Input on which direction I should go on LS chevelle build
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 119
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On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 174
Likes: 2
From: Aurora IL
My buddy has a 6.0, untouched 243 heads, torqer 2 cam, edelbrock intake and dougthorley long rubes making 410rwhp through a 4l80 and 12 bolt. I don’t think he has 2500 in the whole set up, minus accessories. LS simple makes some nice brackets, priced well.
I would do the 4l80. It’s a heavy bastard (200+lbs) but you’ll never have to worry about it. Our floors are the same and it didn’t take much massaging to the tunnel to get it to fit. Too bad you’re not local, I can get them mildly built to handle 800hp or so for $1100. I’d go with a yank or circle d converter. I’m running a pas3400. Good converters aren’t cheap though, might want to cruise the classifieds for a used one.
Love the Chevelle, looks like my color.
I would do the 4l80. It’s a heavy bastard (200+lbs) but you’ll never have to worry about it. Our floors are the same and it didn’t take much massaging to the tunnel to get it to fit. Too bad you’re not local, I can get them mildly built to handle 800hp or so for $1100. I’d go with a yank or circle d converter. I’m running a pas3400. Good converters aren’t cheap though, might want to cruise the classifieds for a used one.
Love the Chevelle, looks like my color.
Last edited by Mr.Bu; Mar 7, 2018 at 07:57 PM.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 98
Likes: 3
I have a 66 Beaumont (like Chevelle except grille, tail lights and GTO dash) that I replaced a nice hydraulic roller 454, super T10 and 4.10 gears with a 2001 salvage truck 5.3, 4L65E and 3.25 gears (has 57 Ford 9 inch).
Very easy swap. Kept GM ECU and harness. Removed vehicle theft, cats and new axle ratio. Hooker cast iron manifolds fit A body great. Holley 302-2 oil pan fits perfect. The usual aluminum motor mount adapter plates. Modified rear trans mount slightly by lowering perch 1 inch for just a bit more tunnel clearance.
The car is so fun to drive now, whether idling around in town or cruising at 80 mph with great fuel economy to boot.
If you want more power, a single turbo setup is easy to add. For example my 70 Nova went easy 10.90's with a bone stock LQ4 on 7.5 psi with no intercooler and pump gas.
I decided 3 years ago to convert both cars from BBC carb/dist to junkyard LS EFI. Totally happy with the driveability and performance of both cars. And if you break the LS bad, it is just the price of your time and another junkyard motor for cheap.
Very easy swap. Kept GM ECU and harness. Removed vehicle theft, cats and new axle ratio. Hooker cast iron manifolds fit A body great. Holley 302-2 oil pan fits perfect. The usual aluminum motor mount adapter plates. Modified rear trans mount slightly by lowering perch 1 inch for just a bit more tunnel clearance.
The car is so fun to drive now, whether idling around in town or cruising at 80 mph with great fuel economy to boot.
If you want more power, a single turbo setup is easy to add. For example my 70 Nova went easy 10.90's with a bone stock LQ4 on 7.5 psi with no intercooler and pump gas.
I decided 3 years ago to convert both cars from BBC carb/dist to junkyard LS EFI. Totally happy with the driveability and performance of both cars. And if you break the LS bad, it is just the price of your time and another junkyard motor for cheap.
Last edited by slarsen47; Mar 9, 2018 at 04:11 PM.
Before you get a dressed truck engine, be sure you have hood clearance for the alt.
We just changed out a truck accessory drive, in a 72 Chevelle, for that exact reason.
Aprox $1200. 2004 Vette drive.
Problem is the truck alt doesn't fit.
If that model Chevelle is ft steer, the p/s will/can cause issues.
We just changed out a truck accessory drive, in a 72 Chevelle, for that exact reason.
Aprox $1200. 2004 Vette drive.
Problem is the truck alt doesn't fit.
If that model Chevelle is ft steer, the p/s will/can cause issues.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 98
Likes: 3
Before you get a dressed truck engine, be sure you have hood clearance for the alt.
We just changed out a truck accessory drive, in a 72 Chevelle, for that exact reason.
Aprox $1200. 2004 Vette drive.
Problem is the truck alt doesn't fit.
If that model Chevelle is ft steer, the p/s will/can cause issues.
We just changed out a truck accessory drive, in a 72 Chevelle, for that exact reason.
Aprox $1200. 2004 Vette drive.
Problem is the truck alt doesn't fit.
If that model Chevelle is ft steer, the p/s will/can cause issues.
I am using complete truck setup right back to and including the MF sensor where I have a conical Edelbrock air filter that sits right behind the battery.
The alternator and power steering are in stock position as per truck accessory drive.
Power steering pulley is smaller diameter from an 80's S10 with V6 to just clear the steering box. Alternator fits under stock hood. Even the "Vortec" plastic lid on top of the truck manifold just fits under the hood.
Stock radiator with truck fan and water pump.
Temperature cycles 200-204 degrees idling in stop and go traffic on a hot day with stock thermostat. No electric fans required.