For the test runs, we used 87-octane pump gas, the fuel, timing, and transmission maps that were preinstalled on the Keisler A41 transmission, and the MSD MEFI4 engine controller.For the test runs, we used 87-octane pump gas, the fuel, timing, and transmission maps tha In the May '08 issue, we dropped a GM LS1 into a '64 El Camino and left you hanging because we didn't have the parts to finish the job. Since that time, we've received exhaust, a radiator, and all the little parts and pieces to get the car on the road. In March, we drove the Elco to Ramona, California, near San Diego on the Car Craft Anti Tour, getting nearly 20 mpg on the way with zero overheating and zero drama. In fact, the car is so reliable, it might be bordering on boring. It's a good problem to have. The Keisler A41 is similar to a 4L60E GM overdrive. Since we were using the stock LS1, we used the Stage 1 model with a 1,600-2,000-rpm lockup converter that is rated for no more than 450 lb-ft. The A41 is 30 percent overdriven, putting us at about 2,000 rpm at 70 mph.The Keisler A41 is similar to a 4L60E GM overdrive. Since we were using the stock LS1, we The following details cover the rest of the installation and the scary computer stuff that really wasn't scary at all. We ended up using the base maps provided by the manufacturers and included some info on how to tweak them if you want to bark the tires and waste some fuel. It reminded us just how easy it is to build a Chevy. There are only two connectors that will be plugged into the transmission: the 2-pin vehicle speed sensor (VSS) on the tailshaft and the 13-pin connector on the main body. Both connect to the transmission control unit (TCU) we mounted under the dash. We also connected the 12-volt key-on ignition source, the ground wire, and the brake switch connector to tell the converter to unlock when the brakes are applied. That's all there is to it.There are only two connectors that will be plugged into the transmission: the 2-pin vehicl There should be a Mexican restaurant called The El Camino, if there isn't one already we're just sayin'. PARTS LIST DESCRIPTION PN PRICE Aeromotive Q/C to -8 adapter 15118 $36.95 Aeromotive -8 male adapter 15607 12.75 Afco LS1 radiator 80252NLSZ 634.95 Auto Meter vintage tach 2897 159.95 B&M transmission cooler 70297 219.95 Flowmaster exhaust kit 17120 472.99 Fram oil filter PH3505 6.23 K&N air filter RP-4970 106.95 Lokar oil dipstick 5008 49.95 Lokar LS1 throttle cable 1000LS1 68.69 Lokar throttle pedal 6129 129.95 Lokar brake pedal pad 6135 53.39 Milodon low-profile LS pan 30915 389.95 MSD LS starter 5096 240.00 S&P headers N/A 577.95 Stant radiator cap 10329 5.38 Summit fuel filter 230118 79.95 The Windows-based Keisler interface allowed us to simply upload any of the three supplied shift maps, or we could fiddle with shift points, firmness, and the lockup converter live. By the time you read this, Keisler will have added a toggle option so you can flip to the performance map using a switch. It shifts later and harder and doesn't lock up the converter if you are drag racing.The Windows-based Keisler interface allowed us to simply upload any of the three supplied Our engine didn't come with a stock starter, so we tried the LS starter from MSD. We did it for two reasons: Whenever we cheap out on the starter when we install a new engine, it fails; and the MSD starter is clockable, so we knew it would fit in any position with any headers. So far, we are unscarred from the experience.Our engine didn't come with a stock starter, so we tried the LS starter from MSD. We did i The A41 uses throttle-position information to set shift timing and line pressure. As the voltage signal increases from 0.45 to 5.00 volts, line pressure increases and the shift is delayed according to the program that is installed. Therefore, it is important that the throttle position sensor (TPS) is connected to the transmission wiring harness. If you are using a carburetor, Keisler supplies a TPS kit with a mounting bracket.The A41 uses throttle-position information to set shift timing and line pressure. As the v To keep the transmission cool, we used a B&M Hi-Tek automatic transmission cooling system. It consists of a cooler with a Spal fan and a 160-degree thermostat that is self-contained, or you can control it with a factory engine computer or the MSD MEFI4.To keep the transmission cool, we used a B&M Hi-Tek automatic transmission cooling system. The MSD engine controller has a big, fat wire for the tach, so we couldn't resist buying some new candy: This is the 50th anniversary short sweep pedestal tach from Auto Meter. Note the correct hose-clamp installation.The MSD engine controller has a big, fat wire for the tach, so we couldn't resist buying s The '04 GTO that gave up this engine uses a cable-driven throttle body. After looking at several Gen III swaps, we discovered the LS1 cable from Lokar. It is the simplest way to connect to a throttle on a musclecar. It even comes with the bracket.The '04 GTO that gave up this engine uses a cable-driven throttle body. After looking at s The transmission comes with a speedometer gear of your choice, depending on the wheel and tire combo and rear gear you have, or you can use an optional electronic speedometer output for electronic gauges.The transmission comes with a speedometer gear of your choice, depending on the wheel and Probably the coolest part of the swap is the overdrive shift indicator. Notice the circle around the D? You have to be paying attention.Probably the coolest part of the swap is the overdrive shift indicator. Notice the circle Another problem we solved using street rod parts was the gas pedal. The factory Chevelle/El Camino pedal arm interferes with the cylinder head under the hood, preventing the throttle from opening more than 80 percent. The new pedal allowed 100 percent throttle opening for better burnouts and harder shifts.Another problem we solved using street rod parts was the gas pedal. The factory Chevelle/E LS1 WalkaroundThe MSD MEFI4 is plug-and-play if you want it to be. To get the car on the road, all you have to do is plug in all the connectors, add power and a ground, and load a base fuel and timing map by clicking a button. We've provided this spread to help you identify the locations and functions of all the sensors on the LS1 engine.LS1 Walkaround The MSD MEFI4 is plug-and-play if you want it to be. To get the car on the If you have a black connector, your crank trigger is 24x. If the connector is gray, it is a 58x.If you have a black connector, your crank trigger is 24x. If the connector is gray, it is We used the MSD MEFI4 engine controller instead of finding and modifying an original harness. The system plugs in to the factory sensors and includes injector and coil harnesses. The basic wiring requires two constant 12-volt connections, a ground, and a 12-volt key-on connection.We used the MSD MEFI4 engine controller instead of finding and modifying an original harne The temperature sender is plugged in to the driver-side head. The MEFI4 uses that input to activate two outputs: the engine cooling fan, and in our case, the transmission cooling fan as well.The temperature sender is plugged in to the driver-side head. The MEFI4 uses that input to If you have two fuel inlet lines on the manifold, you also have an external fuel regulator. If you have a single fuel inlet line, the regulator is in the tank and you have a fuel damper like this one. Because of our single fuel line, we used an in-tank regulated LS1 pump.If you have two fuel inlet lines on the manifold, you also have an external fuel regulator On the left is the oil pressure sender, and on the right is the cam sensor. The factory engine uses the crank and cam sensor to operate the sequential fuel-injection system and fire one injector at a time. The MEFI4 is batch fire, meaning all the injectors fire at the same time. The new MEFI5 system will use these two sensors to operate in sequential mode.On the left is the oil pressure sender, and on the right is the cam sensor. The factory en The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is also behind the intake manifold. It is used to fine-tune the fuel maps.The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is also behind the intake manifold. It is used The knock sensor plugs in behind the intake manifold and sends a signal to the MEFI4 to control spark timing. The trick here is to run good gas and shut it off at the dragstrip.The knock sensor plugs in behind the intake manifold and sends a signal to the MEFI4 to co The stock GTO exhaust manifolds will not fit. The headers we used are from Street and Performance in Mena, Arkansas. They fit over the bump for the starter on the transmission and clear the steering shaft. S&P offers LS1 swap headers for G-bodies, Camaros, and Tri-Five Chevys as well.The stock GTO exhaust manifolds will not fit. The headers we used are from Street and Perf The MEFI4 system is USB security-keyed for each application. That way, the system identifies your car when you plug it in.The MEFI4 system is USB security-keyed for each application. That way, the system identifi We've heard the crossflow radiator causes overheating problems. Not so. Afco offers this direct-fit radiator for almost any musclecar application, and we drove the car everywhere without seeing more than 190 degrees. The fan is controlled by the MSD MEFI4 via the laptop computer interface. The hoses are generic 90s with a piece of ceramic-coated header connecting them. Check the swap meet.We've heard the crossflow radiator causes overheating problems. Not so. Afco offers this d We hooked the headers to a Flowmaster '64-'72 El Camino exhaust kit. It includes the H-pipe, the 2.50-inch tubes, and the 3-inch tips that exit behind the rear tire. The 50 Series mufflers are mellow at cruise and crisp at full throttle. They idle with a musclecar burble, even though the engine is fuel injected and lacks cam chop.We hooked the headers to a Flowmaster '64-'72 El Camino exhaust kit. It includes the H-pip The fuel tank from Rock Valley, includes either a 0-30- or 0-90-ohm fuel sender. We used the 0-30 and the stock fuel gauge.The fuel tank from Rock Valley, includes either a 0-30- or 0-90-ohm fuel sender. We used t We used a 1/4-inch NPT to -8 adapter and ran Earl's Ano-Tuff fuel line to the rail on the engine. The Earl's line works just like the old-school braided lines, except it is soft and easy to work with so you don't bleed.We used a 1/4-inch NPT to -8 adapter and ran Earl's Ano-Tuff fuel line to the rail on the We mounted a Summit Racing 100-micron fuel filter on the frame because there is no fuel filter on the stock fuel rail.We mounted a Summit Racing 100-micron fuel filter on the frame because there is no fuel fi Another trick is this fitting from Aeromotive that connects -8 AN to the stock GM fuel rail so you don't have to use hose clamps to hold 60 psi of fuel pressure.Another trick is this fitting from Aeromotive that connects -8 AN to the stock GM fuel rai We were running out of cash toward the end, so we went to Home Depot and found a 3-inch ID ABS 90-degree plastic tube from the plumbing-supply section and mated it with a 7-inch K&N filter. So far, only one guy noticed, but we think he might work for Home Depot.We were running out of cash toward the end, so we went to Home Depot and found a 3-inch ID A quick shot of Royal Purple and we were ready to go. The LS1 idles at 30 psi, and the oil pressure jumps to 60 when we are on the gas.A quick shot of Royal Purple and we were ready to go. The LS1 idles at 30 psi, and the oil The last parts we had to add were the power steering hoses. The complete kit came from S&P, after we filled out the dimensions sheet provided with the accessory drives. The system uses a remote reservoir that we mounted near the radiator.The last parts we had to add were the power steering hoses. The complete kit came from S&P SOURCES Speartech Fuel Injection Systems Anderson IN speartech.com Lokar Performance Products 10924 Murdock Dr. Knoxville TN 37932 8-65/-966-2269 www.lokar.com Keisler Engineering, Inc Rockford TN keislerauto.com Street and Performance www.hotrodlane.cc Milodon Inc 20716 Plummer St Chatsworth CA 91311 818-407-1211 Summit Racing Equipment P.O. Box 909 Akron OH 44309 Holley Performance Products 1801 Russellville Rd. Bowling Green, KY 42101 KY 42101 270-782-2900 www.holley.com K&N Engineering 1455 Citrus Ave. Riverside CA 92502 800-858-3333 www.knfilters.com Brewer Restoration & Performance Cumming GA musclerods.com Rock Valley Antique Auto Parts Inc Stillman Valley IL rockvalleyantiqueautoparts.com GM Performance Parts www.gmperformanceparts.com B&M Racing & Performance Products 9142 Independence Ave. Chatsworth CA 91311 818-882-6422 Royal Purple Auto Meter Products, Inc. 413 Elm St. Sycamore IL 60178 815-895-8141 www.autometer.com/ Autotronic Controls Corp. (MSD) El Paso TX 9-15/-857-5200 msdignition.com Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
