I have been thinking about doing LS engine swap for sometime.I want to use a truck engine ,with a truck intake and accessories.What I would like to know is what vehicles are the easiest and cheapest to convert.I'm not concerned about hood clearance, as I do not mind adapting a hood to make it work,but I want to stay away from, projects that require major altering engine compartment or frame notching, and such,I will be doing this on a budget so CHEAP fun quick and easy is what I am looking for.Probably at the top of the list is going to be older GM trucks I would guess. Like 68 to 72 or 88 and later. but want cars would be good candidates?So give me some choices to chose from.
3rd gen is pretty easy looking, but truck accys will not clear the hood. The older trucks would be easy because you could re-use the truck oil pan, accys, and probably the exhaust manifolds. The g-body cutlasses would be pretty easy. the accys and intake would clear, the exhaust manifolds would have to be changed.....you should change the pan, but you could be real careful and drive it with the truck pan.
__________________ 85 El Camino SS black and silver, factory buckets.
5.3L/4l60E 3.73 posi 1980 Chevette 4.3L v6/4l60e www.fquick.com/G-Body
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodder
"possible" is a relative term around here... anythingis possible. It's "possible" to put a whole K3500 4x4 dually truck rolling chassis under a brand new Mini body. Is it reasonable? No. Does it make sense? No. Is it possible? Yes.
The 67-69 1st Gen F-Body, 68-72 X-body and 64-72 A-body's are the most documented swaps. Each one has many choices to work with (type of adapter plates), do some Reseach and you will get some insite on what direction and budget will work for you.
Early Trucks will also be an easy choice due to the large engine bay.
The Fox Body is also another popular swap..
Each one of these are all documented and can be a easy and low budget swap if you keep that in mine.. but in the end.. the choice is yours for what you want to have.
I never really understand posts like this. Since you don't really have a preference it what type of vechicle you drive, the easiest swap would be to leave it in the truck you found it in.
Beyond that a Datsun 280z. You can get a complete install kit cheap and have it running in a week.
Well thanks to everyone for the feedback on conversion choices.I'm going to rule out 1st gen F body ,IMO especially V8 cars, SS, RS, and Z28s should be restored to original condition period.I would only consider converting a 6 cylinder car.3rd gen cars do not appeal to me ,maybe 2nd gen thats possible.68-72 X body cars are getting difficult to find at a reasonable price, but a possible choice.As far as the G body, I guess he is referring to years 78-88 cutlass,they are maybe.The 280z,how much is the install kit,and what do you have to change?So far I think I like A-body idea the best for a car choice. Last month at a car show I saw a real nice 72 El Camino for sale 3500.
imports?
the swap is very popular in nissan 240 cars and now the 350z's
they got the swap in the 240z down to a bolt in now. and its coming along with the 350z cars
88-99 pickup or utility is almost a bolt in swap. Pick up a 4.3 w/t truck as they are dirt cheap. You could be up and rolling for under $2500 total. I just lost the motor in my worm/plow truck (88 K3500) and it was cheaper to swap in a 5.3 than it was to rebuild or replace the long block.
DO NOT do a 3rd gen swap if you are afraid of wiring. I am still sorting mine out after letting a shop wire it up. I'd pick something with less factory wiring to deal with, maybe a 2nd gen? Don't get me wrong though, once you get it together and blast the tires off at 60+ it is rewarding!
2nd gen S10..... 95 and up trucks.
98 and up have the new dash and front grill, but they're the same truck essentially.
EASY to swap. headers, radiator, mounts, and engine harness is really all you need.
what about the 94 s10 its a 2nd gen with a little 1st gen in it. (no air bag steering wheel) Dont forget the H3 Hummer oil pan. and c5 corvette accessories, and if you want to run a/c and not cut the frame. the Kwik Performance a/c compressor bracket. Im doing this swap right now in a 1st gen, cant wait to drive it.
oh, i got a swap for the the english chaps, but can't let it out of the bag yet. you guys would rush it.
Then why even mention it? I feel like you took me to prom felt me up then dropped me off at the house all hot and bothered because you had to be home at midnight.
__________________ More Gen III conversions brewing...
How'd I know this stuff? 'sperience, son.
'sperience (aka experience) - learning from your successes AND failures.
LOL, I hope it's a TVR swap. Just got my'89 formula 350 with a LQ9 running again. Let me tell you the sound of a cammed Gen III in a 3rd gen F-Body is a neat thing. It's my favorite swap, but you have to nail the wiring the first time, or it will haunt you forever!
FUN, QUICK and EASY LS engine conversion 
I feel like you took me to prom felt me up then dropped me off at the house all hot and bothered because you had to be home at midnight. 
