I bought my '93 9C1 in '98 with less than 50k on it. Not sure why it was sold then but I bought it from someone who bought it from their local PD as a chief's car. I did what I could for the L05 but was never satisified with it. After market heads, headers, 210/216 cam, dual exhaust conversion, the usual B body suspension mods - real F-body front bar and bushings, Bilsteins all around, SS rear springs, cut front springs, homemade solid rear control arms with poly bushings. Swapped over to 19" wheels with 235/50 fronts, 245/45 rears. Wheels and tires made a big difference.
Tried many things with the TBI without satisfactory results, BB TBI, higher pressure in regulator, vac modulation. Tried all suggestions. But accepted and endured it for the last 15 years or so.
The steering had always been sloppy which was finally narrowed down to the steering box after replacing most everything else in the front end. I installed a Lee steering box with the intention of seeing if it was worthwhile to add more power. There was so much play in the steering wheel, high speed highway cruising was unsettling. If the steering had remained sloppy after the new box, I'd have scrapped any transplant plans. Fortunately, the Lee box made a world of difference so I proceeded with the new powertrain.
Fast forward.... I contacted a local builder in fall 2020 about doing an LS conversion then set out to research what to get. I'd gotten a 2017 Impala with the 3.6 VVT engine and was very pleased with the VVT power curve so I decided on the L96 version of the 6.0.
VVT
No AFM components
9.7 CR so premium fuel is not a requirement
50# injectors
#821 LS3 rectangular port heads
360 HP/ 380 ft.lbs stock form
Kept the 3.42 posi
I found a suitable motor and 6L90 trans on Ebay winter of 2020/2021. <20,000 miles. Everything included. And started making a list on what to include in the car during transplant. 6L90 on the list.
BRP motor/tranny mounts
BRP headers, ceramic coated. Very nice, well fitting pieces. Full duals.
APEUSA fuel supply
Went with a Fitech intake 'cause the truck manifold is too high. Probably could have gotten away with an LS3 manifold but without knowing for sure, looked for the lowest manifold available. I'd have liked to have a BRP manifold but they were out of stock and BRP did not know when they would be available. Remote mounted the passenger side coils onto the inner fender. All the required updates were included, radiator, electric fans, trans cooler, floor shifter, driveshaft and U-joint upgrades. The oil pan was a rear sump and fit right in. It does hang below the frame but not by a lot. A skid plate is being installed anyway.
After install, had it tuned to 312
[email protected], 350 ft.lbs @2700 thru 3500 at the wheels so pretty much following factory spec with a slight boost in torque.
The car is a blast to drive. So, so, so much better than what the L05 could do. My intention with the build was pretty much 0-100 mph quickly, decent economy to drive and it meets my goals. Throttle response is incredible. Takes so little throttle to move right along. Flooring it will effortlessy spin the tires into the 3rd gear.
To do remains putting Hotchkiss springs in so I FINALLY have a matched set of springs again, fabbing a cover/console for the floor shifter. The Fitech manifold is loud. If one puts a hand on it to dampen vibration, it quiets right down. The LS3 manifold would be quieter but I'm not willing to drop more dime on another manifold.
The builder took care of all the electronics to get everything to work. Not my strength. I've got a bunch of original parts that I can sell now that I know what I won't be using and I'd be glad to answer any questions I can about the new build.
Paul
