[R_shum]

The G8 had two different water pumps (they changed half way through production). I’m using the later style LS3.
the hose outlet is on the right side (looking at the pump from the front) this fits the CTS-V upper radiator hose.
the early G8 water pump has the hose outlet on the opposite side. The LS3 style pump also has the thread bosses
For the LSA/LS9 supercharger belt tensioner. I used one of these bosses for a support for my lower radiator hose…
NOTE: the upper CTS-V radiator hose is super close to the air intake tubing with about 1/4” clearance…

I found a guy local to me who is building his g8 and swapped out his pump with a preformance one so he’s hooking me up with his stock one( the same one your running). This solves the pump issue now I just gotta deal with the rest of the plumbing….

 

[Joseph Upson]

I got the original CTS4 for $700 with a 3.6 that still cranked over but had cooked heads. The Silverado donor I picked up was $2k and I took that route because it’s got plenty of clean parts to sell off allowing for the engine and transmission to almost pay for itself. At this point with most of the big parts in hand I’m in about $1k minus the initial cost of the car and truck. I’m going to do a full rebuild on the lq4 and add some power while I’m at it, but still won’t break the bank. I’ve priced out just about everything I need including that ridiculous shipping prices to Alaska and I’ll be in the swap 5k or less without the vehicle costs. I should be able to make a good bit back on the stock CTS and Silverado parts so there’s a little return there. $12k is a stretch even after my modifications to make it a more compatible engine, but if it came to it 12k is still cheaper than a 2nd gen v.

The truck make look pretty in the pictures but it’s a base model work truck that’s 21 years old. It’s got a fair about of little dings, Dents, and other minor issues. In my mind it’s worth the engine and transmission rather than the truck as a whole.

I’ve got some skills In this area, but I can only hope there as good as @ big_kids….

Okay, just running a check on blind ambition to make sure it's balanced against knowledge of what to expect. $5k is a good mark, but be advised, first time swaps rarely stay within budget. $700 for the CTS, sounds like it could have been an excellent flip opportunity.

 

[Big_kid]

you gonna need some stopping power after the V8 conversion.
check out my other post where I did a first GEN CTS-V brake conversion…

 

[R_shum]

you gonna need some stopping power after the V8 conversion.
check out my other post where I did a first GEN CTS-V brake conversion…

I looked into it a little while back. I found a person parting out a v in one of those groups on FB. I was able to pick up the motor mount brackets, some ALM mounts, and I was able to work in a package deal with the guy for the front calipers. I personally like the look of the v2 calipers. I have tons of parts rolling In throughout this week so I would be able to post some pretty big updates/ pictures hopefully by the end of next weekend!!

 

[Big_kid]

Great news. Also, we love pics even if it’s small progress…

 

[Big_kid]

Ok, we can’t take it no more. Any progress…..

 

[Long]

Ok, we can’t take it no more. Any progress…..

You better just get to building a second one already.

 

[Big_kid]

You better just get to building a second one already.

how about an STS with a 6.2L

 

[Long]

how about an STS with a 6.2L

Is that your next build?

 

[Big_kid]

Is that your next build?

i can’t decide. I looked at an STS-V and it seemed kinda sluggish for 470HP. It would need 500HP
It’s between that or just go buy an AUDI B8.5 S4

 

[Long]

The STS is kinda chunky IMO.
Has anybody done a Gen III CTS V8 swap yet?

 

[Big_kid]

The STS is kinda chunky IMO.
Has anybody done a Gen III CTS V8 swap yet?

I haven’t run across any swaps yet on the ALPHA chassis
prob too new still….

 

[R_shum]

I haven’t run across any swaps yet on the ALPHA chassis
prob too new still….

I apologize for a lack in updates lately, but last night I finally got some time between a few other projects to get some work done on the car. Decided it was time to throw the RWD/V front cradle in as the lq4 is just about done with it make over. Measured out everything awhile back and even checked some part numbers to make sure it would bolt right up. The cradle fit flawlessly, but ended up making a big mistake on just about the entire front suspension. Everything is different on the cts4 except for the upper control arm. It was a very sad moment, however I was able to source 2 whole knuckle/ control arm assemblies on eBay for a decent price. Should have them in a week or 2. This is far from ideal but by that time I’ll have the lq4 completely ready to drop in.

 

[Big_kid]

Did ya take any pics…

 

[Long]

Did ya take any pics…

Yeah, pics are good.
We like pics.

 

[Big_kid]

By now some parts should be rolling in. How’s the engine coming along, did you do the 58x swap…

 

[R_shum]

By now some parts should be rolling in. How’s the engine coming along, did you do the 58x swap…

I have tons and tons of parts stacked up in the corner of the garage (too many according to the wife). I am still missing some odds and ends like the headers, front struts, accessory mounting brackets, etc. should have the struts tomorrow though and that’s the last part that’s really stopping me from getting the engine set in for some mock up purposes. The engine is about 50% assembled mainly due to waiting on this damn cam kit. While the block was at the machine shop I talked to them about the 58x crank and they were able to swap it out for me in 20 minutes with no issues. I also have the ls2 cover and everything else I need to go along with it including the wiring harness and ECU. It’s been an absolute nightmare to find parts for the rebuild especially ones that ship to Alaska! This weekend I’m planning to get the cradle bolted up for good this time and have the engine set in place to figure a few things out. So I promise I’ll have some good pictures for you guys come Sunday!!

I do however have some questions….I know the stock fuel system doesn’t have a return line Which is going to be needed for the LS. So I was wondering what you did to fix that problem? I’ve seen a guy just tap a line right into the top of the pump assembly, but wanted to hear your method of doing it.

I know you had said to use corvette, g8, and cts-v accessory spacing, but I was hoping you would be able to clarify alittle bit more on what specific you had to use. I have the right g8 water pump so I’m all good there. just wanted some clarification on the other accessories and mounting methods.

 

[Big_kid]

So there were three accessory spacing for the LS (actually 4 but don’t count the LS4)

the corvette is the closest to the block (G8, GTO and CTS-V fall in this category)
F-body is in the middle spacing (3/4” further away from the block than corvette)
truck spacing is furthest away from block (another 3/4” away than F-Body)
I used ALL G8 accessories from the donor vehicle minus the A/C bracket and pump from 04/07 CTS-V

both donor G8 drivetrain and 2008 CTS use returnless fuel system.
check into using the corvette fuel filter, it has a built in regulator and returnless fuel system (I believe).

 

[Oh5V]

I gotta remember this thread if I ever decide to rethink a v8 swap into my 2010 wagon. A lotta good info.
I was all set to do it, and was just about to order the GM crate ls3 e-rod setup, and was going to use the t56 from my '04 GTO that a tree fell on. Then I got word from my caddy dealer that my new car order would finally be built so the wagon got to stay stock. I have it listed for sale but not giving it away. Gonna fix the timing chains and maybe daily drive it/use it as my beater.

 

[R_shum]

You guys might have lost hope, but I’ve got some updates for you. I got the whole front subframe and suspension swapped out the RWD version. It took some time and some modifications to the wrong parts I got, however it’s done. Along with that I got the 6.0L I converted to 58x all bolted in with accessories I mounted (pictures below). I spent lots of time trying to obtain shiny parts and making things look pretty so it’s been a process. The transmission is going in on Friday. I will get those updates as soon as possible. When i mocked it up, the 4L80 was very tight around the shift linkage so some massaging of the tunnel will be necessary. Long tubes fit perfectly and the mouths dropped right into place. The intake I got is a bit tall so I will more than likely go with a V hood to clear it. After the trans is in, I’m looking to knock out all the plumping. Most will be AN fittings. I’ve been trying to find the 2004-2007 cts-v heater core hoses and haven’t had much luck so I might need some assistance with part numbers. I need to make a custom trans mount so I will share it when I’m done. After that, it’s a measuring for the driveshaft and some tuning. I’m far off from completion, at the same time I’m closing In. To also add, the A/C will be a later addiction and that’s why you don’t see a belt for it. For anyone that’s going from AWD you need to swap out the whole front subframe/suspension. In my last picture you can see the custom made part for the steering shaft. A complete CTS-V steering shaft was over $100 so I just took the AWD steering colum and adapted it to the lower half of the V rack.

I’m