onesmartidiot

I've read too much about ls-series engines, I think I've landed on the idea of an ls2 (something different then a ls1)...

I was planning on rebuilding my 305 into something ballsier without doing the everyday 350 thing. But my cat recently clogged and in the process of limping the poor bastard home I either dropped a valve or seized it.

So I'm researching my ls2 swap with either a 4l60 or 65 transmission (preferably corvette 4 speed from 2005) And from what I read I cant go wrong with a ford 9 inch rear. Everything seems pretty straight forward
parts wise, but any input or corrections would be wonderful.

As far as LS goes, I'm pretty dead set on the LS2.

When companies make LSX products, will they only work on the LSX kit gm sells, or is that like a insert number here thing? (windowns 9x can be 95, 98, etc)

Im looking at the stainless headers for lsx third gen swaps but am unsure of this.

And I need a boiled down answer if it is possible to use my stock cluster with the new motor. I dont want ANY new guages, just stock.

I'll add to this later, seems like the nurses are all calling for me about now.

onesmartidiot

something to think about because it isnt that much more money... what does everyone think about tci's 6x auto transmission over a standard 4l80 e, 4l65e?

its rated to 850 hp, some built 4l65's are almost as expensive with less of a rating...

Atilla the Fun

First, if you want to use the '05 'vette transaxle and IRS in a third-gen, it'd be a world of fabrication, and you would definitely be the first. The '97-up 'vettes don't bolt the trans to the back of the block anymore.

The LSX is an iron GMPP race block.
The LSx is the LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, LS6, LS7, LS9, LSA, LM4, LM7, LR4, LQ4, LQ9, L76, L92, et cetera.
Generally, 99% of LSx stuff out there is not specific to the LSX.

Howie

Try looking on ebay for a 05/06 GTO LS2 take out with the 4 speed auto. You can usually find them complete with ECM, wiring and pedal (TB is fly by wire). Most people are looking for the T56 engine from the GTO so the autos usually go for a reasonable price.

A mild cam, good exhaust and tune and you'll get great power from the LS2. Good luck with it!!

onesmartidiot

I know the vettes have the unique setup from the engine back, they list a 4l65-e transmission (wikipedia) which I believe is the same the gto uses?

I'm not going to do much fabrication on my end of the chassis, Motor mounts can be bought, crossmember bought, rear end bought, most of everything i seem to look at ends up being sphon too, so other than welding in my subframe connectors and various bodywork, there wont be much.So the LSX does not share any parts with a LSx?

Im looking at this, http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ha...enocats-1.aspx

LSX only?

Atilla the Fun

No. Look, the GTO, the 6.0L 1500 Silverados and the 'vettes all have used the 4L65E guts, but the 'vette version includes the differential, unlike the trucks and the GTO.
The X takes most any of the x parts, the X is just a very serious block. It'll accept all the parts off an LQ4, LQ9, LS2, whatever, or can take serious aftermarket race-only parts. The X block is a very versatile design. It starts at 4" bores, but unlike the production blocks, can be bored all the way to 4.250", rather than just 4.130" like the LS7 and the 6.2L blocks.
Those headers you're looking at will be fine for an LS2

onesmartidiot

(sorry for the many posts, I try to get my thoughts online before they run away)

I've looked for used ls2's and wrecked gtos and corvettes, most have manuals (never again) and people want far more than I can buy new or re manufactured.

LS2 crate engine 05-06 reman with a $600 core is only $4200. Most 05-up vettes and gtos around here are about 10-12, and you KNOW they had the **** ragged out of them. Plus this has a gm warranty... as useless as it sounds. Then I was looking around 3-5 for a really built transmission, which is how i came across that 6 speed TCI...

onesmartidiot

Ok I understand now about the block just being stronger, makes it easier to find parts because up to this point Ive been ignoring LSX parts.

So I'm good to start with an LS2 crate motor then? The one im looking at it the 20-something tooth not the 58, complaints?

onesmartidiot

I saw this post was moved, sorry for mis-categorizing it.

I'm gonna start attacking the car next week after I get the shed assembled. I have a rust problem so first on my list is to fix that and strengthen the underside. I was looking at the sphon sfc's that have a cross between them. has anyone had clearance problems with the stainless works lsx headers/ y-pipe?

Mkos1980

iTrader: (8)

Another ohio guy!! I would just go with a 4L60E from a 94 to 97. Yes the older ones... Get a 6.0 LQ4 shortblock. 243 LS2/LS6 Heads and an LS6 intake. I did the same and its direct bolt up. Tranny bolts up fine, uses stock cross member. Just had to file out the holes on the flexplate. The spacer is included with the LQ4's Alot cheaper then 4200..... If your ever in the area stop in to see what I am talking about.

sargenewk17

iTrader: (2)

A couple years ago an LS2/T56 pull-out ('06 GTO) set me back $5000. Definitely not the cheapest option. I also wanted a cable throttle body (GTO and Vette LS2s are all drive-by-wire, not sure about the TBSS) so I got an '02 camaro computer to control it. You can get a truck motor for a whole lot cheaper, but you'll still need a car intake and accessories.
As far as fabbing goes, regardless of your intentions, something somewhere at some point (or maybe several things) will have to be fabbed to some degree. Just the nature of the beast.
I have the Hawks headers with 2.5" collectors that you're referring to and I don't have any clearance problems that I didn't have already. Obviously I don't have 1st hand knowledge of the 3" collector headers, but a whole lot of guys have them so they're probably fine.

No matter what keep us posted and we'll help you out.

1bdbrd

iTrader: (1)

Why are you wanting the ls2? Just go with a cheaper LS1 or LS6 and add small parts to make up the difference. A pull out from an ls1 4th gen would make things a HELL of a lot easier for you.

Since you are going auto, don't worry about the 10 bolt. They can live just fine behind an auto. Just step up to the slightly beefier 28 spline version (just limit yourself to a 4th gen rear) and be good. Pick out the gear option you want and put the rear under the car.

onesmartidiot

Well I didnt want to leave the thread hanging, so I figured id update you guys.

I started buying LS2 goodies for the swap, but the more I thought about it, I'd rather have a mint original 85 to show rather than some beast that will be expensive, and a pain to maintain.

Besides Id rather wait and buy a new camaro with a warranty, and more HP than I could get by dropping a ls2 in.

So next week when I finish my carport, I am going to tear into my 305 and spice it up a bit. Who knows, maybe Ill buy another thirdgen with a blown motor and swap a ls1 into it.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I didn't start out with a "show car", but I can say maintenance hasn't been a problem. Breaking stuff is a different story, but I'll take the blame for poor parts mixes.

My history:
Stock 305 (swapped in place of a V6, which I never drove) - okay. At the track, 17's. Drove it that way for 2 years.
Souped up 305 - much better, what the factory should have done. A lot more fun to drive. Limited track time, but ran 15.8's. Drove it that way for almost 4 years. Fuel economy dropped a little.
350 shortblock - Wow! Like night & day! Ran 14.3's out of the box, with some tweaking, managed 14.1's in good air. Drove it that way for 5 years. Fuel economy about the same as the souped up 305.
LS1 - OMG! This would have been a pipe dream in 1982! Ran 13.3's out of the box, improved to 13.1's with improved techniques, 12.9's in good air. Doesn't get quite as good of gas mileage as the stock 305, but the stock 305 had 3.08 gears and stock stall, while the LS1 has 3.73 gears and 3000 stall. A sacrifice I'm willing to make.

Not sure how much interest there will be in a stock '85 on the show circuit, even in mint condition. To me, a well-done LS1 swap is a thing of beauty.

This was on the trailer to get exhaust installed. But, if it pulled up next to you at a stop light, purring like a kitten, would you think, "Wow, that looks like a 12 second car!"





No, I wouldn't either...

1nasty86

iTrader: (5)

You stole my car???!!??? Lol but I love my ls2 and mines an 05 which has,the,24 tooth reluctor wheel that can be used with the stock 99-02 f body computer.

onesmartidiot

people said the same thing about the supras in the 90's. Now an unmolested goes for almost what they were new. I'm not in this for making money or resale value, but at a car show, a mostly stock mint 25 year old car would grab they eyes of the ethusiests.

Dont get me wrong, I'd love to find a white 85 with gold gfx and swap the hell out of it with an LS motor......