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My name is Tony. I had to join this forum after reading a number of great and helpful threads that I found while doing some research.
I hope to gain as much knowledge as I can while also sharing my current project.
As for the thread title name: "LV3 Engine and 6L80e Trans swap in a rare (?)
The rare vehicle is called an Ultravan or Ultra Van.
376 Ultravans were hand made to order with no chassis or frame over a 7 year time frame back in the 60's.
The first 320 of them came with an air cooled Corvair engine and a 2 speed powerglide and why I am doing this conversion.
I saved the one shown above from the scrap yard with hopes of finding it a new home.
May 2016 was 3 years since we got this Ultravan and there are few people willing to take on a project of this size.
That is why I have decided this year to do a Custom build project with hope of finding it a new home once it is fully road worthy.
Drive-train:
My goal is to install the latest 4.3 LV3 backed up by a 6L80e and Corvette Differential.
Rear Suspension:
I want to use the latest 4X4 Silverado front strut suspension with air ride.
Thank you for checking out this thread. I hope you enjoy my project.
I will be posting other threads on this site (in the proper sections) that will also relate to this project.
FYI - If you are interested - Here is a link to a progress page that I started this year.
What is nice about this thread is the fact that you can read everything from the beginning in order as it happened. 231 Ultravan Build Project
Is it because I am not a member that I can't see anyone else posting in your thread over there?
Because you are the only person who was posting in it, I feel bad for you if it truely is only you posting lol.
That site or forum belongs to an Ultravan owner and it only has a few members at this time.
I am merely documenting my project there to be able to display everything in order with hope that someday more UV owners will start using that forum.
I first started documenting this project on FaceBook - but I don't like how hard it is to start at the beginning or to scroll back to find something.
That is why I started the one on the UV forum - site. Everything is documented in order and easy to follow and go back to.
Currently this project is going to be part Truck and part Corvette in the rare Ultravan MotorHome.
The power-plant, an LV3, are currently available in a 2014 & up GM truck and the 6L80e automatic transmission I will be using are found in the C6 Corvette.
The rear suspension will be the front suspension of a 2008 & up Silverado or Sierra with custom Air Ride using Ridetech's ShockWaves and custom brackets.
My hope is to be able to use a truck dash and steering column that will work with the LV3, 6L80e, the correct PCM and wiring.
FYI - If anyone is interested. My setup would work for anyone looking to put a LS / 6L80e or 6L90e in the bed of a truck. Big GRIN
I am one of those guys who (so far in life) have never learned how to weld.
Because I can not weld, I make templates or drawings and have the stuff made.
How I will be doing the power-plant install is no different.
I have purchase 2"x2" cedar because it is light weight, easy to work with and it will last longer even if it gets wet a couple of times.
My plan is to make a cradle to mount in UV231 that will house the entire power-plant with radiator.
My design is so that the enter power-plant or drive-train can be removed out the back for repairs.
Repairs like; a head gasket, intake or even exhaust manifold, giving full access to them making it easier to work on.
Once something like a head gasket, exhaust manifold gasket or even intake gasket has been repaired;
I will be able to start the engine, bring it to operating temps, check for leaks and top off the coolant.
All the while having the power-plant sitting outside of the vehicle.
Once I'm 100% sure it has no issues - I can then slide the cradle with the power-plant back into UV231.
FYI - If you did not already know this. Some Tanks and most City buses engines are done this way.
Having been a mechanic in the USA Army and seeing some buses - gave me the idea.
I knew I wanted a better way to do major repairs on a power-plant that was in a tight engine compartment.
So I will make the cradle out of the cedar 2X2 and then take that to my metal guy.
Once he has made it I will return with it and fit is in UV231.
Here is a link to the post (dated January 28, 2016) where I talk about this. 231 Ultravan Build Project
And here is why I want to be able to remove the entire power-plant making it as easy as possible to work on. I'm not getting any younger. GRIN
This Olds 455 is in another one of our Ultravans (UV520) that has either a bad exhaust manifold and/or gasket.
Too tight for me to work on as I am getting older.
Oct 10, 2016 | 12:40 PM
LV3 Engine and 6L80e Trans swap in a rare (?)
