Is the LS swap the way to go? I discuss my thoughts on it

[@G.A.N.G101]

Good stuff to consider when you've got a limited budget and knowledge

[@roughboygarage1475]

I feel you. Ive looked into it for awhile to go in my 76. I ended up just rebuilding the 400 in it. It lasted 21yrs last time i rebuilt it and that was just a hone and new rings, bearings etc. What my grandad wouldve called an 'overhaul'. This time it was a bit more involved. Bore, new pistons, rods, crank and heads. Now i couldve just went with bore and pistons for around $700 but i wanted it bulletproof this time. I splurged a bit this time on bottom end, roller cam and AFR heads. Came in at around $4300 but it has 500hp and 520lbft. And was in and running in about an 1 1/2hrs.

[@junkyardjoe1994]

Those are not numbers to sneeze at! Much more unique than another LS swap too

[@davebarron5939]

You don't need headers, the OEM exhaust manifolds are steel not cast, you can cut the flange off, clock it to fit and weld it back on I did it on my 83 Camaro 6.0 swap, and it worked perfectly. My OEM camaro PS lines threaded right into the 04 LS PS pump. The only expensive part is fuel lines and the wiring, and a couple aftermarket cross-member etc. and you can use the bottom half of the original SB motor mounts. Very happy with my now rocket ship, to each their own.

[@junkyardjoe1994]

I'm definitely going to attempt again differently. This was someone else's truck and I was just doing it to their specifications

[@WilliamMunny-d8s]

I AGREE ITS PROBLY NOT WORTH IT to LS swap if you just want a daily cruiser My $500 running complete LS ended up costing over 3000$ to finish the swap. for $3000 i couldve bought a basic remand longblock and hoped my carb was rebuildable etc BUT if you want MORE POWER CHEAPLY, than my LM7 swap , I wouldve required some serious upgrades, like carb, intake, headers and OR a holley sniper to match performance and reliable starting of the swapped LS

[@junkyardjoe1994]

Agreed. If your route is performance the ls is the way to go. Parts sure do add up quick to do one well

[@stuwest3653]

A lot of that stuff would have fit by modifying the engine mounts.

[@junkyardjoe1994]

They were the adjustable style forward and back. If they had been a little taller it would've helped for sure

[@stuwest3653]

@@junkyardjoe1994 why not just fabricate some or use a spacer?

[@stuwest3653]

That's a crappy looking donor.

[@junkyardjoe1994]

The red truck? Absolutely. Only 700 for the whole truck though. Ran really well

[@stuwest3653]

@@junkyardjoe1994 Talking about the crusty engine