1989 IROC 305 TPI/ T5 to 6.0 LQ4/ T56

[pop6482]

Starting a thread for my 6.0 swap into my 89 IROC convertible. I bought the car 10 years ago and have been talking about doing the swap for the past few years. The time has finally come!!!!!!! The measly 305 is tired and smokes like a chimney and runs like shit at times. Plus I think my wife's Nissan Altima has more horsepower. I've been reading and buying a lot over the past few months, and I think I am ready to start. Short block is going to Jensen's Engine Technologies in Nescopeck, PA. on Thursday.He does great work and I highly recommend this shop if you are located in Eastern PA. He will disassemble, check the bottom end ,and assemble the engine.

Andy Jensen's Engine Technologies. High performance engine builder in Pennsylvania.

Here is what I'm working with:

ENGINE:
6.0 LQ4 short block (will stay stock)
PRC Stage 2.5 5.3L heads
TSP Torquer V2 232/234 .595/.598 112 LSA
TSP Ported Oil Pump
LS2 Timing Chain
LS6 Intake
LS1 oil pan
Hawks/ Stainless Works LT's 1 3/4 w/3" collector, custom Y & Elec. cutout
stock ls1 clamshells, spohn motor mounts

accessories/sensors/miscellaneous parts (stock LS1)

TRANSMISSION:
2002 T-56 w/ PCM and wiring harness
TICK Master cylinder
Spec Stage 2 Clutch
Spec flywheel
skip shift elim.
HAWKS T-56 swap crossmember
2002 Center console (may or may not use)

Suspension
BMR subframe connectors
UMI torque arm
UMI panhard bar
Eibach sportline springs
BMR strut tower bar

I attained a majority of these parts over the past 3 months. I was patient and found many great deals during Black Friday and also on Ebay and LS1tech's classified forums. I had every intention of finding a donor LS1 car which I'm sure would have been a little bit cheaper, but I feel that I have gotten a number of great deals.
This is my first swap of any motor, so I am going to be learning a lot throughout this entire process. With the help of my brother (cpop98ws6), a few friends and you're input, I'm hoping to have the car on the road this spring. I'm sure there will be a lot of head scratchers and questions throughout this process and I would like to thank you in advance for any input!

Engine goes to the shop Thursday and I'm going to start dismantling the slow, tired and worn out 305 this week. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to get on here to update, but I'll try to include pictures and small descriptions of whats going on.

[pajeff02]

Sounds like you are going to turn your IROC into a certified beast with this swap. Looking forward to some pics.

[pop6482]

I just hope everything goes smooth!

[cpop98ws6]

I hope it goes smooth too, but chances are we will have some kind of problem. But that's to be expected with a build like this.

[Firebirdjones]

Great swap into a smaller lighter platform than a 4th gen. It should be a screamer. I had an 88 L98 350 Iroc, loved that car,,,,,sssshhhhh

Check with Hawks Third Gens, they have done a ton of these swaps and sell all the conversion parts to make your swap a piece of cake.

[pop6482]

I just got my headers and a few other parts from Hawks. I've also been reading a lot on thirdgen.org. There are a bunch of build threads there also.

[TLS_Addict]

Sounds like its goingt o be a hoot to drive.

When do you plan to update the rear....about the 1st power shift? haha

Glad to see you are working on it. Cant wait to see the girl go down the track next spring/summer.

[Knight]

Subscribed.

[SixShooter'00Camaro]

This is awesome! I cant wait for pics and updates. Good luck on everything mang.

[pop6482]

Here are some pics of what I'm working with.....bought an engine hoist last night. Hoping to start ripping into itthis weekend or early next week.

[IMG][/IMG]

[pajeff02]

Looks like Christmas to me!

[pop6482]

Santa Clause......I mean the UPS guy was at my house 3 times last week.

[pop6482]

Spent a few hours in the garage today. This is the easy part!
IMAG0495.jpg

[TLS_Addict]

Awesome...........freaking awesome.

[pop6482]

IMAG0500.jpg

Engine and Trans just came out of the car about an hour ago.
Jensen (engine shop) called today and said that the crankshaft is good, but........pistons and rods are going to need to be replaced. It needs a slight bore and with the stock pistons he said it would be a little sloppy. So I'm going with Manley rods and pistons. Might as well build it strong while it is apart. Nothing like spending more money, but that was to be expected with this build.

Next step is to completely clean the engine bay and trans tunnel while it is still up on the jack stands. I feel like I am ahead of the game being that the motor won't be finished until after the holidays. This will allow me time to prep everything and also save some more cash.

[pajeff02]

Do it once. Do it right. I think that is Kanter's motto and I agree 100%.

[pop6482]

Do it once. Do it right. I think that is Kanter's motto and I agree 100%.

I totally agree with you Jeff! No shortcuts here that is for sure.

[TLS_Addict]

Going to run the same wheels and tires? I cant wait to see this puppy go down the track.

[pop6482]

Same wheels for now. I'm sure later on down the road I'll get some drag rims. Just want to get the car on the road this summer and hopefully save for a rear!

[TLS_Addict]

Same wheels for now. I'm sure later on down the road I'll get some drag rims. Just want to get the car on the road this summer and hopefully save for a rear!

Without question I think you will have it on the road. The rear in it has its days numbered.....lol