Another LS Coupe build thread :)

[jemorgan3]

Ive had my coupe since Veterans Day, but have just now really started getting in gear and putting things together!

Here is the plan:
416 LS3, T-56 Magnum and IRS for the drivetrain. The engine will be managed by a Holley Terminator max, along with the 12" Holley dash. I sourced the 416 short block and had my heads ported/polished by the same company in Toledo.. Im more comfortable with the LS, and making reliable power will be a lot easier and cheaper for me on that platform.

https://i.postimg.cc/S2S02KL2/IMG-2097.jpg (https://postimg.cc/S2S02KL2)

https://i.postimg.cc/JGhgCgKt/IMG-2095.jpg (https://postimg.cc/JGhgCgKt)

While I really like Forgestars, I wanted something different. After months of searching, I landed on a set of Weld Racing Solana, the fronts are 18x9.5 +19 and the rears are 18x11 +25. Waiting to decide on spacers until I get the body on, but im anticipating something both front and rear.

https://i.postimg.cc/RJSYFbBP/IMG_2109.jpg (https://postimg.cc/RJSYFbBP)

https://i.postimg.cc/H8YNxPgt/IMG_2110.jpg (https://postimg.cc/H8YNxPgt)

It took me as long to pick seats as it did wheels... I have yet to see anyone using these Braum's, and the more narrow seat back should fit well in the coupes cockpit without issues. Went with the jacquard, because I can't afford the real leather :)

https://i.postimg.cc/8s433DRv/IMG_2075.png (https://postimg.cc/8s433DRv)

My garage isnt much, it's a bit cramped and painfully cold so the work will be slow until spring. Im terrible at documenting anything, but I'll do my best to contribute to the best ability of my attention span!

https://i.postimg.cc/XpDPj8DN/IMG_2055.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XpDPj8DN)

Looking forward to the process and getting this project really underway!

[JimStone]

The more LS Coupes the better!

I'm using Braum Orue seats and find them to be very nice quality.

Your wheels are nice. I've not seen those before

Congratulations on your new build!

[jemorgan3]

Thanks! The wheels really influence the "personality" of a vehicle, and I wanted a unique one! Ive read through your entire build thread, maybe a few times... Taken more than a couple of ideas from your build to implement it in mine! Now get that 427 started!!

[JimStone]

Thanks! The wheels really influence the "personality" of a vehicle, and I wanted a unique one! Ive read through your entire build thread, maybe a few times... Taken more than a couple of ideas from your build to implement it in mine! Now get that 427 started!!

Haha, on it!

[burchfieldb]

Welcome, looking forward to following along. Have you done any test fitting on the seats yet? I have a feeling my wife is going to want me to switch from the ones I have. They are a tight squeeze sitting in them.

[jemorgan3]

Unfortunately I have not gotten the seats in yet.. They are on backorder from Braum and the expected shipping date is mid April.

[PNWTim]

Welcome and any updates are good updates!

[jemorgan3]

A few updates to the coupe:
Got my epowersteering kit in and tried mocking it up.. I dont think the power steering motor in this setup is far enough forward to clear the accessory belt on the motor, I need to take some measurements to see how far forward the accessory drive will be. Luckily, Im only running an alternator and A/C compressor, due to the electric power steering simplifying the serpentine belt situation!

Has anyone used the epowersteering.com system on a coupe yet? Ive seen a few roadster builds with it, and at least one coupe with the oem Saturn electric power steering system but nothing on this particular unit.

https://i.postimg.cc/wyGGJ7xM/IMG_2147.jpg (https://postimg.cc/wyGGJ7xM)

https://i.postimg.cc/MffrYqX6/IMG_2143.jpg (https://postimg.cc/MffrYqX6)

https://i.postimg.cc/k6pp8BM5/IMG_2146.jpg (https://postimg.cc/k6pp8BM5)

I also decided to scrap the stock mustang fuel tank and go with a Boyds fabrication tank, rolling the dice on this one as its listed as a roadster product... Hoping that it will fit based on the fact they both CAN use the mustang tank. Fingers crossed on that one! I'll post pics as soon as it comes in.

[jemorgan3]

Got a little work done today:
Installed the Tilton reservoir. Drilling the holes for the rivnuts was easy using stubby drill bits and a 3/8th electric ratchet. It was slow going, but had zero clearance issues.
https://i.postimg.cc/Btkrf3wR/IMG_2199.avif (https://postimg.cc/Btkrf3wR)
https://i.postimg.cc/z36sYNcq/IMG_2203.avif (https://postimg.cc/z36sYNcq)

The Boyds welding fuel cell fit with a minor modification. The cell is made for the mk2 roadster, I guess the frame of the coupe tapers a touch more than the roadster so I had to have the left side notched to clear the frame rail. Its a 20 gallon tank, fully baffled and has all the nessisary bungs for a return, rollover vent and the best part, the filler will never leak because its welded instead of held in with a gasket. It looks like the filler neck is in the same spot as the stock one would have been in. I also may go with some custom fuel tank straps and ditch the mustang straps.
https://i.postimg.cc/V5pxPwVL/IMG_2206.avif (https://postimg.cc/V5pxPwVL)
https://i.postimg.cc/YjZ5B7s0/IMG_2205.avif (https://postimg.cc/YjZ5B7s0)

Next up are fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator, plumbing the master cylinders to the reservoir and knocking out the brake lines and Aluminum panels!

I wish I were as fast as the rest of you guys in getting progress done.. Im also renovating a circa 1904 house (while living in it) and working to wrap up a long Military Career! Lots going on!!

https://i.postimg.cc/ygd8tKr3/IMG-1380.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ygd8tKr3)

[jemorgan3]

Getting the 416 ready for paint!! I specifically wanted to start with a short block for the experience in building the parts that are harder to mess up, and it's been a lot of fun! The alpine green is an AI rendering of what the finished paint should look like in Detroit Diesel Alpine Green

https://i.postimg.cc/9ftWnwxg/PNG_image.png (https://postimg.cc/nsrbsrfq)
https://i.postimg.cc/2StvSMrR/IMG_2211.avif (https://postimg.cc/WdMt99dX)

After researching how everyone else is doing brake lines, ive started running mine. It's absolutely an art form!
https://i.postimg.cc/m28C0hnw/IMG_2214.avif (https://postimg.cc/HV8rMWdc)
https://i.postimg.cc/44vzQWbD/IMG_2213.avif (https://postimg.cc/yWdgVXGj)

Continuing with brake and fuel lines today!

[jemorgan3]

Ive been home sick for the last few days, random Covid test.. Ive been doing a lot of the mundane light work on the coupe, drivers side footbox, fuel pressure regulator and finally test fitting the motor so I can get a good idea of where to mount the E-power steering motor. Ive had a few rough weeks and lost motivation, I feel like im finally getting good progress done and it's encouraging me to get after it!
https://i.postimg.cc/rm95RQNX/IMG_2226.avif (https://postimg.cc/r0KDvGHQ)
https://i.postimg.cc/NMxR2pkj/IMG_2224.avif (https://postimg.cc/34dkPjqs)
https://i.postimg.cc/mDS718yL/IMG_2228.avif (https://postimg.cc/62y8DVPg)

[AaronR]

Keep at it! I'm going to be doing an LS coupe build as well and I appreciate your updates and all the pictures! And I love that green you plan on painting your engine. It's going to look great.

[burchfieldb]

I think we have all been there. The breaks in between tend to help me regain motivation. I've been building mine since 2022.

[jemorgan3]

Keep at it! I'm going to be doing an LS coupe build as well and I appreciate your updates and all the pictures! And I love that green you plan on painting your engine. It's going to look great.

I love having things that are not the "normal", hence why i wanted to build my own car, doubling down on that unique concept with the LS powered coupe! The green is just a continuation of that theme.. Having something that is interesting, unique, but still period correct in some way. Granted, the Alpine green was never a traditional color for shelby, ford or even any gasoline powered vehicle from ever.. But all the diesel engines of the 60's were painted this color, and to me it screams "POWER"! I think it will look great as a bit of an accent color. The aluminum panels will be a combination of brushed aluminum and a shade of grey from the air cure cerakote linup.

Im excited that there are a few high end LS coupes in production right now, so there is a growing pool of knowledge to borrow from. Building a ford powered car would have been easier, but making power with the LS will be substantially cheaper! Do you have starting point for your plan?

[jemorgan3]

I think we have all been there. The breaks in between tend to help me regain motivation. I've been building mine since 2022.

My motivation is elevated knowing i have packages waiting for me on the porch, like foot box extensions, hood rollers and other things!

Ill let you know how the footbox extensions work out with the LS tonight after I mock them up!

[jemorgan3]

The seats arrived yesterday, Braum Viper-X! Came with flat sliders.. how are you guys mounting them?
https://i.postimg.cc/bJMn22NJ/IMG-2275.avif (https://postimg.cc/mzYkvk9f)

[JimStone]

Nice to see the Braum seats catching on

Take a look at my build thread. Early in the build I made mounts out of square steel tubing. Took some time and fiddling but eventually got it to work

[jemorgan3]

I’ve checked out the seat mounts you made.. did your seats come with sliders? I accidentally brought the passenger seat downstairs instead of the driver seat, but in doing that, discovered that if you swap the drivers and passengers seats, the reclining mechanism doesn’t make contact with the outboard seatbelt, allowing them to be moved back as far as possible without raising them up..

Am I missing anything?

[JimStone]

I’ve checked out the seat mounts you made.. did your seats come with sliders? I accidentally brought the passenger seat downstairs instead of the driver seat, but in doing that, discovered that if you swap the drivers and passengers seats, the reclining mechanism doesn’t make contact with the outboard seatbelt, allowing them to be moved back as far as possible without raising them up..

Am I missing anything?

I got these Sparco universal seat sliders https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SRO-00493

Ended up not using them because I figured I'd get maybe 1 inch max adjustment. My seats are pretty much wedged in there as far back as I could make it. Yours are a different series than my Orue seats, so may be slimmer.


Its been a while, but I'm not really sure why I didn't put the reclining mechanisms inboard. I think I wanted to be able to be able to reach in from standing outside the car. There is some room behind the lower part of the seatback that I am thinking of using for storage, so wanted to be able to access the mechanism easily

I did need to bend my outer seat belt tab over. The inner one clears the seat.

[jemorgan3]

Thanks for the clarification! I mounted the sliders and set the seats in, but havnt drilled mounting holes in the floors yet. Im thinking of relocating the seatbelt tabs to get the seats back as far as possible.. Sitting in the car this morning with the seat and steering wheel installed, I noticed the pedals are uncomfortably close.. My M/C's are not hooked up to anything yet, will look at adjusting the pedal position through the pushrod after I get fluid in the systems.

[AaronR]

Im excited that there are a few high end LS coupes in production right now, so there is a growing pool of knowledge to borrow from. Building a ford powered car would have been easier, but making power with the LS will be substantially cheaper! Do you have starting point for your plan?

I was planning on starting right about now, but it looks like I'm going to need to wait until this fall to order my coupe (business and misc life things). Since I planned on having the coupe by this point I already ordered my engine and picked up a transmission, so I have my 427 from Blueprint (615 HP!!! lol) sitting in my garage next to an 8HP75 transmission out of a 2024 Ram 1500 2wd. Yep, I plan on going auto with paddle shifters and a sequential style DCT shifter. I'm a little concerned about the 8HP75 fitting in the transmission tunnel and not being too low. I'm also planning on going with a Delta ABS system, Haltech Nexus R5 for ECU and PDM, an engine and vehicle health display I'm designing, and as much custom stuff as I can stand to make before getting too impatient to finish the build (ha!).

I've been building the coupe in CAD while I wait to make my order. I have most of the chassis done and I'm working on interior stuff now. I don't have all the dimensions I need, so a lot of the work I've done with the design has been guesswork modeling images on canvas and using the few measurements I've been able to get from the forums here. Once I get closer to placing my order I'll start a thread and share what I'm doing. I hesitate to share too much right now since I know many of my dimensions have been guesswork.

Here's a shot of where I was at with the model a week ago or so.

227077

[jemorgan3]

Had an eventful couple weeks on the coupe! Nearly finished drilling and fitting the 7 million aluminum panels, aside from completely loosing the front of the passenger side footboy that is. Planning on media blasting them and trying an air cure cerakote on the majority of them. I like the neutral aluminum look, so I'll probably use their clear aluminum coating.

https://i.postimg.cc/3wbqQLCM/IMG_2241.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XZdLwkzx)

I made the rookie mistake of putting the flywheel on the engine, to then realize the engine doesn't fit on the stand anymore.. So it's secured in the chassis from here on. Was able to plan out the fuel lines and make sure the Champ Pan LS oil pan was going to clear the frame this way so all was not lost. The pan holds 6 quarts, is provisioned for a remote filter already and doesn't hang below the frame at any point! Also mocked up the accessory drive. Went with a low passenger side AC compressor and a low drivers side Alternator, with a couple idler pulleys to delete the PS pump. Having the accessories way down low is going to clean up the engine compartment quite a bit.

I had initially dreaded mounting the sway bars after reading the instructions and seeing you have to hack the end links up, but decided to tackle it. Was pleasantly surprised to see the correct length links included in the kit! No cutting required! Having finished up the suspension entirely, I mounted up all for wheels and suddenly realized, SHE'S A ROLLER!!! Then I realized I was by myself, and the parking pad just outside the garage is on a slight downhill.. no drama rolling it out, but it was quite a workout getting it back into the garage! I had to move it outside to do a deep cleaning on the floor.. The swarth is invasive!

https://i.postimg.cc/hjz5D9pK/IMG_2370.jpg (https://postimg.cc/WFVnSqBy)

https://i.postimg.cc/85J0phtD/IMG_2371.jpg (https://postimg.cc/r0TJgRBY)Made quick work of sealing up the AC box and mounting it under the dash, then called it a night for a few days. Spring Break trip and home renovations have to fit in the schedule somewhere!! Took my family on our annual St. Louis spring break vacation, and was able to convince my friend and his family to join us!

https://i.postimg.cc/Ls0WFyBF/IMG_2314.jpg (https://postimg.cc/v1fhWtN0)

Building this car has been incredibly rewarding, and at times daunting, but hitting milestones like being a roller are beyond exciting!

[JimStone]

Wow, you got yours to Roller status quickly. About 17 months sooner than me!

Well, I still haven't taken it off the jack stands, so longer actually


Nice to see you enjoying the build with your family. These really are great memories for all

[jemorgan3]

You achieved a first start before a roller, so it seems you're skipping that phase and heading straight to go cart!!