Hey guys. I have a 1967 Impala SS with the original 327 and 3 speed transmission in it. I’m putting a 6.0 LQ9 engine in with a 4L80E behind it.

so far, I have sourced the engine
ordered kwhizz adapaters
a BTR truck Norris cam
Holley terminator x max kit
a Holley dbw pedal
A tanks Inc 67 impala efi tank
a weld in pump mount panel for the tank from Rick’s tanks (this will allow me to use a factory GM pump)
and a vaporworx pwm system as recommended by the ls swap god kwhizz himself.

I’m still working on sourcing a transmission. I might just buy a new (reman) from advanced for 2k
still need a torque converter (BTR recommended 2400-2600 stall)
still need to figure out which mounts to use
still need to sort out the accessories plan. Car came with factory ac but the system looks rough.

do I use the factory compressor and system and retrofit it for 134a? Do I get a classic air kit?
Do I use the original power steering pump?
which accessory drive relocation kit should I use?
do I use the original radiator and add an electric fan? New system?

so many questions about all the little details.
there’s not many ls swap kits for 65-70 B body cars. I’m really excited about the swap. And definitely open to suggestions.

 

I have a Magnacharger-blown LQ9 in my '70 Impala, and I use a stock 4L80E (used, from a full size van), it work really well, with the stock van converter, you can adjust the shift RPM and firmness in the PCM. It is also very easy to use the original column shifter with the 4L80E.
For accessories, unless you want the aftermarket look, I would say the easiest way is to use a GM, factory set-up for the LQ9 (or any LS engine): the LQ9 (truck) accessory drive takes more space, but it fit no problem in my '70, with the stock, '70 radiator; on the other hand, an aftermarket accessory drive will include the A/C compressor (or tell you which one to use);
The original, rebuilt '70 Impala radiator works perfectly to cool the LQ9, by the way, I use a pair of electric fans (from some Chrysler FWD sedan from the late '90s, found them at the junkyard by measuring whatever would fit); the 2 fans are run by the LQ9 PCM;
you can use the LQ9 (LS) factory A/C compressor (then call Vintage Air or similar, they should be able to allow you to make it work with one of their kits): the problem with the low-mount, LQ9 A/C compressor is the fit, you will have to notch the frame for fit;
you can use the LS, factory power-steering pump (you just need an adapter to use the '67 Impala pressure hose).
I have reused the original trans crossmember, it needed to be moved a few inches back, I have mounted it with a couple of pieces of angle iron welded on the frame: cheap and easy, but no show-car quality!
When I did my swap 12 years ago, there was pretty much nothing available for such a swap, nowadays, there is a variety of kits available, just google it. It sure would make the swap easier to buy a complete kit, including headers, oil pan, engine mounts: sometimes, for instance, some headers will not fit with some engine mounts...
Keep asking questions here, I would not have been able to complete my swap without this forum!

 

Wave1957
I'm using holley's terminator for my ecm and trans computer. Yeah I don't want to notch or damage the frame if I don't absolutely have to. Do you happen to have pictures of the trans cross member move?
How does it feel driving with that stock converter? Does it feel like a truck or van? lol
I searched everywhere for 67 Impala ls swap kits.. Couldn't find one really. Even holley said they don't have the swap kits for 65-70 B bodies. I guess not really popular in the ls swap world.
I ordered the holley 302-1 pan that kwhizz used on one build.
what did you use for accessory relocation? Could you share a pic of your set up?
Thanks!

 

That stock converter drives really well, I would say on the road (I am not racing the car), it is pretty much perfect: very lively from a standing start thanks to the low, stock stall speed, and then, the shifts are very nice; the shift firmness was adjusted in the tune, they are now a bit firmer than stock, very fast, very "sporty". My tuner got it just perfect!
As for swap kits, I have found 2 after a quick search:
https://www.brphotrods.com/p/ls-engine-swap-kits.html
https://824motorsports.com/1965-1970...kit-gm-b-body/

I have not used these guys, the swap can be done without a kit, but when I did my swap, nothing was available and I had to improvise, so now, I kind of drool over these kits! For instance, I had to have BBC Chevy headers modified for my swap, and modified the LQ9 oil pan...



As for accessories, I have used the stock LQ9 accessory drive, without the A/C compressor. So nothing fancy, just simple and cheap (the accessory drive came complete with my engine). It was also easy for me to install the Magnacharger kit with OEM accessories. Since the LQ9 did not come with an engine-driven fan, I used a pair of electric fans. You can see on the engine pic the distance between the engine and the stock '70 rad, with the electric fans from a '95 Chrysler Intrepid (3,3l V6). For engine mounts, I have used Trans Dapt adapters.
As for my trans crossmember, it is really simple: I have removed the factory angles from the chassis, and welded 2 new pieces of angle iron a few inches back to mount the crossmember: why give some aftermarket company a few hundred dollars when your own crossmember is perfect for the job? On the pic, you can see the remains of the original angle bracket a couple of inches forward. The 4L80E bolts directly to the crossmember, with its bushing.

 

In the middle of a 68 impala swap 4l80. Term x max as well. Tanks inc with the aeromotive phantom mod. If you ever plan on running AC on the bottom don't shift the motor back. Drive shaft will need work. I had mine at 61" and it was too long. I'm waiting for the trans to get back from rebuild to have it shortened. exhaust is another story. Headers from Ultimate and dimpled to clear the steering box.

 

I see. Thanks for the info and the picture. Yeah I started thinking I could use stock accessories and now I know I can.
I plan on running the ac compressor on the passenger side like the stock one on the 327. I’m still working on piecing a system together with the vintage air catalog.

So I ended up ordering a radiator with dual fan set up that bolts right in to a 67 impala from summit.
I had our local Mr. Transmissions guy rebuild me a stock 4l80e and he got me a 2400-2600 converter to go with it.
I ordered long tube headers from summit. Hope they go in nice and easy…
dakota digital instrument panel with module for Holley is on the way.
and I have a 4 wheel disc conversion kit also ordered.
My fuel system arrived. I need to order a pump from GM.

engine is pretty much back together.



BTR truck Norris cam. Also did a timing set.

Holley 302-1 oil pan.

New BTR springs

Little block paint just cuz.

 

BRP Hot Rods: 1965-1970 B-Body LS

KW

 

making fast work of it! keep going!

 

Didn’t get anything done today really. Just painted valve covers and transmission. I think I’m going to try to use stock 6.0 accessories with stock 6.0 set up. Long tubes should be getting delivered this week.

 

Hey I'm in the middle of searching for shifter options on my 1970 impala ls swap, what did you have to use in order to use the factory column?

 

looking into a Dakota digital for my 1970 impala swap, keep us updated on how that works out for you! Thanks in advanced