FUN, QUICK and EASY LS engine conversion
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 26
From: columbus,ohio
FUN, QUICK and EASY LS engine conversion I have been thinking about doing LS engine swap for sometime.I want to use a truck engine ,with a truck intake and accessories.What I would like to know is what vehicles are the easiest and cheapest to convert.I'm not concerned about hood clearance, as I do not mind adapting a hood to make it work,but I want to stay away from, projects that require major altering engine compartment or frame notching, and such,I will be doing this on a budget so CHEAP fun quick and easy is what I am looking for.Probably at the top of the list is going to be older GM trucks I would guess. Like 68 to 72 or 88 and later. but want cars would be good candidates?So give me some choices to chose from.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,147
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
3rd gen is pretty easy looking, but truck accys will not clear the hood. The older trucks would be easy because you could re-use the truck oil pan, accys, and probably the exhaust manifolds. The g-body cutlasses would be pretty easy. the accys and intake would clear, the exhaust manifolds would have to be changed.....you should change the pan, but you could be real careful and drive it with the truck pan.
The 67-69 1st Gen F-Body, 68-72 X-body and 64-72 A-body's are the most documented swaps. Each one has many choices to work with (type of adapter plates), do some Reseach and you will get some insite on what direction and budget will work for you.
Early Trucks will also be an easy choice due to the large engine bay.
The Fox Body is also another popular swap..
Each one of these are all documented and can be a easy and low budget swap if you keep that in mine.. but in the end.. the choice is yours for what you want to have.
good luck.. keep us posted..
Early Trucks will also be an easy choice due to the large engine bay.
The Fox Body is also another popular swap..
Each one of these are all documented and can be a easy and low budget swap if you keep that in mine.. but in the end.. the choice is yours for what you want to have.
good luck.. keep us posted..
I never really understand posts like this. Since you don't really have a preference it what type of vechicle you drive, the easiest swap would be to leave it in the truck you found it in.
Beyond that a Datsun 280z. You can get a complete install kit cheap and have it running in a week.
Beyond that a Datsun 280z. You can get a complete install kit cheap and have it running in a week.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 26
From: columbus,ohio
Well thanks to everyone for the feedback on conversion choices.I'm going to rule out 1st gen F body ,IMO especially V8 cars, SS, RS, and Z28s should be restored to original condition period.I would only consider converting a 6 cylinder car.3rd gen cars do not appeal to me ,maybe 2nd gen thats possible.68-72 X body cars are getting difficult to find at a reasonable price, but a possible choice.As far as the G body, I guess he is referring to years 78-88 cutlass,they are maybe.The 280z,how much is the install kit,and what do you have to change?So far I think I like A-body idea the best for a car choice. Last month at a car show I saw a real nice 72 El Camino for sale 3500.
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88-99 pickup or utility is almost a bolt in swap. Pick up a 4.3 w/t truck as they are dirt cheap. You could be up and rolling for under $2500 total. I just lost the motor in my worm/plow truck (88 K3500) and it was cheaper to swap in a 5.3 than it was to rebuild or replace the long block.
DO NOT do a 3rd gen swap if you are afraid of wiring. I am still sorting mine out after letting a shop wire it up. I'd pick something with less factory wiring to deal with, maybe a 2nd gen? Don't get me wrong though, once you get it together and blast the tires off at 60+ it is rewarding!
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island. (new hampshire)
2nd gen S10..... 95 and up trucks.
98 and up have the new dash and front grill, but they're the same truck essentially.
EASY to swap. headers, radiator, mounts, and engine harness is really all you need.
98 and up have the new dash and front grill, but they're the same truck essentially.
EASY to swap. headers, radiator, mounts, and engine harness is really all you need.
what about the 94 s10 its a 2nd gen with a little 1st gen in it. (no air bag steering wheel) Dont forget the H3 Hummer oil pan. and c5 corvette accessories, and if you want to run a/c and not cut the frame. the Kwik Performance a/c compressor bracket. Im doing this swap right now in a 1st gen, cant wait to drive it.
I feel like you took me to prom felt me up then dropped me off at the house all hot and bothered because you had to be home at midnight. 
LOL, I hope it's a TVR swap. Just got my'89 formula 350 with a LQ9 running again. Let me tell you the sound of a cammed Gen III in a 3rd gen F-Body is a neat thing. It's my favorite swap, but you have to nail the wiring the first time, or it will haunt you forever!