Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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1962 Impala Convertible

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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 02:53 PM
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Default 1962 Impala Convertible

Just picked up a Convertible 1962 Imapala. This isnt my first build, but it is my first LS1 install so im sure i will have a million questions. My plans are to do a full frame off resto. Powdercoated frame, 4 wheels disc brakes & Hotchkis suspension. I'm still debating on the which tranny to go with. (4L60e or 200r). Any suggestions?

The car


The engine


Hotchkis

Last edited by ccarriii; Feb 24, 2010 at 04:16 PM.
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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 02:56 PM
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Nice! Can't wait to see it done!!!
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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 04:21 PM
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Here is a pic of my 1961 Impala Bubbletop. Hopefully in the near future i will have a LS1 in it also

Last edited by ccarriii; Feb 24, 2010 at 04:29 PM.
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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 06:42 PM
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Man I got a weakness for these Impala's. I may be able to buy a 62 SS that's in decent shape and I will be joining you in this swap. I'm thinking LQ4+procharger and a 4l80e. May have to sell the 69 for a family car.
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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by SuperSport346
Nice! Can't wait to see it done!!!
Thanks! I cant wait either

Originally Posted by 1969x11
Man I got a weakness for these Impala's. I may be able to buy a 62 SS that's in decent shape and I will be joining you in this swap. I'm thinking LQ4+procharger and a 4l80e. May have to sell the 69 for a family car.
Ya i'm hooked on impalas too. I cant even think of owning anything else. Well maybe except a 56-57 Belair
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Old Feb 24, 2010 | 10:34 PM
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Awsome.. I miss my dad's 62 SS Vert. He offered it to me before he sold it but I had just bought my trans am and a harley so i was knee deep in payments
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 12:26 AM
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I did a 62 bel air a while back, 5.3/4l60e.

Any questions you have just send me a PM
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by ZTwentyAteU
I did a 62 bel air a while back, 5.3/4l60e.

Any questions you have just send me a PM
Thanks!!!!
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Old Feb 25, 2010 | 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by ccarriii
Here is a pic of my 1961 Impala Bubbletop. Hopefully in the near future i will have a LS1 in it also
sweet
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 09:17 AM
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I'd say go 4l60e, much better trans in my opinion, and you don't have to mess with the tv cable which can be problematic. Nice project, good luck with it.
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Old Feb 26, 2010 | 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by ccarriii
Here is a pic of my 1961 Impala Bubbletop. Hopefully in the near future i will have a LS1 in it also
Very sweet ride. I love the big wheels on classic cars.
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr Lavish
sweet
Thanks you!

Originally Posted by ls1nova71
I'd say go 4l60e, much better trans in my opinion, and you don't have to mess with the tv cable which can be problematic. Nice project, good luck with it.
Thanks for the advice

Originally Posted by Jimbo1367
Very sweet ride. I love the big wheels on classic cars.
Thanks!
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 11:39 AM
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How do i determine if my 5.3 was originally back by a 4L60e? I have the original wiring harness. Are the number on it that i can lookup?
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Old Feb 27, 2010 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by ccarriii
How do i determine if my 5.3 was originally back by a 4L60e? I have the original wiring harness. Are the number on it that i can lookup?
I believe all 5.3's had 4L60E's but i could be wrong. The harness doesn't have any numbers or labels I could find. If you have the PCM, get the VIN from it and it will tell you where the engine was originally in, year, etc.

I like your 61, I'm kind of partial to them since I own one.
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Old Feb 28, 2010 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by gofastwclass
I believe all 5.3's had 4L60E's but i could be wrong. The harness doesn't have any numbers or labels I could find. If you have the PCM, get the VIN from it and it will tell you where the engine was originally in, year, etc.

I like your 61, I'm kind of partial to them since I own one.
Yep i have the PCM. I will check the VIN from that. THANKS!
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Old Feb 28, 2010 | 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by gofastwclass
I believe all 5.3's had 4L60E's
That's what I always thought. I knew a guy that had a '99 that had a 5 speed in it but it was a 4.8, when he was looking for a truck with a manual, he found out they only put them behind the 4.8. And I've never heard of a 4l80e behind a 5.3, so that just leaves the 4l60e.
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Old Mar 1, 2010 | 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ls1nova71
That's what I always thought. I knew a guy that had a '99 that had a 5 speed in it but it was a 4.8, when he was looking for a truck with a manual, he found out they only put them behind the 4.8. And I've never heard of a 4l80e behind a 5.3, so that just leaves the 4l60e.
Thanks for the info.
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 12:56 PM
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The impala finally arrived Thursday.








Last edited by ccarriii; Jun 18, 2016 at 01:12 AM.
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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 12:57 PM
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Old Mar 9, 2010 | 06:34 AM
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wow ...car needs a lot of work but has the potential to be awesome!! how much did she cost you? and where did you get her from? how much did that LS cost you? new or did you build it? and i have a buddy with a 69 impy who wants to do disc conversion on the rear but doesnt knowwhere to go? help?
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