Cannowg

I saw a build on here a while back by a user named leadfoot that did a very similar swap putting a 5.3 into a 52 style line. I am curious with all the extra work that will already have to be done if changing the front end out to a mustang 2 IFS is completely necessary for this swap to handle the power and weight?

jeffs55chevy

its not completely necessary, but i would think youd want to change some of the suspension out to make it handle better, if your going through the trouble of swapping an ls in. i have a rat rod with a 400 pontiac, with a suicide front end, model a axle beam with 56 f100 juice brakes. and i wish it handled better, so i can use the power a little better. but i like the look of the suicide front hanging out.
if your just gonna cruise it, i probably wouldnt change anything except maybe disc brakes up front. have you looked into a camaro front clip? my brother has one in his 53 chevy. just to give you options, or ideas.

Cannowg

Yeah as i have been reading i have been contemplating clipping the car or at least upgrading it to the latest year of the same type that I can. I will definitely be adding front disc brakes and with the rear end change out for the LS swap it will have disc brakes in the rear. Due to the fact that I have no welding equipment nor any actual working knowledge of welding i would say it will cost me a greater amount of money to do a full suspension swap at the moment. Now to track down a motor and trans for the swap!

33willys

iTrader: (1)

Can't build a house on shifting sands! You should swap out the front end to a MII style. The front end you have now is bolted in and the good news is there is a MII style direct bolt in. You will still have to weld in the motor mounts and cross member for the trans. If you want disc in back hunt down an Explorer 8.8 rear end that has posi and disc. When you get the engine, get the transmission too.

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

Hmmnn... Changing out a Bluflame 6 @ 80Hp, for a LS at 400, and expecting the suspension to be "safe"??

Cannowg

I agree with that about the power and the suspension. I just dont currently possess the budget or the skill set for a weld in mustang 2 front end. This car will set 6 days a week and get pulled out for sunday cruises and the occasional car show. While i really want to put a 5.3 or 6.0 in it i am still having a hard time justifying the cost for what the car is intended for.

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

350/Th350 swap cheap and easy. If you were gonna change anything on the front make it the brakes. Don't skimp there.

Cannowg

Its definitely in the back of my mind. Just throw a 350 with a good trans and rear end ( have to change the rear end due to the close drive line) and call it a day.

rpturbo

iTrader: (47)

Stuff a s10 chassis under it. That seems to be the ticket these days, and they make a ton of aftermarket suspension parts for them.

And, you can still use a 8.8 under a s10 as well if you want to go that route. Its all easier than clipping it.

1950chevycar

Any suggestions for a good donor vehicle to pull the engine and transmission from to put in my 1950 Chevy Fleetline?

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

Anything you do is going to take some fab work and welding but a bolt in kit would make it much easier and then you only have to deal with mounts, Putting an LS in is the same work as putting in a sbc and price wise they aren't that much different if you keep it carbureted.