New project question
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Kuna, Idaho
New project question Ok first I am new to these boards and I am just starting the project. I have done some searches on the forums and I have seen some similar post but not ones that I felt answered my questions so even thought I am sure that this has been asked before but I will ask my questions. I am looking at buying a LS1 long block from a 2000 Pontiac Firebird. This engine is missing the intake, ecu, wiring harness, AC, etc. It has the heads. So it will require a lot of parts to get it to a working engine, I am becoming aware of the work required to make this a running engine. This is going into a 62’ Impala SS. I have worked on carbureted engines and am comfortable with working on them. So my question is this is to much project for someone a new to ls1 engine? I am confident in my ability to build the engine and I am not in a hurry to get into my car I have a lot of other little projects to complete before I am ready to bolt this in and go. I also have a brother that is a mechanic if I get lost and stuck, so I figured that since I have time I can get all the parts needed and build this project into a nice car. The engine has only 32k on it and I think that the price is ok $1800, and it is within driving distance from me.
I am curious as well for all of you that have done conversions, do I need the t56 transmission or can I go with a something like a T-45? I am sure that I will need to upgrade the rear end to match up better with the ls1 engine I don’t have my gear ratio’s with me right now. The project is in the tear down and clean up stages and I am just trying to do some forward thinking on this. So any thoughts would be appreciated
I am curious as well for all of you that have done conversions, do I need the t56 transmission or can I go with a something like a T-45? I am sure that I will need to upgrade the rear end to match up better with the ls1 engine I don’t have my gear ratio’s with me right now. The project is in the tear down and clean up stages and I am just trying to do some forward thinking on this. So any thoughts would be appreciated
LS1 is pretty easy to work on just like any other engine for the most part. You might try to find/price out the parts needed to get the motor back to a running state before buying it. your going to need things like the intake and gaskets, throttle body, fuel rail, injectors and o-rings, oil pressure sensor, coolant crossover tube?, knock sensors?, any accessories that might be missing off the motor, a complete harness and ECM, MAF sensor. I honestly would find a complete motor. You can get one as a complete pullout for a pretty decent price. Just my opinion. Hope this helps.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From: New York City
I too have never done a fuel injection conversion and I'm in no rush ,which makes it ideal to gather info to make the right decisions .the guys in this site and forum will get you the info you need to get it done. searches are a great tool and ask specific questions . it has helped me a ton.JOHN
If you want EFI, then find a complete engine for your first swap. You'll get nickel and dimed to death if you don't.
If you want a carb, then you'll still get nickel and dimed on that long block, just not nearly as bad.
Either way, the cost is going to be close to the same. By the time your whole project is all said and done, the difference in price between buying that long block and buying a complete engine is just a drop in the bucket. The real question is do want EFI or do you want a carb?
If you want a carb, then you'll still get nickel and dimed on that long block, just not nearly as bad.
Either way, the cost is going to be close to the same. By the time your whole project is all said and done, the difference in price between buying that long block and buying a complete engine is just a drop in the bucket. The real question is do want EFI or do you want a carb?
Rodder is right. Your best bet is to buy a complete pullout with the tranny you want to run. If you decide to go with a carb, you can sell the injection parts and use that money for the carb setup.
