GM LFX 3.6L V6 Motor Swap

[gtpvette]

Work continues although slow.

Oil pan is back from hot tank. There was a sensor in it that’s different than the Camaro one (oil level) and doesn’t look like they’ll interchange. I May just look for a plug instead of putting the Holden sensor back in and pull the plug from the wire harness. Also the pickup seal is shot, hoping I can reuse the Camaro one as it doesn’t appear they sell them separate from a pickup tube.

Working on a plan for an idler pulley to replace the power steering pump pulley. I think I can reuse the power steering pump bracket and build it out. The inside of the bracket is the machined part the lines up with the rest of the pulleys.



I’ve cut a ¼” plate to be the base then I’ll add a 1” block on top (on order) both will be welded to the existing bracket.



They’ll be another outside plate welded on to strengthen it up.



I found a 4.3” pulley from a Saturn Vue 3.0L that I’ve ordered. It needs to be that big to clear the tensioner. I’ll also need some additional shimming once the bracket is done.



I’ve spent some time looking at motor mount plates. This motor is very different side to side as far as bolting things to it goes. Not only are the bolt locations different from side to side, the bolt holes are on different planes on the same side.

This is the passenger side view. Towards the right side, you’ll notice some magic marker on the machined faces. These are used for the alternator. On the left side you’ll see the three sharpened bolts that I used to locate the holes on the template. These are the three I’m planning to use for mounts,,, well at least for now. The three you see in the middle are still a possibility but they’re on a different plane (about ¼” off).




Here’s a wood version of a mount based on the template. I’d still like it to be more forward on the motor so those additional holes on the right still may be used. You’ll notice that the lower two of these three are a smaller diameter bolt which isn’t the best.




Here’s the driver’s side, three mount low on the block and the one I’m pointing to is on a different plane (again ¼” off). I’m not 100% sure what the 6 holes to the left are for,, although I know the AC compressor bolts to at least a couple of them.



And the template. I like the location of this one better that the other side. The mounts will certinally be different side to side.



I’m going to order a Camaro AC compressor and bracket and plan on using that instead of the Scion one.

[Capt Spaulding]

I tell you GP, I really hope this pans out. IMHO, this could be the perfect blend of power, weight, and balance for the car. Good luck!!!

Subbed in.

[venturaII]

I know the single exhaust port isn't 'ideal' from a performance perspective (though it doesn't seem to be hurting output TOO much...lol), but man, it's nice for figuring out custom exhaust pipe routing.

[gtpvette]

I got an AC compressor today,, and more importantly the bracket that mounts it. Local and $80 for the compressor, bracket and bolts. A sweet deal. I've been reaching out to all of the recyclers about the bracket,,,, I guess they just throw them away as no one has them. New they're $350 or so,, more expensive than the compressor although no one keeps them. Go figure.

[gtpvette]

Originally Posted by venturaII

I know the single exhaust port isn't 'ideal' from a performance perspective (though it doesn't seem to be hurting output TOO much...lol), but man, it's nice for figuring out custom exhaust pipe routing.

So much easier than headers,,, built these for the GTM. Just looking for dual 2.5", resonated x-pipe and some mufflers on this one

[-Willis-86touge]

My old gtm:

[gtpvette]

Sweet,,, and Kooks headers too.

[gtpvette]

Got in the 1” block of aluminum for the Idler Pulley bracket and cut and shaped it. The pulley has a 10MM hole and of course can’t find a 10MM drill bit local to save my life. Ordered and waiting on it,,, maybe by Monday. Need to drill this out on the press so the hole is perpendicular to the plate. After that out for welding as I don’t have a Tig welder. The pulley looks to be just about on plane with the rest,, maybe a washer or two for alignment.






Also got a bunch of shoulder bolts in for the motor mounts, tensioner, pulley, exhaust manifold, oil pan, etc. Should be able to get everything bolted to the motor and get the belt measurement, buy it and fit it next week.



Ordered and got exhaust manifold flanges from CBM Motorsports. Only place that seems to make them. Still need 2.5” pipe, O2 bungs and sensors. Flanges openings are squared off,, will be interesting fitting the pipe to those openings.




Been looking over the fuel system hookup. The intake on the motor is a 3/8” quick connect although it’s facing the wrong way. A 180 degree fitting with a 6AN out should work OK. For the FRS side, a couple of male quick connects to a Y-block to a 6AN out should do it. Don’t know what to do with the EVAP side yet.




This weekend is the wiring harness. Strip out the unwanted and look at splicing in the Fuse box.



Still looking at radiators. I need one where the inlets are swapped from the FRS,, upper on driver side, lower on passenger. Griffin has one that might work,, but I’ll need to come up with my own mounting.

Getting close to starting the teardown.


Lag time for parts remains a PITA. LOL

[Jaden]

If you don't have a tig welder, order some aluminum sticks for stick welding. Reverse the polarity and move faster than usual and you can get satisfactory welds. The sticks for Aluminum are slightly more expensive, but it's still cheaper than sending it out. Just make sure the piece you're welding is thicker than an 1/8".

Jaden

[gtpvette]

Originally Posted by Jaden

If you don't have a tig welder, order some aluminum sticks for stick welding. Reverse the polarity and move faster than usual and you can get satisfactory welds. The sticks for Aluminum are slightly more expensive, but it's still cheaper than sending it out. Just make sure the piece you're welding is thicker than an 1/8".

Jaden

Sounds good,, but I only have 140 Miller Mig with gas, no stick. I want a Tig though with aluminum on the boats and cars,,, I might say I really need one. Good news,,, my 10MM drill bit arrived today.

[bradsm87]

The VF Commodore has electric power steering and an idler pulley that appears to bolt on with a bracket in place of the PS pump if that helps you at all.

[gtpvette]

Originally Posted by bradsm87

The VF Commodore has electric power steering and an idler pulley that appears to bolt on with a bracket in place of the PS pump if that helps you at all.

Do you have a picture or any particulars??? This might still be an option I need to explore. Also cant seem to find an online dealer for Holden parts where you can see exploded views of parts, part numbers and a the ability to buy. Do you know of any?? Thanks!

[mrk1]

Looks good. Have you mocked it up in the car? I'm swapping a Ford 3.7 V6, I'm curious to compare.

[gtpvette]

Originally Posted by mrk1

Looks good. Have you mocked it up in the car? I'm swapping a Ford 3.7 V6, I'm curious to compare.

Not as of yet. Looks like it'll fit but it'll be tight against the firewall due to the HP pump and water outlets on the back.


How far along are you??