five7kid

iTrader: (14)

...posts on this sub-forum are out-numbering the posts on the "main" engine swap forum these days.

(Of course, I'm often moving LSx and LTx threads from there to here. . .)

V8Rumble

iTrader: (2)

Wow... That's kinda cool...

ericjon262

Thats exactly why I'm wondering why swap headers are so pricey!

V8Rumble

iTrader: (2)

Good point. It's not like there's no demand...

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

It's about half & half LSx and LTx. And, LTx don't need swap headers.

But, that still leaves a good number of LSx swaps, true.

ericjon262

It's why I went LTx.

xpndbl3

iTrader: (5)

I looked into turning off the shelf sbc headers into ls1 headers and there isn't enough wiggle room to make it worthwhile when hooker super comps are $550 new and then add in a new flange, some j bends and my time and I couldn't make anything off it. Too bad since it's just moving 2 tubes per side essentially.

Heck I can't even sell the set of headers I custom built that have great clearance and spark plug room even just to pay for the next set of materials for my next headers.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (2)

At least the hawks are stainless, it would be crazy if they were mild steel for that much, but i wish they cam coated for that much.

1ADan

iTrader: (4)

I think the increased post numbers is due to this still being a semi-new ordeal and quite a challenge for the average DIY'er. you can drop an old-school SBC into the cars without having to do any wiring changes or relocations or such. that's more optional. gen III/IV take a bit more creativity to work in the cars, so you get a lot more questions.

I keep posting/lurking because I know there are things I'm not thinking of that need to get done, not to mention things to be on the lookout for when the time actually comes. I think we all fear the wiring part of this swap......

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Well, I read virtually every post on both forums, so I think I can say that newness isn't the issue. Believe it or not, the questions about "traditional" swaps aren't a lot different than what you see on the subforum. What do I need to do about wiring? Will a V6 transmission work with a V8? Will a 350 fit a 305 transmission? Do I need different mounts for a 305 to 350 swap? Really, that's the typical level of questions there.

Both have a decent amount of upgrade questions.

What I really think it means is the Gen I swaps are giving way to Gen II and III. Which is easier to find in a junkyard these days, an LM7, or an LO5?

1ADan

iTrader: (4)

good point. not only are they becoming more plentiful, but who wants to settle for the 160-175hp of old when you can get an easy 300+ for a few buck more?

Atilla the Fun

Actually, finding a still-serviceable LO5 at Pick N Pull is getting easier, while finding a still-serviceable LM7 at LKQ is getting easier. It's not just the bad economy, either. The LO5 trucks are getting to that age of "retirement". There's no question it's cheaper to put an LO5 into a third gen, but consider that to leave Pick-N-Pull's parking lot with a complete L05 in the back of your pickup is a $200 thing, but to leave LKQ's parking lot with a complete LM7 in the back of your pickup is a $600 deal, plus another $100 for the computer with tax and core charge. Then the LO5 can go on 305 mounts, while the LM7 needs a change of oil pan, plus $85 for Hawks mount brackets, plus then you have to either pay Hawks $82.50 each for mounts, or get them from RockAuto for $56.79 each. So far the cost difference is over $700, and we haven't addressed the water pump, the intake manifold, or anything else.
The LQ4 makes 325 hp, and leaves LKQ for $300 more than an LM7. An L31 with a cam makes more HP and more TQ, and leaves PNP for just under $200. Add $260 for a cam, and you're still ahead by $1000 by the time you fire it up. The LS swap isn't for an initial advantage in power, it's for the potential to make way way way more power. And the chance at an aluminum block, or a cheap block that'll hold 1200 hp.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (2)

You forgot about the header options for the GEN III swap. Not to mention you need to watch out what engine you get if you want to run a T56.


Think you forgot:

What do i need to convert to a carb?

327 or 350?

cam-

I was reading every post for a while too but have run short on time this past couple years. The LT/LS swap sub forum is growing hotter and hotter. As the sticky becomes more and more informative we see more and more swaps happening and really why not? Its a superior drivetrain for countless reasons.

What I cant fathom for all my thinking is why the heck its still kind of "hidden" as a sub forum? In my life experience you strike while the iron is hot so to speak and get the traffic flowing as easily as possible. Dont hide the good stuff, put it out front. But its not my board and Im not trying to profit from being here so it matters little to me.

Overall though this site has gone through a major transformation in the time I've been around. It went from a handful of die hards who thought big wheels and t56 swaps were the end all be all, to big brake swaps being the shizzle, to LSx swaps being the norm. Plus I think a large majority of new members are more knowledgeable than they used to be. Info is everywhere and web users are accessing it faster and faster by the day. The good info is getting easier to find not just here in relation to third gens but everywhere its all growing at once.

The bummer is now that corp dollars are guiding the searches through Google etc. it seems to me that more and more the true ingenuity that drew me into the web in the first place is getting harder and harder to find. There were such amazing sites I used to frequent that are now gonzo off into the one of the infinite black holes of the cyber universe LOL

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Not forgotten, accepted as a cost of the end benefits.

Yes, those are pretty common topics. Stickies help a little, but they still crop up.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I should have added the word "serviceable".

That pretty well sums it up. In 2007 when I was deciding which way to go (current 350 w/T56, LT1/T56, or LS1/T56 - note the common theme), those pretty much pushed me toward the LS1/T56.

Now I've gone completely LSx in direction. LS1/T56 (Berlinetta #2, in progress), LS1/4L60E (Berlinetta #1, when #2 is up and running), and LQ4/4L80E ('57, after the 2010 season). Even though I don't have one of them running yet. . .

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Comes with the moderator territory, I'm afraid.

We could reconsider that. If we did that, the "engine swap" forum would have to be renamed to something like "Gen I SBC and BBC Engine Swaps".

I also think LSx and LTx should have their own separate forums. I understand there are similarities, and some questions regarding making a decision between the two, but it makes it harder to sort through the information when you're only looking for, or only interested in, one type or the other.

motenkjr

iTrader: (1)

What you talkin bout Willis?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Early LQ4's had a longer crank output flange than LS1 and later LQ4's.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (2)

Some of the 5.3s now too, i think the TBSS is one of them if i can remember, it is half of what the early LQ4 is i believe, think it is .4 and the new TBSS 5.3 is .2 too long, something like that.

no1kicker

I think this is a great idea.

ericjon262

Please!

cam-

True enough. Plus I feel bad for the poor dudes who getted FLAMED to hell asking questions like"Which is better LSx or LT1"? etc. Im as guilty as anyone darn near as depending on my mood I might slap em around with a little net banter Seriously though whats good for the boards is good info and a respectful tone so when new fish jump into the game they feel welcome and not disgruntled.

It doesnt take much to offend someone over the net and have them disappear into the endless abyss somewhere else. The way I see it is this; The more new members we have simply means more support for the third gen platform in general so inviting them in and keeping them happy only gets our beloved aftermarket suppliers rev'd up to supply us with more PIMPIN parts *cough cough 2" primary stainless works headrs & exhaust cough cough* which probably would never have happened without all of us going nuts here about how great LSx swaps are etc etc etc. Then the sticky and ease of install etc etc etc.


Is this an offer? LOL

I still read every single post in Lsx/Ltx Most of the time I stay quiet hoping that the sticky will serve its purpose and I only try and get in on the threads where I might make a good impact with some new input. I've felt that theres no sense regurgitating the same ol and make myself look like a loud mouth "know it all" plus thats the moderators job

BlueZee28

iTrader: (30)

Regarding the original post:


I used to only get on TGO to check the appearance and convertible sections. Now I barely ever check those sections, and 99% of my posts in the last 14-16 months have been in this sub-forum

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

I used to hang in the exhaust (what happened there?) and fab sections

Now I rarely venture out of LTx/LSx and electronics

So many sweet builds going on in here

Im not sure about the engine type split. So many questions can be applied to both, just the poster rarely thinks of it that way. Others are extremely specific

ericjon262

I agree, but I still think the split would be a good thing, or maybe two sub sub forums!

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

About the only things similar between LS1 and LT1 are wiring and transmissions (and transmissions are different, but not as much as the Gen I differences between Gen II & III).

Wiring probably generates enough questions for its own forum.

Atilla the Fun

Just a little note that I edited my post above for clarity and accuracy.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Tech/General Engine was my old stomping grounds. I still look it over, but don't glean much info for my personal use so much anymore.

kthxbai

iTrader: (5)

an ltx lsx forum would be awesome and i think it would increase traffic and exposure, which could lead to even more interest. from there you could have a wiring subforum etc.

if i hadnt found this subforum, i wouldnt be where i am now with my swap. The stickies are excellent and there are enough people who really know their stuff to keep me on track.

if my car gets running this spring like im hoping i think it will be a real testament to how good this area is- I have found at least 90 percent of my information and advice in here, and I started without knowing how anything worked.

~Steven

iroc22

Would seem with more and more wrecked LSx cars in the yards, more people are going that route. At least that's what I have noticed.