Conversion to Turbo LS6 Power Pics **56k Beware**

[Tydriver]

Finally got motivated to do something on Typhoon. Most of you are probably not aware, I am converting the truck to run off a RELIABLE strong motor, I am starting with an LS1 out of a '00 Camaro SS. Going to convert it to an LS6 and eventually throw a turbo or two at it..

With that said, I finally got motivated and did something, I completely stripped down the frame rails with a wire wheel and drill motor setup (wasnt too bad actually). I cleaned up some of GMs scarey looking welds and applied some POR15 to it, (2 coats actually).. Talk about giving you a buzz.. Problem was, it came with what felt like and almost immediate hangover too !!



So since I had to pull off the front differential, it started out with just pushing in some POLY bushings and turned into one of those, "Well, while I am in here, why dont I...... " deals...



So I ended up completely overhauling the entire front differential, the bearings were pretty much shot in them for the differential carrier.



After the bearings were replaced I decided to go with a LOCK-RIGHT locker for it.. Not 100% certain I will be happy with this in the front axle.. I've read and heard good and bad things, I ultimately made the decision based on a conversation I had with a friend that has it in his truck. To the best of my knowledge, he's the only one running it in our application but he swears by it .. Yes, even with the fulltime AWD.



Once the locker installation was completed, I dropped the differential back into the 2 pc diff cases and threw it back into the truck. Overall I am pretty stoked with this and I cant wait to get it running. I hope to try to plug away at this as the weekends allow.

[GMCwantsLS1]

Lookin good! I have the Lock-Right on my rear and it works great, just a bit noisy when it is unlocked. BTW I have dialup and the pics loaded fast so if you like post more!

[stngh8r]

looks great! There is no way i could pull off such a complex project.

[RedHeartbeat]

Yeah, there is something to be said about wearing a paint mask. That hangover effect is painful. Nice job on the front end!! That's gonna be one sweet truck.

[Tydriver]

Originally posted by GMCwantsLS1@Feb 6 2005, 02:58 AM
Lookin good! I have the Lock-Right on my rear and it works great, just a bit noisy when it is unlocked. BTW I have dialup and the pics loaded fast so if you like post more!

FWIW, The directions for the LockRight mention to run 85-140wt oil in to help with the noise, not sure what you used or if it would even help. I just thought I would mention it as a reminder. I put some synthetic valvoline 85-140wt oil in mine. Also, they do mention that its more prominent with a MANUAL equipped vehicle.

As far as the pics are concerned, I tried to compress them as much as possible without losing any image quality.. Glad they are quick to download.

[GMCwantsLS1]

The noise isn't that bad, just the questions from friends "What is that clicking noise"?
I'm running Moble 1 synthetic gear oil, but I don't remember the weight. I've been running it for over 10K miles so I'd like to pull the cover off and see if there is any wear.

Jeff

[Tydriver]

Wahoooooooo More progress, hoping things will move along steadily now.. I've tackled some smaller stuff related to the motor..

I ordered and received a Turbo Specific Camshaft from Futral Motorsports. Here's the cam card:


Also received ARP Head Studs, Cometic Head Gaskets, Ferrea 6000 Series Valves (oversized @ 2.02 and 1.60), titanium retainers and locks and lastly, Comp Cams 918 Springs.


The 6.0L heads and valves are off at the machine shop as we speak, I should be able to pick them up the end of this week. then assemble the valvetrain and throw them on the block in place of the 5.7L heads. (this lowers the compression ratio to a more boost friendly ratio).

The Katech Rod bolts are installed and torqued:



These lil buggers are spendy ass pieces, $160+ shipped for 16 bolts but they are supposed to be the best.. They add a little insurance in the bottom end, from what I have read, the LSx's motors are really good except for the rod bolts (In realistic applications)..


Which leads me to this:

The engine was rotated upside down for cam installation, it makes it easier to deal with the roller lifters not getting in the way..

Once I get the heads back from Indy Cylinder Head its time to throw them on and then the motor will basically be done.


Tomorrow I hope I get a chance to tear into the 4L80e.. I have a bunch of parts I wanna throw at that !!

[RedHeartbeat]

That's gonna be bad ass! Did you use a stretch gauge on the bolts when you torqued them? I did the ARP rod bolts and didn't have one so I had to torque them to something like 80 lbs and then loosen them and retorque like three times to get the stretch ARP wanted. That retorquing was their instructions.

That's a badass oil pan. I think I saw one like that in Popular Hotrodding for like $400.

[Tydriver]

Decided to tear down my 4L80e tonight, I have a long list of goodies going back into it..


Pan removed.....



Contents Removed.....


And you are left with this.....




I cant believe how simple this transmission was to tear down.. Its been a while since I was into the last tranny (TH350) but I swear I dont recall it being this simple.. There wasnt even a single swear word used &#33;&#33; Obviously the buildup wont be as simple or as quick as the tear down because there are things to check/inspect along the way, but for a first timer, I was pretty happy with <3hr teardown (and that includes hanging that heavy biotch in the holder fixture).

[Tydriver]

Got heads back today from Indy Cylinder Head.. Check out the flow sheet :



These are basically lightly ported stock 6.0L heads.. I am going to bolt them to the heads to lower the compression ratio a bit.

I also got a bunch of transmission goodies over the last couple of days.. I think everything I need for the transmission build is finally here.



This is the output sensor and sensor ring assembly as the transmission was originally a 4x4 tranny. I wont be re-using the original Tcase where this is normally located. The 2wd trannys have this already:


High Energy Reverse Band and High Friction Front Band:


Forged Clutch Hub, this replaces the stocker thats stamped, should help out if I decide I wanna throw the Juice at it at sometime:


I am soo excited about this project.. I can hardly contain myself.. Its been a long time coming, but I can see a distant light at the end of the tunnel.. I just hope its not the train :wink: