'67 GTO LS3 Swap

[CFster]

Hi, I'm new to this forum - I've mostly been posting over at PT and LS1 tech.

We're in the process of swapping a brand new LS3 into our '67 GTO. We had a 4L60E in it so we're keeping that.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG2807/1061735392_BfwRJ-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG2812/1061735788_Z84UF-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG2808/1061736300_iiais-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0040/1112527445_wKEq3-L.jpg

C5 accessory kit with a Kwik Perf A/C bracket.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0020/1094114869_iSftE-L.jpg

S&P shorty headers and an AutoKraft oil pan. Edelbrock mounts.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0124/1112528038_H3FjU-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9925/1122455357_hpduB-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9938/1122455372_nRWz8-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9933/1122455662_XEZBM-L-1.jpg

It fell in. Piece of cake.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9935/1122455710_JgNTG-L.jpg

The front end came up when we pulled the 400, and barely moved back down with the new motor!

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9937/1122455743_mw3dj-L.jpg

The harness and ECU is from SpearTech.

We have an AFCO radiator coming with built in shroud and fan.

For suspension I've ordered (from SC&C) a front AFX kit with upper and lower arms, and rear upper and lower Currectract arms. Adjustable conventional Varishocks all the way around with new springs. Spohn/SC&C rear Pro-Touring bar and front Hellwig bar.

For brakes we'll be going with C6 Z06 brakes front and rear from Kore3. The calipers are painted silver without the Corvette logo.

For rims I'm thinking of these:

http://driverzinc.com/static/images/productimage-picture-newgen-five-hundred-91_jpg_400x400_q85.jpg

Trying to bring myself to do it though.

The sizes should be:

Front: 18x8 with P245/40r18
Rear: 18x9.5 with P275/40r18

If it stops snowing up here in New England on the weekends we can get busy again (took a break over the holidays). Have to work on plumbing and wiring.

-Colin

[87SS]

Very Nice GTO ! Love the LS3 swap.

I own a 76 T/A......I wish I could do the same......maybe some day!

What are you going to do with the 400 ? Was this car numbers matching ?

Good Luck and welcome to :lateral:


:thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Welcome from another New Englander. Thats a beautiful GTO already and your making some awesome upgrades. Keep the updates coming. Very Nice.

[Bowtieracing]

You cant go wrong with Kore3, best quoality and customer service ever :thumbsup: Really cool and fresh project.

[dinos67's]

Hi, I'm new to this forum - I've mostly been posting over at PT and LS1 tech.

We're in the process of swapping a brand new LS3 into our '67 GTO. We had a 4L60E in it so we're keeping that.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG2807/1061735392_BfwRJ-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG2812/1061735788_Z84UF-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG2808/1061736300_iiais-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0040/1112527445_wKEq3-L.jpg

C5 accessory kit with a Kwik Perf A/C bracket.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0020/1094114869_iSftE-L.jpg

S&P shorty headers and an AutoKraft oil pan. Edelbrock mounts.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0124/1112528038_H3FjU-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9925/1122455357_hpduB-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9938/1122455372_nRWz8-L.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9933/1122455662_XEZBM-L-1.jpg

It fell in. Piece of cake.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9935/1122455710_JgNTG-L.jpg

The front end came up when we pulled the 400, and barely moved back down with the new motor!

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/DSC9937/1122455743_mw3dj-L.jpg

The harness and ECU is from SpearTech.

We have an AFCO radiator coming with built in shroud and fan.

For suspension I've ordered (from SC&C) a front AFX kit with upper and lower arms, and rear upper and lower Currectract arms. Adjustable conventional Varishocks all the way around with new springs. Spohn/SC&C rear Pro-Touring bar and front Hellwig bar.

For brakes we'll be going with C6 Z06 brakes front and rear from Kore3. The calipers are painted silver without the Corvette logo.

For rims I'm thinking of these:

http://driverzinc.com/static/images/productimage-picture-newgen-five-hundred-91_jpg_400x400_q85.jpg

Trying to bring myself to do it though.

The sizes should be:

Front: 18x8 with P245/40r18
Rear: 18x9.5 with P275/40r18

If it stops snowing up here in New England on the weekends we can get busy again (took a break over the holidays). Have to work on plumbing and wiring.

-Colin

Your build looks awesome I am running the same motor as you and had some questions that I want to ask of you. Before buying some stuff that may not work so any help would be great.

[CFster]

No problem, ask away or pm or whatever.

Just bear in mind I've gotten as far as dropping the motor in and that's it. I have a pile of parts and more coming, but am trying to find time to work on the car. It's been a little hectic the past few weeks.

[CFster]

The Kore3 brakes came in and they're enormous:

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0131/1162150797_9diGd-XL.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0139/1162150971_G6L3N-XL.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0136/1162150923_mqcAm-XL.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0146/1162150950_ofJpL-XL.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0148/1162151033_aYVAM-XL.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/IMG0129/1162150802_D9Y5b-XL.jpg

[LowchevyII]

i didnt know you could get the calipers in silver unless you painted them yourself. in anycase, they look great

[CFster]

PBR supplies GM. Kore3 can get the calipers (basically off the assembly line) before they're painted red and the "Corvette" is put on.

[XcYZ]

Looks great, nice car. :cheers:

FWIW, I'm using the same brake setup. That finish on the rotors will start looking nasty, so I had the hat area powdercoated. Very cheap and effective. Since they're brand new, it might be something worth considering. :thumbsup:

[CFster]

Scott, I never heard of somebody doing that. Just the raised part of the hat, or all the way to where the friction surface starts? What color are yours?

-Colin

[XcYZ]

I did the hat up to close to where the friction surface starts. Here's a pic (http://www.lateral-g.net/g69/front_suspension/frame_swap_109.jpg). I was initially concerned about heat, but the shop that did it has done numerous race car rotors, so I thought I'd do it. After 10,000 miles, they still look great.

[CFster]

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-RRC3Kcr/0/X2/P1060554-X2.jpg

Dana 60 looks small with those mammoth brakes on there...

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-6SZcVbz/0/X2/P1060550-X2.jpg

[waynieZ]

Thats a beautiful set of brakes. Any updates?

[CFster]

Nothing in the past few days. Hope to get more done next week.

[FarrOut]

thats a sweet car

[CFster]

Got the suspension mostly done. Still have to install swaybars and align it.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-JF4XKXJ/0/X2/IMAG0163-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-fn5jTVf/0/X2/P1060565-X2.jpg

Still trying to figure out ride height. The initial height with the SPC springs had it slammed (in my opinion).

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-43dNmBQ/0/X2/P1060566-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-9FfThXR/0/X2/P1060570-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-Ws2swRr/0/X2/P1060569-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-ctZcSrD/0/X2/P1060571-X2.jpg

We raised it an 1.5" on the lift and I think that's where I like it. The SPC LCAs come with shims so the front shouldn't be a problem, but for the rear I'll have to get spacers.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-T8zTnch/0/X2/P1060572-X2.jpg

[cencalc6]

You did a Very Nice job on that GTO :thumbsup:

Only thing I would do different is the tail pipes,maybe tuck them closer to the bumper or delete them.....just an oponion!

[CFster]

Thanks.

Roger that on the pipes. They don't belong. I think they should exit behind the wheels...

[waynieZ]

Its looking great, Nice looking wheels

[LanceL]

Love the car. Love the wheels!! I thought the lower ride height is awesome!

[LanceL]

What wheel and tire combo/size etc. is that? Looks like it says Boyd's? If it is that is the best looking Boyd's wheel I have ever seen.

[CFster]

What wheel and tire combo/size etc. is that? Looks like it says Boyd's? If it is that is the best looking Boyd's wheel I have ever seen.

F- 18x8 P245/40-18
R -18x9 P275/40-18

They're Boyd's PT-09's.

For not a lot of money either (relatively speaking as far as other options out there).

Frank at Prodigy hooked me up. Also supplied me with a rear-end that was slightly narrowed to give a little more dish to the wheels.

[CFster]

Love the car. Love the wheels!! I thought the lower ride height is awesome!

Yeah me too. This shot is killer, but perhaps not too practical. I'll have to see how it drives...

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-9FfThXR/0/X2/P1060570-X2.jpg

[LanceL]

Thanks for the reply. I just put a Moser M9 housing in my brother in laws 64 gto but it is a drag setup. His wheelwell lip is just over the whell like yours but a 15 inch drag wheel and tire. I would love to do a 65 goat or tempest/lemans with a G setup. LS1 with a turbo. Thinking about it hard. God that wheel/tire setup you did just looks killer!!

[CFster]

Got the ride height where I think we want it. Savitske's suspension is awesome - I think we're going to have to put some seats in it. I almost ended up in the passenger seat while cornering!

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-3XNV7tS/0/X3/P1060587-X3.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-Bn6bbmK/0/X3/P1060590-X3.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-DmsCRmF/0/X3/P1060579-X3.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-MC7rwx7/0/X3/P1060591-X3.jpg

[waynieZ]

It looks great.

[Tuske427]

Awesome project! Though I'd throw in a 6 speed manual :)

[CFster]

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-LHfwnRH/0/X2/1312470256283-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-R66kZjJ/0/X2/1312470116661-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-BJKZZsX/1/X2/1312470169113-X2.jpg

[BanditDave]

NOYCE!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[strtcar]

Nice looking car, love the steering wheel with paddles.

[CFster]

Put some proper tail pipes on:

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-9Cg93gC/0/X2/IMAG0232-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-C73n8mg/0/X2/IMAG0249-X2.jpg

[CFster]

Also some engine covers. I haven't really figured out what color scheme I'm going to use, but I'd like the covers, intake tube and possibly a radiator fill panel to be the same. I'd like to find somebody who can put some lettering on the covers - like P O N T I A C and then L S 3 underneath or something.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-k9z8cNp/0/X2/P1060613-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-5k2nvwg/0/X2/P1060614-X2.jpg

[CFster]

My paddle shift doesn't work. It's sending signal to the box that's wired into my Compushift but the transmission isn't responding...

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-kgwPzpq/0/X2/P1060616-X2.jpg

[rfrankb4]

Who makes those coil covers?

[CFster]

?

No coil overs on this ride...

[Garage Dog 65]

I think he meant the engine coil covers.

Jim

[rfrankb4]

Also some engine covers. I haven't really figured out what color scheme I'm going to use, but I'd like the covers, intake tube and possibly a radiator fill panel to be the same. I'd like to find somebody who can put some lettering on the covers - like P O N T I A C and then L S 3 underneath or something.


http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-5k2nvwg/0/X2/P1060614-X2.jpg

These are what I was asking about. They look great. I am looking for a set that will work with my Kwik brackets and was planning on modifying some Corvette ones to read Chevelle instead but those would be great if they are not a one off piece.

A lot of people on here do not run them obviously but I do not want to mount the coils on my recently smoothed firewall so something there to hide the coils, fuel rails and wiring would clean up the swap.

[rfrankb4]

also If you took any other pictures of your AFCO radiator with fan and shroud I would love to see a few more pictures and hear what you think of it so far.

My current radiator has the inlet on the drivers side as with most chevelle radiators and while I already have it plumbed it is very tight with my air cleaner tube as it runs to the drivers side win front of the wheel.

I have been looking at a new radiator that would clean up my fan and shroud system (currently set up with a modified 2000s F body set of fans) as well as giving me more room for the intake.
Afco Radiators are reasonably priced for good quality based on my past experiences but it seems that people want a massive premium for a radiator with a decent shroud.

Thanks
Frank

[CFster]

Covers are from these guys --> http://www.roto-fab.com/

They made up a bare set for me because they didn't offer any to clear my Kwik bracket A/C. I had to notch that out. Now I'm going to see about getting some lettering and powdercoating. Probably do the intake tube to match. Possibly something over the top of the radiator support - similar to the original fan guard that was there in that it would extend over the radiator.

I already got one of these too from Undercover Innovations, though I haven't put it on yet -->

http://www.undercoverinnovations.com/optional/66-7%20GTO/67GTO.jpg

Here's another view of the radiator -->

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/P1060116/1220589390_2n2M8-X2.jpg

It cools adequately, but the fan is kind of loud.

[rfrankb4]

Thank you for the information. Gave me a few other items to put on my list of stuff to do to clean up this install.

I like the look of those coil covers. They are a bit more than wanted to spend but given how good they look I might have to bite the bullet.

[CFster]

Decided to go with a slightly taller tire (45 vs. 40). I think they fill up the wells a little better and made a big difference in ride.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-9jbS98x/0/X2/IMAG0302-X2.jpg

[tapps33]

Rookie member to the forum here, I just purchased (finally) a 67 GTO convertible. Amazingly enough, the picture I've had in my head for what I wanted to do when (if) I ever got my own is pretty much exactly the look that you've created with yours! FYI, it's freaking beautiful! The question I've got is whether or not you had any fitment issues with the rear 9"tires? I've been trying to look at several different forums to figure out the widest/best combo in the back as I want to make this thing hug the curves as much as possible. (Current plan is to drop a corvette C5 IRS in the back....we'll see, got a lot of geometry to do first) Did you have to tub your rear wells, or trim the fender lip at all? Just curious as I've got to replace the passenger rear quarter on the one I purchased and I figure if I'm in there cutting and welding I might as well do it all at once! Thanks for the advice, and again, your GTO is "wicked sweet!"

[CFster]

tapps33, thanks for the compliment.

Not much rubbing in the back. If I load the car with four people then there might be an issue, but that's the name of the game I guess. Just have to nail the backspacing. Though, if you're going to go IRS making room for tires will be the least of your problems!

Good luck, and looking forward to seeing a build thread!

[tempered]

how much trouble was it to get that trans in the car with the pontiac motor

[tapps33]

Tempered, I'm not 100% sure you're not talking to me, so just in case:
I haven't started the swap yet, when I do, I will definitely create a build thread. As for the C5 transmission, I'm not carrying it over. I'm in the proces of trying to find a driveshaft adapter plate. (They've been done before...company just went out of business)

If you weren't talking to me, sorry I chimed in.

R,
Chris

[CFster]

how much trouble was it to get that trans in the car with the pontiac motor

Got a adapter plate from Phoenix Transmission and a shifter adapter from Shiftworks. Piece of cake.

-CF

[CFster]

Got some new heim joint swaybar end links courtesy of Marcus at SC&C and Hellwig.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-TPFxSd6/0/X2/Picture-021-X2.jpg

[WSSix]

Gorgeous car. Not sure how I missed your thread as I love Pontiacs. Love the wheel choice. I think it looks great with the paint and goes with the brackets and such under the hood.

[youthpastor]

wow what a transformation! beautiful stance- the taller tires really look good

[CFster]

Thanks guys.

Added some lettering and Pontiac Vibe fender emblems to the coil covers:

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-bH5zKxM/0/X2/IMAG0450-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-Kz7vTHZ/0/X2/IMAG0449-X2.jpg

[tlillard23]

Nice!

[CFster]

Sometimes you just don't know if you don't ask:

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-n4w8VNg/0/X2/2012-07-06-133931-X2.jpg

Also got some bolstered seat foams from TMI Products and had them covered in leather:

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-fm5t8d9/0/X2/2012-07-06-124343-X2.jpg

[waynieZ]

It looks great. The seats look comfortable, it must be fun to drive.

[CFster]

So, I got these bolstered seat foams from TMI Products. They look great, but now you have to be a midget to fit in the car. The cushions are a LOT taller than before. No good.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-fm5t8d9/0/X2/2012-07-06-124343-X2.jpg

So, i tried some Procars. You can see how much lower they are. They're nice, but too tight around the thighs.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-Q6FJmvF/0/X2/IMG0473-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-CsNR5RH/0/X2/IMG0472-X2.jpg

This week I bought a set of 04-06 GTO seats on eBay. They're in really nice condition. I'm sure mounting them will be a challenge though!

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-nwtS5m9/0/X2/IMG0468-X2.jpg

[Jgpclone]

sweet ride its coming along very nice:thumbsup:

[WSSix]

To me, those new GTO seats are very comfortable. Good luck making them fit.

[CFster]

Took some more pics.

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-5S2W5jm/0/X2/P1060711-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-m6KwB7q/0/X2/P1060693-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-vCS67kc/0/X2/P1060702-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-M2WV7MV/0/X2/P1060701-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-MCg7TM4/0/X2/P1060697-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-bgC5Phs/0/X2/P1060695-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-Dr8hhCM/0/X2/P1060708-X2.jpg

[BBC71Nova]

Great looking goat! Love the color.

[214Chevy]

Car looks really great. I bet it's a blast to drive too. Wheels compliment the Goat well. You did good!!:thumbsup:

[wrp]

Absolutely beautiful job. Congratulations

[igoslow]

How did those new seats fit?

[CFster]

Installed some J-pipes. They help with exhaust drone significantly!

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-sQVTc7k/0/X2/P1060753-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-nFkkWVQ/0/X2/P1060754-X2.jpg

http://cfster.smugmug.com/Cars/Restorations/GTO/i-wVJfFTm/0/X2/P1060755-X2.jpg

[66fury]

Please explain the j pipes, are they capped ?or have some special end?

[CFster]

They're capped. What happens is sound waves come into the pipe, then are bounced back in an inverse pattern - which cancels out the noise. Reduces drone considerably. There is a formula to determine what length your j-pipes should be, based on what hertz range you're getting the loudest noise. An easier approach is to order these adjustable ones from Solo Performance. Then it was a little trial and error - loosen the clamps, slide them out 1/2", test drive, repeat.

[67goatman455]

Very nice, i had just read about that method the other day. looking good!

[bonecrrusher]

I was about to mention Solo - but you already did.

My buddy has those on his 2010 Camaro and they sound damn good.