An easier LS2 for a 79 Firebird swap?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1
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From: Palmer, Alaska
An easier LS2 for a 79 Firebird swap? I've been looking around but cannot find this info. I have the ability to purchase a 2008 Trailblazer SS LS2 for $4500 for my 79 Firebird. My question is...is this a good choice or is there a better LS2 for the picking when it comes to front belt drives and other parts, etc? I have limited access to motors but I'd rather not buy this one if I'm buying the most difficult motor for a swap. I want a motor I can use with a minimum of 400 hp without modifying it. I've seen a few GTO LS2s pop up but there's none available currently.
Thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
Thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
I've been looking around but cannot find this info. I have the ability to purchase a 2008 Trailblazer SS LS2 for $4500 for my 79 Firebird. My question is...is this a good choice or is there a better LS2 for the picking when it comes to front belt drives and other parts, etc? I have limited access to motors but I'd rather not buy this one if I'm buying the most difficult motor for a swap. I want a motor I can use with a minimum of 400 hp without modifying it. I've seen a few GTO LS2s pop up but there's none available currently.
Thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
Thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
TECH Resident
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 954
Likes: 9
From: Encinitas CA
Hey Steve,
Are you doing an automatic or stick?
The L92 has 403 horsepower and 420 ftlbs stock. Same heads and bottom end as LS3 - it is 6.2L all aluminum. Here is one $3200 or best offer. Another is also on ebay. Mine came from a midwest car and it took some elbow grease to get rid of the corrosion on the block, but I did it. You can use a mild acid like aluminum cleaner used by welders or just some brushes. Many of the fasteners either clean up or get replaced.
I installed my with stock 6L80 trans and stock computer. It does require the electronic pedal, but that is no big deal to install. It is part of the harness. Just need to make sure you get all of the parts (harness, computer, pedal, etc) and whoever converts your harness is comfortable with GenIV, which is no more complex than GenIII.
Personally, I like the VVT element to these engines. It broadens the torque curve greatly. If you want to maximize horsepower one day, you can convert it to an LS3 (non-VVT) pretty easily. I think Mast Motorsports made a VVT cam that added 100 horsepower to the L92 with just a cam swap.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-CADILLAC-ESCALADE-ENGINE-6-2L-VIN-8-8TH-DIGIT-OPT-L92-/271675642108?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f412150fc&vxp=mtr
Are you doing an automatic or stick?
The L92 has 403 horsepower and 420 ftlbs stock. Same heads and bottom end as LS3 - it is 6.2L all aluminum. Here is one $3200 or best offer. Another is also on ebay. Mine came from a midwest car and it took some elbow grease to get rid of the corrosion on the block, but I did it. You can use a mild acid like aluminum cleaner used by welders or just some brushes. Many of the fasteners either clean up or get replaced.
I installed my with stock 6L80 trans and stock computer. It does require the electronic pedal, but that is no big deal to install. It is part of the harness. Just need to make sure you get all of the parts (harness, computer, pedal, etc) and whoever converts your harness is comfortable with GenIV, which is no more complex than GenIII.
Personally, I like the VVT element to these engines. It broadens the torque curve greatly. If you want to maximize horsepower one day, you can convert it to an LS3 (non-VVT) pretty easily. I think Mast Motorsports made a VVT cam that added 100 horsepower to the L92 with just a cam swap.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-CADILLAC-ESCALADE-ENGINE-6-2L-VIN-8-8TH-DIGIT-OPT-L92-/271675642108?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f412150fc&vxp=mtr
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2014
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Look for an ly6 it's basicly an ls2 with ls3 heads u can use truck accesorys with a few adapter brackets to relocate the Ac I payed 1800$ for mine 2010 with 60 k 4500 is crazy money for that motor u can get a new ls3 for a few bucks more
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 420
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Be careful with a TBSS engine. Not that it cant be good, but they have a history of eating rod bearings. I am in process of installing a 2007 TBSS motor into my 71 GMC. Found a few specks in the oil pan, and sure enough, the #6 bearing was shot. Could others were starting to go. I'd definitely check the oil pan carefully. I paid about $1500 less than that for my complete takeout.
Mine's got a 4" callies crank now, and AI reworked heads, waiting to go back together.
I kick myself for talking myself out of buying the LS3 crate motor that i wanted
Mine's got a 4" callies crank now, and AI reworked heads, waiting to go back together.
I kick myself for talking myself out of buying the LS3 crate motor that i wanted
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Joined: Aug 2005
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The TBSS engines have a front sump oil pan. GM did not do a good job on the oil pickup so under hard acceleration the pan can get starved of oil.
I hate saying that cause i just bought a TBSS about 6 months ago.
If your project doesnt require the front sump pan then when you put the new pan on with the new pickup you should be good provided the engines bearings are good to begin with.
4500 sounds like alot but you are way north so I wouldnt think there would be alot of those LS2s there. That could be the reason for the high price.
Hell, not far from me, 4500 would net me the LS2 with either 6 speed or auto with harness and all ready to run for 4500 and very low mileage.
I hate saying that cause i just bought a TBSS about 6 months ago.
If your project doesnt require the front sump pan then when you put the new pan on with the new pickup you should be good provided the engines bearings are good to begin with.
4500 sounds like alot but you are way north so I wouldnt think there would be alot of those LS2s there. That could be the reason for the high price.
Hell, not far from me, 4500 would net me the LS2 with either 6 speed or auto with harness and all ready to run for 4500 and very low mileage.
A base corvette engine worked very well for me. It was a direct drop in, with no frame cutting or welding needed beyond the engine mounts. I'm using the C6 front accessories and C5 batwing pan, but do not have air conditioning. It was originally connected to my stock TH350, but now I have the T56.
