Hey guys i really need advice. I have a 1992 camaro rs, the stock 305 small block and 700r4 transmission. I want to do the 6.0 lq9 or lq4 swap because my motor and tranny has about 200k plus miles and is starting to burn oil a little. The trans is also jerking into drive, and also just a little tough to shift between the gears. I want to get a pressure test done so that when I put the new motor in, it wont spin it. I know with this swap i will need a f body oil pan, a ls intake so that it will fit under the stock hood, maybe headers, and motor mounts. Do you guys have any suggestions, or ways that i can save money. I like this swap because i know it makes good hp stock and will be a good basis for a performance motor. will savings money versus doing a ls1 swap which is about double the money. This is my daily driver and I have a break coming up from school where i can get it done.

 

Also any extra parts that are needed for the swap

 

Before you turn a single wrench I would start reading and then read some more. These swaps are pretty straight forward but the devil is in the details, and causes people the most problems. Doing a swap on your daily driver may not be the best route to go until you have a solid plan laid out. You'll need to have a solid understanding of the following items and know what your car will need.

• Engine mounts (plenty of options here)
• Wiring/ECM (modified factory harness vs aftermarket)
• Front Accessories (truck won't work)
• Exhaust (you'll need headers of some sort, lots of brands and options.)
• Fuel System (255lph pump needed at the minimum)

How is the rest of the car? Meaning, are your brakes and suspension up to snuff? If your car has any weak links at all they will be exaggerated ten fold with a swap like this.

 

LQ9 is over priced. Just get an LQ4, sell the heads to someone that wants to turbo, and then buy some LS6 '243' heads to bump up compression to a little more than LQ9. Swap for a mild performance cam and enjoy a fast daily driver.

 

I've picked up LQ9s fully dressed with the harness and PCM for a grand. They aren't worth any more than an LQ4.

If the price is the same, opt for the LQ9 but don't get hung up on finding one. They are literally the same motor but one has flat top pistons and would have a slight advantage with a donkey dick cam like the t-rex or ms4.

 

I'd rather save money on just doing mounts, where can I find them.