LSX Engine swap info , parts, options, etc.
January 26th, 2011, 07:44 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,202
LSX Engine swap info , parts, options, etc.
I'm going to do this for all those who are curious and looking into modern drivetrains.
These were questions posted in another thread I'd rather just answer in a NEW thread.
Because otherwise that thread will disappear and so will all these answers.
Maybe the mods can sticky it with their input as well.
ALWAYS GET AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE FROM THE SALVAGE YARD.
Engine, Accessories, Harness, Computer, Sensors, etc.
1) Cost of salvage yard motor, trans, computer & harness?
Prices vary on which engine you choose, and how many miles are on it.
Examples:
#1. A guy I know on Nastyz28 paid $1800 for a GTO LS1/T56 combo with 67K on it.
He sold the T-56 for $1000, and basically spent only $800 for his complete GTO LS1.
The point is, you might get lucky, or you might have to pay market value.
#2.Cheapest = GM Vortec engines are the truck motors that are LS based. (Gen III & IV)
Most truck motors also have iron blocks which are better for high boost applications.
~$1,000 > 5.3L combo is the cheapest for 285-300hp
~$2,250 > LY6 is very desirable because of it's L92 heads (330cfm stock)
Most will require a car intake swap, injectors, fuel rail ($300) and accessories.
LS1/2/3's go for bigger coin, but you don't have to swap as much.
2) Fabricate frame/ motor mounts, or what works?
$65-$100 Tons of options, but lately more people are really raving about the
Edelbrock mounts. I used Trans Dapt mounts back in 2006 for my F-body.
Depends how far back you want the engine.
3) Transmission crossmember, linkage.
TH400 crossmember = Flip it backwards is the cheapest option
Next best option is to fabricate your own, but the above works.
4) Drive shaft - custom length/ balance.
$100 typically locally here in Chicago where the cost of living is high.
I've done it 2x now. Once for each classic.
5) Radiator to be used?
Budget = LS1 radiator from 98-02 F-body's. ~$120
Advanced Auto (Ready Radiator) has discounts of 20% off routinely.
Big Spender = Price can go from $300 - a BeCool if you so desire.
6) Cooling Fans?
> My budget cooling fan write up
That's where you're going to spend $$$ but not if you're smart.
Ford Taurus fans are $25 from a pick n pull and destroy most aftermarket fans.
So do the Lincoln Mark VIII fans. A complete setup is cheap.
7) Fuel pump/ in tank and fuel lines.
~$330 Rock Auto sells FI new tanks for A-bodies , just pick your in tank pump
and you're set. I used a Bosch 420 in mine. There is a cheaper option to purchase
from another vendor to modify your EXISTING tank to make it an in tank pump.
I forget the name.
8) Front crossmember clearance issues with oil pan.
Used $200 Typically the F-body LS pan is the smallest and easiest to work with.
The other options are the CTS-V pan, but it hangs almost 2" lower.
Here's a list of most LSX oil pans and dimensions. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...-oil-pans.html
9) Headers to be used? Custom exhaust.
My .02 is to buy the Edelbrock stainless steel A-body headers.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...ofit/ls1.shtml
I bought Street and Performance coated headers for my last swap and they rusted and pitted out.
10) Throttle cable or linkage.
Depends whether it's a DBW setup or not. (Drive by wire)
IF it's a Gen III engine it will have a throttle cable in most instances.
Lokar 36" or Spectre even make's a cheaper option.
IF it's a Gen IV motor or DBW it has no throttle cable and instead
uses a special gas pedal that looks like this. Grab it with your salvage pull.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/parts-...ontroller.html
11) Modern overdrive transmission info:
4L60e = Should be a straight swap without mods into the car.
4L80e = The modern TH400 bulletproof OD tank, might require tunnel massaging.
T-56 = 6 Speed 450ft lbs requires tunnel modification and fabrication
TR6060 = Same as T-56, but handles 600ft lbs.
6L90e = Forget it.
Both the 6 speeds were used in every high performance vehicle in the new millenia.
Corvette, CTS-V, Viper, Ram SRT10's, Challenger SRT8's, Shelby GT500's. etc.
T-56 6speed vs ST10 4speed side by side comparison
These were questions posted in another thread I'd rather just answer in a NEW thread.
Because otherwise that thread will disappear and so will all these answers.
Maybe the mods can sticky it with their input as well.
ALWAYS GET AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE FROM THE SALVAGE YARD.
Engine, Accessories, Harness, Computer, Sensors, etc.
1) Cost of salvage yard motor, trans, computer & harness?
Prices vary on which engine you choose, and how many miles are on it.
Examples:
#1. A guy I know on Nastyz28 paid $1800 for a GTO LS1/T56 combo with 67K on it.
He sold the T-56 for $1000, and basically spent only $800 for his complete GTO LS1.
The point is, you might get lucky, or you might have to pay market value.
#2.Cheapest = GM Vortec engines are the truck motors that are LS based. (Gen III & IV)
Most truck motors also have iron blocks which are better for high boost applications.
~$1,000 > 5.3L combo is the cheapest for 285-300hp
~$2,250 > LY6 is very desirable because of it's L92 heads (330cfm stock)
Most will require a car intake swap, injectors, fuel rail ($300) and accessories.
LS1/2/3's go for bigger coin, but you don't have to swap as much.
2) Fabricate frame/ motor mounts, or what works?
$65-$100 Tons of options, but lately more people are really raving about the
Edelbrock mounts. I used Trans Dapt mounts back in 2006 for my F-body.
Depends how far back you want the engine.
3) Transmission crossmember, linkage.
TH400 crossmember = Flip it backwards is the cheapest option
Next best option is to fabricate your own, but the above works.
4) Drive shaft - custom length/ balance.
$100 typically locally here in Chicago where the cost of living is high.
I've done it 2x now. Once for each classic.
5) Radiator to be used?
Budget = LS1 radiator from 98-02 F-body's. ~$120
Advanced Auto (Ready Radiator) has discounts of 20% off routinely.
Big Spender = Price can go from $300 - a BeCool if you so desire.
6) Cooling Fans?
> My budget cooling fan write up
That's where you're going to spend $$$ but not if you're smart.
Ford Taurus fans are $25 from a pick n pull and destroy most aftermarket fans.
So do the Lincoln Mark VIII fans. A complete setup is cheap.
7) Fuel pump/ in tank and fuel lines.
~$330 Rock Auto sells FI new tanks for A-bodies , just pick your in tank pump
and you're set. I used a Bosch 420 in mine. There is a cheaper option to purchase
from another vendor to modify your EXISTING tank to make it an in tank pump.
I forget the name.
8) Front crossmember clearance issues with oil pan.
Used $200 Typically the F-body LS pan is the smallest and easiest to work with.
The other options are the CTS-V pan, but it hangs almost 2" lower.
Here's a list of most LSX oil pans and dimensions. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...-oil-pans.html
9) Headers to be used? Custom exhaust.
My .02 is to buy the Edelbrock stainless steel A-body headers.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...ofit/ls1.shtml
I bought Street and Performance coated headers for my last swap and they rusted and pitted out.
10) Throttle cable or linkage.
Depends whether it's a DBW setup or not. (Drive by wire)
IF it's a Gen III engine it will have a throttle cable in most instances.
Lokar 36" or Spectre even make's a cheaper option.
IF it's a Gen IV motor or DBW it has no throttle cable and instead
uses a special gas pedal that looks like this. Grab it with your salvage pull.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/parts-...ontroller.html
11) Modern overdrive transmission info:
4L60e = Should be a straight swap without mods into the car.
4L80e = The modern TH400 bulletproof OD tank, might require tunnel massaging.
T-56 = 6 Speed 450ft lbs requires tunnel modification and fabrication
TR6060 = Same as T-56, but handles 600ft lbs.
6L90e = Forget it.
Both the 6 speeds were used in every high performance vehicle in the new millenia.
Corvette, CTS-V, Viper, Ram SRT10's, Challenger SRT8's, Shelby GT500's. etc.
T-56 6speed vs ST10 4speed side by side comparison
Last edited by Aceshigh; January 26th, 2011 at 08:26 PM.
January 27th, 2011, 12:36 AM
#2
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,202
I forgot this guys been selling brand new GM Vortec (LS) engines dirt cheap.
Pretty close to half of what they normally cost.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=51358
Pretty close to half of what they normally cost.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=51358
Last edited by Aceshigh; January 27th, 2011 at 12:50 AM.
February 22nd, 2011, 04:19 AM
#3
I dont know what all the fuss is about . Some guys from Iowa did a ls swap on a 72 olds cutlass in half an hour yesterday on horse power tv . Start to test drive . They had a contest the fastest swap got to keep the moter The other team had a 4 speed and broke
the block with a hammer trying to remove a lug on the block that was not allowing the linkage to hook up. They pulled the front clip off tore out old sbc .
the block with a hammer trying to remove a lug on the block that was not allowing the linkage to hook up. They pulled the front clip off tore out old sbc .
Last edited by firefrost gold; February 23rd, 2011 at 04:25 AM.
February 22nd, 2011, 01:00 PM
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 904
I spent more than 1.5 hrs just swapping the motor frame mounts.....
I dont know what all the fuss is about . Some guys from Iowa did a ls swap on a 72 olds cutlass in 1.5 hours yesterday on horse power tv . Start to test drive . They had a contest the fastest swap got to keep the moter The other team had a 4 speed and broke the block with a hammer trying to remove a lug on the block that was not allowing the linkage to hook up. They pulled the front clip off tore out old sbc .
the block with a hammer trying to remove a lug on the block that was not allowing the linkage to hook up. They pulled the front clip off tore out old sbc .
February 22nd, 2011, 05:18 PM
#5
I saw that HP TV episode and 1.5 hours is not correct. They did it in 31 minutes and 57 seconds!!!!!!! Just checked the DVR to confirm before posting. What is amazing is that the guy said that when they practiced the process at home, they actually did it even faster.
February 22nd, 2011, 08:00 PM
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,202
Can't find it. http://www.powerblocktv.com/site3/in...power-episodes
Last edited by Aceshigh; February 22nd, 2011 at 08:02 PM.
February 22nd, 2011, 11:40 PM
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,202
....found it. This is just so badass it's not even funny. Those Iowa boys with that 1970 Cutlass Convertible came PREPARED!!!!!!
31:57 seconds from a yank and swap to running.
I can't even believe that happened that fast!!!
http://www.powerblocktv.com/video/?e...-20&ep_show=HP
Pics here > Link
Last edited by Aceshigh; February 23rd, 2011 at 12:06 AM.
February 23rd, 2011, 05:05 AM
#11
Past Administrator
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Rural Waxahachie Texas
Posts: 10,053
Very interesting competition. I think it all boils down to preparation and practice, just like a NASCAR pit team. I wonder if the losing team had a die grinder or cutoff wheel, that would have worked fairly quick. Too bad, because I would have liked to see it go to the end.
February 23rd, 2011, 05:14 AM
#12
car guy
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dallas TX
Posts: 5,660
I used to be in to air cooled VWs as a kid. At the big bug shows there was always an engine pull and reinstall contest. As I two man team a freind and I won one of the ones we entered getting it done in less than 5 min.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
66ninetyeightls
Non-Olds Engines
19
August 16th, 2011 08:18 PM
