Fitting LSA blower to L77?

[A PSYCHO]

Hi guys,

Anyone tried fitting an LSA blower to their 6L VF? Is there much involved or is it easier and similar price to just go a heartbeat etc?

[whitels1ss]

I think Rod (BLACK346) is fitting one to his VE Calais at the moment.

He posted something about it in the "what size pipes?" thread.. (post#4)

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?170418-What-size-pipes-do-you-have&p=2156550#post2156550


If he misses this thread (which I honestly doubt,) send him a PM.

[white lie]

Actives over here do them drive in/out for 11k on a VF, 12k on VE so a fair bit cheaper than a Heartbeat.

The HB is a bigger blower though...but the LSA 1900 is very capable.

[BLACK 346]

I think Rod (BLACK346) is fitting one to his VE Calais at the moment.

He posted something about it in the "what size pipes?" thread.. (post#4)

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?170418-What-size-pipes-do-you-have&p=2156550#post2156550


If he misses this thread (which I honestly doubt,) send him a PM.

Mine goes into Enhanced automotive on the 29th of this month for fitting. Will let you know how it goes. I know that the engine and trans have to be dropped
to fit it under the bonnet. Mine will be nowhere near 11 or 12k even with the Gilmer Drive included.

[A PSYCHO]

Mine goes into Enhanced automotive on the 29th of this month for fitting. Will let you know how it goes. I know that the engine and trans have to be dropped
to fit it under the bonnet. Mine will be nowhere near 11 or 12k even with the Gilmer Drive included.

id love any info you could give me regarding the upgrade champ. thats already more info than ive found ins searching, cheers.

[scotty82]

I recently did an LSA blower fitment into a 2016 VF II Redline Wagon (Auto) so I have basically done what you want to do.

Do your sums very carefully and get a firm quote for the labour and tune.

GM parts ain't cheap. I got parts at trade and they still were expensive. :-(

I have a spreadsheet of all part numbers and cost. It can easily exceed the cost of a Magnuson Heartbeat or Harrop FDFI kit.

I got lucky and got a blower with a heap of extra bits that saved me a tonne of money.

You will need...

- Blower
- Injectors & Fuel Rail (LSA injectors are only 58lb/hr. Max out straight away when tuned)
- Water to air intercooler
- Intercooler pump
- Intercooler pump wiring (Standalone wiring as E38 ECU will not control pump like LSA E67 ECU)
- Intercooler pump hoses
- Heater hoses
- Brake vacuum hose
- PCV hose
- Air intake & MAF (Std airbox, Harrop CAI or Dus OTR)
- Sensor extensions (MAF, MAP, Evap, TPS & IAT)
- Harmonic balancer (Consider aftermarket if changing boost later)
- Belts
- Tensioners
- Idlers and Pulleys
- Bolts
- LSA Engine cover

L77... AFM... DoD delete and cam swap. LS9 cam is a very good option.

Labour & Tune

VF will fit without lowering. VE has fitment issues.

Edit: I strongly recommend a Forced Induction Interchiller 6.5L Intercooler reservoir. It really does help stabilize IAT and help maintain performance.

Cheers

[BLACK 346]

id love any info you could give me regarding the upgrade champ. thats already more info than ive found ins searching, cheers.

More than happy to share any info as the install happens. Any things in particular you want to know? The post below you by scotty82 has a lot of good info as well.
Like he said, picking up a second had blower with parts on it is a huge bonus, I got mine with 3500km on it for 3k. I am also upgrading the isolator coupling to a solid one from
Yella Terra as Brad advised me that the factory one is rubbish.

[scotty82]

I also forgot the factory Holden windscreen washer bottle needs to be moved.

The intercooler outlet fouls where the tank is behind the crash bar.

You need to buy the GTS (Opel Astra) bottle, neck and grommet.

[BLACK 346]

I also forgot the factory Holden windscreen washer bottle needs to be moved.

The intercooler outlet fouls where the tank is behind the crash bar.

You need to buy the GTS (Opel Astra) bottle, neck and grommet.

Would this be the same for VE, are they same bottle setup in VF? Cheers

[scotty82]

Yes it will need to be changed. Roonstain who used to post on here did an LSA in his VE SSV and had to move his too. It's the long stretched rectangular shape tank.

The LSA GTS is in between the inner guard cover and behind the bumper bar (LHS).

LSA R8 tourer uses a different tank again (twin pumps).

I found this out while mine was at the shop and got a custom alloy tank made.

Devil in the detail!!! lol

[BLACK 346]

Yes it will need to be changed. Roonstain who used to post on here did an LSA in his VE SSV and had to move his too. It's the long stretched rectangular shape tank.

The LSA GTS is in between the inner guard cover and behind the bumper bar (LHS).

LSA R8 tourer uses a different tank again (twin pumps).

I found this out while mine was at the shop and got a custom alloy tank made.

Devil in the detail!!! lol

Thanks mate. What intercooler did you use out of interest? I purchased one from VCM, it is the one from the Magnussun kit.

[scotty82]

Thanks mate. What intercooler did you use out of interest? I purchased one from VCM, it is the one from the Magnussun kit.

I got lucky with my second hand purchase. I got factory intercooler, pump and hoses.

Like you I would have went VCM retrofit kit or PWR otherwise.

[BLACK 346]

I got lucky with my second hand purchase. I got factory intercooler, pump and hoses.

Like you I would have went VCM retrofit kit or PWR otherwise.

So would my choice of cooler possibly eliminate the windscreen bottle issue?

[white lie]

So would my choice of cooler possibly eliminate the windscreen bottle issue?

You'd like to think the Maggie or PWR one doesn't require any mods to fit the model its designed for?


I am also upgrading the isolator coupling to a solid one from
Yella Terra as Brad advised me that the factory one is rubbish.

Eaton did change to the solid design but its hit and miss as to what models/year have them

[scotty82]

So would my choice of cooler possibly eliminate the windscreen bottle issue?

4790

I am 95% sure you are OK. The VCM intercooler has the outlets on the side rather than the HSV with the outlets pointing forward.

HSV intercooler outlet for hose was exactly where the bottle ran across the back of the Aluminium crash bar :-(

[Micks]

I'm surprised Che (forum sponsor) hasn't chimed in here as 99% sure he done one recently & Justin is doing the wiring ext kits for L76, L77, L98, LS3 for LSA blower upgrades.
Buggered if I can find the FB links now :doh:

[scotty82]

I'm surprised Che (forum sponsor) hasn't chimed in here as 99% sure he done one recently & Justin is doing the wiring ext kits for L76, L77, L98, LS3 for LSA blower upgrades.
Buggered if I can find the FB links now :doh:

CHE did my wagon. That was the one on their FB page.

Justin did my sensor extensions and standalone intercooler pump wiring.

Edit: Since then I have done 10% OD and ID1000 injectors.

[A PSYCHO]

Guys this is all awesome info, just what i was after. Will make it 10000% easier to price up, and begin collecting parts etc so i dont **** around the shop when the time comes. Keep it comin' boys :thumbsup:


More than happy to share any info as the install happens. Any things in particular you want to know? The post below you by scotty82 has a lot of good info as well.
Like he said, picking up a second had blower with parts on it is a huge bonus, I got mine with 3500km on it for 3k. I am also upgrading the isolator coupling to a solid one from
Yella Terra as Brad advised me that the factory one is rubbish.

$3k is about what i expected to pay. Got offered a 2nd handie with 2.55 pulley and a harrop induction for $5500. I thought it was abit steep? but havent seen many for sale to compare etc

[A PSYCHO]

L77... AFM... DoD delete and cam swap. LS9 cam is a very good option.


Is the DOD delete a must? how does it interfere with the LSA blower? Also does anyone know what makes the blower clear the GTS bonnet etc but not the previous models? Do they have a bigger bonnet hump etc or is it all in the mounts?

[BLACK 346]

Is the DOD delete a must? how does it interfere with the LSA blower? Also does anyone know what makes the blower clear the GTS bonnet etc but not the previous models? Do they have a bigger bonnet hump etc or is it all in the mounts?

The DOD delete is not a must for the blower just if you are going to put a cam in. Mine is already DOD delete with cam and shaved heads. I am also going a custom air intake that
Brad is going to fabricate, he did one on a Camaro and reckons it flows far better than any of the other intake options. The VF has a mild bonnet hump that will allow the blower to fit,
VE requres cutting of engine mounts to lower the whole engine and then trans also to suit. I believe alternatively you can muck around with the K_Frame??

[duke5700]

Most informative post I've seen on here in ages. Good stuff.

[scotty82]

Also if you read the Pontiac G8, Chevy SS and Camaro forums about LSA installations be aware about part number lists. Some of these threads are 3-4 years old.

I quoted some of these part numbers to Holden and they came up NLA (No Longer Available) and have been superseded.

[Micks]

Also if you read the Pontiac G8, Chevy SS and Camaro forums about LSA installations be aware about part number lists. Some of these threads are 3-4 years old.

I quoted some of these part numbers to Holden and they came up NLA (No Longer Available) and have been superseded.

Is very true that & also quite a few GM US part nos are not available on our systems in Aus.

[BLACK 346]

Also if you read the Pontiac G8, Chevy SS and Camaro forums about LSA installations be aware about part number lists. Some of these threads are 3-4 years old.

I quoted some of these part numbers to Holden and they came up NLA (No Longer Available) and have been superseded.

I had to purchase the snap on fitting for the intercooler hoses from the states and then get it shipped to NY to my daughter and then shipped to me, ended up costing me over
$120 for a small plastic snap on fitting lol. Buggered if I could find it anywhere other than this one place though, and they didn't ship to OZ.

[Micks]

Just on buying LS spares through your local Holden dealer on avg these spares can be inflated by 200%. 3yrs ago I ordered a dod del kit from Speedinc, which I forgot to get the timing cover gasket was nearly $140 from my local stealership :mad:

[scotty82]

I had to purchase the snap on fitting for the intercooler hoses from the states and then get it shipped to NY to my daughter and then shipped to me, ended up costing me over
$120 for a small plastic snap on fitting lol. Buggered if I could find it anywhere other than this one place though, and they didn't ship to OZ.

That's a shame :-( There are kits sold in the USA which convert the barb to a -12 AN 90* fitting, CNC inlet/outlet plate with hoses for USD$125. Google ZL1 lid -12 hose kit.

[white lie]

I had to purchase the snap on fitting for the intercooler hoses from the states and then get it shipped to NY to my daughter and then shipped to me, ended up costing me over
$120 for a small plastic snap on fitting lol. Buggered if I could find it anywhere other than this one place though, and they didn't ship to OZ.
There's loads of freight forwarding places for cases like that if anyone doesn't have a relative/friend that can do it

[BLACK 346]

Just on buying LS spares through your local Holden dealer on avg these spares can be inflated by 200%. 3yrs ago I ordered a dod del kit from Speedinc, which I forgot to get the timing cover gasket was nearly $140 from my local stealership :mad:

Nor Holden or HSV would help me with LSA blower parts, told me they cannot source them.

[BLACK 346]

That's a shame :-( There are kits sold in the USA which convert the barb to a -12 AN 90* fitting, CNC inlet/outlet plate with hoses for USD$125. Google ZL1 lid -12 hose kit.

Where was this thread 3 months ago lol

[scotty82]

I have a friend who is a workshop manager at a Dealership. He helped sort out parts for me.

However the parts department wanted a GTS VIN and Build number before ordering. Lucky a workmate has a 2016 GTS so I just quoted his details.

Initially I asked another dealership for parts and they weren't too keen to help out.

[scotty82]

Where was this thread 3 months ago lol

You should see how much stuff I have saved on my work computer for the conversion! A massive spreadsheet, tonnes of photos, website favorites, DIY conversion steps the list goes on.

It did take me quite some time to get it sorted however I saved money by not getting my tuner to sort all the fine details out.

[A PSYCHO]

It did take me quite some time to get it sorted however I saved money by not getting my tuner to sort all the fine details out.

thats exactly what i was thinking by making this thread. Ill have to ummmm *cough* borrow that info one day down the track... :hide:

[BLACK 346]

You should see how much stuff I have saved on my work computer for the conversion! A massive spreadsheet, tonnes of photos, website favorites, DIY conversion steps the list goes on.

It did take me quite some time to get it sorted however I saved money by not getting my tuner to sort all the fine details out.

Nice work. Brad at Enhanced wrote me a shopping list and I bought it all. He certainly knows his shit and has done some fine work on my cars :)
The main reason I am going with his Gilmer is not for the looks or sound, but the zero belt slip.

[BLACK 346]

Scotty, how is your trans handling the new power? That is my main concern and Brad agrees. He is going to be pretty conservative to start with on the tune and see
how it holds up.

[scotty82]

Scotty, how is your trans handling the new power? That is my main concern and Brad agrees. He is going to be pretty conservative to start with on the tune and see
how it holds up.

4500kms so far so good [emoji41]

Mine has stock rev limit still. Didn't go aggressive with shift points, line pressures etc.

I did roll racing at Sydney Motorsport Park recently. 13-15 runs for the night. No flaring or shift issues at all.

I have read on the Camaro forums.... LSA installation with stock 6L80E, 50-60000km of driving, 100+ 1/4 mile passes with approx 550rwhp and no problems. Extra gearbox maintenance is the key. I am considering a trans cooler too.

Cheers

[BLACK 346]

4500kms so far so good [emoji41]

Mine has stock rev limit still. Didn't go aggressive with shift points, line pressures etc.

I did roll racing at Sydney Motorsport Park recently. 13-15 runs for the night. No flaring or shift issues at all.

I have read on the Camaro forums.... LSA installation with stock 6L80E, 50-60000km of driving, 100+ 1/4 mile passes with approx 550rwhp and no problems. Extra gearbox maintenance is the key. I am considering a trans cooler too.

Cheers

Cheers mate. I have GM Trans cooler (thanks Wonky), and Camaro Deep pan (thanks Wonky), but have over 100k on my trans, hence the concern :)

[BLACK 346]

Some more info:

Heater hoses were not needed, Brad made the factory ones work. The fuel line needs to be run behind the motor and then to the opposite side where GTS has it. Power steering
resorvoir needs relocating due to where blower intake it situated. Will add more as I find out more :)

[BLACK 346]

Couple more things. VF GTS Engine mounts will get the blower under the bonnet with enough room the function on a VE. Not sure if this is relevant for VF, will ask Brad when
I get a chance and post yay or nay. Also, if you are going from OTR to pod for normal airbox setup due to LSA blower intake being on passenger side rather than mid ships, you
will need the OEM radiator brackets that are done away with on some OTR when you lay the radiator back for bonnet clearance (buggered if I can find mine), not a deal breaker,
but still a PIA to source at short notice. And, the Intercooler that comes with the MAGGY kits does not bolt straight up to earlier VE models, bottom brackets were fine, but Brad had
to fabricate new upper brackets due to non alignment issues.

[Micks]

Rod all VF's & certainly VF2's have the heightened bonnet & guard lines so this is not an issue ;)

[BLACK 346]

Rod all VF's & certainly VF2's have the heightened bonnet & guard lines so this is not an issue ;)

Thanks Mick, thought that might be the case :)

[BLACK 346]

Have a small issue with the quick connections for the intercooler. I ordered straight connections when I should have ordered at least one 90 degree :( As you can see
from the photo, the bottom one is blocked by the fuel rails. Brad is trying to work out a solution as we speak. It is all these little things that are slowing the install down.

[Micks]

Only a minor issue Rod I'm sure he will find a solution, best to do it right the first time ;)

[whitels1ss]

Have a small issue with the quick connections for the intercooler. I ordered straight connections when I should have ordered at least one 90 degree :( As you can see
from the photo, the bottom one is blocked by the fuel rails. Brad is trying to work out a solution as we speak. It is all these little things that are slowing the install down.

How's it going Rod?
All sorted yet? :goodjob:

[BLACK 346]

How's it going Rod?
All sorted yet? :goodjob:

Spoke with Brad today, he had issues with the MAP sensor and is waiting on a 2 bar map sensor from Harrop. Hopefully will get final tune Friday morning.

Also have a video of it running but cannot get that to upload to the forum.

Here is an updated photo, noting that this is from last Thursday so has been tidied up a fair bit since then.4838

[Micks]

Rod very tidy & oem look too :cool: Bet you can't wait to get your V back on the road :yup:

[BLACK 346]

Rod very tidy & oem look too :cool: Bet you can't wait to get your V back on the road :yup:

Thanks Mick. And yes, getting very edgy now lol

[Micks]

Just a thought, it must be a prick to change heater hoses on these FI LSA engines with the blower in place! :lol:

[scotty82]

That's standard GM hoses Mick. LSA hoses route off to the side around the shock tower and down to the water pump heater fittings.

[Micks]

That's standard GM hoses Mick. LSA hoses route off to the side around the shock tower and down to the water pump heater fittings.

Was talking of getting them off @ the firewall end :lol:

[whitels1ss]

Rod very tidy & oem look too :cool: Bet you can't wait to get your V back on the road :yup:

Yeah, looks fantastic Rod :goodjob:

Betcha can't wait. :yup:

[BLACK 346]

Picked her up this morning and what can I say, other than faaaark. Drives extremely nice, but anything more than half throttle and all hell breaks loose. I cannot imagine
what 500rwkw would be like, insane. Brad called it quits at 370rwkw for a few reasons, main one being I don't want the motor or box to go bang, I simply cannot afford a
new motor lol. Maybe in a year or so if I get bored we might put a smaller pulley on, change the fuel pump and up the boost, Brad reckons another 40-50 in it if I decide
to take the risk.

[white lie]

Good result.

370rwkw will be safe as houses on the motor side of things. Been making around that on my LS1 for about 4 years now, hasn't missed a beat. Bigger issue will be drive shafts, diff, gearbox...

[Micks]

Hey Rod great result don't get bogged down on the power the torque is all that matters...954nm & noted it develops that very quickly too!! :thumbsup: :goodjob:
You will be very happy with the V now ;)

[BLACK 346]

Hey Rod great result don't get bogged down on the power the torque is all that matters...954nm & noted it develops that very quickly too!! :thumbsup: :goodjob:
You will be very happy with the V now ;)

Thanks Mick, and right you are :) The tyres don't like it much though.

[Micks]

Thanks Mick, and right you are :) The tyres don't like it much though.

:lol: bout to say ya not gunna get great life outta them from now!!

[Micks]

Good result.

370rwkw will be safe as houses on the motor side of things. Been making around that on my LS1 for about 4 years now, hasn't missed a beat. Bigger issue will be drive shafts, diff, gearbox...

On those numbers the A6 & final drive will be sweet on a VE compared to the earlier LS1's

[A PSYCHO]

Picked her up this morning and what can I say, other than faaaark. Drives extremely nice, but anything more than half throttle and all hell breaks loose. I cannot imagine
what 500rwkw would be like, insane. Brad called it quits at 370rwkw for a few reasons, main one being I don't want the motor or box to go bang, I simply cannot afford a
new motor lol. Maybe in a year or so if I get bored we might put a smaller pulley on, change the fuel pump and up the boost, Brad reckons another 40-50 in it if I decide
to take the risk.

Awesome result champ, enjoy. :goodjob:

[whitels1ss]

Sounds fantastic Rod! :goodjob:

[BLACKVE]

Picked her up this morning and what can I say, other than faaaark. Drives extremely nice, but anything more than half throttle and all hell breaks loose. I cannot imagine
what 500rwkw would be like, insane. Brad called it quits at 370rwkw for a few reasons, main one being I don't want the motor or box to go bang, I simply cannot afford a
new motor lol. Maybe in a year or so if I get bored we might put a smaller pulley on, change the fuel pump and up the boost, Brad reckons another 40-50 in it if I decide
to take the risk.

What was the before Kw's?

How much did it cost all up?

[BLACK 346]

What was the before Kw's?

How much did it cost all up?

294rwkw with VCM21 and decked heads.

Too much lol. Seriously, I haven't worked it out yet.

[Micks]

As I mentioned previously the increase in power of at least 25% is very decent for the A6. Though more importantly the Torque has a massive increase of approx 35-40% :drool: :drool: :yup:
Don't get bogged down on dyno numbers as they mean nothing to driveability!

[BLACKVE]

294rwkw with VCM21 and decked heads.

Too much lol. Seriously, I haven't worked it out yet.

cool, just interested in the cost as you don't see many converting the lsa charger over, they just by a kit one.

Enjoy, what rear tyres do you have, just went to 275's and it helps a bit.

[white lie]

cool, just interested in the cost as you don't see many converting the lsa charger over, they just by a kit one.

Enjoy, what rear tyres do you have, just went to 275's and it helps a bit.
Actives over here do a lot of them. Probably more than Harrop/Maggie kits these days. Their pricing would be a lot cheaper because of that rather than nutting out the process the first time around....plus the Gilmer would add 2500 or so to the price

[BLACK 346]

cool, just interested in the cost as you don't see many converting the lsa charger over, they just by a kit one.

Enjoy, what rear tyres do you have, just went to 275's and it helps a bit.

Was originally going to go down the Maggy kit path, but Brad suggested this. Already have HSV wheels with 275 on rear, would hate to think what
it would be like with the original rim and tyre combo lol.

Just did some quick maths and worked out at $8200 without the gilmer, so not too bad when you consider how much labour was involved and
fabrication work that Brad had to do.

[whitels1ss]

Any idea how much psi it's running?

[BLACK 346]

Any idea how much psi it's running?

10psi. Brad had it running 14 for a while but changed to a larger pulley and reduced to a safer 10.

[white lie]

8k is cheap. I imagine he'll be pumping them out when word gets out

[BLACK 346]

8k is cheap. I imagine he'll be pumping them out when word gets out

I asked him that exact question, he did not seem that keen. I reckon a lot of time consuming work was involved that he may not be that keen to repeat.

Edit: And that price also factors in a second hand blower that I picked up reasonably cheap (had 3k on it and was removed from a VF GTS)