Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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LQ4 into 1986 Buick GN

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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 10:41 AM
  #1  
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Default LQ4 into 1986 Buick GN

I figured it was about time I posted my swap...If you want to bitch about me removing the turbo V6 from a GN go to this site: www.turbobuick.com

Engine:
2002 LQ4 bored .030"
Wiseco -3.2 cc flat top pistons
6.125" Callies Compstar I-beams
block has been decked and the heads milled
Compression ratio will be in the neighborhood of 10.4:1
Stock LQ4 cam and valvetrain for the moment

Drivetrain:
TH400
PTC 10" converter 2800 RPM stall
8.5" 10 bolt 3.42 G80 rear

The swap:
I am using frame mounts for a 1985 V8 Monte Carlo. Because of the 3.8 mounts I had to find the engine mounts from a donor vehicle (V8 malibu).
The swap plates are from Edelbrock (p/n 6701) and are the 1" set back plates.

The passenger side valvecover is very close to the heater box - and I mean VERY close. Upon installation the heater box received some rash, but it will be fine. The TH400 mounted up easily, there is plenty of room to reach all transmission mounting bolts. The main reason why I wanted to use the 1" set back plates was to keep the transmission in the stock location so I would not have to mess with the driveshaft length.

I have about 3/8" of travel in my transmission mount where I could push the engine/trans forward for extra clearance if needed.

Exhaust will be 2002 F-body manifolds

I also plan on using Megasquirt for fuel and spark.

The car will also have A/C hence why retaining the heater box was important.

Let me know if you have any questions - I will try and update this thread as I have time.




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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 10:52 AM
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What acc. are you gonna use, and are you gonna keep the truck pan. Any pics of the car.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 07:56 AM
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I'm working on a similar swap. i have an 84 Regal that im swapping a 5.3 into. maybe we can compare notes along the way.

1 thing that always makes me nervous is a low hanging oil pan. i had about 2.25" cut out of mine.
Attached Thumbnails LQ4 into 1986 Buick GN-rsideoilpan.jpg   LQ4 into 1986 Buick GN-oilpanleftside.jpg  
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 11:21 AM
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Nice project! Do you have any future plans for a power adder? A turbo or two or NO2?
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 11:46 AM
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I does not matter what others think about your engine swap; it is your car, do with it what you like. I noticed the Powermaster was converted. What are you going to do with the 109 engine and trans.? At one time I have one 86GN and two 87 T Types. I have a ton of turbo Regal parts and one complete 86 GN engine and transmission. Nice project, keep posting pics.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 02:30 PM
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I agree that the oil pan should be a bit shorter, I would hate to see you bottom out or the the pan on something.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 52 Rat
I does not matter what others think about your engine swap; it is your car, do with it what you like. I noticed the Powermaster was converted. What are you going to do with the 109 engine and trans.? At one time I have one 86GN and two 87 T Types. I have a ton of turbo Regal parts and one complete 86 GN engine and transmission. Nice project, keep posting pics.
I still have the 109 block, crank, rods, Wiseco forged pistons, and a bunch of other turbo buick parts - If you want anything let me know.

The engine might get a turbo down the road - but for now the main goal is to get it running and to have fun without wrenching on it daily.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 08:22 PM
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Do what you want, Id like to do my GN, but Im doing my 1981TTA instead! Good luck, Im trying to get my friend to LS his 1985 GN.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 09:43 PM
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I like it, and it was said before, its your car. You could always swap it back to the 3.8t. Nah, i'd turbo the lq4 first. Anyways, maybe remove the boss from the valve cover to clear the heater box and trim the coil bracket? Otherwise the engine looks right at home.

(I get flack too, LQ4 m6 in a 93 Mustang)
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Old Nov 16, 2010 | 07:34 PM
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Default Time for another update

The accessories are now installed along with some of the wiring.
I had to make my own high pressure hose for the power steering - it was easier than cobbiling something together and I think it looks much nicer.
I have also been working on the fuel lines - I will retain the stock line from the pump to the filter and after that will be -AN.
Next on my list is to assemble megasquirt II - should be fun.



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Old Nov 16, 2010 | 07:51 PM
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It's good to see this. I don't care weither it has a V6 or a V8 it still a bad *** car. It's good to see the intake should clear the hood and heater box is staying.

I have a 87 GN that i'm putting a 07 LY6/4l80E and i'll be keeping the A/C as well. I'm using similar motor plates and small block clam shell mounts. For the oil pan I'll be using a CTS-V pan.
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Old Nov 17, 2010 | 07:41 AM
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nice, i as well am putting a forged lq4 w/turbo into my grand national, i'm going back and forth on oil pan right now, LH8 is one that people say to use and i've seen people talk about the cts-v pan, both of those supposidly don't hang down low like the stock truck pan.
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