1965 ls2 GTO

I recently came across a triple black '69 GTO (it is "root beer colored now) that was an outstanding deal. It looked like it was in decent shape. No engine. Which was perfect because I have wanted to do an LS swap for a while.

I just picked the car up this weekend. And I also picked up an LQ4 with a custom grind cam based off the GM Hot cam. It has 243 heads and a Pro Comp manifold.

I am attaching some before pics. I am sure I will need lots of your help and input from you guys and I will be very appreciative.

Thanks In advance for all the help and guidance.

Chris

1965 ls2 GTO

I have a question about the transmission. Would it be more effective to adapt a 4l70e to the "long crank" or just use the 4l80e.

I ask because I have heard of fitment issues with the 4L80e. It seems that some people get it to fit with no problem and some don't.

Since I have a 4L70e waiting for another project. What would it take to put it behind the long crank LQ4

Thanks
Chris

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

The Holley forward mount swap components allow the use of the 4L80e without tunnel modifications.

Andrew

1965 ls2 GTO

Awesome. Thanks. If I use the holley mounts. Do I have to use their headers (I think Hooker). I already have Hedman mid length headers. Does holley have the 4l80e crossmember available yet? I was reading about it on another thread, but haven't been able to find it for sale anywhere.

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

The 64-67 crossmember is going to be out in a little while. Very close. There is a whole thread about the development. Not sure about Hedman header compatibility.

Andrew

1965 ls2 GTO

I bought the Hooker/Holley mounts forward position. And I got a 4l65e and a SCPT torque converter that adapts to the LQ4 (long snout crank). In the instructions for the motor mounts it says to use a stock Chevelle crossmember for the transmission. Is there a difference between a 1968-1972 GTO crossmember and a 1968-1972 chevelle crossmember? If there is a difference can I modify the GTO crossmember to fit the 4l65e?

Thanks for your advice.
Chris

gsjimmy

Dumb question: Is this a 242 VIN GTO? Appears to be a very nice hot rodded GTO or LeMans. Only reason I ask is that the chrome steel bumper was on a few '68 GTO's. Maybe the endura bumper got munched at some point? You going to make it triple black again? Be sure to post up a parts swap list!

Anyway, gonna follow this as I have a '69 GS California that I'm going to do a similar swap to. (T-5 instead of Auto).

1965 ls2 GTO

yes it is a 242. It was in an accident some time in its past. it had LeMans front bumper and valance, right side front fender and side molding, and the core support was very badly crunched. I bought the car with a 301, and the guy threw in an endure bumper. I have replaced the LeMans stuff with GTO stuff. And spent a lot of time getting the body straight and worthy of the triple black VIN.

gsjimmy

Kool. That is the hard part, at least they repo GTO stuff! See that it was an original 4 speed car to boot. Not going back to manual? BTW - I'm looking for the pedals & clutch rod. Have a complete automatic set-up to trade if interested. Hanger, pedal and pad. all restored with new pad. Hangers interchange (don't have to pull this off). Also looking for the hump on the floor if your gonna trash that. (4L70E or 80E, right?)

Jim

1965 ls2 GTO

I have seen a couple GTO's on the forum that have converted to LS motors. I didn't see any reference to changing the crossmember. If I can just drill holes in the frame and move the crossmember back I can do that, but I just want to know what has been done to other GTO's.

Thanks

1965 ls2 GTO

I know some of you guys have swapped LS motors into non chevelle A-bodies. What did you do for the transmission crossmember?