Caddy83

Has anyone swapped an LS engine into a 1983 Cadillac 2 door Fleetwood brougham D-body? What LS engine will move this 5000 pound Caddy? I was going to install a 1996 Impala SS LT1 drivetrain but after further research and becoming a member here in this forum, I'm 100% convinced that an LS drivetrain is the way to go. I live in Long beach, CA. Any info. on a shop that does these type of conversions will be very helpful. Thanks

b00sted

iTrader: (7)

I want to do this some day. LQ9 with a 4L80.

And some trues.

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

If it is / was a 4100 powered car it was only 140HP stock - when they ran properly... Since the lowest rated Gen III engine is nearly double that with tons more torque on a bad day I would say any would be an excellent choice.

From the swap angle, the frame is similar to the mid 1990's Caprices and I know there are some swaps for those around. The main concerns I have is if the Gen III AC could be used without notching the frame and how hard clearing the AC / Heat box on the firewall would be. If you have decent fabrication skills modding the frame is not even an issue. You may have to relocate the coils for good heater box clearance but that is easy as well. Every one of those cars I have worked on had a dual pattern bell housing so you can keep your transmission. Hood clearance shouldn't be an issue so you could keep the truck intake and accessory routing if you place the engine properly. Beyond that, it shouldn't be a problem.

Read the sticky about budget swaps by MeanYellowZ at the top of this forum for details.

Caddy83

Thanks for the info. any more info. will be great. Thanks

pewterfbody

iTrader: (5)

thats a cool idea

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

What about a Northstar?

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

This may be your biggest battle, having to deal with California emissions. On older cars I don't think it's as much of a problem, but an 83 it might be more difficult. Just something to think about. Good luck sounds like a cool swap.

deuce4935

iTrader: (2)

I recently finished swapping a 98' LS1 into my 1980 2dr Caprice. Search my username and you'll run across my thread. If your Cadi has the ht4100 efi engine then you're already ahead of the game because the feed and return lines are in place and you'll only need to upgrade the intank fuel pump and add the Corvette fpr(fuel pressure regulator). As for room, well you've got plenty under that Cadi's engine bay. A set of S&P adapters for the stock location will clear the hvac box and you can use some 98-02 Camaro lt headers, your stock trans and a crankshaft spacer. And yes you can use the posi from a 94-96 Impala-SS, it'll bolt right up without any issues.

Caddy83

Thanks deuce4935. checked out your username but did not find a write up on your conversion. S&P adapters are for the motor mounts correct? Are these adaptors good for any LSX engines. When i order the adapters from s&p, what should I ask for. As for a tranny, I will not use my stock tranny. Will I need a crossmember for the tranny? How about the wiring kit? Need as much info. as I can for this swap to go in with no major issues. If cost turns out to be a factor, can I install a 94-97 LT1/LT4 drivetrain from a corvette, camero, firebird, caprice, fleetwood , or buick roadmaster? Thanks for all your info.

deuce4935

iTrader: (2)

You want to stay away from the lt1 stuff, lsx is the way to go. When you call s&p just ask for the ls swap adapters but dont get the 1" set back mounts. If you can get the matching trans to go with your ls series engine then you'll only need to fab the cadillac xmember or get one from an older a-body that has the dual humps which is what I used for mine. If you have the harness for the engine then you have your choice of vendors who can rework it or s&p can sell you one of theirs.

kornerz

iTrader: (5)

Lt1=boat anchor

Caddy83

any more info. on this swap will be very helpful Thanks

gofastwclass

iTrader: (2)

Which transmission is in the car? Is it a 700R (I think they are factory) if so, you don't need to do anything to the cross member or tunnel if you use a 4L60E.

I didn't see you were in Cali... I don't know squat on the emissions thing. Ironically the used Gen III engine probably has better smog numbers than the original in new condition, especially if it was a 4100.

Good luck! I think this would be a cool pimp mobile.

Caddy83

The tranny I have is a THM200r4. What tranny can I install without any modifications. Also, what about the rear differential. The one I have now is a 2.56(I think this is what I have but the 1983 specs for my deville according to GM is a 3.42 gear ratio). I was thinking of putting one from a 1996 Impala ss with a gear ration of 3.08 limited slip. Any suggestions will help. Thanks

kj598bbc

I havent started my swap yet as im collecting parts and recently laid off, but i think you should consider using b-body swap info. I wont start taking pics till im thru collecting parts, but i have a 95 caprice 3.23 geared posi, Lq9 & 60e, and f-body longtubes and my 79 triple black 88k mile coupe deville. Im going to do (i hope) some minor modding to a 95 caprice dual exhaust x-member. This x-member fit in my 79 caprice coupe with very little mods. I've never swapped a gen III or IV, but im not the least bit intimidated. Reading is fundamental as is searching. Now if i could get a job, i could afford some L92 heads, ls3 intake, ported throttle and Pat G cam and a lil yank !!! G L with the swap
Almost forgot; also follow Roarrr as he builds his b-body.

kj598bbc

Northstar was my original plan, until i realized that there was'nt really a budget way to make that happen.

kj598bbc

Sounds about right ..... specially and you live in Chicago !!! I think im gonna use 30's and vogues first.... then 26's or...

Caddy83

MOre suggestions. Thanks

kj598bbc

Im not trying to be a **** but i suggest reading and searching. It does'nt even have to be a d or b-body thread, but theres tons of useful information that you NEED to be aware of. 2 x for what gofast said about reading Mean Yellow Z' budget swap thread.

Caddy83

I have been looking at forums for suggestions. Need all the info I can get