Hey guys, so although I'm pretty mechanically inclined I've clearly never got myself into a large project such as I want to accomplish. So I've come to you guys for some advice.

A lot of people I know are trying to have me consider doing an LSx swap in the future - but I'm limited by my budget and I've done enough research to know how expensive they can get. Currently, I have a 350 Goodwrench motor with stock exhaust manifolds, a T5 transmission and what I was told is a 3.73 rear. I haven't verified this yet, as the car is a 15th Anniversary T/A and was originally automatic.

So considering what I have now is a 350 carb and after cleaning up a lot of unused wiring (fire hazards) and other garbage - and considering my budget - I've come up with the idea of a new higher horsepower small block instead of an LSx swap. This will also be my first swap, so I want to keep it simple. I do have friends that will help along the way so I figured this would be easiest.

I don't have the space to build a motor from the ground up, so I'm just going to keep my eye on craigslist and ads for the most part.

Basically what I want:
350+ (355, 383, etc) small block, preferably with a Stealth Ram setup
T56 transmission
Strange Engineering / Moser rear end

I'm mostly asking for advice on what I should buy up first, and install first. I know that if I switch to a t56 or switch out my rear end I will have a gearing mismatch, so I'm thinking I should do those together prior to buying a new small block? After all the research I've done, this is what I've concluded.. but it helps to double check at my current stage of ability. The Stealth Ram is something I want to do in order to increase my knowledge in tuning and learn fuel injection now that I know a good amount about carbs. It's gonna be a daily driver more than anything else, but I want it to be fun and awesome.

Also, should I consider a ford 9 inch? A friend of mine is building a Buick Regal with a ford 9" and a 400 small block, so I'll gain the experience of his build before mine next spring.

Just want to plan it all out before I buy anything.

Any opinions would be great! Thanks guys

 

I would think that if you're looking for EFI and T56, an LS1/T56 dropout is the place to start.

But, if you want to piecemeal the project, going that route is more difficult.

There isn't any incompatibility between a T56 and 3.73 gears.

A Strange S60 is stronger and more efficient than a 9". That is probably a better choice. I have a 9" in my LS1/T56 car, and although the problems I've had are related to which aftermarket source I chose more than anything else, another TGO member just went the S60 route and didn't have any issues with the install. Sure wish it had been available when I was looking for a rear end upgrade.

Planning it all out before buying is a good idea.

 

I would think that the first question is if you truely have 3.73 gears. If so then as five7kid stated there is no mismatch with a T56 trans now. Normally a 3.42 or numerically higher gear is recommended so the 3.73 is perfect. For what you suggested you would want a 93-97 LT1 T56 and most prefer 94-97.
However the question stands if you would possibly be planning to upgrade again later. If you do and to an LSX then that would require buying another T56 for the LS engine if you get one now or try to find the conversion parts. Why spend money twice.
Just be sure of what you are truely wanting.

 

I do like a swap that starts rear end forward.That allows for a tailor built engine/trans to match everything up.I think it is a good game plan.

 

So I will need am LS style t56 for an LS swap? Could I use an LT1 with just a different flywheel or is it that much different? I actually didn't know this, so I'm glad I posted. I had been reading the LT1 t56 is a more popular swap so I assumed that it could be easily used for an LSx.

The thing about my rear is that it currently whines in reverse, and I know that even in stock form an LS will break parts with enough traction. So more or less I'm nervous about it since after all the threads I've read the common sensus is that they're not very durable for 330hp+ builds. Most of my suspension and undercarriage is relatively new / redone and my car has good traction currently.

Also, the small block swap idea came up after seeing what all has to be grabbed / done to complete it. I know LS motors are awesome, but would a fuel injected (stealth ram) 355 with proper gearing be just as driveable?

Basically I'm looking for a great daily driver with mild performance and I'm trying to go for an "updated" look. Currently I'm running an edelbrock 650 Carb and its gonna meed a rebuild soon, so I was thinking I could pickup the stealth ram now and mess around with it and use it later on a larger small block.

Mostly my problem has been that although I'd love an LS swap, I have had a hard time finding a reasonable approach. I have limited space, so although I'd love to find a donor car its impossible fore to store / strip. I live in MA if that helps flow any ideas!

Thanks again

 

I understand about having the room to store a parts car. A regular sbc is going to be your easiest swap. I would think about the idea of building a motor. I would buy a 350 truck motor from 96-2000 and build it. Then it would be a relatively simple case of pull your old motor and drop in the new. For some real power I would think about stroking it to a 383 when I built it.
Otherwise you still need to build it to get any real appreciable power over what you have.
Your other option could be to pull your current motor and build it. I would bet it has a flat tappet cam and obsolete style heads on it though. The 96 - 2000 has a roller cam and the GM Vortec heads.
As for the T56 the LS T56 requires a different bellhousing and input shaft and front (cover) plate (mid plate) as well as the flywheel and clutch and hydraulics. The input shaft is longer and the bolt pattern on the motor is different between LS and LT/Gen1 engines.
That is why for the Gen1 and LT motors we look for the 93-97 and I have heard preferably 94-97 LT1 T56. They bolt up to our Gen 1 motors fine. The stock LT flywheel will only bolt to the 87 and up 1 pc seal style crankshafts. Otherwise you need a different flywheel. Read the T56 swap sticky. It explains all this real well and covers wiring for clutch and brakes from auto as well as speedo to factory electric speedo. Read further and will find info on adapters to mechanical speedo.