B52bombardier1

Don't fear the engine harness wiring too much. The connectors are all notched and shaped mostly so that they only fit in one place - kinda' hard to mess this up. Your hardest decision will be where to mount the powertrain control module (PCM) if you stick with the stock fuel injection. My PCM is mounted on top of the glove box under the dash pad.

I paid $800 for my 5.3 liter engine out of a 1999 GMC Sierra truck and $500 for its still married and mated electronic 4L60E transmission - these two have still never been apart since the factory. This donor vehicle had about 150,000 miles and threw no OBD II failure codes at that time though they did damage the vehicle speed sensor getting it all out of the Sierra. This bad VSS would later drive me nuts for months but I eventually figured it out.

The engine does not smoke, makes about 42 PSI for cold oil pressure and about 35 PSI hot and running down the road. I think I need to replace the valve seals on the far passenger side rear cylinder because it fouls the spark plug there. These are just a few of the considerations you need to think about as you chase down an engine. The perfect deal is out there waiting for you. It'll happen.

Rick

P.S. - And hey, I'm 60 years old and only have two brain cells left for use with these modern engine things. I understand your reluctance about going with an LS style of engine. Me, too. I read two LS engine swap books and cruised a lot of Chevelle, LS engine and El Camino web sites before making the plunge.

Reebz

Too all that have helped I greatly appreciate it. I will go 5.3 or 6 in a week or two. "**** or get off of the pot"

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

Get the 6.0 if you can swing it. The most you can go on a 5.3 is 3.898 but I've been told you can go higher. The 6.0 is 4.00 bore and is something you can build on. It can safely go to 4.03 bore and when paired with a 4.00 inch crank will yield a nice 408 stroker.

Reebz

I agree bigger is better.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

I've always been a fan of the 455 Olds but these LS motors certainly will not disappoint as they make good power.

kv67ssrs

Im an "old guy" too. I recently pulled the Dart 400 out of my 67 Camaro and swapped in an LS3 with a BTR stage 2 cam. I love it! I knew nothing about the LS engines when I started the swap. True, there is lots to learn... but it is worth it. I used a traditional style 4150 intake with a Holley Terminator EFI system. I wanted to keep my old school look while having the benefits of FI. Just take the plunge... you wont regret it... and your engine wont leak either!!!

cookseyb

One engine a lot of people overlook is the Trailblazer SS, I bought a 2007 with 45,00 miles complete with harness PCM and DBW fuel peddle delivered to Central Texas for 3200 bucks All Aluminum 6.0 400 hp stock gonna put it in my 64 SWB Chevy truck. By way I'm 76 and these engines are amazing to work with compared to some others. Got my 94 truck running and it is a BLAST!! to drive.

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

You have a some years on me but I have to agree they are a much easier design to work on, I just dropped a 327 in a 49 Sedan Delivery after tearing it down to the short block putting in a new flat tappet cam/lifters + freeze plugs and main seals. The gaskets seem primitive to the LS. I still prefer the sound of a BBC but it's hard to beat the power and efficiency of the LS based engines.

Reebz

Thanks again I think I have LQ4 and 9 lined up I will hopefully buy on Tuesday.

Reebz

Have not posted in a long time. Here is an up date: Found a LS1 5.7 90,000 miles and a 6 speed. I was going to go 5.3 or 6 but this feel in my lap. Goal 450hp!! I'm going to start looking for combos to get that number. If you have any threads please send them my way. Thanks guys

JoeNova

450 at the flywheel, or at the wheels?

Reebz

I should have stated that. I want a high 10 sec time slip. Wallace ET calculator has always been spot on various friends cars. so in short I'm not sure.
The car from the factory is 2,700 lbs. I have removed the AC, Heater, Stock heavy front bucket seats hell even the radio and will replace the dash with aluminum sheet metal. But I will be putting in a much larger V8 and cage. The original motor was a 215 V8 that was aluminum.
So lets say 2700-3,000lb car.
JoeNova Where in Ohio are you located? I'm in Medina County (NE)

Brandon Sumrall

I didn’t read all the messages so you may have already made a decision, but I would go carb&MSD box all day. Easier and instant hp gains. I did see where some guys where saying some prices of lq9’s in their location. You could get one with a 4l80e behind it for $2500

Reebz

Thanks Brandon I picked up a 5.7LS1 with a 6 speed. I got a lot to learn.

Reebz

I have been looking at the 10 sec club for ideas. One of my many problems is this is such a new animal compared to the 455 Buick world. So I have a 5.7 LS1 6 speed. I don't want to mess with bottom end if I can. Needs to be pump gas. Turbo or NO2. Note its a light car. If any of you have cooked up one let me know. Thanks