Ernie W

iTrader: (1)

I recently picked up a 1980 Pontiac Firebird, its a good solid car. I'm wanting to put a 6.0L in it and I'll more than likely be using a TH350 trans for now.

The engine I bought is a high mile 1999 LQ4 iron head 6.0L, I paid $125 for it. I'm planning on rebuilding it and putting a Z06 Cam, LS6 intake manifold, 317 aluminum heads, and F-body front accessories on it.

This is my first LS swap and I've got a few questions on it. I've been reading/searching alot on the forum and haven't really posted any. I'm looking for some mounts and so far I've seen alot are using the 1" setback carshop mount plates. Would these be good for my 1980 Firebird?

http://carshop.carshopinc.com/produc.../98457/CSP2370

My second question is which oil pan should I use? I've noticed some are using F-body oil pans, others CTS-V pans, then there are the other LS swap pans like the Holley pan.

My last questions is about the flywheel. I'm gonna be running a th350 for now until I can get a built T-56 6 speed. I've read the early (99-0?) LQ4's have a different crank? and need a spacer according to this info below...

LQ4 debuted in 1999
Displacement was/is 6.0L
1999-2000 had iron heads
1999-2000 had a crank adapter to mate the LQ4 with the 4L80 trans (not LS1 compatible)Compression ratio was 9.5:1
Bloack was Iron

Is this the spacer or similar that I need to run the LS1-th350 flexplate?

http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance...63532/10002/-1

Sorry for so many questions, I'm new to this and trying to get it right the first time. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

Here is when I picked the car up last weekend.....

Ernie W

iTrader: (1)

I did also forget one thing, are the truck engine wiring harness and computer interchangable? Could I use a 5.3L computer and wiring on my 6.0?

74novacustom

ive got the LQ9 with the same cam and intake that you want to use and wow it has more power than expected.

Hughes makes a flywheel to mate your engine and trans, as do many companies. there are many different ways to skin this cat, you can also use a 5.3 flywheel with the 6.0 spacer on the trans side of the flywheel.

The harness will work as well, im using a 5.3 harness and computer for my 6.0

Ernie W

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, thats exactly what I want to hear.

So basically if I use the Hughes flywheel and spacer I'll be good to use the th350 trans and convertor?

74novacustom

correct

Ernie W

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, I appreciate it.

monteboy84

Any update on this project? I was under the impression that the iron-head 1999-00 motors didn't require a spacer.

-matt

Ernie W

iTrader: (1)

Well I don't really have an update. I decided to use a 4L80e trans instead. From everything I have read, a spacer is needed to use the TH350 trans.