LS Swap Regrets

[@erizfolkz31]

This is still my favorite model Camaro. Beautiful car.

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks! Yeah they get bad rap sometimes but I live the platform

[@benjytheframer2781]

Your car is sweet, i am planning to do a camero project, and your videos really help, i dont have the car yet, am just getting the feeling for all the work that goes into it, but i feel optimistic already about ti, thank you so much for shearing your your thoughts and experiences with the car :)

[@davebarron5939]

Couldn't agree more on the Vintage Air, that is what I will do just no room, and I worry about heat trap. This type of video is so good for those of us who are still slowly doing our builds, super helpful. Thanks.

[@FireballMullet]

Glad it was helpful! Yeah now Vintage Air has 3rd gen specific products that makes it a great fit. I just hate to tear into all that at this point of the project lol

[@wesleycator7682]

Love the transparency! Thanks for taking your time explaining the journey. Enjoy this cruising season 2024!

[@FireballMullet]

Thank you! You too! I always appreciate your comments bud! Have a great day!

[@jasondambra196]

If you really wanna get your speedometer to work, just send out your T56 tail housing and you can slide the stock T5 speedo gear right on the output shaft of the T56. That’s what I did. forget that digital Dakota BS. Wiring it, and then finding a place for it when your cable can plug directly into it just like the stock T5. Because they use the 7/8” bullet unlike the automatics that have the 2” housing

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

You’re absolutely correct about the budget! One trick I found that helps me with my budget: (pay attention now, this is important!) 1. STICK TO THE BUDGET! 2. When a part “comes along, out of the blue”, that’s a great deal and you couldn’t normally afford it, but here’s your chance, then just say to yourself “ Fu$$ it!, this is my build, and I’m doing it to make me (and possibly my family) happy, and this will be awesome, I’m doing it!!!” 3. Throw off any guilt, and remember: VERY FEW custom cars that are truly great are built on a budget that “stays in/under budget”. If you’re going to say ‘Custom Car shops regularly finish cars at/around budget’, that’s only true because they have‘Profit’ built into the budget. If it costs them more to build the car (and it has had no customer-desired changes) than they make less profit.😮 Remember: building a custom car is not about how much you paid. Price is rarely the number people will want to know about when you are at a show or event. The‘Snowball effect’ is real! I started out wanting to build a “stockish” ‘89 GTA With a 6.0 LS2 and a T56. I figured I would track it at SCCA on the weekends…. When looking at the SCCA/NASA Rulebook to make sure I would have no problem getting through “tech”, I realized that the LS swap and the subframe connectors, plus the extremely modified suspension and interior (no rear seats, but has carpet “hush panels”) I realized it put me into a “Shark” class! I don’t have to be in first place at every event, mind you, but I wouldn’t be happy coming in DEAD-LAST at every single event!!! It’s a class, that, depending upon turnout, could easily put me up against Porsche RSR’s, Pagani Zonda, McLaren, Caterham, etc. You get the picture 😂😂😂. Now: Twin Precision 78mm Turbos, BTR ‘Twin-Turbo’ stage 3 cam, Forged stroker crank, Forged Stroker H-Beam Connecting Rods, Forged pistons, Twin Air-To-Water(chilled) intercoolers, Fabricated ‘Sheet metal’ intake (I actually got this because it performs almost EXACTLY as well as the TBSS intake, while looking somewhat like a Tuned-port intake system, with it’s eight polished runners.) titanium valves, beehive double springs, roller rockers, ‘LS7’ lifters, miles of black stainless E85 safe fluid lines, three Aeromotive 450 pumps. (One is a spare). Three inline -8 AN fuel filters (yep, one is a spare.) As far as a budget goes. Take your most reasonable estimate and double it. Then add a few thousand. That should get you close….

[@FireballMullet]

Love the comment! Thanks for taking the time to contribute! Yeah it’s a balance of it will be easier now versus later the then the budget is quickly gone!

[@crw3673]

Nice video and great content. Everything you said was 100% relatable to those who has done any type of engine swap.👌

[@FireballMullet]

Glad you liked it! I’ve been wanting to do this video for a while, hopefully help those in the process!

[@noo4pass]

My 82 berlinetta gets so much attention. Without the IROC ground effects, its lowered stance along with the inward curve along the bottom has that "tucked" look of cars of the 60's. It's original gold metal flake is finally coming back in to style. Wish I had the money to do half what he's done. Love your ride.

[@FireballMullet]

I really like Berlinettas! That would be next Camaro if I ever add one!

[@pacolicious]

Yesss first comment haha. Love your vids and happy Easter

[@FireballMullet]

Haha congrats on first comment! Thanks and happy Easter!!

[@hathorndl]

I have a 85 IROC that I am considering Swapping. Thanks for the input and I hear you loud and clear on your last regret..MO MONEY.!!

[@dreece2000]

Have you thought about wrapping the headers

[@Dirtydeesdigital]

My own little regret is not ordering my 9" narrowed a bit to give the rear wheels a deeper dish. I didnt realize what i had done until the wheels showed up from weld and i put them on. Fitment is glorious but the deeper dish could have been sweet

[@FireballMullet]

Wheels, offset and rear width gets easy to miss sometimes, I wish I ordered my wheels 6.5” backspace instead of 6.25” for my rear US Mags.

[@timwagner5452]

This was a great video Stan! The only suggestion that I would have to someone thats gonna build a car and make decent hp instead of the terminator x get the dominator. Especially if you’re gonna boost it. It’s more pricey and doesn’t come with a harness, but if you’re gonna dump a lot of money in the engine, then you’re gonna want the best engine management system out there. I got a harness from HCR innovations. It’s one of the best if not the best harness on the market. Thanks for videos, keep them coming! When are you gonna have another rate my third gen video? My car is still in project mode going on year 3 but should be on the road this summer!

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks for adding that! Yeah I definitely agree on that setup for sure! I was actually just thinking about the rate my ride series this morning. I kneed to get more video submissions to release another one

[@timwagner5452]

Maybe I’ll submit a video. It’s still in project mode but getting there. Are you going to Carlisle this year?

[@bhcamaro2002]

Hope all is well man Happy Easter

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks for watching! Happy Easter!!

[@petershaver5006]

I just bought a 92 rs 305 700r4, two owner car, zero rust, mostly original. Needs a few minor repairs but looks and runs great.

[@FireballMullet]

Nice! Sounds like a nice ride! Keep us posted on it! Thanks for watching

[@ClassicSteelGarage]

You ain't lying about the snowball effect lol. I started adding up my 86 camaro build and I felt so sick i just stopped adding lol

[@FireballMullet]

Haha , it’s real!!! It’s just hard not to justify expanding the scope of the project sometimes. Thanks for watching

[@NexusCapital]

I did a LS2 T56 swap in my car and can relate to alot of these points. Put a BTR stage 2 cam, lsx fast intake, speed engineering long tube headers. She put just under 500 to the rear wheels and I’m happy… for now lol😂 We used PSI for the wiring harness but I agree I would have done all Holley if I do it again. Which I am with a 5.3 in a 77 K10 right now. Went Terminator X. I as well didn’t have a working Speedo for awhile, tried the intellitronix digital gauges but realized they needed new sending units and didn’t really like them so got some Dakota digital classic looking black and white ones. Installing next week. Went with C5 brakes and have the stock 9 bolt still but may go with Ford 9” in the future. It never ends you know. Thanks for the content Stan, always like these detail videos and makes me feel better your cars not perfect in your mind because I have those little perfectionist tendencies with my own! Hope all is well. Happy Easter.

[@FireballMullet]

Sounds like a great setup! Thanks for watching and being part of the community! Yeah, I wish I could let the little things go lol

[@J2A61]

I pulled the plastic off of the passenger side wheel well so the tire is exposed and built a box out of 1/2 plexiglass and built a somewhat box I’ll email you a picture

[@sodak3427]

You need 4th gen overflow and windshield washer bottles.. plenty of vids on you tube on those.. get rid of the big stock bottles.. and as for the intake.. get a water sock for it.. no worries in the rain.

[@FireballMullet]

I actually had a 4th gen bottle I was going to do. At first, I hated these stock ones when I did the swap but now I love them being “stock” looking lol … I know it’s really weird. I’ll look into the sock

[@sodak3427]

@@FireballMullet Just saying that would free up some room to mount your ecm.

[@SniperMan5858]

In the beginning stages of LS swapping my 92' ! Excited, but I def blew through my budget already 😅. Dropping an LS1 in for now, LS3 will be in the future! I did go with vintage air, Dakota digital gauges, a tubular k member, and tubular A Arms right off the bat. Wasn't the plan but it's easier to do it now while it's all out and it'll all stay in when the LS3 goes in!

[@FireballMullet]

That’s the battle, easier while you are there but project budget is headed for hell lol

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

Oh. For Relays, get some nice 100A Potter&brumfield, or Bosch units. I was having this problem, especially with my cars that have Flex-a-lite fans. Haven’t had to change a relay since. What happens, is the cheaper relays get “Arc-Flash” every time they are actuated. This is sort of like the small spark you see when you touch (or ALMOST TOUCH, because it happens a microsecond BEFORE you actually touch it!) something when you are charged. When the contacts in a relay are coming together, there is a microsecond where the electricity “jumps” the gap in between the two contacts inside the relay. That “Arc-flash” causes very small carbon burns on both contacts. Eventually, both contacts get so fouled by carbon from the arc flashes that they will no longer make the connection. It might even make the clicking sound (the sound of the two contacts coming together via the electromagnet) but the connection is not good enough anymore. Items that draw a lot of amperage on start up (like Flex-A-Lites fan motors) will speed up the process. Better, higher amperage relays don’t seem to suffer from early failure, as quickly as the cheap ones do.

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks for the tip on the relays, I’ll try them out!

[@Dirtydeesdigital]

Oh! I want cruise control back!

[@FireballMullet]

I’ll figure it out and do a video hopefully soon. Thanks for watching

[@wsttxC10_454]

Oh brotha my hats off to ya bubba, I'm a truck guy and complain every time I gotta swap spark plugs due to no space but after seeing your setup in that 3rd gen I don't think I can LoL that motor is really shoehorned in there hahaha 😂 that being said that car looks and sounds awesome brotha

[@FireballMullet]

Haha yeah I can do all but that back plug… plugs last me quite a while but I dread changing them. Thanks for watching bud!

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

I’m mostly through the build of my ‘89 GTA. I went and smoothed my firewall on the passenger side and put a classic Air unit in, under the dash. I don’t have inner fenders or shock towers anymore. I went to a hand fabricated upper-lower A-Arm setup, with coilovers. Using a UMI LS-swap road race K-member. My entire front structure is tubular, so no battery trays or anything like that is in the way. I have two intercoolers (Air-to-chilled water), one on each side, in front of the front wheels. In testing, my 4thgen column communicates just fine with the cruise control system. It moves the vane on my dbw throttle body, all through simulation. I am using a factory L99 ecm though…. I am using a LS2 (that thinks it’s a Camaro LS3 because I am using a 6L80e). For fresh air I got a Tracspec corvette center vent, mounted it right over where the original “nostrils” were on the T/A 4-vent hood and I am TIG welding a sealed box that will seal against the underside of the hood when it’s closed. It will then plumb to my front mounted twin-turbos. I haven’t built this part yet. Still not 100% sure this won’t scoop water into my Turbos by accident…. This is a pro touring build, not a show car.

[@FireballMullet]

Sounds like a great build! You should submit it as a video, check out my series Rate My Subscribers 3rd Gen”

[@stoneyswolf]

This is why I'll probably never do an LS swap on my 2000 S10 Xtreme. It would be a sick ride but I drive it every day. The 4.3 isn't the most powerful but it's reliable and having everything working is a must. I got a 64 Chevelle with a 406 and I'm building a 496 for my 55 Chevy but those aren't daily drivers. Although 25 years ago my 406 Chevelle was my daily when gas was cheap and I didn't care about AC and cruise control. Who knows next year my S10 will be emissions exempt so I might change my mind but for now I don't want the hassle.

[@FireballMullet]

I’m kinda feeling the same with my 2001 two door ZR2 blazer. I picked up a used motor to replace the 4.3. I may do a nice bottom end and give it a little build and call it done!

[@stoneyswolf]

@@FireballMullet I was thinking a little bit of a cam will wake up the 4.3 and hopefully no computer problems come up. Just keep it simple and have a reliable daily.

[@chevyowner02]

It's hard to find a good exhaust shop anymore.

[@FireballMullet]

It really is…. I’m thinking of opening a custom one up lol

[@kyleholloway1983]

Hey Stan! Love your videos. Have a quick question. You referenced the setback motor mounts. Was this necessary for the ctsv lid to fit under the stock hood? I am about to put a CTSV blower on my ls3 in an Iroc and looks like the hood isn’t going to close with the mounts I currently have. I do have a UMI k member I may try but that’s a ton of work lol.

[@FireballMullet]

Yes, I have the ICT setback plates with the small black Chevy clamshells, but I have to tell you this lid really doesn’t fit under the hood. It still touches the hood under heart acceleration so I think if I were to do it over either drop the K member with a spacer, but then you have to consider exhaust clearance issues more. or go with an aftermarket billet lid that’s shorter, and will fit for sure. By the way, I’m running the stock member.

[@WickPerformance]

What transmission are you using?

[@FireballMullet]

Tremec Magnum F 6speed

[@WickPerformance]

@@FireballMullet very nice.. Im getting ready to attempt an LSA with 6L90 install in an 86 .

[@cndctrdjful]

Great info as always

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks for the feedback and watching the channel!!!

[@liljenkies]

I have a LT5 and I just bought a really clean 9k mile RS. What are your thoughts on that? Would it fit and is that too much motor for a 3rd gen?

[@FireballMullet]

I’m not too familiar with swapping that platform but sounds like with a little bit of fab experience, would be a cool setup!

[@JasonMcCord-qk3yb]

Some of you should look into an electric A/C compressor. I have a really nice ICT Billet A/C bracelet (for a Sanden 508 compressor) I might just use what I have, for now, as the new Sanden is fully ’show’ polished. Those electric compressors are pretty sweet. Maybe when the compressor takes a dive, I’ll convert them. I have a vintage air evaporator/Heater core/ blower unit that fits easily under the dash, and blows about twice as much as the factory unit did. The only ‘downside’ is that you no longer have the ability (At least, with the universal version) to change the way/place the air comes out. This can be rectified, but honestly, I just don’t care about that. It will come out of the dash vents, and that’s all I want. I will probably plumb it in a way that a small amount of air is pumped to the dash defrost and floor vents. That should be easy, I believe. On the power steering, Volvo has had electric power steering for over a decade, on some models. Also, Mazda does too, on certain models. There are a few good videos on KZbin, where thirdgen owners detail the installation of these units. I am going “Hydroboost” my GTA’s brakes, so that will probably make electric power steering a mistake. Buuuuutt….

[@FireballMullet]

Love all the input! I’m going to get back and comment to these shortly!

[@suped89]

I made almost 800wheel with the 2.5". No idea if it was holding me back though.

[@FireballMullet]

Nice! Yeah that’s very interesting, IMO it’s not worth going bigger for all the issues it causes unless someone is trying to squeeze every hp out

[@ladyj1891]

are you selling your old lsxconcept set up

[@FireballMullet]

Im keep that setup.

[@trichomeboss2731]

I need help with the ls swap for my 85 z28 has a 350 with a T -5 transmission i was wondering does the t 56 bolt right up to the ls ?

[@FireballMullet]

There are 2 types of fbody T56, you have to get the 98-2002 “ls” type to direct bolt on

[@trichomeboss2731]

@@FireballMullet so a 98-02 t-56 will bolt up to a 5.3 motor out of a 01 or 02 Tahoe?

[@FireballMullet]

Yep 👍

[@trichomeboss2731]

@@FireballMullet thanks for the help next I will need to figure out how to run my fuel pump line to the engine and installing the computer and wiring harness

[@FireballMullet]

I have a few videos on all that check it out

[@GPXironczech]

I've got through 3 different ls motors lol and most definitely snow balled. Currently have a ls3 but loses crank signal at WOT and cannot figure out why

[@FireballMullet]

Yep something always comes up and the snowball gets big as hell lol

[@MikeyNDa513]

Nice ride. Just happen to come across your channel. Git a new sub. Just curious did cruise come on a manual ls set up? Not sure I've ever considered cruise on a stick shift car.

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks for the sub!!!! I really appreciate that! Yes it did, it used a cruise control module that was a stepper motor and usually the vss speed signal at its basic setup

[@frankkudlack7794]

Great video! I noticed you had some type of headliner inserts covering your t tops from the inside. Did you make them or order them from somewhere?

[@FireballMullet]

Yep, got them from Hawks Motorsports, makes a WORLD of difference in Florida heat!

[@johndoe-zd9lb]

Snowball is right, since you aired my video on your channel i have dropped in a jegs hp97 5.3 longblock with a bigger cam (and painted it too match exterior colors), almost changed out every suspension component with bmr parts including subframe connectors, done a rear drum to disk baer ss4 brake conversion, bear ss4 front brake install, trap door fuel tank mod, aeromotive fuel pump hanger, pump and regulator...and it never ends, need to rebuild rear axle and change gear ratio from 2.72 to 3.73 next Im all in around 32k, probably a drop in the bucket compared too what youve spent im sure. Happy hotroding

[@FireballMullet]

Nice John! Thanks for update!

[@fredscott9617]

Hey, I've enjoyed watching your build. I have a cigarette lighter for your vehicles year model. I noticed yours missing on the video. I ordered the wrong one by mistake. If you're interested, please let me know, and I can ship it to you. No charge, no strings, just trying to pass it along to a fellow camaro lover.

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks, that is really nice of you! I actually have one in my console, I should put it back in lol thanks for watching!!

[@Thirdgen83]

LSx Matt didn't have any of those problems.

[@FireballMullet]

I’m sure it was all perfect

[@coderedcamaro4812]

Merle haggard said snowball heading to hell. Regrets that you may have are probably forgotten when you get this car on the highway and put it to the floor.

[@FireballMullet]

Very true! I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday about one day owning a super car, but this car is special in its own right!

[@coderedcamaro4812]

@@FireballMullet I have been consumed with owning a corvette but everyone tells me the idea is better than the ownership.

[@Dirtydeesdigital]

Hate to say it but its holley time! My holley hp is in the stock location on the stock tan bracket. I guess haltech but i have no experience with them

[@FireballMullet]

That’s exactly how I wanted this one mounted, unfortunately it’s zip tied under there for now lol.

[@jamesduncan9339]

Have my buddy skip help me spend money on the right heads. Joe Duncan motorsports

[@FireballMullet]

lol you got it

[@charleecee6201]

Sounds like you are regretting your sloppy work more than anything

[@FireballMullet]

I’m actually super happy with it overall being my first swap! Thanks for watching