Need a good reference source for LS Swaps

[Paraman1]

So after being out of the Hot Rod scene for 20+ years I have started on my 64 El Camino and am completely lost when it comes to all things LS swap . I know a lot of guys have done the swap both on the cheap and high budget routes . I simply don't know where to start and was hoping maybe there was a book or website that could really give me the ins and outs of LS Swaps as well as what to look for in the LS motors . I have been searching the web for a few months now and simply feel overwhelmed by what I don't know about the subject .

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

www.ls1tech.com will be your BEST friend..

[dhutton]

There are a few books out there. The Camaro/Firebird one is not too bad and most of it applies to your swap:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_7?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ls+swap&sprefix=ls+swap%2Caps%2C313

Don

[csouth]

Those books Don listed are good points of reference for part interchangeability and helping you recognize the different LS motors. It helps to have at least one so you don't have to go running back and forth to the web. As Vengeance said, LS1tech is also good especially when you need to look up "real life" swap problems the authors may not have encountered.

[garys 68]

Most of the printed sources are really outdated. In addition, very few deal with the iron block truck motors which are probably more than half the swaps these days.
Best bet is look for forums and find a similar swap. Then ask A LOT of questions on both the physical aspects (fitment), and compatibility with swap parts, electronics, etc.

[Trevor @ Texas Speed]

This one is definitely our favorite:

http://www.amazon.com/GM-LS--Engines-Complete-Motorbooks/dp/0760336091/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416329625&sr=1-2&keywords=ls+swap

Joseph is a great guy and really went to great lengths to cover more of the common issues vs. the other books. He actually wrote this book on the side while he still worked for us. If you don't have it, I highly recommend it! He also has one that is specific to building LS engines, if you're interested:

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Modify-Engines-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760335435/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416329839&sr=1-3&keywords=joseph+potak

[Bonehead]

I'm doing a 67 El Camino right now. Blog link in my signature. Will be updating it again this weekend.

[SparkyRnD]

We make bolt-in LS conversion radiators and we're a site sponsor here

http://www.rndfabrication.com/ABodyearly.html

www.pro-touring.com/threads/94012-RnD-Fabrication-1964-1967-A-body-Chevelle-Cutlass-Radiators!/page3?p=1102162#post1102162

[Paraman1]

We make bolt-in LS conversion radiators and we're a site sponsor here

http://www.rndfabrication.com/ABodyearly.html

www.pro-touring.com/threads/94012-RnD-Fabrication-1964-1967-A-body-Chevelle-Cutlass-Radiators!/page3?p=1102162#post1102162

My Buddy Stu is actually using one of your radiators for his 66 LS swap .

[andrewb70]

So after being out of the Hot Rod scene for 20+ years I have started on my 64 El Camino and am completely lost when it comes to all things LS swap . I know a lot of guys have done the swap both on the cheap and high budget routes . I simply don't know where to start and was hoping maybe there was a book or website that could really give me the ins and outs of LS Swaps as well as what to look for in the LS motors . I have been searching the web for a few months now and simply feel overwhelmed by what I don't know about the subject .

There are numerous threads on this forum that deal with swapping LS engines into early (64-67) A-bodies. See what they did and follow along...LOL

Andrew

[Paraman1]

There are numerous threads on this forum that deal with swapping LS engines into early (64-67) A-bodies. See what they did and follow along...LOL

Andrew

My biggest problem Andrew is that I don't even know where to start . Which motors should I be looking at and which should I pass by . How to tell what motor is what . What transmissions to use and why ? My buddy has been a lot of help but I would like a decent reference just to get me up to speed on what parts are what .

Used to be a high nickel content , 4 bolt main with a set of camelback heads , L79 cam and a decent high rise intake coupled with a stout TH350 or Muncie 4 speed was the heat and went into everything . Now it seems like the options are a lot more wide open and when I talk to people talk to me about it sounds like greek to me .

[andrewb70]

My biggest problem Andrew is that I don't even know where to start . Which motors should I be looking at and which should I pass by . How to tell what motor is what . What transmissions to use and why ? My buddy has been a lot of help but I would like a decent reference just to get me up to speed on what parts are what .

Used to be a high nickel content , 4 bolt main with a set of camelback heads , L79 cam and a decent high rise intake coupled with a stout TH350 or Muncie 4 speed was the heat and went into everything . Now it seems like the options are a lot more wide open and when I talk to people talk to me about it sounds like greek to me .

I hear yah! There are definitely a lot of options, but looking at the various build threads will give you a good idea of what people are doing, why they are doing it, which will give you the information to know if their way is right for you.

Honestly, if budget is not a huge concern, the GM crate offerings are pretty awesome. Same with transmission, the T56 Magnum is pretty hard to beat. If you want an automatic, the 4L80E is a work horse.

If you tell us your goals, I, and others can give you out 2 cents worth...LOL

Andrew

[Bonehead]

I hear yah! There are definitely a lot of options, but looking at the various build threads will give you a good idea of what people are doing, why they are doing it, which will give you the information to know if their way is right for you.

Honestly, if budget is not a huge concern, the GM crate offerings are pretty awesome. Same with transmission, the T56 Magnum is pretty hard to beat. If you want an automatic, the 4L80E is a work horse.

If you tell us your goals, I, and others can give you out 2 cents worth...LOL

Andrew


You're getting some great advice here. The only thing I would reinforce/add is to read. And keep reading. And when you think you know? Keep reading. Lots of really good builds here. Lots of good info at LS1tech. You can also shell out a few bucks for one of the HP books, but in my mind, those are always out of date as soon as they hit the shelf. Keep reading. Happy thanksgiving! (are you reading yet?)