Before the pandemic, life was easier in so many ways for so many people. One problem we constantly heard was builders had increased customer orders but couldn’t procure the materials needed for manufacturing, which is what we went through while trying to create content for our tech section.
The last time we visited this particular project was over six months ago with the installation of a QA1 coilover suspension. This 1997 Chevy C1500now handles like a rail car but lacks the power to really test out the engineering. Yes, we could upgrade the factory 305ci engine to gain a few hundred horsepower, but the time, dollars and effort spent doing that would be on par with a complete LS engine swap. So that’s the route we are going on this build, and we really hope you follow along.
Did I mention we are supercharging it? Now I have your attention!
Our block of choice is a 6.0-liter LS engine out of a 2003 Silverado 2500 HD. We are going to completely strip it down and prep it properly for the big power we expect to get with this ProCharger supercharger system. Along the way, we will strengthen the structure with ARP bolts and paint it nicely to match the rest of the truck. This P-1SC-1 supercharger system from ProCharger is self-contained (SC) and the only gear-driven centrifugal superchargers to feature self-lubrication. SC ProChargers also feature the highest step-up ratio, exclusive billet impellers and the industry’s only billet gearcases for superior rigidity, sealing and appearance.
We are sending the harness to Current Performance Wiring for a complete overhaul. Which will make it plug and play with our 6.0-liter LS. The follow OEM wire colors and use OEM connectors to produce the best quality products. They go through a multi-step quality inspection process that’s guaranteed to meet or exceed even the most demanding show car owner’s expectations. We are replacing this original OEM transmission with a Chevrolet 4L80 transmission to handle the additional power and finishing it all off with some Red Line fluids. Keep in tune with this one because the end result will be something you want to see, we promise!
This 1997 Chevy GMT400 was extremely well maintained by the original owner and sold to a hardcore gearhead with high standard and an attention to detail. After a QA1 coilover conversion and a set of 20-inch US Mags wheels, its sits like a title holder but performs like an amature. Time to fix that!The block for this serious swap is a 6.0-liter LS engine straight out of a 2003 Silverado 2500 HD. We are going to completely strip it down and prep it properly for the big power we expect to get with this ProCharger supercharger system.
Joe Egizio from Egizio Motors in Ocala, Florida, is performing the surgery, and he’s basically a newbie to the operating room. Yes he’s performed many mechanical masterpieces in his day, but never a ProCharged 6.0 LS in an ONB Chevy. We will all learn together! First on the list, cleaning and painting the block.The weak link in a connecting rod has always been the bolt, and racers know that nobody builds a better bolt than ARP. However, it is critically important to monitor the stretch of each bolt and replace it when it has permanently elongated by .0005. This is typically defined by the loads that are carried by the bolts in terms of piston/rod weight and the rotational speed of the engine. You should also know that ARP rod bolts are superior in the area of fatigue strength. Testing has shown ARP rod bolts to have 10 times the fatigue strength of other bolts.
Assembling the valve springs is the next step to building an unbreakable LS. Valve springs are the unsung heroes of horsepower. The springs provide force to keep the valve in contact with the mating components during the valve opening, peak lift, and during closing of the intake and exhaust cycles.ARP assembly lubricant will get you within 5% of the required pre-load on the first pull and stays consistent with each subsequent cycle including race prep, machining, pre-assembly and final assembly! It’s developed to be more consistent, more repeatable and manufactured with no harmful contaminants.The valve covers look great installed on the newly painted block. Time to start adding the goodies!
With the valve springs in place we can move to the rocker assembly and and then the valve covers.The big picture of this project is this beautiful ProCharger system we are adding.
The best thing about ProCharger is that the kit comes complete with everything you need, including the intercooler and even a license plate frame!The first part of the puzzle is the harmonic balancer. It does not actually balance an engine, but rather it absorbs and removes unwanted vibration due to torsional twisting of the crankshaft.Next, the main bracket is installed, which allows all the other pieces to bolt up. We also added the new waterpump.
This ProCharger head unit will align the six-rib belt as needed and give you some adjustments based on tension.Looking great so far! All this black powdercoating looks great, and it came that way out of the box.
Our kit came with this P-1SC-1 supercharger is self-contained (SC) and the only gear-driven centrifugal superchargers to feature self-lubrication. SC ProChargers also feature the highest step-up ratio, exclusive billet impellers. The industry’s only billet gearcases for superior rigidity, sealing and appearance.Yes, this will fit in that truck! We know it doesn’t look like it, but this entire engine and ProCharger system will slide in. Fits perfectly in our 1997 Chevy C1500.Like most projects we do, we use Red Line fluids throughout. Red Line has a reputation with racers and enthusiasts alike for creating products that perform and protect better than any on the market. No compromises.
With the engine prepped and ready to install, we need to yank out the old 350ci V-8. We will be reusing the factory wiring harness, so we need to take that out first, with patience!Current Performance Wiring was formed in 1999 when LT1 engine swaps were truly gaining momentum, and the LS1 engine has just come to market. They follow OEM wire colors and use OEM connectors to produce the best quality products and they go through a multi-step quality inspection process. Guaranteed to meet or exceed even the most demanding show car owner’s expectations.
Current Performance Wiring manufactures custom engine & transmission harnesses for:
’05-Newer LS2, LS3 & LS7 (24 and 58 tooth)
’97-’04 LS1, LS2, LS6
’99-Newer Vortec 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2
’94-’97 LT1 & LT4
’96-03 Vortec 5.7L 350
Gen V Direct injected LT1, LT4, L83, L86
Next on the task list is to remove the transmission. Since we are replacing everything, it’s a cleaner process to take it all apart in the truck than it is to yank it all out though the engine bay. We are replacing this original OEM transmission with a Chevrolet 4L80 transmission.
With the transmission out of the way, we can start pulling the engine block. This particular small block turned nearly 300K miles on the odometer before being removed in perfectly working condition. This may be a project for another day!The 6.0-liter LS engine looks menacing and roaring to rip. With this much detail and precision going into this project, we need to clean the engine bay before we begin the install.A quick bath and a little scrubbing gave this bay a fresh look. The previous owner was a full time detailer and it shows.
Until the next issue, we will put this project away. Focus on some other items until we get out wiring harness back from Current Performance. Stay tuned!
