1972chevelle

okay guys i finally decided. its gonna be an LS2, i want the t56 6 speed and a 9 inch rear i think. i need help, and lots of it on the motor, i have alot left on restoring the car but i want a good idea of where im going with the motor also. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

Midnight68

iTrader: (1)

Not really sure what you want, the search tool is your friend. I would start here https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/818862-lsx-swap-faq-hall-fame-threads.html if you have an specific questions use the search tool or ask away someone always has an answer.

1972chevelle

well i mean i want it streetable, i want to take it to car shows and all, but i want between 400-500 hp. i guess money isnt that big of an issue, i have a pretty good job and i live in a 3 car garage with an apartment up top which is all paid for. so i can sink plenty of money

Stu Cool

iTrader: (13)

With the LS2 you are already startng with 400 hp so your goal should be easy with basic cam and headers and a good exhaust. You could also look at one of the heads and cam packages available from several vendors.

Sounds like a great project

Pat

john 67

spend time in this forum ,weather its a camaro or any other project there is a ton of info here, ive learned a lot and wouldn't have gotten as far as i have if it wasn't for the guys around here ,ask specefic q's and youll probably get more answers & look at the 'stickys' at the top of this page.i went with a new ls2 . JOHN

1972chevelle

thanks guys. ive been reading all the stickys, ill probally buy a new ls2 and start with bolt ons and exhaust and headers and see where that takes me, anyone have the 6 speed tranny in a 69 camaro? im wondering how the console looks. i want it to look pretty original but be quick

Rodder

iTrader: (2)

Where your console ends up depends on what mount plates and shifter you use. With ATS or S&P plates, the shifter is about 4inches farther back than original. McLeod makes a shifter that relocates the handle forward so you can put the console in the original location. Some people just move the console pack. Me, I can't stand the 68/69 console (my leg leans against it), so I'm not using one. Right now I have a hump hugger from Rick's, but I'll probably build a console someday.

Why do you want to go with a 9inch? If I knew back then what I do now, I would have gone with a Moser 12bolt with Ford-style ends and 33-spline axles. I'd still be running a TrueTrac either way though.

merriman44

iTrader: (4)

Not hard to do. The console is only moved back about 2 inches. Looks original for the most part.

1972chevelle

okay so no worries about the console, the reason i picked 9 inch is because i heard 12 bolt was better for auto and 9 inch for manual. have i heard wrong? fill me in please

JAY ROD

iTrader: (1)

I am doing an ls swap in my 69 camaro right now.Check scoggin dickey for your engine harness.They have a complete kit that includes all the electronics to make your engine run(computer,harness all sensors etc.)for $815.00.The swap is very straight forward.

1972chevelle

thank you very much, i will look into that. have you got the motor mount kit and radiator and all from jegs? ive looked at that is there a better kit?

Stu Cool

iTrader: (13)

If you are starting from scratch with your rear-end I would go with a 9 inch. They are like the SBC of rear-ends. Everybody is using them, so there is a lot of stuff available for them at lower prices. Plus you have the flexibility of having more than one pumpkin so you can easily swap out gear sets without having to dial them in each time. Don't now if that is is a factor for you or not. I do think the 12 bolt may be a little lighter, but with available components the weight difference is not a lot.

My $.02

Pat

1972chevelle

thanks pat. its starting to sound like some research on my part, haha, i know my ol 10 bolt thats in it right now will never work, ive heard 12 bolt is better, then i hear 9 inch is better, anyone else have any experience with either?

merriman44

iTrader: (4)

OR if you wanna save some green look for a 8.5inch 10 bolt rear. Easily and cheaply built to be as strong as a 12 bolt.

1972chevelle

I never heard of a 10 bolt being very strong, but like I said money is okay on this, I plan on sinking alot in her.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

"They" say a 9" eats up more power due to the relationship of the pinion to the ring gear, but you'd likley not notice it with 500 HP. I've got both, never had a problem with either.

Rodder

iTrader: (2)

Here's why I would have gone 12-bolt...

1) Your axle choices for a performance 9" are 31-spline or 35-spline. Your only differential choices for 35-spline axles are Detroit Locker or a Spool, both of which suck for anything but driving in a straight line--don't even think about trying to turn into a parking spot with a spool. For the 12bolt, you can get 33-splines axles and just about any differential you want. I want a TrueTrac, so I could have gotten stronger axles with the 12bolt.

2) The 12bolt weighs a little less

3) The 12bolt takes a little less power to turn

4) I have no plans to swap out center sections to change gears, so that's not an advantage to me.

5) price is a wash I think between a 31-spline 9bolt and a 33-spline 12bolt


Mostly #1...

There has been a ton of discussion on this over in the Tranmission & Driveline forum on camaros.net.

1972chevelle

Thanks! Now I'm hung between a 9" and a 12 bolt lol. LS7 is definetly too expensive, haven't heard much about the ls3 but I'll check it out. Thanks for your help about those rear ends, I'll definetly want to be able to park it easily haha.