LQ9 instal into 2nd Gen Firebird

[jp455]

Hello all,

The time has come to do engine work on my Firebird. Unfortunately its not planned work so Im looking at options on a budget...

Ive been thinking about doing an LS conversion and it seems like now is the time to pull the trigger. But with the budget part in mind Im thinking of using an LQ9 which is essentially an iron blocked LS. Oddly enough Ive serched in the forum and found 0 threads talking about it!



So...at the moment two questions spring to mind.

Will the stock accesory drive that comes in these fit a 2nd gen Firebird? Has anyone here installed one?

Can anyone suggest a good builder that is working on these (ideally Id like to have a cam and intake swap done before installing it)?

[ryeguy2006a]

Hey there,

I'm surprised that no one has replied. The stock truck accessories should fit just fine, but you may have clearance issues with the high mounted alternator. When I did the LS1 swap on my 1976 Trans Am, I used the stock 98-02 LS1 accessories for F-body and they fit great. I did need to notch the frame slightly for the low mounted alternator. I think that now with the different options for engine mounts that are on the market, you can install them without notching anything.

The truck stuff is great on a budget. As for the engine builder, I cannot comment. Not sure exactly what your budget it, but just some food for thought. The truck motors look appealing at first due to their lower price than the aluminum blocks, however the price goes way up when you consider also having to buy the oil pan as well. The truck pan will not work, and you may not be able to get the truck intake under your stock hood either. Then if you switch to a car intake, you will need either a car water pump with spacers or modify your truck water pump to move the inlet as it interferes with the throttle body.

If you are on a budget, your best bet is going with an LS1 from an Fbody. It's a little more upfront, but the pan fits, the accessories work, the intake fits, and if you go with a 01-02 they come factory with the LS6 intake manifold.