68 firebird ls1 swap

[jsconiers]

All,
Just wanted to share a few pictures of my ls1 swap. It's a 68 fire bird convertible that will be sporting an ls1 / t56 combo. Modified sub frame from BRP with power rack, ls1 disc brakes, tubular control arms,etc. Engine and trans are in. Accelerator cable connected. Need to finish installing accessories, radiator, front clip, gas tank, painless wiring harness, and a few other small things. Currently trying to work out AC (with stock ls1 unit) and hydro boost conversion using a 99 mustang cobra unit. I'll post pics of the whole car later. Plan is to get everything done, work out the bugs and blow it apart for paint.

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by jsconiers

All,
Plan is to get everything done, work out the bugs and blow it apart for paint.

Looks good so far. Thats how I do things too. Nothing like having to drill or weld a bracket over fresh paint.

[B Schein]

You can’t use the stock LS1 ac compressor with a vintage air unit. Those systems are designed for fixed displacement compressor and the LS1 compressor is a variable displacement.

I don’t know what you planed to use for the rest of the ac system. I just thought I let you know it wont work with vintage air

[jsconiers]

Thanks for the info....I remember there being a post about that.....maybe I got it wrong....Do you know of any one that got AC working with the LS1 and ow they did it?

[awr68]

need to fix the pics.....sounds like a good plan though.

[jsconiers]

This is my To do List. Will Probably edit many times:
Mechanical:
Finish Installing LS1 accessories
Mount PCM and wire engine up
Install T56 clutch master and pedal assembly
Install interior shifter for T56
Purchase and install FI gas tank and run gas lines
Re-flash PCM
Install 99 mustang Hydro-boost master and booster (got the idea from here http://www.geocities.com/casanoc/)
Install LS1 brakes on rear 10 bolt using bracket kit
Run all brake lines
Purchase and Install 4-link (Either DSE or Chris Alston G-Bar)
Shorten and install LS1 aluminum drive shaft
Install 4th gen radiator and fan assembly
Figure and purchase wheels / tires
Install correct flaming river mounting bracket and horn adapter on steering column
Purchase and install new steering wheel
Purchase and install new front light harness
Purchase and install Vintage air A/C system
Purchase and install new battery
Purchase and install headers, x pipe and dual exhaust
Rebuild 12 bolt for later install

Body:
Install New convertible top
Purchase and Replace passenger and driver rear quarter
Install DSE Mini-tub kit
Purchase and install deck lid
Purchase and install DSE sub frame connectors
Purchase and install complete front assembly (hood, inner and outer fenders,etc, have nose assembly)
Purchase and install tail panel
Purchaser install chrome trim and window lace material
Install new antenna
Install passenger and driver mirrors
Purchase and install emblems
Install insulation
Install carpet
Align Body panels
Prime Car

Other:
Purchase and Install Power window kit
Alarm
Digital dash

[jsconiers]

It's been a long time since I updated on the build. Well I've decided I need some help. I contacted a local shop for help. They've done some really cool projects and I was very impressed with their work. I stripped the car of it's interior and all of the exterior parts. The only thing left on the inside is the door panels and dash. The door panels will be coming out tomorrow.

I decided to make some changes in the build of the car as it will not be done by July as I first thought. In short I'm going to build the car so there will be no regrets later on. I sold my 12 bolt, rear disc kit and T56 setup. I was going with the g-bar but I contacted Detroit speed and am now sold on their quadra link kit. while I'm at it I'll be purchasing their mini tub kit, ls1 gas tank, sub frame connector and firewall filler panel. I think I'm going to go with their 9" as well because it comes setup with the brackets. I'm also thinking about the Budnik Fontana 18x10 but I'm not quite sold. I'm going to settle on my wheels before ordering as the rear end is setup for the back space of the wheels. In any event I know I'm running a 295 tire.

I picked up a nose assembly and front valence panel from Florida. I just finished ordering a bunch of sheet metal (quarters, tail panel, outer wheel houses, trunk drop off, fender extensions, core support, battery tray kit, etc) from a local vendor. Got everything except the hood, fenders, bolt kit and a few other small front end parts.

I also ordered a Ford Motor sports disc brake kit for the 9" and purchased a 4L60E and 4l80E. The 4l60E will be installed immediately. The 4L80E will be installed after a rebuild , level 10 parts, transgo shift kit and other goodies.

Been spending a lot of money. One good thing is I found a local place that has LQ4's pretty cheep. Thinking of seeing if any one wants one on the board.