I have a 1962 Super 88 w/ a 394 in the shop and the owner wants to do either a LT4 swap or a SBC swap... are either of these possible? And how much are we talking after the motor and trans? (Custom fab, etc.)

The owner talked to me about financing a motor like this: https://paceperformance.com/i-238510...00-rebate.html

He's an old guy and really eager to get the old 394 out and put something more powerful into the boat.

 

You could build a pretty nice 394 for 22k....just saying.

 

You have me a headache just clicking on the link. 22K? Are you kidding me? I would be surprised if you can sell the car for that much with this engine in it

 

There is a lot of fabrication involved in this and a lot of additional suspension parts needed to get that HP to the ground. I can see another 20k easy in labor and additional parts to get it on the road. If he has deep pockets, I see a fun project.

 

What country are you in ? Have him sell the OLDS and buy a Corvette.

 

Wow, that's quite an engine for a car that wont realize it's performance capabilities. Is this already heavily modified?
I'm sure it's possible, see if you can find an LS swap on that model. Model specific things to consider, efi fuel tank mods, frame/engine mount mods, oil pan requirements, electric guages. Most other items are universal.
I've done a couple LS swaps, here's a bare bones list with some used items to get it running (post 115).
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ii-swap-3.html

 

do you think an ls3 swap would be easier? I will recommend that to the owner if it seems less pain-intensive.

 

Other than the DFI for the newer engines, the work is about the same. Look into a Gen 3,4 iron block LS swap. In a car that heavy, no point in an aluminum block to save 70lbs.The engine will be less 1/3 the price and he'll never know the difference.
Unless he's just one of those guys that needs the newest stuff.....and price is no option.

 

just got off the phone with him, I basically talked him into a ls motor!! The only real concern of his now is efi. His second home is up at altitude and doesnt want to deal with jetting and etc. I will start looking into a iron block for him. For a car this heavy is there a certain tranny I should look into?

 

Guessing you're going new. A new iron 5.3, 6.0, 6.2, etc crate motor would work. I'm not a fan of 4L60s in ANYTHING. A 4L80 would be my choice in a have car. Not as big as some other auto trans that would probably require tunnel/interior mods. You can get a harness/ecu for a Gen 3 or 4 and 4L80m cheap, no extra trans harness and TCM.
LS1tech conversions forum will help you a lot.

 

You've been a ton of help Gary thanks so much!