In order to run the ZR1 cam a different 3bolt cam sprocket is needed. On the LM7 the cam sensor reads off a reluctor wheel built on the camshaft. The ZR1 reads off a reluctor on the cam sprocket with the sensor on the timing cover. The new cover and sensor were only $75. The timing set I was going to replace anyway was the same cost as the LM7. GM parts are ridiculously cheap.

 

Wouldn't it be a lot easier to bolt in a MB 5.0 ltr or a 5.5 engine? May not have as much power but hey isn't it a lot easier?

 

It would be a lot more expensive. I don't know if it would be easier. I wouldn't consider anything I have done so far to be difficult, just time consuming.

 

The long block is almost complete. I'm still waiting on the timing cover and cam sensor. I picked up a pair of f body exhaust manifolds to see if they will fit before spending the extra cash on the hooker headers.

 

I installed the transmission with the adapter bracket I made for the 4G63 swap and mated the engine to the transmission with zero clearance issues. The engine sits forward more than I had originally intended but is in about the same position as the original V6. The F body headers are going to work too. The GTO oil pan will work with the engine in this position.






Time to start building motor mounts

 

Got a GTO oil pan, GM crank spacer, and some other goodies I have been waiting on today. Might have this wrapped up before February.

 

Keep up the good work, Chuck, I am interested to see what you can put down with this setup....

 

I'm sure that TH350 was a contributing factor in that as well.

 

Absolutely, 2.52:1 first gear.

 

Have the engine in it's final position. I found a small interference issue between the starter and the steering control arm. Should be an easy fix. I'll work on motor mounts in the morning.

 

I've been sick for a week straight now. I hope I'll feel like working on the car tomorrow. I have a stack of parts that need to be installed.

 

Long time since I posted anything on this swap. The turbo part of the swap is on hold for now, I'll go into detail on that part later. I'm finishing up the wiring part of the swap this week. All the mechanical stuff is done except for the alternator bracket. The bracket should only take a few hours to complete now that I have the alternator in the right position. I moved the battery to the trunk. The overflow tank is going in the original battery location. The exhaust exits on each side of the front bumper. Hopefully it's not too loud with the baffles installed. Should be running in a few days if I don't run into any problems. I also am installing a gauge cluster from an 02 Z28. It's plug and play with the warren ECU with the addition of the Dakota Digital VSS I installed on the TH350. The only thing that will require modification is the fuel level sensor. The signal is inverted compared to a Chevy unit. I have a few ideas on how to correct it.

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Nice work, I especially like the exhaust - toally unique, hopefully it sounds great...

 

I hope you don't melt the facia or tires. Aside from that concern, or non concern, you've got skills. It's coming together nicely.

Les

 

Hopefully, that truly unique exhaust points slightly down.
I can picture it on dirt : you goose it and clouds of dust billow to both sides,
like a bull with it's head down and snorting just prior to charging ......

 

This one is gonna be sick!

 

LOL, yeah it is angled down. My biggest worry about the exhaust is it finding its way into the cabin. I was not crazy about the red carbon fiber wrap on these mufflers but they were a good fit with the very limited space that was available. I don't think heat will be a problem. I can always wrap them with some shielding. There is still plenty of clearance with the wheels turned as well.

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Front exhaust is ambitious, if not creative. Woody

 

Well done on your work!!! Definite subscribe

 

Good Luck, there's a reason nobody else uses that location for an exhause outlet. I think it's called Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.