Boxy_Bruiser

Well after a few weeks of looking around for an engine i finally was able to locate one, an LQ9 out of '02 Escalade with around 100k Miles. The engine is heading straight to the machine shop where its going to be disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and put back together then its off to FBC Performance where they're going to do the swap.
My goal is to be around 425/425 at the wheels, bit more torque would be nice. I would like it to have great low and mid-range power and would be willing to give up some up top in order to do it as this car will not be seeing the track, more of a weekend cruiser, but i also would be driving it on long trips. I've been putting together a parts list based off of the research i been doing and this article SuperChevy did on carbureted LS engine which was installed in an 87 caprice. There are still some other parts i'm still researching like headers. Also i would like to raise the compression to around 10.8 so i can still be able to use 89 octance. I'm thinking milling down the 317 heads .025 and a .041 gasket will get me close.
Below is a listing of some of the parts i have on my list, let me know what you think and if there is anything else i should add or consider.

750 CFM Carb(havent decided on brand)
MSD Box(6010)
Edelbrock dual plane manifold
COMP Cams trunion retrofit
EPS custom cam
Ported 317 heads(0.025 mill)
Dirty Dingo adjustable engine mounts
Holley Accessories drive brackets
Headers, still not sure of which ones
electric fan(single or dual) with controller
Torque Converter(waiting on spec for cam)
Beefed up 2004R trans with cooler

As far as the fuel delivery, i already have fuel injection in the car(TBI) so can i get away with just changing out the in tank pump to a better one? If so what would be your recommendations?
I'm also debating on whether or not to go with an aftermarket dash guage since i dont a tach and i also want to monitor oil pressure and trans temperature. I dont want to have gauges all over the place but i do like the gauges on the a-pillar.
Anything else i'm forgetting? Here are some pictures of the car.

fastbird02

iTrader: (4)

will make a sweet sleeper!!

Jimbo1367

I agree. I bet ALOT of Mustangs would hate admitting loosing to it. LOL

Boxy_Bruiser

thanks guys. It would be quite the surprise for 'em lol

tfi racing

iTrader: (2)

I like it,but why not go injected?In your case likely cheaper than running the carb conversion stuff and will run much better.

78power

Sweet Caprice!!! I also have A LS Brougham "90" which I want to do a LQ4 or LQ9 in but having a problem finding one in my area "Hampton Roads) Virginia for a decent price.

Boxy_Bruiser

Nice I'm in Norfolk right now on det(navy). I'm hoping to get stationed down here come November.

78power

Yeah I've been here some years and now work at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth as a civilian. Finding people who do decent work is rare in this area. Not sure if it's me being cheap but, just for engine alone out here the salvage yards are asking $1k-$1400 with harness and everything else a little over $2K

Boxy_Bruiser

Have you tried LSX4U.com? They sell complete motors with harnesses, of course the LQ9 is going to be more. I was able to find a LQ9 for 1100 shipped from one if those nation wide yard searches.

78power

Nope haven't tried that site out yet. Was that for just motor or was the harness and computer included?

Boxy_Bruiser

That was the whole motor but since I'm going to carb they didn't provide the harness.

dec010974

iTrader: (1)

Hey Boxey Bruiser. I like the idea running a Brute LQ9 in that box Chevy. Good luck with your swap. I would also run fuel injection and tune that sucker to the moon. please post pics when your done. Clark.

JustinEntropyRad

Why carb an EFI motor in an EFI car??

Boxy_Bruiser

well since the original plan i've changed direction. not going with the carb set up anymore, instead I'm going with the Holley Terminator system.

booboo37

iTrader: (43)

This is a bunch of b.s.......

kj598bbc

Uh oh, the great debate ! Hopefully it doesn't interfere with another thread. Especially when its LIKELY to cost less to go FI.

Boxy_Bruiser

so after being away out to sea for the last 6 months here is where i'm at with the conversion.
Engine is in and was started today. Still need to finish up the following:
External trans cooler
connect trans lock up controller
exhaust
fuel system(need to upgrade the pump)
purchase air cleaner
clean up the wiring
upgrade the "BIG 3"
tune the system

Here some pictures
Engine from the yard


At the machine shop


Assembled ready to go into the car

In its home

Most recent picture

deuce4935

iTrader: (2)

Mpfi wouldve been the better choice. Fbody headers will fit but StreetNPerformance makes Bbody headers too. Find you a complete rearend from an ImpSS, it will fit right under there then youll have posi and disc brakes all around. My LS6 swapped Landau made 390rwhp, talk about pissing on Hemi Chargers and Challengers. As for gauges, Dakota Digital makes them for your car specific, but you can also use a 91' Caprice 9C1 cluster. They were used in the cop cars, had digital speedo with analog tach, water, oil, fuel, and voltage gauges. Will make an excellent stock appearing sleeper.
.

Boxy_Bruiser

i wanted to go with the "classic" look but with a modern edge hence the use of the TBI EFI. The rear end has already been upgraded with an eaton posi unit and 3.42 gears. Headers are already installed just need to finish the rest of the exhaust to the rear. I hope to be around that power range with the 243 heads and the upgraded cam, we shall see.

lxcoupe

iTrader: (8)

Any updates?