I've started my journey into the LS swap area. My Poncho 400 is made of good parts and has done a great job of taking me this far, now it's time to get some good power to the ground and to make the car more reliable. I bought a GM Performance Crate LS376/515 - this is an LS3 with the LSA Racing cam in it bringing it to a rated power of 533hp and 486tq. It has 871 heads and the Victor Jr intake manifold as opposed to the typical MFI black plastic intake. I want this to work with my shaker and while I could develop a way to mount my shaker with the plastic intake, I just want to keep my shaker functional without fab'ing something up. I will also be using a Holley Terminator LS system to control the ignition and provide Fuel Injection. I am looking forward to all the benefits of FI on this car and to have the computer make the adjustments to keeping it running well and me not having to guess at which secondary rods to use and all the other stuff associated with maintaining a premium tune.
I have bought a new LS conversion radiator to keep it cool and will use 4th gen dual electric fans controlled by the Terminator system. I went to BRPHotrods.com to get the engine mounts and trans crossmember for the T56. The T56 is going to be rebuilt to handle the new power/torque. And I also purchased a AutoWire harness to go to the terminator system and to feed the Dakota Digital gages. I bought a new fuel tank with in tank pump to supply fuel.
At this time I will use the supplied exhaust manifolds and fab a mid-pipe to go from there to the current exhaust. As part of this change over I will also go to a 4 link in the rear to handle the new power- those leaf springs don't stand a chance!
The new crate engine arrives!


I think that Victor Jr intake looks great!

Out of the crate and onto a stand. I have to do this step because the LS376 comes with an oil that doesn't work for 2nd gen F-bodies, and I am installing an Improved racing oil pan baffle to help ensure that the engine is always supplied with oil.

Now for the Current set up...






Soon, the transformation will take place. I am hoping to have it driving again in early Feb., 2019.
Pit crew and security crew!

