Need help: LS swap options

[scottymonte]

If you're in OH, why don't you call Cleveland Pick-a-Part? They are always selling full swaps. They have and LS2\T56 on ebay now. I have never used them, but I think they used to advertised on Lateral-G a lot. You can also get those heads ported or swap in 243 heads.

http://www.clevelandpickapart.com/

Thanks for the advice and link, Cleveland Pick-a-Part is the place where I found the LS1/T56 combo. Starting bid was 4999.00. I will probably call them tomorrow to see if they have a out-the-door price on it. If it is anywhere near th starting bid that would be a no brainer I would think.

Thanks, scott

[badazz81z28]

Just be cautious on what you buy especially on Ebay and the salvage yard. I highly recommend a new engine. The transmission too if you can afford it. I always seem to try and save a buck or two and end up kicking my self later. You will much more pleased with a clean engine that you know hasn't been abused.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...8770/overview/

[wayward]

Here is what I've done...

5.3L $500 had 18k miles
LS 6 intake $ 350. I don't remember exactly what I paid but this is close
TR 224 cam - haven't done yet.. Going to get it running and then do a cam swap
T56 I bought a ctsv on eBay for about $480
Requires a different bellhousing - quicktime $500
Had Jason at Texas Driveline Performance do a f body conversions and stage 2 kit. About $1100
Holley efi controller $1400. No dyno necessary, self learning.
Doug's header and ls mounts $800 . Don't use , they do not fit well and I've looked at a lot of pictures on line.
LS7 clutch and flywheel
Speedway motor hydraulic lines and speed bleeder

According to the magazines 400 hp is achievable with this combo with some head work but wanted to get the check in the block for now and intend on doing a LS2 swap in a few years. I'm doing a complete frame off and couldn't spend as I would like to on every piece of the build.

I know this is really pieced to gether but my budget is the largest comstraint due to scale of the project. This combo cost a less than $6000 and with the exception of the long block is complete for the project and future. You could look at pieces and look for alternatatives...

Make sure your engine mount and headers work together. I had to buy multiple sets and still not happy with fit due to my headers..

Also don't forget the harness & oil pan
EL

[wayward]

If you have a cubic inch fetish start with bore size.. Otherwise LS1 would be fine. I would call someone one like http://texas-speed.com for HP and head questions. Then I would call Jason at Texas Drivetrain Performamce to see if you have options for the shifter.

The base of these engines and granny's are build on the same platform. I would also make sure if you want to go gen 3 or gen 4 before I bought my computer.

I went gen 3 because I'm doing a driver and if I ever do build a big hp motor I will just do the 24x reluctor.

[67rally]

Price mainly. Aluminum blocks get about 3x the price of iron. Shifter position on the GTO is set back, might be an issue.

You can get an aftermarket shifter to put it anywhere you like. I have an '04 GTO T56 in my '67 Camaro.

[cmac06]

You could get a pullout from a GTO for under $6k. That'll have the harness and trans. If you don't mind running an external fuel pump, conversion of your tank should easily covered with $1100. That gives you a little to play with for headers, mounts and accessories.

[Vicinity]

You could get a pullout from a GTO for under $6k. That'll have the harness and trans. If you don't mind running an external fuel pump, conversion of your tank should easily covered with $1100. That gives you a little to play with for headers, mounts and accessories.

Brand new tank from Tanks Inc with a fuel pump in tank (with a sump) for $650 or so. I have one, works great.

[67rally]

Brand new tank from Tanks Inc with a fuel pump in tank (with a sump) for $650 or so. I have one, works great.

I have the same one, and am very happy with it.

[scottymonte]

I do not think they offer one for my application (76 Monte Carlo). I might have to call and check.

Thanks,

[srh3trinity]

Tanks inc makes a weld in kit. Order up a replacement tank so you don't have to cut or weld on an old tank.

[badazz81z28]

I do not think they offer one for my application (76 Monte Carlo). I might have to call and check.

Thanks,

You can't go wrong with a Rick's tank. Like I mentioned...re-think any money saving ideas you have. "less cost" sometimes cost less for a reason.

[scottymonte]

You can't go wrong with a Rick's tank. Like I mentioned...re-think any money saving ideas you have. "less cost" sometimes cost less for a reason.

Should I go with the vaporworks or the standard tank? It looks like the only real benefit is hard cornering and acceleration with low fuel level. Is this correct?

Thanks,

[cmac06]

A lot of newer cars use a setup like the vaporworx system. If you can afford it I would do it to avoid running the pump dry.

[wayward]

Tanks inc makes a weld in kit. Order up a replacement tank so you don't have to cut or weld on an old tank.

This is what I have done.. New stainless tank from eBay less than 200 bucks for an abody.

Great kit!

[wayward]

Should I go with the vaporworks or the standard tank? It looks like the only real benefit is hard cornering and acceleration with low fuel level. Is this correct?

Thanks,

The vapor works is the cats meow.. Baffled with multiple pickups across the tank. Very expensive!!

I personally don't see the cost vs benefit unless your driving like your on a g pad. (Prolonged turns in one direction) However you do need to find a solution with some type of baffling to keep fuel around the pump intake during "typical aggressive" style of driving.

In my opinion if money is no object you can't do better than the vaporworks setup. But function of the tanks inc kit is great! No problems after several units of experience (buddies cars).
I would stay away for the spectra unless they have improved. I made this decision about a year ago, so more may be on the market today..

[Later-A-body]

To save you quite a bit of money I recommend using a '90-'96 Impala gas tank. I have one installed in my '73 Grand Am. It fits perfectly in my frame and works flawlessly. I only had to modify the straps. The tank is plastic and very light, is already baffled. The cost was $60.00. You will need to buy one from a car that had the LT1 installed in order to be able to have the correct pickup. You will need to purchase a new fuel pump pickup harness from Racetronix for about $200.00. This comes with a 255 liter Walbro pump. This is a very high quality kit.

[scottymonte]

Would you happen to have any pictures of it in the car?
Thanks for the info.

[scottymonte]

So I pulled the trigger on LS1/T56 takeout with only 70k on it. Pick it up Monday.
What is the best place to get the wire harness modified?

Thanks Scott.

[scottymonte]

Hello,

I picked up the LS1/T56 combo Monday, it is in great shape. My next issue is the wiring harness.
Questions:
Who should I send the harness to be reworked? I would like to send it out this week as I am sure there is some lead time to complete this kind of job.
Texas Speed looks like my first choice for ECU reprograming possibly with one of there cam kits, any others I should consider?

Thanks again,

[67rally]

I hear Speartech is good for modifying your existing harness.

I went with a new stand alone harness from PSI Conversions, and then sold my old one on eBay. Jon at PSI was great to work with.

And I'd let whoever does your harness do your ECU flash as well.