Another V8 Swap

[DustinS]

Well this weekend was a pain. Engine came out and back in a few times. The transmission mounts were terrible to work with. Either the part that bolts to the transmission is too narrow, or my trans tunnel is wider than their test car/jig.



Also noted that the mounts hit the speed sensor, I don't think we need it, but still unfortunate. (Terrible picture) edit: Being told it would be best to wire it into the GM ECU... REALLY don't want to pull the engine/trans again, so Going to try and figure something out to get a plug on it.



Sway Bar removed



Ran into some fitment issues with my headers on the heads. I found out the TSP Engines come with 6 bolt heads. So had to shave down the tabs to clear header.



Testing forward facing orientation on the headers.



Looked to be great until I tried fitting the alternator and A/C Compressor. That is where I learned the A/C compressor bracket hits the dip stick and the header outlet. Alternator hit header outlet. So headers need fit in correct orientation and driver side modified. Also need the Holley spark plug wires to fit.

At this point, Transmission is still hitting trans tunnel in two places - Reverse lockout and reverse light switch. I ground the reverse light switch guards a few times, but apparently not enough. I also tried hammering enough space for the reverse lockout, but I couldn't get it to move. Leaving it as is and moving on. Plan today is to get headers on, measure for driveshaft, get engine wired. Had to order Water pump bolts because I forgot I needed them.

[ILLSMOQ]

Good job buddy...being one of the first to do this, you get to deal with all the unforeseen hurdles...wish we could do more to help ya.

[DustinS]

Thanks. Hopefully documenting some of the trouble can help others. Minor inconveniences really. It could be much worst.

Now I have my grandpa asking why I haven't just ordered the turbos for it yet Need to get used to 500 first

[MRS-Colin]

Originally Posted by DustinS

Thanks. Hopefully documenting some of the trouble can help others. Minor inconveniences really. It could be much worst.

Document everything! Any info is more info.

[wooly35]

I have the same issue with the transmission mounts. only one hole lined up, the other three were off a bit. Gonna have to loosen all bolts and try and fit it together.

[Zer0]

I was looking at your speed sensor interface issue. Can the retainer be taken off so you could turn it 180° then reinstall the retainer? I will look at it on my transmission tomorrow if it's not at a point where it's accessable for you , and see maybe if I can give any thoughts on it once it's in front of me.

[DustinS]

Note sure on that. Possibly. I might be able to get a dremel in there and cut the mount down without taking the transmission out.

I didn't get a whole lot done yesterday as I had to work on my brother car again. I managed to get the driveshaft measurement done, and hood pins installed.

Drive shaft from Diff Flange face to rear of transmission case is 44 1/4". Diff Flange Face to end of tail shaft is 44 1/8". Hopefully get the driveshaft by the end of the week.

[all4spl]

all these problems you're running into questions if spending the extra on the vorshlag kit is worth it.

[DustinS]

Originally Posted by all4spl

all these problems you're running into questions if spending the extra on the vorshlag kit is worth it.

I'm not the only one with issues with the transmission mount either. It's a fight, and the sway bar doesn't fit like it does on CX Racing mounts.

They look good and feel solid... Counts for something right...

Also found ANOTHER thing that needs cut out/spot welds drilled out.

Went in to order my driveshaft from a local company(of which I am second guessing my length now - measured 44 1/8" from diff flange to end of transmission case today. If that measurement was off yesterday, does that mean my measurement for how far the output shaft sticks out of case is off? Won't have time to check until after work). I double checked Vorshlag to see what their driveshaft looked like just for myself. Noticed they cut out the brace right above the tailshaft. Which isn't noted in the pictures that I can find... Erg. So I am pretty sure engine/trans comes back out...



Quote on a one piece aluminum driveshaft came back at $437.13. Not bad at all. They told it should be ready on Friday.

I also got ARP water pump bolts (because I didn't realize I didn't have any - and matches all the other stainless hardware included on engine), and Holley Spark Plug Wires to fit header. I'll get both of those hopefully installed tonight.





Depending on how long it takes for my brothers car to get done today, I hope to get headers flipped around to correct orientation, driver side modified, wiring started.

[all4spl]

im half tempted to see if I can get WGP to get something setup for me and see if their service is any better.

[DustinS]

I have a friend with the Tilton/Wilwood Master to Honda Master adapter, Seeing if he can measure the mounting hole distances and angles for me to see if they are the same. This may be the solution on a master cylinder mount without needing custom parts made or waiting for Vorshlag.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by DustinS

Quote on a one piece aluminum driveshaft came back at $437.13. Not bad at all. They told it should be ready on Friday.

I also got ARP water pump bolts (because I didn't realize I didn't have any - and matches all the other stainless hardware included on engine), and Holley Spark Plug Wires to fit header. I'll get both of those hopefully installed tonight.


Depending on how long it takes for my brothers car to get done today, I hope to get headers flipped around to correct orientation, driver side modified, wiring started.

Dustin man you're flying doing this swap!! That DS price is not bad at all!!

The Spark Plug wires are Holley 561-100?

Great great job! Really following and taking your advice.

[DustinS]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy83

Dustin man you're flying doing this swap!! That DS price is not bad at all!!

The Spark Plug wires are Holley 561-100?

Great great job! Really following and taking your advice.

I'm trying haha. Not without the bumps in the road.

Yes sir you are correct.

Got a little bit of work done last night. I rechecked the driveshaft length and found it was 43 3/4" from end of tailshaft to diff flange, or at least this time it was haha.

Got the headers flipped around and the driver side cut. Made a slight mistake as it slipped a tiny bit in the saw and started cutting crooked, so that will need a little more attention with the welder.







It is still a very tight fit between the merge and steering shaft, 2.5" tubing is all that is going to fit, and that is still going to be a bit of work. (couldn't get a good shot last night as it was a bit too dark)

Passenger side has more than enough room for anything you could need.

[all4spl]

So are you keeping 2.5" for both sides or are you going to do an adapter?