Any pics? 
newbie, LS-1 into a '64 LeMans
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Joined: Sep 2007
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newbie, LS-1 into a '64 LeMans i have been hanging around the boards as a guest for awhile, but now i have and interest in putting an LS-1 into my '64 LeMans. my father gave me this car and it's a well worn car thats still mostly original and factory stock. i have wanted this car for 12 years and have had tons of ideas, but i have always known that i wanted to use the car for drag racing when i did have it. i want the car to have 400 horsepower on the motor and add a nitrous set-up up for another 150 when i want it. the car currently has it's original 326 and a 4-speed. i want to keep it stick shift, but have considered going with an automatic if i have to. i paln on rebuilding the suspension with Global West components and changing the front to non-power disc brakes. the rear i have been looking at the bolt-in Ford 9" rear's with some 4:10's. i'm hoping to get some guidance from the fellow members here if i can.
Dave
Dave
This is a A-Body conversion and shouldn't be any problem, just research on A-body Swaps (Chevelle, GTO, etc..). Only unique thing that may be different is the Frame mounts, you may have to switch over to SBC ones.
What condition is the car?.. I wouldn't want to hack up a perfectly good Classic and be valued more if all original and good condition. But that is my option and 2 cents.
What condition is the car?.. I wouldn't want to hack up a perfectly good Classic and be valued more if all original and good condition. But that is my option and 2 cents.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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i have some pics, but just of the stock car as it sits in my garage now. it is in nice original condition, but very well worn mechanically. the 326 burns oil pretty badly and has a rod knocking, not bad, but it's questionable. the 4-speed shifts very nicely still, but if i do the conversion i will swap in the 6-speed that comes with the donor engine i find. i did spent some time reading over the post of the swap into the '71 or '72 Chevelle and it did help with alot of questions i had. to keep things simple i will more than likely swap the intake for a carb unit. this car is a permanent part of our family, so it's value in the future is of no concern as far as originality or as a collector car, that and i'm not too sure that a '64 LeMans will ever be something that brings big money anywhere! it's either do this or build a GTO clone, which just bores the **** out of me anyway, it's kinda like having a fake Z/28, i really dont see the point. it is what it is. my intentions are to build an enjoyable car that will be fun for alot of years into the future and driveable without problems in traffic, cruising and for blast's down the track when i feel the urge.
Dave
Dave
Dave
I agree on not going the GTO / Z28 / SS clone route, as you can see by my Malibu, It is no where near a SS Clone as many have suggested I do. There seem to be more clones out there than original GTO / Z28 / SS's.
Hey, just a though.. use a 5.3L and you can keep the 326 emblens.. LOL
I built mine as a driver and I do drive it everywhere. I have 4.11 and with the 6 sp, I still get 23+ mpg. It should be a good project.
If there are any question, just post it and I am sure the A-body guys will give you a ear full of answers. Check out my sig for my cardomain site, hope it help you.
I agree on not going the GTO / Z28 / SS clone route, as you can see by my Malibu, It is no where near a SS Clone as many have suggested I do. There seem to be more clones out there than original GTO / Z28 / SS's.
Hey, just a though.. use a 5.3L and you can keep the 326 emblens.. LOL
I built mine as a driver and I do drive it everywhere. I have 4.11 and with the 6 sp, I still get 23+ mpg. It should be a good project.
If there are any question, just post it and I am sure the A-body guys will give you a ear full of answers. Check out my sig for my cardomain site, hope it help you.
Last edited by bczee; Sep 4, 2007 at 10:37 PM.
GTO Clone? I have thought that building the modern GTO that GM should have designed (intead of the Camry look alike) would be a neat project. Do some subtle body mods to make it a little smoother, take the drip rails off, get some modern door handles that could be flush mounted, tuck the bumpers in as tight as possible and paint them body color. Put some 18 and 20 inch wheels on it. Find a modern interior that would fit. Then go to work on the suspension, brakes and drive train (LS2/T56) to totally modernize that. You would have bitchin' classic car that is unmistakably a GTO, but at the same time a real joy to drive. It's on my short list of cars to build if I ever get in a position to do it.
I think your ideas are great to, I think those cars are under valued and utilized. Should be a great project.
Pat
I think your ideas are great to, I think those cars are under valued and utilized. Should be a great project.
Pat
I've been looking for a '63 or '64 Lemans project car, and have been researching an LSx swap. Looks like there are a ton of parts that work since it's the same as a Malibu/Chevelle.
The 11:1 346ci in Project Pinky did 415rwhp through an unlocked 8" converter, 9" and slicks, and went 11.3@119 on a 1.6 and 10.1@133 on a 150 shot first time out.
I found a car I like, I just have to make all the logistics work of shipping it. And buying it.
The 11:1 346ci in Project Pinky did 415rwhp through an unlocked 8" converter, 9" and slicks, and went 11.3@119 on a 1.6 and 10.1@133 on a 150 shot first time out.
I found a car I like, I just have to make all the logistics work of shipping it. And buying it.
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