ended up using '98 camaro headers. I have the blockoff plates on the way - paid $20 + $30 shipping for the headers - and paid $20 for the blockoff kit.

Hey - Saw something over at LS1tech today - you can remove the water plug above and drill out the center of it, thread it and tap that.

I ended up using '98 camaro headers. I have the blockoff plates on the way - paid $20 + $30 shipping for the headers - and paid $20 for the blockoff kit.

Hey - Saw something over at LS1tech today - you can remove the water plug above and drill out the center of it, thread it and tap that.

are you useing manifolds or headers? thats so simple to do that (drill and tap plug)
thats genius!