korndawg

My 1972 Chevelle currently has an LT1/4L60e in it from a 1995 Corvette and I'm contemplating on upgrading it to either and LQ9 or LY6. Besides new motor mounts, what other things does it entail for the conversion? Do the truck accessories fit or do I need new mounts? Any cutting/hacking involved? My fuel system should be adequate. Just wondering what issues/added expenses I can expect on top of the cost of buying the motor. Thanks!

RJComins

The fuel system is a big one but other expenses may include wire harness, ecm, possible accessory relocation brackets, headers, different oil pan, exhaust rework, air conditioning or air box relocation. It's hard to say what the possibilties may be until you nail down exactly what you want to do. You can check out my thread - LY6 and 6L90E in 72 Chevelle and see the many obstacles or new decisions I have been making in the process. Mine started out being just an engine swap and it snowballed into a complete frame off! Let me know if I can help with anything.

korndawg

Thanks! I guess the wire harness and accessory brackets are my main concern. They can get expensive in a real hurry.

psiconversion

iTrader: (5)

Some of the cost is going to focus on if you are going to keep the DBW or go DBC, especially if it is a 24x motor which requires a TAC Module and Pedal. If you want to stick with the DBW, make sure you get the TAC and pedal or the cost can go up considerably. Also, if you are going to run headers, they will be different from the LT1's.

Jon
PSI

korndawg

I would definitely switch to DBC. What's all needed for that conversion? Lets say if I get an LY6 out of a 09' Van.

99VetteFRC

Look on Ebay at Bow Auto in New Hampshire. They sell complete pull outs with all accessories and they have really good prices. I got mine for $450+$100 for shipping. It came with everything except MAF and O2 sensors. Check out my build thread in my sig.

korndawg

Also, will my current 4L60e tranny work?

99VetteFRC

It will if you get a custom convertor to bolt to your flexplate or the cheaper way to go would be to get the flat flexplate and spacer from your local GM dealer. flexplate# 12621399 spacer# 12563532 bolts x6 12563533. I used the the parts I listed to bolt my 700r4 and now my th350 to my engine. You will have to elongate the bolt holes in the flexplate by about 5/16 inch. Works killer though.

oldgoat69

Should be a great result. I also have the LQ and 4L60E combination. My 2 cents is to go DBW, works extremely well in my experience, not any real extra cost if you are diligent about searching for the parts. Truck accessories will work, only issue is the PS pump fittings and pulley. I used a basic list of parts to make the swap. Everything worked just as advertised. Don't waste time trying to make the truck pan fit, it is a waste of effort and will only frustrate you. I can provide the recipe if you are interested.

psiconversion

iTrader: (5)

Korndawg,

If you go with an LY6 (58X) and you want to run DBC, you will have to either change the reluctor wheel in the engine or use a Lingenfelter box (convert 58x to 24x) and run a red/blue 411 (LS1 Style PCM). If you are running a LQ9/LQ4 (24X) you dont need to run the box, just switch to a red/blue 411 pcm and cable throttle body.

Regarding the transmission, make sure it is a 95 with PWM torque converter (easy to tell if you just unplug your current trans harness make sure it has 13 wires, not 12). If it does, then you can use the transmission with either engine discussed above. Hope this helps.


Jon
PSI

korndawg

Thanks for the replies and help guys! Now the search for an LY6 begins


oldgoat69: Go ahead and send me that recipe

bhop42

iTrader: (2)

Good choice of engine. I would keep it DBW though. As stated above you would need to convert the 58x signal to 24x. Just buy the Corvette pedal and be done with it. Easy to install and definitely cheaper than going DBC.

Che70velle

iTrader: (6)

And keep in mind also, if you find an 09' ly6, there is no tac module. Installation is plug and play. The pedal mounting is tricky, but that is exactly why we do this stuff!

bhop42

iTrader: (2)

Exactly. My 07 doesn't have a tac module either.

korndawg

$2200 for a 32k mile LY6 a good deal? Comes w all accessories, harness and PCM.

Che70velle

iTrader: (6)

yeah thats not bad considering the miles. i paid more than that, but i bought through a very reputable mover, and he gave me access to hooker/holley parts "at cost", plus access to Vengeance Racing tuning at my disposal. for me , cheaper is hardly ever better. Make sure, whoever you deal with, will warranty their stuff. You would not believe the people on here who have bought bad engines.

99VetteFRC

You should get a pullout with all the bells and whistles from the same vehicle. If you call Bow Auto like I posted earlier and talk to Chris and tell him what you want, I'm sure he can hook you up. My engine came with all accessories and starter and TAC and pedal. I had to shorten the pedal but it works awsome. Check out my build.

psiconversion

iTrader: (5)

Correct, as stated above, all 58x do not need a TAC Module as the ECM takes care of those functions. If you decide to stick with DBW on a 58x, the corvette petal is steel and relatively easy to mount in most conversions.

Jon
PSI

SShep71

iTrader: (5)

I am doing a similar swap in my 69 GTO, I am using a LY6 and 6L90. I was really close to buying a LQ4 but you are soo much better with the VVT. A lot of people are taking it out but if you take your time and find a good tuner you will get awesome results. I am trying to find info on doing the harness conversion myself to save the cash and put it toward a cam. I will let you know what I find (anyone out there have any good info on doing the harness conversion yourself) I am also working on making and selling custom engine mount brackets for A-bodys that mount in the stock location. I will update you as I find out and come up with different solutions.