And so it begins (2003 PT S-10)

[black2002ls]

pictures of the block and goodies.

[black2002ls]

No pics yet, the bumpstick and stock rocker arms showed up today.

Total rundown of what I've spent so far

Block-155
Heads-129
Oil Pump-26
Push Rods-10
Fuel Rail-37
Cam-25
Rockers-60
Covers-88 (this included a couple of sensors as well)
Injectors-42

So far I've spent 572. This will be a stock build. I figure I'll have all of the main parts for under a grand. Then spend what I would have spent on bearings and having it all machined and assembled and get out for less than I would have spent, buying an LS1 and having it rebuilt.

[black2002ls]

Thought I would dig this up and give you guys an update. Intake and TB are here. I'm trying to work a deal and get all of the missing bolts I will need for the covers and such. I was going to buy a short block but it got sold out from under me. I hope to order the wiring harness, mounts and Headers from current performance within the next week. Seems I've been hit with the need for another job search so that is going to delay things even more.

[black2002ls]

Pistons and Rods showed up yesterday!!! only internal parts that are missing are crank and lifters. I'll try and get some pictures up tomorrow

[black2002ls]

In an attempt to ease the cost of the swap and make it a little easier, not having to change springs and such right now, I've purchased an LS1 short block that I'm picking up on Thursday. Right now I have a stock cam to put in it. I'm thinking of looking into a slightly bigger cam. I may just step up to a GM hot cam. I don't want to have to worry about PTV issues but would love an aggressive tone. The only major components needed now are Transmission and wiring harness, however thats near 3K for the pair

[syborg tt]

it's getting there.

keep posting pics

[black2002ls]

I'll get some pics after I pick up the short block on Thursday. I also found a HECK of a deal on a Hot Cam. $25 and the heads I've got already have 918 springs on them so I'm good there. I was kicking around more names for this thing. It will have a Corvette type theme, with the LSx, ZR-1 wheels, and Corvette seats (if I go that route which is the plan right now). Any more suggestions on names and maybe some sketches? If anyone is feeling generous and wanted to photochop this thing onto some ZR-1's that would be awesome.

LS-Xtreme
simply LS-X

[black2002ls]

Well it took me a little longer than expected. Here are some pictures of the block. It will need a little cleaning before its assembled, the cylinder walls have some dirt and debris build up. It will also need some new cam bearings. Other than that I believe it is in good shape. It has 10K miles on it since the rebuild with fresh rings, bearings, and ARP Rod bolts. I believe all I need to finish the motor assembly is the oil pan and all of the miscellaneous bolts. If someone knows anyone who has bolts for the covers and such for an LSx I'm willing to pay for them!

I also found on LS1 tech, a couple of 10 bolt posi units. I plan to pick one of them up and find an empty S-10 rear end housing to beef up a tad to swap in along with the motor for some added insurance.

[silver63c10]

Awesome project, can't believe I missed it til now. I have a 98 Sonoma for my daily and I've wanted to put an LS motor in it for a long time.

Getting it to handle really well will be a challenge, getting the LS1 instead of the 5.3 will help a lot. Definitely can't wait to see more progress.

[black2002ls]

Suspension will be pretty much stock out of the box. I will probably upgrade to ZQ8 sway bars to begin with. I plan to go to the AFX spindles up front, that will improve things along with different springs and shocks, then going to a 4 link set up out back, however it will be well after the swap that that will happen. I see you are in Denton, when I get the motor in I'll have to make a little trip out that way!