Hello I am new and i wanted to know how much would it cost for an ls conversion for example (stripping to chassis, replacing rust spots, Ect.

 

Please forgive my ignorance -- what is an Is conversion?

Also, welcome!

 

An ls conversion is when you put in GM ls series engine into an older car upgrading brakes and suspension is optional

And thank you

 

LS, not Is
ELL ESS

op did not use CAPS

An LS engine is one of them late model engines with tall skinny intake ports and usually a coil atop each cylinder. I parted out a couple back in the day. Interesting technology.

I question the sanity of anyone adding a computerized engine to a perfectly good car, but that's another story.

 

Welcome to the site, I moved your post here so you can get a wider audience to your question from people who have done it.

 

First off, what motor/trans are you wanting to use? That cost varies from $1k for a low mileage iron block to over $20k for a new crate motor with harness, trans, GM accessory drive, etc.
See post 115 of my build thread for a budget swap.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ii-swap-3.html

 

Also, what car? Cutlass, 88, 98, Toronado (that'd be a nightmare!)?

 

67 olds 442

 

I would like to find a used 5.3 or 6.0 and i would like a 6 speed

 

The cost of doing this job will vary, based on how much of it you're planning to do yourself, and, to the extent you consider it part of the conversion, how much "replacing [of] rust spots" is necessary.

My questions would be, what are your goals for the car, and what is the rationale for going LS? It's a perfectly valid choice, but knowing a bit more about why you've chosen it would be enable better responses.

 

My goal is to have a fun prostreet machine i plan on doing everything except replacing the rust.

 

There a sticky with about 2 dozen A body swaps over at LS1tech conversions page. That would be a good start for a list of parts. But plan on about $1000 for a used 5.3 takeout, and almost double that for a 6.0.
Add at least $3000 for a used T56, clutch, and hydraulic throwout bearing, driveshaft. You'll also need to cut your tunnel. Maybe a rear end change too.
Add the other things in my list, your suspension, wheel/tire combo.

 

So about a 9 to 10 grand budget

 

A '67 442 would probably be worth a lot more with a correct engine and drivetrain, especially if you have the originals. It would also be a lot cheaper and simpler to do.

 

Yes i have the orginals, but i would like to have a car thats feels like my c5 vette when it pulls.

 

Put a 455 in it. every time I step on the gas I am scared that my seat will break and I'll end up in the back seat. For 10g you can build a nice big block.

 

Well, you already have a C5 'Vette.

 

If i keep the orginal how much will the estimate rebuild the motor

 

Without detailed build information, the cost is impossible to estimate. It could be anywhere from a few thousand and up to tens of thousands depending on the decisions you make. Stock heads or aluminum? Ported or not? Piston choice, manufacturer? Crank...camshaft type...intake manifold, carburation and so forth.

You might want to look in the big block section of the board and get an idea of what components will help you achieve your desired performance level then start doing some costing out.

Figure out your budget then start making decisions and compromises based on that.

I'm planning between 5 and 6k CDN for a mild performance build on my 455.

 

My G-block cost $7500 for a full rebuild with premium parts by a reputable builder. I've been very happy with it. You should get even better results with your E-block. It's a sweet engine that doesn't mind revving if it's set up correctly.

 

Welcome to CO. It's your car pun an LS in it if you want! I talked to a machine shop that does a lot of LS stuff about a future project they suggested to look at an LQ4 6.0L iron block do a rebuild with a better cam, pistons and aftermarket heads. LQ's came in vans and I've seen them on Ebay for around 800-1200. Good luck

 

X2 501paratrooper.

I've got a little 1960 Rambler American wagon waiting it's turn & I've been thinking of either a 4.8 or 5.3 iron cheapie truck drop out. Couple grand on top and you've got twin turbos......

Got an LS2 going into my 55 88 sedan. Leaving the motor stock for now (405hp is plenty to start with).

So many options.

What kind of gas mileage do you see from a $7,000.00-$10,000.00 455 Olds these days?

Don't get me wrong, I love my 72 W30 4 speed. Had it a long time, we're old friends. More of a love-hate relationship the more I think about it.

It's just apples and oranges.

If you're not sure, go find someone with a properly swapped LS car and ask for a ride. It's hard to explain to someone why it's different.

Recently drove a friends Miata with a stock LS6 and a six speed....Still smiling!

 

I saw this the other day at a car show... I don't know if I want that much power between my legs.

 

If it's stock, your Corvette is a low 13 second car. And although it probably weighs 400 pounds less than your 442, I don't see how you couldn't easily hit low 13s with a 400. LS motors are cool in their own way, but they aren't magic. Set your 400 up right, let it breathe, and you might be surprised. Plus, you already own it, it's already running, you're ahead of the game.

 

I wish you lived nearby so you can hear my car with big block olds in it. You know how many corvettes pull up next to me and give me thumbs up, just because the way it sounds?
Cruising at 40mph and step on the gas and it just smokes the tires, and mine is mild.
Our yeah,if you are worried about the gas mileage, should've bought a Prius. JMO.

 

Im wanting to do a similar build with my 442 with a budget of 7k - 10k

 

Here's some advice that will get you money ahead. You have a numbers matching 442, if it has the original engine. That is worth money. Sell it. Buy a 67 Cutlass, or even a 442 without an engine for much less money, and you won't have removed the original powertrain from the first one so that someone who appreciates that can give it what it deserves. If you do this right, you can sell the rusty, running 442 for 7k or so, buy a roller Cutlass for 2k with maybe a nicer body, then you have an extra 5k for your new engine.

 

My 442 is numbers matching, I would never put an LS in it either. But my next car will be a 69 Cutlass Vert or a 78ish Trans AM and I will be putting an LS motor in it and aftermarket suspension.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-Camaro-...4f8b3e&vxp=mtr

 

I am leaning on to keeping it orginal. You guys input is very helpful

 

Do what you want. I have several vehicles with ls swaps. And as for sound you can pull up to one of any of my vehicles with a lq4, worked 243 heads, 112 seperation or less cam with duals and a good tune and will sound like a bbc if you want it to. driveabiltiy is incredible even with 3600 stall and mileage is great. if you are savy you can build one super cheap as well.. put all your olds stuff in storage and go drive the **** out of that thing..

 

Does anyone know if a small rise hood on a 442 is rare?

 

What are the steps to swapping a ls to a a body?

 

go to ls1tech and read. Buy swap parts or fab up your own stuff. Fbody pan and move motor to firewall and Jack up to clear tierods or holley pan and slider mounts. Which is best route. fuel injection tank from spectre or MSD control carbureted setup. there you go it's simple

 

The only hood for a '67 442 I can recall is the one with the fake louvers. Yeah, I imagine those are pretty rare.

 

I too am considering the same route. My recommendation is a lot of research. When it come to LS based motors, there are many possibilities. If you have deep pockets then the sky is the limit. However, most tend to go for a 5.3 or a 6.0 truck motor then swap parts over for their needs. (looks at L33, LQ4, LQ9 etc.) My understanding is a truck intake will fit the 67's. The 4l60s 4l80, etc. trans will also fit with no trans tunnel modifications. Seems like the best prices for motor/trans is on car-part.com You would need motor mounts, trans mount, etc... (Think A body swap)

There are several good articles on other sites that are more specific to LS swaps.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...de-1500-a.html

http://www.lsx4u.com/home.html

http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/8...LS-Convertible

 

You could spend a week looking through threads.....
Mine:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-iii-swap.html


And a couple dozen others:
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...2-gm-body.html


BTW, As the owner of 2 LS swaps, I agree with others here, don't cut up a parts matching car. Find a nice roller like I did.