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I agree with Andrew, the Hooker/Holley kit has everything all figured out for you already, so no real reason to reinvent the wheel so to speak. I too have seen slider mounts where the engine has been put in not so square, definitely not what you want. I do understand the cost factor though, but if you're not in a hurry, I would figure out exactly what you want to do with the car. Having a good game plan will help keep costs down because you wont be making decisions on the fly that may cause you to have to go back and do things you have already done, all over again. Figure out what transmission you really want, and get it. Trying to use a transmission just because you have it is going to make your job harder because you're going to have to go back and do it over again. Now, I do understand wanting to get the engine in and drive it, but it kind of comes down to the whole "do it once and do it right" thing. You're lucky in that you can just drive the car as is with the 6 cylinder. Heck, drive it enough and when you do the swap it will just be that much more impressive to you!
As for the engine, how many miles does it have on it? The pistons just look like basic carbon build up, and if it isn't a super high mileage engine, I wouldn't mess with it since you know it runs. I would pull a valve cover and see what the inside looks like. If it's not sludged up it's probably fine. With regular maintenance these engines will run a long time.
I have the dirty dingo mounts in my truck. The slider mounts are great i was able to put my motor exactly where the stock one was and i was able to use my trucks frame mounts and use the stock driveshaft. I have had this setup installed for 6 years with no problems.
I agree with Andrew, the Hooker/Holley kit has everything all figured out for you already, so no real reason to reinvent the wheel so to speak. I too have seen slider mounts where the engine has been put in not so square, definitely not what you want. I do understand the cost factor though, but if you're not in a hurry, I would figure out exactly what you want to do with the car. Having a good game plan will help keep costs down because you wont be making decisions on the fly that may cause you to have to go back and do things you have already done, all over again. Figure out what transmission you really want, and get it. Trying to use a transmission just because you have it is going to make your job harder because you're going to have to go back and do it over again. Now, I do understand wanting to get the engine in and drive it, but it kind of comes down to the whole "do it once and do it right" thing. You're lucky in that you can just drive the car as is with the 6 cylinder. Heck, drive it enough and when you do the swap it will just be that much more impressive to you!
As for the engine, how many miles does it have on it? The pistons just look like basic carbon build up, and if it isn't a super high mileage engine, I wouldn't mess with it since you know it runs. I would pull a valve cover and see what the inside looks like. If it's not sludged up it's probably fine. With regular maintenance these engines will run a long time.
I may just have to gather parts till I have everything to do it all at once including transmission. I use my little garage a lot and can't have this car taking up that valuable space for a couple years. My driveway is sloped to which means I need the car to stay under its own power. That was the only reason I was wanting to bolt to powerglide so I could continue to keep the car mobile for moving in and out and not necessarily out driving.
The motor has around 180k. I will get the valve covers and oil pan off and take pics so you guys can see and give your opinions after I get the thing cleaned up
There is a transmission adapter sold within the Hooker 1st-gen F-body/3rd-gen X-body system of components that enables you to carry out an LS swap using a TH350, Powerglide or 700R4 transmission. The bracket (part number 12628HKR) is designed to work with the 12625HKR 4L60-4L70 transmission crossmember. It works great, but does require a little bit of cutting/welding on the part of the user. Your driveshaft length would also have to be lengthened slightly.
Not sure that I like that look on an older, stock car...but that's a matter of taste.
Andrew
I was really hesitant with the look of these as well but my goal is modern conveniences in an old bodied car. And its only the first upgrade so it stands alone kinda awkward right now.
Who knows, I might decide they don't work with the overall look but right now I think its too early to decide.
I was really hesitant with the look of these as well but my goal is modern conveniences in an old bodied car. And its only the first upgrade so it stands alone kinda awkward right now.
Who knows, I might decide they don't work with the overall look but right now I think its too early to decide.
If you want a more traditional look, there are halogen alternatives. When you combine that with a headlight relay upgrade, you will have great lights.
Sorry if I confused anyone, I am not unhappy with my headlights. They are what I wanted, I am just not used to them yet with the look. But with the direction I want to go with car I think they will be good its just hard not seeing the whole picture at this time.
Why be afraid to mod a driveshaft? It is easier than many of the other things involved in a swap. I'd rather mod a driveshaft than put up with other compromises resulting from the engine too far forward or back from its optimum location.
If I missed it, mybad, but what did the headlight set you back?
On a black Friday deal they were just under $400.. which is way too much for headlights. But I built custom HID headlights for my 4runner that cost more than that so the fact that I didn't have to build these and that they were part of a Christmas gift I was happy to not pay full price!
I spent a couple hours this last weekend watching tv in the garage and scrapping oil sludge off the motor. After about two hours it looks like it does now but it will need waaaay more cleaning. Oven cleaner was recommended so I may go to dollar tree and grab some cheap stuff to try. The worst has been removed now it needs some finer scrubbing. I don't have a power washer and don't want to deal with the mess of that anyway so I will just keep scrubbing in the garage.
Subscribing for updates! I just picked up a 2000 lq4 for my 71 nova in December as well. You'll be miles ahead of me as I'm still doing a lot of metal replacement on the body.
Subscribing for updates! I just picked up a 2000 lq4 for my 71 nova in December as well. You'll be miles ahead of me as I'm still doing a lot of metal replacement on the body.
Awesome! Start a thread so I can watch
I am not sure how fast I will be since I am trying to juggle this and other vehicle projects. Mainly my 4runner and it needing a new transmission!
12-11-2017, 10:10 PM
