What to do what to do???????????????????
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
What to do what to do???????????????????
Was thinking lsx(something swap...............
Now I can get my hands on a turbo manifold again......
Decisions, decisions.
Help me make my choice.
Boost is a wonderfully addictive thing. Makes thoughts of sill LS swaps leave your head.
Now I can get my hands on a turbo manifold again......
Decisions, decisions.
Help me make my choice.
Boost is a wonderfully addictive thing. Makes thoughts of sill LS swaps leave your head.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,906
Likes: 240
From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Turbo what? A 3.8 build? Or a turbo tpi build?
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,622
Likes: 5
From: Orland Park, IL
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: SLOW carbed ls
Transmission: TH400 with brake, 8" PTC converter
Axle/Gears: moser 9" 4.11
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Boost a ls motor. I'd never go back to a gen 1 build just off ease of power out of factory heads and efi control.
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Do the Ls you know you want to, or if your bored this coming winter Ill hopefully have all the stuff for my ls project
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: Clovis NM
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 7
From: Casselberry, FLA
Car: 88 V6 'bird/89TBI bird/85 T/A
Engine: 2.8/TBI/TPI
Transmission: V8 T-5/700R4 x2
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open/2.73 open/ 3.27 9 bolt
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Build another Turbo Buick, please!
Its taking me forever to gather all the parts for my own Turbo Buick swap (stupid economy) so I could live vicariously through you if you did it!
You DID ask for suggestions...
Its taking me forever to gather all the parts for my own Turbo Buick swap (stupid economy) so I could live vicariously through you if you did it!
You DID ask for suggestions...
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
If it helps any I started removing stuff on my 5.3 



Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Turbo TPI route, unless something else fell in my lap for cheap
I don't doubt it one bit. Been a LS fan since day one, still kind of a pain in the *** to find engine/trans/harness/accessories in one fell swoop for a good price. Everyone says everything till u get there..... or backs out of the deal god knows how many times. EFI control is arguable, in the end sequential/coil on plug and 20-30 years does wonders, but u can still get some stupid power out of the crap our cars came with.
which requires more cash up front because everything is getting gutted, see post about finding everything in one shot
Been there done that, still need a trans to sort it all out. Need more :-)
Only if it has everything for a full swap and your selling it
which requires more cash up front because everything is getting gutted, see post about finding everything in one shot
Only if it has everything for a full swap and your selling it
Supreme Member

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
turbo tpi sounds cool. Ive seen a few people build these. You could also Throw in the all to common LS1 for cheap money. But that swap seems overused. BTW did you ever sell those firehawk wheels?
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Still got the Hawk rims. Interested?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: Clovis NM
Car: 2012 F350 lariot/1991 Camaro RS
Engine: Powerstroke/6.0
Transmission: 6R100/4L80e
Axle/Gears: 3.73/3.42
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
gm high tech made over 600 with a 5.3 and cheap ebay kit
Supreme Member

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Car: 91 formula
Engine: 350 tuned port. bolt ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,906
Likes: 240
From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
That really sucks. It was about 7 years ago now that I went through that. I FINALLY climbed out of the credit hole that I built up due to some bills this year, which enabled me to buy the Focus ST.
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
theres a complete 5.3 setup on Craigslist in michigan for $1500, or cheaper?
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,622
Likes: 5
From: Orland Park, IL
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: SLOW carbed ls
Transmission: TH400 with brake, 8" PTC converter
Axle/Gears: moser 9" 4.11
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
5.3L setups are $500-700 tops for complete motor, intake to pan. 6.0L go for $1000-2500 whether it's lq4, lq9 or ls2.
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
The 1500 was with all wiring, ecu and trans not sure if that's any good? paid 900 for my complete set up took a long time to find that since I don't know any good junkyards.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
All that said, I think I am joining the dark side and going LS1,2,3,X,A,B,C.
Realized while fueling up the beater at the pump, that anything I could do to gain mileage would work in my favor since I like building stuff to drive and rag on. LS(whatever) wins that one and factoring that with rebuilding a "conventional" small block costs as much as a LS(whatever) swap, I might as well just get over it............................
Course I will get bored and go seeking boost again lol
Then again with two kids the allure of another G body is eating at me pretty bad and truck engines fit in them lol
PS the "new" 5.3 is rated at 355 hp, maybe I can find one of those when the new trucks come out lol
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Lagrange, IL.
Car: 89' Camaro RS
Engine: 5.3 Vortec
Transmission: Th400
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Get. 5.3 out of a truck and you can build up to a ls engine. That's what I do.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 37
From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
You could also do a similar vintage Buick Regal with 5.3/T56 combo, lowered on a set of 17" magnums from Year One. Make it a bucket seat T-top car and you'd be goin' fast with class.
You could also rock a similar vintage 442 or Hurst/Olds, problem is that everyone thinks they are worth a mint in good condition. I hate automatics but have an unhealthy lust after lightning rods shifters...
If you get bored drop a maggie on top of the 5.3 and put a 4.30 gear in the 8.5.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
I LOVE G-bodies. A Monte SS with a cam'd 5.3(aluminum 5.3 that is) and a T56 would be a great fun DD and family hauler when needed. Might wanna put an 8.5 in the rear. Big brakes and lower it with some 17" N90s from Year One and you'd have achieved perfection.
You could also do a similar vintage Buick Regal with 5.3/T56 combo, lowered on a set of 17" magnums from Year One. Make it a bucket seat T-top car and you'd be goin' fast with class.
You could also rock a similar vintage 442 or Hurst/Olds, problem is that everyone thinks they are worth a mint in good condition. I hate automatics but have an unhealthy lust after lightning rods shifters... God I loved my 87 Cutlass and my 87 442
If you get bored drop a maggie on top of the 5.3 and put a 4.30 gear in the 8.5.
You could also do a similar vintage Buick Regal with 5.3/T56 combo, lowered on a set of 17" magnums from Year One. Make it a bucket seat T-top car and you'd be goin' fast with class.
You could also rock a similar vintage 442 or Hurst/Olds, problem is that everyone thinks they are worth a mint in good condition. I hate automatics but have an unhealthy lust after lightning rods shifters... God I loved my 87 Cutlass and my 87 442
If you get bored drop a maggie on top of the 5.3 and put a 4.30 gear in the 8.5.
If I go G-body(there will be another one at some point period this I command) it would be Monte SS or more likely a 87/88 Cutlass 442..... Even have a GN drivetrain to dump in and run lol. G body, buckets, back seat a real trunk..............
Actually poking some sticks at 94-96 Caprices right now for a daily driver. 4.3 are rated within 1 mpg of my stupid crappy Skylark(nothing out there I remotely like for new cars). I figure wen I get bored which will happen. A 5.3 swap will happen and then with all that room I'm pretty damn sure it would see boost as well lol
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Ok, so like 2 people here know so shut up.
Can anyone else guess what followed me home today/nite?
If u guess correctly it gets u one free kick in the junk by me personally

Can anyone else guess what followed me home today/nite?
If u guess correctly it gets u one free kick in the junk by me personally
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 37
From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
I'm going to guess a Fox body 5.0 mustang so I DON'T get kicked in the nuts.
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
You picked up a turbo coupe with the 2.3 right?
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 37
From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
no he just bought a 2.3 and a thunderbird, he's planning an NA 2.3 swap on a fox era tbird LOL
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????

Can't believe no one has taken a stab at this yet.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 37
From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Ok, I'll switch to Mopar then. How about a 86 Rampage 2.2?
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 37
From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Thats a sucky plan. I'd K24 swap that bish and rock it NA...
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,941
Likes: 641
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
I LOVE G-bodies. A Monte SS with a cam'd 5.3(aluminum 5.3 that is) and a T56 would be a great fun DD and family hauler when needed. Might wanna put an 8.5 in the rear. Big brakes and lower it with some 17" N90s from Year One and you'd have achieved perfection.
You could also do a similar vintage Buick Regal with 5.3/T56 combo, lowered on a set of 17" magnums from Year One. Make it a bucket seat T-top car and you'd be goin' fast with class.
You could also rock a similar vintage 442 or Hurst/Olds, problem is that everyone thinks they are worth a mint in good condition. I hate automatics but have an unhealthy lust after lightning rods shifters...
If you get bored drop a maggie on top of the 5.3 and put a 4.30 gear in the 8.5.
You could also do a similar vintage Buick Regal with 5.3/T56 combo, lowered on a set of 17" magnums from Year One. Make it a bucket seat T-top car and you'd be goin' fast with class.
You could also rock a similar vintage 442 or Hurst/Olds, problem is that everyone thinks they are worth a mint in good condition. I hate automatics but have an unhealthy lust after lightning rods shifters...
If you get bored drop a maggie on top of the 5.3 and put a 4.30 gear in the 8.5.
Regarding those Lightning Rods, drive one of those once - and your lust for them is cured.
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 944
Likes: 13
From: Crest Hill, IL
Car: 1989 GTA Trans sold :(
Engine: 350 TPI L98 (B2L)
Transmission: TH700 R-4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
I thought he got a dodge omni with the "three on the tree" stick shift...
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????



Thanks guys I love feeling so highly thought of

Complete 98 Ls1 from a Trans AM sitting on the floor in the garage. Engine/trans/harness/accessories.
Trying to clear some free time and it will happen.
Also did get a 99 SL2 Home Coming Edition with 64k on it for another beater upgrade. Things weigh 2400# or so. I have always entertained the thought of making one rear wheel drive................................
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,622
Likes: 5
From: Orland Park, IL
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: SLOW carbed ls
Transmission: TH400 with brake, 8" PTC converter
Axle/Gears: moser 9" 4.11
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
just rewire that thing for the 99+ computer harness and all that yadda yadda
and don't worry about being highly thought about, I got a lot of people that think I don't know a thing.
Luckily they don't go as fast as me, so their opinion isn't valid.
and don't worry about being highly thought about, I got a lot of people that think I don't know a thing.

Luckily they don't go as fast as me, so their opinion isn't valid.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,576
Likes: 30
From: Harford County, MD
Car: camaro sportcoupe
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: G-Force GF5R
Axle/Gears: Moser 9"
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,984
Likes: 37
From: North Central Indiana
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44 IRS
Supreme Member

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Let me know when your doing the swap I might be able to give a hand if needed, at least a second set of hands.
Thread Starter
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 2
From: Schererville , IN
Car: 91 GTA, 91 Formula, 89 TTA
Engine: all 225+ RWHP
Transmission: all OD
Axle/Gears: Always the good ones
Re: What to do what to do???????????????????
Funny Dave.
If anyone I worked with had a work ethic I might get it done lol
Until then ...........................
If anyone I worked with had a work ethic I might get it done lol
Until then ...........................






