Planning LS swap into 66 GTO

[old66tiger]

Saw that Pace offers a 525 HP LS 3 for about $7500. That is really reasonable considering I have way more than that into my 461 pontiac motor. I am a ways off, but I prefer to spend a ton of time planning things. I want to use my tremec and want to keep the tranny in the same location to ensure that my shifter comes through the console like it should. Looks like I can get a flywheel, clutch and bell housing to mate the tranny up to the LS. I am wondering if the LS will sit lower in the car than the Pontiac motor? Just thinking about drive line angles and getting the center line of the crank lower in the car will improve the angle for me.

[FatfreeGTO]

You can only get the engine so low because of inner tie rod interference with the front of the oil pan. Your biggest benefit will be the weight reduction from an all aluminum motor. I used my factory crossmember and the angles are close. You can use adjustable rear upper control arms to help your driveshaft angle, or talk to "the driveshaft shop" and order one of their CV style driveshafts.

[oestek]

We built a '66 GTO with an L92 a couple years ago, you might find some helpful info in the videos.

http://v8tvshow.com/content/blogcategory/74/118/

[BulldawgMusclecars]

Fatfree is right; plenty of the swaps you see with the engine in the exact stock location run into other issues, such as tie rods hitting the oil pan. The engine really needs to go where it fits best, which typically isn't the exact stock location of the original engine. You can get an offset shifter, if needed, through lots of sources (I got my last one through D&D Peformance in Michigan; ask for Joe), so I wouldn't worry too much about that. I'm putting a 525hp crate in a '65 Cutlass right now (Project Lonestar), so you may want to check it out for some ideas, and also my Project Grocery Getter build (it used the 480hp version). BTW, you might want to reach out to Jeff Tate when you're ready to do the swap...I got the engine, trans (4L70E), controllers, and a few other items from him on both of them, and he saved me money.

[robbie9999]

hi I was hoping to hear what happened on this project I have a 66 gto and have a ls3 but not sure of the tranny to go with and other issues i will run into , any help would be great ful ... rob 416 454 9599 or message me your number