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Thread: LSx Engine + T56 Magnum in a Roadster

  1. #1
    Senior Member Its Bruce's Avatar
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    LSx Engine + T56 Magnum in a Roadster

    Now that my build is up and running, I wanted to create a thread to capture my journey of installing an LS3 stroker and any questions others may have in pursuing what I believe to be the best bang for the buck engine package available. I grew up in a family of Fords and drove/wrenched a '65GT and '88GT from HS through college. Many years after that, I found myself in a C5 Z06 that I modified with a supercharger + cam + alcohol injection. It was amongst that in which I purchased HP Tuners and learned how to wrench on and tune the LSx platform.

    Specifics of the build:

    Engine - BluePrint Engines 427 ci LS3 (package)
    ECU - GMPP E67 Connect & Cruise with DBW (package)
    Trans - T-56 Magnum (TUET11009) (package)
    Clutch - McLeod twin disk (package)
    Bellhousing - steel scatter shield (package)
    Shifter - Hanlon Motorsports midshift conversion
    Shift Lever - Hurst 5197 (ref. https://core-shifters.com/collection...oe-knob-thread)
    Headers - Gas-N custom 1-7/8" primaries bare SS (Georgie's Frankenstein jig made two trips between MA and TX)
    Engine Mounts - Dirty Dingo Mustang 1996-2004 LS Ford Upgrade Conversion Mounts (ref. https://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/prod...Cancelled=true)
    Oil Dipstick - flexible eBay LSx dipstick

    Parts layout for engine install:

    20221119_091032.jpg

    Power unit ready for install:

    20221119_091026.jpg

    Big throttle body:

    20221119_111311.jpg

    ECU installed and modified to add wire for reverse lockout ground wire:

    20221112_055152.jpg 20221112_055147.jpg

    DBW go pedal installed with custom bracket:

    IMG_20220924_183213.jpg IMG_20220924_183153.jpg

    It fits:

    20221119_172421.jpg

    I ran -6AN PTFE lines for the PS and a regular -10AN for the reservoir back to the pump:

    20221128_201738.jpg

    I ran the GMPP bulkhead to the cockpit to capture:

    • Tach signal
    • Vehicle speed sensor (for cruise control)
    • Reverse lockout wire (activates solenoid to allow reverse at speeds <3 mph)
    • Throttle position signal to allow my WB 02 gauge to only light up during power enrichment scenarios
    • Ignition cut off wire for electrical disconnect
    • Check engine light on dash


    20221219_155652.jpg

    Continued...
    Last edited by Its Bruce; 07-21-2023 at 11:55 PM.
    MK4, 427LS3, IRS, T56 Magnum, Wilwoods

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  3. #2
    Senior Member Its Bruce's Avatar
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    I also ran the OBD2 port to under the dash on the passenger side to facilitate having my laptop in the passenger seat for logging/tuning. The stereo connection is my analogue WB 02 sensor output:

    20230721_102615.jpg

    Radiator is Summit universal triple bypass 2 row #SUM-380328-3 with FFR fan and my own aluminum bent fan shroud:

    20230719_201700.jpg IMG_20211010_183706.jpg IMG_20211016_221350.jpg

    I purchased various Amazon/eBay aluminum tubing sections to connect the radiator, along with a bead roller to make sure the couplings would seal with the T-bolt clamps:

    20230114_134039.jpg 20230114_133958.jpg

    The diff is an 8.8 aluminum IRS with 3.55 gears and Eaton Truetrac (all put together by me):

    IMG_20211218_124114.jpg 20141229_224333.jpg

    Custom made solid aluminum diff bushings:

    IMG_8309.jpg

    Custom made 3.5" steel driveshaft with 1350 u-joints, utilizing Action Machine 3-2-949 Flange Yoke and a 31 spline slip yoke for T56 Magnum:

    20230127_142010.jpg
    Last edited by Its Bruce; 07-21-2023 at 10:49 AM.
    MK4, 427LS3, IRS, T56 Magnum, Wilwoods

  4. #3
    Senior Member Its Bruce's Avatar
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    With that, I'm happy to field any questions/concerns others may have about using the LSx platform.

    IMG-20230704-WA0005.jpg

    I'll note - these are old roll around tires. Final-ish alignment is planned for next week and I'll order new R888R's afterwards.
    Last edited by Its Bruce; 07-25-2023 at 12:57 PM.
    MK4, 427LS3, IRS, T56 Magnum, Wilwoods

  5. #4
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    That's for the write-up Bruce. This is an interesting build.

    I'm planning a Coupe build and am considering going the LS3 route. I'm curious - what are your reasons for substituting custom parts for kit items, like the engine mounts, drive shaft, and radiator? Do you feel the kit items are inadequate?

    Thanks

    - Jim

  6. #5
    Senior Member Its Bruce's Avatar
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    Jim, the very simple answer is that I ordered my kit in 2014 and FFR didn't offer those LS items at the time. I spent a few years living outside of the country between now and then, which is why I'm so late on the build. I believe the FFR headers are 1-3/4 primary, which I probably would have forgone anyway due to power level expectations. I would expect the mounts, driveshaft and radiator would all work well. Connections between the LS and the radiator would still probably end up being custom.
    MK4, 427LS3, IRS, T56 Magnum, Wilwoods

  7. #6
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    Thanks for the response. Wow, yeah I suppose a lot has changed since 2014. I'm happy to hear you're now able to get back into the project. Best of luck to you for the rest of your build

  8. #7

    Steve >> aka: GoDadGo
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    Bruce,

    You're really making me want to do another Dark Side Build!
    I can't wait to see your car when you post your graduation pics.
    Good Luck & God's Speed!

    Steve
    Last edited by GoDadGo; 07-22-2023 at 09:18 AM.

  9. #8
    Senior Member Its Bruce's Avatar
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    Thanks all for the encouragement.

    Steve - do it!

    Update: Alignment complete. Bring forth the caster! It drives/steers like a dream. Does anyone else have experience with 9° caster? I cut down the rear sleeves but didn't cut the fronts. With the fronts as-is, that's the lowest we could get.

    20230725_100352.jpg 20230725_075602.jpg
    Last edited by Its Bruce; 07-25-2023 at 08:15 PM.
    MK4, 427LS3, IRS, T56 Magnum, Wilwoods

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