Well the 350 TPI I build years ago for my 91 Z/28 has low compression on #2 cylinder and is puffing oil. I really don't want to rebuild it and am looking at a LS swap.

I am thinking of an LQ9 for cost and they seem pretty available. Has anyone done a LQ9 swap. I am looking for ideas of mounts, harnesses, head work, cams, etc. Looking for a nice N/A motor 450-500 hp (that might be asking a lot), its not a race car just a toy/show car. It already has a tubular k-member as well.

I already have a build T-56 in the car, it would need the conversion kit for it to work in a LS swap. I would like to run the hooker blackheart headers and exhaust also.

Any info would be appreciated.

Mike

 

I found the truck LS swap in the guide, but any personal info would be appreciated.

 

i'm in the process of this right now. i started it the other day briefly.

you will need everything from the donor. problem is you cant use everything.

you need an f-body oil pan, windage tray, and pickup tube.

you need to figure out the accessories, the only thing i'm using from the truck motor is the balancer and 145amp alternator.

i had to get all new brackets and an f-body water pump with spacers.

i installed speed engineering longtube headers.

i have a build thread in this forum some where.

 

450-500 is pretty simple with a flat top 6.0 go with ls3 heads and intake any tsp or btr cam kit and full exhaust and your there.

 

Also long as your t56 isn't a 93 you can do the ls conversion on it. I went with hooker motor mounts and trans cross member with blackheart headers and exhaust. Also used all Camaro ls3 accessories.

 

It might be cheaper to sell the T56 and buy an LS unit. By the time you do the conversion you might be out more time and money than just selling one and buying the other. Also, depending on the k-member you have now, you will have to change the mounts. Hopefully yours doesn't have the fixed SBC mounts. If so, you will have some fab work to do there.

What is your budget? You'll often find that the engine is the cheapest part of the deal. The exhaust, intake, fuel system, and accessories are the things that financially add up. Is the engine an LQ4 or LQ9? Very similar but the LQ9 is more desirable and will open more options for cylinder heads. Assuming you leave the bottom end stock.

 

The trans was beefed up a few years ago in preparation for a swap, and I have a trans guru who would help for just the cost of parts.

 

So would it be better to look for a LS2/3, since I wouldn't need accessories or an intake, is the cost that much more, I'm thinking by the time I get a LQ9, plus need intake and possible rebuild (depending on miles) and accessories, would it be beneficial.

Mike

 

It sometimes can be cheaper if you go that route. The up front cost is higher but overall it can become less for the reasons you stated.

 

Are you talking 450-500rwhp or flywheel hp?

Big difference. My cam only(230/232, .595/.585) LQ9 puts 422rwhp through a T56 and 8.8 fab'd rear with 4.10 gears and an LS6 intake.