The LS swaps are the new dig regardless of the car it's going in. I keep hearing about people buying them for 2-3k but around here, you're going to be paying a minimum of 5500 and that's guaranteed to be an automatic. What are some good cars to swap an ls into besides a foxbody?

 

Old rwd Volvo. 240, 740.

 

These are very cheap (less than a Fox body), have plenty of engine room, are well supported in the aftermarket and just easy to convert to LS, all parts are available to do this swap from many vendors. I'm talking about `94 to`98 Mustangs. The Pick and Pull near me always have 8-12 of these at all times. They are a Fox Body in a way, only more aerodynamic (see windshield angle) a much nicer interior. You asked.

 

yeah but its not a coupe but the newer 94> do ride better, have much better brakes (already 5 lugs) and a nicer interior

 

I'm looking at doing a 1983-1985 Monte Carlo swap. Couple grand for a really nice body and decent looking car. There's been a few done, but seems like almost everybody is doing a Mustang.

 

It's called a coupe. It's not a convertible and it's not a hatchback. He asked for something less expensive than a Fox.

 

I'm planning a 5.3 & 4L60E swap in a 1966 ford bronco that I'm restoring.

 

I'm with Norm, mid 80s G body (Monte, Regal, Cutlass). Good looking, RWD, cheap, no emissions (here anyway), and kinda practical (4 seats).

 

this...

Edit: also 940s and 960s since I know the naming convention can be a bit confusing for some

 

GM B,D,G-body relatively inexpensive and can easily be dual purpose, cruiser/street, track on the cheap and many parts in the junk yard.

 

Miata.

 

Rx7 :d

 

I I ever do another LS swap I'm going to do it in a car which Holley makes a complete swap kit for.

Maybe a gbody Malibu/Lemans/Bonneville/etc wagon or four door family type car.

 

I just bought myself a 2001 bmw e46 coupe for my ls swap. Running and driving for $1300!!! Sold the engine/tranny for $1k. So the car was $300. Plus I'm getting rid of all the interior and wiring and putting a cage but theyre guys out there racing with 2500-2900lb weight , without the ls which I think is lighter than the factory I-6.

I've seen a lot of e46 coupes going for 1500-2500 so that might be a good possibility for you.

 

2nd gen RX7, bought mine for $400. Sold the motor with a bad apex seal and transmission for $350 and the RX7 PCM for $75. Actually made money on the deal lol. And the swap is relatively easy. No cutting or welding involved.

 

Can't beat G-bodys that can be found stock and unmolested for $500-2500. There were some neat ones too. Grand Prix's, 2+2, Monte SS, Wagons, Early GN's and T's with Hot air motors, etc.... Some of those Stock cutlasses and Regals and such with 6 cylinders are giant turds but the minute you put the LS in they get a whole brand new 2014 style life.

Also, Third Gen F-bodies are dime - a - dozen and just begging for a chance.

 

Everyone has their favorite car and most are different. If you start a project with someone elses "favorite" you most likely will never finish it. Before deciding on a vehicle ask yourself some basic questions. What will I use it for? (daily driver, drag car, shop truck...). Will the family go with me? (family of 5 with '32 roadster!). What can I afford? (workshop, tools, talent...). Once you have answered the necessary questions, do the research (is it unibody, suspension upgrade, state requirements...). Once that's done go on the hunt for the car you have decided on. Build a network, go to shows, talk to people who have done it, search the net. A swap (build?) is a time/money commitment so do it right the first time and you will be happy AND finish the project.

 

As a G Body nut I have to recommend the 1984-87 Buick Regals because you have comfort and can take others with you. I am in the process of doing the LS376/480 conversion on one of my 87 T-Type Regals. It seems that a lot of the other forum members also like the G Bodies. If you should decide to go the G Body route go with the COMPLETE Hooker/ Holley kit. I am using the Corvette front engine accessories and have ZERO problems. The steering box is the one that came with the car from the factory. It is the 700 box as toddoky discussed. One word of CAUTION. STAY AWAY FROM THE BRP/HEDMAN unless you want to have a NITEMARE of a situation like I have. Good luck on whatever you decide. Besides parts are plentiful for the G Bodies. Rich

 

well duh, was kidding, ok your right MR MUSTANG GURU

 

second gen f-body (i'm kinda partial to them)
3rd gen supra
s10 pickup
crown vic
Lincoln LS
Lincoln Mark 8
late 90s early 2000s BMW 3 series