bigjay89gta

iTrader: (5)

So the funds are finally together to begin my LSx swap into my 1989 GTA L98.

I will be buying a complete swap car, I was eyeing 05-06 GTO T56. But I have a feeling the f-body ls1 would be better.

Lets say I can get both for the same price within $500. Sure the 6.0L would have more power potential. But once I purchase the F-body oil pan, clutch components, fuel pressure regulator. I have over shot the price.

Having a complete f-body, I can just use it all from the car, leaving harness, motor/trans mount, and little bit of fuel line, swap headers.

Is the price worth the difference or should I just go with the fbody and use the money saved from the little stuff to justify HCI...

What would you guys do, go for the running driving 05-06 GTO or a 2000-2001 f-body??

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

I would look for a wrecked car instead of one that could still be driven, just imagine that would be cheaper. Especially if you're talking about buying a running/driving GTO. might as well buy a crate engine and save yourself the trouble of ripping the stuff out at that point(I just haven't seen any under 12-15k).

bigjay89gta

iTrader: (5)

Yes these will be salvage (non-flood) parts cars. Running and driving as in I can test out drive train before purchase. Most of those I have seen are barely* drive-able but can be used. I passed up on one last month 04 GTO t56 cammed and Intake, 85K miles, severe front end damage only $1950. Drive out decent but all the accessories where caked in sand and mud( squealing awfully) and the interior was disgusting under carriage had some heavy damage.

Was worried because without a radiator I couldn't really let the thing get up to temperature and with a hit that hard could off had a crack somewhere. But it fired right up could hear the cam, shifted fine into first and second. But modded car heavy damage to under carriage and possibly have to replace all of front accessories so didnt get it. lol

I figure 3500-4000 for decent 05-06 GTO or a very low mile f-body. Buddy goes to auctions several days a week, and have another that just does rebuilt title cars so have the in to get them.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

Ok, cool! I read that at first and was like "buying a 12k car...to swap into a 4k car..." lol. Idk, I'd think that depending on the price either could be just as reasonable, but probably the F-Body will be cheapest in most cases.

bigjay89gta

iTrader: (5)

More worried about ease of swap then anything.

Just dont know if the ls2 has that much more potential over the ls1 to justify going with the GTO which will need all the extras. Versus the f-body which I can use almost anything and easily part out the rest...

So is the ls2 that much better then ls1?

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

That's understandable.

Not in my opinion. The LS1 will reach your goals and (except for the electronics/etc) drops right in. That'd be my choice, were I in your position.

R13_Braz

LS2 is nice and all.. but more limited, imo.

Go with the LS1. SOOO many options, and even after 100k miles, it shouldn't need much. Plus, there are a lot more of them on the road and in the salvage yards than the GTO's.

bigjay89gta

iTrader: (5)

Guess Ill just go with 01-02 f-body, since the future has turbos in the books. So the motor will be out and built then so no worries on that.

Now to try and find a decent 01-02 Trans Am\Formula manual lol let the search begin.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Whatever your donor budget is for a Fbody, Id add $2k for a GTO. First one in that range, buy

The LS2 is a better platform in many ways. GTOs were all 24x, so its only slightly more involved than a generic Fbody conversion

FEAD stuff isnt that expensive even new. The C5/6 kit new from jegs is like $530. Fbody/GTO/CTS-v FEADs are very similar in placement

PM me if you see anymore GTOs like that selling that low. Id gladly drive out there for a deal like that. Even chip you a finders fee

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Also, if you go the GTO LS2 option, I wouldnt use any of the electronics or anything thats not specifically engine/trans. The LS1 GTOs had a high capacity PCM which sells nice to racers but doesnt offer much over the tried and true 0411. The harness is the longest of any OEM LSx, so swappers love them to modify

LS2 GTOs use an E40 ECM and unique harness which I wouldnt suggest anyone use for a conversion. If a LS1 is a GEN III and LS3 GEN IV, then the E40 is basically GEN 3.5. They are all 24x, so again the tried and tried 0411 PCM is a viable option and pretty much a standard LS1 harness. There are a few considerations like the knock, cam, INJ and MAP changes. Tell whoever builds your harness what you're doing and these should be a non-issue