LSx Swap pitfalls

[Badley]

What are some of the common pitfalls people fall into when swapping over to a LSx powertrain? I have a 68 Camaro with aftermarket sub frame. I already have an LT1 in the car. The LT1 has developed a rod bearing knock so I'm looking at all my options on moving forward.

[hotrodneb]

There are ALOT of problems you will encounter if you swap to an LS---

--Not enough rubber, It seems those that swap need more tire width. Small tires just don't hold up.
--Wiping the big smile off your face
--Less time, People keep stopping you and asking "What's that got in there"? It takes a lot of time away from driving

I would suggest a nice 289 single-barrel ---Early 70's pickup should do for a donor.

[1989GTA]

There are plenty of people who have done this swap. I would suggest just doing a search and look at what others have done. Then pick one that suits what you are doing and follow along.

[raustinss]

Are Being awesome and easily diagnosing future problems,easier starts in cold weather, better fuel economy and, less weight pitfalls ?

[Toddoky]

Most of the annoyances that were typically encountered with your swap application years ago can be avoided by taking the time to create a list a features, build characteristics and major parts that you'll want the finished project to possess. If you describe the ride stance, transmission, A/C system, suspension and steering system you want to use as part of your complete build then the examples of the most appropriate engine mounts, headers, transmission crossmember and exhaust system will more quickly be identifiable to you.

[andrewb70]

I would pick a vendor that has a complete system that includes mounts, headers, and transmission crossmember. Holley offers nice components, but if you already have an aftermarket front subframe, you probably have to figure something else out.

If your car is lowered (I assume it is), you will need to pay close attention to driveline angles. The engine needs to sit as low as possible and the back of the transmission will need to be as high as possible.

Andrew

[mikeextrafast]

I used all Holley parts for my swap
Mounts,headers, trans mount, the engine install was prob one of the easiest parts of the project

[Badley]

Thanks for the replies.

Here is the Car:


current motor:

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

The worst thing is that my car is daily driven.. heavy traffic.. long hauls.. short hauls.. to the skatepark.. to the bank.. to get ice coffee... all driven to very fast(which is bad) and its SUPER annoying that comfort is there.. I feel like a wuss.. I dont reek of gas and I get too many miles per gallon for a musclecar..

so yea.. kindof sucks.. lol.

[Motown 454]

I feel like a wuss.. I dont reek of gas and I get too many miles per gallon for a musclecar..

so yea.. kindof sucks.. lol.

That's why I look up to you, as tough as you have it you keep plugging away!!!

[130fe]

I swapped from an LT1 to an LS3, no regrets at all. Like Andrew says, I would call you subframe manufacturer and see what they recommend for the swap parts. You won't be disappointed!

[BuzzKillian]

Love the Wheels...


I have long tube headers, that seemed to hang down too much. They would drag badly at the stance you have in that picture.
I ended up raising the back of the transmission 1.5" to help with ground clearance and drive line angle.

[Badley]

I have since raised the car about 1inch. I haven't had any issues dragging. Only thing I have is a bit of rear tire rub going into or coming off of some bridges. I missed the back spacing when ordering the centerlines by about 1/8th inch I think.

[Bonehead]

Hard to argue with any of the above. I guess the only thing would be lack of understanding going in. Approximate cost, time, your skill level. Been done a few times and plenty of good options to choose from. Good luck with your build!

[CamaroMike]

Headers was my biggest problem so get a nice set from the get go. As others said, tire life will be reduced, my mpg is way higher than my 6 cylinder import, and it revs a lot higher than the small block so make sure your tach can go that high

[casias]

I ditched a tired R/T motor for an LS a couple of years ago, and never looked back.

3 things I tell people who are first-time swap.

1) Buy a complete drivetrain out of something, with all of the supporting stuff
2) Find a good tuner who will work with a swap, and talk to them before buying a drivetrain
3) Set aside space and money for it. It will take longer, and cost more than you think. Nothing sucks worse than trying to work on it while it is in the way of everything else. It gets old, real quick.

[Badley]

THanks for the info. Looks like I'm heading the LS route.