I have an 87 IROC that I will be swapping in an LS/T56 combo. Are there any reputable shops/individual mechanics in the KC area that I can take my car to to have the work done? I would even expand my search to anywhere in KS, OK , MO or NE if there are reputable places that TGO members would recommend. Thanks!!

 

In my opinion it's just a horrible idea to pay a shop to do any kind of engine/transmission swap project. If you can always do it yourself or even pay a buddy to give you a hand with it.

There's a lot of horror stories out there where shops nickle and dime a guy to death and suddenly that swap is upwards of $15k and it's a hack job at best.

If you're set on a shop doing the work then research the absolute hell out of them. Find as many people as you can to get their opinions and make sure they aren't affiliated with said shop at all so you get a 100% honest opinion

 

Co-signed on the above ^^^^post.

Highly unlikely that any regular auto repair shop would take on such a project. If you're determined to spend such a big pile of $$$ on a swap (and it'll be a BIG pile if you're paying someone else's hourly shop rates), your only shot is to search the interwebs for a hot rod shop that advertises fabrication/ground-up car builds. And dealing with such a shop has its own long list of potential problems.

Why not keep your 3rd gen as-is, and drive and enjoy it while you develop some skills (minor repairs/maintenance) so you can do the swap yourself at some point down the road? If you don't see that as being in the cards for you, consider selling the IROC and buying a late-model Camaro with the drivetrain you want.

Not trying to be a downer here; instead, just trying to make you realize what you might be getting yourself into. Whatever you decide, good luck.

 

Since it sounds as if you can't or won't do the swap yourself, my advice would be to have patience & shop around, for the Giga$$$$$$ you'd $pend paying someone else to build your car at "shop rates" ($20-$30K aren't unrealistic numbers at $100 per hour plus parts) you can easily buy one already built for less than having one "built to order"

 

Fun to see another Kansas-citian on the forum! Like the others have said, swaps are not for the faint of heart. I've done a few swaps with my dad back in the day ('78 TransAm 455 swap, '72 Scamp rebuild, several 80's chevy trucks 305 to 350 swap), and even these relatively simple same-style engine-in engine-out jobs often go haywire.

If you want to have the car built, expect to pay ridiculous money, or even reach out to Hawk's for a quote. They do full custom work like you're talking about.

If you want to do the swap, expect it to take some serious time investment. That '78 spent a decade dealing with various issues... (Engine builder put one Ford Cam gear on and one Pontiac Cam gear... Talk about a bitch to figure out.) And also reach out, I've got long term plans involving an LS and an 8L90/10L80 myself...

 

I like the style of the 3rd gens and had several when I was younger, so just selling it and getting a different generation really isn't an option at this point. I knew the 305TPI wasn't going to be the long term power plant when I purchased the car. I have done most of the bolt on work on the car (exhaust, full suspension, steering, sensors, ignition, etc) but a full engine swap seems outside of my skill level. My hope was someone had a prior experience with a shop or individual and were happy with the outcome.

 

If you want to save yourself some trouble, just go with a 350+T56. A big part of the cost for an LS will be in custom exhausts, custom wiring, custom fab work, etc that can all be sidestepped by just staying out of the LS platform. There is PLENTY of power to be had with a well tuned 350, and it will be much more of a bolt in proposition (Though still not entirely trouble free). You will still have some work to do swapping from auto to manual, and you will still have a lot of work with regard to your car's computer, but the work to do 350+T56 is much more well documented and likely a lot easier. Plus, you won't scrap your existing custom exhaust if it is big enough. Savings on installation can be spent on performance mods to offset any base disparity between the 350 and LS options.

 

I own a shop in NC and would be happy to take it on. Have a transport service as well

 

Hello, fellow Missourian! I have a 92 Z28 with a 5.3/4L60E swap that was done by Gary Rod & Chassis in Ozark, MO. You can find them on Facebook: I bought the car already swapped, so I can't tell you what it cost but their work appears to be solid. I have had no issues with mine in the year I've had it. I can't give them an ecstatic, glowing recommendation as there are a couple things I would do differently, some wiring could be routed more cleanly, etc. but it's perfectly functional. Just wanted to mention that there is a shop in MO that has done this kind of swap before and it's currently running and drive fine.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll reach out to them.

 

I'm in independence. I can do the swap. Shoot me a message

 

would you be interested in finishing mine. Located in Kc

 

Yeah I can. Sorry I'm not on here that often. Shoot me a message with your phone number