Titanium45

Well i'm interested in puting a LS1 in my 1980 Buick LeSabre limited coupe. The reason im wanting to do this is because not many people expect a Lesabre to be coming up on them and wanting to race. i was thinking about putin a small block 355 in it but i like the fact that a LS1 comes stock with 300 or so horse. How much do you guys think the project will cost me?

cherryelky305

iTrader: (2)

Probably around $6000-$7000 depending on mileage of the donor engine, and the amount of work you do yourself. The more unique the swap the more expensive it is.

Titanium45

yea. thats wat im shooting for is a unique car. i'll never get rid of the car. it was my grandmas for a while and she lost her license about a year ago so it sat in my uncles garage for a while and i asked my uncle if i could have it and he said only if i learn off of it. i've built small blocks before so i figure its time to learn newer engines. and i figured it would be a nice swap to have an LS1 in there.

cherryelky305

iTrader: (2)

I don't know what frame that car runs on but, motor mounts and crossmembers may be available to make the swap easier. I did lots of research for my swap, and 50 days from when we bought the engine its almost done.

Good luck.

Titanium45

its a B body.

Titanium45

maybe an LT1 would be a little easier to put in??? i've heard of alot of people having to notch out there frames for ls1's is that true?

cherryelky305

iTrader: (2)

Some people do, but some people get a modified oil pan too. and a car that size I would think there should be enough room to just get an oil pan made to fit. Its gonna cost sure, but it would be custom. an LT1 is basically a SBC, so it should bolt right in.

What kind of engine does that have in it now?

Titanium45

It's got a pontiac 301 in it right now. with a TH200 tranny i think. I always get the TH200 and TH350's mixed up because there pans look so alike.(i havn't really looked hard)

cherryelky305

iTrader: (2)

TH200? Do you mean 2004r? I wasnt aware of a TH200. just TH350 and TH400.

G-Body

iTrader: (4)

GM did make a th200, it was a smaller lighter replacement for the th350. It was designed for 4 and 6 cyl engines, but was also used behind V8`S......where it likes to go poof. My El Camino came with one.