i have a LSX swap glued in my head because my dad is going to be taking the LS1 out of his 98 trans am and putting a LS6 in it

im gonna be getting the 120,xxx mile LS1 for free (obviously enough?lol)
planning to build the 700R4 to handle the LS and ill be able to get it built for free so thats not a factor..

questions:
1. would my swap be possible with $2k?
2. Should i rebuild the motor when its already out? (gaskets, etc)
3. Stock Manifolds okay for now? (hawks headers are a grand -_-)
4. How hard is the swap itself?
5. How long should it take?

yes ive read the stickys

 

you should just buy a 4l60 instead of planning to build your 700r4, if my 700r4 wasnt already built up i would of gone with a 4l60 or 4l80. I highly doubt you can do the swap for 2k. The swap really isn't that hard just takes some time and planning. Read The sticky!!!!

 

if you have the ls1 already. 2k should be about enough imo.
transmission, fuel lines, exhaust routing, harness, intake, and mounts.
shop wisely my ls swap was on a budget and i saved tons by doing research buying deals and doing my own work .
check out the sticky's on the wiring harness.

 

Sounds like you're really milking your favors

1) Yes it'll be do-able but dont expect anything over a bone stock swap. If you cant build your own wiring, fuel system, exhaust, crossmember etc you'll bust

2) Do a compression test on the engine stand then pull the pan and inspect the main caps for discoloration. If all is well, rock it. Some gaskets are just better to do while you're in there like the pickup tube O-ring, intake gaskets and valve cover gaskets

3) Nothing wrong with manifolds. For a cast piece, they flow phenomenal compared to the old SBC crap you've dealt with. That being said, they're not quite headers

4) Ever replace an engine? The more stuff you have ready, the easier it will be

5) Took me 5 solid days of labor with all the parts needed laid out in front of me and a shop with a lift

 

read up on here, especially the wiring threads (search Pocket's username, he has fantastic info in a couple threads on here), and start scanning classifieds on ls1 tech. i think i have 3500 into my swap, and 1200 of that was motor. talk to local little independent garages when you get to exhaust too. i got custom bent tubing to fab my y-pipe for $2-3 a foot of pipe, whatever i wanted. i think you can definitely make that budget if you do most of it yourself. take pics and keep us updated.

 

I have several issues trying to use a TH700 with an LSx engine:
- You have to rig up a TV cable somehow.
- You have to rig up TCC lock-up somehow.
- You have to use a flexplate adapter.
- You lose the communication between the PCM and the transmission.
- You lose a mounting bolt.

The LS1 4L60E is a superior transmission in all ways. The bellhousing is better, bellhousing mounting has one more bolt and is both top & bottom, the front pump is better, shifts are programmable - just for starters.

 

that is understood, but if you have a free 700r4 like the OP (or just paid 1500 for a performance rebuild like I did) isn't it worth running it until you get your money out of it?

 

Not in my opinion.

 

okay...so i just found out..hes gonna get a new tranny too (4L80E)
so ill be getting the 4L60E too..

 

wiring, fuel system, exhaust, crossmember
was gonna go to you for the wireing, remember?
fuel..i have freinds that know
exhaust..same thing
crossmember..was gonna buy the hawks engine mounts and crossmember deal..good?

 

Good.

 

yup

 

I guess since your father plans to get an LS6 he will need to reuse his exhaust manifolds so you need some of those to. Unless he is going to get headers?

 

very doable. get a harness for 125 and computer for 100, send it to pocket for 450? ( do not mark my words ) he will do it up for ya. or if you wanna take a chance do it yourself, then buy your swap plates 80, then clamshells 80, (if not cheaper) fuel lines are easy to do just go cheap untill you can afford good lines, but you could go with fittings and all for obut 200. then your accesories for bout 200 used. figure a new water pump but you do what ever.trans cross member 110 thats only like 1000 of you 2k but i am missing stuff like your oilpan which will take a good chunk outta that 400 then a exhaust. you have to think cheap and be patient. itll work out just take your time and search for used stuff for the cheap check out ls1tech and there classified that is where you will save big time

 

^^thanks bro!
really breaks it down for me..

and yeah he's getting some LT Headers

 

just remember you can find parts cheap if you want to. look locally on craigslist and all that jazz too. that is what i have done and have saved a ton of MONEY! so

 

thanks!

 

no problem man just keep yourself motivated. that is all man need anything or have any questions feel free to pm me or any of the other guys on here. we are here to help

 

fer sure