fast442 cutlass

fast442 cutlass

This is where I will keep track of my build. I am a college student majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and this is what I will like to do in my free time. I plan on having a ls1, ls2, or a lq4 mated with a 4L60E.

Vintage Chief

Thanks for sharing, looking forward to hearing more about your project.

oldcutlass

I moved your thread to the non Olds powered section, you will get more help for your project here.

CRUZN 66

Good luck with your project...

fast442 cutlass

I still haven’t started but I plan to I’m just so hesitant

Vintage Chief

Why not create a list of items you have or need to review based upon several categories i.e. exterior, interior, engine, suspension. As you move forward perhaps create subcategories which you are reviewing i.e. Engine - carburetor, valve covers, intake manifold, compression, AC, generator, belts, pulleys; Exterior - taillight lenses, trunk, hood, windows, doors, hinges, locks; Interior - seats, seat backs, lights, switches, etc., etc.

Maybe create an Excel spreadsheet, Word document, write in a ledger book (with dates, etc.) - something to perhaps get you moving along in a methodical manner which may help to determine where your initial efforts might be.

Good Luck. Tons of folks here to assist you.

oldcutlass

Procrastinators creed, never do anything today that you can put off till tomorrow... Looking forward to following your thread, someday.

fast442 cutlass

One question I have is can I run the stock wiring harness from a LS engine? Or do I have to run a terminator setup?

Loaded68W34

You can modify a stock harness if you have a full harness and computer. You will need to get someone to remove the VATS so you can start it. Look up Ron Francis wiring, you can send them your computer and for about $200 they will remove VATS and can do a few other initial modifications to get you going. What harness and computer will you be using (Camaro, truck, etc)? Once you decide on a harness, you can look up a computer pinout diagram that will give you a list of which wires go to which pins on the computer. Here is the site that I used to wire my 98 camaro PCM and harness https://lt1swap.com/1998_ls1_pcm_pinouts.htm there are others you can find for other computers and harnesses. Also, there are companies that make plug and play harnesses that will have all of this work done for you, just depends what you want to spend and what you skill level is.

fast442 cutlass

I would like to use a corvette computer and harness

ach1992880

One of these FiTech stand alone systems is really worth considering. Self learning saves you a $200 VATS removal or a $600 full dyno tune. There are more intricate and intelligent systems out there like the Holley Terminator, but for a basic LS with maybe a cam and a stock transmission this will get you on the road and enjoying yourself. Figure out a fuel system and exhaust and you're up and running.

https://fitechefi.com/product/ultima...trans-control/

Loaded68W34

Those are interesting. I have an aluminum sheet metal intake on my vista. Fitech makes a system with with a similar intake, injectors, throttle body, and fuel rails for around $1500. They make them for auto and manual transmissions. I have heard mixed reviews about Fitech, but I did buy one of their systems I will be installing at some point. They are one of the few who make a Tri-power fuel injection set up. I bought one that will be going on BBC with a corvette tripower intake in a 67 camaro convertible. Mabey it will be running by the end of 2021 but we will see.

ach1992880

We had some issues with a fitech go efi4 for a while. Their support sucks, but we got it working. The kit I linked works with stock intake and injectors and is about the cheapest way out there to get a junkyard ls up and running. I like that it uses oem sensors and the ecu can be mounted away from the heat and vibration of the engine. I would assume they are simple and rudamentary but work pretty well.

fast442 cutlass

For around the price of the fitech I think ima head in the terminator direction. And I also got a good deal on a bare ls1 block so I will be or will pay to have that built from that on up.

ach1992880

Forgot all about the terminator x series! That is a great way to go!

fast442 cutlass

Got a recommended fuel system I should run?

fast442 cutlass

Also would I be better off buying a ls1 short block for $200 and build that up mildly or should I buy a complete junkyard ls? I don’t plan to go crazy probably just a cam kit and some head work

ach1992880

I am running a tanks inc tank and pump in mine. No issues from it in the years it has been together. There are a lot of options out there, though, including drop in setups from companies like Holley and Aeromotive that are very highly regarded.

Ad far as the engine goes, you will have to decide that. Plenty of guys run a junkyard block with a cam for a bunch of trouble free miles. I used a fresh .030 over 6.0 in my car with forged rods and pistons for peace of mind. Helped a buddy swap in a 6.0 he had rebuilt locally using stock gen4 rods and forged pistons, freshened up heads and a mild truck cam that ended up being really nice and the process cost him roughly $3500.


If you buy a shortblock keep in mind you will need all of the covers, a water pump and accessory drive system, intake, throttle body, injectors and coil packs. You can always pick up a junk 5.3 to rob all of those parts off of, though.