Out with the Old and In with the New

Posts : 76 Join date : 2009-03-23

Things to do when you own your 1st Fleetwood!!!

Realize the original engine needs replacement:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ae8drfjxl5b5ehw/2018-10-28%2016.27.29.jpg?dl=0

Remove exhaust and discard:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9eiz1idtg1mv7j7/2018-10-27%2010.38.32.jpg?dl=0

Remove transmission and set aside:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u67eiaguo5mgs0j/2018-10-27%2010.38.15.jpg?dl=0

Remove engine:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cmyish4schslqt7/2018-10-27%2012.02.51.jpg?dl=0

Transfer parts to low mileage 5.7L Vortec out of a delivery van:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u6l0czhd6tlearu/2018-10-27%2012.02.46.jpg?dl=0

More to come soon...

Chris

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Mon Nov 12, 2018 11:33 am

No pictures = It didn't happen!

Tom

Posts : 76 Join date : 2009-03-23

Sorry, it's been a while since I've post as you can tell from my post count. So let's try this again.

Discover the Vortec block isn't double-drilled for the smaller Fleetwood flexplate.

Redrill Vortec 'plate to accept small diameter converter:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4rjlkxfqtcotgv9/2018-11-10%2010.11.13.jpg?dl=0

Install engine with GMPP Vortec TBI conversion manifold:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rwh58nl8jj8vxxn/2018-10-27%2019.07.43.jpg?dl=0

Install dual exhaust using modified LT1 manifolds and used cats:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fcb09t9r0ol9fh1/2018-11-10%2017.02.10.jpg?dl=0

Spend hours chasing down parts & pieces to make everything work:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/j7b189rkygeed2e/2018-11-13%2016.41.37.jpg?dl=0

After 2 weekends of work, lots parts collected and the help of several friends:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0c1scs406m39luo/2018-11-13%2016.40.25.jpg?dl=0

Running under it's own power, many details still needed to finish it up.

More to come ... I think!!!!

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Tue Nov 13, 2018 1:41 pm

Is that Douglas' / Bill C's Fleetwood?

Tom

Posts : 76 Join date : 2009-03-23

Was!!!! Now it on its way to another level!!! LOL

CP

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Wed Nov 14, 2018 8:17 am

I checked pricing on the manifold, and boy is it expensive. $477.

The LO5 flex plate fits the Vortec engine. No drilling.

The main difference between the Vortec and LO5 is the heads and intake.

You still need to open the distributor hole for the short distributor.

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Wed Nov 14, 2018 8:25 am

Great new toy, Chris!

Posts : 76 Join date : 2009-03-23

Thanks Andebe it rides nice. Just straightened out the ASR of course the FSM was a little difficult to understand but then there's YouTube .. LOL So now it's shifting on point.

Cruising in style!!!

Chris

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Fri Nov 16, 2018 9:32 pm

Fred Kiehl wrote:: I checked pricing on the manifold, and boy is it expensive. $477.

The LO5 flex plate fits the Vortec engine. No drilling.

The main difference between the Vortec and LO5 is the heads and intake.

You still need to open the distributor hole for the short distributor.

How much extra opening is needed? Still enough material around the hole to get a seal / avoid cracks based on your experience Fred?

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Fri Nov 16, 2018 10:49 pm

What I did was measure the hole in the OEM intake, and made the one in the aftermarket the same size on the same center. There was sufficient material to open the hole enough for the distributor base without fear of cracking, because there is not much load on the intake manifold, and plenty to get a good seal on the china rail. The hole is bigger than absolutely necessary, but it must be open enough that the distributor is a tiny bit sloppy in the hole when installed on the engine. The bottom of the hole on the passenger's side is important to clear the gear of the distributor. You must also remove some material from the guide where the clamp sits. To remove the distributor with the engine, you will have to remove the bolt for the distributor clamp, because the clamp will not retract far enough to allow the distributor to pass by it.

You may find the holes for the coil, and cable bracket are not in the perfect place, and you would then need a bracket to get the proper distance for the linkage to the TBI. I used a Weiand manifold for a 4bbl, and a couple of modified adapter plates to get everything in place. It has some issues with the coil and linkage mounts. The GM one may bolt up without modification. The bracket for the linkage is height sensitive as well, and may need adjustment, as well as reshaping and drilling of holes.

Posts : 76 Join date : 2009-03-23

Fred,

I checked pricing on the manifold, and boy is it expensive. $477.

Think it was pointed out here:

https://gmlongroof.4umer.com/t13167-best-lo5-engine-swap

The LO5 flex plate fits the Vortec engine. No drilling.

The Cadillac is an L05, If you have a B-Body flexplate lying around, which we didn't.

The main difference between the Vortec and LO5 is the heads and intake.

You still need to open the distributor hole for the short distributor.

Not if you don't use the Cadillac distributor.

Chris

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Sun Nov 18, 2018 7:52 pm

You can not take any other distributor out without removing the manifold.

Posts : 76 Join date : 2009-03-23

Fred Kiehl wrote:: You can not take any other distributor out without removing the manifold.

Wrong!!! I didn't have any issue taking it out...

CP

Subject: Re: Out with the Old and In with the New Thu Nov 29, 2018 12:09 pm

So what distributor did you use?

Posts : 76 Join date : 2009-03-23

Fred Kiehl wrote:: So what distributor did you use?

From here

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y0sqjwx09pkxkdl/OCC%20454_1.jpg?dl=0

Chris