When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
TLDR: I'd like to swap an LS3 (E-ROD) into my 1992 Buick Roadmaster. Transmission would be a 4L60E (current is 700R4). I'm fairly new to American cars but have decent mechanical knowledge and ability. Are there any major gotchas I might not have considered?
Long story: I am originally from the UK and moved to California in 2017. Like all Europeans who grew up driving crappy inline-four hatchbacks, I wanted to own a big car with a V8. I love wagons, and found a nice 1995 (LT1-engined) Buick Roadmaster which I have cherished and enjoyed since.
For the past year or so have been thinking about doing an LS-swap because I do like a project.
A few weeks ago a beautiful 1992 Roadmaster Wagon showed-up on Craigslist. I went to look at it, bought it, and now I have it at home. It has the 350 TBI motor, which isn't the slug that I was led to believe, but still.
Being in California, an E-ROD crate motor is the simplest route to go. Its also the most expensive. Before I make an costly mistake, can anyone tell me if this is a straightforward as I'm imagining? The only things I can't work out are where to fit the AC compressor, if I can / how to get the cruise control to function, and what to do about exhausts.
Any advice, including common sense "massive project, don't bother" comments, greatly appreciated.
Here are the two cars. The blue one is the 95, and the white is the 92.
I can't comment specifically on the swap, as I've never done it. As you probably know, the Roadmaster shared its chassis with other models, so it may be easier to find threads about swaps into those other, more common B-body cars.
As for the EROD, again, I have no personal experience, but I did see this thread recently - https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...-monitors.html. Seems CA emissions may not be as easy as it's supposed to be with the EROD.
I pulled the LS3 out of my 2014 Chevy SS and installed it into my 1995 Impala.
I went with BRP Hotrods for all the necessary hardware for the conversion, and Speartech for my wire harness; I recommend a drive-by-cable setup.
I would not go with a crate engine since it's pretty much a certainty that the configuration of the front accessory drive will not fit the B-body engine bay. Better to JUST a long block and going with the accessory drive from BRP....IMO.
With a stock LS3 cam and good catalytic converters, you should be able to pass Cali emission..
Hi KW. Unfortunately I'd have to go with a crate engine as it's the only legal way of installing the motor in the car. The E-ROD motors come with an Executive Order which bypasses the engine swap laws here in CA.
It's a very expensive way of doing it, but the only legal way.
Thanks for the recommendations on hardwards and harness.
Do you have any images of your install? I'd love to see it.
Unfortunately I can't help with any of your emissions questions...but, I had an 92' just like yours. Same color and everything...One of the cars I wish I had never sold. I hope you get it figured out.
For info, the swap has begun. TBI 350 and 700R4 are out, LS3 and 4L65E are in. Stock headers are a very tight fit to the chassis rails - about 3/8 inch each side after grinding-away excess material from the flange. Can report more as I go along, if anyone is interested.
Camaro oil pan didn't fit. GM 'Performance' oil pan sat too low (and kissed the crossmember). Went with a Moroso unit, which fits beatifully.
Using Dirty Dingo sliding engine mounts.
Next part of the project is to mount the accessories - alternator, AC, and so on.
Would love to hear thoughts on fuel pumps. I need 60psi to the motor.
Anyone aware of an aftermarket in-tank unit that would fit my car?
AC Delco EP381 will fit your stock hanger, it's a direct replacement for the "TBI" pump that's in the tank now. It will supply all the fuel you'll need at the correct pressure.
(I've used this pump in many LS swaps with good results.)
ac delco ep381 will fit your stock hanger, it's a direct replacement for the "tbi" pump that's in the tank now. It will supply all the fuel you'll need at the correct pressure.
(i've used this pump in many ls swaps with good results.)
For others that might follow in your footsteps, which Moroso oil pan worked for you? Any pics of how it clears everything?
Sure, it's a Moroso 20142 pan. It's heavy as heck, but the build quality seems nice and it has the oil filter attachment in the factory location, rather than running pipes to a remote mount.
The pan accommodates 7 quarts, clears the crossmember beautifully and hangs perfectly in line with the bottom of it. I really like it.
Next part of the project is to mount the accessories - alternator, AC, and so on.
Let me know if there are any questions or thoughts you have as far as accessory mounting and arrangement. We have a lot of options and can fit almost any chassis. Build looks good so far, that car is going to be a load of fun.
Love it. I'll be keeping an eye on this, and keep us updated on your emissions results. I plan on LSA swapping my 96 after I move.
What a beauty. Have you seen the original marketing material for the Roadmaster Wagon? It's a white one (like mine), towing a boat. Some sweet boat-on-boat action.
Originally Posted by Ryan@ICTBillet
Let me know if there are any questions or thoughts you have as far as accessory mounting and arrangement. We have a lot of options and can fit almost any chassis. Build looks good so far, that car is going to be a load of fun.
Thanks Ryan. You read my mind - I have been working out where I'm going to put things. Being in the desert, I'd of course like to keep AC, too.
From my understanding, the compressor usually sits passenger side, down low, on factory LS3 applications. I like your solution, but I want to keep the factory compressor (to fit on existing hose locations and harness plugs), so I've gone with a Holley mount which lets me do this.
Now trying to work out what to do about the alternator. There's a GM bracket that came with the pile of parts, but it interferes with the brake lines at the ABS pump (not a lot - can potentially just bend these out the way). Or perhaps another option, using a smaller alternator, or the one from the 350TBI.
Thanks Ryan. You read my mind - I need to work out where I'm going to put things. Being in the desert, I'd of course like to keep AC, too.
From my understanding, the compressor usually sits passenger side, down low, on factory LS3 applications. I need to go passenger high.
I've been looking at your site. There are a few things on there that could help me out - wish I had found it earlier so I didn't have to do so much Googling!
You are correct, the original LS3 compressor is down low. The factory Roadmaster compressor should be an R4 style, which will mount seamlessly in our 551585X-1 bracket; this will save you some cost in buying a new compressor. Lots of options for the Driver's Side accessories.
You are correct, the original LS3 compressor is down low. The factory Roadmaster compressor should be an R4 style, which will mount seamlessly in our 551585X-1 bracket; this will save you some cost in buying a new compressor. Lots of options for the Driver's Side accessories.
Thanks. I changed my reply because I remembered that had already bought the adapter bracket from Holley. If your unit includes the tensioners, it's probably a better deal though.
What's the situation with your alternator bracket? I have a GM one, which uses a later alternator, in my Big Pile of Bits, but it slightly fouls the brake lines that go to the ABS pump.
Wagons are so cool and I wouldn't kick any of 'em out of my garage. Speaking of air conditioning - if you ever find yourself needing a compressor adapter, the people below will have it for short money. I needed their part number GM1600 to use the AC compressor on my donor GMC truck motor in my El Camino. Whatever you need to lash up with a custom hose, they will have it.
Thanks Rick. I think I'm good - there are lots of options for keeping the Ac compressor in its original location.
However... the other side of the accessory drive is causing my a headache. This is my current situation, using the GM relocation braket I found in my pile of parts:
The power steering pump fouls the ABS pipework, and the pipes are also in the way of where the belt would run.
I can relocate the ABS module, but thinking it would be easier to just buy a different bracket. As ever, throw money at the problem.
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.
LS3 E-ROD into Buick Roadmaster 
