Taking the plunge: LS3 into '64 Tempest. Need help with shopping list. by b-man

4 minute(s) of a 224 minute read

.....shopping today, I ordered up a new wiring harness and controller for the Tempest project.

I send an email last night to Speartech http://speartech.com/ detailing my needs. However I decided to call them today before I had a chance to read their very quick and detailed email response to discuss my needs and place my order.

Contents of the email response I received from John at Speartech:

Here's an overview of what we offer:
This package was specifically developed for the new 2006-2008 LS2, LS3, LS7 crate engines with the 58X crankshaft sensor. The complete LSx/4L70E custom stand alone wiring harness and computer package sells for $1695.00.

The package includes the following:

A new custom length, stand-alone LSx/4L70E wiring harness. The harness includes a check engine light, diagnostic connector, fuel pump relay, fuse block, and labeled wires for easy hookup to the battery, ignition switch, and fuel pump. Wires are also included for tach, speed, A/C, cooling fan relays, and cruise control functions where applicable. These custom stand alone harnesses are built for full function, closed loop control, and designed for non-emissions use (no post-cat O2's, purge canister, or fuel tank evap interface). Our harnesses can be built to your desired length specifications.

The package comes with the GM LSx ECM (engine control module) and TCM (transmission control module) fully programmed for your application including: VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) removal, emissions equipment removal (whatever you don’t need or are not using on your swap such as: catalytic converters, rear O2 sensors, fuel tank pressure, EVAP), torque management removal, gear ratio and tire size, etc.

The reprogramming lets your new engine run properly without the “check engine” light being on unless there is a problem with the engine that needs to be addressed.

Since the LSx is an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) engine, the electronic pedal is also included in the package.

As with all Speartech packages our systems can be serviced with any late model diagnostic equipment designed for GM vehicles.

Options available:

Extra length (beyond 4’): $50.00

Emissions package (wiring for rear O2 sensors and charcoal canister control): $50.00

Sensor package (includes correct front O2 sensors and MAF sensor for one-stop shopping): $350.00

The harness and controller will add another $1,695 to the cost of the swap, plus an as yet undetermined shipping cost.

Does anyone here have an opinion or input on what is the best Mass Air Flow sensor for my application and how much they go for? I'm considering buying the O2 sensors and MAF sensor I need from Speartech.

Today's swap-related expenditure - $1,695

New swap-related total - $15,278

I have to gather up as many pieces to the puzzle as I can as quickly as possible. There's a lot of stuff to arrange in the engine compartment and under the dash, you pretty much need everything all at once in order to do it right.

12-20-2008

I had them custom-built to my specs about 10 years ago. I won't mention the company who made them because they were very difficult to deal with, taking 6 months after quoting me a 6 week delivery. My friend had them painted with black enamel at the bodyshop he manages, his Dad did the 1/4" wide red pinstripe on the rim lip to simulate the look of 14" redline tires.

Wheel Vintiques sells pretty much the same wheel (14 series Gennie)http://wheelvintiques.com/shopsite_s...age13-ss4.html, you can buy them in 17X7, 17X8 and 17X9 as well as a lot of sizes in smaller rim diameters. However buying them 'right off the shelf' might not be a good idea, you really need the backspacing made to your specs to fit your car perfectly.

It looks like they'll do a custom backspacing on this particular wheel style, and they're now finally offering some fairly decent standard backspacing on them that should fit a lot of cars.

My 17X8" steel wheels will find a new home on this '64 Lemans convertible.



It has 11" 1969 Grand Prix front discs (spindles and discs are a bolt-on) and stock 9-1/2" drums in the back so I'll be able to switch back and forth between the 17X8s and the stock 14X6" steel wheels & custom spinner hubcaps depending on how I want the car to look.