LSx Engine + T56 Magnum in a Roadster

[Its Bruce]

Now that my build is up and running, I wanted to create a thread to capture my journey of installing an LS3 stroker and any questions others may have in pursuing what I believe to be the best bang for the buck engine package available. I grew up in a family of Fords and drove/wrenched a '65GT and '88GT from HS through college. Many years after that, I found myself in a C5 Z06 that I modified with a supercharger + cam + alcohol injection. It was amongst that in which I purchased HP Tuners and learned how to wrench on and tune the LSx platform.

Specifics of the build:


Engine - BluePrint Engines 427 ci LS3 (package)
ECU - GMPP E67 Connect & Cruise with DBW (package)
Trans - T-56 Magnum (TUET11009) (package)
Clutch - McLeod twin disk (package)
Bellhousing - steel scatter shield (package)
Shifter - Hanlon Motorsports midshift conversion
Shift Lever - Hurst 5197 (ref. https://core-shifters.com/collections/sticks-for-mustang/products/black-short-stick-5197-for-1983-2004-mustang-5-6-speed-oe-knob-thread)
Headers - Gas-N custom 1-7/8" primaries bare SS (Georgie's Frankenstein jig made two trips between MA and TX)
Engine Mounts - Dirty Dingo Mustang 1996-2004 LS Ford Upgrade Conversion Mounts (ref. https://www.dirtydingo.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1375&redirectCancelled=true)
Oil Dipstick - flexible eBay LSx dipstick

Parts layout for engine install:

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Power unit ready for install:

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Big throttle body:

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ECU installed and modified to add wire for reverse lockout ground wire:

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DBW go pedal installed with custom bracket:

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It fits:

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I ran -6AN PTFE lines for the PS and a regular -10AN for the reservoir back to the pump:

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I ran the GMPP bulkhead to the cockpit to capture:


Tach signal
Vehicle speed sensor (for cruise control)
Reverse lockout wire (activates solenoid to allow reverse at speeds <3 mph)
Throttle position signal to allow my WB 02 gauge to only light up during power enrichment scenarios
Ignition cut off wire for electrical disconnect
Check engine light on dash


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Continued...

[Its Bruce]

I also ran the OBD2 port to under the dash on the passenger side to facilitate having my laptop in the passenger seat for logging/tuning. The stereo connection is my analogue WB 02 sensor output:

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Radiator is Summit universal triple bypass 2 row #SUM-380328-3 (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-380328-3) with FFR fan and my own aluminum bent fan shroud:

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I purchased various Amazon/eBay aluminum tubing sections to connect the radiator, along with a bead roller to make sure the couplings would seal with the T-bolt clamps:

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The diff is an 8.8 aluminum IRS with 3.55 gears and Eaton Truetrac (all put together by me):

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Custom made solid aluminum diff bushings:

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Custom made 3.5" steel driveshaft with 1350 u-joints, utilizing Action Machine 3-2-949 Flange Yoke (https://www.actionmachineinc.com/products/ami_ad3-2-949?variant=40374427091095) and a 31 spline slip yoke for T56 Magnum:

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[Its Bruce]

With that, I'm happy to field any questions/concerns others may have about using the LSx platform.

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I'll note - these are old roll around tires. Final-ish alignment is planned for next week and I'll order new R888R's afterwards.

[JimStone]

That's for the write-up Bruce. This is an interesting build.

I'm planning a Coupe build and am considering going the LS3 route. I'm curious - what are your reasons for substituting custom parts for kit items, like the engine mounts, drive shaft, and radiator? Do you feel the kit items are inadequate?

Thanks

- Jim

[Its Bruce]

Jim, the very simple answer is that I ordered my kit in 2014 and FFR didn't offer those LS items at the time. I spent a few years living outside of the country between now and then, which is why I'm so late on the build. I believe the FFR headers are 1-3/4 primary, which I probably would have forgone anyway due to power level expectations. I would expect the mounts, driveshaft and radiator would all work well. Connections between the LS and the radiator would still probably end up being custom.

[JimStone]

Thanks for the response. Wow, yeah I suppose a lot has changed since 2014. I'm happy to hear you're now able to get back into the project. Best of luck to you for the rest of your build

[GoDadGo]

Bruce,

You're really making me want to do another Dark Side Build!
I can't wait to see your car when you post your graduation pics.
Good Luck & God's Speed!

Steve

[Its Bruce]

Thanks all for the encouragement.

Steve - do it!

Update: Alignment complete. Bring forth the caster! It drives/steers like a dream. Does anyone else have experience with 9° caster? I cut down the rear sleeves but didn't cut the fronts. With the fronts as-is, that's the lowest we could get.

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