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Project GodSpeed

Well, I realize it's been a while, but I've basically just been parts collecting for the swap. Below is a spreadsheet of what I've picked up so far and the actual cost. I'm sure there are better deals to be had, but this is what I've come up with. I can probably provide part number data too if that's something you guys would like to see. I had some issues with the 5.3 block. The middle cam bearing was spun so I had to install new cam bearings. Let me know if you have any questions. I hope to get started pulling the motor this weekend and will hopefully be able to provide pictures of how that is progressing. I'm sure I'll have to add more to the costs, but thought I'd throw in an update for you guys to let me know how it's going.

I included the 6.0 motor build as well, so I may remove those since it will be for a future build to go in Skylark I'm trying to source.

Build Costs
Items Cost
2 bar map sensor $16.99 Ordered Wrong One
2.5" FMIC Piping $82.99
2.5" Mandrel Pipe Kit $106.00
2.5" x 4 Flex Pipe $11.99
3 Bar MAP Sensor $43.00 MAP Sensor adapter not required if ordering EFI Source MAP Sensor
3" Mandrel Pipe Kit $165.88
4L80E Line Fitting - Radiator $11.84
4L80E Line Fitting - Trans $4.84
4L80E Line Fitting - Trans $11.69
4wd 4l80e -$300.00
5.3 Cam Bearings $26.15
6.0 .02 Piston Rings $42.99
6.0 Block Work $836.51
6.0 Cam Bearings $33.22
6.0 Pistons $189.99
6.0 Rod & Main Bearing Kit $55.94
6.0 Rod Bearings $23.99
60mm Wastegate $66.88
Tap & Die Set $143.50
8.8 Short Axle Shaft $121.72
Boost Cutout $84.96 Returned
Cam Bearing Tool $133.74
camshaft $249.99
Car $1,000.00
change found under seats -$1.45
circuit tester $69.99
Creeper $52.98
decapped injectors $140.00
Dipstick & Tube $35.96
Exhaust Gaskets $18.76
exhaust and dust cover bolts $31.00
Front Grille & Console $130.00
Fuel Lines & Fittings $168.17
fuel pump & fuses $114.98
Fuel Pump Lock Ring $18.57
Headlight Switch $17.77
Headlight Switch Bezel $38.00
Holley EFI $1,199.95
Intercooler $76.45
4L80E Shifter $144.11
Interior Paint $21.78
JB Weld $6.99
Liftgate Arms $31.70
LS Motor $500.00
LS Truck Manifold Flanges $29.99
8.8 to 1350 Flange Yoke Adapter $38.51
Marker Light Bulbs $50.32
Motor Mounts $446.00
Oil Pan $264.71
6.0 Dowel Pins $14.99
pac 1218 springs $152.94
Passenger Arm Rest $25.98
No Baby on Board Sticker $6.99
Power Steering Pump & Bracket $49.99
radiator $283.45
rearend $200.00
Registration $247.00
Sandblast Cabinet $403.05
Shipping $538.00
Steering Column Cover $37.60
Switch Light Bulbs $10.98
T4 Flange to 2.5" Pipe Adapter $48.10
taillight & seat cover $81.65
Thermostat $13.99
Timing cover Gasket $24.99
torque converter $500.00
TransGo HD2 $133.21 Better kits available
Transmission $300.00
transmission dipstick $73.00 questionable
exhaust manifold lock washers $13.00
an wrench $25.00
Transmission Pan/Filter/Gasket $49.51
(2) 3 x 12 c channel $15.00
bellhousing bolts $10.00
turbo $399.99
Valve Spring Compressor $34.99
Wire Loom $15.98
Total $10,519.42
 
Gonna post some pictures later, but excited to say that it fired up tonight. There might be major issues, but for the initial startup it ran well. Still need to work on the rear and get a driveshaft in, but getting there.
 
Picture Updates.

1. Homemade Powdercoat Oven

ZLa9YtH.jpg


2. VS Racing 7876 Turbo

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3. Powdercoated Engine/Trans/Rear Mounting Hardware from Giffin

hbmeLS5.jpg


4. Driven into the garage.....

5KGZLzN.jpg


5. Engine pulled - I got bored and got it out in an evening

Qsw1Az5.jpg


6. LS Mocked up for the first time

Xk22iD2.jpg


7. Figuring out piping for the turbo

cyc96Jo.jpg


DWMOdfY.jpg


8. Piping for the crossover - Had to "adjust" the driver's side a bit

4LK5coQ.jpg


B7tnjYq.jpg


9. When cleaning the crossmember the breather tube on the power steering let a bunch of junk in there and started leaking out the seals. So I decided to rebuild it. Got the wrong parts from RockAuto so just cleaned it and put it back together instead. Hope it holds. Showing how it all comes apart if anyone needs that info. The LS power steering pump hooked right up to the hoses, but I haven't tested it's usefulness yet.

fgNYFI5.jpg


09RDTs1.jpg


10. Flipped manifolds meant that the stock plug wires wouldn't work. Found out from sloppymechanics that short nascar takeoffs on ebay loop around perfectly.

NO787Gl.jpg


11. In for good with the 4L80E - Sits pretty low. I used the HD2 kit, but there are better options out there. Ordered a Jakes TC

vWeh05L.jpg


Io3K835.jpg


12. Coolant hoses and fans run

DZdKDJ6.jpg


13. 8.8 Rear cut and welded back together. Waiting on adjustable torque rods and fittings to build an adjustable panhard bar.

bC2voKX.jpg


14. 3D printed Gauge Pod covers - Top just printed, middle sanded/primered, bottom is original cover.

elNHYgu.jpg


15. Hood Fits with the 145 amp alternator

0U7p3Yl.jpg



A few things - Because of the way I did it, I had to cut the tunnel on each side to fit trans lines and shifter linkage. If I got a different shifter, I probably wouldn't have needed to do that, but I should be able to just weld a bump on each side to cover that up. I used the Holley Terminator kit. Everything just plugged right in, but you do need the usb cable if you're going turbo. I also ordered a dakota digital pack to be able to use the stock tach, and speedo. Adding a few fittings to get the temp gauge to work. Had a friend weld on fittings to a new fuel sending unit to hook up AN lines.

Running the Intercooler lines was difficult because the alternator/idler pulley was in the way. I will try to get a pic of that later.

Not sure what else to provide. It fired up on the first crank of the starter. It was amazing, but I'm still working on getting the rear installed and a driveshafte made.
 
Last edited:
<a href="https://imgur.com/6llGecU"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6llGecU.mp4" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> - video of it running, but I doubt the link works
 
Got the driveshaft installed. It was a perfect fit. A few issues.

1. I think I need a fan shroud, it tends to run a little hot 225ish
2. Power steering rack is still leaking
3. Holley Tune needs tweaked
4. Can't get more than 3 lbs of boost
5. Need to roll the rear fenders due to some rubbing

I bondo'd the dash and covered it in like a stretchy velour which looks a lot better. The speedometer and tach has been run through a dakota digital box which actually worked out really well. Waiting on special order bulbs for the instrument cluster, which is stupid, but whatever. Welded the floor back together, carpet back on and interior all back together. i still need to mount the Holley box, and I just plan on putting that in the glove box. Should be able to post some pics of the interior soon. Then start working on the wood paneling in the bed area.
 
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