66LS

I'm sure this question has been answered a 1,000 times on here but I'm not having much luck with the search. I'm looking to do an LS swap into a 66 Chevelle. Looks like the cheaper option is to go with a truck / suv motor.
Is there a list of year / make / model of GM trucks with the LS motor?

Also, some of these motors for sale are listed as 6.0 LS (for example) but the intake cover had "Vortec" written on it. I was under the impression "Vortec" was a slightly different animal...or is this just labeling the type of intake system. Sorry for the noob questions...this swap deal is all new to me. Thanks for your time!

salemetro

iTrader: (5)

"LS" is a general description for LSX engines. All Gen3/Gen4 engines (4.8,5.3,LS1,6.0,6.2, etc.) are part of the "LS" family of engines. If you're looking for a cheap option for your Chevelle, check out an lm7 (5.3) or L33 (all-aluminum) 5.3. They are quite a bit less expensive than an actual LS1 (5.7), but will not have as much power potential than, say, an LQ4 (6.0), LQ9 (high compression 6.0) or 6.2, etc. It really comes down to how much power you are trying to achieve.

Hope this helps.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Salemetro, well put, I have been saying the same thing !. I alway refer to the engines as GEN III or IV engine. To add, The names LS1, LM7, LS3, LQ9 are RPO code names for the way the engines are confgiure and at times there usage of applicaiton.


Vortec is a trademarked name for a line of piston engines for General Motors trucks. So, Yes.. Just a Label ! It has been used in SBC / GEN I and GEN III/IV and the BBC engine family.


66LS, you need to state what your Goal is, usage and Budget. In general the Vortec / Trunk engines will be the cheaper way to go. But you can't go wrong with any of these GEN III/IV engines !!..

In general, accessoire and intake are interchangeable. Yes there are two Head/intake port configuration and a few other minor area, but nothing that has not been worked around already.

suggest you research the FAQ area and the A-Body swaps that are already documented in the build threads. (see my link in sig for mine). The try asking your questions specific to small areas, you well get better respones and answers.

Good Luck.. keep us posted.

BC

tsnow678

iTrader: (3)

I purchased an LQ4 (6.0) from 2003 Silverado and couldnt be happier. I almost goofed being a noob myself. The first engine I was going to purchase was a 6.0 but it was an older one from say a 1999 truck. Be careful as the heads are cast iron and the crank is made to use with an older tranny. The newer engines require a spacer to use with an automatic where as the 99 didnt need the spacer. Big mistake avoided because of this forum!

psiconversion

iTrader: (5)

Keep in mind that earlier engines 99-2002 (some 2003) were drive by cable while 2003-up were drive by wire (no throttle cable, just wires connecting the throttle body to the PCM and Pedal. The 2003-up can be converted to drive by cable.

You will find a lot of information on this site. Welcome.

Jon
PSI

RPM Graphics

iTrader: (26)

research, research, & research some more. this site is great to find all the info you will need to do your swap. if you're not in a rush search your local & surrounding area craigslist. i researched doing my swap (into a 96 silverado) for close to a year & searched for my motor for about a year. i ended up with an 02 LS1 from a camaro SS, 45k, motor, trans, harness, & ECU. guy was swapping it into a mustang & i picked it up for $1800 then sold the mustang & a few other parts for $1500, so i'm only $300 out of pocket for my motor package. deals are out there, just have to have the $$$ ready when they pop up.

casey38boost

iTrader: (3)

I looked around to find a powerplant from a 2wd VAN.

it was 2004 and the VANs used drive by cable later then the trucks and suv's, maybe even into 2005.

Keep the 2wd vans in mind if you are on a budget.

66LS

Thank you all for the comments and help. I'll post up on this site with the progress.
I've got the old motor and trans out...now on the look out for a new motor.

salemetro

iTrader: (5)

Looks like it's gonna be a sweet ride, whatever you decide!

66LS

The transmission I have is an older (non LS) 4L60E. Would I be better off with an older LQ4 / LS?

68BBChevelle

iTrader: (12)

This is true the deals are out there. I found a 03 lq4 6.0 with 65k complete all harnesses, gas pedal, ecu, mass air flow, fuel pump and few extra parts for 600.00 I wasnt really looking for one but couldnt turn that deal down. So now comes the ton of research. Good luck with the build!

tsnow678

iTrader: (3)

No.
I would just make sure you get the flexplate that comes on the engine you find. It will have the spacer included. As far as which flexplate you will need I am unsure of that but if you do a search the information will be readily available. If you do not find what you are looking for, PM me and I have a few people on here I can ask. I would opt for as new of an engine as you can afford. Preferably an LY6 (6.0). They have the L92 heads on them which flow great. No porting needed and you get 335cfm at .600 lift. The valves are a little heavy but with some Patriot Gold springs you will be fine. That all depends on which cam you choose though. I used an LS3 intake off of a 2010 Camaro complete with injectors, rails, intake and bolts for $225. It was like new as it was a take off with less than 30 miles on it.

66LS

Picked up a 5.3 out of a 2003 Suburban tonight

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Looks clean. what did you end up paying for it.. ? looks to be painted up some already, has it been built up some ?

veltboy618

I like the way it's painted. I'm thinking about painting mines the same way

psiconversion

iTrader: (5)

I agree with the paint on the block at least. Makes it look like the LSX.

Jon
PSI

68BBChevelle

iTrader: (12)

Looks good plan on painting mine up the same way too.

66LS

Thanks guys...I picked it up for $500. The guy I bought it from was getting ready to put it in a 68 Nova but came across a LS3 and stopped work on it.

sdetweil

guy down the street has(had?) an 02 5.3 longblock for $275.. http://austin.craigslist.org/pts/2736666359.html no oil pan.

Sam

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Wish that was down the street that I live on.. ! LOL...